The Daily Briefing Tuesday, July 1, 2025

AROUND THE NFL

NFC EAST

PHILADELPHIAWhere will the Eagles play first round draft pick JIHAAD CAMPBELL?  Josh Alper of ProFootballTalk.com: Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio said earlier this month that first-round pick Jihaad Campbell will begin practicing with the team in August when he’s cleared to return from shoulder surgery and he also offered a preview of where Campbell will fit into the team’s defense. Fangio said that Campbell will be lining up at inside linebacker next to Zach Baun while the team waits for Nakobe Dean to return from his knee injury. Fangio was also asked about the possibility of trying Campbell off the edge and said that was something that any thoughts of that would have to wait until Campbell was back on the field. In an interview with the Eagles’ website, Campbell said his only current goal is to make that return and that he’ll be happy to fill any role the Eagles have in mind. “That is for the coaches to decide, not me,” Campbell said. “I’m going to give it my all no matter how they decide to use me on the field. I feel like I’m a versatile player and I know I’m going to learn every day from the guys on this defense. It is going to be hard work. I know that. I want to be the best player I can be, help the defense, help the Eagles win games. That’s the role I want to have. As far as a position, nah. Let’s just play football.”

AFC WEST

LAS VEGASDoes OC Chip Kelly intend to keep two tight ends happy?  Michael David Smith of ProFootballTalk.com: News surfaced today that the Dolphins could be interested in acquiring tight end Michael Mayer from the Raiders. And that could make sense, as new Raiders offensive coordinator Chip Kelly is not known for having a lot of work for tight ends like Mayer to do in his offense. But Vincent Bonsignore of the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported that the Raiders have no interest in trading Mayer, and Mayer himself said last week that he believes he’ll have a big role in Kelly’s offense. In an interview for the Raiders’ YouTube channel, Mayer said he’s fitting right in with the offense in Las Vegas, and with Kelly and head coach Pete Carroll. “It’s been a great spring here. I’m so excited to be back here, and it’s been very fun. New coaching staff’s been great. Everything’s great,” Mayer said. “These coaches know what I can do and what I can put out on that field, and it’s obviously only going to be better out there with Brock Bowers, with Ian Thomas, those other two tight ends. The tight end room as a whole, we’re very, very close. We’re a close-knit community, and we’ve had a great spring so far, and we’re really, really excited to just help this football team in any way we can, man. We got a lot of good tight ends in that room, and I think Chip knows it. I think PC knows it, and we’re excited to kind of get this thing going.” Bowers’ tremendous rookie season last year means he’s the clear No. 1 tight end on the roster, but Mayer said the Raiders may use two and even three tight ends on the field at the same time. “With me and Brock, it’s pretty interesting because we do a lot of 12-personnel stuff, and, you know, this spring we’ve also been doing a lot of 13-personnel too, which has been awesome. It’s been a lot of fun. So, I won’t speak any more to the 13-personnel, I’ll save that for the season, but I got to be ready to do a lot of everything,” Mayer said.k “I got to block, I got to pass pro, and I got to run routes, and I got to be able to catch the ball, and that’s just what it comes down to. If Chip wants to head me out there on that field, I got to be able to run routes, I got to be able to make people miss, and I got to be able to score touchdowns, and when he asks me to block, I’m going to go out there and block 100 percent the most I can, the best I can, and work my hardest and go from there.” It doesn’t sound like Mayer is going anywhere.

LOS ANGELES CHARGERSS Rodney Harrison will be enshrined in the Chargers Hall of Fame.  Charean Williams of ProFootballTalk.com: The Chargers will induct Rodney Harrison into their Hall of Fame this season, the team announced Monday. He becomes the 36th player to receive the organization’s highest honor, and the 44th member overall. Harrison’s enshrinement is scheduled for Oct. 23, during a halftime ceremony when the Chargers host the Vikings at SoFi Stadium on Thursday Night Football. He was selected for induction by a vote of the living Chargers Hall of Famers. “Rodney personified an era of Chargers football defined by physicality, emotion, relentless effort, toughness and grit,” Chargers president of football operations John Spanos said in a statement. “For nearly a decade, he gave everything he had to the Chargers, establishing a standard of accountability and setting the bar for competitive greatness. He made an immediate impact his rookie year, helping lead us to an unforgettable AFC Championship victory in Pittsburgh and appearance in Super Bowl XXIX. The fire that burned inside Rodney was the stuff of legend and, as is the case with all the great ones, it never once faded over the course of his career. And as much as he gave of himself on the field, Rodney found a way to give even more to our community, especially in his work with local youth. Inducting Rodney into the Chargers Hall of Fame is a fitting tribute to a player who gave this franchise everything he had and more.” Harrison, who now works for NBC Sports, played 15 seasons in the NFL, including nine with the Chargers after they selected him in the fifth round of the 1994 draft. He totaled 21.5 sacks during his time with the organization, the most in franchise history by a defensive back, and 26 interceptions, which ranks third all-time among Chargers defenders and first among safeties. Harrison, voted the team’s defensive player of the year four times by his teammates, was named to both the 40th and 50th anniversary Chargers’ all-time teams. “What I remember most about Rodney is his incredible toughness,” former head coach Bobby Ross said in a statement. “He was a hard-hitting, relentless safety — fearless in every sense of the word. He had all the tools: speed, instincts, and range — but what separated him was that physical edge, that toughness you don’t always see, even among the best. He stood out from day one. On top of that, he was a smart, determined player who always came prepared. He had a great football mind and wasn’t afraid to speak up with ideas to help the team. Rodney was a sharp young man and a tremendous representative of our program — and I’m proud to see him take his rightful place in the Chargers Hall of Fame.” Harrison has a case for Canton, and his induction into the Chargers Hall of Fame will add another line to his resume.

AFC NORTH

CLEVELANDQB DESHAUN WATSON has not been a stranger to Browns headquarters this offseason.  Charean Williams of ProFootballTalk.com: Deshaun Watson watched the Browns’ four-way quarterback battle while doing his rehab work this offseason. It is still too soon to know when he will return after tearing his Achilles a second time and undergoing another surgery Jan. 10. Watson will miss most, if not all, of 2025, leaving the job to Kenny Pickett, Joe Flacco, Dillon Gabriel or Shedeur Sanders. Watson, though, has been involved inside the quarterbacks room, especially with mentoring Gabriel and Sanders, Mary Kay Cabot of cleveland.com reports. “He’s been a guy I’ve connected with as well, and he’s actually a guy I sit by in our O-line meetings, even in our offensive unit meetings,” Gabriel said during minicamp, via Cabot. “So just being able to be around him and nudge him and ask a question, whether it’s for confirmation or his thought, but also when we’re talking through concepts, I think it’s super cool that we do have five guys in the room that kind of can speak to their own experience and even Deshaun this morning, talking through a concept and kind of how he sees it in the red area. It can change the play in a big way, just how you think of it. So appreciate him a bunch, too. Just sharing all his knowledge.” Watson has been throwing to Browns receivers, including Jerry Jeudy and David Bell, since last month without a walking boot, per Cabot. But his biggest contribution has been as a cheerleader and a sounding board for the other four quarterbacks.

PITTSBURGHWill the Steelers persevere in getting an extension with currently disgruntled EDGE T.J. WATT or could he be had in a trade?  Josh Alper of ProFootballTalk.com: The Steelers pulled off their second big trade of the offseason on Monday and some teams are reportedly interested to see if they’d like to make a third. Edge rusher T.J. Watt skipped all of the team’s offseason work as he looks for a new contract and Adam Schefter of ESPN reports that multiple teams have had internal discussions about whether they can make a deal for the veteran. Schefter adds that there’s a belief that interest from those teams is expected to increase in the wake of Monday’s trade that brought cornerback Jalen Ramsey and tight end Jonnu Smith to Pittsburgh in exchange for safety Minkah Fitzpatrick. There’s been no indication from the Steelers that they are looking to trade Watt and Tom Pelissero of NFL Media reports that they remain focused on signing him to a contract extension. A report this month said they expect to get a deal done before the start of the season. Watt signed his last extension days before Week One and the Steelers have a long-standing policy of not negotiating during the season. There was also word that the contract offer they had on the table for Watt was not what the edge rusher is looking for and teams are likely to be more aggressive about kicking the tires on a trade if that continues to be the case into training camp.– – -In the wake of Monday’s trade with the Dolphins, Erik Edholm of NFL.com is impressed with the upgrades to Pittsburgh’s offense this offseason: WINNERS 1) Aaron Rodgers, QB, Pittsburgh Steelers. A month ago, we weren’t even sure Rodgers was coming to Pittsburgh. Now, the 41-year-old has a pretty darned good setup for what might be his swan-song season. There’s no question the Steelers are going all-in this year. Whether that approach bears the kind of fruit they hope for remains to be seen. Don’t forget the Jets making a similar flurry of moves around their acquisition of Rodgers two years ago, upon which they essentially doubled down last offseason, only to have little to show for it all. Then again, this torrent of transactions has to at least be exciting for supporters of a Steelers team that was seemingly stuck in neutral the past several seasons. Rodgers has to be impressed, too. He was already on board before this trade, but now he’ll have a true WR1 (DK Metcalf), two tight ends who combined for 150 catches last season (Smith and Pat Freiermuth), more help in the backfield and a young, talented starting five on the offensive line. No one knows whether all of this will work. But there’s absolutely a path where it can. 2) Arthur Smith, offensive coordinator, Pittsburgh Steelers. Fellow NFL offensive coordinators have to be jealous at Smith’s apparent ability to get what he wants in terms of personnel. General manager Omar Khan and head coach Mike Tomlin ultimately make the final decisions, but based on the names they’ve brought in, it’s quite clear they listen to Smith and seek his input. The Steelers sniffed around the Falcons’ Kyle Pitts, per NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport, and after that didn’t materialize, they landed Jonnu Smith, whom we’ve heard for months now was one of Arthur Smith’s favorite players during his time as head coach in Atlanta. This is Arthur and Jonnu’s second reunion tour, following previous stints together with the Titans and Falcons. As Khan put it, George Pickens needed “a fresh start,” so the Steelers essentially swapped him for Metcalf as their new go-to receiver. They drafted Kaleb Johnson, who could be a perfect fit and upgrade over Najee Harris. They’ve stabilized the offensive line over the past two offseasons, and now Arthur Smith — Mr. Tight End himself — has a toy box full of options with which to play at the position. If the Steelers don’t score more points this season, it won’t be because of a lack of offensive talent around Rodgers.

AFC EAST

MIAMIFormer Dolphins RB RAHEEM MOSTERT with some blunt words for the Dolphins after the trade that sent S JALEN RAMSEY and TE JONNU SMITH to Pittsburgh.  Jason Owens of YahooSports.com: Raheem Mostert has candid thoughts on Monday’s NFL trade that sent cornerback Jalen Ramsey and tight end Jonnu Smith from the Miami Dolphins to the Pittsburgh Steelers. He’s happy for his former Dolphins teammates. But he’s clearly not happy with his former team. The ex-Dolphins running back who signed with the Las Vegas Raiders in the offseason had this to say on social media: Hot take: Be a Pro-bowler on the Dolphins, get treated like sh*t. Happy for my guys though! GO BALL OUT!! The Pro Bowlers in this instance are Ramsey and Smith. The Dolphins traded both to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday morning in exchange for All-Pro safety Minkah Fitzpatrick in a deal that also included pick swaps. Mostert didn’t expound on his displeasure with the Dolphins. But he appears to be unhappy with his own exit this offseason after three seasons in Miami that included a Pro Bowl selection in 2023. Why so mad?Mostert joined the Dolphins from the 49ers as a free agent in 2022 on a one-year, $2.1 million contract. After starting 14 games in 2022, Mostert re-signed with the Dolphins on a two-year, $5.6 million deal. He followed up with the best season of his career in 2023 that featured 1,187 yards from scrimmage, an NFL-best 21 touchdowns and his first career Pro Bowl selection at 31 years old. That effort earned him an extension through the 2025 season worth up to $9.1 million over two years that included $3.71 million in newly guaranteed money. The following season, Mostert took a secondary role in the backfield to second-year standout De’Von Achane. Mostert finished 2024 with 439 yards from scrimmage after making just one start. He didn’t see the second, non-guaranteed year of his contract extension. The Dolphins released Mostert in February as part of a series of veteran cuts in an effort to get under the salary cap. The move saved Miami $3.065 million in cap space. Mostert later signed with the Raiders on a one-year, $1.6 million deal, a pay cut over the non-guaranteed money he would have made had he remained in Miami. And he’s clearly not pleased with how the end of his Dolphins tenure transpired.

THIS AND THAT

WINNERS AND LOSERSMike Jones of The Athletic anoints five teams as winners and five teams as losers of the offseason: The final NFL minicamps took place last week, meaning pro football’s on-field offseason work has ended. Now, teams largely will go dark as coaches and players spend the next month recharging and enjoying some much-needed family time. The action ramps back up in late July as teams report for training camp. A few unresolved business matters remain. Star players like Micah Parsons, T.J. Watt, Trey Hendrickson, Terry McLaurin and James Cook are still at odds with their teams over long-term contract statuses. Roster holes and position battles loom across the league. But we have a good idea of how things have shaped up for teams this offseason. Let’s take a look at some of the biggest winners and losers of the offseason with free agency, the draft and offseason practices all now officially in the books. Winners Philadelphia EaglesThe reigning Super Bowl champions made a series of moves to reward and keep their core intact. They gave Saquon Barkley an extension and also took care of center Cam Jurgens and inside linebacker Zack Baun. GM Howie Roseman also added important contributors like pass rusher Azeez Ojulari and running back A.J. Dillon while putting together what looks like yet another smart draft. But the biggest win came at the league meetings, where opponents of the Eagles’ signature tush push failed to muster enough support to outlaw the near-automatic short-yardage play. Look for quarterback Jalen Hurts to extend his streak of double-digit touchdown runs and 50-plus first-down carries to a fifth season. Minnesota VikingsA storybook season featuring an unlikely hero in quarterback Sam Darnold ended in dramatic disappointment, with a loss to the Rams in the wild-card round. Darnold signed with the Seahawks during free agency, but Vikings GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah still has positioned his team for a prompt rebound — possibly in the form of an NFC North title. The Vikings invested heavily in the trenches in free agency, signing defensive tackles Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave and offensive linemen Ryan Kelly, Will Fries and Justin Skule, while adding veterans at other key positions. The Vikings also used early draft picks on Ohio State guard Donovan Jackson and Maryland wide receiver Tai Felton. Young quarterback J.J. McCarthy, after missing his rookie season with a torn meniscus, finds himself surrounded by a fantastic supporting cast as he prepares to take over as starter. New England PatriotsThe Patriots landed one of the best head coaches on the market in Mike Vrabel, their former linebacker and three-time Super Bowl champion. Then they revamped their offensive line by signing tackle Morgan Moses and center Garrett Bradbury, and bolstered their defense with veteran defensive lineman Milton Williams, linebackers Harold Landry and Robert Spillane and cornerback Carlton Davis. They also gave second-year quarterback Drake Maye additional weapons in Stefon Diggs and Mack Hollins. The 2024 roster was so talent deficient it might take another offseason of moves to fully restock, but New England appears poised to take steps forward after floundering for the last several years. Chicago BearsThe Bears appear to have scored a big win this offseason, landing offensive wizard Ben Johnson as their head coach. He inherits the task of helping 2024 top draft pick Caleb Williams reach his full potential and direct a potent attack. Chicago also worked hard to upgrade an offensive line that surrendered a league-high 68 sacks. Overtaking NFC North rivals Minnesota, Detroit and Green Bay will be challenging, but the Bears should take steps forward this season. Las Vegas Raiders“The Raiders?” you ask. Yes. The Raiders. Yet another reset just might pay off in a big way, starting near the top, where Tom Brady lured highly regarded Tampa Bay talent evaluator John Spytek to the desert to be general manager. The Raiders wanted Liam Coen to be their head coach, but wound up with Pete Carroll, who — given the state of the franchise — is probably better suited for the job anyway. These two figures bring leadership and credibility. They found an answer at quarterback, trading for Geno Smith to solve the long-running need for stability at this position, and then landed a potential difference-maker in rookie running back Ashton Jeanty. The Raiders aren’t going to jump all the way to the top of the AFC West standings. They may not leapfrog either of their steadily improving division rivals (the Broncos and Chargers), but the Raiders seemingly are looking at their most realistic shot at improving in a long time. Losers San Francisco 49ersSometimes you have to go backward to move forward. The 49ers gave Brock Purdy a handsome five-year, $265 million contract, but much of their offseason centered on subtractions rather than additions. Forced to move on from high-priced, aging and/or injury-prone players, the 49ers embarked on an offseason of change. Gone are mainstays like Deebo Samuel, Javon Hargrave, Charvarius Ward, Dre Greenlaw, Talanoa Hufanga and Jaylon Moore … and the list goes on. The Niners did appear to have a promising draft, selecting eventual defensive difference-makers in pass rusher Mykel Williams, linebacker Nick Martin and cornerback Upton Stout. But San Francisco could be in for more growing pains after this necessary retooling offseason. New Orleans SaintsScoring talented offensive mind Kellen Moore as their head coach counts as a win. But the Saints’ chances of a quick turnaround seem bleak. Their potential bridge quarterback Derek Carr unexpectedly retired because of a lingering shoulder injury, meaning the up-and-down Spencer Rattler or rookie second-round pick Tyler Shough will likely start at quarterback. Salary-cap issues proved restrictive for the Saints, who still overpaid to retain pass rusher Chase Young and tight end Juwan Johnson despite only modest impacts. Miami DolphinsMike McDaniel and his team endured a disappointing 8-9 campaign in 2024, when quarterback Tua Tagovailoa missed four games in the first half of the season while recovering from another concussion. This offseason, the Dolphins lost starting left tackle Terron Armstead to retirement and standout safety Jevon Holland to the Giants via free agency. Meanwhile, star cornerback Jalen Ramsey wants out. McDaniel needs a strong rebound from his team after last season’s setback and first-round playoff exits in the two previous seasons. But thus far, the Dolphins have received few encouraging developments. Detroit LionsHaving the NFC’s best regular-season record (15-2) came at a price for the Lions. This offseason, coach Dan Campbell lost both of his top assistants. Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson left for the head coaching job in Chicago, and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn took the head coaching job with the Jets. Campbell brought offensive coordinator John Morton in from Denver, where he coached under Campbell’s former mentor Sean Payton, and he promoted former Glenn assistant Kelvin Sheppard to defensive coordinator. Both units appear likely to endure some growing pains under the new play callers, and in a competitive NFC North, setbacks of any kind could prove costly. Pittsburgh SteelersAfter a lengthy wait, Aaron Rodgers finally accepted the Steelers’ invitation to be their starting quarterback. If this were four years ago, this would seem like a major win. Rodgers is indeed the most decorated quarterback the Steelers have had since Ben Roethlisberger. But given Rodgers’ age (41) and tumultuous last two years in New York (injury in 2023, coach firings, inconsistent production and clashes with Jets brass in 2024), it’s hard to say how favorably this union will play out. Rodgers wasn’t the Steelers’ first choice. They wanted to re-sign Justin Fields, but on the cheap. They made a run at Matthew Stafford, but he eventually received a contract extension from the Rams. There are questions about Rodgers’ fit with Arthur Smith’s system, and even more questions about his new supporting cast: Can the offensive line stay healthy? Is wide receiver DK Metcalf an upgrade over George Pickens, traded to the Cowboys? Can a talented but inconsistent defense provide adequate support? Rather than use an early draft pick on a promising quarterback prospect, the Steelers opted for a big-name/past-his-prime Band-Aid at the position. That means they very well could enter next offseason in the same position as the last eight winters: without a playoff win and without a long-term answer at quarterback, especially after Rodgers said Tuesday that this NFL season will probably be his last.

2026 DRAFTIn the dead of summer, Matt Miller of ESPN.com throws out a 2026 Mock Draft and we’re glad he did.  And he has the Browns taking yet another QB with the first overall pick, from a school from which they already have a high-priced QB: We’re a long way from the 2026 NFL draft — the 2025 college football season is nearly two months away, after all — but it’s never too early to start breaking down film of the top prospects in the upcoming class. Based off that film and conversations I’ve had with scouts and talent evaluators throughout the league, I’m doing an early projection of all 32 picks in next year’s draft. The 1-32 order for this mock draft comes from ESPN’s Football Power Index, which uses thousands of simulations to predict the 2025 NFL season. FPI right now has the Cleveland Browns in the No. 1 spot, one of their two first-round picks. The Browns aren’t alone in having multiple Round 1 picks, as the Los Angeles Rams will also have two selections. Of course, a lot will change between now and when the 2026 draft starts next April in Pittsburgh. Prospects will move around draft boards, and some of these players will ultimately return to school for another year. One player you will not see in this mock draft is Texas quarterback Arch Manning; I still think he will stay in college for the 2026 season. We have an entire season of game tape ahead of us — and I admittedly haven’t watched a ton on everyone just yet. So this is an early look meant to identify how things stand right now. Let’s dive in with Cleveland. (Note: Underclassmen are marked with an asterisk.) 1. Cleveland BrownsCade Klubnik, QB, ClemsonSpending two picks on quarterbacks in 2025 — Dillon Gabriel (third round) and Shedeur Sanders (fifth round) — shouldn’t prevent the Browns from looking for a long-term passer here. Klubnik enters the season as my No. 1 QB. In 2024, he threw for 3,639 yards, 36 touchdowns and six interceptions, highlighted by a gutsy performance against Texas in the College Football Playoff (336 passing yards, three TDs, one INT). Klubnik reminds me of Baker Mayfield — whom Cleveland selected with the No. 1 pick in 2018 — in terms of arm strength, mobility and playmaking awareness. 2. New York GiantsFrancis Mauigoa, OT, Miami*Mauigoa enters his third college season as a player on the rise. After allowing five sacks during his true freshman season in 2023, the 6-foot-6, 315-pound right tackle didn’t allow a sack last season and drew only three penalties. Mauigoa is best as a run blocker in a zone scheme, with quick feet and the agility to get to the second level. He’d serve as a replacement for disappointing 2022 first-rounder Evan Neal and join a youthful offense which also features 2025 first-round quarterback Jaxson Dart, star second-year receiver Malik Nabers and emerging running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. 3. Tennessee TitansT.J. Parker, DE, Clemson*Tennessee has long needed a premier edge rusher, and Parker is definitely that. Not only did the 6-foot-3, 265-pound junior have 11 sacks last season, but he also forced six fumbles. He would be an ideal fit in the Titans’ 3-4 base defense thanks to his ability to play in space and rush from multiple alignments. His quickness off the corner is the best in the class when watching last season’s tape. While the Titans could use offensive help, Parker is the defensive menace they desire. 4. New York JetsAnthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas*The Jets could look for a receiver to help Garrett Wilson, but there’s not one who’s likely to be picked this high right now. Instead, defensive-minded head coach Aaron Glenn would get a true, three-down difference-maker. Hill was a stat-sheet filler in 2024, posting 113 tackles, 8 sacks, 4 forced fumbles and a 32-yard pick-six. His range in coverage and blitzing ability reminds of Fred Warner, but at 6-foot-3, 235 pounds, Hill could get the Micah Parsons treatment and move to an edge rusher role. That makes him the rare linebacker worthy of a top-five pick. 5. New Orleans SaintsCaleb Downs, S, Ohio State*Safeties usually get pushed down the board, but Downs is different. The 6-foot, 205-pounder is my No. 1 overall player because of his range, versatility and proven playmaker DNA. Downs has four interceptions in his two college seasons while showing the skills to play in the box or man center field as a deep safety. He’s routinely utilized as an eraser against whatever offenses do best. The Saints need good football players throughout their roster, and there’s no better one in this class than Downs. 6. Carolina PanthersPeter Woods, DT, Clemson*The Panthers bucked conventional wisdom with their 2025 first-rounder, eschewing a defense that finished last in EPA for wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan with the No. 8 pick. They did add edge rushers Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen on Day 2, so now it’s time for them to get defensive tackle Derrick Brown some help. That’s where the 6-foot-3, 315-pound Woods comes in. He posted three sacks and 17 pressures in 11 games this season, and his quickness and leverage would be a welcome fit in Carolina’s revamped defense. 7. Las Vegas RaidersRueben Bain Jr., Edge, Miami*Seven of the Raiders’ 11 picks in 2025 came on offense, including five of the first six. So it’s time to pick up a defense that has to face Patrick Mahomes, Justin Herbert and Bo Nix twice per season. Las Vegas needs to find Maxx Crosby help on the edge, and Bain’s speed-to-power ability could give it that Crosby complement. Bain has 11 sacks in his two college seasons, using his length to create space he can crash through with his trademark power. The 6-foot-3, 275-pound Bain has the build and tools to make an immediate impact from the left edge. 8. New England PatriotsJordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State*Upside is intriguing when devising summer mock drafts, and Tyson has the potential to rise into the top 10. At 6-foot-1, 195 pounds, he reminds me of Jaxon Smith-Njigba with his route-running ability and poise in space while effortlessly moving through a route tree. Tyson broke out in 2024, catching 75 passes for 1,101 yards and 10 touchdowns. But drops are a problem, with eight coming on 114 targets. If he cleans that up, Tyson has the speed and route technique to be a top-10 pick and a prime target for young Patriots QB Drake Maye, who has shown franchise potential. 9. Los Angeles Rams (from ATL)Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama*With two first-rounders in the 2026 draft, the Rams have plenty of flexibility. Proctor would already be one of the NFL’s strongest players upon entering the league, as the 6-foot-7, 370-pounder plays with physicality and a mean streak that is impossible for defenders to handle when he’s locked in. But Proctor isn’t always on his A-game and can run hot-and-cold. The Rams are looking for an heir apparent to Rob Havenstein at right tackle and Proctor has more potential than any lineman in this class … if he can improve his consistency. 10. Seattle SeahawksSpencer Fano, OT, Utah*It was surprising that the Seahawks waited until Round 7 to draft a tackle in 2025, considering that Abraham Lucas’ injuries have created instability at right tackle. If that continues, Seattle could go with a tackle very early in 2026. Fano has played both left and right tackle at Utah, but his size (6-foot-5, 304 pounds) has some scouts projecting him as an NFL guard. Fano enters 2025 as one of the nation’s best linemen after allowing one sack in 2024, and his movement ability and understanding of angles and leverage make him an ideal NFL right tackle. 11. Indianapolis ColtsGarrett Nussmeier, QB, LSUAnthony Richardson’s injuries and lack of development led to the Colts signing Daniel Jones this offseason. Barring major improvement from Richardson (or a breakthrough by Jones), Indianapolis will be in search of a quarterback. Nussmeier showed flashes in his first season as a starter, throwing for 4,052 yards, 29 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. The son of Saints offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier, Garrett plays with fire and energy and isn’t afraid to take chances. If he cuts down on his interceptions, Nussmeier has the velocity, accuracy and playmaking ability to move up draft boards. 12. Cleveland Browns (from JAX)Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah*With right tackle Jack Conklin slowing down and unproven Dawand Jones set to start at left tackle, it was a bit surprising that the Browns punted on the position in the 2025 draft. But 2026 looks deeper in true left tackle prospects, and Lomu is a player with considerable growth potential. He performed well as a redshirt freshman, allowing three sacks and committing one penalty. Lomu should break out further in 2025, with his easy movement ability in the run game and quick reaction time in pass protection. While Lomu isn’t currently OT1, he has top-five potential if he expands on what he showed last season. 13. Dallas CowboysKeldric Faulk, Edge, Auburn*The Cowboys enter the season still needing to sign Micah Parsons to a long-term extension. While they signed Dante Fowler Jr. this offseason, Dallas needs more on the edge after passing on the position in the 2025 draft. At 6-foot-6, 288 pounds, Faulk is a versatile player who can play along the defensive line, from 3-technique to a true outside edge. He can generate pressure from inside and out, as evidenced by his 24 edge pressures and five interior pressures last season. Faulk’s size and strength would be fun to pair with Parsons’ speed. 14. Arizona CardinalsAntonio Williams, WR, Clemson*The Cardinals got excellent value early in the 2025 draft, getting defensive tackle Walter Nolen III and cornerback Will Johnson later than each player was expected to go. But receiver is still an area of concern opposite 2024 first-rounder Marvin Harrison Jr. Williams is my current WR1 after a 75-catch, 11-touchdown season as a sophomore in 2024. At 5-foot-11, 190 pounds, Williams is a quick shifty wideout who has the ability to play outside and in the slot. That would make him an ideal complement to the bigger Harrison. 15. Miami DolphinsJermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee*There are some questions about McCoy’s status to start the season after he tore an ACL in January during offseason training, but there’s no question about his tape. The 6-foot, 193-pound corner has six career interceptions and emerged as a true No. 1 CB last season. He has the length, height and speed to run with NFL-caliber wideouts and the ball skills to flip the field. He’s my CB1 as long as he recovers and stays healthy. The Dolphins need a capable outside cornerback — especially after trading Jalen Ramsey to the Steelers on Monday. 16. Pittsburgh SteelersLaNorris Sellers, QB, South Carolina*Aaron Rodgers eventually signed with the Steelers, but all signs indicate it’s a one-year arrangement, which makes quarterback Pittsburgh’s offseason focus again in 2026. Sellers is one of the nation’s most exciting prospects, as he threw for 18 touchdowns to seven interceptions last season while rushing for 674 yards and seven scores. The 6-foot-3, 242-pounder is big, strong and mobile and could be picked way before this if he cleans up some decision-making mistakes. With two years of eligibility following next season, Sellers is no lock to be in the draft, but his potential excites evaluators. 17. Chicago BearsJeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame*The Bears were rumored to be interested in Ashton Jeanty had he fallen to them in the 2025 draft, so perhaps 2026 is when they’ll get a running back. Love was one of the best running backs in the country last season as a sophomore, rushing for 1,125 yards and 17 touchdowns. He is a bruising runner at 6-foot and 206 pounds but can also break off big plays — see his 98-yard TD against Indiana in the first round of the playoffs — and shake tacklers in space. That, plus his receiving skills, makes him the perfect feature back for new coach Ben Johnson’s offense. 18. Minnesota VikingsTim Keenan III, DT, AlabamaWhile the Vikings bolstered their offensive line in Round 1 in 2025 with guard Donovan Jackson, they were linked to many interior defenders during the predraft process and made a run at Milton Williams in free agency. So defensive tackle is a need, and the 6-foot-2, 326-pound Keenan is a physical, tough-nosed anchor with the prototypical nose tackle build. He has some pass-rush ability (2.5 sacks last season), but Keenan’s strength against the run and on-field leadership have scouts discussing him as a potential first-rounder. 19. Green Bay PackersLT Overton, Edge, AlabamaWhen the Packers broke their 20-plus-year first-round receiver drought by selecting Matthew Golden in 2025, they bypassed a need on the edge. So edge rush help should be a priority for Green Bay in 2026, and Overton fits what Packers GM Brian Gutekunst likes at the position. The 6-foot-5, 283-pounder is big, long and versatile and likely would have been a top-50 pick had he entered the 2025 draft. But he returned to Bama to develop his game, refine his pass-rush moves to better match his speed-to-power flashes and improve on the two sacks he had in 2024. 20. Denver BroncosEli Stowers, TE, VanderbiltSean Payton has been vocal about wanting to diversify the Broncos’ passing game, most notably adding hybrid players he calls “jokers.” He signed one in veteran tight end Evan Engram and drafted another in running back RJ Harvey but is looking for more. Stowers is my TE1 and is expected to break out even more after catching 49 passes for 638 yards and five touchdowns last season. He’s more of a slot tight end at 6-foot-4, 225 pounds, resembling Engram. Stowers would serve as a younger version of Engram with greater upside, though. 21. Houston TexansAustin Barber, OT, FloridaThe Texans went through a massive offensive line overhaul after surrendering 52 sacks in 2024, trading left tackle Laremy Tunsil, signing several free agents and selecting tackle Aireontae Ersery in Round 2 of the past draft. But the work in finding better protection for C.J. Stroud is far from over. The 6-foot-6, 314-pound Barber started 12 games at left tackle last season, showing pro-level starting upside thanks to efficient hand placement in pass protection and ideal quickness for zone running schemes. 22. Tampa Bay BuccaneersPatrick Payton, Edge, LSUPayton has been on scouts’ radar since 2022, flashing as a freshman at Florida State before compiling seven sacks and 14.5 tackles for loss as a sophomore in 2023. He struggled along with the rest of the Seminoles in 2024, with his sack total falling to four. He’ll look to regain his first-round status at LSU in 2025. If he does, Payton would be an intriguing fit for the Buccaneers, as his quickness and speed off the edge would be an ideal match to the power that defensive tackles Vita Vea and Calijah Kancey possess. 23. San Francisco 49ersIsaiah World, OT, OregonMany thought the 49ers would draft the eventual successor to All-Pro left tackle Trent Williams, who turns 37 in July. But San Francisco passed on tackles in the 2025 draft, so that need still exists. World transferred to Oregon after dominating at Nevada, and the 6-foot-8, 310-pounder has all-world potential with his elite reach, elite agility and experience. The 49ers need to get younger at core positions, and left tackle should be atop their wish list. 24. Cincinnati BengalsAvieon Terrell, CB, Clemson*Defensive line could become the No. 1 need if the Bengals can’t resolve the Trey Hendrickson and Shemar Stewart contract situations. But assuming cooler heads prevail, Cincinnati should concentrate on its secondary. The Bengals have several young cornerbacks in Cam Taylor-Britt, DJ Turner II and Dax Hill, but they’ve been held back by injuries and inconsistency. Terrell, the younger brother of Falcons standout A.J. Terrell, had two interceptions and broke up 13 passes last season. His versatility, speed and production point to him being a value add late in Round 1. 25. Washington CommandersA.J. Harris, CB, Penn State*The Commanders traded for Marshon Lattimore last season and picked Trey Amos in Round 2 of the 2025 draft but still have a need at corner, especially when considering Lattimore’s age and injury history. At 6-foot-1, 190 pounds, Harris has the length Dan Quinn loves in his corners. Harris has shown ball-hawking skills and loves to press and jam receivers. He’s still a bit green, having started only one season, but last season’s tape — along with Penn State’s track record in developing defenders — makes Harris one of the most promising corners in the country. 26. Los Angeles ChargersCJ Allen, LB, Georgia*Sometimes when you’re watching film, a player jumps out as a perfect fit for an NFL scheme or coach. That’s what Allen is with Jim Harbaugh, as the 6-foot-1, 235-pounder fits the mold of linebackers that Harbaugh had with the 49ers and what he recruited at Michigan. Allen crashes rushing lanes with power while showing the agility to excel in pass coverage. He’s protected by Georgia’s top-tier defensive line, but Allen’s read-and-react ability makes him a good bet to be an immediate NFL starter. 27. Los Angeles RamsDrew Allar, QB, Penn StateWith Matthew Stafford entering his age-37 season, this would be a good spot for the Rams to pick his eventual successor. Allar is a big-armed quarterback with good mobility for his size (6-foot-5, 238 pounds), but he hasn’t quite put it all together. He has the arm to make any throw and can escape crowded pockets but goes through cold stretches where his decision-making and accuracy drop off. His development in 2024, in which he increased his completion percentage from 59.9% to 66.5%, is encouraging and suggests that more improvement is on the way. 28. Baltimore RavensD’Angelo Ponds, CB, Indiana*The Ravens added two short-term cornerback options in veterans Jaire Alexander and Chidobe Awuzie, but they need a long-term solution. Ponds projects as a slot corner because of his 5-foot-9, 170-pound frame, but he’s a feisty cover man with ball skills (five career interceptions) and the quickness to match up with inside receivers. Having him join a pair of young safeties in 24-year-old All-Pro Kyle Hamilton and 2025 first-rounder Malaki Starks would give Baltimore a fierce group of youthful playmakers. 29. Detroit LionsTyreak Sapp, Edge, FloridaSurprisingly, the Lions chose not to draft an edge rusher to help Aidan Hutchinson — especially considering the star pass rusher is returning from a season-ending leg injury. Sapp is coming off a career-best seven sacks last season and has the ideal strength at 6-foot-3, 272 pounds to stack up against the run while also showing the quickness to win with his first step. Adding Sapp to Hutchinson, defensive tackle Alim McNeill and 2025 first-round defensive tackle Tyleik Williams would give Detroit one heck of a defensive front. 30. Kansas City ChiefsDillon Thieneman, S, Oregon*The upcoming season will be key for young Chiefs safeties Jaden Hicks and Chamarri Conner, who have each shown promise but haven’t emerged as consistent starters. That could open the door for Kansas City to select Thieneman, who intercepted six passes at Purdue in 2023 and racked up 104 tackles last season. He transferred to Oregon, where he’ll be able to play both deep and box safety in Dan Lanning’s pro-style defense. His size (6-foot, 207 pounds) and playmaking instincts should allow him to thrive with the Ducks. 31. Philadelphia EaglesDenzel Boston, WR, Washington*The Eagles have thrived on finding top-20 players who slip through the cracks. Boston could fit that mold, as the 6-foot-4, 210-pounder had 63 catches, 834 yards and 9 touchdowns last season. His physical, above-the-rim style is a lot like Tetairoa McMillan’s style. Philadelphia has two bona fide star receivers in A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, but there isn’t much behind them. With Brown entering his age-28 season, it’s worth taking a young receiver like Boston for three-wide sets now and to eventually replace Brown later. 32. Buffalo BillsJake Slaughter, C, FloridaBuffalo has had solid interior line play in Josh Allen’s tenure as a starting quarterback, but this would be a good place for the Bills to replenish with a starting-caliber player. Slaughter didn’t allow a sack last season and was penalized only twice. He’s already pro-sized at 6-foot-5, 308 pounds and is a clean pass protector with strength, quickness and great awareness. Slaughter has the athletic profile to play guard or center in the NFL at a high level. Five players from Clemson in his top 24.  Are the Tigers thought to be an elite team this upcoming season? We see that Steve Lasson of Athlon Sports has them at #5. Adam Rittenberg of ESPN.com has Clemson at #7 in his “Future Power Rankings.”