NFL Draft 2026: Top Picks, Surprises, and Trades

0:00On April 21st, with the 2026 NFL draft just two days away, experts at CBS Sports are dropping hot takes on the big questions. Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson looks like a first-round lock, probably snagged by the Cardinals jumping back in from their second-round spot after the Jetson Steelers pass at pick 16-21. Safe is bed in the class. Penn State's interior offensive lineman, Vega Iowane, a plug-and-play beast with no projection needed. Meanwhile, they're eyeing who might get overdraft it, like Ohio State's ed rusher Arville Reese, a freak athlete, but better as an off-ball linebacker. Right now, not quite top three-pick material. On the flip side, Alabama tackle Kate and Proctor could crash the top 10 with his rare tools that scouts love to chase. Reactions are mixed on red flags, especially Florida's D.L. Caleb Banks, whose injury history might tank him, despite dominant tape. Cowboys are the team most likely to shake up Round 1, trading up from 12 for Ohio State's safety Caleb Downs, that defensive eraser who could, change their culture.

1:07New buzz points to sneaky quarterback grabs, like the Jets or Rams dipping early on Day 2 for guys like Carson Beck. Contenders like the Panthers might even trade their first rounder for a vet like AJ Brown, instead of rolling the dice on rookies. Day 2's steals could include Arizona's corner, trade in Stukes, or Alabama's wide-out Jeremy Bernard, while Indiana running back Kalon Black My Light. It up as a Day 3 gym. Draft nights are going to be wild stay locked in for the chaos. I'm Cory with the story, and you've been listening to NFL News Today, AI-powered football coverage.