| As we head to the draft tonight, this from Jay Glazer, who may have trained with his source: NFL_DovKleimanFireworks: NFL insider Jay Glazer says a source told him something extremely “juicy” will happen on draft night in the first round. “I know something is happening, I just can’t say it yet. I was told I can’t say it until we are getting on the clock.” And this, unrelated: JayGlazerTalking to a tonnnnn of personnel people, coaches, etc. I always ask guys to give me their “sure thing” guys they think will absolutely have double digit years in this league on a Pro Bowl level. This year there were FOUR in the majority: Mendoza, Love, Downs and Vega Ioane. Not to say others won’t but these four were mentioned in the majority of guys I talked to. DB MOCK DRAFTLet’s do this: 1. Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza, QB, IndianaWe wonder where Mendoza will end up on a ranking of first overall QBs. We’re thinking somewhere around Bryce Young or Trevor Lawrence. Okay, but maybe not all you would want. 2. New York Jets: David Bailey, edge, Texas TechJets fans know that however the Jets coinflip between Bailey and Arvell Reese comes up the “winner” will bust and the loser will be a star. Still, Bailey seems sure to be at least solid. 3. New York Giants: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame (trade with Arizona)This trade is contingent on Arizona being willing to take less than the Giants #10 for a two pick move. But if the deal is #5 and #37 (and something in 2027), then the Cardinals get the same guy they would have taken here and have room to maneuver later. The Giants get an offense of Jaxson Dart, Jeremiyah Love and Malik Nabors and are ready to rock and roll in 2026. 4. Tennessee Titans: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio StateRobert Saleh gets a defensive leader (we like the Fred Warner comparison). We think that’s more appealing than developmental rusher Reese. 5. Arizona Cardinals: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah (trade with Giants)The Cardinals decide Fano is a cleaner, healthier OT prospect than Miami’s Francis Mauigoa 6. Cleveland Browns: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio StateThe Browns look at a receiver depth chart of Jerry Jeudy, Cedric Tillman and Isaiah Bond and decide they need to get better with an Ohio State WR. 7. Washington Commanders: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona StateA weapon for the offense (but Caleb Downs could be the defensive consideration) 8. New Orleans Saints: Arvell Reese, EDGE, Ohio StateThe Saints stop Reese’s fall counting on Brandon Staley to coach him up and add another rusher to a defense that will soon lose Cam Jordan. 9. Dallas Cowboys: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU (trade with Kansas City)The Chiefs have no idea what to do with a top 10 pick, so they trade out to the Cowboys who are said to covet Delane. 10. New York Giants (from CIN): Caleb Downs, S, Ohio StateJerimiyah Love and Caleb Downs – as close to a sure thing as there is in the draft – will send the Giants surging up the standings in 2026. 11. Miami Dolphins: Francis Mauigoa, OT/G, MiamiThe Dolphins could go a lot of ways here. But we think Mauigoa represents value at #11. 12. Kansas City Chiefs: Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana (trade with Dallas)We love Cooper and think he will thrive in a well-designed offense. Kenneth Walker II and Cooper give Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid two great toys for a return to glory. 13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Rueben Bain Jr., edge, Miami (trade with L.A. Rams)Does anyone think the Rams will pick at 13? We have an inkling that Bain is high on the Tampa Bay draft board and when he’s this close to falling to them, they move up. Pass rush is Tampa Bay’s number one priority. 14. Baltimore Ravens: Vega Ioane, G, Penn StateIoane shows up here on many Mocks – and we will add to that number. 15. Detroit Lions: Kadyn Proctor, OT/G, Alabama (trade with L.A. Rams)The Rams are glad to continue to trade down and the Lions make sure they get their man. 16. New York Jets (from IND): Makai Lemon, WR, USCThe Jets need a receiver and some thought Lemon would be the first one off the board 17. Los Angeles Rams: Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia (trade with Detroit) With free agency pending for four of their OL starters, the Rams finally pick and take a tackle. 18. Minnesota Vikings: Dillon Thieneman, S, OregonThis is a chalk pick. Harrison Smith’s replacement. 19. Carolina Panthers: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, OregonBryce Young’s game seems well-suited for a stud tight end – which the Panthers have not had. 20. Arizona Cardinals: Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama (trade with Dallas)Armed with picks from their earlier trade, the Cardinals fly up to beat the Steelers to Simpson 21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State 22. Los Angeles Chargers: Akheem Mesidor, edge, Miami 23. Philadelphia Eagles: Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah 24. Cleveland Browns (from JAX): Keldric Faulk, edge, Auburn 25. Chicago Bears: T.J. Parker, edge, Clemson 26. Buffalo Bills: Chase Bisontis, G, Texas A&M 27. San Francisco 49ers: Malachi Lawrence, edge, UCF 28. Houston Texans: Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State 29. Kansas City Chiefs (from LAR): Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee 30. Miami Dolphins (from DEN): KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M 31. New England Patriots: Blake Miller, OT, Clemson 32. LA Rams, Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State (trade with Seattle)Would the Seahawks trade with a division rival? We think John Schneider would do it if enough picks are involved. |
| NFC NORTH |
| CHICAGOIllinois is making a late push to save the Bears and the state’s House just passed a bill that might make the Arlington Heights project possible. Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com: Indiana is ready and willing to build a stadium for the Bears. Illinois is still trying to prove that it’s able. Via the Chicago Sun-Times, the Illinois House of Representatives has passed a bill that creates a property-tax incentive for the Bears to build their new venue on property the team owns in Arlington Heights. The measure, passed by a vote of 78-32, would allow the Bears to skip traditional property taxes in lieu of negotiated (and undoubtedly far lower) payments. The Illinois Senate will now take up the issue. Tax breaks are a different way to funnel taxpayer money into a stadium project. In lieu of diverting existing public dollars, the Bears would simply be paying fewer dollars to the public. As explained by Christopher Placek of the Arlington Daily Herald, the 376-page bill (which has grown from only 38 pages) is just one of the governmental incentives necessary to persuade the Bears to not cross the border. However it goes, the clock is ticking on keeping the team from going to a different state. The Bears anticipate knowing whether Illinois will be able to put a deal together by early summer. Regardless of whether Illinois does what the Bears want, it remains to be seen whether they’d actually move to Indiana. A recent Chicago Tribune poll found that only 38 percent of respondents would continue to support the Bears if they left Illinois, and that 15 percent would change allegiances to another team. Of course, it’s one thing to say it. It’s another thing to do it. For most fans, sports teams are like family members. No matter what they do, they remain family members — and any threats to disown them end up being impossible to execute. That said, it’s far better for the Bears to be in Illinois. And, for now, it seems that the Indiana option is aimed solely at breaking the logjam in Illinois. So far, it seems to be working. |
| NFC EAST |
| DALLASWith Dallas not giving a big deal to WR GEORGE PICKENS, maybe they won’t draft a defender tonight. Charean Williams of ProFootballTalk.com: The Cowboys won’t negotiate with George Pickens in 2026, forcing him to play on the franchise tag. That isn’t likely to make the Pro Bowl wide receiver happy. A trade, followed quickly by a long-term contract, would. The Cowboys need defensive help in the worst way to improve a unit that ranked last in the NFL in surrendering a team-record 511 points. And they have two first-round draft picks to help the defense in a big way. Surely they wouldn’t consider using one on an offense that ranked second in yards and seventh in points. Right? “That’s alive and well. Given the right circumstances, you have to look at offense,” Jerry Jones said, via Nick Harris of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. In 2020, CeeDee Lamb slid to 17th, and the Cowboys, despite needing defensive help, selected the Oklahoma wide receiver. Lamb is a better player than any of the first-round defensive players drafted after the Cowboys’ pick that year. Only Patrick Queen has made a Pro Bowl among that group of defenders. The Cowboys have the 12th and 20th selections this year. They had Arizona State wide receiver Jordyn Tyson and Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate among their top-30 pre-draft visitors. Executive vice president Stephen Jones was asked how the decision not to reward Pickens with a long-term deal affects the Cowboys’ draft strategy. “That’s all part of the global picture,” Stephen Jones said, via Schuyler Dixon of the Associated Press. “Certainly, you’re always looking at that. It’s just like we did when we took CeeDee Lamb. We had some really good receivers on this team, but we took him. It would certainly be no different as we look at the board and our number gets called to pick, and we’ll make that decision at that point. We’re certainly not opposed to taking the best player on our board. That’s usually where we’ve had our most success is doing that. As Jerry said, we were all set to go defense in that particular draft and CeeDee Lamb was sitting there and that’s the guy we went with. It’s turned out to be a great selection for us.” Stephen Jones would not address whether the team would give Pickens a head’s up if it decides to pick a wide receiver. “We don’t want to get into the weeds like that today,” he said. “We’ll have a lot of options, and we’ll obviously address those types of situations if they happen to come about. Certainly we go over all our contingencies and how we would handle something or what we would do. But to get into the detail of that, I don’t think it’s productive today.” |
| NEW YORK GIANTSDoes Wesley Steinberg have sources or “sources”: @WesSteinbergSources: #Giants are moving up to #3 for RB Jeremiyah Love. |
| NFC SOUTH |
| ATLANTAEDGE JAMES PEARCE, Jr. does well for himself in the Florida justice system after a raft of felony charges. Next up, NFL Justice. Michael Rothstein and Marc Raimondi of ESPN.com: Atlanta Falcons edge rusher James Pearce Jr. agreed Thursday to enter an intervention program, allowing him to avoid trial on felony charges of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, fleeing police and resisting arrest, along with misdemeanor stalking, his attorney said. Pearce’s attorney, Yale Sanford, told ESPN that Pearce must stay away from his ex-girlfriend, WNBA player Rickea Jackson, and participate in therapy as part of the stipulations of the six-month intervention program, which is run by an outside third party. Pearce was not present in the courtroom but attended the hearing via videoconference. He is scheduled to appear in Miami-Dade County court on May 7 to finalize details. Florida law allows for the police officers and the victim — Jackson in this case — to be consulted before the deal is finalized. The Falcons declined comment Thursday, citing the pending legal matter. Messages left with the Miami-Dade state attorney’s office and Jackson’s attorneys were not immediately returned to ESPN. The four counts against Pearce, 22, stemmed from a Feb. 7 incident in Doral, Florida, where he allegedly rammed his Lamborghini into a car being driven by Jackson and then drove away from police when they attempted to arrest him. |
| NFC WEST |
| LOS ANGELES RAMSAs Michael David Smith of ProFootballTalk.com praises the Rams for long term thinking that puts them at #13 in tonight’s draft, he is implicitly criticizing the Falcons for the opposite. The Rams reached the NFC Championship Game last season, head into this season as the betting favorites to win the Super Bowl, and should draft another good player tonight, when they own the 13th pick in the first round, thanks to a forward-thinking trade with the Falcons last year. A year ago, the Rams traded their own first- and third-round picks to the Falcons for Atlanta’s second- and seventh-round picks, plus their 2026 first-round pick. The Falcons badly wanted pass rusher James Pearce, and they were willing to give up their 2026 first-round pick to go up and get him. Rams General Manager Les Snead and head coach Sean McVay have earned the job security that makes it easy for them to think ahead when making trades. They didn’t need the instant gratification of adding a player in the first round in 2025, when they anticipated that with the Falcons’ first-round pick they’d have a chance to add an even better player in 2026. While the Rams played the long game, Falcons GM Terry Fontenot and coach Raheem Morris knew they were on the hot seat. Knowing their 2025 job status was “win now or get fired,” they didn’t have time to worry about their 2026 first-round pick. Sure enough, Fontenot and Morris were both fired at the end of last season. The new regime in Atlanta has to rebuild without a first-round pick, while Pearce is not currently with the team as he faces legal charges stemming from alleged abuse of his ex-girlfriend. The Rams are in much better shape. They traded away their own first-round pick for cornerback Trent McDuffie, but the Falcons’ first-round pick means they still have the ammunition to bolster their roster tonight. Maybe they’ll add a good player with the 13th pick, or maybe Snead will trade it for more picks or another player, but either way, the Super Bowl favorites should get better tonight. The long-term thinking the Rams showed during last year’s draft is one of the reasons they’ve been able to consistently stay near the top of a league that is structured to promote parity. |
| AFC SOUTH |
| JACKSONVILLEThe Jaguars may be trying to move up with WR BRIAN THOMAS, Jr. as bait. Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com: Last year, the Jaguars gave up this year’s first-round pick as part of the effort to move up three spots to get Travis Hunter. This year, the Jaguars may be using a prior first-round pick to get another one. As the draft approaches, we’re told that the Jaguars may be trying to lay the foundation for a potential trade into the bottom of round one. The potential bait could include receiver Brian Thomas Jr. Thomas has been a consistent subject of trade chatter. Last month, G.M. James Gladstone called such talk “fraudulent.” A first-round pick in 2024, Thomas had a strong rookie season — 87 catches, 1,282 yards, 10 touchdowns in 17 games. In 14 games last year, Thomas had 48 catches for 707 yards and two touchdowns. In 2025, receiver Parker Washington led the team with 58 catches and 847 receiving yards. In nine games after a trade from the Raiders, receiver Jakobi Meyers had 42 catches for 483 yards. Hunter becomes the wild card. He was primarily a receiver a year ago. If that continues, he’d join Washington and Meyers as the top three options at the position, if the rumors end up not being quite so fraudulent. For whatever reason, Thomas didn’t have the same impact under Liam Coen. With both the coach and G.M. who were with the team when Thomas was drafted gone, he becomes an asset the Jaguars could utilize in an effort to crash the round-one party. Much of it depends on whether a player the Jaguars covet is available as the first round moves past the first 20 picks or so — and whether there’s a team in that window that would prefer to trade its first-round pick for Thomas. The reality is that every first-round pick, when used, becomes essentially a trade for that player. The question is whether a team would rather trade that pick for an unproven incoming player, or whether that team would trade the pick for a player who made a significant splash in his first NFL season. For now, the Jaguars won’t be on the clock until the 24th pick in round two, after 55 other players are selected. They have ten other picks, including three third-round selections. |
| TENNESSEELB SONNY STYLES is the betting favorite for the Titans at #4. Michael David Smith at ProFootballTalk.com: Throughout the pre-draft process, Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love has been widely expected to go to the Titans with the fourth overall pick in the draft. Not anymore. A late surge of bets has come in on Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles, who is now favored over Love to go fourth overall at some sports books. Styles could make sense because he’s an ideal fit for the defensive scheme preferred by first-year Titans head coach Robert Saleh. As Saleh looks to rebuild the Titans, he may think a linebacker can do more for his defense than a running back could do for his offense. At the same time, there’s also talk that Love could be off the board when the Titans pick: Love’s odds to go No. 3 overall are now second only to Arvell Reese’s odds. We all know the Raiders are going to take Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the first overall pick, but after that it’s wide open from No. 2 on down. And that includes the possibility of the Titans taking Styles in what would be a surprise, but not a betting upset. |
| AFC EAST |
| BUFFALOGM BRANDON BEENE hints that CB Tre’DAVIOUS WHITE could be doing an encore to last year’s encore season. Ryan Miller of the Rochester Democrat-Chronicle: The Buffalo Bills brought Tre’Davious White back last year as a low-risk addition. He became a key contributor. It could happen again. General manager Brandon Beane said Monday the team could revisit a reunion with White after the NFL Draft, leaving open the possibility that one of the franchise’s most recognizable players of the last decade returns for another stint. “We love Tre’Davious,” Beane said. “I think at this point we’re waiting through the draft, and he probably is as well. But you’d never close the door on bringing a guy like Tre back to Buffalo.” White, 30, returned to the Bills last season on a one-year deal as a veteran depth piece and mentor to the team’s young cornerbacks, including 2025 first-round pick Maxwell Hairston. He ended up leading by example on the field. White started 16 games in 2025, recording 40 tackles, six tackles for loss, one interception and 10 pass breakups. He allowed a 51.1% completion rate on 47 targets for 247 yards and two touchdowns. His bounce-back season came after a stretch of injuries. White played just 21 games from 2022-2024 after suffering a torn ACL and torn Achilles. He was released by Buffalo in 2024, spent time with the Los Angeles Rams and Baltimore Ravens, then returned to the Bills last season. “I told my agent, ‘If you can’t get Buffalo on the line, just don’t call me,’” White said after he signed last year. |
| NEW ENGLANDMike Vrabel will miss the third day of the draft. He seeks “counselling”, starting on Saturday. Longtime Patriots scribe Mike Reiss of ESPN.com somehow heard from Vrabel. New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel won’t be with the team for the third day of the NFL draft Saturday. “As I said the other day, I promised my family, this organization and this team that I was going to give them the best version of me that I can possibly give them. In order to do so, I have committed to seeking counseling, starting this weekend,” Vrabel said Wednesday night. “This is something that I have given a lot of thought to and is something I would advise a player to do if I was counseling them. “I have always wanted to lead by example, and I believe this is what I have to do to be the best husband, father and coach that I possibly can be. This is not an easy thing for me to admit, but it is one that I know will make me a better person. I appreciate the support that everyone has given me and promise a stronger resolve as a result.” Vrabel, who has two sons with his wife, Jen, plans to be with his family this weekend outside of Massachusetts. Reiss reports Vrabel “saying” it, which implies a personal conversation, but it reads like a statement. The Boston Globe says it was a “statement to Mike Reiss”. Maybe a personal text or email? This as the New York Post “finds” more photos of the duo without anyone around in Sedona. Drew Lerner of Awful Announcing: Further evidence suggesting NFL reporter Dianna Russini and New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel were alone at an Arizona resort, rather than with a group of friends, has been released by Page Six, the outlet that initially published the bombshell photos implicating the pair. In a set of newly released photos, Russini and Vrabel can be seen together at a resort pool, with other pictures showing Russini and an unidentified man (presumably Vrabel) dining together. Per Page Six, “Multiple eyewitnesses claimed that the two dined alone.” If true, it would refute Russini’s and Vrabel’s initial claims that they were with a group of friends at the Arizona resort. One “insider” told Page Six that Russini and Vrabel seemed to be taking steps to avoid being spotted together. “One of them would go ahead, and then the other would wait for a few seconds or so, and then they would follow a few steps ahead,” the source told Page Six. Clay Travis: @ClayTravisMike Vrabel missing day three of the draft for “counseling” is super weird. He couldn’t start the counseling on Sunday or Monday instead? This feels like an unannounced, yet also strange, Patriots punishment that draws more needless attention to the story. Makes zero sense. Does this guy know something or is it BS? @BeyondAvgMick🚨DEVELOPING STORY🚨 I have team sources telling me that the Patriots are extremely concerned about this Mike Vrabel situation: “There’s now a real chance that the origination has to fire Vrabel due to past issues that are starting to surface” @BeyondAvgMickI’m told that upper management is very unhappy with the lack of transparency coming from Mike Vrabel: “The team already feels that Vrabel wasn’t completely forthcoming when they questioned him on his relationship with Russini” We think “Beyond Average Mick” is Kirk Minihane who has a podcast and seems to have a history in Boston and with Barstool Sports. As we go to press, the Post has struck again with photos it purports are Vrabel and Russini canoodling in a New York bar in 2020 (no masks, so early 2020?). We’ve seen them and we’re not sure the guy is Vrabel and they aren’t clear enough of the woman to make any judgment. |
| NEW YORK JETSChad Forbes has sources on the Jets debate about EDGES ARVELL REESE and DAVID BAILEY: Chad Forbes @NFLDraftBitesInside Jets Arvell Reese v. David Bailey decision. GM doesn’t trust Staff to tailor scheme to ensure proper utilization of Arvell Reese. When Jets change coaches after 2026, a new scheme / new voices could stunt Reese’s development. Scouting Staff doesn’t see semblance of a plan to transition Reese to the NFL. 24 hours from the draft, Jets Coaching Staff still doesn’t know if Reese is an Edge or off ball LB. Bailey is a weak side edge rusher. Character Wise? Bailey is 2 years older. Reese isn’t a bad kid. Bailey is just exceptional character wise. Full and Total Endorsement from the Stanford Staff. Including Frank Reich. Measurable wise, Bailey checked boxes. Comps to Will Anderson Jr. Reese is the more talented ascending player. David Bailey is safer with no questions on role in a Defense. Jets are FAR MORE comfortable with David Bailey than Arvell Reese. |
| THIS AND THAT |
| DANIEL JEREMIAH’S MOCK DRAFTLet’s see what Daniel Jeremiah, at NFL.com, thinks will happen tonight: 1 Las Vegas RaidersFernando MendozaIndiana · QB · Junior (RS)Mendoza has occupied this spot from start to finish in my mocks this year. The Raiders have done a good job of setting the table for him with the signings of Tyler Linderbaum and Kirk Cousins to smooth the transition. Now they have a passer to help them compete in a division full of talented quarterbacks. 2 New York JetsDavid BaileyTexas Tech · Edge · SeniorThe debate continues here: Bailey or Ohio State’s Arvell Reese? I’m going with Bailey as the more refined player with the more defined role. Pairing him with Will McDonald IV gives the Jets two fastballs off the edge, mirroring the team GM Darren Mougey previously worked for in Denver. 3 New Orleans Saints PROJECTED TRADE WITH CARDINALSArvell ReeseOhio State · LB/Edge · JuniorIf the Cardinals stay put at No. 3, I think Jeremiyah Love is the pick. If they are offered a 2027 first-round pick to trade down, that’s going to be a tough deal for them to pass on. So, they take it in this scenario. The Saints have made 25 draft trades since 2008. They traded up in all 25 instances. Assistant GM Jeff Ireland was with the Cowboys when they drafted Pro Football Hall of Famer DeMarcus Ware, so he’s aware of the difference an elite pass rusher can make. Defensive coordinator Brandon Staley might be reminded of a player he’s coached at multiple spots in his career, 2016 first-round pick Leonard Floyd. 4 Tennessee TitansSonny StylesOhio State · LB · SeniorStyles is a perfect match for the Fred Warner role in Robert Saleh’s defense. 5 New York GiantsJeremiyah LoveNotre Dame · RB · JuniorIn this scenario, Love falls into the Giants’ lap and they can’t turn down the opportunity to pair Jaxson Dart with a home run hitter in the backfield. If Love is off the board at No. 5, I think WR Jordyn Tyson would be the pick here. 6 Cleveland BrownsSpencer FanoUtah · OT · JuniorIt sounds like the Browns are trying to trade down from No. 6. If they stay here, I think the decision comes down to Fano versus Kadyn Proctor. I have them going with the more athletic and consistent offensive lineman. 7 Washington CommandersJordyn TysonArizona State · WR · Junior (RS)The Commanders have a screaming need at wide receiver. There are legitimate durability concerns about Tyson, but they are willing to take a chance on the upside. I also see safety Caleb Downs as a possibility here. 8 Arizona Cardinals PROJECTED TRADE WITH SAINTSFrancis MauigoaMiami · OT · JuniorMauigoa slides in at right tackle opposite Paris Johnson Jr. on the left side, giving the Cardinals bookends on the offensive line and setting up their next selection (SEE: Pick 26). 9 Kansas City ChiefsMansoor DelaneLSU · CB · SeniorIt feels like the Chiefs will be deciding between a pass rusher (Rueben Bain Jr.) and a cornerback here. They decide to go with the top cover man in the draft after losing multiple starters from the secondary in the offseason. 10 New York Giants (via CIN)Carnell TateOhio State · WR · JuniorWith Jordyn Tyson off the board, Tate comes into play for the Giants. The rookie joins Malik Nabers to give Jaxson Dart two outstanding wide receivers heading into a critical year in his development. 11 Miami DolphinsRueben Bain Jr.Miami · Edge · JuniorThe Dolphins could go in a lot of different directions here because they have so many needs. Bain will come highly recommended by Pro Football Hall of Famer and former Dolphins star Jason Taylor, who coached the disruptive pass rusher at the University of Miami. 12 Dallas CowboysCaleb DownsOhio State · S · JuniorThis is a perfect scenario for the Cowboys. Downs suffers a bit from a positional-value fall and gives Dallas an instant-impact player on a defense that allowed the most points per game (30.1) and passing yards per game (251.5) last season. 13 Los Angeles Rams (via ATL)Makai LemonUSC · WR · JuniorWith Puka Nacua and Davante Adams both entering the final year of their respective deals, the Rams add a young weapon for Matthew Stafford. I also wouldn’t be shocked if they made an aggressive move up the board. But in this case, they stay put and get a good player. 14 Baltimore RavensKenyon SadiqOregon · TE · JuniorI could see the Ravens trading down or going with Penn State IOL Olaivavega Ioane here. They end up landing Sadiq, who helps fortify the tight end spot after Baltimore lost Isaiah Likely and Charlie Kolar in free agency. 15 Philadelphia Eagles PROJECTED TRADE WITH BUCCANEERSKadyn ProctorAlabama · OT · JuniorI’m expecting a big trade market for the 16th overall pick, with teams looking to move ahead of the Lions for an offensive tackle. The Eagles trade up one spot higher to beat the competition for Proctor. 16 New York Jets (via IND)Omar Cooper Jr.Indiana · WR · Junior (RS)Cooper is a nice complement to Garrett Wilson. The former Hoosier can play inside and is excellent when it comes to picking up yards after the catch. 17 Detroit LionsMonroe FreelingGeorgia · OT · JuniorThere’s a widespread expectation that the Lions will draft an offensive tackle in Round 1. They could be tempted to trade up for one, but I expect them to have options even if they stand pat. Freeling is ultra athletic and could give the Lions the opportunity to keep Penei Sewell at right tackle, if they so choose. 18 Minnesota VikingsColton HoodTennessee · CB · Sophomore (RS)Minnesota adds a talented prospect to Brian Flores’ secondary. Hood is one of the most consistent players in the draft class. 19 Carolina PanthersDillon ThienemanOregon · S · JuniorI was told early in the offseason that the Panthers really wanted to add a premier pass rusher and a center fielder to the defense. They found their rusher in free agency with the Jaelan Phillips signing. Now they have the chance to land a center fielder in Thieneman, who was utilized in that role at Purdue earlier in his career. 20 Dallas Cowboys (via GB)Malachi LawrenceUCF · Edge · SeniorThis is a potential trade-down spot. I have heard the Cowboys like Lawrence, which makes a lot of sense considering their new assistant defensive line coach, Demeitre Brim, was a defensive analyst for UCF last season. 21 Pittsburgh SteelersBlake MillerClemson · OT · SeniorEarlier this week, Steelers GM Omar Khan mentioned Broderick Jones is limited as he recovers from a neck injury that sidelined him for the final six games of last season. With that in mind, the tackle position looks like a viable need. Troy Fautanu could easily move over to left tackle, allowing Miller to slide in at RT. 22 Los Angeles ChargersOlaivavega IoanePenn State · IOL · Junior (RS)This is a dream scenario for the Chargers, with Ioane falling to them. He would fill their biggest roster need and immediately thrive in Mike McDaniel’s offense. 23 Tampa Bay Buccaneers PROJECTED TRADE WITH EAGLESAkheem MesidorMiami · Edge · SeniorThe Bucs can trade down to this area in Round 1 and still land Mesidor, a productive rusher with inside/outside versatility. 24 Cleveland Browns (via JAC)KC ConcepcionTexas A&M · WR · JuniorThe Browns found their offensive tackle at No. 6 and now they can add some much-needed explosiveness at receiver. Concepcion is a dynamic pass catcher and an excellent punt returner. 25 Chicago BearsKeldric FaulkAuburn · Edge · JuniorI’ve had a couple people around the league tell me Faulk is a good scheme fit for Dennis Allen’s defense. He can play on the edge but also has the ability to rush from inside if needed. 26 Arizona Cardinals PROJECTED TRADE WITH BILLSTy SimpsonAlabama · QB · Junior (RS)If the Cardinals want to move up from No. 34 for Simpson, I think they’ll find some very willing trade partners late in Round 1. With no second-round pick right now (traded it in the DJ Moore deal), Buffalo could be motivated to get something done for extra draft capital. Arizona makes a move for its QB of the future after bolstering the offensive line earlier in Round 1. 27 San Francisco 49ersDenzel BostonWashington · WR · Junior (RS)I could see the Niners looking for D-line help here, coming off a year when they were plagued by injuries on the defensive front. In this scenario, though, they add more firepower for Brock Purdy. Boston comes highly recommended out of Washington’s program. 28 Houston TexansMax IheanachorArizona State · OT · SeniorThe Texans have reconstructed their offensive line with some versatile pieces this offseason. Long term, Iheanachor has a chance to start opposite Aireontae Ersery at offensive tackle, but Houston can take its time developing the rookie. 29 Kansas City Chiefs (via LAR)Treydan StukesArizona · DB · SeniorThere’s been a lot of buzz around Stukes, and I think he has a good chance of going in Round 1. He can play nickelback or free safety, and a lot of teams believe he could line up outside, too. He’s been very impressive in interviews with teams. There are similarities to Trent McDuffie in terms of intelligence and versatility. Kansas City quickly fills its secondary needs with the additions of Mansoor Delane and Stukes. 30 Miami Dolphins (via DEN)Caleb LomuUtah · OT · Sophomore (RS)Lomu would join Patrick Paul to give the Dolphins a pair of talented, young bookends on the offensive line, and Austin Jackson could move inside if needed. 31 New England PatriotsChris JohnsonSan Diego State · CB · SeniorThe Patriots can afford to take the best prospect available here. They have quality players at cornerback, but they’re going to have to pay Christian Gonzalez (rookie deal expires after 2027 season) and they’re already paying Carlton Davis III. Johnson gives them a younger, cheaper option to eventually replace Davis, and this San Diego State product is versatile enough to line up at multiple spots in the secondary, perhaps even at safety. 32 Baltimore Ravens PROJECTED TRADE WITH SEAHAWKSPeter WoodsClemson · IDL · JuniorIf the Ravens sit back and wait for their next scheduled pick at No. 45, they have to worry about the Raiders or another team taking Woods early in the second round. So, they use some of their draft capital to move up for a player they really like. Woods provides some insurance with Nnamdi Madubuike working his way back from neck surgery. |
| DANE BRUGLER’s MOCK DRAFTFrom The Athletic, Dane Brugler offers this Mock Draft: I say this every year, but I have no problem missing every pick in my final mock draft because that means it was a chaotic Round 1 — and that always makes for a fun night. Enjoy the first round, y’all. 1. Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza, QB, IndianaNo mystery here — Mendoza will be the first pick in the draft and on his way to Las Vegas shortly after the commissioner announces his name. 2. New York Jets: Arvell Reese, edge, Ohio StateThough the first pick is well known, the second pick is not. Texas Tech edge David Bailey certainly makes sense, especially if the Jets prefer a more “ready out of the box” selection. But Aaron Glenn has also talked about wanting more hybrid looks and front variations in 2026, which could point toward Reese. 3. Arizona Cardinals: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre DameWe can debate whether the Cardinals are at the right point in their roster construction to take this type of swing. But on the other side of that coin, they have a chance to add arguably the best player in the draft — and a weapon who would make a greater impact than anyone else they could take here. 4. Tennessee Titans: David Bailey, edge, Texas TechIf Love is still on the board, I think he will be the pick here. But if he’s not, the Titans would be thrilled to see Bailey still available. We know Robert Saleh would love to add more pass rushers. 5. New York Giants: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio StateThis will be a John Harbaugh pick, which means the Giants could go in multiple directions. Offensive tackle is in play. Or will Reese or Love fall here? If not, Downs could be the option (“positional value” be damned). 6. Cleveland Browns: Spencer Fano, OT, UtahThe Browns have undergone an offensive line facelift this offseason but aren’t done with the transformation. Fano is a top-tier athlete with multi-positional versatility, which would give Cleveland options for how to get its best five linemen on the field. 7. Washington Commanders: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio StateThe Commanders could use reinforcements on defense (it’d be hard to pass on Downs or Sonny Styles), but helping your young quarterback with an outside weapon who can win at all three levels? Jayden Daniels would approve of this pick. 8. New Orleans Saints: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona StateAside from Chris Olave, the Saints don’t have an established wide receiver who scares opposing defenses on their roster. Tyson would bring the talent to change that. 9. Kansas City Chiefs: Rueben Bain Jr., edge, MiamiThe Chiefs could use help at cornerback and wide receiver, but the chance to add a power rusher who’d immediately upgrade the defensive front fits the profile of this team. 10. New York Giants (from CIN): Francis Mauigoa, OT/G, MiamiShould they get an Ohio State defender at No. 5 (as they do here), the offensive line or Tyson would become the Giants’ expected target at No. 10. Mauigoa can start from day one at guard while also being a long-term right tackle option. 11. Miami Dolphins: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio StateGiven the needs on Miami’s roster, I don’t think there is a pick here that would be too surprising. Jeff Hafley didn’t coach Styles when he was defensive coordinator for the Buckeyes, but he is close with the Ohio State staff, and Miami linebackers coach Al Washington (also a former Buckeyes coach) has known Styles since high school. 12. Dallas Cowboys: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSUWill the Cowboys feel confident about staying put at 12 and getting their guy? That is what happens in this scenario, with Delane still on the board. I’m betting this fit would work out much better than the last time Dallas drafted an LSU defensive back (Morris Claiborne in 2012). 13. Los Angeles Rams (from ATL): Makai Lemon, WR, USCBased on feedback from other teams, the possibilities for what the Rams might do in Round 1 feel wide open. Taking a wide receiver such as Lemon would give the offense a boost, both today and for the future. 14. Baltimore Ravens: Vega Ioane, G, Penn StateIoane to Baltimore has been a chalky pairing throughout the entire draft process. But sometimes the pick that makes the most sense is how it plays out, and that’s what this feels like. 15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Akheem Mesidor, edge, MiamiThe Bucs would love to move out of this spot and get a pass rusher later in the first round. If they’re stuck at No. 15, Mesidor might be the best option. 16. New York Jets (from IND): Omar Cooper Jr., WR, IndianaThe Jets added a defensive playmaker at pick No. 2 and now land an offensive playmaker with this pick. Cooper can work inside-outside, and he’d complement Garrett Wilson. 17. Detroit Lions: Kadyn Proctor, OT/G, AlabamaProctor is a Round 1 wild card, but there is a good chance the run on offensive linemen will start early. The Alabama lineman is far from a perfect prospect, but his size and explosiveness make for a rare combination. 18. Minnesota Vikings: Dillon Thieneman, S, OregonWith Harrison Smith no longer under contract, the Vikings will be looking to replace his playmaking ability on the back end. Those are big shoes to fill, but Thieneman has the versatile skill set to make an immediate impact. 19. Carolina Panthers: Monroe Freeling, OT, GeorgiaWith the future of Ickey Ekwonu unsettled and Rasheed Walker on a one-year contract, the Panthers have examined their Round 1 left tackle options. Freeling might have the highest upside of any tackle in the draft class. 20. Dallas Cowboys (from GB): Keldric Faulk, edge, AuburnBecause of the Cowboys’ shift in scheme under new defensive coordinator Christian Parker, Faulk — with his skill set and given what he was asked to do at Auburn — would be a natural fit. He is a high-floor run defender, with ascending pass-rush talent. 21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Blake Miller, OT, ClemsonThere is plenty of league buzz that the Steelers could be in the tackle market with this pick (or even via a trade-up situation). Most teams view Miller as a high-floor prospect who will come in and lock down an offensive line spot as a rookie. 22. Los Angeles Chargers: Chase Bisontis, G, Texas A&MThe Chargers addressed their guard depth in free agency, but they’re also expected to add starter-level competition early in the draft. Bisontis has the power and movement skills to immediately upgrade the interior. 23. Philadelphia Eagles: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, OregonThis pick came down to Sadiq or Max Iheanachor, and I think most would assume the tackle to have the edge. But the Eagles are in the market for a pass-catching weapon for 2026, too, and don’t have a long-term solution at tight end. Sadiq would address both issues. 24. Cleveland Browns (from JAX): KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&MThe Browns got ahead of the offensive tackle run earlier in this mock and still have several wide receiver options at No. 24. Concepcion comes with a few question marks, but his dynamic talent is what the Browns are missing on offense. 25. Chicago Bears: T.J. Parker, edge, ClemsonZion Young makes sense. Peter Woods would be a nice addition to the Bears’ interior rotation. But I’m going with Parker, who’d bring a well-rounded play style to Chicago’s defensive line. 26. Buffalo Bills: Malachi Lawrence, edge, UCFThe Bills could be in the mix for a guard or defensive tackle at this pick, but they also might be looking for more explosiveness off the edge. Lawrence would bring exactly that. 27. San Francisco 49ers: Caleb Lomu, OT, UtahLomu is a young player with a bright future. And his landing with the 49ers might be ideal for both sides, because Lomu would have a front-row seat to watch Trent Williams play left tackle before eventually taking over the position. 28. Houston Texans: Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio StateMcDonald owns the point of attack and consistently makes plays in the run game, which would make him a welcome addition to Houston’s defensive line. 29. Kansas City Chiefs (from LAR): Denzel Boston, WR, WashingtonThe Chiefs traditionally haven’t targeted this style of wide receiver, but a ball-winner with size such as Boston would bring another dimension to Andy Reid’s offense. 30. Miami Dolphins (from DEN): Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego StateJohnson shouldn’t fall this far, but the Dolphins wouldn’t be upset about it. Styles and Johnson would make for a great first-round haul as Hafley revamps the defense. 31. New England Patriots: Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona StateThere are several worthy edge rushers still on the board (Young, Cashius Howell), but protecting Drake Maye should be the focus. Iheanachor would be a solid swing tackle as a rookie and could turn into a long-term option at right tackle. 32. Seattle Seahawks: Colton Hood, CB, TennesseeThe Seahawks are open for business with this pick, and there is a good chance another team moves up here (to take Alabama QB Ty Simpson?). But if Seattle stays put, Hood would be a great fit for its scheme. |
2026 DRAFTCharles Robinson of YahooSports.com compares QB TY SIMPSON to QB SHADEUR SANDERS in 2025: “[The] quarterbacks are all over the place.” That was the message from a high-ranking AFC executive Wednesday morning, reacting to Miami’s Carson Beck suddenly seeming to average out as the third-ranked quarterback in this NFL Draft for multiple teams. Of course, he wasn’t talking about just Beck. It was an overarching statement about draft ambiguity hanging over the entire class, starting right after Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza goes No. 1 overall to the Las Vegas Raiders. Once Mendoza’s name is called, you might as well affix the name of the next most highly ranked QB — Alabama’s Ty Simpson — to a dartboard. Then just start throwing. Because like Shedeur Sanders one year ago, nobody is really that certain about where he’s going to end up, or when his name is going to come off the draft board. As I wrote Tuesday, 10 talent evaluators from different NFL teams all pegged Simpson as the No. 2 quarterback in this draft. Of those 10, six put his draft spot as likely materializing in the late first round. Four put him in the early second. As one longtime evaluator put: “I know everyone is saying second round, but at the end of the day I think he goes in the first because too many teams need QBs and teams at the bottom of the first are willing to trade out this year. This is also arguably the worst draft in history, so it’s not like there are premium players that teams just have to have [at the end of the first]. In a normal draft, Mendoza probably goes 15th, if not lower.” By all accounts, that’s a fair and solidly held assessment on Mendoza across many personnel departments. And it’s not like it’s being whispered. Earlier this month, Kansas City Chiefs general manager Brett Veach predicted “there’ll probably be a lot of trades,” with the rationale that even the top of the board lacks a player with the kind of gravitas that makes a top-end pick untouchable. And when picks are touchable, it means trades and chaos. “That’s what a draft like this — when you don’t have two or three [elite] quarterbacks and a Will Anderson or Myles Garrett — does,” Veach said. “It lends itself to open up to a lot of fun and movement.” It also makes it hard to pin down a player like Simpson, whose uneven game tape and lack of college starts make him such a sizable risk. And while so many evaluators have been squaring him away as a late first-round trade-up target — or suggesting a definite floor of a second-round pick — it’s worth remembering that this time last year, a litany of executives were certain someone would take Shedeur Sanders several rounds higher than the fifth round that he landed in. All of this makes Simpson the drama-filled watch for Thursday night and potentially beyond. With that in mind, I’ll reboot an exercise I went through with Sanders one year ago and give you the different types of fits that could come into play. Starting with … The ‘Need’ fits Arizona CardinalsKirk Cousins effectively getting $20 million from the Raiders in 2026 to be a one-year security blanket for Mendoza has thrown a little wrench into things for the Cardinals. It has left bridge starter Jacoby Brissett looking for more money to hold the reins next season while Arizona drills down on a long-term starter. That complication is more than enough to put Simpson in play for the Cardinals, let alone the fact that his skills mesh nicely with head coach Mike LaFleur, who is running his own version of the Kyle Shanahan system. If you’re putting everything into one box, the Cardinals make the most sense for a Simpson landing spot. The system makes sense. The Cardinals’ pick territory in the early second round makes sense from a stand pat or trade up approach. It’s a dome team, which is ideal for Simpson’s average size. There is a bridge starter in place — whether it’s Brissett or Gardner Minshew — to offer patience. And there’s a need for a young quarterback to develop. Sure, the 2027 draft might offer better quarterbacks, but LaFleur would be getting a chance this year to develop his long-term starter. New York JetsLike the Cardinals, the need is there for a long-term quarterback and there is a bridge starter already in place with Geno Smith. Plus, Smith is on only a one-year deal and is currently backed up by a low-end No. 2 on the depth chart in Brady Cook. Structurally, that alone makes a ton of sense when it comes to drafting Simpson, who would eventually slot as the backup and then watch from the sideline as he develops. The Jets also have the ultimately flexibility, with picks at Nos. 2, 16, 33 and 44 overall. In theory, they could sit tight and take Simpson at 16. Or, if Simpson slides out of the first day, the Jets could select him to open the second round. Or if they don’t believe he’ll last to 33, they could package Nos. 33 and 44 and move back into the first round and get Simpson with an extra year of contract control. The one thing that gives me pause about the Jets, though, is the fact that they have three first-round picks in the 2027 draft, including their own, one from the Dallas Cowboys and one from the Indianapolis Colts. That draft is expected to be loaded at quarterback. Of course, it’s hard to make moves hoping that a future draft comes through with a quarterback. And if the Jets like Simpson enough, it stands to reason they could use all of that 2027 capital to build up the offense around him one year from now. That keeps the Jets among the real contenders to draft Simpson. Pittsburgh SteelersThe quarterbacks under contract are Mason Rudolph and Will Howard. Supposedly, the Steelers still have no word from Aaron Rodgers on his potential return — although, frankly, this once again feels like last offseason, when all the signs pointed to Rodgers being under center. Perhaps that’s not the case this time around. And if it isn’t then the Steelers have to be a serious contender to take Simpson, even if his size limitations in the AFC North make it feel like they’re once again compromising to draft a young quarterback. My gut, and past conversations I’ve had with the Steelers’ front office, lead me to think they don’t want to reach for a quarterback with limitations again, like they did with Kenny Pickett. But the fact remains that new head coach Mike McCarthy doesn’t have a clear-cut starter right now. I still think the Steelers have been sitting on their hands for a reason and Rodgers will be back to kick the QB can down the road another season. But need is need. The ‘Preparation’ fit Los Angeles RamsAt some point, the Rams have to find a young player to groom behind Matthew Stafford. Now backup Jimmy Garoppolo is mulling retirement, which at least drives home the reality that the Rams have to seriously start looking at quarterback options. It helps that Stafford played at an MVP level in 2025, which is at least suggestive that he might have a slightly longer horizon than initially thought. From all the conversations I’ve had about the Rams, they seem intent on trying to run it back with Stafford and Garoppolo next season and add to the offense in another way. I still believe they draft a piece to help Stafford rather than replace him. But Simpson’s traits also fit Sean McVay’s offense, and he wouldn’t be forced into action unless Stafford gets hurt in 2026. That leaves open the door to play the long game and potentially shock everyone and take Simpson as high as No. 13 overall. This is another team where my gut says no, but the long play is also enticing. Even if it means sacrificing a win-now pick at 13th overall. The ‘Total Chaos’ fits (if Simpson has a wild draft slide) Baltimore RavensLamar Jackson’s contract extension isn’t done and the longer that lingers, the more smoke there will be about team owner Steve Bisciotti and general manager Eric DeCosta preparing for life after Lamar next offseason with a total reboot. It’s hard to see this being where Simpson lands, but lest anyone forget, the Ravens had interest in Sanders when he slid in last year’s draft. If Simpson were to get to, say, the 45th overall pick, anything could happen. Philadelphia EaglesThis is a sneaky one and not anything that I think would be in play for the 23rd overall pick. That said, I can’t get it out of my mind that general manager Howie Roseman stunned everyone — including some people inside his own organization — when he decided to take Jalen Hurts with the 53rd overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. As the pick-from-your-home-office COVID draft, it feels like a lifetime ago. And maybe people forget that at the time, it seemed unthinkable that the Eagles would take a quarterback in the second round with Carson Wentz already entrenched as a young franchise starter. But Roseman saw two things: Wentz being difficult to coach and value in Hurts. I doubt Roseman would be that bold twice, but I put nothing past him if Simpson were to somehow trickle down to the 54th overall pick. Tampa Bay BuccaneersBy all accounts, Baker Mayfield is going to get his contract extension and this team doesn’t belong here. But he doesn’t have that extension right now. That at least makes Tampa Bay’s 46th overall pick interesting theater if Simpson gets to that point in the draft. Highly unlikely. But I also didn’t think there was a chance in hell the Atlanta Falcons would draft Michael Penix Jr. after signing Kirk Cousins, either.– – -Three guys with sources turned out their final Mock Draft on Wednesday – Todd McShay, Peter Schrager and Lance Zierlein.  |
