Predicting 2026 NFL Draft trades

Maybe this is not a hot take, but the 2026 NFL Draft is ripe for trades. Not because teams suddenly got creative, but because the class is seriously compressed. Chiefs GM Brett Veach said it plainly – grades are close across premium positions, and the draft lacks franchise guys or blue-chip outliers like Will Anderson Jr. or Myles Garrett. Thus, friends, the first round is predicted to be trade-heavy. So here’s how I see that potentially playing out on draft night and what it could mean for the franchises involved.MORE: 2026 NFL mock draft board has never been this wildRaiders trade down from No. 1, but not farYes, Vegas is expected to take QB Fernando Mendoza, and yes, they’ve already admitted teams are calling about the pick. The reason a trade is in play is simple. If the Raiders view Mendoza as the top QB but still believe they can get him at No. 2 or No. 3, the value of moving down is massive. The only way they do it is if a team offers a clean premium package – extra first-rounder or a first plus multiple Day 2 picks in the 2026 NFL Draft.AdvertisementGiants trade down from No. 5 to add top-100 capitalThe Giants only having a couple of top-100 picks is the reason this trade-down is realistic. If the board at five isn’t there, they’ll move down, grab volume, and call it board discipline. And frankly, it’s not discipline – it’s a necessity for Big Blue.Chiefs use No. 9 as the pivot pointKansas City is picking inside the top 10 for the first time in years, and Veach has already made it clear they need help basically everywhere – OL, edge, DB, WR. If their tackle or edge tier gets wiped early, the Chiefs are a prime trade-down candidate. If a premium player slides into their lap, they stand pat. Stay tuned.AdvertisementA late first-round team jumps for an OT or edgeTackles and defensive ends have been specifically highlighted as tightly graded, scheme-driven fits. That’s exactly the sell where a contender at the back of the round trades up to secure their guy before the tier dissipates.Folks, this 2026 NFL Draft board is flat, and smart teams are going to trade. And desperate teams trade more. It’s simple math.— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories on The Big Lead —