| The NFL has tightened up the timing of the first round, even though they often wait a few minutes to actually announce the selection. Some GMs are feeling rushed. Michael David Smith of ProFootballTalk.com: The NFL changed the rules for this year’s draft, limiting teams to eight minutes between first-round picks. Some NFL general managers are not happy about that. Steelers GM Omar Khan said he preferred the old rule of 10 minutes between first-round picks. “I’d love to have 10 minutes, but it’s the same for everybody else,” Khan said. “Eight minutes is what it is, but those two minutes, it feels like an eternity sometimes.” After Khan said that at the Steelers’ pre-draft press conference, head coach Mike McCarthy joked that if Khan feels rushed during the draft, he should try calling plays on the sideline during a game. “I only get 40 seconds to call a play,” McCarthy said. “We’ll be fine.” Khan said he and other GMs have been talking more about trades in the days leading up to the draft because they know they’ll have less time to work out trades while they’re on the clock. “They moved the first round from 10 minutes to eight minutes, so naturally we’ve been having more conversations to set parameters of what the value is if you move up to this spot or trade back,” Khan said. “There’s more conversation, but until we get there, I’m not sure how that’s going to go.” This is the first time the NFL has changed the timing of the first round since 2008, when the time between picks was reduced from 15 minutes to 10 minutes. The timing for Rounds 2-7 remains the same as last year: Teams get seven minutes to make picks in the second round, five minutes in Rounds 3-6 and four minutes in round 7. |
| NFC NORTH |
| MINNESOTAThoughts from WR JUSTIN JEFFERSON on the Vikings new quarterback room. As the Minnesota Vikings navigate a likely quarterback change this offseason, receiver Justin Jefferson has found himself squarely in the middle. On the one hand, Jefferson has worked extensively this offseason with 2025 starter J.J. McCarthy in an effort to elevate McCarthy after a rocky debut season. On the other, Jefferson knows that free agent acquisition Kyler Murray has a long history of making the kind of plays that McCarthy couldn’t muster consistently last season. Speaking publicly Monday for the first time about the Vikings’ new quarterback room, which also includes Carson Wentz and Max Brosmer, Jefferson said he is looking forward to Murray’s playmaking skills and was blunt about McCarthy’s future. “I’m definitely looking for those big, exciting plays [from Murray],” Jefferson said on the first day of the Vikings’ offseason program. “I’m definitely looking forward to his speed, his quickness, his arm strength that he’s shown countless times over the years. “And then for J.J., for somebody to enter that room with that type of ability, that type of talent, he’s got to step it up a little bit. So it’s good for him to feel that type of pressure and to really lock in a little bit and say, ‘It’s either now or I’m going to take that back seat again.’ So it’s all a competitive mindset when it comes to these type of things. So it’s all about who’s ready for that moment and who’s ready to step up and take that initiative.” Murray signed a one-year contract March 13 and, though many around the NFL expect him to emerge as the Vikings’ starter, coach Kevin O’Connell has said there is no need to discuss depth charts at any position during the offseason. That has left open the possibility that McCarthy, the No. 10 pick of the 2024 draft, could win the job during training camp. Jefferson pledged at the end of last season to help McCarthy through the offseason in any way he could, and Monday he confirmed that the pair have met on multiple occasions over the past few months. Most of their meetings took place in Minnesota, Jefferson said, but others were at a “designated location,” he said with a smile. “Really just anywhere where we can meet up and find time to really throw the ball to each other,” he said. “And it really doesn’t have to be having to run 30 different routes, but it’s all about just feeling the ball coming and seeing the ball coming out of his hand and then just feeling the impact and the velocity of his football. So it’s great to just get that timing down pat, starting way earlier now than starting in training camp. So just getting a little head start, and it definitely feels good working with him.” McCarthy appears “a lot more confident into where I’m going to be at,” Jefferson added, “how fast I’m going to get there, what timing to throw that ball before I break.” Whether or not McCarthy truly mounts a challenge, Murray’s arrival will generate a new edge in otherwise low-intensity offseason workouts. “It’s really good to get some good talent in the room to give a little spark in that room,” Jefferson said, “to see a competitive edge and from those guys to really lock in and to do what we’re expecting them to do, which is to come in and to be that guy. “And we need that one guy for this team. So I’m definitely excited for that room, excited to see what those guys have in store for us in training camp.” |
| NFC EAST |
| DALLASThe Cowboys have come to terms on a huge contract with Uber kicker PK BRANDON AUBREY. Todd Archer of ESPN.com: The Dallas Cowboys have made Brandon Aubrey the highest-paid kicker in NFL history. Aubrey agreed to a four-year extension that makes him the first kicker to earn $7 million per year and includes $20 million guaranteed, agents Todd France and A.J. Stevens of Athletes First told ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Earlier this offseason, the Houston Texans made Ka’imi Fairbairn the highest-paid kicker on average annual salary at $6.5 million. Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker had the largest guarantee at $17.75 million. Aubrey joins quarterback Dak Prescott, another France client, as the highest paid at his position. In 2024, Prescott signed a four-year extension that paid him $60 million on average. |
| NEW YORK GIANTSDo the Giants want LB SONNY STYLES? Maybe not: @MarshallGreen_Todd McShay: “I thought it was Sonny Styles at #5 for the Giants, apparently it may not be” Rich Eisen: “That’s all I’m hearing, is that the Giants don’t want Sonny Styles. That word is on the street”– – -Kevin Patra of NFL.com gives the Giants a slight advantage in the trade that sent DT DEXTER LAWRENCE to Cincinnati. Dexter Lawrence trade A- New York GiantsGiants receive:2026 1st-round pick (No. 10) B+ Cincinnati BengalsBengals receive:DT Dexter Lawrence The New York Giants insisted they weren’t planning on trading Dexter Lawrence unless they got a worthy offer. The Bengals stepped up to the plate, offering a top-10 pick that Big Blue couldn’t refuse for a disgruntled 28-year-old who wanted to get paid. Shipping out Lawrence creates a massive hole in the middle of the Giants’ defense. Even in a down season by the Pro Bowler’s standards, Lawrence had a massive impact on the New York pass rush. The big man takes on double-teams like few in the NFL. Over the past five seasons, Lawrence has faced 1,103 double-teams, 117 more than the next closest player over that span, per Next Gen Stats (Jeffery Simmons, 986). New York is going to have trouble filling that hole in the short term. In the long term, however, another high draft pick (read: low-cost, controllable asset), the trade sets Big Blue up nicely for John Harbaugh. The Giants can now bring in two cornerstone players this season to build around Jaxson Dart. Losing Lawrence stings, there is little question about that. There isn’t going to be a player at No. 10 who brings his proven skill to the defense immediately. Given Lawrence’s contract squabble, however, it was a deal they couldn’t pass up. The Bengals paid a hefty price for the right to pay Lawrence, who agreed to a one-year, $28 million extension with his new team. The initial reaction to giving up a top-tier draft pick for a player entering Year 8 coming off a down campaign was shock. But the more you consider Cincinnati’s position, the easier it becomes to rationalize. Throughout the entire draft evaluation process, it’s been stated that this year’s draft is shallow. The Bengals were unlikely to find the impact player like Lawrence needed at that spot. Can we continually trash the top-tier talent, then turn around and immediately criticize Cincy for making this move? Trading such a valuable pick underscores that the Bengals understand they are in win-now mode. It’s the latest move to placate Joe Burrow and the rest of their top-end talent, who were clearly frustrated by last year’s disappointing campaign. It costs to acquire a talent like Lawrence, and the Bengals showed a fearlessness and urgency they’ve often lacked. There is no question that Lawrence immediately bolsters a glaring need in the middle of Cincinnati’s struggling defense. The veteran has generated 65 QB pressures while being double-teamed over the past five seasons. He leads the NFL with 58 QB pressures aligned from the zero technique over that span, per Next Gen Stats — next closest is Vita Vea with 23. The Bengals weren’t getting that production from the draft. While his run defense isn’t the best, his ability to eat up blockers remains strong and should help the rest of the defense, particularly the young linebackers who struggled last season. Lawrence is coming off a down campaign, generating just .5 sacks. Cincinnati is betting big that he’ll return to form. His splits in New York when on and off the field speak to his impact. Even without the DT getting to the QB, the Giants were a top-10 pass rush when he was on the field. When he took a breather, they were one of the worst fronts in the league. He will make the entire Cincy pass rush immediately better. A front of Lawrence, Boye Mafe, B.J. Hill (another former Giant who sees a trove of double teams) and Myles Murphy, along with 2025 first-rounder Shemar Stewart, is immediately better than what the Bengals put out last season, even when Trey Hendrickson was healthy. |
| PHILADELPHIAWith Dianna Russini out of the rumor business for now, it’s Adam Schefter who gets the scoop/leak about Eagles WR A.J. Brown and the Patriots. Brown likely to become a PatriotNo matter what happens at this week’s draft, an A.J. Brown trade to the Patriots is still on the table and still tracking to happen on or after June 1, per league sources. The two sides have discussed a deal, but neither has been willing to commit to it until after June 1, when Brown’s $40 million salary cap charge would be split between this year and next. All the elements remain in place to make it happen, and Brown to the Patriots is still the likely outcome … just not during this week’s draft, per sources. Put the trade on hold for now, but things will soon quickly warm back up. The Eagles remain open to trading Brown, the Patriots remain highly interested in acquiring the star receiver, and conversations are expected to resume on or before June 1, probably culminating in a deal, per league sources. As one source said about the Patriots’ pursuit of Brown, they’ll “definitely be engaging then.” And to be clear, the Eagles are also not concerned about adding draft capital for this week’s draft; acquiring additional picks in 2027 and 2028 is even more enticing to them, per sources. Picks in future years were the compensation that was discussed when the Eagles and Rams had extensive trade conversations regarding Brown, which did not materialize into a deal. Since then, the Eagles have signed Hollywood Brown on March 17, signed Elijah Moore on March 24 and traded for Dontayvion Wicks on April 10. The added receiver depth gives the Eagles more flexibility. The Patriots remain at the forefront of trade talks for Brown. Another team could always emerge, and there’s a lot of time between now and June 1. But as of now, multiple sources say they believe Brown will likely become a Patriot. Eagles might not stop thereThe Eagles could make trades beyond any Brown-related move. League sources say that general manager Howie Roseman is plotting to make a deal on draft weekend. Roseman usually has a trick or two up his sleeve, and other front office executives suspect there’s one coming this week. One possibility is adding Vikings linebacker Jonathan Greenard, whom the Eagles have checked in on at various points this offseason, per sources. Greenard had 12 sacks in 2024, but he managed only three last season over 12 games, despite a solid 23.3% pass rush win rate. The Vikings have been adamant about getting a premium Day 2 pick for Greenard. Philadelphia holds pick Nos. 54, 68 and 98 on Day 2 this year. League sources say the Eagles and Vikings could revisit discussions they already have had during the upcoming draft, but talks have lost steam in recent weeks. The Eagles’ wish list of trade candidates goes well beyond Greenard, per sources, though. Roseman almost always has a Plan A, B, C and D, and his team is one to monitor on one of the busiest weekends of the NFL calendar. |
| NFC WEST |
| LOS ANGELES RAMSIs QB JIMMY GAROPPOLO going to leave the Rams without a backup? Sarah Barshop of ESPN.com: Free agent quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo is considering retirement, sources told NFL Network on Monday. Garoppolo, 34, has spent the past two seasons with the Los Angeles Rams, backing up quarterback Matthew Stafford, and was still considered the top option to fill that role for the 2026 season. At the NFL’s annual meeting last month, coach Sean McVay said that the Rams were considering Garoppolo and Kirk Cousins for the role as Stafford’s backup. Cousins has since signed with the Las Vegas Raiders. Garoppolo appeared in three games during the 2025 season but did not attempt a pass behind a healthy Stafford. |
| SAN FRANCISCOThe 49ers have agreed to a big new deal with T TRENT WILLIAMS. Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com: Despite some turbulence along the way, the San Francisco 49ers and star left tackle Trent Williams hoped to figure out a reworked deal before the start of Thursday’s NFL draft that would potentially allow him to retire a Niner. On Monday morning, both sides got what they wanted as Williams’ agency announced that he and the team have agreed to a new two-year, $50 million contract extension that ties him to the team through the 2027 season. According to the announcement from Elite Loyalty Sports, Williams gets $37 million fully guaranteed, including a $22 million signing bonus. The agency also said Williams will become the first non-quarterback to surpass $400 million in career earnings and $225 million in guarantees. 49ers general manager John Lynch confirmed the contract agreement Monday. “We’re really excited about that,” Lynch said. “[We’re] really happy to have that behind us and Trent in the fold. And as I told Trent when we started this thing, my hope is that his name, his number are up in those rafters with a lot of great players that have played here. There’s a buzz in the building. The players are back. It’s the first day back for phase one, but there’s a buzz because of what Trent means to this place. So we’re very excited.” 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy said Monday that he “was juiced” when he learned of Williams’ extension. |
| SEATTLEThe 2026 draft is not very glamorous at the top. Seahawks GM John Schneider says it is not very deep. But he’s still looking to trade down. Brady Henderson of ESPN.com: – The defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks are hoping to trade down in this year’s NFL draft — even if it means potentially sending a quarterback to a division rival. “It’s no secret with us,” general manager John Schneider said Monday during his annual predraft news conference alongside coach Mike Macdonald. “We have four picks, so we’ll be looking to move back.” That much was widely assumed. The Seahawks’ four selections, which include the No. 32 pick, are the fewest in the NFL. They also have a long history of trading back in the first round or out of it under Schneider, and they’d logically have as much incentive as ever to do so in this year’s draft, which is not considered top-heavy in talent. More revelatory was Schneider volunteering that the team is not opposed to making deals within its own division. He then said he’d do so even if he knew one of Seattle’s NFC West counterparts was moving up to select a quarterback. That is noteworthy given how commonly the Arizona Cardinals have been linked to Alabama’s Ty Simpson, widely considered the second-best quarterback in this class behind Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza. Arizona’s picks include Nos. 3 and 34. The New York Jets, another team that could be seeking a quarterback, own the 33rd pick. According to ESPN Research, there have been 35 draft-day trades between division opponents in 24 drafts since the NFL realigned in 2002. Since Schneider became the Seahawks’ general manager in 2010, he’s only been a part of one such trade — with the San Francisco 49ers in 2017. “We’ve talked within our division,” Schneider said. “That was kind of frowned upon for a while, like you don’t trade within your division. Everybody in our division, we would trade with. We have good relationships with all three of those teams. You’re maneuvering around the board to try to help your team no matter what. So, when you look at it through that lens, you’re basically not concerned about [helping another team].” Speaking generally about the appeal of the 32nd pick in any draft, Schneider noted that — as with the contracts for every other first-round selection — it comes with a team option for a fifth year. The last time the Seahawks owned the 32nd pick as reigning Super Bowl champions, they traded it on draft night in 2014 to the Minnesota Vikings, who moved up eight spots to select quarterback Teddy Bridgewater. Schneider also traded back in the first round at least one time in 2012, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019. The Seahawks didn’t have first-round picks in 2013 or 2015. In the past five drafts in which they’ve owned one, they’ve stayed put — though that hasn’t been for lack of interest in moving back. Schneider said negotiations toward draft-day trades aren’t as easy now because teams assign their own values to each pick as opposed to how everyone used to work off the same chart popularized by Jimmy Johnson. Starting this year, the time in between first-round picks will drop from 10 minutes to eight. Schneider doesn’t see that impacting trades, noting that negotiations tend to happen before the team that would be moving down is on the clock. “No, I think that you’re usually ahead anyway, you’re a couple picks ahead,” he said. “That extra two minutes is not going to make a difference in terms of trading or moving around, that sort of thing. Everybody tries to line stuff up. You try to do it this week, but really, people get serious Thursday morning, throughout the day, talking on the phone, talking about trading up, trading down and all that.” The Seahawks have made at least eight selections in all but one of their 16 drafts under Schneider. In addition to No. 32, their other picks this year are Nos. 64, 96 and 188. They gave up fourth- and fifth-round picks at last year’s trade deadline to acquire wide receiver/kick returner Rashid Shaheed from the New Orleans Saints. “I think there’s a lack of depth in this draft,” Schneider said. “I thought our scouts did a great job in the fall of identifying that, and that allowed us to be a little bit more willing to give up the fourth- and fifth-round draft pick. But no matter what draft you’re in, what year, it’s our responsibility to the organization to be able to find true Seahawks all the way through it. So, that means if we did have that fourth or fifth or we’re moving around and we acquire more draft picks, we’re still going to be focused on making those guys true Seahawks.” |
| THIS AND THAT |
| MIKE FLORIO’s RELUCTANT MOCK DRAFTKicking and screaming Mike Florio delivers “his” Mock Draft that he has no hand in preparing. I decided several years ago that I don’t like mock drafts. Yes, they provide a topic for discussion. Nowadays, there are topics for discussion up and/or out the wazoo. So we do one. And I have a very limited role in it. It’s compiled with input from a small network of people in the football business, one of whom slaps it together. I don’t want any credit for anything that’s right. I accept that I’ll get blamed for anything that’s wrong. Projected trades aren’t included. Obviously, they’ll happen. It’s hard to try to predict them, because getting it wrong potentially screws up everything. Either way, here’s the list. One of these years, I won’t post it. Maybe that year will be next year. So enjoy this year, since it could be the last year. 1. Raiders: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana. 2. Jets: David Bailey, edge rusher, Texas Tech. 3. Cardinals: Arvell Reese, linebacker, Ohio State. 4. Titans: Sonny Styles, linebacker, Ohio State. 5. Giants: Jeremiyah Love, running back, Notre Dame. 6. Browns: Spencer Fano, tackle, Utah. 7. Commanders: Mansoor Delane, cornerback, LSU. 8. Saints: Jordyn Tyson, receiver, Arizona State. 9. Chiefs: Rueben Bain Jr., edge rusher, Miami (Fla.). 10. Giants: Olaivavega Ioane: guard, Penn State. 11. Miami: Francis Mauigoa, tackle, Miami (Fla.). 12. Cowboys: Caleb Downs, safety, Ohio State. 13. Rams: Carnell Tate, receiver, Ohio State. 14. Ravens: Kadyn Proctor, tackle , Alabama. 15. Tampa: Akheem Mesidor, edge rusher, Miami (Fla.). 16. Jets: Makai Lemon, receiver, USC. 17. Lions: Dillon Thieneman, safety, Oregon. 18. Vikings: CJ Allen, linebacker, Georgia. 19. Panthers: Kenyon Sadiq, tight end, Oregon. 20. Cowboys: Avieon Terrell, cornerback, Clemson. 21. Steelers: Max Iheanachor, tackle, Arizona State. 22. Chargers: Denzel Boston, receiver, Washington. 23. Eagles: Blake Miller, tackle, Clemson. 24. Browns: Colton Hood, cornerback, Tennessee. 25. Bears: Keldric Faulk, edge rusher, Auburn. 26. Bills: Monroe Freeling, tackle, Georgia. 27. 49ers: Caleb Lomu, tackle, Utah. 28. Texans: Peter Woods, defensive tackle, Clemson. 29. Chiefs: KC Concepcion, receiver, Texas A&M. 30. Dolphins: Omar Cooper Jr., receiver, Indiana. 31. Patriots: Jermond McCoy, cornerback, Tennessee. 32. Seahawks: Josiah Trotter, linebacker, Missouri. |
| JORDAN REID’s MOCK DRAFT Jordan Reid of ESPN.com offers a seven-round Mock Draft. We have his first round below, the rest is here. 1. Las Vegas RaidersFernando Mendoza, QB, IndianaYou can write this pick in Sharpie. The Raiders have been searching for a franchise QB, and Mendoza has the size, arm strength and decision-making ability to be their long-term starter. Mendoza’s resiliency helped him overcome several moments of adversity last season and position himself as the No. 1 pick. He finished with an FBS-high 41 touchdown passes to only six interceptions while leading the Hoosiers to a historic 16-0 record and a national championship. 2. New York JetsArvell Reese, LB/Edge, Ohio StateThe pick comes down to Reese vs. Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey. I believe the Jets would prefer Reese’s upside even though Bailey is a more polished pass rusher right now. Reese is an interchangeable player with explosive power who has the ability to be a high-caliber starter at either linebacker or edge rusher. The Jets are in the early stages of their rebuild and searching for foundational players. Reese fits that vision, as he’s a defender they can build a scheme around. 3. Arizona CardinalsFrancis Mauigoa, OT, MiamiProtecting the quarterback has been a constant issue for the Cardinals, who allowed 59 sacks last season (fifth most in the NFL). The Cardinals’ offensive tackles also finished with the lowest run block win rate at the position last season, and Mauigoa provides an immediate plug-and-play starter on the right side. Arizona signed Elijah Wilkinson this offseason, but that shouldn’t prevent it from searching for a long-term fixture at right tackle. 4. Tennessee TitansDavid Bailey, Edge, Texas TechThe Titans have to choose between finding explosive playmakers for second-year QB Cam Ward or continuing to revamp their defensive front. We’re going with Option B and projecting them to take the best pass rusher in the draft. Bailey’s first step is lethal, which helped him to an FBS-high 14.5 sacks and 23 tackles for loss last season. Tennessee already has All-Pro Jeffery Simmons and brought in John Franklin-Myers and Jermaine Johnson II this offseason, so adding Bailey could give the team a ferocious front four. 5. New York GiantsSonny Styles, LB, Ohio StateJohn Harbaugh teams have historically had a commanding presence at middle linebacker. There hasn’t been an off-ball linebacker drafted in the top five since 2019 (Devin White), but Styles is a rare linebacker prospect in a draft class that lacks true high-end options at high-leverage positions. Styles’ size, instincts, movement ability and continued development make him an ideal fit in the middle of the Giants’ defense. 6. Cleveland BrownsCarnell Tate, WR, Ohio StateWide receiver and offensive tackle are the two clear, major holes on Cleveland’s roster, and the Browns’ brass will have to determine which position has the most depth. That could have Cleveland going for a receiver first. Taking Tate would give the Browns a major target to add to veteran wideout Jerry Jeudy and tight end Harold Fannin Jr., last year’s third-round revelation. Tate is a diverse route runner with excellent hands who could be an immediate starter in new coach Todd Monken’s system. 7. Washington CommandersJeremiyah Love, RB, Notre DameThe Commanders need help everywhere, so I have them taking the player I feel is the best in this year’s class. Love is an explosive play waiting to happen and would unlock multiple layers of the playbook that Washington couldn’t access last season. He rushed for 1,372 yards and 18 touchdowns in 2025 and had 39 runs of 10 or more yards, fourth most in the FBS. Having quarterback Jayden Daniels and Love together would strike fear in NFL defenses. 8. New Orleans SaintsMansoor Delane, CB, LSUDelane shined in his only season at LSU after transferring from Virginia Tech and is the top-rated cornerback on my board. He is a polished technician who can play press-man while being equally good in zone coverage. The Saints can keep pouring resources into their cornerback room here, as Delane would be a true shutdown option on the outside. 9. Kansas City ChiefsRueben Bain Jr., Edge, MiamiIt has been nine years since the Chiefs have picked in the top 10. That draft netted them Patrick Mahomes, so Kansas City would love a similar home run with this pick. Bain is a rugged, high-effort edge rusher who brings an immediate identity to that position group. He checks every characteristic defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo likes on the edge as a densely built, heavy-handed playmaker with alignment versatility. Bain’s short arms are a historical outlier, and teams are aware of the off-field issues that have surfaced, but I still believe he will go in the top half of Round 1. 10. New York Giants (from CIN)Caleb Downs, S, Ohio StateThe Giants added another top-10 pick over the weekend in the Dexter Lawrence II trade, and they can use it to keep addressing the defense. It has been nearly a decade since a safety was picked in the top 10 (Jamal Adams, 2017), but Downs is fully worthy of breaking that streak. He is one of the smartest football players I’ve ever studied, and he has the versatility and sure tackling skills to complement that intelligence. He trusts his coverage instincts, allowing him to routinely make plays against the pass and in run support. Downs would be a perfect addition to John Harbaugh’s defense. 11. Miami DolphinsSpencer Fano, OT, UtahA new regime typically likes to go QB with its first draft pick, but there isn’t one who makes sense for the Dolphins here. So, offensive tackle is the play, and Fano makes way too much sense as Miami looks to bolster its trenches. With Austin Jackson entering the final year of his contract and having durability concerns, Fano would provide a clear long-term option at right tackle. If GM Jon-Eric Sullivan stays true to his Packers roots, he’ll want a lineman with versatility. That’s Fano, who is capable of playing any spot up front. 12. Dallas CowboysDillon Thieneman, S, OregonThe Cowboys need a ton of help on defense after giving up the most points in the NFL last season, and Thieneman is a safety who would be capable of cleaning up a lot of Dallas’ issues on the back end. He’s capable of playing on the roof of the defense at free safety while also being able to run the alley and be reliable in run support. Thieneman has continued to rise throughout each stage of the predraft process, so don’t be surprised if he comes off the board this early. 13. Los Angeles Rams (from ATL)Makai Lemon, WR, USCThe Rams’ roster is pretty stout, but there is a need at receiver alongside Davante Adams and Puka Nacua. Lemon is a reliable and competitive target who would be an ideal fit in Sean McVay’s scheme. He had 79 receptions for 1,156 yards and 11 touchdowns last season, but what was most impressive was his 21 forced missed tackles (14th among FBS receivers). Matthew Stafford would love Lemon’s YAC ability and sure-handedness (one drop). 14. Baltimore RavensOlaivavega Ioane, G, Penn StateThe Ravens gave up 45 sacks in 2025 (12th most in the NFL) and are still in need of clear upgrades along the interior of their offensive line. Ioane was as steady as they come during his career at Penn State. He didn’t allow a single sack over the past two seasons and is the definition of a tone-setter up front. Ioane’s strong base, balanced feet and strength would provide a major boost in protecting quarterback Lamar Jackson. 15. Tampa Bay BuccaneersJermod McCoy, CB, TennesseeTampa Bay has major question marks in its cornerbacks room. Jamel Dean signed with the Steelers this offseason, Zyon McCollum didn’t play to his potential after signing a long-term extension, and Benjamin Morrison was highly inconsistent as a rookie. So, adding McCoy makes sense, especially with GM Jason Licht’s penchant for taking the best player available even if it doesn’t seem like the team’s biggest need on the surface (see: Emeka Egbuka last year). McCoy missed last season with a torn ACL but has shown true shutdown ability when healthy. 16. New York Jets (from IND)Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona StateA strong workout on Friday helped Tyson gain momentum after concerns loomed about his durability. The Jets desperately need a WR2 opposite Garrett Wilson. Tyson’s versatility and strong hands complement Wilson well, as both are dependable route runners who can gain yards after the catch. There are scouts who believe that Tyson is the most talented receiver in this year’s class and would be a top-10 pick if not for the injury concerns. 17. Detroit LionsMonroe Freeling, OT, GeorgiaAll-Pro Penei Sewell’s ability to play both tackle spots gives the Lions options on which offensive tackle they could take to replace released longtime starter Taylor Decker. Freeling isn’t as polished as some of his counterparts in this class, but his upside is through the roof because of his balanced base, length and continued ascension. Freeling reminds me of Kolton Miller early in his career. There are rough stretches with Freeling’s hand placement and strike timing, but his range in pass protection and ability to operate in space excite scouts. 18. Minnesota VikingsKenyon Sadiq, TE, OregonTight end isn’t the Vikings’ biggest need — those would be safety and defensive tackle — but Thieneman is off the board as a possible Harrison Smith replacement and there isn’t a defensive tackle worth taking at this point of the draft. Sadiq is a speedy (4.39 seconds in the 40-yard dash) receiving tight end whom Minnesota could use in multiple ways in its offense. 19. Carolina PanthersOmar Cooper Jr., WR, IndianaA wide receiver in Round 1 for a third straight year is definitely in play as the Panthers try to maximize quarterback Bryce Young’s closing rookie contract window. Cooper is an ascending player who helped the Hoosiers to the national championship last season and has continued to climb draft boards during the predraft process. Scouts have praised his smooth route-running skills and his competitive nature once he catches the ball. Cooper has strong route stems, doesn’t let DBs alter his tempo and can win in traffic, making him the perfect target for Young. 20. Dallas Cowboys (from GB)Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego StateJohnson is an ascending prospect about whom multiple sources have raved to me over the past few weeks. He has shot up the board through the predraft process and is in position to be the third cornerback off the board. We already have the Cowboys taking a safety at No. 12, but there’s no such thing as too much help for a secondary that allowed a league-high 46 completions of 25-plus yards last season and 35 passing touchdowns, which were the second most in the NFL. 21. Pittsburgh SteelersKC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&MThe Steelers are expected to get one more year out of Aaron Rodgers, so let’s get him some more help (and a building block for his eventual heir apparent). DK Metcalf is entrenched as their WR1 and Michael Pittman Jr. was acquired in an offseason trade, but Concepcion is a player who can take advantage of space in the short-to-intermediate areas. Though he’s prone to concentration drops (seven last season), Concepcion is a big play waiting to happen, as he can instantly accelerate and decelerate. 22. Los Angeles ChargersAkheem Mesidor, Edge, MiamiThe Chargers need interior offensive line help, but with Odafe Oweh having departed for Washington and Khalil Mack entering his age-35 season, Los Angeles also needs an edge rusher to add to Mack and Tuli Tuipulotu. Mesidor would be an excellent fit into the pass-rush rotation as a relentless player with a repertoire of moves. He had 12.5 sacks and 17.5 tackles for loss last season. He is also a reliable run defender who can set a firm edge. 23. Philadelphia EaglesMax Iheanachor, OT, Arizona StateRight tackle Lane Johnson will turn 36 in May and missed eight games due to injury last season. Eagles GM Howie Roseman often drafts eventual replacements for longtime veterans in advance, and Iheanachor is a great player to bring in to execute a Johnson succession plan. Iheanachor won’t be ready to start right away, as he’s still new to the sport (he started playing in junior college). He still has to learn how to sequence his frame and hand usage when latching into rushers, but he has unlimited potential and would have time to develop in Philadelphia. 24. Cleveland Browns (from JAX)Blake Miller, OT, ClemsonBrowns QBs were pressured on an NFL-worst 39% of pass plays last season and sacked on 8.0% of dropbacks (26th in NFL). Miller is a rock-solid option with a lot of experience (54 career starts). He is tough and has the strength to start immediately at right tackle. Opting to take the WR first and wait on the tackle in this scenario would pay dividends, as the Browns would get in on the upcoming run of tackles early. I’m interested to see GM Andrew Berry’s plan if the inverse scenario happens on draft night. 25. Chicago BearsT.J. Parker, Edge, ClemsonAfter an underwhelming season with five sacks (three coming in the regular-season finale), Parker was able to revive his draft stock with a strong predraft process. His game centers around pure strength, as Parker is a power rusher who can overwhelm blockers at the point of attack. The Bears need pass-rush help, and Parker would be a complementary No. 2 rusher opposite Montez Sweat. 26. Buffalo BillsKayden McDonald, DT, Ohio StateHaving a nose tackle who’s willing to eat up blocks and do the dirty work in run defense is essential to defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard’s 3-4 scheme. McDonald would fill that role as the best run-defending interior defensive lineman in this class. His 7.8% run stop rate last season topped all FBS defensive linemen, but he can also create negative plays in the backfield with quick wins, as evidenced by his 9.5 tackles for loss. 27. San Francisco 49ersMalachi Lawrence, Edge, UCFDon’t be surprised if Lawrence gets his name called much earlier than expected (yes, even higher than this). He’s a bendy rusher who has a quick acceleration out of the starting blocks, and that speed carries through his rush plans. The 49ers were last in the NFL with 20 sacks last season and need impactful rushers off the edge, even with Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams returning from torn ACLs. Lawrence would give the 49ers a high-quality rusher who has the closing speed to generate constant pressure. 28. Houston TexansKadyn Proctor, OT, AlabamaOffensive line has been a constant need for the Texans, and the 6-foot-7, 352-pound Proctor might have the most upside of any blocker in this class. Along with being massive, he’s a heavy-handed blocker who generates movement with ease. There are questions about Proctor’s conditioning and whether he fits better as a tackle or a guard in the NFL, but the Texans need help up front after finishing last in run block win rate and 30th in pass block win rate last season. 29. Kansas City Chiefs (from LAR)Colton Hood, CB, TennesseeThe Chiefs have a huge hole at corner after Trent McDuffie (trade) and Jaylen Watson (free agency) were lost to the Rams. Hood is a polished technician who is capable of playing man, but his eye discipline in zone also stood out last season. His ability to play a mixture of coverages fits the Chiefs’ scheme, and Hood has the skill set to be an immediate starter in Kansas City. 30. Miami Dolphins (from DEN)Keldric Faulk, Edge, AuburnFaulk is another prospect who has a wide range of where he could get drafted. I wouldn’t be shocked if Miami took him with its earlier first-round pick, but he goes here in this projection. The Dolphins want to start their rebuild in the trenches and have a long enough runway to give the young Faulk (he turns 22 in September) time to develop. At 6-foot-6, 276 pounds, Faulk is NFL-ready as a run defender but will need further development to scratch his ceiling as a pass rusher. 31. New England PatriotsCashius Howell, Edge, Texas A&MThe Patriots generated only 35 sacks last season (tied for 22nd in the NFL), and Howell is among the best pure pass rushers in this class. His lack of length could cause him to fall into early Day 2, but Howell fits New England’s scheme and could slide in to replace departed free agent K’Lavon Chaisson. Howell will likely have to start his career as a designated pass rusher as he adjusts to being a three-down player at the next level. 32. Seattle SeahawksChase Bisontis, G, Texas A&MAfter drafting Grey Zabel last year, the Seahawks can continue to add to their interior offensive line. Bisontis would provide immediate competition at right guard for Anthony Bradford, who is entering a contract year next season. Bisontis is a dependable blocker with a lot of upside. |
| 2026 DRAFTQB GARRETT NUSSMEIER’s people are putting out that a cyst, a cyst sent Nussmeier into a late-season spiral that tanked his draft stock. NFL.com: LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier was widely considered to be the top quarterback prospect entering the 2025 season. Unfortunately, a nagging oblique injury derailed the majority of his campaign—and caused him to be sent to the bench after the Tigers went 5–4 over their first nine games. According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, Nussmeier’s injury was caused by a cyst on his spine. “The cyst was pressing on a nerve, causing discomfort in Nussmeier’s oblique,” Pelissero wrote on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday. “He has been asymptomatic since just prior to the Senior Bowl and all throughout the draft process; if that changes down the road, Nussmeier could undergo a minimally invasive procedure and miss just 2-3 weeks while stitches heal.” Nussmeier went 15–7 over 22 career starts at LSU, throwing 52 touchdowns to 24 interceptions, while adding five additional scores on the ground. He is the son of Saints offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier.– – -Bruce Feldman of The Athletic finds some anonymous folks who love prospective number one overall QB FERNANDO MENDOZA a lot: The strongest take The Athletic has gotten is this, from an NFL scout: “After (Fernando) Mendoza, it drops off a cliff.” It was an opinion echoed by an NFL personnel director this week. That scouting executive, though, is very high on the Indiana Heisman Trophy winner, saying that he believes Mendoza merits being a first-pick-of-the-draft guy. “The stuff that people in prior years look back and say (about QBs they missed on): ‘I’m pissed that I didn’t notice that he had that.’ Fernando has that,” said the exec. “It’s his efficiency in the red zone; you can tell that the plays that he makes, he has practiced them. Over his whole career, he has gotten better. He has those intangibles that people say are the reasons that people screw up in the draft. “I think he has the answers to the test. I loved Cam Ward, but Fernando’s a better prospect than him. There are some physical traits in terms of arm strength and ability to run, where Drake Maye may have a little more, but I feel much better about Fernando than I did about Drake — and I like Drake. “Fernando shows that he knows how to handle adversity. You see it all over the tape: Bouncing back from getting hit against Miami in the title game. Throwing picks, coming back against Oregon and Penn State.” “The toughness really stands out,” said another NFL scout. “The dude sits in there and takes some really good shots. He’s got good, not excellent, arm talent. I think he has a chance to be a solid starter. He’s a clean prospect. There are some just questions on the high-end stuff.” Mendoza’s evolution from overlooked “two-star” recruit to Heisman Trophy winner who led Indiana to a 16-0 season and the national championship behind a 41-to-6 TD-to-INT ratio is one of the more remarkable paths to the draft. Still, the chatter about his worth has been fascinating over the past two months. But none of the NFL folks I spoke to believed there was another quarterback in this class who was as good as Mendoza. One big transition for Mendoza, an NFL QB coach noted, was that he only threw from under center about three times in his career. “That’s obviously gonna be a huge difference for him,” said the coach. “A lot of their stuff was pre-snap and box count. RPOs and back-shoulders. Indiana did have a little more of a developed downfield passing game with some of its three-level reads and seven-step progressions than some spread teams in college do. But there’s not a ton of carryover. “He does have arm talent. His footwork will be more of an adjustment, staying on time and getting the ball out. He drives the ball down the field well. He’s accurate downfield, and he’s fearless in the pocket. That’s why I think he’ll be successful. Even going back to his two years at Cal, where it’s a dirty pocket, he’s got guys in his face, he’s getting messed up at Cal, and still delivering throwing seam balls while he’s getting smoked. He’s comfortable with being pressured.” There are many more questions about the rest of the QB class. “There are some things about (Alabama’s) Ty Simpson I appreciate, but the lack of experience and real starter traits is a concern,” said the personnel director. “He needed to stay in college.” An NFL offensive assistant said about LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier: “I see him being better than Spencer Rattler, that type of guy. He’s a good player. Obviously, the wheels fell off there at LSU. But I like his makeup. I think he’s wired the right way.” And on Penn State’s Drew Allar, the personnel director noted: “He has a ton of real traits, but he’s just not a killer. I actually think he’s a really good processor, but I think it’s performance anxiety. It’s like in basketball: He’s the guy in the layup line, and you think, Oh, that guy’s gonna be good. But then you get into the game and he disappears.” Feldman also gets four football guys to compare and contrast Ohio State’s ARVELL REESE and Texas Tech’s DAVID BAILEY – one of whom is expected to go with the second pick to the Jets: I expect (Reubin) Bain to be the third edge rusher selected, behind Ohio State’s Arvell Reese and Texas Tech’s David Bailey (it’s a toss-up which of those two is drafted first). I see them, along with Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love, as the best prospects in this class. In a nutshell: The 6-4, 241-pound Reese, the No. 1 overall prospect on Dane Brugler’s top 100, was preferred by three of the four defensive line coaches I spoke to. “He is the best of the bunch,” said DL coach No. 3. “He has everything: the violence, the power, the strike, the length, the bend, the acceleration. His pro day was so impressive. He’s the best defensive player for sure. He’s the best edge defender I’ve seen in a few years. I’m not sure about pure pass rush, but edge defender, yes.” “I think he’s the best,” said DL coach No. 1, who thinks Reese is “a tad more athletic” than Bailey. “He’s pretty dynamic, but I’d just put him at one position and let him be. Learn it. Watch his film; it’s a lot of off-ball. When you come into the league, you gotta have clean eyes right away.” Reese, who ran a 4.46 40 at the NFL Scouting Combine, was a one-year starter for Ohio State and didn’t put up eye-popping stats (6.5 sacks in 2025), but his film had college and pro coaches raving. “He’s just so raw,” said DL coach No. 4. “He has everything. He has the burst, the bend and the power. But everything is so new to him. You have to explain to him that this is what you work and why you’re working it. But once you tell him why or the mistake that he made, he’s not going to make it again.” Bailey, who is two years older than Reese, measured in 10 pounds heavier at 251 pounds, but still ran a fast 4.50 40 to go with a 10-9 broad jump. After three seasons at Stanford, he transferred to Texas Tech and tore up the Big 12, producing 14.5 sacks and 19.5 TFLs. The NFL personnel director favored Bailey over Reese: “He’s a cleaner fit. Arvell’s upside is rare, but his pass rush is from blitzes. He’s just raw. You understand why he’s a one-year starter.” “He is an elite pass rusher,” said DL coach No. 2. “His game will transition to our league extremely well. I think he’s better than Abdul Carter, who went third last year. He is super explosive. In his pass rush, I see some of the things that Von Miller used to do. I don’t know if he’s that loose and twitchy, but the explosion and the 10-yard time and the vertical, that is a comp. Von used to dip and jump out; that’s what this kid does.” DL coach No. 4 was wowed by Bailey’s third-down pass rush film: “He barely false steps. He’s getting off before anybody else moves. He’s not a long strider. He gets a lot of steps in quick, which can mess up the O-linemen a bit. Not sure how powerful he is. That’s my biggest question mark.” DL coach No. 3’s biggest question regarding Bailey’s toughness: “Will he push through adversity? The league has changed in the past few years. People are really running the ball to run it, and not just to set up the pass. He’s gonna have to be able to take on tackles and fend for his life on early downs because people are gonna want to run right at him.” |
