These three teams should trade up in the 2026 NFL Draft

The 2026 NFL Draft is approaching quickly. It's set to begin in Pittsburgh on April 23. 

With the Las Vegas Raiders holding the No. 1 overall pick and widely projected to select Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, several contending or rebuilding teams sit in the middle or back of the first round with the motivation and ability to move up. 

These three teams should aggressively explore trading up in the first round, including the Raiders themselves, who may move back into the first round after selecting at No. 1.

Raiders trade back into first for college teammate

The Raiders currently hold the No. 1 overall pick and are widely expected to draft Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza. They have done all the little things right so far to set Mendoza up for long-term success. That includes an offensive-minded head coach with experience developing quarterbacks, a mentor in Kirk Cousins and protection up front, including Tyler Linderbaum at center. 

Another step to solidify Mendoza would be trading up into the first round to select a wide receiver. Who? His college teammate, Omar Cooper Jr., is an explosive piece who can win underneath, stretch the field and generate chunk plays. He shines post-catch, breaking tackles thanks to his contact balance and strong lower body. This would create synergy early on. 

Dallas Cowboys trade up for elite athleticism 

Unpopular opinion across the league, the Dallas Cowboys had a strong first season under head coach Brian Schottenheimer in 2025. The main issue that kept them from the postseason was their defense. They struggled at the second and third levels of the defense, lacking key leadership, experience and athleticism.  

This organization currently holds two first-round picks, No. 12 and 20 overall. On top of that, it has 13 overall picks in 2026 and nine in 2027 (two first-round picks), which puts it in a position to trade up.   

Dallas should target Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles. The 6-foot-5, 244-pound LB offers elite size, range and playmaking ability within the second level. This pick would address a long-standing need while providing leadership within a young defense. 

Chicago Bears trade up for major need

The Bears hold the No. 25 overall pick along with two second-rounders. They're coming off a great 11-6 campaign under new head coach Ben Johnson. That said, the defense needs a new edge-rusher opposite Montez Sweat.

Chicago hasn't drafted an edge-rusher in the first round since 2016, when it selected Leonard Floyd. With the quality of pass-rushers in this draft, this could be the perfect opportunity for it to trade up for its "guy." 

Edge-rushers to watch for a trade-up include Texas Tech's David Bailey, Miami's Rueben Bain Jr., Auburn's Keldric Faulk or one of the Ohio State linebackers who can play off the edge. 

The 2026 class isn't the deepest and has been discussed as one of the weakest in years, so acting decisively on Day 1 can separate smart front offices from the pack. Expect movement in Pittsburgh, especially if teams like the Cardinals and Titans are open to sliding down to acquire extra picks. For the Raiders, balancing the splash at No. 1 with a calculated move back into the round could be the perfect one-two punch for a franchise turning the page.