| NFC NORTH |
| MINNESOTAMike Sando of The Athletic on the current state of the Vikings: The Vikings had to feel even better about adding quarterback Kyler Murray on the cheap after seeing one of their former QBs, Kirk Cousins, command guarantees in the second year from Las Vegas. Yes, the Vikings agreed not to use the franchise tag on Murray after 2026, but that’s a problem Minnesota might welcome at this point. “Minnesota improved,” an exec said. “I like what they did with Kyler Murray. How could you not? They have a ton of talent on offense. They have a more competitive QB room now.” Murray is one of 29 quarterbacks to start at least 25 games over the past three seasons. He ranks 17th among them in quarterback EPA per start, about the same as Sam Darnold, who ranks 16th. Darnold has a league-best 28-7 (.800) starting record among those 29 quarterbacks over this three-year span. Murray’s record is only 13-17 (.433). The difference: Darnold’s Vikings and Seahawks averaged +7.5 combined EPA on defense and special teams in his starts, which ranked No. 1 in the 29-quarterback sample. Murray’s Cardinals averaged -2.5 combined EPA on defense/special teams, worst in the sample. This all points to Murray’s record improving significantly in Minnesota, unless the defense falls off. “They lost some pieces on defense and had to shed a lot of cap,” another exec said. “Without a GM in place, I’d imagine (defensive coordinator) Brian Flores is very involved in what decisions are being made on defense, and he’ll be able to adjust. That should give them some comfort.” |
| NFC EAST |
| DALLASMike Sando of The Athletic collects some thoughts on the Cowboys offseason: The Cowboys own two of the top 20 picks in the draft, which should help them for the long term, but is there any evidence they are pushing to get past where they’ve been for decades? “Dallas is one of those spin-your-wheels type teams that never really gets a lot better,” an exec said. The Cowboys traded a fourth-round pick for Rashan Gary, who was a candidate to be released, to help a pass rush that wasn’t as good without Micah Parsons. They also subtracted defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa, whom they traded to San Francisco for a third-round pick a year after signing him to a four-year, $80 million deal. “I was a little disappointed with Dallas,” another exec said. “They got Rashan Gary, who Green Bay was not fired up about. They were not necessarily going to bring him back.” Owner/GM Jerry Jones said the Cowboys have long-term plans for receiver George Pickens, whom the team franchise-tagged, but what does that mean? “What are they going to do with Pickens?” another exec asked. “Are you going to have two receivers making (at least $34 million, CeeDee Lamb’s APY), plus the quarterback (Dak Prescott) making $60 million?” |
| NEW YORK GIANTSMike Sando of The Athletic with some reviews of the Giants offseason: The Giants’ big free-agent signing was coach John Harbaugh, not tight end Isaiah Likely, linebacker Tremaine Edmunds or cornerback Greg Newsome. Harbaugh, whose background is in special teams, also brought in a new kicker (Jason Sanders), punter (Jordan Stout, whom his Ravens drafted in Round 4 in 2022) and long snapper (Zach Triner). “I think what they have done is pretty good to this point,” an exec said. “To get some familiarity, Likely is a good get for them. The key is, the two rookies from last year, (Cam) Skattebo and (Jaxson) Dart. They did the right thing by letting the receiver (Wan’Dale Robinson) go, but they do not have a lot there beyond (Malik) Nabers. I could see them drafting one of the receivers early on.” Likely ($13.3 million APY) and Edmunds ($12 million) were the most expensive additions. “We liked Isaiah Likely,” another exec said. “They know him well. He is a good No. 2 (tight end). I’ve never been a huge fan of Edmunds. We were looking at linebackers, and that was not someone we spent a lot of time on. Nothing they did really scares you.” |
| NFC SOUTH |
ATLANTARed will be more prominent in the Falcons new uniforms. Nick Shook of NFL.com has all the details: The Atlanta Falcons are adopting new plumage in 2026. Atlanta revealed its redesigned uniforms on Thursday, debuting a set that simplifies its aesthetic appearance while turning back toward red as a dominant element. Instead of adopting sleek, modern striping and aggressive angles — an ever-present feature of their most recent uniform set first worn in 2020 — the Falcons are joining the trend seen across most major sports over the last five years, producing their own modern classic spin for their kits.  In some respects, Atlanta’s new uniforms represent an amalgamation of elements plucked from different eras. The red jersey of the 1970s and 1980s (and more recently, the 2000s and 2010s) returns to a primary role. The patch bearing the Falcons’ logo — a detail present throughout their history, but elevated in prominence with both their uniforms of the 1990s and their most recent set — adorns their sleeves alone, without additional components surrounding it. A minimized text returns to the chest of the team’s uniforms, but with a new twist: As they did from 2003 to 2019, Atlanta will wear “Falcons” on their home jerseys, but will swap the team’s nickname for the city name on their road tops, erasing the oversized “ATL” that adorned all three of their jerseys from 2020-2025. The white pants provide a familiar look, but introduce a new striping pattern that includes every color in the Falcons palette in an organization of silver-white-black-red-black-white-silver, appearing on both the team’s white and black pants. Black pants first emerged with the team’s 2003 redesign at the height of the Michael Vick era, returned with their 2020 redesign and will be worn with their road white uniforms. The low-gloss, nearly matte black helmet — a change featured in their 2020 redesign with the goal of eliminating the reflection from Mercedes-Benz Stadium’s halo scoreboard — makes the transition to the new kits, but with one change: Their brushed nickel facemask has been changed to a more standard silver, making color matching easier for manufacturers while harkening back to the team’s original appearance first worn in the 1960s. Lastly, like many clubs have done with recent redesigns, the Falcons are embracing a new, custom number set reminiscent of the Nike-produced design first seen on the uniforms of Michigan State in 2010. The numerals feature angular cuts into the digits, though much less prominent than the typeface worn in East Lansing, Michigan, a product of simplifying their appearance while maintaining “forward-leaning angles” that evoke both traditional and modern sentiments. While lacking uniformity within the kits — the intricate striping design appears only on the pants, for example — the Falcons have created a clean, balanced look in which they’re eager to dress their brightest young stars. With their beloved 1960s throwback also available in the team’s closet, the Falcons will hope it’s the look that defines an era of great success. |
| TAMPA BAYMike Sando’s anonymous execs aren’t thrilled with Tampa Bay’s offseason: The general feeling among execs was that the Buccaneers slipped this offseason after receiver Mike Evans and cornerback Jamel Dean signed elsewhere. “They have definitely taken a step back,” one exec said. “I don’t know how they are better.” Tampa Bay is certainly different without mainstays in Evans, who signed with San Francisco, and linebacker Lavonte David, who retired. “Losing Mike Evans is huge, and the fact that he left for what he perceived to be a closer contender, and for less money, seems like an indictment on the direction in Tampa,” one exec said. “Lavonte David was more veteran presence but starting to become a liability in coverage. ” Rachaad White is out at running back. Kenneth Gainwell is in for $7 million per year. “Everything they did was kind of a wash,” another exec said. |
| NFC WEST |
| ARIZONANFL execs snark to Mike Sando of The Athletic about the method of QB KYLER MURRAY’s departure: The Cardinals released quarterback Kyler Murray instead of trading him, and it’s easy to see why. The team began telegraphing Murray’s exit last season when handing over the job to Jacoby Brissett, limiting its leverage in trade talks. Some saw that as a missed chance. “I feel like they could have done a lot of different things, but they chose not to,” one exec said. “They just wanted him off the roster, wanted to save the $19.5 million (in 2027 salary that would have become fully guaranteed this month). They did not want to mess with it. I don’t know why. They don’t have a good enough roster where that $19.5 million really matters.” Cutting Murray now meant there was zero chance the team would be on the hook for that $19.5 million in 2027 salary, in addition to the $22.8 million already locked in for 2026. (Minnesota is paying $1.3 million of that after signing Murray as a free agent and promising not to use the franchise tag on him next offseason.) “I don’t know why you would not just keep him on your roster for the whole season and then figure it out next year,” another exec said. “You could probably trade him straight up off the $19.5 million, or if you cut him, then he’s making $1.5 million next year with someone else, so it’s an $18 million risk. If you can get a third-round pick for him, that is well worth the risk.” The Cardinals did not want to take that risk, and so first-year coach Mike LaFleur heads into the draft with Brissett, Gardner Minshew and Kedon Slovis on the QB depth chart. Arizona possesses the No. 3 pick. “How were the Cardinals not able to trade him to the Jets, eat $35 million this year and then the Jets are on the hook for the $19.5 million next year?” the exec added. “That is basically two years at $25 million. The Jets would not have signed up for that?” The Jets went with Geno Smith instead. Whatever the Cardinals do at quarterback, they will be banking on better health in 2026, without Murray’s presence defining the narrative. Their free-agent class was modest, led by former Steelers guard Isaac Seumalo at $10.5 million per year. |
| LOS ANGELES RAMSWR PUKA NACUA is in rehab per his attorney. NFL.com: Los Angeles Rams All-Pro wide receiver Puka Nacua is in rehab and was there before he was sued for assault and battery by a woman who says he made an antisemitic statement and bit her on the shoulder on New Year’s Eve, according to his attorney. “Puka takes responsibility for his well-being and increasing his performance during the off-season,” Nacua’s attorney Levi McCathern said in a statement, obtained by NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport. “So, in early March – before any temporary restraining order was filed by Madison Atiabi and subsequently denied by the Court – Puka voluntarily entered a holistic care facility to focus on his personal growth. “He is committed to using this time constructively so that he can return in the best possible position – both personally and professionally – to continue contributing to his team and the game he loves. He will complete the program in plenty of time to be involved in all of the Rams OTAs. Puka is also deeply grateful for the support he has received from his family, friends, coach [Sean] McVay, and teammates. “It is unfortunate that a trivial lawsuit has drawn attention to Puka during a time when he is focused on becoming a better overall person. I am really excited to see what the future holds for this gifted young man.” McCathern said Nacua’s decision to enter rehab was not a direct response to the lawsuit his accuser filed against him late last month, but an attempt “to improve his overall behavior in every aspect of his life.” Nacua issued an apology last December after performing a gesture that plays upon antisemitic tropes while appearing on an internet livestream. Nacua has been one of the most productive receivers in NFL history over his first three seasons with the Rams, who drafted him in the fifth round out of BYU in 2023. He led the league with 129 catches last season and had 1,715 yards receiving and 10 touchdowns. |
| SEATTLEMike Sando of The Athletic collects thoughts on Seattle’s offseason: The Seahawks have added zero players for more than $1.8 million per year, choosing instead to make homegrown receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba the NFL’s highest-paid receiver, while exercising a $21.2 million fifth-year option on cornerback Devon Witherspoon, who could be next to cash in with Seattle. Meanwhile, the Seahawks watched a long list of contributors leave in free agency, including rotational pass rusher Boye Mafe, Super Bowl MVP running back Kenneth Walker III, safety Coby Bryant and cornerback Riq Woolen. “I don’t mind them letting the back go for that price,” an exec said. “They will draft one.” It’s tough to say the Super Bowl champs got better, and with only four picks in the upcoming draft, this figures to be a mostly quiet offseason until the team is sold. Execs felt the team wanted Bryant back, but not Woolen. Most understood the investment in Smith-Njigba. “The receiver (Smith-Njigba) is one of their own, and (GM) John (Schneider) has never really made an outside guy the highest-paid player,” an exec said. “(Smith-Njigba) is a good player, great kid, does it the right way, and he has really developed into one of the best receivers in the NFL.” The team’s upcoming sale had some execs looking into the future. “Do we think Sam Darnold is the long-term answer at quarterback?” one asked. “What happens a year from now when there’s a new owner who is not emotionally connected?” Darnold has two years left on his contract. An extension could make sense one year from now. “Dak Prescott is making $60 million without a Super Bowl,” the exec added. “Sam is at $33.5 million, so …” It’s early for that kind of talk. One small surprise for Seattle: re-signing receiver and game-breaking return specialist Rashid Shaheed for $17.5 million per year. “We had $15 million-$18 million listed for him,” an exec said. “You throw in the return factor and how it flips the field, that is a huge piece of that $17.5 million. You are starting at the 40-yard line if someone lets him return the ball. Then he has such an explosive element that … I don’t want to say Jaxon is not explosive, but Rashid has that dynamic speed.” |
| AFC WEST |
| LAS VEGASMike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com is among those marveling at QB KIRK COUSINS’ ability to make money: Kirk Cousins has made $321 million in 14 NFL seasons. At his most recent team, he got the best per-game rate of his career by far. The final tally for his time in Atlanta goes like this: $98.7 million for 22 starts. It works out to $4.49 million per start. The total haul comes from the $90 million he received over the first two seasons, plus the $8.7 million the Falcons will pay from his guaranteed compensation of $10 million for 2026. If not for the torn ACL suffered in November by Michael Penix Jr., Cousins would have started only 15 games. Which would have pushed the rate to $6.58 million per game. Those final seven starts went a long way toward creating his opportunity with the Raiders. He went 5-2, with four straight wins to end the season. The final kick included upset wins over the Buccaneers and Rams in prime time. His playing time in 2026 remains TBD. The Raiders presumably will be picking Fernando Mendoza, three weeks from tonight. The question becomes whether and to what extent Cousins will serve as a bridge quarterback until Mendoza is ready to go. Eva Geitheim of SI.com notes some of Cousins’ thoughts on quarterback development: Cousins is a seamless fit for the Raiders. He’ll reunite with his former quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator with the Vikings in Klint Kubiak, who has taken over as the head coach of Las Vegas. Most importantly, Cousins is an ideal mentor for Mendoza. Not only do their personalities appear to be a great match, but he is one of the most experienced quarterbacks in the game. He’s excellent at conveying and displaying the knowledge he’s gained over his 14-year career, from his breakdown of progression vs. coverage reads in December to his guest appearance on CBS Sports. Cousins also understands the learning curve that is playing quarterback in the NFL. Back in February, Cousins shared his thoughts on quarterback development during an appearance on the This is Football podcast with Kevin Clark. “I do think there was a time when Aaron Rodgers got drafted and sat for three years. Carson Palmer got drafted and sat for a year,” Cousins told Clark. “But there have been teams that have said that was the plan, and then Week 4, 5, 6, the guy is playing. I also think there was a time when coaches stuck around, when a quarterback learned a system and played in that system for most of the career. I’ve had nine play-callers in my career. … The turnover as both coaches and teammates makes it really hard because it is such a team game. The position of quarterback requires that continuity around you that you just don’t have anymore. “When you’re asking a talented player to rewire his brain and do something different, he’s not gonna be the same talented player because he’s going to be a step slow and he’s gonna be learning and thinking again,” Cousins continued. “You want to take the thinking out of it. The more you can be a Tom Brady or a Drew Brees who’s been in the same system for 15 years, the better the player you’re gonna get.” The presence of Cousins now gives the Raiders a good opportunity to sit Mendoza, like Rodgers, Jordan Love and Patrick Mahomes did early in their careers. The Raiders have been adamant that they do not want to start a rookie quarterback right away, preferring to limit the amount of pressure on him and give him the supporting cast needed to succeed. For a variety of reasons, teams have not been good about sitting first-round quarterbacks, even when they intend to. Over half of the quarterbacks drafted in the first round since 2020 have started in Week 1. Every No. 1 pick at quarterback since 2019 has started Week 1. The last No. 1 pick at quarterback to not start in Week 1 was Baker Mayfield, who still became the starter by Week 4. It’s not always easy to keep a rookie quarterback on the bench. With the pressure coaches face to win and turn teams around quickly, they don’t always have time to wait for a quarterback to properly develop. A rookie quarterback might also be their only hope to save their job. The good news is Cousins gives the Raiders a better shot at following through on their plans to sit Mendoza. Cousins played well for the Falcons in relief of Michael Penix Jr. last season, and is still a solid starting option at this stage of his career. Teams have often had to thrust their rookie quarterbacks into the starting role sooner than planned due to injury or poor quarterback play from the starter, but Cousins should give them a good floor at the position, especially while playing in a familiar Kubiak scheme. |
| AFC NORTH |
| CINCINNATIThe Bengals have added S KYLE DUGGAR on a one-year deal. Ben Baby of ESPN.com: The Bengals added some depth to their secondary Thursday. Free agent safety Kyle Dugger signed a one-year contract with the Bengals, the team announced. Dugger joins a group that features new signee Bryan Cook and Jordan Battle as the team’s primary safeties. Cook was one of Cincinnati’s big additions in free agency. He signed a three-year contract worth $40.25 million. Battle, who is entering his fourth year in the league, is considered to be one of the team’s ascending defenders entering 2026. The Pittsburgh Steelers acquired Dugger from the New England Patriots at last season’s trade deadline, giving up a 2026 sixth-round pick to land the 2020 second-rounder along with a 2026 seventh-round pick. The Steelers made that move as starting strong safety DeShon Elliott went on season-ending injured reserve. Dugger had an immediate impact, playing nearly 100% of defensive snaps in his first game in Pittsburgh as the Steelers beat the Indianapolis Colts. Dugger then had a pick-six in his third start, and he had another interception in the Week 17 loss to the Cleveland Browns. Though he played nearly every defensive snap in his first eight games with the Steelers, he was in for only about half of the defensive snaps in the Week 18 finale and the playoff game as the Steelers split Dugger’s reps with fellow veteran Chuck Clark. Dugger, 30, recorded 59 tackles, two tackles for loss, one quarterback hit and two interceptions with the Steelers and Patriots last season. |
| AFC EAST |
| BUFFALOCongratulations to QB JOSH ALLEN and his wife, Hayley Steinfeld. Tarohn Finley of YahooSports.com: Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen and Hailee Steinfeld have announced the birth of their daughter in Steinfeld’s newsletter, Beau Society. “Our baby girl has arrived,” the couple wrote. “We’re feeling incredibly grateful and blessed and savoring these early moments. Thank you so much for the love and well wishes.” The Buffalo Bills also confirmed the news on X on Thursday. Allen and Steinfeld first revealed they were expecting their first child in December. The announcement followed an Instagram video in which Allen kissed Steinfeld’s stomach before she appeared wearing a shirt with the word “mother” printed across it. The couple has been together since 2023, and they got engaged and later married in 2024. Steinfeld, 29, who recently starred in the Oscar-winning film Sinners, spoke in a November interview with Bustle about her desire to have children with Allen and the impact he has had on her life. “That inner peace that you have, that rock, that solid, consistent part of your life is indescribable,” she said. “I literally thank God every day that I found my person, and it’s the greatest thing in the world. Life makes sense. Everything makes sense. I feel like I am stepping into the version that I’ve always dreamed of being, having so much to do with being with him.” |
| NEW ENGLANDThe NBA’s Bulls released a useful player, Jaden Ivey, because he posted he was not aligned with the Association’s pro-LBGT policies. Now, RB TRAYVON HENDERSON is in hot water with the same folks offended by Ivey. Austin Curtwright of the Columbus Dispatch: Former Ohio State football running back TreVeyon Henderson is receiving backlash online for his recent social media posts on X. Henderson, a standout with the NFL’s New England Patriots after being drafted in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft, reposted a video of Jaden Ivey, a Chicago Bulls guard, who was waived March 30 for comments he made on a livestream about the NBA’s “Pride Month.” Henderson reposted the video with Bible verse Matthew 5:10, which reads, “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Henderson’s repost has 6.2 million views. Some social media have suggested Henderson is defending Ivey, who was waived for “conduct detrimental to the team” hours after Ivey made comments about the NBA’s advocacy for the LGBTQ community across the league on Instagram Live. The video Henderson reposted was from Collin Rugg, a prominent account on X, who wrote Ivey “said nothing wrong.” What did Coach Mike Vrabel say? FoxNews.com: Vrabel was asked about Henderson’s post on Tuesday by reporters. “I think there is a fine line. I want to tell you, I love TreVeyon,” he said. “I love the person. He cares deeply about our team. He cares deeply about his faith. He cares deeply about his family, his wife, the people in our building. And so I want them to be able to express what they believe in their heart and in their mind, but also want to make sure that they’re educated. And we want to be inclusive. “Everything we want to do [is] to provide an environment for people to want to feel comfortable, but also to share their personal beliefs. And then also, we represent the team. And we represent the organization.” Vrabel received a follow-up question, asking if he would talk to Henderson or the team about what transpired on social media. He responded by saying, “I usually try to,” though he noted, “(We’re) never going to tell them how to feel.” “(We) certainly want to make sure that they understand that their actions represent something more than just themselves,” Vrabel added. “And so I do think there’s a line. We’re always talking about those kinds of things. We’re trying to educate them, no different than myself or you guys or my kids.” |
| THIS AND THAT |
| ROBIN DeLORENZORobin DeLorenzo worked three seasons with the NFL as an onfield official. After 2025, she was dismissed. She went out and found an attorney. Rebecca Tauber of The Athletic: Robin DeLorenzo, one of the first three women to work full-time as an on-field NFL official, has filed a lawsuit against the league and two officials, saying that she faced gender discrimination, retaliation and harassment while in her role from 2022 to 2025, when the league fired her. The lawsuit, filed Friday in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, seeks reinstatement along with unspecified damages. An NFL spokesperson on Tuesday called the lawsuit “baseless.” DeLorenzo began her career at the high school level, later officiating college football before the NFL hired her in 2022. In the complaint, she describes an environment that “fixated on her gender from day one,” and a league that “views female officials as novelties to be controlled, disciplined, or pushed out — never as professionals entitled to equal opportunity.” The league denied DeLorenzo’s claims. “The NFL is committed to providing a fair and supportive environment for all of its game officials,” the league said in a statement. “Ms. DeLorenzo was terminated following three seasons of documented underperformance. The allegations in this lawsuit are baseless, and we will vigorously defend against them in court.” Among the issues raised in the complaint, DeLorenzo said that her supervisor, Walter Anderson, former senior vice president of officiating, told DeLorenzo to make her ponytail show through the hole in the back of her hat, while DeLorenzo preferred to have her hair tucked underneath. Anderson is one of the officials named in the complaint. “The comments were making her so uncomfortable she considered cutting off her hair,” the complaint says. DeLorenzo also said that she frequently received men’s clothing that was too large for her, forcing her to purchase her own shorts and iron on the NFL patches herself. She said she never received undergarments that fit, and worked games without weather-resistant shirts or jackets that fit. “At times, the weather was simply unbearable but she worked through it nonetheless,” the complaint says. DeLorenzo said she was subject to “humiliation,” including being made to sing in front of the Pittsburgh Steelers training camp as a “rookie” official, something the complaint said coaches often have rookie players do during camps. DeLorenzo said Anderson recorded part of her performance despite her asking him not to. In her first season, DeLorenzo was assigned to official John Hussey’s crew. She said in the lawsuit that he would use profanities in telling her to stop talking, and that Hussey would not speak with her by the end of the season. During her time working for the NFL, the complaint said, DeLorenzo was asked to attend a college football refereeing clinic, even though it was “a low-level college clinic, involving different rules, different mechanics, and different philosophies as compared to the NFL,” calling the experience “humiliating.” According to the complaint, the clinic was run by Anderson and Byron Boston, the other official named in the lawsuit. The NFL Referees Association filed a grievance on DeLorenzo’s behalf over the clinic, with the league ultimately reimbursing expenses and paying DeLorenzo for attending. The complaint also said that DeLorenzo received inaccurate grades on calls and that her male counterparts were treated more favorably under the grading system, while she faced “more stringent” standards. DeLorenzo said she was fired on Feb. 18, 2025. There were more than 100 NFL game officials in 2025. Sarah Thomas was the league’s first full-time female official when she was hired in 2015, followed by Maia Chaka in 2021 and DeLorenzo a year later. Some of the stuff in the story, about her grades, might be a basis for a grievance. But, she wants to be treated the same, then complains that she didn’t get special clothing. |
| BUNNY BUSINESS |
| 2026 DRAFTWhich team needs to nail the 2026 Draft the most? NFL.com’s experts offer their thoughts: , We asked the question: Which NFL team needs to have the best 2026 draft? Eric EdholmLead Draft WriterPICK: New York JetsHow could it be anyone but the Jets? The 2027 draft could be a whopper for them, but that doesn’t lessen this year’s importance. They’re loaded with draft picks and flush with flexibility. There are holes at myriad positions. After a tough first season that ended with a five-game skid, Aaron Glenn figures to feel job pressure this season. The Patriots and Bills are way ahead of them now, and the Dolphins are just starting a rebuild, so finishing behind Miami in the standings would be a horrible look for Glenn. He’s almost certainly counting on this rookie class to buoy the ship, so GM Darren Mougey needs to hit on a lot of these picks. Lance ZierleinDraft AnalystPICK: Miami Dolphins The Dolphins have seven picks inside the top 100, including two first-round selections, so they really need to make their mark in the 2026 draft. Malik Willis will get a chance to prove himself as the Dolphins’ new starting quarterback, but he needs help at receiver to have a legitimate chance. There are holes all over the roster that need to be filled, and this is the best opportunity the Dolphins may get to set themselves up for future success — if they can hit on all of those picks. Dan ParrSenior Editor, Draft StrategyPICK: Pittsburgh SteelersI’m picking this year’s draft host — you know, the team with more 2026 draft capital than anyone else. The Steelers have a league-high 12 selections, including five of the top 100 picks. Sure, that means they have more bites at the apple than any other franchise, but they also can’t afford to miss — especially on their early picks – if they’re going to make a deeper run than they did last season. Aaron Rodgers has not announced his plans for 2026 — Steelers owner Art Rooney has said he expects a definitive answer from the QB prior to the draft — but Rooney and head coach Mike McCarthy have left the door wide open for the 42-year-old to return. Assuming he’ll be back, Pittsburgh has to give him a better supporting cast, with wide receiver and the offensive line among the team’s biggest needs. If Rodgers does not return, well, perhaps the host city will be introducing the fan base to a new QB1 on draft day. Chad ReuterDraft AnalystPICK: Kansas City ChiefsGeneral manager Brett Veach and head coach Andy Reid are not accustomed to making picks early in each round. The first losing season in the Reid era does, however, give the franchise a golden opportunity to bring in top prospects on offense and defense to make sure last season was a blip on the radar — not the beginning of the end of the dynasty. Matt OkadaNFL & Fantasy ContentPICK: Miami DolphinsWith 11 total picks, including seven in the first three rounds, the Dolphins have invested more heavily in the 2026 NFL Draft than any other franchise. Now, Miami is set up to complete a roster revamp under the new regime of GM Jon-Eric Sullivan and head coach Jeff Hafley. If successful, they could assemble a strong, young corps alongside new QB Malik Willis and Co. If not, the Dolphins have a lot to lose across all three days of the draft.– – -Here is a Mock Draft from Nate Tice and Charles McDonald of YahooSports.com: In this mock draft, Yahoo Sports’ Charles McDonald makes the odd-numbered picks, and Nate Tice makes the even. 1. Las Vegas Raiders — Fernando Mendoza, QB, IndianaThe Raiders recently traded Geno Smith to the Jets, which means there’s really nothing I can say here that hasn’t been written 100 times before. This is done, and let’s hope for Klint Kubiak’s sake it works. Onto the next. 2. New York Jets — Arvell Reese, Edge/LB, Ohio StateThe Jets were active in bringing in vet after vet to shore up their defense. They now drop in an explosive weapon in Reese to continue to reinvent this side of the ball. Reese’s best spot will likely be on the line of scrimmage, where he flashes as a high-end pass rusher and already shows the ability to hold the edge in the run game. His versatility to play off-ball is a bonus if the Jets want to get creative in getting all of their pass rushers on the field. 3. Arizona Cardinals — Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio StateA top-three pick feels high for an off-ball linebacker, but Styles has the chance to be a transformative talent at the position in a league that has almost no elite linebackers. Styles has the size and speed to attack all areas of the field, played well in coverage and has use as a blitzer. Styles would immediately slide in as the top dog on the Cardinals’ defense and be an interesting case study (no matter where he’s drafted) on the potential addition of a top-flight linebacker when no other teams have (a healthy) one. 4. Tennessee Titans — David Bailey, Edge, Texas TechThere’s smoke with the Titans taking Jeremiyah Love, and the Titans still need more playmakers around Cam Ward even after splurging on Wan’Dale Robinson in free agency. I would rather have the rebuilding Titans continue to add to their trenches rather than a running back at this point in their process. Robert Saleh loves investing heavily into his defensive lines, and Bailey would give him a flamethrower to rush the passer and a different flavor than their current set of maulers. And there’s the added benefit that the rest of the Titans’ line will help insulate Bailey in the run game. Jeffery Simmons, John Franklin-Myers, and Bailey is a lot of heat to throw at offenses when they try to throw the ball. 5. New York Giants — Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre DameThis pick might be a shocker, but there is a strand of logic to follow here: namely, John Harbaugh and Greg Roman getting back together in New York. Matt Nagy will be calling plays, but Roman is with the Giants as a senior offensive assistant and Harbaugh has thoroughly demonstrated a desire to be a good running team through almost his entire Baltimore tenure. The Giants may view a game-breaking running back as the last piece considering the offensive line isn’t in immediate need of an upgrade and they threw some bodies at wide receiver. There’s no telling how Cam Skattebo will look when he gets back on a field after recovering from a leg injury, but Love is a vastly superior prospect who brings some speed to the Giants’ backfield. 6. Cleveland Browns — Monroe Freeling, OT, GeorgiaThe Browns needed to completely rebuild their offensive line this offseason. They’ve started the process in free agency, signing several veterans, but could still use a further injection of talent. Especially at the tackle position. Enter Freeling, a riser throughout the 2025 season who is now firmly in my top 10 overall for this class. Freeling has upside as a true blindside protector for whoever is throwing passes in Cleveland in the future. 7. Washington Commanders — Caleb Downs, S, Ohio StatePositional value is the only reason that Downs is on the board here. He’s arguably the best player in the draft and has been an elite defensive back prospect since his first season at Alabama. He’s the “can’t-miss” caliber player the Commanders could use in their secondary and has the skills to play deep safety and the slot in Dan Quinn’s defense, which desperately needs to bounce back in 2026. 8. New Orleans Saints — Mansoor Delane, CB, LSUIt’s tempting to add another pass catcher in New Orleans. Instead, the Saints tab Delane to drive on over from Baton Rouge. The Saints’ defense was better than expected last season under Brandon Staley. They could look to add to their line, but Delane is a smart player who fits into Staley’s zone-heavy scheme and creative passing down looks. He would be an upgrade for the cornerback room and give the Saints a defender who would be comfortable right away in the scheme and could impact the game more than what they currently have on the roster. 9. Kansas City Chiefs — Rueben Bain Jr., Edge, MiamiKansas City takes five seconds to turn this pick in. By the luck of the draw, one of the most disruptive defensive ends in college football falls into the Chiefs’ lap as they try to re-infuse premier talent into their defense. Bain would be a perfect fit in Steve Spagnuolo’s defense and form a productive trio alongside Chris Jones and George Karlaftis. 10. Cincinnati Bengals — Jermod McCoy, CB, TennesseeThis would be a bit of a nightmare scenario for the Bengals. Defensive player after defensive player snatched up before they pick at No. 10. Keldric Faulk is an option, but the Bengals might dread selecting two project type edge defenders in two straight drafts (they selected Shemar Stewart last year). They still end up getting a supremely talented player in McCoy. He did not play last season, but he’s still looked at as a high-end cornerback prospect because of what he put on film before his injury in January 2025. He has the potential to be a real needle mover on the outside for the Bengals who could allow the Bengals to kick Dax Hill inside more often. 11. Miami Dolphins — Francis Mauigoa, OL, MiamiThe Dolphins are officially rebuilding again, leaving them with a plethora of holes they can attempt to fill with their first-round pick this year. Here, they stay local and grab Mauigoa, who has the skills to slide in as a long-term starter at right tackle or guard. Rome wasn’t built in a day, but if Patrick Paul and Jonah Savaiinaea develop, that’s a nice little core up front to try and build around. 12. Dallas Cowboys — Keldric Faulk, Edge, AuburnI liked the Jalen Thompson and Cobie Durant signings for the Cowboys to help shore up their defensive backfield, but they need to continue to add talent on that side of the ball. Caught in between tiers with cornerback and linebacker prospects, the Cowboys add the intriguing Faulk to their defensive line. He is still a work in progress rushing the passer, but he’s young, has high-end traits, plays hard and will enter the league already as a plus run defender. He would complement what the Cowboys already have and his pocket-pushing rush style would actually fit perfectly with the mauling ability of Quinnen Williams on the inside. Faulk could play several spots in Christian Parker’s Fangio scheme, something he already did at Auburn. It’s a fit I like more as I’ve marinated on it. 13. Los Angeles Rams (via Falcons) — Caleb Lomu, OT, UtahWith longtime right tackle Rob Havenstein retiring, the Rams have a big hole on the right side of their offensive line. Luckily, they can find the perfect replacement here. Lomu hasn’t gotten as much adoration as his teammate Spencer Fano, but Lomu might be a cleaner fit here considering he was already playing right tackle at Utah. Lomu’s nasty streak, explosiveness and overall athleticism give him the chance to develop into a lockdown right tackle. 14. Baltimore Ravens — Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio StateThe first wide receiver selected! While I would love for the Ravens to pair Lamar Jackson with a WR with real size, Tate is just such a steady player who plays bigger than his size because of his catching range and ball skills. He’s a smart player who is effective at all three levels as a route runner, and his feel against zone would be highlighted during Jackson’s scramble drills. The Ravens could look to bolster their offensive line here, but I think dipping into the first-round wide receiver well (again) with Tate would give the Ravens a different flavor of pass catcher than they have. 15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Avieon Terrell, CB, ClemsonA team can never have too many corners, so Tampa Bay grabs a steady player in Terrell near the midpoint of the first round. Terrell isn’t the most explosive cornerback, but he’s fluid and plays the ball well — just like his older brother A.J. on the Atlanta Falcons. Tampa Bay would’ve liked to grab a defensive lineman with the potential to play on the end, but with Faulk going a few picks earlier, they go elsewhere with the pick here. 16. New York Jets (via Colts) — Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn StateAfter losing John Simpson and former first-rounder Alijah Vera-Tucker in free agency, the Jets look to reinforce their offensive line with another first-round selection. Ioane has good size and is comfortable in space. He showed off good awareness as a player this past season, which is encouraging for him to hit the field early in the pros. The Jets could go in a few directions with this pick, but I think they defer to the trenches (again) here. 17. Detroit Lions — Akheem Mesidor, Edge, MiamiThis pick doesn’t need much more explanation other than the fact that the Lions don’t have many pass rushers on their roster right now. They are razor thin at defensive end outside of Aidan Hutchinson, almost to the point where they have to take an edge rusher with this pick. Mesidor is a bit hit-or-miss on a down-to-down basis and turns 25 before the draft, but he has a chance to be a contributor in the NFL or even a legitimate, consistent threat off the edge if he hits the ground running. The Lions have to try something. 18. Minnesota Vikings — Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio StateThe Vikings have a few flavors of prospects they could go after with their first-round pick. There are a couple of interesting safety options, they could look to find the T.J. Hockenson replacement in Kenyon Sadiq, or they could add some tangible beef to their defensive line. Brian Flores is going to scheme pressures and big plays for his defense, but the Vikings could use someone to eat up blocks to let teammates fly to the football. McDonald isn’t the sexiest prospect, but his ability to hold up against the run is his calling card, while also having light enough feet to be used on the twists and stunts that Flores loves so much. McDonald is basically the defensive version of the line of thinking that led to the Donovan Jackson selection last year at offensive guard: a tangible trench talent who can let the creative coaches be creative. 19. Carolina Panthers — Caleb Banks, DT, FloridaCarolina adds some serious size to its defensive line here with the addition of Banks. He is a behemoth tackle with elite athleticism and sound technique to diagnose and defeat blocks — he just can’t tackle. Now, that’s concerning, but his other traits are so dynamic and overwhelming that even marginal improvement in that problematic area would make him a plus starter in the NFL. Banks reportedly broke his foot at the NFL combine and is projected to be sidelined until June, which should give him plenty of time to be healthy by training camp. 20. Dallas Cowboys (via Packers) — Anthony Hill Jr., LB, TexasThis might be a reach but this point of the first round is going to be wide open with the lack of consensus with this class. I was high on Hill to start the season (he was my LB1), cooled on him slightly, and now have warmed back up. He’s a good athlete with sideline-to-sideline range. He shows off good awareness and play recognition, and would fit the Cowboys’ new defensive scheme well because of his dynamic blitzing ability. The Cowboys have done a fine job of rebuilding their defense, and Hill would give Dallas its most talented man in the middle since Leighton Vander Esch. 21. Pittsburgh Steelers — Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona StateThe Steelers have one wide receiver spot set with DK Metcalf, but they’re still severely lacking options beyond him. They get a potential blessing with Tyson falling to the lower portion of the first round. At his best, and healthiest, Tyson is a bully when the ball is in the air. He shows real upside to grow into an NFL WR1. Who will be throwing the ball for Pittsburgh still needs to be settled, but that’s nothing new for a Steelers offseason. 22. Los Angeles Chargers — Spencer Fano, OL, UtahThis would be a boon for the Chargers. Fano is a great athlete who is explosive as a run blocker and is an easy mover in space. The Chargers didn’t really make a big splash at their guard positions this offseason, but Fano would fit right in with Mike McDaniel’s scheme. I have some reservations of how Fano will hold up at tackle at the next level and think Fano’s best spot is at guard or even center. That’s not as much of a concern in Los Angeles with the Chargers’ talented tackle duo. It is nice that Fano has the positional versatility to provide depth if the Chargers ever need it (they will need it). 23. Philadelphia Eagles — Kenyon Sadiq, TE, OregonPhiladelphia finally agreed on a one-year deal with longtime tight end Dallas Goedert, but at 31 years old his long-term future with the team is murky. The Eagles could land an incredible long-term replacement for Goedert here with the über-athletic Sadiq. He is a freak athlete who should immediately find a role as a pass-catching option early in his career. He’s effective just enough as a blocker where he at least has a baseline to build from in the NFL. 24. Cleveland Browns (via Jaguars) — Denzel Boston, WR, WashingtonIt’s tempting to keep adding to the Browns’ offensive line, and there are some talented players available here (albeit more tackles than interior players). Instead, let’s have the Browns add size to their pass-catching room. Jerry Jeudy is best used as a secondary option, and Harold Fannin Jr. is an exciting young tight end. Boston would complement both as an outside ball winner who can win with his catching skills and size. He’s a steady player who can win in the red zone and give the Browns quarterback, whoever that is, a reliable big target in tough situations. 25. Chicago Bears — Peter Woods, DT, ClemsonWoods’ draft day slide stops here with the Bears adding a real home run swing at a position of desperate need. Chicago’s defensive line was not stout enough last season and, at his best, Woods can be an impact defender at multiple alignments along the interior. The Bears have tried their hand at a few defensive tackle prospects over the last few years, but Woods has a higher floor than their recent Day 2 ventures. 26. Buffalo Bills — Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, ToledoLinebacker was tempting here with CJ Allen still available. Instead, the Bills bolster their spine at the safety spot. Even after signing C.J. Gardner-Johnson and Geno Stone, I think the Bills could use another centrally located long-term option that new defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard could weaponize. McNeil-Warren is such a fun player. He is a quick diagnoser and loves to fit the run. He would be a great fit for Leonhard’s defense that asks a lot out of its safeties. 27. San Francisco 49ers — Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona StateThe 49ers need a big infusion of young talent along the offensive line and can do that here with Iheanachor. He is a redshirt senior, but started playing football only a few years ago in JUCO. Never bet against someone who started playing football in JUCO and didn’t quit immediately. 28. Houston Texans — Kadyn Proctor, OT, AlabamaGeneral manager Nick Caserio loves his big school players. And Proctor is the literal biggest of big school players in this year’s draft class. Yes, the Texans signed offensive tackle Braden Smith to a two-year deal, but Smith has missed time essentially every season of his career. Proctor would be gigantic at the position, but he could start his career at guard and provide depth at tackle before kicking out down the road. The Texans should keep addressing their offensive line, and while a guard or center option would be preferable, adding beef of some sort, even if there is not a clean path right away, should not stop the Texans from adding a talented player at offensive line. 29. Kansas City Chiefs (via Rams) — Colton Hood, CB, TennesseeWith Jaylen Watson and Trent McDuffie off to the Rams, cornerback has become a severe, immediate need for the Chiefs. Here they can take a dice roll on the talented Hood, who would have plenty of chances to make plays on the ball with Chris Jones and the previously mock-drafted Rueben Bain Jr. getting after the quarterback. 30. Miami Dolphins (via Broncos) — KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&MHere’s the big piece in return for the Jaylen Waddle trade: another first-round wideout for Miami. Concepcion can bring the same type of explosive plays that Waddle did when he was catching balls from Tua Tagovailoa. His coaches at A&M and NC State were constantly figuring out ways to get Concepcion the ball, including on special teams. Concepcion’s wideout skills have evolved but he still needs to show improvement in route running and consistency in catching the football. 31. New England Patriots — Blake Miller, OT, ClemsonAs they showed throughout the playoffs, the Patriots’ offense still has a ways to go in terms of talent acquisition to stand tall against the best defenses in the league. To be fair, the Patriots had a top-five draft pick in the same season they made the Super Bowl, which highlights the overall lack of high-end talent, particularly on the offensive line. They can start to fix that with the selection of Miller, another gigantic, athletic tackle in this draft class. 32. Seattle Seahawks — Dillon Thieneman, S, OregonI started at the available offensive guards at this spot for so long. There are also a few intriguing defensive line and wide receiver prospects here. Even after the investments made at both spots, I wouldn’t rule out the Seahawks continuing to bolster both positions. Instead, the Seahawks get the versatile Thieneman from the state just south of them. Thieneman would be an excellent fit in Mike Macdonald’s two-high scheme, unlocking his two-way ability as a run defender and in coverage, while also allowing him to play from a high position to take advantage of his ability to read and close on the football. Thieneman would allow the Seahawks to live in their five and six defensive back looks and unlock the rest of Seattle’s talented defense. |
