NFL Draft Predictions: Tom Pelissero on Trade-Up Teams & Key Questions

On Saturday, April 18, 2026, NFL Insider Tom Pelissero joined Rich Eisen on The Rich Eisen Demonstrate for Hour 2 of the broadcast, where they discussed key topics ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft. The segment featured a conversation with Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cam Heyward, focusing on Aaron Rodgers’ potential future with the team and broader draft-related questions.

During the show, Pelissero and Eisen broke down the biggest questions heading into the NFL Draft, including which teams are most likely to trade up or trade back, and whether Head Coach John Harbaugh or GM Joe Schoen would be making the New York Giants’ draft decisions. The discussion too touched on the possibility of Aaron Rodgers announcing his return or retirement decision in the coming week.

Cam Heyward contributed insights on the Steelers’ chances with Aaron Rodgers and Will Howard, sharing his perspective on how the veteran quarterback might fit within Pittsburgh’s plans. Heyward discussed the team’s approach to evaluating quarterback options and what Rodgers’ experience could bring to the locker room and on-field leadership.

The conversation covered potential trades involving teams like the Cleveland Browns, who were mentioned as possible trade-up candidates, and the Washington Commanders, who were exploring a move down from the No. 7 overall pick in the draft. These rumors were contextualized within the broader draft strategy landscape as teams positioned themselves for selections.

Pelissero provided analysis on quarterback prospects and the likelihood of big-name players being involved in draft-day trades. He emphasized the uncertainty surrounding Rodgers’ situation and how it could influence multiple teams’ strategies, particularly those in necessitate of veteran quarterback help or looking to accumulate future draft capital.

The Rich Eisen Show segment aired live on April 18, 2026, and is available as an on-demand podcast through the broadcaster’s archives. The show noted it has 3,361 podcast archives available for listeners to access previous episodes covering various sports topics.

Throughout the discussion, the hosts and guest maintained focus on verifiable topics related to the upcoming NFL Draft, player personnel decisions, and team strategies. No unconfirmed rumors were presented as fact, with all discussion framed within the context of ongoing league conversations and team evaluations.

As the NFL Draft approaches, teams continue to finalize their plans, with insiders like Pelissero providing analysis on potential moves. The Steelers’ interest in Rodgers remains a topic of discussion among analysts, though no official announcements have been made regarding the quarterback’s future plans.

For ongoing coverage of the 2026 NFL Draft and related team developments, Archysport will continue to provide verified updates as information becomes available from official sources.

Stay tuned for the next confirmed checkpoint in the NFL Draft process, with official team selections scheduled to commence in the coming weeks. Share your thoughts on the potential Aaron Rodgers-Steelers scenario in the comments below.

Editor-in-Chief

Editor-in-Chief

Daniel Richardson is the Editor-in-Chief of Archysport, where he leads the editorial team and oversees all published content across nine sport verticals. With over 15 years in sports journalism, Daniel has reported from the FIFA World Cup, the Olympic Games, NFL Super Bowls, NBA Finals, and Grand Slam tennis tournaments. He previously served as Senior Sports Editor at Reuters and holds a Master's degree in Journalism from Columbia University. Recognized by the Sports Journalists' Association for excellence in reporting, Daniel is a member of the International Sports Press Association (AIPS). His editorial philosophy centers on accuracy, depth, and fair coverage — ensuring every story published on Archysport meets the highest standards of sports journalism.

Football Basketball NFL Tennis Baseball Golf Badminton Judo Sport News
Categories Nfl

Leave a Comment