Brian Baldinger previews the NFL Draft

Brian Baldinger joins Mully & Haugh to preview the 2026 NFL Draft, offering deep insights into team needs, player evaluations, and draft strategy. He emphasizes the Bears' pressing defensive needs—especially at safety, edge rusher, and defensive line—after losing key players like Jaquan and Bayard. While the quarterback position lacks a true carousel with Fernando Mendoza as the clear top pick, Baldinger identifies Jeremiah Love as a pivotal player whose draft position could influence the entire board. He praises Caden Proctor’s power running and potential, while cautioning about his ability to handle elite pass rushers. Baldinger also discusses the growing trend of older, more experienced players entering the draft, citing Emmanuel Pregnant and Bo Nix as examples of mature, ready-to-play rookies. He highlights Vavega Ioani as his favorite player in the draft—a dominant left guard with elite point-of-attack ability—and notes the lack of true star power in this year’s class, calling it a 'not very star-packed' draft with more depth than breakout talent. Despite that, he sees value in second-round picks and expects teams to trade back and stockpile talent in the trenches.