| NFC SOUTH |
| TAMPA BAYThis from Adam Schefter: Buccaneers safety Antoine Winfield Jr.’s fiancée, Teesa Mpagi, emerged as an unexpected hero on the way to Saturday’s Fanatics Flag Football Classic at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles. Mpagi rushed to aid a pedestrian struck by a car in front of the friends-and-family bus headed to the game, per eyewitnesses on the bus. A woman was hit by a car, prompting immediate action: Winfield’s fiancée leaped off the bus without hesitation to provide aid, staying by the victim’s side, holding her hand, calling her husband for support and offering comfort until emergency vehicles arrived. Two EAG Sport employees, Alexandra Garcia and Cecilia Macris, joined to assist at the scene, while the CEO of EAG Denise White, directed traffic to keep the area clear. Winfield’s fiancée didn’t stop there; she rode in the ambulance to the hospital alongside the injured woman, ensuring she wasn’t alone during the ordeal. |
| NFC WEST |
| LOS ANGELES RAMSWith Seahawks WR JAXON SMITH-NGIBA locked up, it looks like WR PUKA NACUA could be the next WR to get $40 million per year per Tarohn Finley of YahooSports.com: Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua could be next in line for an extension after the Seattle Seahawks extended Jaxon Smith-Njigba on Monday, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Smith-Njigba’s new contract will make him the highest-paid wide receiver, with an average of $42.15 million per year. Last season, Nacua led in receptions with 129, while Smith-Njigba was fourth. In receiving yards, Nacua had 1,715, finishing just behind Smith-Njigba, who led the league. Both players recorded 10 touchdowns, although Nacua played one fewer game. Smith-Njigba won the Offensive Player of the Year award, beating out Nacua and others. Next year, Nacua will earn $5,828,244 in the final year of his rookie deal. Drafted in the fifth round in 2023, he does not have a fifth-year option. |
| SEATTLEAn extension for WR JAXON SMITH-NJIGBA per Myles Simmons of ProFootballTalk.com: So far, Jaxon Smith-Njigba is having a great 2026. According to multiple Monday morning reports, Smith-Njigba and the Seahawks have agreed to a four-year extension, keeping him under contract with the club through 2031. The initial reports indicate Smitn-Njigba’s deal is worth $168.6 million, making him the league’s highest-paid receiver on an average annual basis at $42.15 million. Seattle recently exercised Smith-Njigba’s fifth-year option. The No. 20 pick of the 2023 draft, Smith-Njigba was named 2025 AP offensive player of the year after catching 119 passes for a league-leading 1,793 yards with 10 touchdowns in 2025. He was also a first-team All-Pro honoree and a Pro Bowler for the second time. In the postseason, Smith-Njigba caught 17 passes for 199 yards with two touchdowns, helping the Seahawks win Super Bowl LX. The wideout has appeared in all 51 regular-season games for which he’s been eligible, catching 282 passes for 3,551 yards with 20 touchdowns. More on JSN’s big contract and who might surpass him from Tyler Sullivan of CBSSports.com: There’s a new highest-paid wide receiver in the NFL, and his name is Jaxon Smith-Njigba. The Seattle Seahawks have reached an agreement with the veteran receiver on a four-year, $168.6 million extension, per CBS Sports NFL insider Jonathan Jones. The $42.15 million average annual value tops the previous high set by Cincinnati Bengals’ Ja’Marr Chase by nearly $2 million. This extension comes on the heels of Seattle picking up Smith-Njigba’s fifth-year option last week. That move was largely a formality given how prolific the 24-year-old has been since being selected No. 20 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft out of Ohio State. Along with setting a new mark in average annual salary, ESPN reports that Smith-Njigba will also receive more than $120 million guaranteed, another record among wide receivers. Highest-paid WRs in the NFL Average annual salary Jaxon Smith-Njigba (Seahawks) $42.2 millionJa’Marr Chase (Bengals) $40.3 millionJustin Jefferson (Vikings) $35 millionCeeDee Lamb (Cowboys) $34 millionDK Metcalf (Steelers) $33 million This extension is the culmination of Smith-Njigba establishing himself as one of the NFL’s elite receivers in 2025 after taking on a larger role. The Seahawks overhauled their wide receiver room last offseason, moving on from mainstays like DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett, which cleared the path for Smith-Njigba to rise to the top of the depth chart. With that increased opportunity, the Oklahoma native put together a historic 2025 campaign. He earned unanimous first-team All-Pro honors and won Offensive Player of the Year after setting a franchise record with 1,793 receiving yards in the regular season, which also led the NFL. Jaxon Smith-NjigbaSEA • WR • #11Smith-Njigba was also a key part of Seattle’s Super Bowl LX run, totaling 17 receptions for 199 yards and two touchdowns in the playoffs. He was especially impactful in the NFC Championship Game against the Los Angeles Rams, catching 10 of 12 targets for 153 yards and a touchdown to help send the Seahawks to Santa Clara, where they ultimately hoisted the Lombardi Trophy after beating the Patriots. Now, Smith-Njigba will not only be in-house for Seattle’s 2026 title defense but will also be a central piece in adding more banners at Lumen Field for years to come. Who could unseat JSN as NFL’s highest-paid WR?If there’s one thing that we can say for certain, it’s that Smith-Njigba won’t be the NFL’s highest-paid wide receiver for long. These titles are constantly being tossed around at various positions, and it won’t be long until the next great receiver will be due for a contract and unseat Smith-Njigba. Moreover, teams have been far more likely to sign massive contracts with receivers in recent years. Back in 2016, there was just one receiver whose salary accounted for at least 10% of the team’s salary cap when signed. In 2026, this extension for Smith-Njigba brings the total to 13 receivers who cross that threshold when signed (h/t Robert Mays of The Athletic). So, who are some candidates who could snap that crown away from Smith-Njigba in due time? Let’s highlight three receivers. Puka NacuaLAR • WR • #12Nacua is entering the final year of his rookie contract in 2026, so the Los Angeles Rams will likely try to ink him to a long-term extension before they reach Week 1 in September. Nacua has a claim as the NFL’s best wide receiver, making him worthy of possibly exceeding what Smith-Njigba just received from an average annual salary standpoint. The 24-year-old put together another sensational season in 2025, leading the NFL in receptions and receiving yards per game (107.2). Nacua also went nuclear in the playoffs, totaling 332 yards receiving and two touchdowns through three postseason matchups. That includes a nine-catch performance in the NFC Championship where he tallied 165 yards receiving and a touchdown, albeit in a loss to Seattle. Through three seasons, Nacua averages 121 receptions and 1,619 yards per year. For him, it’s a matter of when rather than if he’ll surpass Smith-Njigba as the NFL’s highest-paid receiver. George PickensDAL • WR • #3As we’ve seen time and time again when it comes to these mammoth contract extensions, you don’t necessarily need to be the actual top player at your position to receive the richest contract. Instead, you simply need to time the market. For Pickens, he’s coming off a first season in Dallas where he posted career numbers across the board. After three seasons in Pittsburgh, Pickens joined the Cowboys and hauled in 93 catches for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns. Those receiving yard totals had Pickens third in the NFL, only trailing Smith-Njigba and Nacua. To complement that breakout, Pickens is just 25 years old, so he has the profile to ink a monstrous contract. The Cowboys already placed the franchise tag on Pickens this offseason, which is set to pay him $27.29 million fully guaranteed if he plays on it in 2026. However, if he plays hardball and seeks a long-term deal, his camp will likely push for top-of-the-market money. Whether Dallas (or any team) gives it to him is another story, but it’s not out of the realm of possibility, which is why we’re highlighting him here. Drake LondonATL • WR • #5London is an under-the-radar candidate to rise in the AAV rankings. The 24-year-old has the pedigree and production to warrant the conversation of receiving a record-breaking contract. He was the eighth overall pick in 2022 out of USC and has started to blossom into one of the top players at his position. In 2024, London posted career highs across the board, catching 100 balls for 1,271 yards and nine touchdowns. He was on pace to exceed his career high in receiving yards last season, but was limited to 12 games due to injury. Atlanta picked up his fifth-year option for 2026 last offseason, so London is entering a lame-duck year. He may not have as prolific numbers as Smith-Njigba, Chase, or some other receivers atop the market, but London’s camp can put together a compelling case for elite future production. |
| AFC SOUTH |
| INDIANAPOLISStephen Holder of ESPN.com on tagged QB DANIEL JONES: Daniel Jones grabbed his right leg and immediately recognized the gravity of the moment. The Indianapolis Colts quarterback, perhaps realizing his right Achilles tendon had ruptured amid the best season of his career, repeatedly slammed his helmet into the wet turf in a display of frustration. That scene, on Dec. 7 in Jacksonville, is now juxtaposed against a much different one: Jones walking into the Colts’ media room on March 12 — with no crutches and no noticeable limp — preparing to discuss the massive two-year contract extension he had just signed. That the Colts handed Jones a deal with a base value of $88 million and with a maximum value of $100 million via incentives, just three months after one of the more devastating injuries in sports, raised a fair number of eyebrows. But Jones and the Colts seem unfazed by it all. The team built its offseason strategy around retaining Jones and recapturing the offensive magic it found with him under center in 2025. The organization is moving forward under the belief that Jones will play as early as opening day in 2026 and can duplicate what he did a season ago. “What he was able to do before the injury was awesome for us,” coach Shane Steichen said. Said general manager Chris Ballard: “We feel good about where he is at and where he’s going.” But are the Colts on solid ground here? Or are they taking too rosy an approach to an injury that can have far-reaching implications for players? “I don’t think it’s unreasonable to think he might start opening day for them,” said Dr. Tim Kremchek, an orthopedic surgeon and medical director for the Cincinnati Reds. The bottom line: Given the stakes, the Colts and Jones have treated this with the ultimate seriousness. Jones’ surgery was performed by renowned surgeon Dr. Martin O’Malley, who also performed Achilles repairs on NBA stars Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics and Tyrese Haliburton of the Indiana Pacers. Tatum recently returned to the lineup less than 10 months after surgery following his injury in last season’s playoffs and has played impressively. Basketball involves much more explosive movements and more cutting than Jones would typically perform as a quarterback, Kremchek said. That, he added, means it’s reasonable to expect Jones to have a shorter return timeline. Relatedly, O’Malley is among the many physicians who employ a more updated method of Achilles repair. The procedure involves a much smaller incision than was used in the past, reducing the likelihood of infection and other complications. Another thing that allows the Colts to have some peace of mind is the timing of the contract talks with Jones. Jones and the Colts agreed to terms on March 11, just as the free agent signing period was about to begin. That was just over three months from the date of Jones’ Dec. 9 surgery, a key milepost in Achilles recoveries. “The three-month mark is when you’re kind of past the danger zone,” Ballard said. Kremchek concurred. “Three months is really the key point,” he said. At that juncture, the incision has fully healed (making infection unlikely), range of motion begins to return and the effectiveness of the surgery becomes more apparent. Doctors at that point can examine progress more easily, providing peace of mind. Jones was seen by O’Malley and team doctors before the contract was executed and felt that moving forward was prudent. An example of the significance of the three-month mark can be found in another NFL quarterback. The Cleveland Browns’ Deshaun Watson did not make it to the three-month mark in his recovery from a 2024 Achilles tear. He sustained a reinjury just more than two months after surgery and required a follow-up procedure that significantly set back his rehab timeline. “But once you get past that three-month mark, you’re pretty much golden,” Kremchek said. “It’s really hard to hurt them again after three months.” Now that Jones is more than 90 days out from surgery, his rehab will begin to ramp up. Strengthening will be a priority and, soon, he can progress to jogging. Some controlled football movements might be possible during offseason workouts this spring, Kremchek said, with Jones likely to resume throwing passes at the five- or six-month mark. An underrated variable in all of this is Jones’ approach to his rehab. He has attacked it in a relentless fashion, remaining in Indianapolis this offseason to work with the Colts’ medical staff on a daily basis. And Jones has left no stone unturned, consulting with quarterbacks who also sustained Achilles tears to look for tips. Jones reached out to Aaron Rodgers in the immediate aftermath of the injury, looking for advice on how to attack the recovery. Rodgers sustained a ruptured Achilles in Week 1 of the 2023 season. “It is a process and there’s a lot of work to do and I’m ready to do it,” Jones said. Finally, history is on Jones’ side. While the list of prominent quarterbacks who have experienced Achilles tears is not long, there have been notable success stories. The most famous example might be Hall of Famer Dan Marino’s 1993 injury at 32 years old. (Jones is 28.) Marino overcame the injury and had an impressive season in 1994, throwing for 4,453 yards and 30 touchdowns. Kirk Cousins, at 35, sustained an Achilles tear in Week 8 of the 2023 season with the Atlanta Falcons and was able to participate with few limitations in the team’s 2024 spring workouts. Rodgers, who infamously tore his Achilles on the first series of the 2023 season with the New York Jets at 40 years old, remarkably made a limited return to practice 11 weeks after surgery. The Jets ultimately elected not to play him until the following season. Can Jones join that list of quarterbacks with positive outcomes after an Achilles tear? He believes he’s well on his way. “I’m in a good spot,” Jones said. “I think I’m on schedule … I’ve hit my marks and just have to continue to do that. “I feel good with where I am right now.” |
| AFC EAST |
| NEW ENGLANDQB JOSHUA DOBBS is out – and QB TOMMY DeVITO is the new number 2. Mike Reiss of ESPN.com: The New England Patriots informed backup quarterback Joshua Dobbs of their intention to release him, sources told ESPN. Dobbs, 31, served as the No. 2 quarterback behind Drake Maye in the 2025 season. He was scheduled to earn a base salary of $3.2 million in 2026 and carried a $4.75 million salary cap charge. The deal included per-game roster bonuses of $25,000 (up to $425,000) and a $75,000 workout bonus. The Patriots’ decision comes after the club signed No. 3 quarterback Tommy DeVito to a two-year deal with a base value of $4.4 million after not tendering him as a restricted free agent. DeVito’s deal includes incentives that could increase its value to $7.4 million. So, the team now projects to bump DeVito, on a cheaper contract, to the No. 2 role. A No. 3 quarterback is expected to be added later in the offseason. Dobbs’ signature game with the Patriots came in a 31-13 win over the Tennessee Titans on Oct. 19 when Maye left early in the third quarter to be evaluated for a concussion. Dobbs entered and on third-and-5 completed a 12-yard pass to receiver DeMario Douglas before Maye returned on a drive that ended with a touchdown. That put the Patriots ahead 24-13, and they cruised from there. In all, Dobbs appeared in just four games last season, mostly to kneel on the ball at the end of victories. |
| NEW YORK JETSIt is one thing when a team has a pile of dead money on its cap after a spending spree that bought you victories. Then there are the Jets. Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com: The Dolphins and Cardinals aren’t the only teams taking massive dead-money charges for quarterbacks no longer on the team. The Jets are, too. As noted by Rich Cimini of ESPN, the Jets will carry $48 million in 2026 for 2023-24 starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers and 2025 starting quarterback Justin Fields. Overall, the Jets have $104 million in total dead money this year, third highest in the league. The cap charge for Rodgers arises from his 2025 release, a post-June 1 designation that spread the dead money over two years. The Fields charge comes from the back end of his two-year contract signed in 2025, the recent trade that sent him to the Chiefs, and the fact that the Jets will pay $8 million of his $11 million in 2026 compensation. The good news is that the Jets got quarterback Geno Smith for only $3.3 million this season. The better news is that, per Cimini, the Jets are expected to have more than $150 million in 2027 cap space. Still, the Jets will be operating in 2026 with more than a third of the $301.2 million salary cap devoted to players who no longer play for the team. |
| THIS AND THAT |
| BEST OFFSEASONSA bevy of NFL.com experts are excited about the offseasons for Las Vegas, Carolina and The 2026 NFL Draft is still a month away, but we’ve already seen significant roster reshuffling via the free agency frenzy and a slew of trades. Not to mention, a whopping 10 franchises have new head coaches. All of that begs a simple question: Which team has enjoyed the best offseason so far? Jeffri ChadihaNFL.com ColumnistPICK: Las Vegas RaidersThe Raiders entered free agency as one of the teams with the most money to spend, and they used it wisely. Center Tyler Linderbaum will improve an offensive line that was horrible in 2025. The defense added youth (edge rusher Kwity Paye and linebackers Nakobe Dean and Quay Walker) and veteran leadership (NB Taron Johnson). This team also would’ve been sitting on two first-round picks if the Ravens hadn’t nixed the Maxx Crosby trade, but Las Vegas is still much better on paper than at any point last year. Eric EdholmLead Draft WriterPICK: Carolina PanthersThe Panthers have done well adding talent and depth without massive overpays. After missing out on a few free agents last year, they landed a big fish in OLB Jaelan Phillips. Adding LB Devin Lloyd and OT Rasheed Walker at very respectable salaries is what makes this crop a real winner. They also signed C Luke Fortner, WR John Metchie III, among others, and didn’t lose a ton. Really like what Dan Morgan has done so far, upgrading the reigning NFC South champs. Maurice Jones-DrewNFL.com AnalystPICK: Las Vegas RaidersLas Vegas entered the offseason with a long to-do list. I loved the hiring of head coach Klint Kubiak and appreciated how the Raiders rebuilt themselves in the trenches by signing guard Spencer Burford and center Tyler Linderbaum to the help pave the way for second-year RB Ashton Jeanty and protect rookie QB Fernando Mendoza, the presumptive No. 1 overall pick. The Raiders, who were planning for life without Maxx Crosby, did a nice job fortifying the front seven, re-signing Thomas Booker and Malcolm Koonce and signing free agents Kwity Paye, Nakobe Dean and Quay Walker. Ultimately keeping Crosby after the trade fell through feels like the cherry on top to me. Las Vegas should be much more competitive in 2026. Nick ShookAround The NFL WriterPICK: Tennessee TitansWith new head coach Robert Saleh established and franchise quarterback Cam Ward having completed his first NFL season, general manager Mike Borgonzi was not shy during free agency. Borgonzi followed Saleh’s lead on the defensive side, acquiring a collection of the coach’s type of players — and plenty of former Jets, including defensive linemen Jermaine Johnson II, John Franklin-Myers, Solomon Thomas and Jacob Martin. Tennessee also added veteran defensive tackle Jordan Elliott, who played under Saleh in San Francisco last season, and snagged two starting corners in Cor’Dale Flott and Alontae Taylor. Offensively, Borgonzi attacked Tennessee’s greatest weaknesses: signing Wan’Dale Robinson to serve as Ward’s slot receiver after Robinson enjoyed a career year for the Giants in 2025; replacing tight end Chig Okonkwo with former Giant Daniel Bellinger; and reinforcing the O-line with guard Cordell Volson and center Austin Schlottmann. Tennessee remains a work in progress, but adding an explosive receiver fills the biggest offensive need, and Borgonzi properly supplied Saleh with soldiers who can execute his defensive vision. Marc RossNFL.com AnalystPICK: Carolina PanthersI recently wrote about how much I loved the defensive additions of Jaelan Phillips and Devin Lloyd. The Panthers also made two under-the-radar O-line signings in center Luke Fortner, who’ll replace Cade Mays at a significantly lower price without much drop-off in talent, and tackle Rasheed Walker. The latter, who signed a team-friendly deal, offers insurance for Ickey Ekwonu as the left tackle works his way back from a serious knee injury suffered in January. |
| 2026 DRAFTA Mock Draft from the legendary Mel Kiper, Jr. of ESPN.com: Here’s my thinking on how Round 1 could look based on current team needs and what I’m hearing from sources in the league. And for more, check out “NFL Draft Daily” at 3 p.m. ET on ESPN2 all week. 1. Las Vegas RaidersFernando Mendoza, QB, IndianaIncluding the No. 1 selection in mock drafts is just a formality at this point. It’s going to be Mendoza, and the Raiders have spent the past two weeks trying to clean up the surroundings for his arrival. The team’s biggest signing was center Tyler Linderbaum on a massive three-year, $81 million deal; he will help Mendoza with setting protections and improve the interior blocking. The Raiders also moved on from their previous starting QB by trading Geno Smith to the Jets. That leaves Aidan O’Connell as the only passer on the roster. It’s time for the Mendoza era to begin in Las Vegas. 2. New York JetsDavid Bailey, OLB, Texas Tech In my January mock draft, I had Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese here. In February, I went with Ohio State safety Caleb Downs. Now, it’s Bailey. These are all good options for a defense that could use a lot of help, but the Jets really need an instant impact edge rusher. They were 31st in sacks last season (26) and traded Jermaine Johnson, further thinning out the unit. They have to find foundational players off the edge. And Bailey is explosive and productive, posting 14.5 sacks (tied for first in the FBS), 71 pressures (second) and a 20.2% pressure rate (first) last season. 3. Arizona CardinalsArvell Reese, OLB, Ohio StateThe Cardinals weren’t much better than the Jets in the sack department, tying for 28th with 30. Josh Sweat needs a running mate, and Reese has the instincts and burst to get home on the QB. Of course, Reese also played off-ball linebacker at Ohio State, and though he said during the combine that he would be an NFL edge rusher, that sort of versatility is a big plus. He had 6.5 sacks and nine tackles for loss last season. 4. Tennessee TitansJeremiyah Love, RB, Notre DameHere is where things get interesting. We haven’t seen a running back go in the top four since Saquon Barkley (No. 2 in 2018), and the Titans certainly have a long list of issues — even after aggressively spending in free agency last week. But Tennessee is committed to boosting the offense around second-year quarterback Cam Ward, and Love would take the run game to another level while also serving as a dynamic pass catcher. His game features 4.36 speed, excellent vision, run-you-over power and soft hands. Love would be an immediate upgrade over Tony Pollard for new offensive coordinator Brian Daboll. 5. New York GiantsCaleb Downs, S, Ohio StateThe Giants have some options at safety — including newly signed Jason Pinnock and Ar’Darius Washington — but Downs is on another level. He’s a complete football player, and New York should have no hesitation in taking him here (highest draft slot for a safety since Eric Berry in 2010). Putting him alongside Jevon Holland on the back end would help not only in creating turnovers (the Giants had 15 last season, 25th in the league) but also shoring up a very bad run defense. 6. Cleveland BrownsMonroe Freeling, OT, GeorgiaThe Browns are hitting the reset button on their offensive line. First, they traded for Tytus Howard. Then they signed Zion Johnson and Elgton Jenkins, and re-signed Teven Jenkins on the interior. Toss in getting Dawand Jones back from a season-ending knee injury, and this is a completely different unit from what we saw late in 2025. Freeling could be the final piece of the puzzle. His decision to declare for this class was originally a little bit of a surprise, considering he had 18 college starts. But I see franchise left tackle traits; he’s quick and alert in pass pro, using his long 34¾-inch arms to his advantage. 7. Washington CommandersSonny Styles, LB, Ohio StateThe Commanders couldn’t stop anyone last season, and linebacker Bobby Wagner appears to be headed elsewhere as a free agent. Bringing in Styles — my No. 6 prospect regardless of position — to team up with Frankie Luvu and new addition Leo Chenal makes some sense. After a 77-tackle season, Styles posted an incredible 43½-inch vertical jump at the combine, a glimpse into his explosion. Washington needs good ball players, and Styles is just that. I could also see Washington going with a receiver here, perhaps Carnell Tate, Styles’ teammate at Ohio State. The Commanders’ offense is looking for more juice opposite top wideout Terry McLaurin. 8. New Orleans SaintsCarnell Tate, WR, Ohio StateThe Saints’ main signings have come on offense — guard David Edwards and running back Travis Etienne Jr. — and that’s also where I’d expect them to look during the draft. They need to surround second-year quarterback Tyler Shough with as much talent as possible, and the No. 2 wide receiver on the roster is Devaughn Vele (25 receptions last season). Tate brings a well-rounded scouting report, with solid route running and the ability to come down with tough catches thanks to his hands and body control. He’d be great opposite Chris Olave — yet another excellent receiver to come out of Ohio State in recent years. 9. Kansas City ChiefsRueben Bain Jr., DE, MiamiAfter trading Trent McDuffie and losing Jaylen Watson in free agency, cornerback need some repairs. LSU’s Mansoor Delane and Tennessee’s Jermod McCoy have to be considerations here. But remember, the Chiefs now have two first-round picks. And Bain would be very tough to pass up at this spot. Despite 30⅞-inch arms that caused quite the stir at the combine, Bain is dominant off the edge. He simply finds ways to get to the QB, whether it’s with his speed, power or savviness. He had 71 pressures last season en route to 9.5 sacks and 18.5 tackles for loss. 10. Cincinnati BengalsMansoor Delane, CB, LSUEven with Boye Mafe in the fold, the edge rush leaves a lot to be desired. But with Bain off the board, there isn’t a pass rusher whose value fits here. The Bengals would have to reach for Missouri’s Zion Young, Auburn’s Keldric Faulk or Miami’s Akheem Mesidor, and it’s just too early for any of those guys. But Cincinnati was also one of four teams to give up more than 7 yards per opponent dropback in 2025, and it would love to have a true No. 1 corner. Delane can make plays on the ball (11 pass breakups, two interceptions last season) in either man or zone coverage. 11. Miami DolphinsJordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona StateI originally had right tackle Francis Mauigoa (Miami) here; Austin Jackson has played 14 games combined over the past two seasons, and Larry Borom is off to Detroit. There’s a hole on the right side of the O-line. But … then the Dolphins traded Jaylen Waddle to the Broncos, forcing me to tweak a few picks. Malik Washington and new addition Jalen Tolbert are the top two receivers in Miami right now. That isn’t a great setup for Malik Willis, whom the team just signed for $67.5 million over three years. Tyson is almost always available to the football, making tough plays in tight coverage. If not for some durability concerns, Tyson would probably be the top receiver in the class. Miami would need him to contribute in a big way as a rookie. 12. Dallas CowboysJermod McCoy, CB, TennesseeDallas gave up a league-worst 7.3 yards per dropback last season, and the secondary was gashed for a league-high 46 passing plays of 25 or more yards. I liked the Jalen Thompson signing at safety, and Cobie Durant will chip in at cornerback alongside DaRon Bland and Shavon Revel Jr., but the Cowboys are still looking for their No. 1 cornerback. McCoy doesn’t come without questions; he tore an ACL in January 2025, sat out the season and then didn’t work out at the combine. But he can flat-out play when he’s on the field. McCoy had four interceptions in 2024. If Dallas likes what it sees at his March 31 pro day, this could be a smart pick. 13. Los Angeles Rams (from ATL)Francis Mauigoa, OT, MiamiThe dominoes of the Jaylen Waddle trade impacted the Rams’ pick. I had Jordyn Tyson here as their new WR3 behind Puka Nacua and Davante Adams, but there’s no way Miami would let the top-tier receiver slip past No. 11. Instead, I’m pivoting the Rams’ selection to the right tackle position. Mauigoa started 42 games in college, over which time he put together some really good tape. He uses his strength to dominate pass rushers, and he can clear out running lanes. Warren McClendon Jr. is under contract for only one more season, and run blocking is so important in the Rams’ offense. 14. Baltimore RavensSpencer Fano, OL, UtahIt appeared this pick was going to Las Vegas. Instead, Baltimore will still be on the clock at No. 14. Fano is steady as a pass protector, with double-digit starts at each tackle spot. But with 32⅛-inch arms, he might actually slide inside at the next level. Teams worked out Fano at center during the combine, and he could absolutely handle that role as a replacement for Tyler Linderbaum on the Ravens. Fano could also join new addition John Simpson as a starting guard. And on top of all that, he’d provide much-needed depth behind Ronnie Stanley and Roger Rosengarten at tackle. (The other path would be taking a wide receiver — don’t be surprised if this ends up being Jordyn Tyson or USC’s Makai Lemon.) 15. Tampa Bay BuccaneersKenyon Sadiq, TE, OregonFor the first time since he was drafted in 2014, Mike Evans won’t be suiting up for the Buccaneers. The veteran receiver signed with the 49ers, and though Tampa Bay still has Emeka Egbuka, Chris Godwin Jr. and Jalen McMillan, it is going to miss Evans’ 6-foot-5 size downfield and in the red zone. Sadiq could fill some of that void. Defenses struggle to match up with him because of his big 6-3 frame and 4.39 speed, and he has the explosive traits to go up and get 50-50 balls. Sure, the Bucs re-signed tight end Cade Otton, but new offensive coordinator Zac Robinson ran 12 personnel (two tight ends) 38.2% of the time in Atlanta last season, second most in the NFL. 16. New York Jets (from IND)Ty Simpson, QB, AlabamaThe Jets don’t have to draft a quarterback here. They traded for Geno Smith as a bridge option and have three first-round picks in 2027, when the QB class should be a lot better. But this is a good range for Simpson, who has only 15 career starts but throws with accuracy, processes quickly and moves well in the pocket. He threw 28 touchdown passes in 2025 and is a first-round QB in my book. Simply put, New York has to take some swings to figure out the long-term solution under center. I could see the Jets drafting Simpson and letting him learn and develop a little behind Smith before he moves into the starter role. 17. Detroit LionsKadyn Proctor, OT, AlabamaThe Lions entered free agency with a Taylor Decker-sized hole at left tackle after the veteran asked for his release. They signed Larry Borom, but they shouldn’t stop there. Proctor’s play was a little uneven last season, but I think he can stick at left tackle in the NFL and could help keep Jared Goff upright as Detroit tries to get back to the playoffs. Proctor has 40 starts worth of experience, knows how to take away opponent pass-rush moves and moves very well for a 6-7, 352-pound blocker. 18. Minnesota VikingsDillon Thieneman, S, Oregon We still don’t know whether 37-year-old Harrison Smith will keep playing (and if so, whether he’ll return to Minnesota as a free agent). Joshua Metellus, Jay Ward and Theo Jackson are the top safeties on the Vikings’ depth chart. In a division with Caleb Williams, Jordan Love and Jared Goff, this has to be a priority at the draft regardless of whether Smith is back for Year 15. I had Thieneman to the Vikings in my last mock draft. He reminds me a lot of Smith in the way he reads the QB and reacts in a flash. I could see defensive coordinator Brian Flores getting creative with Thieneman, lining him up all over the formation and letting him use his great ball skills to pile up takeaways. 19. Carolina PanthersEmmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, ToledoThree safeties in the top 20! McNeil-Warren deserves to be here; he has the speed and instincts to make plays, accumulating 10 forced fumbles and five interceptions over his four seasons at Toledo. Carolina focused on defense this month, signing edge rusher Jaelan Phillips and linebacker Devin Lloyd to sizable contracts. It also brought back safety Nick Scott alongside Tre’von Moehrig, but McNeil-Warren could make a big impact in the secondary and give the team some options. The Panthers allowed 6.5 yards per dropback last season (22nd in the NFL). 20. Dallas Cowboys (from GB)CJ Allen, LB, GeorgiaIt’d be wise for the Cowboys to double-dip on defense (Jermod McCoy at No. 12). They gave up 6.1 yards per play in 2025, 31st in the NFL and third worst for any team in any of the past five seasons. Allen can play all three downs, as he can drop in coverage, run down ball carriers and even blitz. He had 97 tackles last season for the Bulldogs, showcasing tremendous read-and-react skills. 21. Pittsburgh SteelersOlaivavega Ioane, G, Penn StateThe Steelers’ quarterback situation is still a big question. Will Aaron Rodgers return? Will another veteran step in — such as Kirk Cousins? Or will Pittsburgh target a signal-caller in the draft? No matter what the Steelers plan to do, the top two quarterbacks are off the board here, and there isn’t a third one worthy of a Day 1 selection. Instead, Pittsburgh can try to replace Isaac Seumalo, who signed with the Cardinals. Ioane is the top pure guard in the class, with the power to physically move pass rushers out of the way and the light feet to erase second-level defenders. He didn’t give up any sacks last season. 22. Los Angeles ChargersPeter Woods, DT, ClemsonAfter the Chargers attacked their interior offensive line problem before free agency even opened, they can turn their attention to the defensive line and a high-upside player such as Woods in the first round. Some teams will be worried about his lack of production last season (two sacks), but his potential is robust as an NFL 3-technique. He could add some punch to the Chargers’ defensive front as a penetrating interior havoc-wreaker. 23. Philadelphia EaglesMax Iheanachor, OT, Arizona StateIheanachor had 31 starts at Arizona State, but he didn’t play much football before that, picking up the sport late. He’ll need time to reach his potential in the NFL. But what better way to develop than learning behind an elite right tackle in Lane Johnson? Iheanachor plays with quick feet — he ran a 4.91-second 40-yard dash at 6-6 and 321 pounds — and great length. He could provide swing tackle depth in Year 1 before eventually taking over for Johnson on the right side in the future. 24. Cleveland Browns (from JAX)Makai Lemon, WR, USCI’m a huge fan of Lemon, and he could go earlier than 24th. The board just sort of fell this way in this mock draft. Cleveland wouldn’t be complaining, though. It currently has Jerry Jeudy, Cedric Tillman and Isaiah Bond atop its depth chart — meaning no real changes to a wide receivers room that had a league-low 1,467 yards last season. Lemon nearly met that himself with 1,156 receiving yards over 12 games at USC. He has a slot receiver’s build at 5-11 and 192 pounds, but he plays as if he’s much bigger, with a fierce approach to the game. Coupled with Monroe Freeling at No. 6, this would be a good first round for the Browns. 25. Chicago BearsZion Young, DE, MissouriThe Bears had 35 sacks (tied for 22nd) and a lowly 28.0% pressure rate (29th) last season. Montez Sweat had 10 of those sacks, but there wasn’t much beyond him. Dayo Odeyingbo was signed last offseason to be the second guy off the edge, but he managed one sack over eight games before an Achilles injury ended his season. Despite struggling to find consistent quarterback pressure for a few years now, Chicago hasn’t used a top-50 pick on an edge rusher since Leonard Floyd went ninth in 2016. Let’s change that. Young had 6.5 sacks and 46 pressures last season, playing with power and a full-go motor. He’d bring some intensity to the Bears’ front. 26. Buffalo BillsAvieon Terrell, CB, ClemsonThe Bills’ tight salary cap led to some cornerback changes this offseason, with the team cutting Dane Jackson, trading Taron Johnson and letting Tre’Davious White hit free agency. They have Christian Benford and 2025 first-rounder Maxwell Hairston in place, but the depth is shallow. Terrell is great in man coverage, showing the ability to stick on receivers. He didn’t come away with any interceptions last season, but he broke up nine passes. 27. San Francisco 49ersBlake Miller, OT, ClemsonYou probably see an offensive tackle to San Francisco and think “Trent Williams heir apparent.” But Miller actually played 97% of his college snaps on the right side. Perhaps he’d transition to left tackle if the Niners can’t figure out Williams’ contract situation, but I like Miller as an upgrade over Colton McKivitz on the right side regardless of what happens there. The 6-7, 317-pound Miller would bring consistency and reliability to this O-line. (San Francisco also signed Vederian Lowe as some insurance at left tackle.) 28. Houston TexansChristen Miller, DT, GeorgiaWhy would the Texans go defense? Yes, it’s their strength, but they need to keep it their strength. Smart teams plan ahead. And having the chance to put a disruptive interior lineman between Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter is exciting. Miller is active and quick, and he keeps getting better. With opponents focused on stopping Anderson and Hunter, Miller could get pressure inside and make some plays in the backfield. He had 7.5 tackles for loss over the past two years. 29. Kansas City Chiefs (from LAR)Brandon Cisse, CB, South CarolinaI teased it earlier, but the Chiefs can’t really afford to leave Round 1 without a CB. I had them going with Rueben Bain Jr. at No. 9, but this pick then has to be about the cornerbacks room, as Trent McDuffie, Jaylen Watson and Joshua Williams are all gone. Kansas City has signed only Kader Kohou so far to replenish the position. Cisse showed off his explosiveness at the combine, jumping 41 inches in the vertical. He anticipates and closes well, with 12 pass breakups over the past two seasons. He could slide right in to the starting lineup. 30. Miami Dolphins (from DEN)Keldric Faulk, DE, AuburnMiami now has two first-round picks, and after it took Jordyn Tyson to help replace Jaylen Waddle at No. 11, I’m going defense here. Faulk is 6-6 and 276 pounds, and he has the power to toss blockers aside on his way to the quarterback. He’d also boost the Dolphins’ run defense; he had 11 run stops last season. Miami traded Jaelan Phillips at the trade deadline last season and then released Bradley Chubb in a cap-saving measure. This has to be a focus at the draft. 31. New England PatriotsKC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&MThe Patriots signed receiver Romeo Doubs to a four-year deal worth up to $80 million to replace Stefon Diggs, who was released this month. I like the signing a lot, but I’m not sure it fully checks the wide receiver box for New England. Concepcion averaged 15.1 yards per catch last season, and he’d stretch the field for quarterback Drake Maye. But don’t sleep on his ability to also turn quick routes into big gains. Concepcion had 449 yards after the catch last season. He’d also make an instant impact in the return game (two punt returns in 2025). 32. Seattle SeahawksColton Hood, CB, TennesseeTwenty picks after Jermod McCoy came off the board, another Tennessee corner closes out Round 1 of this mock draft. Hood fits perfectly with the Mike Macdonald defense as a cornerback with length and decent speed, and while he had only one interception in 2025, he broke up 10 passes. The defending Super Bowl champions returned Josh Jobe and brought in Noah Igbinoghene, but Riq Woolen is off to the Eagles. Hood could get significant reps on the outside in Year 1. |
