The 2026 NFL Draft, set to take place in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable drafts in recent memory. With Fernando Mendoza locked in as the first overall pick, the excitement builds as teams begin to look at their strategies for the first round. Among the most intriguing teams are the Kansas City Chiefs and the Dallas Cowboys, who are reportedly exploring trade options to move up the draft board. The stakes are high, and the draft could play out in a variety of ways for both teams. Here’s a look at the best- and worst-case scenarios for both franchises as they prepare for a potentially pivotal day.
Kansas City Chiefs: Best and Worst Case Scenarios
Ideal Scenario:
The Chiefs would love to avoid making a drastic move and, ideally, let the board fall in their favor. With pick No. 9, they could land Mansoor Delane, one of the top-rated cornerbacks in the draft, and follow that up with Omar Cooper Jr., a promising wide receiver, at No. 29. This would help strengthen their defense and add another weapon to their already potent offense, without having to give up valuable picks or assets.
The worst-case scenario for the Chiefs would involve trading up to No. 3 or No. 4 to secure a top EDGE player. While this would fill an immediate need, it could leave the Chiefs with a lack of depth at other positions due to giving up multiple picks in the process. The Chiefs might find themselves in a situation where they’ve solved one problem but created new ones by trading away valuable draft capital that could have been used to fill other holes.
Dallas Cowboys: Best and Worst Case Scenarios
Ideal Scenario:
For the Cowboys, the ideal draft situation would see them staying true to their No. 12 and No. 20 picks, allowing them to land the perfect players at each spot. At No. 12, they could select Rueben Bain Jr., a highly rated defensive end who could immediately contribute to their pass rush. With their second pick at No. 20, the Cowboys could take a risk on a healthy Jermod McCoy, a wide receiver with the potential to become a standout star. This would help solidify their offense and defense without having to sacrifice future assets.
Worst Scenario:
The worst-case scenario for the Cowboys involves them going all-in by trading both of their first-round picks and more future draft capital to move up to No. 3 overall. In this scenario, they could select Sonny Styles, an off-ball linebacker, a position that may not justify the price of moving up so drastically. By giving up significant resources, the Cowboys could find themselves with fewer assets to address other critical needs, leading to questions about whether the trade was worth it.
Other Notable Teams and Scenarios
Arizona Cardinals: Best and Worst Case
- Ideal Scenario: The Cardinals could benefit from a trade with the Cowboys, moving down to No. 3 and stacking up additional picks. This would allow them to rebuild their roster and gain much-needed depth.
- Worst Scenario: If no one is willing to trade up, the Cardinals might be forced to draft Jeremiyah Love, a running back from Notre Dame, even though they already have depth at the position.
Tennessee Titans: Best and Worst Case
- Ideal Scenario: The Titans could leverage their No. 4 pick and trade it for multiple picks, benefiting from a desperate team like the Chiefs or Cowboys looking to move up for a defensive player.
- Worst Scenario: The Titans could be left stuck at No. 4, with key players like Arvell Reese and David Bailey being taken right before them. This would leave them with fewer options at positions they need, forcing them to make difficult decisions between players at less prioritized positions.
Cleveland Browns: Best and Worst Case
- Ideal Scenario: The Browns can stay put at No. 6 and select the players they need for wide receiver and offensive line, addressing immediate team needs.
- Worst Scenario: If they’re sniped for their preferred choices, the Browns may panic, trade down, and struggle to make the most out of their picks, missing out on key players.
The Drama of the First Round
With the draft taking place just one day away, teams like the Kansas City Chiefs and Dallas Cowboys are already planning their strategies to make the most of their picks. While some scenarios could lead to dream outcomes, others could result in disaster. The drama surrounding the first round is palpable, with every decision potentially shaping the future of these teams for years to come. As always, the NFL Draft remains full of surprises — and this year promises to be no different.
