Five talking points ahead of the 2026 NFL draft

The 2026 NFL draft will get underway in Pittsburgh on Thursday, triggering three days of moves which will influence future developments in American Football.

Given that draft picks can have a significant impact on NFL scores, it is little wonder that clubs are eager to ensure they acquire the right players.

With that in mind, read on as we look at some of the key talking points ahead of the draft, starting with the Philadelphia Eagles.

Eagles tipped to make a draft weekend deal

There has been plenty of speculation surrounding the future of Eagles star AJ Brown, who is expected to be traded to the New England Patriots this summer.

General manager Howie Roseman is reportedly plotting to use draft weekend to compensate for Brown’s departure by strengthening other areas in the squad.

Minnesota Vikings linebacker Jonathan Greenard is on Roseman’s list, and he could use some of his Day Two picks to secure his services.

The Eagles also have other options they could target and it will be intriguing to see how Roseman operates on one of the best weekends in the NFL calendar.

Notre Dame running back set to be an early pick

Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love is rated the best player in his position and has been tipped to amongst the first five picks this year.

Arizona Cardinals currently hold the number three pick, and Love would be an enticing proposition if he is not snapped up earlier.

Several pundits have forecast that Love will not side any further than seventh in the draft, which brings the Washington Commanders into the equation.

The Commanders desperately need someone to complement Jayden Daniels and Love’s skillset fits the bill for their requirements.

Simpson may not be a first-round selection

Los Angeles Rams were considering drafting quarterback Ty Simpson in the first round, but a deal with the Kansas City Chiefs for cornerback Trent McDuffie may have scuppered that move.

The Rams traded away the 29th pick to secure McDuffie’s services and are unlikely to select Simpson with the number 13 pick they still hold.

Their next selection is not until the end of the second round, and Simpson will likely have been acquired by then.

The New York Jets have been touted as a potential destination for Simpson with a second-round pick, but the Cardinals could move for him in round one.

Mauigoa is risky draft proposition

Miami offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa is expected to be the first offensive lineman selected despite him having a herniated disc in his back.

Some teams believe that Mauigoa may need surgery, which could result in him missing a significant proportion of his rookie season.

Teams needing a player who can hit the ground running will likely steer clear of the 20-year-old, making him an intriguing proposition for those prepared to take a long-term view.

ESPN’s Jeff Legwold ranks Mauigoa as the number eight overall prospect in the 2026 draft class, highlighting his upside for teams willing to take a punt on him.

Mendoza looks nailed on to join the Raiders

Fernando Mendoza is widely expected to be the number one pick, and it would be a major surprise if the Las Vegas Raiders failed to select him.

Mendoza is the standout candidate in a thin 2026 quarterback draft class, and the Raiders are unlikely to miss out on the opportunity to secure his services.

The 22-year-old bears plenty of physical similarities to former Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan, who was the number three pick in 2008.

With the 2027 draft expected to be a stacked draft with signal-callers, the Raiders cannot afford to pass up on the opportunity to sign this year’s best option.

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