Overview of Building the Beast: How free agency affected the 2026 NFL Draft
This episode (Dave Hellman with Dane Brugler) re‑sets the top of the 2026 NFL Draft after the first wave of free agency and a big trade (Miami trading Jaylen Waddle to Denver). The hosts take a 30,000‑foot view — team-by-team looks at how offseason moves changed (or didn’t change) what teams are likely to do in the first round, which prospects gained or lost landing‑spot appeal, and the positional themes shaping the top 15–20 picks.
Key takeaways
- Free agency clarified many teams’ priorities: the first ~15 picks are now much easier to project than before free agency. Expect more uncertainty after that.
- Edge rushers remain premium early in this class; several teams (notably the Jets at No. 2) are trending to use top picks on players who impact the quarterback.
- Jeremiah Love (running back) remains a high-upside, high‑impact prospect and the hosts believe he’s very likely to be a top‑7 pick despite positional value debates.
- The offensive tackle group is a “minefield”: a cluster of early first‑round tackles, then a sharp drop-off — teams that want a tackle often must take one in the late first.
- Teams with multiple first‑round picks (Dolphins now among them) create many possible draft‑day permutations; those teams can be opportunistic and aggressive.
Team-by-team (high-level) — notable early picks and likely directions
- Raiders (No. 1): Fernando Mendoza remains firmly the pick; Raiders built around giving a rookie QB veteran help (they added Linderbaum at center).
- Jets (No. 2): Strong consensus toward drafting the best non‑QB — most likely an edge rusher (names referenced: Arvel Reese, David Bailey). If they take an edge at 2, their second 1st‑round pick (mid‑teens) will likely be an offensive weapon (WR) or another playmaker.
- Cardinals (No. 3): Blank slate. Most likely targets: right tackle (tackle names discussed: Maui Noah, Spencer Fano) or defensive line/edge if they prefer defense.
- Titans (No. 4): Real candidate to take Jeremiah Love — free agency spending opened multiple paths but Love’s impact profile makes him a reasonable top‑5 choice for a team ready to compete now.
- Browns (No. 6): Offensive tackle need is real but tricky (Monroe Freeling is a debated fit at 6). Could instead prioritize receiver, edge, or a clear “best player” pick with two first‑rounders to maneuver.
- Chiefs (No. 9; also pick 29): Despite secondary needs, edge/defensive line is a likely priority at 9. With pick 29 they can address secondary or add a pass‑catcher.
- Bengals (No. 10): More likely secondary/safety/corner (Caleb Downs and Mansoor Delane referenced) given investments on the defensive line in FA.
- Saints (No. 8): Multiple directions — receiver, tight end (Kenyon Sadiq floated), or edge. Sadiq is a creative idea if the top WRs are gone.
- Dolphins (now holding 11 and 30 after the Waddle trade): Massive roster reset; secondary/corner is a priority value-wise at 11, but they can pivot to receiver/tight end if the right explosive pass‑catcher is there.
- Cowboys (12 & 20): Expect defense-heavy picks — cornerback, linebacker, edge. Dallas could trade up if a high‑value player (e.g., Sonny Stiles) is within reach.
- Rams: With a loaded roster, the “fun” pick is a high‑end pass‑catcher (Mekhi Lemon suggested) to fold into an elite offense.
- Lions (17): Left tackle is a common projection, but an edge rusher to pair with Aidan Hutchinson also makes sense.
- Back half of Round 1 (early 20s): Many teams eye offensive line/tackle help — the group is crowded and teams will scramble to secure their target before the drop‑off.
- Bears (mid‑20s): Need for pass rush evident; late‑first edge or defensive tackle is realistic. Safety is an alternative if the right prospect is available.
Draft‑class/positional themes the hosts emphasized
- Edge rushers are the premium non‑QB picks early (especially at Nos. 2–10).
- Running back (Jeremiah Love) may buck “positional value” logic because his playmaking upside could push him into the top seven.
- Offensive tackle class: several first‑round‑caliber tackles clustered in the top 32, then a steep falloff — teams that need tackle depth must often act inside round one.
- Secondary/safety value: Caleb Downs is a differentiated safety profile that could tempt teams earlier than usual if he’s available.
- Tight end depth this year means teams that need a TE don’t have to force a first‑round pick — except for uniquely dynamic prospects (Kenyon Sadiq mentioned).
Players to watch (pro days, injuries, measurements)
- Edge: Arvel Reese, David Bailey, Reuben Bain
- Receiver/Tight end: Mekhi Lemon, Kenyon Sadiq, Carnell Tate
- Running back: Jeremiah Love (hosts expect top‑7)
- Tackles/OL: Spencer Fano (arm length at pro day is pivotal), Maui Noah, Monroe Freeling
- Secondary: Caleb Downs, Mansoor Delane, Jermon McCoy (as discussed)
- Defensive interior/other: Malachi Lawrence, Peter Woods
- Monitor pro days (measurements like arm length, 40, three‑cone) and injury updates (e.g., Caleb Banks’ foot) — they move boards.
Notable insights / quotes
- Free agency provides a “roadmap” — it doesn’t lock teams into a pick, but it narrows likely directions for many clubs.
- “I don’t see Jeremiah Love falling out of the top seven” — hosts think Love’s multidimensional impact will overcome positional skepticism.
- The offensive tackle market is a “minefield” — many teams will need to pay a premium in round one to secure a starter.
Practical advice for draft watchers
- Track pro days closely (esp. arm lengths and agility drills) — several top OL/edge prospects are “pro‑day dependent.”
- Watch how teams with multiple first‑round picks (Dolphins, Rams, Chiefs, Browns, etc.) structure trades on draft day — they’ll create ripple effects.
- Prioritize which prospects you care about by role leverage: players that affect the pass rush or are true multi‑tool offensive weapons will move teams earlier than position norms might suggest.
Bottom line
Free agency and the Waddle trade changed several landing‑spots and clarified the board: early picks will skew to elite pass rushers, a few top offensive tackles, and high‑impact offensive weapons (including the possibility of a top RB like Jeremiah Love). The late first round remains an opportunity minefield (especially for offensive line and edge), so teams that need tackles will either strike in the late first or pay taxes to get one.