It’s officially draft month, so what better way to kick it off than looking at some hypotheticals! Every year, it seems like we have a crazy trade scenario that none of the draft analysts saw coming. Therefore, let’s try to get a head start on those. Below, I’ve put together multiple trades on the first day of the 2026 NFL Draft. These four trades vary in needs, positional value, and the draft capital required to complete them.
So, let’s dig in!
Cincinnati Moves Up To Draft RB Jeremiyah Love
There are reports that Cincinnati is considering drafting a running back in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Is it unlikely that they’d move up from 10 to do so? Of course. But let’s have fun with it.
Currently, the Titans are predicted to select Jeremiyah Love with the fourth overall pick. Therefore, Cincinnati would have to move up to the third pick to get the deal done. This deal would involve swapping first-round picks, so Arizona would move from third overall to tenth. Additionally, it would take Cincinnati’s second-round pick in 2026 (41st overall), plus a future pick in 2027.
The New York Jets Trade Out Of The 16th Pick
As it stands, the Jets maintain control of four picks in the top 50 of the 2026 NFL Draft. While those four picks could significantly upgrade the depth chart, I find it unlikely for them to keep all four picks. Instead, let’s look at a scenario in which they could trade out of the 16th pick.
Detroit, Minnesota, and Carolina are the next three teams in the 2026 NFL Draft order. Offensive line, defensive back, and wide receiver/tight end are all possibilities there. The Chicago Bears or Philadelphia Eagles could look to trade up to snipe an offensive tackle.
Kansas City Trades Up For A Cornerback
The Rams acquired CB Trent McDuffie from the Chiefs in exchange for the 29th pick in the first round, along with several other picks. If the Chiefs’ front office wanted to replace him in 2026, they might have the opportunity to do so here in the first round. A move up from 29 to the 23-26 range could be enough for a prospect like Clemson CB Avieon Terrell. Additionally, they could move up further for a prospect like Tennessee CB Jermod McCoy.
A Team Trades Back Into The First Round For A Quarterback
I don’t think there’s a question that Ty Simpson will be the second overall quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft. However, exactly where he’ll come off the board is unknown. I’ve seen his big board ranking as high as the early 20’s or as low as the mid-40’s. With that being said, I think the demand is just too high from some of these teams for them to sit back and wait for a quarterback to fall into their lap.
Houston could be a candidate to move out of the first round. They’re solid at quarterback and can fill some of their more pressing needs in the second and third rounds. The same could also be said for Miami, New England, and Seattle.