| Will he play for the team he owns? Can an owner of one team play for another team? Mike Kadlick of SI.com: Tom Brady isn’t closing any doors as he continues to explore the post-Super Bowl-winning chapter of his life. Just days after his appearance in the Fanatics Flag Football Classic—a round-robin, flag football tournament that saw both former and current NFLers get schooled by Team USA—the GOAT revealed that he has at least inquired about an NFL return. In an interview with CNBC’s Alex Sherman, Brady explained that he has asked the league about their policy regarding a potential comeback while also maintaining his 5% stake in the Raiders. “I actually have inquired, and they don’t like the idea very much,” said the seven-time Super Bowl champion. “So I’m gonna leave it at that.” Brady, 48, wears so many hats at this point in his career that he looks like a Lids employee. Not only is he a minority owner of both the Las Vegas Aces and Raiders, but he’s also Fox Sports’ lead NFL color commentator, a partner in both NOBULL and CardVault, and a driving force in the promotion of flag football ahead of the 2028 Summer Olympics—a project that has stoked the fire on a potential return to the gridiron. While Brady was able to gracefully side-step a defender before dropping the above dime to Stefon Diggs for a touchdown on Saturday afternoon, it sounds like, ultimately, a return to professional football isn’t going to happen. “We explored a lot of different things,” Brady continued. “And I’m very happily retired, let me just say that too. I loved being out there playing in the flag game. I loved not getting hit. I’ve got a lot of really fun things I’m involved in. It’s never going to [get] old throwing passes to incredible athletes on the football field, but if anything, that game reconfirmed to me that I’m very happy in my retirement.” |
| NFC NORTH |
| CHICAGOSome of us are old enough to remember that first “Iceman.” Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com: George Gervin is making an unexpected comeback. First, the NBA legend made a surprise appearance in the Oscar-nominated Marty Supreme. Now, Gervin is playing legal ping-pong with Bears quarterback Caleb Williams. Via Patrick Finley of the Chicago Sun-Times, Gervin is challenging Williams’s recent effort to secure trademark protection of the nickname “Iceman.” “I’ve got nothing but respect for [Williams],” Gervin told Finley. “He’s already proved greatness and his potential upside is great. Like an ‘Iceman.’ But that name is taken. . . . All I’m saying is: Young fella, we’ve already got one ‘Iceman.’” Gervin filed his own applications for “Iceman” and “Iceman 44,” four days after Williams filed his own application. Jerald Barisano, president/CEO of Gervin Global Management, told Finley that he believed the paperwork had previously been filed. Regardless, Gervin was well known as “Iceman.” For most, news of Williams seeking protection for the nickname was the first time they’d heard that term used in reference to the Bears quarterback. Gervin was a professional basketball player between 1972-73 and 1989-90 in a variety of leagues. In the NBA and ABA, he averaged 25.1 PPG in his career. Here are his accolades: 9× NBA All-Star (1977–1985)NBA All-Star Game MVP (1980)5× All-NBA First Team (1978–1982)2× All-NBA Second Team (1977, 1983)4× NBA scoring champion (1978–1980, 1982)3× ABA All-Star (1974–1976)2× All-ABA Second Team (1975, 1976)ABA All-Rookie First Team (1973)No. 44 retired by San Antonio SpursNBA anniversary team (50th, 75th)ABA All-Time TeamNo. 24 retired by Eastern Michigan Eagles This is how his Wikipedia page describes his legacy: Nicknamed “Iceman” for his cool demeanor on the court, Gervin was primarily known for his scoring talents. He had also received the nickname because of his rare ability to play the game of basketball at a high level without sweating. Gervin’s trademark move was the finger roll, which he executed with unusual delicacy, touch, and range. Typically used by others to shoot short layups, Gervin’s effectiveness with the shot extended all the way to the free-throw line. Gervin’s legacy has inspired other athletes. Basketball great Gary Payton has stated his childhood idol was Gervin and that he was his favorite player to watch.[30] Gervin was also idolized by former NFL and Heisman-winning quarterback Ty Detmer. Detmer records in his autobiography that he was elated to receive Gervin’s autograph one day as a youth in San Antonio. In 2021, to commemorate the NBA’s 75th Anniversary The Athletic ranked their top 75 players of all time, and named Gervin as the 42nd greatest player in NBA history.– – -In the battle for the Bears, a Democrat congressman from Illinois wants to keep the team hostage. And use federal power to do so. Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com: A new bill in Congress would prevent sports teams from relocating without first providing local interests with a chance to buy the team. While it seems unlikely in the current political climate that the bill will become law, it has direct relevance to the Bears. Currently, the Bears are leveraging Indiana against Illinois in the effort to build a new domed stadium. Under the “Home Team Act,” the Indiana option would evaporate. During a Thursday press conference, co-sponsor Greg Casar, a Democratic member of the House of Representatives, called it a “keep-the-Bears-in-Chicago” bill. “Even when teams don’t actually move, the threat of moving sets off a race to the bottom,” Casar said, via Tina Sfondeles of the Chicago Sun-Times. “Billionaire owners pit taxpayers against one another and then extort the government for billions of dollars. . . . “We see that right now in Chicago, where Indiana taxpayers are now put in a competition against Illinois taxpayers to subsidize a team worth $8 billion. Before you move a team away from the fans who have been rooting for it their whole life, you have to give them a chance to buy it and keep it.” The bill was introduced as a Democratic initiative. Via Eric Fisher of Front Office Sports, Casar believes the bill will eventually gather bipartisan support, and he said that there is “significant interest” from members of Congress from Illinois. The immediate reaction by many to the proposal is that Congress has better things to do. (And, frankly, it does.) “We have to be able to walk and chew gum at the same time,” Casar said. “I’ve been very vocal about funding TSA, very vocal about reforming ICE, and very vocal about avoiding endless wars. We also want to keep the spotlight on protecting sports fans, and we’re going to do all of that.” Still, it won’t be easy to get this one through Congress — or to get President Trump to sign it into law. We note this is all about political jurisdiction, not about a team moving a long distance from its fans. The Arlington Park site, in Illinois, is 31 miles from Soldier Field. Not that we want to drive to Indiana either, but the proposed site in Hammond is just 21 miles from Soldier Field. |
| DETROITAn interesting case has emerged involving Lions CB TERRION ARNOLD. As we understand it, Arnold was robbed – and then retrieved the stolen goods in a manner some might say was not lawful. A bizarre case regarding alleged robberies and allegedly extreme efforts to recover stolen property has not yet resulted in charges being pursued against Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold. Arnold nevertheless continues to linger on the fringes of the case. Via Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press, Arnold was mentioned “multiple times” in text messages generated in connection with a kidnapping, armed robbery, and assault case that has resulted in, to date, felony charges against six different people. The text messages were obtained by the Free Press via a Freedom of Information Act request. Arnold was not a recipient of any of the text messages. The alleged thefts that sparked the case happened at an Airbnb that Arnold had rented in Largo, Florida. Arnold himself filed the original police report that high-end bags, guns, jewelry, a cellphone, and $100,000 in cash had been stolen. Boakai Hilton was the alleged mastermind; the presiding judge wrote in a prior order that an ensuing retrieval of the property through allegedly illegal means resulted directly from “Arnold and his friends” deciding to “take matters into their own hands.” “His expectations are he’s not going to be charged,” Jansen told Birkett. “He hasn’t been charged and I haven’t seen these text message[s] but they obviously have them and they haven’t charged [him]. The fact that he knows some of these people is hardly evidence he committed a crime and we believe he’s not going to be charged.” Jansen issued a separate statement to Birkett: “We have not yet been provided with the text messages in question, and it would be inappropriate to comment on isolated excerpts without first reviewing them in their full context. We are aware that law enforcement has conducted an extensive investigation, as reflected in the 49-page criminal information. Notably, our client has not been charged, and based on the evidence currently known, we do not anticipate that any charges will be brought against him. Any suggestion of involvement appears to rest solely on the fact that our client is acquainted with certain individuals connected to this matter. Mere association does not constitute participation in criminal activity. Importantly, there is no evidence, nor any witness testimony, indicating that our client has had any involvement.” The fact that Arnold hasn’t been charged doesn’t mean he won’t be. Prosecutors may attempt to persuade one or more of the existing defendants to flip on Arnold, if there’s any reason to believe he ordered or instigated the effort to recover the property that had been stolen from the property he had rented. |
| NFC SOUTH |
| CAROLINAT RASHEED WALKER told authorities at LaGuardia Airport that he had a licensed gun in his bag. For that, he got arrested. But now, his charges are likely to be dropped. Charean Williams of ProFootballTalk.com: New Panthers left tackle Rasheed Walker was arrested at LaGuardia Airport on Jan. 23 after telling an airline employee he had a firearm and ammunition in his baggage. He was charged with two counts of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon and criminal possession of a firearm. Walker, via David Newton of ESPN, said Thursday that the charges will be dismissed. During his introductory news conference on Thursday, Walker referred all other questions to his attorney, The gun was licensed in Wisconsin, and Walker’s attorney, Arthur Aidala, told the New York Post in January that Walker was unaware he couldn’t travel with a licensed firearm in a locked box. Walker, who started 48 games in four seasons with the Packers, signed a one-year deal worth up to $10 million with the Panthers in free agency. |
| AFC NORTH |
| CLEVELANDA trade of EDGE MYLES GARRETT is contractually feasible says Abhishek Sachin Sandikar of YahooSports.com: The Cleveland Browns may have opened the door for a blockbuster trade involving star defensive end Myles Garrett. In the 2025 offseason, Garrett requested a trade out of Cleveland before agreeing to a historic four-year, $160 million extension in March. However, as per ESPN’s Field Yates, the Browns have reworked Garrett’s contract, leaving analysts speculating a potential trade. “This makes Myles Garrett’s contract actually tradeable, and the Browns proposed a rule change that would allow draft picks to be exchanged up to five years into the future, coincidence?” Norris tweeted, responding to Yates’ report about Garrett’s contract. “The Browns and refining Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett agreed to some modified language in his contract this week that provides some cap flexibility for the team going forward, as well as some option bonus payment benefit for Garrett.” Myles Garrett’s option bonuses in 2026, 2027, and 2028 have been moved to September, which allows the Browns front office a sixth-month break on the cap for those years. Previously, Cleveland was required to exercise the options by the 15th day of the league year. Instead, the Browns now have time until seven days before the first regular season, which is in September. Additionally, if Garrett is not on the roster, the Browns wouldn’t need to pay anything. From Garrett’s current salary cap situation, it makes perfect sense for the Browns to keep a trade offer on the table. Per Garrett’s old contract, if the franchise traded him before June 1, the Browns would be taking a $70.3 million dead cap hit. Post June 1, the dead cap hit would be spread over two seasons. $21.4 million in 2026 and $48.7 million in 2027. However, the Browns would still carry a $70.3 million hit (pre-draft trade). Following the changes in Garrett’s contract, if the Browns trade Garrett before June 1, they would be taking a $41.09 million dead cap hit. However, the hit would be $15.53 million in 2026 and approximately $25.56 million in 2027. For Cleveland, the numbers can still be managed. According to SI, Myles Garrett could be traded to: Jacksonville Jaguars, Indianapolis Colts, Los Angeles Rams, San Francisco 49ers, Dallas Cowboys, Chicago Bears, Philadelphia Eagles, Tennessee Titans, New England Patriots, Buffalo Bills, New York Giants, and Washington Commanders. While there are no concrete reports about a viable trade for the star defensive end, Myles Garrett has issued a clear stance about his future with the Cleveland Browns after experiencing years of mediocrity. Myles Garrett speaks about his future with the BrownsAlthough individual accolades remain crucial for any NFL player, winning the Lombardi Trophy remains the highest possible achievement. With this goal in mind, Myles Garrett was clear about what he wants from his future in the league, be it with or without the Cleveland Browns. “I quote Maxx (Crosby),” Garrett said before the season finale in Cincinnati, as per Cleveland.com. “I’m committed to winning, and as long as the team and the organization are doing so, they’re committed to that same thing, then I’m all on board. But if we’re thinking anything other than winning, tanking or rebuilding, it’s not me.” |
| THIS AND THAT |
| POUND THE TABLEWriting at ESPN.com, former NFL GM Mike Tannenbaum gives us some names to watch outside the top 10, guys he would push for strongly in the draft: With less than a month until the 2026 NFL draft, teams are working on their prospect boards. It’s tough for each of them to come to a consensus because there are always a lot of opinions across front offices, coaching staffs and scouting departments. Everyone has their guys — the players they’re standing on the table for and arguing must be in the team’s plans. These spirited debates were always fun when I was the general manager and executive vice president of the Jets (2006-12) and then executive vice president of football operations for the Dolphins (2015-18). I remember a lot of back-and-forth in predraft meetings in my first year running the Jets about what to do at pick No. 4. We talked about defensive end Mario Williams before it was clear he was going to Houston at No. 1. Running back Reggie Bush had some fans in the room, and a lot of folks wanted tight end Vernon Davis. I was one of the people pounding the table for offensive tackle D’Brickashaw Ferguson. Our pass protection needed to improve, and Ferguson had the size and traits to be a foundational player. With Williams and Bush off the board quickly (along with Vince Young), we went with Ferguson over Davis. Those kinds of discussions will play out in team facilities around the league in the coming weeks. And it goes beyond Round 1; when teams are about 15-20 picks away from their Day 2 and Day 3 selections, everyone starts to look at who is still on the board and outline a handful of players they believe could be available at the slot, before zeroing in on the final target. With all that in mind, I decided to do a similar exercise, going back to my GM roots and picking out my guys for this 2026 class. But rather than cater to any particular team, I built a mini board across all seven rounds for a hypothetical Team X. No specific roster needs in mind. No championship or rebuilding windows to consider. No schemes or personnel preferences to factor into decision-making. Just the players I’d want in my lineup. I outlined a few names in Rounds 1-4 and then picked out one sleeper in each of the final three rounds. (I went outside the top 10 in Round 1 to avoid the obvious prospects.) Let’s get up on the table and start arguing for some future stars. First-rounders I’d target outside the top 10 Makai Lemon, WR, USCI love his style of play — he’s relentless and physical. Sure, Lemon might start off in the slot, where he played most of the time for USC. But I think he’s big enough at 5-foot-11 and 192 pounds to play outside in the pros. Lemon thrived in contested-catch situations in college, with 11 of them in 12 games last season. He finished with 11 touchdowns and was third in the nation in receiving yards per game at 96.3. With Ohio State’s Carnell Tate and/or Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson leading most WR rankings, Lemon should be there outside the top 10. Dillon Thieneman, S, OregonHis athleticism is terrific, as he ran 4.35 in the 40-yard dash and had a 41-inch vertical jump at the combine. His 6-foot, 201-pound size is great. And I love his versatility; he lines up in the slot, deep and close to the line of scrimmage. Thieneman is the epitome of a modern NFL safety, and he can come in and start right away. The Purdue transfer has great film, and that great combine workout should be the extra push to make him a top-20 pick. He had 86 tackles and two interceptions last season. Sign me up. Kenyon Sadiq, TE, OregonIf I’m the general manager of a team in that middle part of Round 1, I’m making the case to my creative playcaller that Sadiq could open things up for the offense. He is explosive, with a blazing 4.39-second run in the 40 and incredible jumps of 43½ inches (vertical) and 11-foot-1 (broad). The production also matched the skill set. Sadiq caught 51 passes for 560 yards and eight touchdowns last season. At 6-foot-3 and 241 pounds, he can be flexed out to create mismatches one-on-one with safeties. The players I’d be targeting in Round 2 Peter Woods, DT, ClemsonThere is a definite chance that Woods goes in Round 1. He was getting early-pick buzz last summer, but a lack of big-time production (only 33 tackles and two sacks last season) caused a lot of evaluators to cool on him. If there’s any shot I can get him in Round 2, I’m making it happen. Woods has explosive traits and could make a real difference on the interior. He might be a little undersized at 6-foot-3 and 298 pounds (with sub-32-inch arms), but I’m banking on the potential, upside and value on Day 2. Now, I’m just crossing my fingers that he’s still there. Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego StateI like this player a lot. I think Johnson will start in the NFL and could be an effective man-to-man corner on the outside at 6-foot and 193 pounds. He played in 48 games at the same school, which is a rarity in this transfer-heavy era of college football. And he has good production. Over the past two seasons, he had five interceptions, 13 pass breakups and two forced fumbles. Toss in 4.4 speed, and I see him as a day one starter. D’Angelo Ponds, CB, IndianaThough I’d be pushing to get Johnson to play on the outside, I’d be equally persistent in landing Ponds to play in the slot. Even though he’s 5-foot-9 and 182 pounds, Indiana often had him on the outside. In the pros, he’s an ideal nickel. And given that most NFL teams play a lot of 11 personnel (three wide receivers), he probably will get on the field for more than 80% of defensive snaps. Ponds is tenacious, and his skill set should translate well to the next level. He had a tremendous pick-six on the first play of the CFP game against Oregon — one of seven career picks. The players I’d be targeting in Round 3 Malachi Lawrence, Edge, UCFA four-year player at UCF, Lawrence has a really good motor and posted solid production with 20 career sacks. Plus, he had a fantastic workout in Indianapolis, running a 4.52-second 40-yard dash at 6-foot-4 and 253 pounds. Anytime I can add a productive, high-motor pass rusher with production, I’m in. Eli Stowers, TE, VanderbiltQuarterbacks love a tight end with a big catch radius, and that’s exactly what Stowers brings to the table. We have to get this guy. He’s 6-foot-4 and 239 pounds, and he jumped 45½ inches in the vertical. That’s wild. I know Stowers has to improve as a blocker, but he caught 146 balls and hauled in 11 touchdowns over the past three seasons (one of which was at New Mexico State). He can get down the seam and make big plays. Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas TechRodriguez reminds me so much of Hall of Famer Zach Thomas. He has an incredible knack for forcing fumbles (seven last season, 13 over his career), and he picked off four passes in 2025. Typically when someone is that productive and instinctive, it carries over to the next level. I’d want him on my team, even though he’s slightly undersized at 6-foot-1 and 231 pounds. It’s sort of impossible to think he won’t make it as a starter in the NFL. The players I’d be trying to steal in Round 4 Taylen Green, QB, ArkansasI’m highlighting two quarterbacks in the Round 4 range, and I’d be happy getting either of them. I just can’t miss out on both of them. The first is Green, who of course dominated the combine. At 6-foot-6 and 227 pounds, Green had a 4.36 in the 40, 43½ inches in the vertical and 11-foot-2 in the broad jump. But he actually started to get my attention weeks earlier at the Senior Bowl. The accuracy needs to improve, but getting him in the building and working with him could pay off in a big way because of all those plus traits. Drew Allar, QB, Penn StateThe other quarteback is Allar, who started 35 games in college before a season-ending ankle injury last year against Northwestern. There’s a tremendous amount of intrigue with Allar because of his resiliency, and he’s the kind of player I’d love to bring in and chase that potential. At 6-foot-5 and 228 pounds, he completed nearly 65% of his passes over his career. There is enough of a foundation to work from and to try to develop for the future. The player I’d be trying to steal in Round 5 Marlin Klein, TE, MichiganThere’s something special about Klein, who grew up playing mainly soccer in Germany, went to a boarding school in Georgia to play high school football and eventually became a captain his senior year at Michigan. I see great physical attributes at 6-foot-6 and 248 pounds. Even with 248 yards and one score last season, I believe Klein can make it over the long term. He’s the kind of developmental prospect I’d be looking for in this range. The player I’d be trying to steal in Round 6 Bryce Boettcher, LB, OregonI guess I watched a lot of Oregon football last season — here’s my third Ducks player on the list. An undersized linebacker at 6-foot-1 and 233 pounds, Boettcher had a good week at the Senior Bowl, where he showed toughness and instincts. Over the past two seasons, he had 12 tackles for a loss, but I’m thinking he could be a core special teams player (at a minimum). The player I’d be trying to steal in Round 7 Jaffer Murphy, K, UTSAOK, I’m closing it out with an interesting kicker prospect. Murphy transferred to UTSA from Lake Erie College, where he hit 13 field goals in 2024 — including a 60-yarder. But he handled only kickoffs for the Roadrunners last season, with one extra-point attempt outside of those duties (which he made). At his pro day earlier this week, he booted a 70-yard field goal. Why not take a flier? |
| 2026 DRAFTLet’s check out this Mock Draft from Field Yates of ESPN.com: 1. Las Vegas RaidersFernando Mendoza, QB, IndianaThe draft starts at No. 2, as this pick has been etched in stone basically since the order was decided. Mendoza’s Heisman-winning season displayed superior accuracy, arm strength, ability to scan the field, clutch production and good in-pocket mobility. The Raiders worked hard in free agency to beef up the roster around Mendoza, specifically landing the best available offensive lineman in center Tyler Linderbaum. One area Mendoza will need to work on is being under center. He did that just 3% of the time in 2025; NFL teams played under center on 34.9% of snaps in 2025. 2. New York JetsDavid Bailey, Edge, Texas TechA busy free agency period has the Jets’ defense in an improved place compared with the end of last season, with the team adding linebacker Demario Davis and two edge rushers (Kingsley Enagbare and Joseph Ossai). But New York should still draft for value at this spot. Bailey happens to thread the needle of taking a player with a grade commensurate with the No. 2 pick and at an area the team must continue to invest in. His 14.5 sacks in 2025 was tied for the most in the FBS, as he plays with a lightning-quick first step and an aggressive approach to pass rushing. No Jets player had over eight sacks last season. 3. Arizona CardinalsArvell Reese, Edge, Ohio StateAfter Arizona released Kyler Murray, its offseason has signaled that drafting a quarterback is a logical outcome. But the Cardinals are not going to reach for one here. Like the Jets, the Cardinals can add to their recent front-seven investments, which include edge rusher Josh Sweat from last free agency. Reese is a unique defensive player in this class, playing a hybrid position at Ohio State as an off-ball linebacker and pass rusher. He has massive length at 6-foot-4, explosive athletic traits and major upside if the Cardinals keep him at edge rusher. Reese said at the combine that he hasn’t “scratched the surface” as a pass rusher. He generated 19 pressures on a mere 97 pass-rush reps in 2025. 4. Tennessee TitansSonny Styles, LB, Ohio StateThe Titans don’t have a glaring need at pass rush after trading for Jermaine Johnson and signing John Franklin-Myers. But new coach Robert Saleh shouldn’t mind more help at linebacker behind Johnson, Franklin-Myers and defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons. Styles has put together about as good of a final season and predraft process as you could ask for. He dominated on the field in 2025, finishing with the third-highest tackle percentage in the FBS (97.5%). Then at the combine, he posted the highest vertical jump by an off-ball linebacker since 2003 (43½ inches) and ran the fastest 40 at his position (4.46). Styles is instinctive and long at 6-5, with the versatility to cover or blitz as a former safety. 5. New York GiantsCaleb Downs, S, Ohio StateDowns has been a dominant force longer than any other defender in this class. The former Alabama and Ohio State All-American is a shapeshifter, deploying down in the box against the run or patrolling the back end with excellent coverage range. The Giants made strides in their safety room over free agency, adding Jason Pinnock and Ar’Darius Washington as help alongside Jevon Holland. But in a league where successful defenses deploy three safeties with greater frequency, what doesn’t appear as a major need for the Giants should not be dismissed. This would make Downs the highest safety drafted since Eric Berry in 2010. 6. Cleveland BrownsCarnell Tate, WR, Ohio StateThe Browns’ most obvious needs are at wide receiver and offensive tackle — despite plenty of new additions — and I’ve been an advocate for considering Georgia’s Monroe Freeling here to fill the left tackle need. But Tate is rated four spots higher than Freeling in my individual rankings, so let’s go with the sure-handed wideout. Tate averaged 17.2 yards per reception in 2025 and had just one drop. He’s versatile and can stretch the field for new coach Todd Monken, posting 875 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns. No Browns receiver had over 650 receiving yards or two touchdowns last season. 7. Washington CommandersJeremiyah Love, RB, Notre DameI’d argue the floor of Love would be at No. 7, as this would be a home run move for the Commanders with their only pick of the first two rounds. While the team signed veterans Rachaad White and Jerome Ford in free agency, make no mistake that the RB room has more than enough room for Love. Seventh-round pick Jacory Croskey-Merritt is Washington’s only returning RB from 2025, when he recorded 805 rushing yards (team high) and just 68 receiving yards. Love is the most dynamic offensive player in this class, running a 4.36-second 40-yard dash at the combine and averaging 10.4 yards per catch in 2025. He would immediately alleviate pressure on quarterback Jayden Daniels, also adding value as a pass protector. 8. New Orleans SaintsRueben Bain Jr., Edge, MiamiDefensive end Cameron Jordan could be out of New Orleans for the first time in his 15-year career, as he’s still a free agent despite 10.5 sacks in 2025. Regardless of whether Jordan returns, the Saints need to be mindful of adding youth to their pass-rush group. Bain has hands of destruction that allow him to be a forceful rusher and tenacious run defender. Some evaluators are questioning whether he has the length (30⅞-inch arms) to win as frequently at the NFL level, but he’s a well-rounded player who had 18.5 tackles for loss and 71 pressures in 2025. Per ESPN Research, no edge rusher over the past two decades has been drafted in the first round with sub-31-inch arms. 9. Kansas City ChiefsJordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona StateThe Chiefs are in desperate need of more big-play receivers, as Xavier Worthy hasn’t been a consistent spark plug for them the past two seasons. Tyson is the most explosive wide receiver in the draft and neck and neck with Carnell Tate for WR1 in my rankings. He has very good size, acceleration, unique run-after-catch skills and field-stretching ability. Tyson dealt with a hamstring injury in 2025 and previously suffered a broken collarbone and ACL tear, but he changes an offense when healthy. He had 50 catches, 732 yards and six touchdowns in the final six games of the 2024 season. 10. Cincinnati BengalsMansoor Delane, CB, LSUCincinnati has addressed the defense in free agency, but a hole at cornerback opposite of DJ Turner remains unanswered. Delane has strong man-coverage technique and ball skills to go along with good size at 6 feet, 187 pounds. He finished up his college career with a season at LSU after three years at Virginia Tech. Delane’s season in Baton Rouge solidified his first-round status, as opposing QBs completed only 27.7% of their passes when he was the targeted defender (the third-lowest rate in the FBS). Cincinnati allowed a completion percentage of 65.2% last season (19th in the league). 11. Miami DolphinsFrancis Mauigoa, OT, MiamiNew general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan has referenced building his roster from the inside out, and Mauigoa would be a big boost to an offensive line that needs it. Miami ranked 24th in pass block win rate and 29th in run block win rate last season. Mauigoa is a steady, well-built pass protector with raw power and the ability to get to the second level. Right tackle Austin Jackson recently agreed to a reduced and restructured contract that’s over after next season, so Mauigoa could slide in there. 12. Dallas CowboysJermod McCoy, CB, TennesseeOne of the true wild cards in this draft is McCoy, as he’s a top-10 talent but has not played or worked out for scouts since an ACL tear in January 2025. He is expected to participate in Tennessee’s pro day March 31, which will help solidify this ceiling if he’s healthy. At his best, McCoy is the top coverage cornerback in this class, with exceptional length (77-inch wingspan), ball skills, patience and timing to disrupt wideouts. In a full 2024 season, he had four interceptions and seven passes defensed. The Cowboys need all the cornerback help they can get after finishing last in yards per dropback allowed (7.3) and total pass breakups (30). 13. Los Angeles Rams (from ATL)Monroe Freeling, OT, GeorgiaThe Rams don’t have many glaring needs, so there’s an argument for them to draft a player who can boost their Super Bowl odds immediately. However, Freeling is too good of a prospect to pass up if the board fell this way. He has the most upside of any offensive lineman in this draft, with excellent size (6-7, 315 pounds) and athleticism (4.93-second 40-yard dash). With only 18 starts under his belt, Freeling would need time to develop into a left tackle at the next level. In Los Angeles, he would have the chance to be a sixth offensive lineman for a season, as Alaric Jackson is the current starting left tackle. 14. Baltimore RavensSpencer Fano, OL, UtahThe Ravens lost Pro Bowl center Tyler Linderbaum to the Raiders in free agency, while their starting guards (Daniel Faalele and Andrew Vorhees) ranked 32nd in pass block win rate last season. Baltimore signed guard John Simpson to a three-year deal, but it could continue to beef up its interior offensive line with this pick. Fano spent the past two years at right tackle and has experience at left tackle, but his 32⅛-inch arms have convinced some evaluators that he would be better at guard or center. He practiced snaps for NFL teams after his combine workout in Indy. No matter what position Fano ends up at, he has premier fluidity and movement skills (4.91-second 40-yard dash) for an offensive lineman. 15. Tampa Bay BuccaneersAkheem Mesidor, Edge, MiamiAn improved pass rush is a must for Tampa Bay after it tied for 18th in total sacks last season (37) and lost defensive end Logan Hall in free agency. The relentless Mesidor would help achieve that goal, coming off a College Football Playoff run where he had 5.5 sacks in four games. Mesidor was primarily a defensive tackle at West Virginia before reshaping his body and skill set to play largely from the edge at Miami. He has an impressive get-off and nuance as a rusher. While he turns 25 before the draft, most view him as a top-15 player off ability alone. 16. New York Jets (from IND)Makai Lemon, WR, USCDespite his moderate size at 5-11, 192 pounds, Lemon’s breakout season in 2025 launched him into conversation with Jordyn Tyson and Carnell Tate for the best receiver in this class. His hallmarks are his toughness, run-after-catch skills and strong hands. His catch radius is better than you’d expect for a player who is built more like a slot receiver, leading to 20 contested catches over the past two seasons. For the Jets, Lemon’s firepower is necessary to take some attention away from Garrett Wilson. Outside of Wilson, no Jets receiver had over 30 receptions or 350 receiving yards in 2025. 17. Detroit LionsKadyn Proctor, OT, AlabamaLeft tackle is a sizable need for Detroit with the departure of Taylor Decker after 10 seasons. Proctor is a sizable answer to the problem — literally — at 6-7, 352 pounds. He has power when he gets his hands on defenders in the running game as well. Proctor’s tape had up-and-down moments during his final college season, as sometimes his foot quickness was overmatched by edge rushers. But the upside is immense for the 20-year-old left tackle, who started all 40 games he appeared in at Alabama. 18. Minnesota VikingsDillon Thieneman, S, OregonAs Minnesota awaits word on whether safety Harrison Smith will return in 2026, coordinator Brian Flores’ defense is in need of a player who can offer similar ability to limit explosive plays downfield and cover well in the slot. Thieneman had six interceptions as a true freshman at Purdue, displaying exceptional ball skills, range and overall play. He finished up his career with one season at Oregon and had a dominant combine, which included a 4.35-second 40-yard dash. 19. Carolina PanthersKenyon Sadiq, TE, OregonThroughout this recent run of first-round picks at tight end, Sadiq separates himself with elite athleticism. At the combine, he posted a 4.39-second 40-yard dash (tight end record), 43½-inch vertical jump and 11-foot-1 broad jump. Sadiq would add an element of explosive run-after-catch ability for Carolina, which needs another dynamic option next to wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan. Sadiq had to bide his time at Oregon playing behind current Rams tight end Terrance Ferguson, but he led all FBS tight ends in receiving touchdowns in 2025 (eight). He more than holds his own as a blocker, too. 20. Dallas Cowboys (from GB)R Mason Thomas, Edge, OklahomaThomas is my type of football player as an explosive, powerful and relentless pass rusher. Plus, he has heavy hands and a nasty attitude when defending the run (21 run stops over the past two seasons). Thomas dealt with an injury for part of the 2025 season, but he still finished with 6.5 sacks and 23 pressures in nine games. The Cowboys must keep hammering away at their pass rush to find some semblance of what they had with Micah Parsons. Dallas traded for edge rusher Rashan Gary to boost this same initiative. 21. Pittsburgh SteelersOlaivavega Ioane, G, Penn StateThe clear-cut best guard in the draft is Ioane, who also happens to fill the Steelers’ biggest need other than QB. Isaac Seumalo, who started at left guard in Pittsburgh for the past three seasons, left for the Cardinals in free agency. And I continue to believe that Aaron Rodgers will decide to play one more season with Pittsburgh. Ioane is a physical, rugged guard who shows crunching power at the point of attack. He was exceedingly reliable at Penn State, meaning he could be a plug-and-play starter for new coach Mike McCarthy. Ioane ranks 14th among my top overall prospects. 22. Los Angeles ChargersEmmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, ToledoIn this year’s deep safety class, McNeil-Warren has a strong shot to be the third one off the board in the first round. He is extremely fluid and long, with great play vision and natural disruption skills. He forced three fumbles in 2025, while recording 12 pass breakups and five interceptions over the past three seasons. The Chargers have needs at edge and guard to address in the draft, but safety is a sneaky area where they need to get younger. Derwin James Jr. will be a 30-year-old free agent next offseason. 23. Philadelphia EaglesOmar Cooper Jr., WR, IndianaThough wide receiver A.J. Brown is still with the Eagles, the fact that the team reportedly had discussions for a trade tells you it’s still possible something happens after June 1, when it becomes more palatable from a salary cap standpoint. Of course, Philadelphia would be thin long term at receiver without Brown, which is where Cooper could help. He’s one of the best players in space from this class, averaging 7.3 yards after the catch in 2025. Plus, he can block extremely well downfield, which would fare well for running back Saquon Barkley. 24. Cleveland Browns (from JAX)Caleb Lomu, OT, UtahCleveland’s patience at left tackle pays off here by landing Lomu, who held down that spot opposite of Spencer Fano for the past two seasons at Utah. Lomu did not surrender a sack in 2025, but he must become a more physically formed tackle with improved strength at 6-6, 313 pounds. Lomu is a balanced pass protector and an accurate striker in the running game. He would fill a gigantic need for the Browns by sliding in next to the team’s three recent O-line additions: right tackle Tytus Howard, guard Zion Johnson and center/guard Elgton Jenkins. 25. Chicago BearsZion Young, Edge, Missouri The Bears need to keep investing in edge rushers after tying for the worst pass rush win rate in 2025 (28.8%) and not signing any big-time free agents. Young would be a good fit here because of his play style. He uses heavy, power hands and his 6-6 frame to engage and run through offensive tackles. Young also has some versatility to reduce down inside on sub downs and rush effectively because his sturdy frame can withstand contact. He had 6.5 sacks and two forced fumbles in 2025. Proposed trade: Cardinals move back into Round 1With only two selections in the opening three rounds, Buffalo could move eight spots back to No. 34 and receive an extra third-round pick (No. 65) from the Cardinals. The Bills would also receive a 2027 third-round pick in the deal. 26. Arizona Cardinals (via proposed trade with BUF)Ty Simpson, QB, AlabamaWith a hat tip to my pal Jordan Reid — the thought leader behind the Cardinals trading up for Simpson — Arizona can execute its own version of what the Giants accomplished in 2025. New York landed edge rusher Abdul Carter at No. 3 before trading up to take quarterback Jaxson Dart at No. 25. After taking Arvell Reese up top, the Cardinals can land the clear-cut second-best quarterback in this class here. Through the early part of the 2025 season, Simpson stood out with his ability to navigate the pocket and throw with accuracy and power when he can set his feet. With Jacoby Brissett and Gardner Minshew on Arizona’s depth chart, the team can bring Simpson along methodically. All 15 of his collegiate starts came this past season. 27. San Francisco 49ersKeldric Faulk, Edge, AuburnThe Niners need to work on their edge group, though a big boost will come from the returns of Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams from injury. Faulk is an intriguing prospect whose tape was better in 2024 than 2025 (7.0 sacks compared with 2.0, respectively). But his skill set is too good to ignore: He’s 6-6, 276 pounds with positional versatility and stout run defense. A defensive line coach will see the potential to develop Faulk into a much more consistent rusher, as he won’t turn 21 until September. 28. Houston TexansPeter Woods, DT, ClemsonWoods might have the biggest range of the prospects we’ve discussed so far. His ardent believers feel he could go in the top 15, while skeptics don’t see him as a first-round talent. Woods is an explosive but undersized defensive tackle whose production left a lot to be desired with just 5.0 sacks in the past two seasons. The right scheme would allow him to take his disruptive first step into opposing backfields frequently. Houston has the best defense in the AFC, but it could use some youth at defensive tackle, where Sheldon Rankins is 31 years old. 29. Kansas City Chiefs (from LAR)Cashius Howell, Edge, Texas A&MThe Chiefs haven’t had two first-round picks since 2022, when they drafted cornerback Trent McDuffie and edge rusher George Karlaftis. While the former was traded this offseason (to land this pick), the latter needs some help on the edge. Howell was the SEC Defensive Player of the Year after racking up 11.5 sacks in 2025, displaying an excellent first step, ability to bend the edge and closing speed. He lacks the optimal length for an edge rusher with just 30¼-inch arms, but that is offset by his ability to get underneath and around offensive tackles. 30. Miami Dolphins (via DEN)KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&MFollowing the release of Tyreek Hill and trade of Jaylen Waddle, Miami’s wide receivers group is inarguably the thinnest in the NFL. Adding Concepcion would be a step in the right direction. He’s among the most explosive players in the class, hauling in 25 receiving touchdowns in just three seasons and taking two punt returns to the house in 2025. However, Concepcion lacks massive size (6 feet, 196 pounds) and must clean up drops (seven this past season). 31. New England PatriotsDenzel Boston, WR, WashingtonThe Patriots linger as a team in the A.J. Brown sweepstakes, though as I mentioned above, no deal involving Brown is likely to be made until after June 1. New England’s only 1,000-yard receiver from 2025 (Stefon Diggs) was cut, and the signing of Romeo Doubs doesn’t complete its WR room. The 6-4 Boston would give the team better size than it has in its current corps. He is a smooth-moving, versatile wideout who could make splash plays with quarterback Drake Maye. Boston hauled in 20 touchdowns over the past two seasons, and he dropped only four of his 209 career targets. 32. Seattle SeahawksAvieon Terrell, CB, ClemsonTerrell put together a disruptive final season at Clemson, as the younger brother of Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell Jr. forced five fumbles in 2025 (after three in 2024). Though Avieon Terrell is on the smaller end (5-11, 186 pounds), that ability to punch out the ball would make him a good asset for a Mike Macdonald defense that had the sixth-most takeaways last season (25). Plus, he is a natural coverage corner who could take some of Riq Woolen’s vacated snaps. |
