[revrew]

The 2026 Draft begins

Ledger strolled up to the huge touch screen at the front of the room, which both televised the draft and marked the Dragons draft board, with player names that could be dragged and dropped into any place at a whim.

Ledger's fingers hovered over any number of names, while he mused to himself, "Now, our operation is small, but there's a lot of potential for aggressive expansion. So, which one of you fine gentlemen would like to join our team?"

When the 10th pick came in, the San Francisco 49ers unexpectedly passed on the top tackle on the board – including on the Dragons' board – Dashawn O'Connell.

Instantly, the Dragons' phone lines lit up. Multiple trade offers started to gather steam, as GMs began to wonder what price Ledger would pay to move up for O'Connell.

But the Dragons weren't as high on O'Connell as some believed. Ledger rejected multiple offers.

And still, O'Connell slipped down the draft.

At 1.16, the Houston Texans were on the clock. They had a passable interest in O'Connell, but Tampa Bay at 1.17 would definitely target the tackle. If the Dragons did want the Cedar Rapids native, it was now or never on the trade clock. Houston or bust.

While the Texans were on the clock, the call came in. Ledger had traded the 1.18 and 2.14 to move up to the 1.16, while also snagging the Texans' 3.14 and next year's 4th.

A first and a second for a higher first, a third, and a fourth. It was a reasonable deal after all.

And to no one's surprise, the Dragons selected South Carolina alum, but Cedar Rapids native, OT Dashawn O'Connell with their first ever rookie draft pick.