| NFC NORTH |
| DETROITThe Lions have broken up the tandem of RBs JAMYR GIBBS and DAVID MONTGOMERY – at Montgomery’s behest. Kevin Patra of NFL.com: The Detroit Lions are breaking up Sonic and Knuckles. The Lions have agreed to trade running back David Montgomery to the Houston Texans in exchange for offensive lineman Juice Scruggs, a fourth-round pick and a seventh-round selection, NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport, Mike Garafolo and Tom Pelissero reported Monday. Montgomery has been the subject of trade rumors following a down season in which the Lions leaned more heavily on starter Jahmyr Gibbs in 2025. Despite playing in 17 games for the first time in his career, Montgomery earned a career-low 716 yards on 158 carries with eight touchdowns. Conversely, Gibbs saw 243 totes, going for 1,223 yards. “Please know this: Everything I do next carries a piece of Detroit with it,” Montgomery posted on his social media account after the trade news. “The work ethic. The edge. The heart. Thank you for trusting me. Thank you for pushing me. Thank you for walking this chapter with me.” Following the season, during which the Lions finished fourth in the NFC North, word spread that Montgomery was frustrated with his role in the offense and hoped to find a landing spot where he could see a heavier workload. Enter Houston. The Texans struggled to find traction on the ground in 2025, tied for 29th at 3.9 yards per attempt. The issues in Houston were two-fold: An offensive line that struggled to create holes and a running back group that proved inconsistent. With Joe Mixon out all season, the Texans leaned on rookie Woody Marks, who flashed playmaking ability but was inefficient, generating 3.6 yards per carry on a team-high 196 totes. Veteran Nick Chubb earned 506 yards on 122 carries in 15 games with three scores, but is still slowed by his devastating 2023 knee injury. The Texans were particularly woeful in short-yardage and goal line situations. A gritty runner, Montgomery is a trusty plow who can run through arm tackles and consistently falls forward. He is also capable as an outlet receiver. Montgomery should immediately aid in the red zone. Since 2023, Montgomery has generated 33 rushing scores, sixth among RBs. The Texans, in that same span, have 34 rushing touchdowns, tied for fifth-fewest, per NFL Research. Pairing Montgomery and Marks gives a good one-two punch out of the backfield. The offensive line, however, still needs upgrading. In addition to shipping out Scruggs, a former second-round pick who started just one game in 2025, the Texans traded versatile starter Tytus Howard to Cleveland on Monday. Montgomery has two years remaining on his contract, with base salaries of $5.49 million in 2026 and $7.49 million in 2027, but no guaranteed money remaining. The move saves the Lions roughly $3.5 million on the cap. Later on Monday, Detroit saved an additional $5.5 million in cap space by releasing longtime offensive lineman Graham Glasgow. The trade breaks up one of the most potent backfield combinations in the NFL and signals a massive workload for Gibbs at this point. With former fourth-rounder Sione Vaki the main backup remaining on the roster, Detroit is now in the market for a low-cost bruiser in free agency or in the draft to pair with Gibbs. The 23-year-old is also eligible for an extension. The addition of Scruggs, who didn’t live up to his draft status in Houston, gives the Lions another option on the interior of an O-line that needed rehabbing this offseason. It’s a decent flier for Detroit general manager Brad Holmes, but shouldn’t hinder further upgrades, especially considering Glasgow’s departure. The Lions added two additional picks to the eight they already owned in 2026, but still have just two in the top 100 selections. The DB has seen some analysts thinking the Texans gave up too much, but Tyler Sullivan of CBSSports.com is okay with it: This trade is an effort by the Texans to boost their backfield after last season’s mediocre showing, and Montgomery presents a higher ceiling than the team has had in recent years at that position. As for the Lions, a divorce seemed to be on the horizon after some rumblings about Montgomery possibly wanting out (which he denied), along with Detroit general manager Brad Holmes saying that “a player has to want to be in a certain place” when speaking about Montgomery’s situation. Texans received: RB David MontgomeryLions received: Fourth-round pick, seventh-round pick, OL Juice ScruggsWith the specifics laid out, let’s now roll up our sleeves, pull out the red pen, and grade this deal between the two franchises. Detroit Lions: B-As we noted earlier, Holmes was dealing with a player who may or may not have wanted out, so getting multiple draft picks along with a player in return is solid. Montgomery was the 1B in Detroit’s backfield over the last few years, but his role started to diminish with Jahmyr Gibbs ascending to superstar status and carrying even more of the workload. That trend was only going to continue in 2026, likely furthering Montgomery’s discontent, so moving on from a player whose role is only getting smaller within your offense makes sense. Montgomery also had no guaranteed money left on his contract, so he likely would have looked for a revamped contract, making this a savvy financial move by the Lions, as well. They avoid needing to shell out money to a running back entering his age-29 season. All that said, Detroit’s backfield is now not as deep as it once was, while the timeshare was becoming lopsided, the duo of Gibbs and Montgomery was a great one-two punch that also kept Gibbs fresh. Meanwhile, Juice Scruggs is a worthwhile dice roll to add to the competition along the offensive line to see if he sticks. Scruggs was a second-round pick in 2023 out of Penn State and could be in the mix to be the team’s new starting center (where he played in college and during the first year of his career). Houston demoted Scruggs last season to a rotational depth piece along the interior. Houston Texans: BThe Texans needed to do something about their lackluster running game, and Montgomery increases the talent level of the backfield. With that in mind, they are a better team on Monday than they were on Sunday before the deal. In 2025, they were at the bottom of the barrel in most rushing statistics, including dead last in yards per rush after contact. With Montgomery’s bowling ball reputation as a runner, he should help claw them out of the basement in that category in 2026. This trade should also free second-year running back Woody Marks up for a large role in the passing game. Marks only caught 24 balls for 208 yards and three touchdowns during his rookie season, but he has the potential to be a legit threat as a receiver out of the backfield. With Montgomery likely handling the short-yardage situations, Houston would be wise to kick the tires with Marks as a true passing down back, while sprinkling him in on early downs. It certainly wouldn’t be the Sonic and Knuckles duo that Detroit enjoyed with Gibbs and Montgomery, but there is potential there to get a little bit more dynamic with Marks in 2026, thanks to this trade. The deal also allows the Texans to cut bait with fellow veteran Joe Mixon, who missed all of last season due to injury. Houston can clear $8 million off the books by releasing him. |
| GREEN BAYWhen 65-year-old Rich Bisaccia resigned a few weeks ago, it was not to retire from coaching. Although he may live in his retirement home. Charean Williams ofProFootballTalk.com: Rich Bisaccia stepped down as the Packers’ special teams coordinator on Feb. 17. It came after his assistant special teams coordinator, Byron Storer, took a job as the Browns’ special teams coordinator. Bisaccia is not retiring, though. He has agreed to terms to join Clemson’s staff, Tiger Illustrated reports, pending the school’s board of trustees approval of the deal. Bisaccia has a house in South Carolina. The Tigers do not have a vacancy, with Mike Reed still on staff. He served as assistant head coach, special teams coordinator and cornerbacks coach last season. Bisaccia has worked as the special teams coordinator for the Bucs, Chargers, Cowboys, Raiders and Packers. He was also assistant head coach for each of those teams, and in 2021, was the interim coach of the Raiders. |
| AFC WEST |
| KANSAS CITYThe Chiefs clear salary cap space by jettisoning a $20-million per year OL. Kevin Patra of NFL.com: The Kansas City Chiefs’ march toward salary cap compliance continues. The Chiefs are releasing right tackle Jawaan Taylor, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported on Monday, per sources informed of the decision. The move creates needed cap space. The release will save the cap-strapped Chiefs $20 million on the cap with $7.391 in dead money, per Over The Cap. The Chiefs signed Taylor in 2023 as a centerpiece of their offensive line remake during that go-around, inking a four-year, $80 million contract. Initially, Andy Reid indicated that the high-priced blocker would take over Patrick Mahomes’ blind side, despite rarely playing left tackle in his career. That decision was quickly scrapped, and Taylor spent the past three seasons as the Chiefs’ starting right tackle. He’s been a capable starter throughout his tenure and mostly stayed on the field, but his blocking began to significantly fall off in 2025, and the high-profile penalty problems persist. Cutting Taylor has been an expected move for the Chiefs, who began the offseason significantly over the salary cap for 2026. The first high-profile move was restructuring Mahomes’ contract. The club can also push money into the future with other restructures — i.e., Chris Jones. The bloodletting of some veterans was also expected. K.C. previously released Michael Danna, saving $8.8 million. Moving on from Taylor gives general manager Brett Veach a bigger chunk. The Chiefs aren’t done making moves before the new league year opens on March 11. Releasing Taylor gives flexibility for Veach heading into free agency, but it also creates more questions along an offensive line that wasn’t exactly sturdy in front of Mahomes last season. After the first truly disappointing season in K.C. under Reid, it’s a reset offseason for the Chiefs with big moves needed to ensure the one-year blip isn’t a sign of true decline. The first stage of that plan is freeing up cap space. |
| LOS ANGELES CHARGERSEDGE KHALIL MACK will play in 2026, perhaps with the Chargers, perhaps not. Kris Rhim of ESPN.com: Nine-time Pro Bowl pass rusher Khalil Mack, who had mulled retirement, will play in 2026, a source told ESPN. Mack, 35, is set to be an unrestricted free agent for the second time in his 12-year NFL career and will explore all options. The Los Angeles Chargers hope to re-sign Mack, as they did last year. Mack, the 2016 Defensive Player of the Year and one of the most decorated outside linebackers in NFL history, had 5.5 sacks in 2025, the second-lowest mark of his career, but that was partly due to an elbow injury that sidelined him for four games. When healthy, he was still a difference-maker on the Chargers’ defense. In the four weeks without Mack, L.A. allowed 579 yards rushing, sixth most in the NFL; from when he returned in Week 7 until Week 18 — when most Chargers starters sat out — L.A. allowed the fourth-fewest rushing yards (1,046). Mack had hoped to win his first playoff game and make a run to the Super Bowl with the Chargers, but he fell to 0-6 in the postseason with L.A.’s loss to the New England Patriots. “I want to ultimately be a champion,” Mack said at his end-of-season news conference. Mack was selected with the fifth pick in the 2014 draft by the Raiders and spent his first four seasons in Oakland. He was traded to the Chicago Bears at the beginning of the 2018 campaign and dealt to the Chargers in 2022. His 113 career sacks rank seventh among active players. NFL Network first reported Mack’s plans. |
| AFC NORTH |
| CLEVELANDThe Browns have acquired T TYTUS HOWARD from the Texans. And they give him a big new deal. Kevin Patra of NFL.com: The first steps toward the Cleveland Browns employing an offensive line in 2026 include a trade for an established starter. The Browns and Houston Texans have agreed to terms on a trade to send Tytus Howard to Cleveland in exchange for a fifth-round draft pick, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported on Monday, per sources. Included in the deal, Howard, who was entering the final year of his contract, received a new three-year, $63 million extension, per Rapoport, putting him under contract for the next four campaigns. “I wasn’t surprised,” Howard told KPRC 2’s Aaron Wilson of the trade. “They’re trying to get younger and pay some guys. I ain’t mad. I kind of knew it was going to happen. “I just appreciate the support over the last seven years. I’ll always be a Texan forever. I’m excited to go to Cleveland and turn the city up and help change the program and win some games.” A first-round pick in 2019, Howard started 93 games over seven seasons in Houston. The veteran is a solid pass blocker, particularly on the right side, but has struggled in run blocking throughout his career. The acquisition brings position flexibility to Cleveland. Howard can play right tackle or slide inside to either guard spot. In 2025, he played 628 snaps at right tackle, 402 at left guard and 132 at right guard. The Browns entered the offseason with a black hole along the offensive line. Joel Bitonio, Jack Conklin, Ethan Pocic, Wyatt Teller, Cam Robinson and Teven Jenkins are all set to hit the open market. Rebuilding the O-line is a priority for general manager Andrew Berry. Plugging in a capable veteran with position versatility like Howard is a good initial move. There’s plenty more to come. For Houston, the offensive line remake will continue. Jettisoning one of its more capable options is an interesting choice, but a blocking upgrade, particularly in the run game, is needed this offseason. The move frees up cap space to be used elsewhere. Ed Ingram, the Texans’ best offensive lineman in 2025, is set to be a free agent. Houston also has high-profile defenders in line for extensions, including Will Anderson Jr.. Whomever the Texans end up adding will be blocking for a new starting running back after Houston agreed to trade two picks and lineman Juice Scruggs to Detroit for veteran David Montgomery later Monday. Texans GM Nick Caserio has tinkered heavily with his offensive line the past several seasons but found few solid answers. Houston will once again be in the market to upgrade the blocking in both free agency and with significant draft assets this offseason. |
| AFC SOUTH |
| INDIANAPOLISHow hard is QB DANIEL JONES pushing for a big deal? Mike Florio ofProFootballTalk.com on the challenges facing the Colts: It’s 2023 all over again for Daniel Jones. That year, the Giants had two key impending free agents — Jones and running back Saquon Barkley. They wanted to sign Barkley to a long-term deal and to tag Jones. When talks with Barkley bogged down, they signed Jones and tagged Barkley. During the 2024 season, after Barkley had left in free agency in lieu of a second tag, the Giants cut Jones. This time around, the Colts apparently hope to sign Jones and tag receiver Alec Pierce. Jones and the Colts are talking; Adam Schefter of ESPN.com told Pat McAfee on Monday that the chances of the Colts and Jones getting a deal done before Tuesday’s 4:00 p.m. ET deadline are “50/50.” They could sign Pierce to a long-term deal, or they could tag Jones and let Pierce hit free agency. Regardless, the Colts are trying to get Jones signed. The franchise tag for Jones would cost the Colts $43.895 million. The Colts also could use the transition tag (which gives them a right to match and nothing else) at $37.833 million. Whatever the outcome, it will be a win for Jones. He signed a one-year, $14 million deal with the Colts last year, and he’s recovering from a torn Achilles tendon. |
| THIS AND THAT |
| TOP 5 AVAILABLE VETERAN QBs and WRsFrank Schwab of YahooSports.com offers his top 5 QBs and WRs in free agency: Last season, there was a future Super Bowl-winning quarterback available in free agency. Sam Darnold was a free agent and the Seattle Seahawks signed him for $100.5 million over three seasons. Less than a year later, Darnold helped lead the Seahawks to a Super Bowl LX title. That’s a rare story. Generally quarterbacks available in free agency are deeply flawed. It’s hard to strike gold, though the Seahawks showed it’s possible. There could be more than a few teams looking for a new starter in free agency, and the options will be limited. Two options that will likely emerge are Tua Tagovailoa and Kyler Murray, starters to begin last season who are expected to be cut by the Dolphins and Cardinals, but they didn’t make the top 5 available here until they are officially available. Here are the top 5 available free agents at quarterback: 1. Daniel JonesJones’ case is complicated. He was playing well before tearing his Achilles. There’s no guarantee he’ll be available to play by Week 1, or if the injury affects him all season. Part of the appeal with Jones is his athleticism, and that won’t be the same after the injury. Still, the first half of 2025 made it look like Jones was another late bloomer at quarterback. If he doesn’t return to the Colts, some team will get creative on a contract for Jones. 2. Malik WillisWillis is interesting because of youth. He turns 27 in May, which means there’s some hope he can be a long-term answer. Willis has just six starts in the NFL, and three were horrendous performances when he was a rookie with the Titans. With the Packers, Willis looked a lot better when pressed into action. He has the physical skills to be a starter, though it’s a projection based on a small sample. 3. Kirk CousinsCousins was benched in 2024, but he had a resurgence in 2025 when he was more than a year removed from a torn Achilles. Cousins started eight games for the Falcons and generally looked better than he did the previous season. That renewed hope he can be some team’s starter for at least another season, at age 38. There’s risk due to his age, but he’s a viable option. 4. Aaron RodgersWe don’t know if Rodgers will play in 2026. Before last season he hinted that he wouldn’t continue to play beyond 2025, but he had a solid season for the Steelers and by the end of it he seemed more open to the idea of playing another season. The problem is he turns 43 next season, and aside from Tom Brady, there is no positive history for quarterbacks that age. Rodgers played well enough last season that it seems he can squeeze another season out of his body if he wants to, but teams will have to be wary of the age cliff. 5. Jimmy GaroppoloFree-agent quarterbacks like Garoppolo and Marcus Mariota probably won’t be signed as starters, but could be high-priority backups. Garoppolo barely played the last two seasons with the Rams, but spending two seasons with head coach Sean McVay can’t be a bad thing. He’s a reliable vet with positive starting experience. On to the receivers: There are receivers of all kinds available in free agency this offseason. There are some young up-and-coming big-play threats, and some old reliable veterans who can help a contender in need on a short-term deal. Teams might not find a true No. 1 available in free agency, but there are options to help a passing game. Here are the top five receivers available in free agency: 1. George PickensPickens got the franchise tag from the Cowboys, which wasn’t a surprise, but it was the non-exclusive tag. That allows other teams to negotiate with him, though the Cowboys have the right to match or receive draft pick compensation. It’s rare for a franchise tagged player to sign an offer sheet elsewhere, and Pickens probably won’t be an exception. But he is a hugely talented 24-year-old coming off a 1,429-yard season. 2. Alec PierceThere aren’t many receivers in the NFL better at making big plays. Pierce has led the NFL in yards per catch each of the past two seasons, averaging 22.3 two seasons ago and 21.3 last season. He has 13 touchdowns the last two seasons and is coming off his first 1,000-yard season. He’s an ascending talent at 25 years old, and his age is a reason he will be coveted if the Colts can’t secure him before free agency. 3. Rashid ShaheedIf all Shaheed did was play offense, he wouldn’t be third on this list. But he is an exceptional kickoff and punt returner as well. After the Seahawks traded for him last season, a punt return touchdown in the regular season against the Rams and a kickoff return touchdown to begin a divisional round playoff game against the 49ers were two of the biggest plays of Seattle’s championship season. Shaheed is also a great deep threat on offense. 4. Mike EvansIf this was prime Evans, he’d be one of the most coveted free agents in years. Last season was a tough one though, with injuries limiting him to eight games and 368 yards, breaking a streak of 11 straight 1,000-yard seasons to begin his career. Was that the sign of a big decline coming for Evans, who will be 33 years old next season? He should still be productive on a short deal, as long as expectations aren’t unrealistic. Evans has spent his entire career with the Buccaneers, and returning to Tampa Bay is an option. 5. Tyreek HillHill will be perhaps the most interesting gamble in free agency. He is a Hall of Fame talent who had back-to-back 1,700-yard seasons in 2022 and 2023. But in 2024 his numbers dipped and then in 2025 he suffered a terrible knee injury. Hill just turned 32 years old, and there should be questions if his elite speed will be what it once was. Hill has a long history of off-field issues as well. But if he recovers and looks like he has for most of his career, he’s a true difference maker. |
| THOUGHTS ON MIKE McDANIELVeteran RB Raheim Mostert with some thoughts on former Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel: Raheem Mostert played for Mike McDaniel for five seasons when McDaniel was an assistant coach in San Francisco, and then Mostert played for McDaniel for three seasons when McDaniel was the head coach in Miami. Few players have spent as much time with McDaniel as Mostert has. And Mostert says McDaniel’s downfall as a head coach was in trying too hard to be a players’ coach. Mostert told Colin Cowherd that he and McDaniel developed a good relationship in San Francisco and that McDaniel is a sharp offensive coach, but that McDaniel never figured out how to run a football team. “He’s a great coach,” Mostert said. “If guys are talking, he’ll listen and give them some advice, but head coach wise — the past couple of years, what they’ve been going through has just been kind of rough. I kind of feel bad for the players. When you have a coach that is so player friendly, it doesn’t really mix all that well. Look at the coaches in history, not just in the NFL, of all of these different sports franchises, they have coaches that implement toughness, resilience and that’s something that he kind of missed the mark on in being a head coach.” Mostert referred to McDaniel as “nonchalant,” “laid back” and “a players’ coach” and said players respond better to a head coach whose attitude is, “We’re getting the job done, and it’s my way or the highway.” Ultimately, Mostert said, the Dolphins needed a coach who was going to hold them to higher standards. “As a player, I need somebody tough that’s going to lay the hammer down when it needs to be down and tell other players to get in line,” Mostert said. “When you don’t have that, that impact can definitely be detrimental.” |
| 2026 DRAFTPlenty of new Mock Drafts on the way after the Combine. Here’s Lance Zeurlein ofNFL.com: With the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine in the rearview, it’s time for my second mock of the first round. Which prospects boosted their draft stock in Indianapolis? Who created more questions? Those developments helped shape the projection you see below. NFL free agency — which officially begins at the start of the new league year on Wednesday, March 11 — obviously will impact team needs. But where do things stand right now? Here is my updated forecast. 1 Las Vegas RaidersFernando MendozaIndiana · QB · Junior (RS)Ultra-accurate quarterback who is able to pick apart defenses — provided he gets proper protection. 2 New York JetsDavid BaileyTexas Tech · Edge · SeniorIn my first mock of this draft cycle, I had the Jets taking Arvell Reese. This time around, New York grabs a more game-ready pass rusher who can pile up pressures and sacks. 3 Arizona CardinalsArvell ReeseOhio State · LB/Edge · JuniorSure, offensive tackle is a need for Arizona, but so is edge — and the latter clearly offers better talent than the former at No. 3 overall. 4 Tennessee TitansMansoor DelaneLSU · CB · SeniorDelane lacks top-end physical traits, but his coverage skills are the best you will find in this year’s draft. Tennessee fills a big need for new coach Robert Saleh. 5 New York GiantsJermod McCoyTennessee · CB · JuniorThe Giants take a swing on a high-upside cornerback who missed the entire 2025 season while recovering from an ACL tear. 6 Cleveland BrownsFrancis MauigoaMiami · OL · JuniorThe Browns’ trade for Tytus Howard was a start, but needs abound across Cleveland’s offensive line. Mauigoa or Howard could get a look at left tackle, with the other manning the right side — or Mauigoa could bump inside and lock down a guard spot for years to come. 7 Washington CommandersRueben Bain Jr.Miami · Edge · JuniorThis pick would fade the historical norm for edge defenders with shorter arms, but Bain can rush the passer and is a block destructor against the run. Just a damn-good football player. 8 New Orleans SaintsJeremiyah LoveNotre Dame · RB · JuniorLove instantly reduces the workload from Tyler Shough’s shoulders as a three-down home run hitter. 9 PROJECTED TRADE WITH KANSAS CITY CHIEFSNew York Jets Caleb DownsOhio State · S · JuniorNew York dips into its deep draft capital to leap up the board for an enticing prospect. Aaron Glenn saw what a difference Brian Branch made in Detroit, so the second-year head coach pounces on this fiery safety to help change the culture of his defense. 10 Cincinnati BengalsSonny StylesOhio State · LB · SeniorStyles is an explosive athlete with elite traits and three-down talent to impact the game as a rusher, run defender and cover man. 11 Miami DolphinsCarnell TateOhio State · WR · JuniorTate’s lack of top-end speed at the NFL Scouting Combine (4.53 40-yard dash) was a little surprising relative to the rest of the group, but the Ohio State product runs great routes and catches everything. He’s a baller. 12 Dallas CowboysKeldric FaulkAuburn · Edge · JuniorFaulk has impressive size at 6-foot-5 7/8 and 276 pounds with 34 3/8-inch arms. He can play base end on early downs before reducing inside to mismatch guards with his pass rush. The upside trumps the underwhelming 2025 production. 13 Los Angeles Rams (via ATL)Makai LemonUSC · WR · JuniorThe Rams could look for a safety or cornerback here, but adding more firepower to the receiving corps makes good roster sense, especially with 33-year-old Davante Adams in the final year of his contract. 14 Baltimore RavensOlaivavega IoanePenn State · OG · Junior (RS)Wide-bodied drive blocker who has continued to refine his physique and improve his overall quickness and consistency. 15 Tampa Bay BuccaneersAkheem MesidorMiami · Edge · SeniorSure, Mesidor will be a 25-year-old rookie, but his pass-rush bag is as deep as a 15th-year veteran’s. The Bucs must produce more pressure, and Mesidor can supply that quickly. 16 PROJECTED TRADE WITH NEW YORK JETSKansas City ChiefsMonroe FreelingGeorgia · OT · JuniorFollowing the release of Jawaan Taylor, Brett Veach moves back and takes one of the most athletic tackles in the draft. Freeling joins last year’s first-round pick, Josh Simmons, to give Patrick Mahomes a pair of young, talented bookends. 17 Detroit LionsKadyn ProctorAlabama · OL · JuniorThe Lions could target a veteran Band-Aid for the edge spot opposite Aidan Hutchinson. If not, Proctor could step in and compete for a starting job at guard right away before bouncing back outside to tackle whenever Taylor Decker hangs ’em up. 18 Minnesota VikingsDillon ThienemanOregon · S · JuniorThe tape already showed an instinctive safety with the ability to maneuver around the field, but after Thieneman’s incredible combine performance, it will be hard for the Vikings not to see the next Harrison Smith. 19 Carolina PanthersZion YoungMissouri · Edge · SeniorYoung is currently a better run defender than pass rusher, but he’s also a big culture player. Missouri coaches say the relentless edge practices like he’s in the middle of a game. 20 PROJECTED TRADE WITH DALLAS COWBOYSChicago BearsEmmanuel McNeil-WarrenToledo · S · SeniorRyan Poles gets aggressive and moves up the board to grab a long, rangy safety capable of laying the lumber or taking the ball away from a variety of alignments. 21 Pittsburgh SteelersJordyn TysonArizona State · WR · Junior (RS)A strong 40 time at Arizona State’s pro day could take Tyson off the board before this pick, but for now, he’s easily the best available player at a position of need for the Steelers. 22 Los Angeles ChargersCaleb BanksFlorida · DT · SeniorBanks is one of the most physically gifted defenders in this draft, but durability has been the question. Still, it could be difficult for the Chargers to pass on his high-end traits and talent. 23 Philadelphia EaglesKenyon SadiqOregon · TE · JuniorI know there are needs in many areas for the Eagles, but Sadiq is a unicorn with rare explosiveness for the position. He has a chance to become a high-leverage pass catcher who can get the same kind of targets on the first two levels that A.J. Brown has seen in Philly. 24 Cleveland Browns (via JAC)Omar Cooper Jr.Indiana · WR · Junior (RS)Cooper is big, strong and has the ability to add yards after the catch. He’s also talented enough to work all three levels of the field. 25 PROJECTED TRADE WITH CHICAGO BEARSDallas Cowboys (via GB)Colton HoodTennessee · CB · Sophomore (RS)Hood is an aggressive press cornerback capable of handling his business both in coverage and as a run defender who loves to get after it. The Cowboys could use that type of player — and in this trade-down scenario, they add an extra pick for good measure. 26 Buffalo BillsDenzel BostonWashington · WR · Junior (RS)Buffalo needs to find a true WR1, and Boston might just be the guy. The Washington product is not fast or shifty, but he has elite ball skills, providing Josh Allen with a big target he can depend on. 27 San Francisco 49ersSpencer FanoUtah · OL · JuniorShort arms have been a big discussion point since the Super Bowl and might cause Fano to slip, but I’m not sure the 49ers would allow him to get past them, considering the athletic talent and scheme fit he could provide at right tackle or a guard spot. 28 Houston TexansCaleb LomuUtah · OT · Sophomore (RS)Lomu needs to improve as a run blocker, but he has the potential to become a very good NFL pass protector. The Texans could look to bring him along slowly or immediately plug him in at left tackle and slide Aireontae Ersery over to the right side. 29 Los Angeles RamsAvieon TerrellClemson · CB · JuniorTerrell is a sticky man-cover corner with the ability to irritate the catch point as a true nickel who can swing outside in a pinch. 30 Denver BroncosAnthony Hill Jr.Texas · LB · JuniorHill hasn’t been getting much buzz up to this point of the draft process, but he should be. He’s fast, is consistent as a find-and-finish linebacker and provides a quality rush/blitz option. 31 New England PatriotsKC ConcepcionTexas A&M · WR · JuniorThe Patriots shocked the world last season, but they will need to keep improving now that they are the hunted. Concepcion is a tremendous separator who can give Drake Maye plenty of clean looks from the slot. 32 PROJECTED TRADE WITH SEATTLE SEAHAWKSHouston TexansKayden McDonaldOhio State · DT · JuniorTexans GM Nick Caserio loves to get loose on the phone lines during the draft. This time, he jumps up from the second round to target a young run-stuffer with significant upside. |
