NFL
NFL Draft 2026: Trades, Top 10 Picks & What To Expect
William Hill News look ahead to the 2026 NFL Draft, with the first round taking place on Thursday 23rd April.
Day 1’s first round is followed by rounds two and three on Friday, before the fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh rounds take place on Saturday.
The NFL betting markets have already been impacted by the moves made in NFL free agency. This weekend’s draft could be just as significant for the 2026 regular season outlook.
Dexter Lawrence was dealt by the New York Giants for the 10th pick a few days ago, leaving the Giants with two top-10 picks.
NFL Draft Predictions 2026:
Cardinals Trade into First Round for Ty Simpson
The Cardinals are clearly the best fit for Ty Simpson. Arizona has a dire need at quarterback and Simpson is the consensus second-best quarterback in this class, with good accuracy.
Arizona might get a bit twitchy late in the first round. Simpson won’t be selected second overall, so the Cards might have to wait until 34th.
Alternatively, the Cardinals could move up to the latter part of the first to ensure they get their guy. The Dolphins (30th) and Seahawks (32nd) are possible trade partners.
At Least Six Wide Receivers Drafted in First Round
Just look at the size of the contracts handed out to good-not-great wide receivers like Alec Pierce and Wan’Dale Robinson. Teams are inevitably keen to get their hands on electric, cost-controlled receiving talent.
Carnell Tate, Makai Lemon, and Jordyn Tyson are locks to go in the first round. Omar Cooper Jr., KC Concepcion, Denzel Boston, Germie Bernard, and Chris Bell are going to go between 15th and 50th.
It’s not exactly far-fetched to imagine six-plus teams going down the receiver route in the first round. Plenty of teams have a need at the position.
Caleb Downs Drafted in Top 10
There’s no question Caleb Downs is one of the 10 best players in this draft. The debate, though, is over a team selecting a safety in the top 10.
It’s nine years since a safety was taken in the top 10. A high-IQ defender with rock-solid tackling and excellent coverage instincts, Downs is a fit for the Giants at 10 or the Saints at eight.
Anthony Richardson Moved in Trade-Heavy Draft
There aren’t many elite prospects in this draft class. There’s not much to choose between the projected first- and second-round picks along the lines and at receiver, plus plenty of teams have needs at those positions.
As a result, front offices are going to be aggressive to get themselves in position to draft a position of need.
Anthony Richardson is one of many veterans rumoured to be available via trade ahead of the draft. It’s clear his time in Indianapolis has come to an end after Richardson skipped offseason workouts – the Steelers and Cardinals are potential trade partners for the Colts.
Jeremiyah Love Falls Outside Top 10
Yes, Jeremiyah Love is considered the best overall prospect in this draft. And yes, the Titans and Commanders are clear fits for Love in the top 10.
Tennessee has more pressing needs than a running back, with David Bailey looking a great fit on the edge. Washington simply needs more top-tier talent, with receiver looking like a position they could target with the seventh overall pick.
Other teams in the top 10 are likely to look elsewhere. If the Titans and Commanders pass, there’s a great chance Love is available for the Dolphins at 11.
Which Teams Have the Most Picks?
The Steelers have the most draft picks with 12. Three of Pittsburgh’s selections are in the seventh round, however.
The Miami Dolphins and New York Giants have two first-round selections apiece, while the New York Jets have four picks in the top 44 selections.
Who Has the First Overall Pick?
The Las Vegas Raiders have the first overall pick. Las Vegas is expected to select quarterback Fernando Mendoza.
Which Team Has the Fewest Picks?
The Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks have the fewest picks in the 2026 NFL draft with four. Seattle dealt multiple picks for Rasheed Shaheed at last season’s trade deadline.
*Odds subject to change – prices accurate at the time of writing*
