The 2026 NFL Draft kicks off Thursday in Pittsburgh, and insiders are already swapping predictions. Jacksonville’s front office, labeled a "wild card" after last year’s bold No. 5 pick trade, remains a focal point as teams weigh surprise moves. Meanwhile, league executives describe the first half of Round 1 as lacking star power, nudging attention toward deeper rounds.

Eagles general manager Howie Roseman is reportedly eyeing a major trade during draft weekend. Sources say Philadelphia could part with A.J. Brown, whose $40 million cap hit would be split across two years, in exchange for future picks and possibly a linebacker like Vikings’ Jonathan Greenard. The Patriots stay atop the Brown pursuit, planning to re‑engage after the June 1 salary‑cap deadline.

Running back Jeremiyah Love continues to dominate mock drafts, with projections ranging from No. 3 with Arizona to No. 7 with Washington, making him the likely top‑five running back since Saquon Barkley in 2018. Quarterbacks such as Anthony Richardson and Spencer Rattler also generate buzz, but San Francisco’s Mac Jones appears stuck without a market. As the draft unfolds, teams will test their depth charts and cap strategies in real time.