The 2026 NFL Draft is just around the corner, and fans and teams alike are gearing up for what promises to be an exciting event. With the combine behind us, Pro Days are the only major events left for teams to assess the top prospects and finalize their draft plans. As teams prepare to make their picks, there has been speculation about potential trades, with some teams eyeing specific players to bolster their rosters. In this article, we take a closer look at the teams that should consider trading up in the draft and the possible targets they could be aiming to acquire.
First up, the Dallas Cowboys, who are coming off a disappointing season with a record of 6-10. The Cowboys struggled with injuries and inconsistency last season, leaving them with a lot to address in this year’s draft. One area they should focus on is their defense, particularly the safety position. This is where potential trade target, Delane, comes into the picture. The talented safety from the University of Georgia has impressed scouts with his athleticism, versatility, and leadership skills. He could be an excellent addition to the Cowboys’ defense and provide much-needed stability in the secondary. By trading up, the Cowboys could secure Delane and significantly improve their defense for the upcoming season.
Next, we have the Buffalo Bills, who had a strong season with a record of 13-3 and made it to the AFC Championship game. Despite their success, there is room for improvement, and one area that needs attention is their linebacker corps. This is where Jordyn Tyson, a linebacker from the University of South Carolina, could be a viable trade target. Tyson is known for his impressive speed and tackling ability, making him a force to be reckoned with on the field. The Bills could benefit greatly from Tyson’s skills and could potentially trade up to secure him in the draft.
Moving on to the Miami Dolphins, who are in an interesting position heading into the draft. They have the third overall pick, and there have been talks of them trading up to grab a top quarterback prospect. However, instead of using their valuable pick to trade up, the Dolphins could consider using their draft capital to trade up to secure a proven wide receiver talent. Someone like Jaxon James, who has been making a name for himself at Texas A&M, could be a great fit for the Dolphins. James has impressive speed, route-running abilities, and sure hands, making him a top target for teams in need of a dynamic receiver. By trading up for James, the Dolphins could have a formidable offense with a strong receiving corps led by him and Devante Parker.
Another team that could greatly benefit from trading up in the draft is the Chicago Bears. The Bears are in desperate need of a franchise quarterback, and this year’s draft class has some highly touted prospects. However, with the 20th overall pick, the Bears may struggle to secure a top quarterback. This is where they could make use of their other valuable picks and trade up for a top prospect like Jonathan Wilson from Ohio State University. Wilson has shown great potential and could be the long-term solution the Bears have been searching for at the quarterback position. By trading up, the Bears could secure Wilson and ensure a brighter future for their team.
Finally, the Las Vegas Raiders could also be a team to keep an eye on when it comes to trading up in the draft. The Raiders have a loaded offense, but their defense has been the weak link in recent years. They could address this issue by trading up for a player like Kaelin Brooks, a dynamic outside linebacker from the University of Florida. With his speed, agility, and ferocious tackling abilities, Brooks could be a game-changer for the Raiders’ defense. By trading up, the Raiders could solidify their defense and improve their chances of making a playoff run next season.
In conclusion, the 2026 NFL Draft is shaping up to be a pivotal event for teams looking to strengthen their rosters. While some teams may be content with their current draft positions, others may benefit greatly from trading up to secure a top prospect. From the Cowboys eyeing Delane to the Raiders targeting Brooks, these teams have identified potential trade targets that could significantly improve their chances in the upcoming season. It remains to be seen which teams will pull the trigger on a trade, but one thing is for sure, the 2026 NFL Draft will have its fair share of surprises and excitement for fans and teams alike.