That is basic business when they are managing the roster and contracts and projecting needs and conceiving trades. If they aren't projecting half a decade ahead then they are not doing their jobs. The draft is part of that picture. You can't project that far without mocking ahead with needs. And in this case, with all of these high draft picks, you can't consider 2026 without also simultaneously considering 2027.
I understand what you are getting at. I was stuck on "specific players" as opposed to position/position grouping.
Most don’t believe Simpson, Sellers or Moore will come out this year because they have limited starting experience and/or inconsistent results.
If they pass on a QB then, I have to believe we're looking at Miami's Ruben Bain as a prime target in 26. Maybe a WR with the other first and who knows, maybe take a flyer on a QB with a Day 2 pick.
Bain is awesome and I’d be happy with that. I’ve been looking at Arvel Reese on Ohio State a lot more these past couple weeks. Check him out when you get a chance. There are enough good effective edge players or wide receivers that it’d be awesome to see them jump down to where the Raiders, Cardinals, etc. are in the 6-10 spot and still get a really good player while adding more picks.
A good EDGE would make us miss a guy like Sauce a lot less. We haven't had a decent pass rush since losing Bryce Huff and we haven't had a good pass rush since what feels like forever (John Abraham??).