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Chiefs GM Predicts Trade-Filled First Round as Draft Clock Tightens

A shortened first-round clock raises the odds of a volatile opening night.

Overview

  • Brett Veach said the first round could feature many trades, citing how closely teams have graded tackles, edge rushers and receivers.
  • The NFL cut the round-one pick window from 10 to 8 minutes for 2026, the first change since 2008, which could squeeze time for complex trade calls.
  • Raiders GM John Spytek confirmed calls about the No. 1 pick yet called a trade unlikely, and league chatter points to quarterback Fernando Mendoza as the expected top selection.
  • Ravens GM Eric DeCosta warned of a mid–first-round talent drop and said Baltimore has fewer than 200 draftable grades, while analyst Albert Breer sees a chance only two quarterbacks go in the first two days.
  • The draft runs April 23–25 in Pittsburgh with 257 selections, and Tankathon’s order shows the Falcons, Packers, Colts and Jaguars without first-round picks due to prior trades.