Making Moves, Pre–NFL Draft Style

I can’t believe the NFL Draft is coming like a freight train. All the hoopla is almost over—the real action happens in just a few days! No more tomfoolery from NFL teams. No more mock drafts to pore over.

As NFL content consumers, we tend to view mock drafts as believable, but they are really for entertainment value only. Most NFL mock draft experts get only a few picks correct in the first round; getting 10 correct is a rare occasion. It’s an impossible task, with all the misdirection from teams and the uncertainty of trades.

Even so, I still love mock drafts—they’re so much fun!

I love the NFL Draft. I remember watching it on ESPN sometime in the ’80s on Saturday afternoons. I wasn’t locked in back in 1980 when ESPN first aired the draft with GMs and owners sitting at tables selecting players. In 1980, the NFL cut the draft to 12 rounds—prior to that, it was 17 rounds. Yikes! In 1993, it moved to seven rounds.

In 1993, ESPN’s draft coverage became must-watch TV. Mel Kiper criticized the Colts for taking Trev Alberts instead of Trent Dilfer. When Colts GM Bill Tobin heard what Kiper said, he responded, “Who the hell is Mel Kiper anyway?” And just like that, the drama we love was born.

So, in 1980, the NFL Draft was first televised by ESPN. Also in 1980, the J. Geils Band released the song “I Just Can’t Wait.” Coincidence? Yes—absolutely a coincidence—but man, I am excited.

Here is my plan for this year’s pre-draft moves. Like Hannibal said on The A-Team, “I love it when a plan comes together.” I hope mine will! 

(To make my plan, I rely on some gut instinct—I’ve got a big one—plus research and a little luck. Paul McCartney, anyone? Okay, I’m done with the cultural references.)

Players I Am Targeting

Assumption: Trade values are based on reasonable owners—I know, hard to find!

Garrett Wilson
I have no shares of Wilson, but this is the year I’ll try to trade for him. He’s dealing with the current Jets QB situation and is coming off an injury, so his value has dipped slightly. Regardless, I think he finishes as a top-5 WR in 2026.
Cost: 1.02–1.06 this year or a 2027 mid-1st.

Ladd McConkey
Bounce-back year incoming. Clear WR1 on the team. I’m projecting 130 targets, 1,400 yards, and 12 TDs. Pay the current price—similar to Wilson above. I need more Ladd on my teams!

Justin Jefferson
You won’t get Jefferson at a bargain, but what’s new is you might actually find a manager willing to trade him. For some reason, he feels “old,” yet he’ll only turn 27 this season. I expect a return to his 2022 usage—around 190 targets, 15 TDs, and pushing 2,000 yards.
He has a real chance to be the WR1 in fantasy in 2026.
Cost: Any 2026 1st (including 1.01) plus 2027 assets.

Tyler Slough
A second-year breakout is coming. In Superflex, I’d target him at his current price. His value will rise if the Saints draft a WR at 1.08 to pair with Olave. Add in Etienne catching passes with Kamara in the backfield, and a solid TE room with Johnson and Fant—it’s a strong setup.
Working with Kellen Moore as head coach should help unlock his potential.
Cost: Around 1.10 in rookie drafts.

Travis Hunter
This one is pure gut. The Jaguars say defense primarily—but NFL teams never change their minds, right? Elite talent. I’ll try to buy on panic.
Cost: 2.01–2.03 this year or a mid-2nd in 2027.
Yes, there’s risk he stays primarily on defense—but as they say, “No risk it, no biscuit.”

Players I Am Selling

“Sell, Mortimer, sell!” I know—I promised no more cultural references, but I love Coming to America. And I’m excited for the draft… can you tell?

DK Metcalf
The Steelers are likely to add a WR—they usually draft well. The QB situation is unsettled at best. Aaron Rodgers can still sling it, but the offseason drama is real. A late-round rookie QB is also possible—not great for DK.
Move him at ~80% value.
Return: 2.02–2.05 or any future 2nd.

Kenneth Walker
The last Chiefs RB to finish top 10 in fantasy was Kareem Hunt in 2017. Many expect Walker to break that trend—but I’m selling the hype.
Return: Top-5 pick this year or next.

Javonte Williams
Sell him… but for what? He did rush for 1,200 yards and 11 TDs, but the situation feels unstable. The Cowboys could draft a RB in rounds 3–4 to compete.
Return: Late 1st in 2026 or 2027 (may need to include a 3rd).

Chris Olave
I’ve already sold all my shares. As mentioned earlier, I strongly believe the Saints take a future WR1 at 1.08. That pushes Olave into a WR2 role.
Return: 2027 1st (try for more if possible).

Xavier Worthy
Sell the Mahomes hype. There’s talk of the Chiefs airing it out again, but expecting Worthy to become Tyreek Hill is unrealistic. Plus, KC could draft another WR and muddy the waters.
Return: Early 2nd in 2026 (aim for a bit more if possible).

Wicked Early Rookie Sleeper

Kaelon Black, RB, Indiana
5’10”, 210 lbs, ran a 4.43 at his pro day. He posted 1,040 yards and 10 TDs last season. Surprisingly, he wasn’t invited to the Combine (he was already in Indiana—come on!).

He’s scheduled for multiple top-30 visits, showing real interest from teams. Likely a late-round pick or priority UDFA.
Possible fits: Bengals, Vikings, Broncos.
I’m excited to see where he lands.

I do have a silly pre-draft tradition—I watch Draft Day. Give it a try. It gets my draft juices flowing, even if it’s a bit unrealistic. The pace and pressure feel real, and it’s still about the NFL Draft. Still excited.

Big shoutout to Big Brother Rick (RIP) and Johnny G for getting me into this obsession—I mean hobby—all those years ago.

Thanks for reading my ramblings—and remember have fun!

What moves are you making before the NFL Draft?

Are you buying players before rookie hype begins, or waiting until after the draft to make trades? Let us know in the comments.

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