As we approach the 2026 NFL Draft, excitement is ramping up.
Recent rumors are intensifying, especially concerning teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers and Dallas Cowboys, alongside names like Jeremiah Love and Colonel Tate.
NFL Draft Analyst Daniel Jeremiah recently held a pre-draft press conference, sharing some interesting insights.
One point he made is that the Steelers might be eyeing a wide receiver in the first round, despite having recently added Michael Pittman Jr. to complement DK Metcalf. It raises the question: could a new receiver be on Pittsburgh’s radar?
“It would give them three giants,” Jeremiah noted. If Pittsburgh opts for a WR, Alabama looks set to lose one as well. Other potential picks for the Steelers include Jermie Bernard, Georgia State’s Ted Hurst, and Mississippi State’s DeZone Stribling.
Is Jeremiah Love’s floor in Washington?
Jeremiah Love, the Notre Dame running back, has been frequently linked to the Tennessee Titans in mock drafts.
However, if he somehow slips past Tennessee at the fourth spot, it’s unlikely he’ll drop too far down the board.
This morning on talk get up, NFL insider Adam Schefter suggested that Washington Commanders at No. 7 could be his likely destination.
“I think it’s like the floor is No. 7 with the Washington Commanders… It makes sense for them to wait and see what other teams do at running back,” he mentioned.
Complicating matters, Washington heads into the draft with just six picks, and after selecting Love at No. 7, they wouldn’t be back on the clock until No. 71, the seventh pick of the third round. There’s chatter suggesting they might look to trade down for more draft capital before those picks.
Yet, if Love is available, they might rethink that strategy.
Did Colonel Tate decide the fate of the Browns?
There’s speculation about Colonel Tate landing with the Cleveland Browns at No. 6. The belief is that Cleveland will focus on both a wide receiver and an offensive tackle in the first round, and keeping the Ohio State talent local seems logical.
But could Tate have other plans?
As highlighted by Jared Muller, Tate has not completed a full testing profile ahead of the draft, only running the 40-yard dash with a time of 4.53 seconds. Given that, the Browns might be inclined to pass on him.
This could open the door for an offensive tackle at No. 6, leaving the option for a wide receiver later in the round.
Are the Cowboys about to leapfrog the Giants?
There’s been buzz lately about the Dallas Cowboys possibly making a move in the draft, potentially trading up to No. 6 with the Browns. This would place them ahead of one of their rivals, the Washington Commanders.
But is Jerry Jones angling to get ahead of another NFC East foe, the New York Giants?
NFL insider Jordan Schultz noted that multiple trades might happen once the draft kicks off, indicating the Cowboys are eyeing a player the Giants also want.
Accounts from various league sources suggest that the Cowboys, holding the 12th and 20th picks, are the team to watch for a trade-up scenario. Reports indicate Dallas aims to move ahead of the Giants if the price is right.
Who might that player be?
Many expected the Giants to choose Ohio State linebacker Sonny Stiles at No. 5 following a solid combine, but the Cowboys have linebacker needs as well…
Ty Simpson’s name is causing quite a stir as the draft approaches. The discussion gained traction after ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky labeled the Alabama quarterback as his top QB choice.
The New York Jets, holding the No. 2 and No. 16 picks, are considered a possible landing spot for Alabama’s signal-caller. However, Jeremiah dampened that idea during the pre-draft call.
Regarding the Jets, many insiders believe they will choose Texas Tech pass rusher David Bailey with the No. 2 pick. While Abel Reese was viewed as an early option, Jeremiah thinks Bailey, who always played on the edge, offers lesser predictability.
But the Steelers may not
Shifting back to Pittsburgh, will the Steelers address their quarterback situation in this draft and possibly trade back into the first round?
With a staggering 12 picks, the Steelers have the most of any team. This treasure trove of draft assets could position them to make a move back into round one, perhaps for Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson.
“I’ve heard they really like Ty Simpson,” said Ryan Wilson of CBS Sports during a recent show. “If he’s still available, I wouldn’t be shocked if they used some of their second-day picks to get back into the first round.”
The Steelers’ current picks include a second-round selection (No. 53) and three third-round picks (No. 76, No. 85, and No. 99), along with fourth-round picks (No. 121 and No. 135).
To return to the first round, a trade might involve using the 32nd-ranked Seahawks as a benchmark; perhaps their No. 53, 85, and 121 picks could suffice.
Todd McShay predicts multiple trades
Todd McShay’s latest mock draft is generating some surprises.
There’s a lot of trade activity anticipated in the first round.
Analysts foresee the New Orleans Saints possibly moving up to No. 3 to grab Arbel Reese from the Arizona Cardinals, while the Cowboys might aim for No. 6 to land Sonny Styles, and the Jets may want to swap from No. 16 to No. 7 for Carnell Tate with Washington. The Bears might also find ways to move up in their arrangements with the Chargers. After picking safety Dillon Thieneman at No. 22, the Cardinals might circle back to grab Ty Simpson at No. 30.
McShay’s latest evaluations are worth reviewing, especially if you anticipate surprises in round one.
