| As Michael David Smith of ProFootballTalk.com notes, there have been an average of 11 50+ FGs each week so far this season: There was a time when a 50-yard field goal was a rare accomplishment in the NFL. That time has passed. Now, 50-yard field goals are so commonplace that NFL kickers are 77-for-108 on field goals of 50 yards or longer this season. They’ve made 71.3 percent of all field goal attempts from 50 yards and beyond. A 50 yard or longer field goal happens about twice as frequently per game as it did 10 years ago; this year there’s been about 0.4 field goals of 50 yards or longer per team per game, and in 2015 it was about 0.2. Twenty years ago, 50-yard field goals were so rare that there were only 48 of them all season, or less than 0.1 per team per game. But just looking at field goals of 50 yards or longer doesn’t even tell the whole story, because coaches are letting their kickers attempt field goals from much farther out than they used to. A 60-yard field goal attempt used to be almost unthinkable, but this year NFL kickers are 4-for-8 from beyond 60 yards through six weeks. As recently as 2014, there wasn’t a single 60-yard field goal in the NFL for the entire season. For much of NFL history, one of the league’s most famous records was Tom Dempsey’s record for longest field goal, which was 63 yards. Already this year Chase McLaughlin has made a 65-yard field goal and Brandon Aubrey has made a 64-yard field goal. In the NFL’s first 86 seasons, there were a grand total of four 60-yard field goals. There have been four already this season. The NFL has never seen long-distance field goals like it’s seeing this year. |
| NFC NORTH |
| DETROITThe Buccaneers will be the beneficiaries of S BRIAN BRANCH’s thoughtless punch on Sunday night. @AdamSchefterLions safety Brian Branch’s one-game suspension was upheld upon appeal. |
| NFC EAST |
| NEW YORK GIANTSA thought from Scott Kacsmar: ScottKacsmarBetween Jayden Daniels and Dart, the NFC East might actually be deserving of its huge quota of prime time games they force on us every year. |
| WASHINGTONIt’s not that QB JAYDEN DANIELS has been bad in 2025. It’s just that he hasn’t been as good as he was in 2024 when not missing time with a knee ailment. Nick Shook of NFL.com: Jayden Daniels had only just cleared the persistent questions regarding his nagging knee ailment when disaster struck Monday night. In the days since Daniels’ fumble allowed the Bears a chance to complete a comeback win over his Commanders, the quarterback has been forced to answer for himself again, but for an entirely different reason. He’s owned his mistake and hopes to put it all to rest with a positive showing in Week 7. “I mean, that’s what a quarterback does,” he said on Wednesday of taking ownership of his late-game turnover. “But it was on me. So I take accountability.” Save for the game-changing giveaway, Daniels’ Monday night was a largely triumphant one. Yes, he threw an ugly interception early in the contest, but he also tossed three touchdown passes and looked like himself again for perhaps the first time in the 2025 season. That detail is what Commanders fans are hoping will stick well beyond the middle of October. Daniels knows, though, that it will ultimately be up to him and his teammates to ensure his fourth-quarter fumble is nothing more than a footnote by season’s end. “We feel we can put up points,” Daniels said, “but we just got to be better with the details and execution, so we don’t have slow starts.” Daniels has reason to point toward slow starts as a cause for the challenges the Commanders have encountered through six weeks. They’ve fallen behind by double digits in the first half of each of their last three games, and while Daniels only participated in their most recent game, it’s a trend Washington knows it must vanquish if it wants to repeat the success it enjoyed a season ago. Fortunately, the Commanders face the Cowboys and their struggling defense in Week 7. As most expect, their first-quarter woes — a period in which they’ve been outscored 36-14 this season — should melt away against Dallas’ defense, which ranks last in yards allowed, passing yards allowed and third-down percentage through six weeks. Another bit of good news arrived Wednesday: Top receiver Terry McLaurin (quadriceps) could return to the field against the Cowboys. McLaurin’s absence didn’t limit Daniels’ ability to propel the offense, but his return would be a boon for this group at the perfect time. Although nothing is guaranteed in this league, the Commanders have reason to feel optimistic going forward. Their quarterback regained his form on a prime-time stage, and a favorable matchup awaits them. They just need to get out of their own way in order to cross the finish line with their heads held high. “We understand it’s a roller coaster of a season so far,” tight end Zach Ertz said, via The Associated Press. “We’ve got to be more consistent as a team — offense, defense, special teams.” |
| NFC SOUTH |
| CAROLINAThe Panthers have the pleasant problem of apportioning carries between a pair of top-flight running backs. RBs CHUBA HUBBARD and RICO DOWDLE seem on-board with a tandem per Josh Alper of ProFootballTalk.com: There was no question about who the starting running back was for the Panthers when Chuba Hubbard hurt his calf ahead of Week 5, but things are less clear with him back at practice this week. Rico Dowdle’s 389 rushing yards and 473 yards from scrimmage in the two games Hubbard missed — both of which were Panthers wins — have made a strong case for a change at the top of the depth chart in Carolina. Head coach Dave Canales didn’t say if that will be the case against the Jets this week, but said Dowdle “earned the right to help this team, and he will, and we’ll find a way to do that.” Dowdle said he isn’t going to make a big deal about when he’s on the field because “the only thing we can control is going out there and producing at a high level.” “It don’t really matter who’s starting, just a matter about going out there, getting a win and executing and then as long as we all getting the ball and things like that and it’s helping the team win, so it really don’t matter,” Dowdle said, via the team’s website. Hubbard said that he feels “110 percent” heading into this weekend’s game against the Jets and that his mindset is that it is not important “whether it’s first, last, middle of the game,” so both backs seem content with however everything plays out. The longer the Panthers can keep winning, the longer that’s likely to remain the case. How many wins might the 3-3 Panthers have on schedule that gets tougher after the Jets this week? 7 Sun, Oct 19 @ New York Jets 8 Sun, Oct 26 Buffalo9 Sun, Nov 2 @ Green Bay10 Sun, Nov 9 New Orleans11 Sun, Nov 16 @ Atlanta12 Mon, Nov 24 @ San Francisco13 Sun, Nov 30 Los Angeles Rams14 BYE WEEK15 Sun, Dec 14 @ New Orleans16 Sun, Dec 21 Tampa Bay17 TBD – Flex Seattle18 TBD – Flex @ Tampa Bay Well, if they can win a road game at the Jets this week (winning on the road is not an easy task for the Panthers) and sweep the Saints (again that needs a road win). But let’s say that’s 6 wins. Then lets say the road games at GB, SF and, yes, ATL are a bridge too far. Even Atlanta who they beat 30-0 a couple of weeks ago. That leaves home games with good teams Buffalo, the Rams, Tampa Bay and Seattle. If the Panthers can continue to play well at home and split these four, that puts them at 8-8 going into Week 18 against a Buccaneers team that could be resting its starters. Likely? We say no. Possible? Yes. |
| NEW ORLEANSThe Saints go to Chicago this week – and QB SPENCER RATTLER will be facing the guy who beat him out at Oklahoma, QB CALEB WILLIAMS. Nick Shook of NFL.com: When the Saints (1-5) head to Chicago to face the Bears (3-2) Sunday, a reunion of sorts will take place. Bears franchise quarterback Caleb Williams and current Saints starter Spencer Rattler were once teammates at the University of Oklahoma. They each went in separate directions after their one season spent together, and for the first time since then, their divergent football journeys will intersect once again. Back in 2021, the Oklahoma Sooners were in the catbird seat under center. They boasted a five-star recruit in Rattler and a promising youngster seated behind him in Williams. It seemed like an ideal situation — that is, until an ugly first half against rival Texas prompted coach Lincoln Riley to bench Rattler for the younger Williams. The rest is history. Only a freshman, Williams sparked an incredible comeback in the storied rivalry game, claiming the job permanently (until he followed Riley to USC) and sending Rattler east as a transfer to South Carolina, where he finished his collegiate career. “The past is the past. We’re focused on the present and the future, but I would say, yeah, that definitely led me to South Carolina,” Rattler said on Wednesday of his benching. “It was a blessing in disguise that I got to play with the Gamecocks and develop there and get ready to the league after that.” Both entered the NFL in the same 2024 class with vastly different valuations: Williams went No. 1 overall to Chicago, while Rattler waited until Day 3 to hear his name called. All of that is in the past for Rattler, who has seemed to grab a stronger hold on the starting job thanks to the consistent performances he’s produced in recent weeks. He’s eager to prove he’s the same prospect who was once considered a top talent. “I like to put myself up with any of those guys in that (2024 draft) class,” Rattler said. “I’ve been competing with those guys since high school ball; I’m still doing it to this day. I love to compete against those guys, and I definitely want to be mentioned in that group, because I feel like confidence-wise, I’m up there with those guys.” Despite New Orleans’ unsightly record, Rattler is doing himself some justice so far this season. He’s completed 68.5 percent of his passes for 1,217 yards, a 6-1 TD-INT ratio and a passer rating of 91.9 while running 26 times for 143 yards. At minimum, he’s proving he’s capable of handling the speed of the NFL game and first-year coach Kellen Moore’s offense. Those who have watched closely know he’s performing well above the expectation set by his tumultuous rookie season — so well, in fact, that he’s ranked right behind Williams in NFL.com‘s QB Index (and may move ahead of his former teammate entering Week 7). Perhaps Rattler’s journey was meant to prepare him for this opportunity all along. “Just how to deal with adversity,” Rattler said about what he took from his benching and eventual transfer to South Carolina. “It’s not the first time a quarterback had to go through that, so I’m not the only one. But adversity, it’s the quarterback position, it’s what comes with the job. You’ve got to deal with it and move onto the next.” Rattler has certainly done a good job of keeping the vehicle between the painted lines despite encountering many bumps in his football road. He’ll aim to author a memorable chapter — and perhaps earn some sweet revenge — in the Windy City on Sunday. |
| AFC WEST |
| KANSAS CITYScott Kacsmar is fired up that you’re fired up about reports the Chiefs get all the breaks from the officials: @ScottKacsmarNo legitimate statistician would ever draw sweeping conclusions from a dataset with these sample size issues. The UTEP guy is a finance field charlatan trying to capitalize on gullible people like you. There is no way they used the regular season data in any meaningful way or else the study would collapse on itself. And @ScottKacsmarGive me one day and I could write a more convincing study than UTEP that the NFL instructed officials to help the Rams win playoff games to quickly invigorate the Los Angeles fan base. Nothing the Chiefs have ever done compares to the no DPI call in 2018 NO and 3 penalties on Cincinnati after the 2MW of SB 56, including the defensive hold that wiped out a 4th and 8 situation with the Rams still down 20-16. The fact that people bitch more about the Bradberry holding call in SB 57 than the Logan Wilson holding call in SB 56 is more proof the Kansas City officiating conspiracy is crybaby bullshit. On all the roughing the passer penalties called on hits on Patrick Mahomes: Erik Jackson@forgemini7788Replying to @sseilover @duhrango and @ScottKacsmarSure he has, I’m sure Mahomes being second in the league since 2018 in roughing the passer calls is just a number too. Doesn’t mean anything. @ScottKacsmarYet ranks 29th in rate of roughing penalties since 2009. What will it take to click for you that no QB has played more games or thrown more passes than Mahomes since 2018? He’s going to lead a lot of raw counting totals in that time period. That’s why you use rates. |
| AFC NORTH |
| PITTSBURGHQB AARON RODGERS isn’t the only one who thinks the field in Pittsburgh, also the home to the Pitt Panthers, stinks. Mike DeFabo of The Athletic: The NFLPA contacted the NFL to express the “outrage” of players over field conditions at Acrisure Stadium following several complaints from both Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns players, an NFLPA source confirmed to The Athletic on Wednesday. “The NFLPA has conveyed its concern to the NFL and will work to ensure that players are not put in that position going forward,” the source said. Since their 23-9 win Sunday against the Browns, the Steelers have not minced words when describing the playing surface for the game. “Honestly, it was s—,” Steelers defensive lineman and NFL PA rep Cameron Heyward said this week. “I lost one of my teammates (special teams captain Miles Killebrew).” Killebrew sustained a non-contact knee injury in Sunday’s win that head coach Mike Tomlin called “significant.” Heyward suggested that the conditions played a role in the injury, which is expected to end Killebrew’s season. Following the game, Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers called the field “borderline unplayable.” According to a team spokesperson, the Steelers already planned to replace the sod on the field this week. Late in the game, kicker Chris Boswell’s plant foot got stuck in the turf as he attempted a 54-yard field goal. Tomlin said this week that he thought the field’s condition was “poor.” But he also said: “I’m not concerned going forward. It’s my understanding that the turf is going to be swapped out. But I certainly acknowledge it was a concern yesterday.” The Steelers and the University of Pittsburgh have been sharing a field since what’s now called Acrisure Stadium opened in 2001. Field conditions have occasionally been a problem, especially on short turnarounds between games. A team spokesperson said that the grounds crew at Acrisure Stadium regularly replaces the sod a few times each season, and it was scheduled to be swapped out after the Browns-Steelers game. It will be replaced again in late November, following four Pittsburgh-area high school football playoff games. The Steelers play in Cincinnati on Thursday, while Pitt is on the road Saturday at Syracuse. The next game at Acrisure Stadium will be Oct. 25, when Pitt hosts NC State. The Steelers play the Packers on “Sunday Night Football” the following day. |
| AFC SOUTH |
| TENNESSEEScott Kacsmar with some factoids on overall number one QBs and their coaches: When that No. 1 pick is a quarterback, they are viewed as a franchise savior. Yet in this era, they have been more of a litmus test for coaching malpractice. Shockingly, Callahan’s firing means that six of the last eight quarterbacks drafted No. 1 overall saw their head coach get fired during their rookie season: Jeff Fisher-Jared Goff (2016 Rams): Goff immediately made the playoffs in 2017-18 with Sean McVay. Hue Jackson-Baker Mayfield (2018 Browns): Mayfield won a playoff game in 2020 with Kevin Stefanski. Urban Meyer-Trevor Lawrence (2021 Jaguars): Lawrence won a playoff game in 2022 with Doug Pederson. Frank Reich-Bryce Young (2023 Panthers): Carolina is currently 3-3 in the second season for Dave Canales. Matt Eberflus-Caleb Williams (2024 Bears): Williams has shown improvement with Ben Johnson as his coach. Now you add Ward to this list, and we’ll see if the Titans can get it right on their next coach hire. But it should be noted that of the 29 quarterbacks drafted No. 1 overall since 1970, only seven of them have won a Super Bowl. Two had to force a draft-day trade to their proper team (John Elway and Eli Manning), and two more had to join a different team to do it (Jim Plunkett and Matthew Stafford). Only Terry Bradshaw (Steelers), Troy Aikman (Cowboys), and Peyton Manning (Colts) won a Super Bowl with the team that originally drafted them. Bradshaw was benched in Pittsburgh before he won, Aikman needed Jimmy Johnson’s Herschel Walker trade to get going, and Manning won with his second coach (Tony Dungy). But of the last 15 quarterbacks drafted No. 1, only Stafford won a Super Bowl, doing it with the Rams and McVay. A lot of these quarterbacks didn’t pan out no matter who the coach was, but you can see very few ever got it right with the first head coach they had. Every year we hype up the No. 1 pick as the draft’s ultimate prize, but history shows that not even a QB drafted No. 1 is a sure thing who can make any coach look good. Those prizes are rare, which is why the term “generational” was rarely used outside of Elway, Peyton, and Andrew Luck. Cam Ward may work with his next coach, but Callahan was always a dubious pick for leading that franchise back to relevancy. The two number one overall picks missing from Kacsmar’s list are KYLER MURRAY in 2019 and JOE BURROW in 2020. Murray played four seasons with his drafting coach, Kliff Kingsbury, with modest success that has continued into a third season with Jonathan Gannon. Burrow is in his 6th season with his drafting coach, Zac Taylor, having lost one Super Bowl and had inconsistent health since. |
| AFC EAST |
| MIAMIQB TUA TAGOVIALOA apologizes for letting us know that some of his teammates aren’t taking things seriously. Nick Shook of NFL.com: Three days after Tua Tagovailoa publicly aired his grievances with his teammates, the Miami Dolphins quarterback stepped to the podium on Wednesday and apologized for his comments that followed Sunday’s loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. “I made a mistake. I’m owning up to that right now,” he said. “I’ve talked to the guys on the team about it, talked to the leaders about it. They know my heart. They know that the intent was right, but no matter the intent. The intent can be right but when things get misconstrued or however the media wants to portray it. That leaves a void of silence and a lot of questions for the guys on our team. “Now, being 1-5, we talk a lot about we’ve got to get this going. … Come in excited to go to work, forget about the noise, and I feel like I added on to that for our guys. For myself, I’ve got to look at myself as a leader, protecting the team. I don’t feel like I did that to the best of my abilities. I felt like I let the emotions of the game get to me after the game and that’s something that I can learn from as a leader on this team. What happens in-house should be protected and none of that should have gotten out. So want to publicly apologize about that. Want to move forward and focus on the Cleveland Browns.” Tagovailoa told reporters on Sunday — after Miami saw a late lead turn into a last-second loss to the Chargers — that players had been showing up late to or no-showing player-only meetings. On Monday, head coach Mike McDaniel rebuffed his franchise quarterback, noting that a postgame news conference was “not the forum.” McDaniel added that he did not believe there was “ill intention” behind Tagovailoa’s comments, however, they were a “misguided representation of player-orchestrated film sessions.” Wednesday marked Tagovailoa’s first session with the media since Sunday, and he told reporters he met with his teammates and answered for his actions, believing the matter is now behind them. “I would say guys had questions about it. So you gotta answer those questions,” Tagovailoa said. “The why. Some of the whys were, ‘at the time I didn’t think of it like that.’ So, as I said, that’s something I’ve got to be better with in protecting the team. Just can’t do that.” In Tagovailoa’s defense, Miami hasn’t presented itself as the most professional outfit in 2025. The Dolphins looked entirely disinterested in their Week 1 drubbing at the hands of the Indianapolis Colts, have committed errors in key spots that have led to close losses to the New England Patriots, Carolina Panthers and Chargers and have just one win earned over the lowly Jets. Their best performance of 2025 ended in a loss to the Buffalo Bills in Week 3, and at 1-5, their adequately talented roster is underachieving. That reality cannot be pinned on the players alone. McDaniel has been criticized through the start to the season with his seat in Miami becoming increasingly hot. Miami still has time to turn things around. It heads to Cleveland on Sunday, where the similarly embattled Browns find themselves in an equally bad spot. |
| THIS AND THAT |
| 2026 COACHING CANDIDATESJeff Howe of The Athletic tells us who the hot candidates will be for the coaching vacancies to come – in Tennessee and elsewhere: Here’s a look at 12 early head coaching candidates for the upcoming cycle. The coaches are listed alphabetically by last name in each category. Current/former NFL coaches Brian FloresStill one of the league’s premier defensive coordinators with the Minnesota Vikings, Flores has been in the mix for head coaching jobs in recent years. A protégé of Bill Belichick and Kevin O’Connell, Flores has amassed experience under two coaches who have had success with vastly different styles and personalities. Flores, 44, was 24-25 as the Miami Dolphins head coach from 2019-21, and he rebounded from a 5-11 debut to keep them above .500 in each of his last two seasons. Considering the Dolphins’ extended run of futility, that was quite the accomplishment. However, it remains to be seen if an owner will actually hire Flores after he sued the NFL over allegations of racial discrimination. And considering Flores’ rocky relationship with some in the Dolphins’ organization, it stands to reason teams need to ensure he’s found ways to improve in that area. Flores certainly can’t make the same mistakes with another young quarterback as he did previously with Tua Tagovailoa. Flores’ elaborate disguises keep offenses guessing and he allows his players to be a big part of the creative process. Kliff KingsburyKingsbury was selective with his looks during the last hiring cycle — as in, he selected not to look at any of them despite interview requests. The Washington Commanders offensive coordinator deserves credit for developing quarterback Jayden Daniels, the 2024 Offensive Rookie of the Year, who quickly emerged as one of the better young players in the league. Kingsbury was 28-37-1 as the Arizona Cardinals head coach from 2019-22. While opponents had been critical of the Cardinals’ performance during the second half of each season, it’s important to note that trend has continued in the wake of Kingsbury’s departure. Conversely, Daniels and the Commanders, as a whole, improved down the stretch in 2024. Teams looking for an offensive-minded coach will likely have Kingsbury high on their list this cycle. Mike McCarthyThe 61-year-old can get a jump on the interview process as the most prominent coaching free agent of the cycle. McCarthy, whose contract wasn’t renewed with the Dallas Cowboys, wanted to stay in the league during the last hiring cycle, so it stands to reason he’ll listen again. McCarthy was 125-77-2 in 13 seasons with the Packers and 49-35 in five years with the Cowboys. He’s got his flaws in certain areas of game management, but that record and longevity with two high-pressure organizations is undeniable proof of his proficiency as a coach. McCarthy can establish a culture, manage egos and develop quarterbacks. Those are three pretty important parts of the job. Matt NagyThe Chiefs offensive coordinator has been discussed more frequently over the past year as someone who could get a second head coaching crack. Nagy was 34-31 with the Chicago Bears from 2018-2021, but things got worse as his tenure progressed as he went 6-11 in the season he was fired. However, with the benefit of hindsight, Nagy probably deserves more credit than he got for keeping them above .500 during his tenure. The 47-year-old has since found a soft landing spot with the Kansas City Chiefs and old friend Andy Reid, who is the true offensive architect. That being the case, Nagy will have questions to answer, for sure, but there are people in the league who believe he deserves another shot as a head coach. Nagy should draw interest from the Titans, as general manager Mike Borgonzi knows him well from their time in Kansas City. Arthur SmithThe Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator has a scheme well-respected by his peers. Those who have worked with Smith have raved about his coaching acumen. To be fair, there’s a disconnect between Smith’s sterling reputation and the results on the field. The Atlanta Falcons were 7-10 in all three seasons (2021-23) of Smith’s head coaching tenure, and the Steelers’ offense badly regressed late last season amid quarterback turmoil. Those critiques could be circumstantial, of course, as the Falcons have had minimal stretches of sustained success under Arthur Blank’s ownership. And the Steelers’ plan at QB in 2024 wasn’t Smith’s fault. Now with Aaron Rodgers, the offense is showing signs of improvement. Smith, 43, worked for the Titans from 2011-20 and was a solid offensive coordinator during his final two seasons with Mike Vrabel. There’s a logical connection between Smith and the Titans, but we’ll see if the two sides are actually inclined to consider reuniting. Steve SpagnuoloThe Chiefs defensive coordinator might not be considered a splash hire in the same vein as some of the younger candidates, especially those on the offensive side, but Spagnuolo can surely coach. The 65-year-old has been with the Chiefs since 2019, and they’ve had one of the league’s best defenses since 2022. In fact, as the Chiefs offense has sputtered in recent seasons, rival coaches and executives have frequently pointed out their team identity is on defense. That’s a credit to Spagnuolo. He is undoubtedly one of the best defensive minds of his generation, and Spagnuolo is a quality leader and communicator who can find common ground with people in every corner of the building. He’d be a quality choice to establish a culture. Spagnuolo turned his first defensive masterpiece with the New York Giants into a head coaching job with the St. Louis Rams from 2009-11, but he was fired after going 10-38. Spagnuolo and Borgonzi, a couple of Massachusetts natives who overlapped with the Chiefs, could be a good fit in Tennessee. Potential first-time NFL head coaches Joe BradyThe 36-year-old offensive coordinator has done a really good job since taking over the Bills’ unit in 2023. Among the highlights on his resume: The Bills blossomed into a top-10 rushing team — they’re No. 1 in the NFL entering Week 7 — and quarterback Josh Allen won the MVP in 2024. Brady will have to fight a stigma, as skeptics will argue it’s easy to coach someone like Allen. That’s a reasonable concern, but even a QB with an alien skill set needs to be well-coached, and Brady has delivered. Brady was on a rapidly rising coaching track when he got his first big break as LSU’s passing game coordinator with quarterback Joe Burrow, helping deliver one of the greatest seasons in college football history. He was humbled during a two-year stint as the Carolina Panthers offensive coordinator from 2020-21, but there’s value in learning from those experiences. It appears Brady has done that and should again be on the receiving end of a handful of interview requests. Last cycle, he interviewed with the Bears, Jaguars and Saints for their head-coaching vacancies. Anthony CampanileThe Jacksonville Jaguars defensive coordinator has led an impressive turnaround with a unit that was downright bad for the previous season and a half. The Jaguars are seventh in points allowed and second in takeaways through six weeks. The 43-year-old is probably a year away from generating serious buzz as a head coaching candidate, considering Jeff Hafley and Jesse Minter have been viewed as two hotter defensive names for a bit longer. Campanile was Hafley’s linebackers coach and run-game coordinator last season with the Packers, though, so he’s got a good pedigree. Campanile was also lauded for his work as Boston College’s defensive backs coach and co-defensive coordinator from 2016-18 before working under Jim Harbaugh at Michigan, Brian Flores with the Dolphins and Hafley. If the Jaguars continue to march toward the playoffs in head coach Liam Coen’s first season, expect Campanile to generate interview requests. Klint KubiakThe Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator might be at least a year out from real head coaching consideration, but that could also depend upon the amount of job openings that present themselves. The recent surge of offensive coaching hires has caused others to rise a little quicker than maybe expected. Kubiak, 38, is the son of Gary Kubiak and runs the Shanahan offense, so he’ll be a hot commodity sooner rather than later. The New Orleans Saints had a scorching offensive start under Klint Kubiak in 2024 before quarterback issues and roster vulnerabilities weighed down the operation. Kubiak is off to a better start this season with the Seahawks, who rank fifth in scoring and 10th in yards. It’s even more impressive after starting over at QB with Sam Darnold, who looks comfortable in the system. If the Seahawks can break through with a better rushing attack and the success carries through the rest of the season, Kubiak may work his way onto coaching short lists. Jeff HafleyThe Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator will almost assuredly become an NFL head coach, and he is expected to be on teams’ short lists this cycle. As it currently stands, it would be fairly surprising if Hafley isn’t a head coach next season. The 46-year-old made a surprising jump in 2024, leaving his post as Boston College’s head coach to run the Green Bay defense. The move has clearly worked out for him because he’s on the cusp of advancing his career, so this type of move could become a trend. The Packers have been preparing to lose Hafley, knowing he’ll be a hot commodity in short order. The Packers had a defense that could be characterized as slightly above average in 2023, but Hafley turned the unit into one of the best in the league; they ranked No. 6 in points per game allowed (19.9) in 2024 and rank 10th (20.4) heading into Week 7 this season. And aside from Micah Parsons’ personal bank account, Hafley could be considered the biggest winner of the blockbuster trade, as he was afforded the opportunity to deploy the uber-talented linebacker during a season when he’s using his tape to essentially audition for jobs. After bouncing between college football and the pros for a quarter century, it’s looking like Hafley’s home for the foreseeable future will remain in the NFL. Jesse MinterThe Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator has been on the rise under coach Jim Harbaugh’s tutelage. Minter has been on Harbaugh’s staff since joining him in 2022 as Michigan’s defensive coordinator. Minter, 42, is looking like another short-list candidate. He has also bounced between college and the pros, but he cut his teeth in the NFL with the Baltimore Ravens (2017-20), who have a well-documented track record of developing high-quality leaders in various roles. The Chargers had the best scoring defense in the league last season (17.7 ppg allowed), though they’ve dipped early this season (12th at 20.8). It’ll be important for Minter to get that group back on track, as owners want to show results to their fan base when marketing a new hire. Zac RobinsonThis time last year, the Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator was expected to be on the short list of coaching candidates, but the team’s performance thwarted his bid. Falcons head coach Raheem Morris has actively prepared for Robinson’s succession plan, knowing the likelihood that he’ll get a top job in the near future. Of course, results will matter. The Falcons got off to an ugly start to the season, but they’ve established momentum with consecutive wins against the Commanders and Buffalo Bills. If quarterback Michael Penix Jr. improves over the final three months, and the Falcons continue to spotlight running back Bijan Robinson and wideout Drake London, teams will absolutely be filing requests to interview Robinson. The 39-year-old opened his coaching career with the Los Angeles Rams from 2019-23, so his experience with Sean McVay, Kevin O’Connell and Liam Coen will be attractive to owners. Considering that trio’s success, it’s a near certainty someone will give Robinson a chance to follow suit. What? Buccaneers OC Josh Grizzard doesn’t make the cut? Even after his two predecessors got jobs in the last two cycles. |
| WIDE OPEN NFCAustin Mock of The Athletic has a “prediction model” that still has 12 viable contenders for the seven playoff spots. We get that the Saints are out. But don’t the 2-4 Cardinals and 2-4 Giants still have a chance? And who is the other team? Shouldn’t it be 15? Let’s see what he is thinking: The NFC is wide open. Granted, it’s still early, but it looks like a conference without any juggernauts assured a spot in the NFC title game. The reigning champion Eagles are (back) on tilt after losing two straight games, while each of the other division leaders has major flaws. We’ll get into those flaws shortly, but the result of not having any truly dominant teams (so far) is that it helps keep the window wide open for the rest of the conference. Entering Week 7, a dozen NFC teams still have at least a 10 percent chance to make the playoffs, according to my NFL Projection Model; five of those teams also have at least a 10 percent chance to earn the No. 1 seed and secure the first-round bye, while two others sit at 7 percent. Point is, there are a lot of quality teams in this conference, and a third of the way into the season, it looks like it’s anyone’s for the taking. Record Wins Playoff oddsBuccaneers 5-1 11.3 90%Packers 3-1-1 10.5 83%Eagles 4-2 10.2 75%Lions 4-2 10.6 74%Rams 4-2 10.6 72%49ers 4-2 10.0 66%Seahawks 4-2 10.2 65%Falcons 3-2 9.6 55%Commanders 3-3 8.6 36%Bears 3-2 8.8 31%Vikings 3-2 8.1 21%Cowboys 2-3-1 6.9 14%Panthers 3-3 6.7 7%Cardinals 2-4 6.7 5%Giants 2-4 6.2 3%Saints 1-5 5.7 2% NFC EastWhile the vibes aren’t great in Philadelphia, the Eagles remain the favorites to win the NFC East at 64 percent. Still, they just don’t look right. Start with the offense, where superstar Saquon Barkley ranks 30th in rushing success rate among running backs with at least 50 carries, and Jalen Hurts ranks 20th in dropback success rate among qualified quarterbacks. They’re still in great shape to make the playoffs, but my model has them playing the fifth-hardest remaining schedule, so any hope of securing the top seed will vanish quickly if they don’t get things squared away quickly. As for the rest of the division, the Commanders are right in the hunt with a 36 percent chance of making the playoffs. However, their last-second loss to the Bears on Monday night was costly to their odds, largely because they still have to play the league’s fourth-toughest remaining schedule. It seems like their season will be decided over the next month with road trips to Dallas and Kansas City before hosting Seattle and Detroit. The last team in the division with a realistic-ish shot to make the playoffs is Dallas. I have no worries about the Cowboys offense, as Dallas has managed a barrage of injuries on that side of the ball and still has been lighting up the scoreboard. The big issue is on defense. Right now, my model ranks the Cowboys as the third-worst defense in the league, and combined with a 2-3-1 start to the season, that makes them a long shot for the postseason. NFC NorthEvery team in the North has a winning record, but my model only really believes in two of them. The Packers and Lions are head-and-shoulders better than the Vikings and Bears, and their playoff odds reflect that. The Packers rank just ahead of the Lions, largely due to Detroit’s secondary being decimated by injuries. Still, both teams boast top-10 offenses, and in the Packers’ case, a top-10 defense, as well. The Lions rate as around a league-average defense when adjusting for the injuries to the secondary, but when you pair good or even average defense with a top offense, you’re going to have a great chance to make the playoffs. Now, let’s talk about the Bears and Vikings. While the Bears offense has flashed, the unit is still far too inconsistent for me to get on board with it. Chicago ranks 23rd in EPA/play, according to TruMedia, and its most impressive performance has come against a dreadful Cowboys defense. Pair that with a defense that ranks 31st in success rate, and it’s hard for me to buy the Bears as a real playoff contender right now. As for the Vikings, they have a pretty good defense, though they’ve struggled against the run at times. Despite that, they rank first in EPA/play, second in series conversion rate and 11th in success rate. That sounds like a playoff team, right? Not so fast. J.J. McCarthy didn’t quite look ready for prime time in the small sample we saw from him before his injury. Maybe the returns of wide receiver Jordan Addison and left tackle Christian Darrisaw will help, but no matter who starts at quarterback for the Vikings, McCarthy or Carson Wentz, I’m not sure you’ll ever see an above-average offense in Minnesota this season. NFC SouthBefore Monday night, I thought I was only going to be writing about one team in the NFC South, but the Falcons taking down the Bills changed things drastically. The Buccaneers are still the heavy division favorite, but the Falcons are now sitting at a 55 percent shot to make the playoffs. But let’s start at the top. If we voted for the MVP today, I’m confident Baker Mayfield would be the winner. What the QB has accomplished despite all of the injuries to the Bucs offense has been nothing short of incredible. While Tampa Bay has enjoyed some good fortune late in games (4-1 in one-score games), Mayfield just might be that guy in crunch time. Either way, this offense should be fun to watch all season, especially if/when everyone gets healthy. As for the Falcons, I’m just not a believer yet. Michael Penix Jr. ranks 26th in EPA/play among qualified quarterbacks, and that’s just not a metric I like to see for a team in the playoff hunt. Sure, the defense has been better than expected — linebacker James Pearce Jr. leads all rookies in splash play rate, per TruMedia — but they are a little light in the front seven, which has caused them to post the second-worst success rate when defending the run in the NFL. I wasn’t planning to acknowledge any team with less than a 10% chance to make the playoffs, but I’m making a brief exception for the three-win Panthers. My model doesn’t believe in them yet because it doesn’t believe in QB Bryce Young and the offense yet. While they have looked good lately, they’ve played some teams with terrible defenses (Dolphins and Cowboys). My model will need to see something more impressive before believing in them as contenders. NFC WestThe 49ers lead this division because of tiebreakers, but there is an argument to be made that, largely due to injuries, they’re actually the third-best team in the division. My model sees the Rams as the No. 1 team out West, but the Seahawks are right on their tails. QB Sam Darnold deserves to be right in the MVP conversation with Mayfield. The Rams will be contenders for as long as QB Matthew Stafford and wide receiver Puka Nacua are healthy, and coach Sean McVay is on the sidelines. And the defense has been pretty impressive to start the season, but I think a soft schedule has helped a bit. Either way, the Rams have a 72 percent chance to make the playoffs and a 39 percent chance to win the division. As for Seattle, the model actually has its playoff odds 1 percent lower than the 49ers, but that’s almost entirely due to the schedules they play. The Seahawks rank 10th in offensive EPA/play and sixth in defensive success rate. That’s an explosive offense paired with a defense that is excellent at shutting the door on your offense down-to-down. Sure, the offense could help itself by not relying on explosives so much, but for now, this team looks legit. The Niners have once again lost their season to injuries. While they still have a good shot at making the playoffs, losing star defenders Nick Bosa and Fred Warner is almost certainly going to tank their overall defense. My model projects them as a fringe bottom-five unit the rest of the way. And then there are the injuries of offense. QB Brock Purdy’s status is uncertain for the near future, and backup Mac Jones has been battling injuries, as well. They will likely get tight end George Kittle back this week, but I’m skeptical of this team being able to overcome all of its injuries. So why are its playoff odds holding strong at 66 percent? The 49ers play the eighth-easiest remaining schedule, while the rest of the division faces far more difficult slates. |
| 2026 MOCK DRAFTJordan Reid of ESPN.com drops a midseason Mock Draft. Biggest eye opener? The Ravens picking second (with their own pick!): Our draft order for this mock draft is based on the standings as of today. Three teams have multiple picks: the Rams (from the Falcons), the Browns (from the Jaguars) and the Cowboys (from the Packers). Here are my projections for all 32 first-round picks in 2026, starting with the Jets looking for another quarterback. (Underclassmen are noted with an asterisk.) 1. New York Jets (0-6)Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana*The Jets are 0-6, and their offense is among the NFL’s worst. Justin Fields hasn’t worked out to this point, and New York needs more than just a franchise quarterback. It needs a jolt of optimism. Mendoza is a decisive pocket passer who has impressed this season after transferring to Indiana from Cal, throwing 17 touchdown passes to two interceptions with a QBR of 84.2 that ranks seventh in the FBS. His ability to throw precise, on-time passes suits a Jets offense that is predicated on timing and accuracy. 2. Baltimore Ravens (1-5)Rueben Bain Jr., Edge, Miami*The Ravens’ 1-5 start has been one of the NFL’s biggest surprises, and a defense that has taken a massive step backward is one of the main culprits. Baltimore desperately needs someone who can generate pressure up front, and Bain has a strong argument for being the best defensive lineman in the country. He is a versatile 6-foot-3, 275-pound defender who can play multiple alignments, and his 24 pressures at edge is eighth in the FBS. His hand power and knockback strength would immediately boost a Ravens defense that needs playmakers. 3. Cleveland Browns (1-5)Dante Moore, QB, Oregon*Moore was surging up draft boards prior to an underwhelming performance against Indiana, but he is a calm distributor with the arm strength to get the ball to all three levels of the field. His 72% completion percentage ranks ninth in the FBS. Moore has only 11 career starts, but he is primed to be near the top of a QB class filled with question marks. The Browns have plenty of questions of their own under center, as rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders haven’t established themselves as long-term options. 4. Tennessee Titans (1-5)Keldric Faulk, Edge, Auburn*The Titans took care of the quarterback need in the 2025 draft by picking Cam Ward, but they still have a ton of needs around him and on the other side of the ball in 2026. Edge rusher is near the top of the list, and the 6-6, 270-pound Faulk is an NFL-ready run defender who continues to show flashes as a pass rusher. He has two sacks this season and had seven as a sophomore in 2024. Tennessee, which will be bringing in a new coach in the offseason, has to find some difference-makers. 5. Miami Dolphins (1-5)Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State*QB or no QB? That will be a constant draft-related question for the Dolphins between now and April. They could part ways with Tua Tagovailoa, similar to what the Broncos did in 2024, when Denver cut Russell Wilson and drafted Bo Nix. After all, Miami is tied for the third-most interceptions (seven). But with Mendoza and Moore off the board here, we’ll take one of the top defensive players with this pick. The Dolphins desperately need secondary help, and Downs would provide a building block on the back end alongside Minkah Fitzpatrick. 6. New Orleans Saints (1-5)Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State* Saints general manager Mickey Loomis likes to address the trenches in Round 1, especially when picking in the top 10. Reese is one of the best prospects regardless of position, and there will be debates on whether he’s best suited as an edge rusher or an off-ball linebacker at the next level. The Saints need help in both areas, and Reese is a versatile game wrecker to the point where he — not Downs — might be the first Buckeyes player drafted. I love the idea of him in the middle of that New Orleans defense. 7. New York Giants (2-4)Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State*Jaxson Dart is showing signs of being the Giants’ next franchise QB, so New York should help him by stocking up on playmakers. With Malik Nabers expected to recover fully from a torn right ACL in time for the 2026 season, drafting Tyson would give Dart another security blanket and a potent one-two punch at wide receiver. Tyson has 47 catches for 523 yards and seven touchdowns this season. It was tempting to go with one of the right tackles (Spencer Fano or Francis Mauigoa) here to fill that hole, but ultimately I decided on Tyson. 8. Arizona Cardinals (2-4)Spencer Fano, OT, Utah*With Jonah Williams scheduled to become a free agent after the season, the Cardinals need to find a young, long-term solution at right tackle. Fano is a punishing run blocker who generates movement with ease. He has allowed only two pressures all season and is an extremely effective, quick-footed pass protector who can mirror edge rushers. Fano and Paris Johnson Jr. could serve as a talented pair of bookends for that Arizona line. 9. Las Vegas Raiders (2-4)LaNorris Sellers, QB, South Carolina*Geno Smith hasn’t worked out so far in Las Vegas, as the new Raiders QB has thrown a league-high 10 interceptions and ranks 28th in QBR (38.2). Vegas could be on the hunt for another signal-caller, and the 6-3, 240-pound Sellers is intriguing. The skill set is awesome. But there are mixed opinions on Sellers, who has struggled in South Carolina’s disappointing offense. He hasn’t played Round 1-caliber ball in 2025, but as an NFC assistant GM told me, “The traits will convince someone to take him early.” If that’s the Raiders, they’ll need to show patience. 10. Cincinnati Bengals (2-4)Peter Woods, DT, Clemson*The Bengals could address their offensive line here, but Woods would provide a penetrating presence in the middle of the defense, too. Cincinnati took edge rusher Shemar Stewart in the first round of the 2025 draft, and Woods could pair with him as a difference-maker on the inside as the Bengals build toward the future. Woods has only 0.5 sacks and 1.5 tackles for loss this season, but his high-end traits should translate into an impact player at the next level. 11. Houston Texans (2-3)Francis Mauigoa, OT/G, Miami*The Texans’ offensive line issues are well-documented, and they need a talent infusion. Mauigoa is a strong, dependable protector, but there are varying opinions on where he’ll play in the NFL. Some scouts think he’s best suited as a guard, but others peg him as a true right tackle, where his 0.7% pressures allowed percentage ranks seventh in the FBS. Houston needs help across the front, though, so Mauigoa would provide a boost no matter where he plays. 12. Dallas Cowboys (2-3-1)David Bailey, Edge, Texas TechBailey has been a force off the edge this season, and he leads the FBS with a 24.6% pressure rate to go along with 8.5 sacks, which are tied for first. He is a constant disruptor who can win with speed or power. And with Micah Parsons now in Green Bay, the Cowboys need a potent pass-rushing presence outside, which Bailey could provide. Dallas’ 11 sacks are tied for 22nd in the NFL, and that defense is giving up 6.2 yards per play, which ranks 30th. 13. Carolina Panthers (3-3)Mansoor Delane, CB, LSUDelane is the best cornerback in the 2026 draft and would fit well with a Panthers secondary that allows opposing quarterbacks a QBR of 63.7, sixth-worst in the NFL. Delane has excelled since transferring from Virginia Tech; opponents are completing just 24.0% of their passes into his coverage this season, sixth best in the FBS. He can mirror and match receivers in man coverage, and his awareness of passing concepts also makes him effective in zone coverage. 14. Kansas City Chiefs (3-3)Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame*The Chiefs have struggled to find a consistent playmaker in the running game, considering quarterback Patrick Mahomes is their leading rusher through six games (222 yards). That’s not sustainable. Love would give Kansas City a Jahmyr Gibbs-like player with his explosiveness, burst and make-you-miss ability. Like Gibbs, Love can also provide creativity as a pass-catching option out of the backfield. 15. Washington Commanders (3-3)Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon*A pass-catching tight end is near the top of the Commanders’ needs, with Zach Ertz turning 35 next month and on an expiring contract. Sadiq would be an appealing successor, providing Jayden Daniels with versatility in the passing game and serving as a dependable run blocker. Sadiq is young — he doesn’t turn 21 until March — but he has continued to improve in his first season as a starter. He has three TDs this season. 16. Minnesota Vikings (3-2)Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson*The Vikings have been better at cornerback than expected, with Byron Murphy Jr. and free agent hit Isaiah Rodgers standing out. But they’re still lacking long-term solutions on the outside. Terrell — the younger brother of veteran Falcons corner A.J. Terrell Jr. — is a tough prospect with an ability to make plays on the ball. He would be a welcome addition to Brian Flores’ defense. Terrell has 24 pass breakups and three interceptions over three seasons. 17. Chicago Bears (3-2)T.J. Parker, Edge, Clemson*The Bears have struggled to generate a pass rush this season, as their team pass rush win rate of 28.2% is 30th in the NFL. They need impactful rushers off the edge, and Parker is a power-based rusher with strong hands and a good initial burst. He has also been productive, with 18.5 career sacks — including 11 in 2024. 18. Los Angeles Rams (via 3-2 ATL)Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah*While Warren McClendon Jr. has been serviceable at right tackle the past two weeks in place of Rob Havenstein, the Rams need a long-term blocker. Havenstein is 33, he is scheduled to be a free agent after the season, and his health is a question mark. Meanwhile, Lomu is effective in space, and his movement skills fit the Rams’ zone-blocking scheme well. 19. Buffalo Bills (4-2)CJ Allen, LB, Georgia*A run-and-chase linebacker, Allen is a quick mover at the second level and fills gaps with great physicality. He has an advanced feel for reading and reacting, and he is showing improvement in pass defense. That makes him not only one of the top linebackers in this class but also a perfect fit for a Bills defense with two linebackers (Matt Milano and Shaq Thompson) on the other side of 30. 20. Detroit Lions (4-2)LT Overton, DT, AlabamaLions GM Brad Holmes isn’t afraid to go against the grain and take players who best fit the team’s profile, even if it means reaching. Overton could help a Detroit defensive line that needs reinforcements opposite star edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson, as its 27.4% pass rush win rate as a team ranks 31st in the NFL. Overton is a scheme-versatile defender who wins with overwhelming power at the point of attack and could pair nicely with Tyleik Williams, Detroit’s first-round pick in 2025, on the inside. 21. Los Angeles Chargers (4-2)A’Mauri Washington, DT, Oregon*A first-year starter, Washington has climbed boards during the first half of the season. He’s an explosive interior presence who has the power to shock and shed against the run. His hand power also helps him penetrate the backfield as a pass rusher. With Teair Tart set to be a free agent after the season, Washington could pair well with former Oregon teammate Jamaree Caldwell, who Los Angeles took in the third round in 2025. 22. New England Patriots (4-2)Makai Lemon, WR, USC*Even with the emergence of Kayshon Boutte, and free agent signing Stefon Diggs recapturing his pre-injury form, there’s no such thing as too many receivers for quarterback Drake Maye, especially with Diggs turning 32 in November. Lemon is a do-it-all target who can play the slot and outside. He’s highly productive (44 receptions for 682 yards and six touchdowns this season), and his body control and catch radius help him make miraculous catches look routine. 23. Denver Broncos (4-2)Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio StateOff-ball linebacker is arguably the weakest part of an imposing Broncos defense that’s second in the NFL in yards (254.2) and points (15.8) allowed per game. Free agent signing Dre Greenlaw hasn’t played this season because of a thigh injury, while Alex Singleton is 31 and set to become an unrestricted free agent. Styles would provide Denver with a rangy, second-level defender who shows plenty of instincts in coverage. He is capable of rushing the passer on obvious passing downs, and his wrap-up-and-finish tackling ability would make him a reliable option immediately. 24. Los Angeles Rams (4-2)Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee*McCoy has yet to play after suffering a torn ACL while training in January. The timeline for his return is still uncertain. But McCoy picked off four passes last season before the injury, and the Rams could use help at cornerback. They’ve gotten by with retreads at corner such as 2023 first-round pick Emmanuel Forbes Jr., but McCoy is a potential shutdown option on the outside once he returns to full health, something they haven’t had since Jalen Ramsey in 2022. 25. Cleveland Browns (via 4-2 JAX)Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State*This team-prospect pairing makes too much sense. Tate is one of the most polished receiver prospects in this class, with dependable hands and the route-running ability of an experienced NFL veteran. His type of play can translate right away into the Browns’ offense, which could use more pass catchers alongside Jerry Jeudy. Tate is the next man up in the Ohio State receiver pipeline to the NFL, and he’d be a good fit with Dante Moore, whom we slotted to Cleveland at No. 3. 26. San Francisco 49ers (4-2)Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama*There are mixed opinions on Proctor. He came into the season with Round 1 hype but had a disastrous start to the campaign against Florida State. His play has rebounded, but some scouts are still hesitant to buy into the early-round hype surrounding the 6-7, 366-pound blocker. If he continues to play as well as he has over the past few weeks and shows consistency, I think he could go on Day 1. The 49ers have a long-term need at offensive tackle with Trent Williams turning 38 next summer, so Proctor makes a lot of sense. 27. Philadelphia Eagles (4-2)Joshua Josephs, Edge, TennesseeThe Eagles love drafting edge rushers early, and Josephs is one of the best pressure generators in the country. His 18.4% pressure rate ranks 10th among all edge rushers in the FBS, and he already has a career-high four sacks. He’s capable of operating in a three-point stance or as a stand-up outside linebacker, using the pop in his hands while mixing and matching his moves to win pass rushes. Free agent signee Azeez Ojulari has been active for only two games this season, so Philadelphia could use some edge help to aid Nolan Smith Jr. and Jalyx Hunt. 28. Seattle Seahawks (4-2)Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas*Hill is a versatile playmaker who is capable of playing the edge along with the second level, where the Seahawks have lacked consistency this season. Even though Hill has zero sacks in 2025, he combined for 13 sacks in his first two college seasons. Off-ball linebacker Drake Thomas will be a restricted free agent in 2026, while edge Boye Mafe is an unrestricted free agent. Hill has the physical profile that coach Mike Macdonald covets and can be used in a variety of spots in Seattle’s scheme. 29. Dallas Cowboys (via 3-1-1 GB)Caleb Banks, DT, FloridaBanks was viewed as a potential top-15 pick entering the season, but he suffered a foot injury in the preseason that has limited him to one game after he reaggravated it, requiring surgical repair. Banks had 4.5 sacks in 2024 and would represent great value for the Cowboys, who are rebuilding a defense that is last in the NFL in yards allowed per game (411.7) and 31st in points allowed per game (30.7). 30. Pittsburgh Steelers (4-1)Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama*It’s essential for the Steelers to find the heir apparent under center to soon-to-be 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers, and I think Simpson has been the most impressive of the draft-eligible quarterbacks. Despite the need, Pittsburgh waited until Round 6 to pick a QB this past April (Will Howard). It can’t wait that long again. Like Moore, Simpson is an inexperienced starter (all six career starts have come this season). It’s not certain that Simpson will declare for the 2026 draft, but league evaluators have taken notice of his impressive stretches this season. He has thrown 16 TD passes and just one interception this season. 31. Indianapolis Colts (5-1)Damon Wilson II, Edge, Missouri*Wilson has shined since transferring from Georgia in the offseason, as his 19.8% edge pressure percentage is sixth best in the FBS. Wilson is tied for 10th in the country with 5.5 sacks after a two-sack performance this past weekend against Alabama. He has surged near the top of a deep edge class, and with Kwity Paye set to be an unrestricted free agent after the season, Wilson could be a nice fit in Indianapolis. 32. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-1)Cashius Howell, Edge, Texas A&MI’m higher on Howell than most, but his tape is awesome. The upfield burst, bend and closing speed he has shown are Round 1-worthy traits. After waiting his turn behind Nic Scourton and Shemar Stewart — who both went in the opening two rounds this April — Howell has flourished with eight sacks in six games. If his performance stays at this pace, expect him to keep climbing up draft boards. Haason Reddick is on a one-year deal, and Yaya Diaby’s contract is up after 2026, and Tampa Bay needs depth on the edge. |
