With the 2026 NFL Draft right around the corner, we have now entered the lie and deception portion of the process. In between those deflections and posturing are moments of truth. You just need to be able to separate what is and isn’t real. 

Time is at a premium, and from here, it’s about trying to find as much of an understanding of this class as possible. Over the last several days, I have spent my time asking as many questions as possible, learning greater details, and finalizing some thoughts. I’ve learned a lot. 

Here are some of the 2026 NFL Draft predictions tidbits that I trust right now. It’s going to be a volatile, but fun, draft when the end of April finally gets here. 

2026 NFL Draft Intel 

Miami EDGE Rueben Bain Jr. has been one of the more controversial conversations in the 2026 class. With his outlier arm length and reach, there just isn’t a sample size that suggests a player like Bain is going to be a star. That pessimism is counteracted by the “watch the film crowd,” who aren’t interested in the nuance that goes into the evaluation process. 

While there are many in the media space who think that Bain has a strong chance of going inside the top-five selections, I’m more convinced that Bain falling out of the top-ten is much more likely right now. There are split opinions outside of the league on Bain. 

Some view him as a plus starter on the next level. Some others view him as a player who might be best served by bulking up and playing from the interior. There are also a couple of teams that wouldn’t be comfortable drafting him early due to those outlier measurements. Opinions vary more on Bain than just about any player in this class. 

Teams are going to have to convince themselves that Bain is that positive outlier. They need to make sure that they are comfortable with the complete package. There are more worries there than most will let on. 

Speaking of a wide variety of opinions, Tennessee wide receiver Chris Brazzell also carries some mixed reviews around the league. After the former Tulane transfer ran in the 4.3s at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, most viewed him as a potential massive riser in the 2026 class. 6-4 wide receivers who run that fast typically go very early. 

Despite that, Brazzell is firmly a player who could fall down boards based on conversations I’ve had. There are questions about his consistency as a football player, both in-game and from game to game. The reasons behind that volatility are what teams have focused on. I’m not sure a team inside the top-50 takes the bait, no matter how tantalizing his skill set is. 

Going in the other direction, Ole Miss wide receiver De’Zhaun Stribling has consistently risen in the draft space. He put together a strong second half of the year for the Rebels and capped that off with strong testing in Indianapolis. Stribling has aced every step of this process so far, also bringing a strong character report to the table. 

I have spoken to scouts from two different teams who have second round grades on Stribling. At this point, I think he’s solidified Day Two (rounds 2-3) status, and don’t be surprised if he goes inside of the top-75, if not higher. 

Some team intel

There is no question that EDGE and linebacker are the two biggest needs for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers entering the draft. As of today, the former feels like the most likely outcome with the No. 15 selection for the team with how those positions stack up. Miami pass rusher Akheem Mesidor would be one I’d keep on everyone’s radar. 

Things appear to be shifting for the New York Jets and their No. 2 overall selection. I have been ready to write Ohio State linebacker/EDGE Arvell Reese in pen, but the feeling recently is that the pick could be Texas Tech pass rusher David Bailey. The higher certainty for Bailey fitting at defensive end could be the difference for a coaching staff that enters the year on the hot seat. 

Regardless, those are the two players most likely at No. 2 – Reese or Bailey. 

The Cleveland Browns are one of the more interesting teams inside the top ten. Their No. 6 selection will most certainly be either a left tackle or a wide receiver, depending on how the board falls. Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate feels like the heavy favorite if he’s available, but that is feeling less likely after some recent conversations. 

If the Browns do opt for offensive tackle with that first pick, I think it comes down to two players, and no, it’s not Monroe Freeling (Georgia). The most likely bet appears to be Spencer Fano (Utah), a player that I was told the Browns love. While he has played right tackle the last two seasons, Fano did spend a season there as a freshman for the Utes, and the intention would be to shift back to the blindside. 

The other player to know is Kadyn Proctor (Alabama), a player I am personally a lot lower on. We need to come to the reality that Proctor is going to go a lot higher than he probably should. The three-year starter at left tackle with incredible size and explosiveness is always going to go high, whether they deserve to or not. I wouldn’t be shocked if he’s the pick at No. 6. 

Sleeper first round players

We always love dark-horse first round candidates this time of year, and one guy that wouldn’t surprise me is Arizona defensive back Treydan Stukes. While he’s an older prospect, Stukes’ ability to play nickel and safety is so valuable in the modern NFL. There are even some teams that think he can play outside cornerback. If there’s an early safety run, don’t be surprised if Stukes becomes a borderline first rounder. 

I’m also convinced that San Diego State cornerback Chris Johnson will also go in the first round. After some outstanding film in 2025, multiple years of production, tremendous testing in Indianapolis, and a flawless character report, I continuously ask myself what is stopping Johnson from going in the top-32 picks. I still haven’t gotten a good answer for why he shouldn’t. 

This could end up being the first cornerback off the board once the draft begins.