With the NFL Draft just a month away, rumors and news are spreading like wildfire, riling up fans who are waiting in anticipation to see who their team selects in the first round. While some picks are known beforehand, there are always a few surprises that leave our jaws on the floor, questioning the thought process that went behind the decision.

This year’s draft will be no different, with the top 10 possessing plenty of team needs that could shake up the field, creating a wide range of outcomes. By taking a wisdom of the crowds approach to help solidify my beliefs on a player's range, below is a list of bold predictions I believe may happen, keeping us on the edge of our seats for the full duration of the draft.

RELATED: 2026 NFL Draft Guide 

Three Bold 2026 NFL Draft Predictions

Ty Simpson Falls Out of the First Round

Depending on who you ask, this may not be a bold prediction at all, with Ty Simpson continuing to stumble down the draft boards, averaging an EDP of 25.7. While he is projected to be the QB2 in this year’s class, his current profile has him labeled as more of a Day 2 prospect than a fringe first-rounder.

In regard to potential spots Simpson may hear his name called, the Los Angeles Rams at 1.13 need to find Matthew Stafford’s replacement, yet may be better off surrounding him with more talent to maximize their chances of making a run at the Super Bowl. The Jets at 1.16 are also intriguing, but the trade for Geno Smith signals they have set their sights elsewhere.

Moving closer to Simpson’s EDP, the Pittsburgh Steelers at 1.21 will need to address the position at some point, especially if Aaron Rodgers decides to retire. Miami at 1.30 would also fit his range, yet the signing of Malik Willis will allow them to kick the can to next year’s stacked class.

Jordyn Tyson Doesn’t Hear His Name Called Until Day 2

Like Simpson, Jordyn Tyson has also steadily fallen down the draft boards, sitting in the bottom half of the first round with an EDP of 17.9. While the talent is certainly there, his availability is a major cause for concern as Tyson has dealt with a plethora of injuries throughout his career, including an ACL tear and broken collarbone. And there's more injury concern now with Tyson slated to miss his Pro Day.

If you have followed along our trade fallout series, you would know I am as low as possible on this year’s class of wide receivers, allowing teams to punt on the position without fear of losing out on a top-end talent due to the skill gap being as narrow as ever. With Matthew Freedman skeptical of Carnell Tate, a slide would push down the next tier of receivers, bumping Tyson to the bottom of the first round.

While there are still teams in need of drafting a wide receiver, like the Buffalo Bills at 1.26, using their pick to help bolster their front seven would be a lot more impactful to their overall success. When a betting market opens up for the total number of wide receivers drafted in the first round, I will look to bet the under at no lower than 4.5.

Rueben Bain Slides Past The Top 10

Once heralded as a potential number one overall pick, Rueben Bain has trended in the wrong direction since the combine, holding on to an EDP of 8.1. His lack of size and short arms have raised some serious red flags, potentially spooking teams in the top 10 into turning their attention elsewhere.

The emergence of David Bailey has also pushed Bain down the board, rivaling Arvell Reese at 1.02 in most respected mocks. After the Jets, the Giants will look to add to their wide receiver room or select an offensive lineman, making the Washington Commanders next in line for an EDGE.

Unfortunately for Bain, the Commanders may opt into drafting Caleb Downs, arguably the most talented and decorated player in this year’s class. The New Orleans Saints and Kansas City Chiefs are also in play, yet pressing needs elsewhere will take precedent.

That leaves Cincinnati as Bain’s last hope for being selected in the top 10, a team that is in desperate need of fixing its defense to help turn back into a well-rounded contender. The issue for Bain is that the Bengals also need to address their secondary, and Mansoor Delane would give them a versatile back who can be slotted in multiple positions.

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