Looking ahead to the 2026 NFL Draft, Miller’s Round 1 projections map out a deep opening night with 32 top prospects who could hear their names called. This analysis dives into where Ty Simpson, Makai Lemon, David Bailey, and Mansoor Delane might land, and identifies two trades that could reshape the first-round order. Here’s the latest on the 2026 draft landscape and what to watch as teams prepare for Round 1. Ty Simpson: As a quarterback prospect, Simpson’s tape shows development, leadership, and upside that could push him into late first-round consideration. Team evaluators will weigh his college growth, clinical decision-making, and how his skill set translates to the NFL game. A strong combine and positive interviews could lift him into the back half of the first round, or possibly a high first-round pick if a team prioritizes a long-term quarterback project. Makai Lemon: Lemon brings speed, burst, and big-play potential to the table. If he tests exceptionally well and shows refinedRoute running and ball-tracking, he could land in the late first round as a dynamic weapons option for an offense seeking a production boost from the perimeter. David Bailey: Bailey’s versatility and reliability could make him a coveted piece in the late first. Teams weighing multi-position impact and special-teams value may view him as a plug-and-play contributor who can adapt to multiple roles, potentially landing him in the mid-to-late first round based on workouts and interviews. Mansoor Delane: Delane’s combination of power and agility positions him as a compelling late-first or early-second target. If his athletic profile tests well and his on-field consistency holds up, he could garner first-round buzz from teams seeking athletic depth at multiple positions. Two trades to watch in Miller’s Round 1 projections: - Trade scenario 1: A quarterback-needy club could move up into the late first round to secure a top passer or a high-upside prospect, using multiple assets to leapfrog rivals. - Trade scenario 2: A team looking to maximize draft capital could trade down from a mid-to-late first, acquiring extra Day 2 picks while still addressing core needs with a premier playmaker. Why this projection matters: Projecting Round 1 with 32 prospects highlights the balance between quarterback development, explosive playmaking, and strategic trades that can shift the board. Miller’s analysis emphasizes how workouts, interviews, and team needs will drive late-first decisions and set the tone for a bustling draft night. For ongoing, in-depth coverage of the 2026 NFL Draft, follow our updated mock drafts, player profiles, and team-by-team scenarios as the offseason unfolds. Exclusive deals this week: shop beauty, fashion, electronics & more.