*** 2026 NFL Draft Thread ***

It's just another option for the kids that are projects and tweeners to make money and try and improve their draft stock. Look at the two offensive lineman for EIU. Both stayed, got some NIL and moved up their selection in the draft. Before they could have stayed, and got nothing but another another year of school, but now by staying, they are not being penalized because they are getting paid while playing. Before players were leaving to get paid, now they can stay and make as much money as going into the draft, unless you are in the top 15 picks or so.
It’s definitely a great opportunity for good college players that don’t project as high NFL picks.
 
3 weeks away....

Looking at Mel's picks for the Chiefs he is totally wrong, no way does KC sit there at #9 and take the TE from Oregon, if they want him then trade down a few spots and pick up more draft capital. If the draft falls this way they will take the Tate out of Ohio State, rather than a TE. They might take a CB at pick 29 but that does not address the more pressing need of a rush DE, and they will not take an offensive tackle with their 2nd round pick, more pressing needs than beefing up the right O Tackle position, Moore will be fine there and they like a few players that were forced to play at the end of the season when the entire line was hurt.
With RB taken care of, the team is drafting rush end, and either WR or TE depending on who is there, but if it's TE, then trade back and then take him.
 
I think there will be more than a few "trade downs" for more later picks and next year.