The 26th pick in the NFL draft has been an interesting spot over the last decade. The slot has seen a mix of a few contributors and quite a few players who have failed to live up to expectations. The impact on a draft pick’s success can’t be understated and one first-round selection can go a long way in setting up, or setting back, a franchise for years.
Historically speaking, from a scout’s stand point there can typically be up to roughly 20 players viewed as “first-round grades” after evaluation, so more times than not you’re forced to select a second-round talent with your first-round selection.