We are getting close to the 2026 NFL Draft officially kicking off. What is the latest Intel that everyone needs to know? <\/p>\n
\t\t\t\t![\"Tennessee](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/USATSI_27704559-scaled.jpg\")
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTennessee wide receiver Chris Brazzell II (17) blows a kiss to the crowd after scoring a touchdown during a NCAA football game between Tennessee and Vanderbilt at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn., on Nov. 29, 2025.<\/p>\n
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\u2019t real.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Time is at a premium, and from here, it\u2019s 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\u2019ve learned a lot.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Here are some of the 2026 NFL Draft predictions tidbits that I trust right now. It\u2019s going to be a volatile, but fun, draft when the end of April finally gets here.\u00a0<\/p>\n
2026 NFL Draft Intel\u00a0<\/p>\n
Miami EDGE Rueben Bain Jr.<\/a> has been one of the more controversial conversations in the 2026 class. With his outlier arm length and reach, there just isn\u2019t a sample size that suggests a player like Bain is going to be a star. That pessimism is counteracted by the \u201cwatch the film crowd,\u201d who aren\u2019t interested in the nuance that goes into the evaluation process.\u00a0<\/p>\n While there are many in the media space who think that Bain has a strong chance of going inside the top-five selections, I\u2019m 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n 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\u2019t be comfortable drafting him early due to those outlier measurements. Opinions vary more on Bain than just about any player in this class.\u00a0<\/p>\n 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n Speaking of a wide variety of opinions, Tennessee wide receiver Chris Brazzell <\/a>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.\u00a0<\/p>\n Despite that, Brazzell is firmly a player who could fall down boards based on conversations I\u2019ve 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\u2019m not sure a team inside the top-50 takes the bait, no matter how tantalizing his skill set is.\u00a0<\/p>\n Going in the other direction, Ole Miss wide receiver De\u2019Zhaun Stribling<\/a> 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n I have spoken to scouts from two different teams who have second round grades on Stribling. At this point, I think he\u2019s solidified Day Two (rounds 2-3) status, and don\u2019t be surprised if he goes inside of the top-75, if not higher.\u00a0<\/p>\n Some team intel<\/p>\n 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<\/a> would be one I\u2019d keep on everyone\u2019s radar.\u00a0<\/p>\n 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 <\/a>in pen, but the feeling recently is that the pick could be Texas Tech pass rusher David Bailey<\/a>. 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n Regardless, those are the two players most likely at No. 2 \u2013 Reese or Bailey.\u00a0<\/p>\n 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<\/a> feels like the heavy favorite if he\u2019s available, but that is feeling less likely after some recent conversations.\u00a0<\/p>\n If the Browns do opt for offensive tackle with that first pick, I think it comes down to two players, and no, it\u2019s not Monroe Freeling (Georgia)<\/a>. The most likely bet appears to be Spencer Fano (Utah)<\/a>, 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n The other player to know is Kadyn Proctor (Alabama)<\/a>, 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\u2019t be shocked if he\u2019s the pick at No. 6.\u00a0<\/p>\n Sleeper first round players<\/p>\n We always love dark-horse first round candidates this time of year, and one guy that wouldn\u2019t surprise me is Arizona defensive back Treydan Stukes<\/a>. While he\u2019s an older prospect, Stukes\u2019 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\u2019s an early safety run, don\u2019t be surprised if Stukes becomes a borderline first rounder.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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