| LENTY OF NFC ASSESSMENTS BELOW FROM MIKE SANDO OF THE ATHLETIC |
| NFC NORTH |
| GREEN BAYAdam Stenavich is the Packers OC – and he has his eyes on last year’s number one WR MATTHEW GOLDEN. Josh Alper of ProFootballTalk.com: The Packers broke with tradition by selecting wide receiver Matthew Golden in the first round of the 2025 draft, but he entered a deep receiving corps that kept him from being a focal point of the team’s offensive attack. Golden had 29 catches for 361 yards in the regular season, but provided a hint of what it might look like with him in that role by catching four passes for 84 yards and a touchdown in Green Bay’s playoff loss to the Bears. The stage is set for him to get more chances for those kinds of games in 2026. Romeo Doubs left for the Patriots as a free agent and Dontayvion Wicks was traded to the Eagles, which opened up a lot of snaps for the coming season. In a Monday press conference, offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich was asked what that will mean for Golden’s opportunity and production. “I think all those are going to go up,” Stenavich said. “I’m excited about him, he’s looked great so far. It’s going to be a big year for him and I’m excited to watch it.” Christian Watson and Jayden Reed are also set for prominent roles at receiver this year and the Packers will be hoping for a full return from injury for tight end Tucker Kraft, but Golden became their first first-round wideout since 2002 and the team will be looking for that bet to start really paying off this season. |
| MINNESOTAMike Sando’s anonymous panel sees the fingerprints of DC Brian Flores on the curious selection of Gators DT CALEB BURNS:.Nearly three decades ago, when the Vikings were navigating an ownership change that made it less clear who was ultimately in charge, they took a chance in the 1998 draft’s first round by selecting a wide receiver others considered too risky of a prospect. Minnesota hit a home run in that draft as Randy Moss, the 21st player chosen, became an instant superstar on his way to a Hall of Fame career with five teams. The Vikings can only hope the obvious risk they took in the 2026 draft, which they executed without a full-time GM in place to push back, will pay off similarly. “The takeaway from the Minnesota draft is that (defensive coordinator) Brian Flores has a lot of say in the building,” an exec said. In 2019, when Flores was the Dolphins’ new head coach, many believed he wanted to draft defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons, who was not invited to the combine after video footage (from 2016, when Simmons was in high school) showed him punching a woman while she was on the ground. The Dolphins, then led by fourth-year GM Chris Grier, instead drafted Christian Wilkins, a solid player with less perceived risk. Flores got his guy this time. There is no denying the immense talent Florida defensive tackle Caleb Banks brings to the field — if he makes it there after breaking his left foot before the 2025 season and again at the combine. “Caleb Banks is really talented but does not play with great desire and is hurt all the time,” a different exec said. “Scares me to death.” |
| NFC EAST |
| DALLASEspecially when money is taken into account, the Cowboys are in a better place after dispatching EDGE MICAH PARSONS to Green Bay says Mike Sando of The Athletic: The two edge rushers Dallas drafted with picks acquired from Green Bay in the Micah Parsons trade — Malachi Lawrence at No. 23, after trading back three spots in a deal that enabled Dallas to select LT Overton in the fourth round — will earn a combined $4.8 million in annual salary on their rookie contracts. That’s one-tenth what Parsons is earning on his new deal with the Packers. It’s an inexact and incomplete comp. Dallas is paying defensive tackle Kenny Clark (acquired in the Parsons deal) and edge rusher Rashan Gary (acquired this spring in a separate deal with Green Bay) a combined $45 million per year. But it’s still instructive, of course. In this first draft with capital received for Parsons, the Cowboys focused on upgrading their defense, using their first three picks on that side of the ball. “Caleb Downs, I could not be more impressed with him and (Washington first-rounder) Sonny Styles in terms of the presence they bring to the room and their understanding of football,” an exec said. “Downs is going to make a lot of plays. Lawrence has some medical concerns — more preventative than anything — and Barham is one of my favorite guys. He has a lot of has-to-make-it in him.” |
| NEW YORK GIANTSMike Sando’s anonymous panel has mixed thoughts on how the Giants spent their draft capital: The Jets and Giants spent more capital in this draft than any of the other 30 teams. Execs liked the Jets’ draft more than they liked the Giants’ draft. Both teams have a habit of trading away their best players, as the Giants did when they sent Dexter Lawrence to Cincinnati for the No. 10 pick in a weak draft. “The Jets, I can at least look at and say, ‘OK, got a lot of pieces, still don’t have a QB, but you have all this ammunition next year, with three first-round picks,’” one exec said. “If this was the Giants’ one swing, ‘OK, but are they better?’” Lawrence’s production did crater last season, but one exec thought he’d be a top-five pick if available in the 2026 draft, even at age 28. New York didn’t draft a defensive tackle until the sixth round. “I just don’t feel like there is much of a plan,” another exec said of the Giants. “Did they replace Dexter Lawrence? You can’t keep on trading your good players. You aren’t gonna replace Dexter Lawrence with the 10th pick in most drafts, let alone this one. And considering the amount of money that Dexter Lawrence signed for (one-year, $28 million extension), like, how could you not get that done? What happened?” The Giants’ draft could come down to what you think of Arvell Reese, the edge rusher they selected at No. 5, which was later than most mocks had him lasting. “They should have drafted Sonny Styles, because he’s the one that got Reese lined up every day, and I think was better than Reese,” a third exec said. “Reese just disappeared in some of those games. They are talking about playing him off the ball, but if they wanted an off-the-ball linebacker, take Styles. He’d be the leader, the captain, the culture, the play style — everything you want from John Harbaugh’s guy.” Does anyone like the Giants’ draft? “I love what they did,” a fourth exec said. “They are going to run a lot of exotic fronts where they are positionless chess pieces, so you don’t know who is rushing. That is going to be a bear to block up between (Brian) Burns and Abdul (Carter) and (Kayvon) Thibodeaux and Arvell. He has the physical tools to do that.” |
| PHILADELPHIAThe big story is that it is a big story that the Eagles have extended their “chief security officer.” Zach Berman of The Athletic can only imply why Dom DiSandro is so important to the organization. The Philadelphia Eagles signed chief security officer Dom DiSandro to a contract extension, according to a league source, ensuring that the NFL’s most famous security officer stays with the organization and the city where he’s worked for nearly three decades. DiSandro is known around the NFL and even to casual football fans as “Big Dom,” and his formal title is as large as his persona: senior adviser to the general manager/chief security officer/gameday coaching operations. The new contract comes at the same time that the Eagles signed assistant general manager Jon Ferrari to a new deal, ensuring that the Eagles kept two of general manager Howie Roseman’s most trusted team officials during an offseason of transition in Philadelphia’s front office. Ferrari has been with the Eagles since 2016 after joining the franchise from the league office and was promoted to assistant GM in 2022. He plays a critical role in football operations, especially with league matters and rules compliance. Ferrari played a key behind-the-scenes role in the team’s defense of the Tush Push last spring. The Eagles lost three high-ranking executives during the past month. More staff changes and title adjustments are expected to be announced. DiSandro has been with the Eagles since 1999. His role in the organization goes well beyond team security. He’s an adviser to Roseman, including researching draft prospects. He’s a resource for players, and he’s often cited by name when a player retires. He also wears a headset on the sideline during games and is formally considered a member of the coaching staff. “I don’t think there’s any doubt that he’s the best in the National Football League, and in my opinion, really all of sports, in what he does,” Roseman said in 2025. “His ability to not only gather information, but to have a feel for people.” Here is Berman on the three executives lost. Two jumped to other opportunities, Alec Halaby’s reasons for departing remain nebulous. Philadelphia Eagles assistant general manager Alec Halaby is leaving the organization after 17 years, becoming the third high-level football executive to exit in the past month. Halaby’s announcement comes one day after senior vice president/tertiary football executive Bryce Johnston left for the Atlanta Falcons, and one month after vice president of football operations Jeff Scott left to become the Falcons’ assistant general manager. Halaby, 39, ascended from intern with the Eagles in 2009 to assistant GM, filling multiple roles in between and working closely with Eagles general manager Howie Roseman. He was part of the front office for two Super Bowl winners. Halaby’s next move has not yet been announced. |
| WASHINGTONWashington jumped on LB SONNY STYLES after the Giants took his Ohio State teammate EDGE ARVELL REESE. It appears to be a sure thing to Mike Sando’s anonymous panel of experts: The Commanders picked only twice in the first four rounds but made their first pick count with Sonny Styles, a player no one had anything bad to say about. “He is Bobby Wagner, but bigger and faster,” one exec said. “He has as good of traits for an inside ‘backer that I have ever seen.” Are there any comps? “Brian Urlacher, maybe,” the exec said. “He is 6-5, 240 pounds, gonna run 4.4. Really smart, makes all the calls, very instinctive and has some untapped pass-rush ability. He was top-five on our board all the way.” The Commanders, like so many teams, would have loved to have traded back to acquire more picks. Finding teams interested in trading up was apparently difficult (Washington made no trades during the draft). |
| NFC SOUTH |
| CAROLINAMike Sando’s anonymous execs like what the Panthers are quietly doing: One of the first things execs look for when analyzing a draft is whether the moves appear to be part of a coherent plan. Detroit has done that effectively in recent seasons. Carolina is getting there. “I feel like they are drafting for what they want their team to look like,” an exec said. “They are trying to win on both lines of scrimmage. They want to run the ball. They want to give the quarterback (Bryce Young) some big receivers so he can manage it. You can see what they are trying to do.” At the combine in late February, one exec projected Georgia tackle Monroe Freeling to Cleveland at No. 6. That doesn’t necessarily mean Freeling was some sort of steal for Carolina at No. 19 as much as it reflected the volatility of a weak draft. It probably helped that the Rams, who also could have justified taking a tackle, instead selected a quarterback at No. 13. Detroit, which held the No. 17 pick, preferred a right tackle (Blake Miller), leaving Freeling for Carolina as the fifth tackle in this class. “We did not have 19 first-round players in this draft,” another exec said, “but there is nothing you can do about it. You have to pick someone. Freeling will get knocked back some, but he’s a starting tackle. They have (left tackle Ikem) Ekwonu in the final year of his deal, and that tackle market is going crazy, so Freeling helps them there.” Ekwonu is also recovering from a torn patellar tendon suffered in January’s playoff loss to the Rams. Execs unanimously liked second-round defensive tackle Lee Hunter, whom Carolina traded up for to cap a run on D-linemen. “Lee Hunter can play all the interior positions,” an exec said. “He doesn’t have length, but he can play nose, he can play 3-technique, he can play 4i. And there’s upside with him because he can rush the passer a little bit.” Two execs also thought third-round receiver Chris Brazzell II would stretch opposing defenses. “Underrated guy who is going to take the top off the defense,” one exec said. “It’s just a matter of the quarterback pushing the ball down there.” |
| NEW ORLEANSMike Sando’s anonymous panel gets good vibes from the Saints draft: Another year, another seemingly solid, sensible draft by the formerly freewheeling Saints, who kept all their picks as if building for the future, not mortgaging it. “They found a quarterback they feel comfortable with (Tyler Shough) last year, and Jordyn Tyson is going to be special,” an exec said. “The guy they really hit on offensively is Oscar Delp from Georgia. Underused, really good tester, very good skill set to be a really good tight end in this league. You can’t say he is a Brock Bowers-type guy because the production was not there, but I think he should be good.” Tyson, like Shough, had injury issues in college. “I was comparing (Tyson) to Christian Watson in Green Bay, who has had hamstring (injuries) early in his career,” another exec said. “The kid is tough as nails. He’s a competitive kid, a rare athlete. When you think about who you want on your team, he is definitely a guy you want on your team. He will open up some things down the field.” |
| TAMPA BAYPraise for Tampa Bay’s draft from Mike Sando’s anonymous panel: Do players really fall in the draft, or do teams simply know more than the public knows, leading to draft-day surprises? Even execs thought Tampa Bay was fortunate to land edge rusher Rueben Bain at No. 15. Fourth-round corner Keionte Scott was another player singled out multiple times as a solid addition. “The Tampa defense got so much better,” one exec said. “You get a thumping downhill linebacker (second-rounder Josiah Trotter), an aggressive blitzing nickel (Scott) for a coach (Todd Bowles) who blitzes the nickel as much as anyone and, oh, by the way, you’re getting Bain, who everyone had in the top 10.” At the combine, one exec said he thought Bain could go as early as No. 2 to the Jets. What happened? “The public narrative was that he has short arms, and that always fails,” another exec said. “A lot of teams won’t take the heat for that. They think that’s risky. They don’t go with what they saw on tape. They’re worried about the analytics crowd and some of the numbers people killing them.” The Athletic’s Ted Nguyen detailed why arm length might not mean as much for Bain. “If you watch Bain play, you notice he doesn’t use his arms a lot; he uses his head,” a third said. “We overthink these things. He’s a good player.” Players sometimes go lower than anticipated simply because teams weigh personality, medical concerns, learning styles and character differently, without going public with their thinking (or overthinking). “Bain comes with play style, toughness and physicality, just like their next pick, Keionte Scott,” a different exec said. “Those are two starting, impact players.” |
| NFC WEST |
| ARIZONAMike Sando’s anonymous execs are understanding of Arizona’s selection of RB JERIMYAH LOVE: Fourth-year GM Monti Ossenfort has a 15-36 (.294) record, including 3-14 last season. His job could ride on whether the team is exciting. “Is the roster ready for a running back? Probably not, but there was no real flashing light to pick other than Love,” another exec said. “If the owner wanted the back, like everybody said, that is not a hill you are going to die on as a GM. Love is special.” Asked what the team planned for Beck, Ossenfort joked that the immediate focus was on helping the former Georgia and Miami quarterback find the cafeteria at team headquarters. “They are trying to give themselves hope and take a swing,” a different exec said. “Beck looks the part. He can make the throws. He is just going to short-circuit at the worst time. I’d sit him half the year like New Orleans did with (Tyler) Shough and then play him the rest of the way.” Here’s an idea: Trade veteran QB Jacoby Brissett. Go young. Be fun. “If you play Jacoby Brissett and Gardner Minshew the whole year, you have wasted the pick on Beck,” a fourth exec said. “The Beck pick makes sense if he is your starter. It’s like, ‘We know we suck, we roll the dice and maybe we hit on a QB,’ because if you can pick in the top 10 next year and not need a QB, you are in good shape.” |
| LOS ANGELES RAMSMike Sando’s anonymous panel has thoughts, mostly favorable, on the surprise selection of QB TY SIMPSON: The Rams were one of the most fun teams in the draft after using the 13th pick for quarterback Ty Simpson. Coach Sean McVay’s reaction suggested he wasn’t super excited about the pick, but execs thought he was walking a line. “I actually thought it was the perfect amount of excitement, learning from what the Packers did with Jordan Love when they had (Aaron) Rodgers,” one said. “Whether it happened organically or not, that is how I would play it. If I’m the GM there, I’m telling the coach it’s OK for him to seem publicly pissed with me.” Drafting a quarterback early can obviously be dicey for a team that already has an entrenched veteran. Matthew Stafford is more than the reigning MVP. He’s also a quarterback who has butted heads with the organization over his contract in recent seasons (the sides have been negotiating a contract adjustment this spring). His wife hosts a podcast and can also be outspoken on social media. These are all things an organization takes into account when making these sorts of moves. “If they planned this to play out the way it did, it was genius,” another exec said. No execs thought the Rams would select a quarterback against McVay’s wishes. “Sean runs the show there,” one said. “He is just using the GM to save face and look good for Matthew. But Matthew has already had doubts about playing. It’s not a stretch that you would draft somebody.” A quarterbacks coach consulted earlier in the offseason said he liked Simpson about as much as he liked No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza. “McVay will get everything there is to get from that kid,” this coach said. “Whatever you can get from (Brock) Purdy, you can get from this kid. You put a good enough team around him, he can get you a little ways.” There was also confusion over whether McVay and Simpson spoke before the draft. Simpson initially suggested they had not. Now, it seems they spoke for hours. “Drafting a quarterback without talking to him would be crazy — unbelievable,” another exec said. “I was told that (GM) Les (Snead) made a deal with (agent) Jimmy Sexton when the kid was coming out and promised him he’d get no lower than them.” If the Rams were hoping to keep people guessing, they certainly succeeded. If they wind up falling short of the Super Bowl, some critics will surely point to whatever the team could have added at No. 13 but did not. “The tight end (Kenyon Sadiq, drafted No. 16 to the Jets) upgrades them, but not significantly,” a different exec said. “(Makai) Lemon has a feel for the game and can do some of the underneath things that Cooper Kupp could do, but at some point, they do need to think to their future, just like every team.” The Rams got the fifth tight end selected (Max Klare, in the second round) and the 31st receiver in C.J. Daniels. Meanwhile, the draft partly validated their decision to acquire cornerback Trent McDuffie from the Chiefs; McDuffie’s closest comp in the draft, Mansoor Delane, was gone by the No. 6 pick (to replace McDuffie in Kansas City), well before the Rams selected. |
| SEATTLEThe Seahawks thinks veteran DANTE FOWLER, Jr. has something left in the tank. Kevin Patra of NFL.com: The Seattle Seahawks have added some veteran help for their pass rush. Edge Dante Fowler Jr. is signing with the Seahawks on a one-year contract worth up to $5 million, NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero reported Tuesday, per sources. The Seahawks were in need of some pass-rush help off the edge after losing Boye Mafe to the Cincinnati Bengals in free agency. Seattle eschewed edge rushers in the draft, indicating a veteran addition would likely be on the way. Fowler visited with the club before the draft, making the pairing likely. The No. 3 overall pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2015, Fowler has compiled 58.5 sacks in 11 seasons with the Jags, Los Angeles Rams, Atlanta Falcons, Dallas Cowboys (two stints) and Washington Commanders. In 2024, the veteran generated 10.5 sacks in Washington. Last year, in a return to Dallas, he netted just three QB takedowns but earned 27 pressures for an 11.8 pressure percentage, per Next Gen Stats. Turning 32 in August, Fowler can still bring some pop as a rotational edge presence. It’s a sensible signing for the Super Bowl champs, who add Fowler to an edge rush that includes Demarcus Lawrence, Uchenna Nwosu and Derick Hall. Fowler spent time with Seahawks defensive coordinator Aden Durde in Atlanta and Dallas. Thoughts from Mike Sando on what the Seahawks were up to in the draft: Teams generally like to enter the draft without a pressing need that limits their options once they are on the clock. The Seahawks did not do that this offseason after winning the Super Bowl and having their roster raided in free agency. They needed a starting running back, and everyone knew it. They also had only four picks entering the draft, so they wanted to trade back from No. 32 to replenish their stock. The good news for the Seahawks is, they got their starting running back in Jadarian Price. The bad news is, their trade plans fell through, so they took him at No. 32. They didn’t trade down until Round 3, then burned future capital on Day 3 — sending a 2027 fourth-round pick for a 2026 fifth (to take guard Beau Stephens) — on their way to doubling their pick total to eight. But in Price and second-round safety Bud Clark, one exec said Seattle is getting two plug-and-play starters. “Bud Clark is a stud,” this exec said. “He is a playmaker, and he is scary in that defense. His playmaking ability with that pass rush — wow. He has position flex. He is probably your ideal deep middle free safety but can also run well enough to possibly play nickel or corner. We loved him.” Price takes over for Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III, who signed with Kansas City in free agency. “Price is a little more home run type of runner (than Walker),” another exec said. “He is not as physical, but he is strong enough and has the speed on the perimeter to make plays in space.” The Seahawks’ decision to deal fourth- and fifth-round picks to New Orleans for Rashid Shaheed at the 2025 trade deadline contributed to a championship season. That move also left Seattle light on ammunition in this draft, which seemed palatable in theory — this wasn’t seen as a strong draft — but was never going to feel right for GM John Schneider. “It was not a good running back crew this year,” a different exec said. “We had a mid-second round grade on Price, so it’s not a big reach. And he’ll play. He will be solid for them. Clark is a good player. I don’t think he’s Coby Bryant, though.” |
| AFC NORTH |
| PITTSBURGHWhy can’t QB AARON RODGERS just reveal his decision? Parker Abate of SteelerNation.com relays a story from team insider Gerry Dulac: The Pittsburgh Steelers are, arguably, the only NFL team that has no clue who will be under center when the 2026 regular season begins. All signs have initially pointed to the return of Aaron Rodgers; however, he is taking his time for the second year in a row. He has been known to dislike optional offseason activities, so there’s a chance he is simply waiting for mandatory minicamp to put pen to paper. He did this back in 2025, but something feels a bit different currently, specifically because the organization drafted another quarterback and has a new coaching staff. Pittsburgh’s brass has been caught several times explaining the deadline for the future Hall of Famer, but it continues to get pushed back. It has made it seem like Art Rooney II truly has no clue about what is going on in the mind of the signal-caller. Now, a new report suggests that the two sides may not be on the same page after all. Gerry Dulac is very close with the franchise and has consistently been under the impression that Rodgers would be coming back for a second season in the Steel City. On Monday morning, the beat writer reported that suddenly the Steelers might start to get pretty upset with the four-time MVP if he continues to delay his commitment, or lack thereof. “The Steelers have displayed saint-like patience waiting for Aaron Rodgers to say he is coming back for the 2026 season, even though a large portion of their fan base doesn’t agree with their approach,” Dulac wrote. “But that patience could be starting to wear thin.” The deadlines were public messages to Rodgers, as one was supposed to be roughly a month after the season ended, another around free agency, and then a third prior to the NFL Draft. It is early May and there has been no contract signed. The only movement was the team placing a rare unrestricted free agent tag on the quarterback. “After watching two of their ‘expected’ deadlines come and go — and insisting this isn’t the same situation as last year — the Steelers might not be so understanding if this drags on for two more weeks,” Dulac noted. Pittsburgh has two young signal-callers in Will Howard and Drew Allar that will be ready to take advantage of practice reps, but it feels as if the Steelers want the presumed starter in Rodgers there from the very beginning. Steelers quarterback Will Howard gets ready to unleash a pass as he runs through a drill as the team works out during the annual Friday Night Lights practice in Latrobe, PA. The situation seems to be getting a bit dicey. The Steelers may intentionally have given some information to Dulac so that Rodgers would get a hidden message about the current expectations. The storyline is clogging up Pittsburgh’s other newsworthy situations, such as the recent selections of 10 rookies. Rodgers is very close to maddening the brass in the Steel City, according to Dulac. “If Rodgers hasn’t given them a decision by the start of Organized Team Activities on May 18 — their latest, uh, deadline — their patience will start to turn into frustration, and maybe something more,” Dulac wrote. Now that the tag has been placed on Rodgers, he is guaranteed a bump in pay. However, he could still sign with another team prior to training camp beginning. There are a lot of moving pieces, but it appears as if it is starting to get relatively messy. Pittsburgh has been very clear about not wanting to tank in any way. It’s hard to label the team as a Super Bowl contender, even if Rodgers is starting at quarterback. One full season to evaluate Howard and Allar could lead to one of them being the guy for the future, or put the Steelers in a good spot for the draft in 2027. This could all end with a signature from Rodgers, but right now it is starting to cause some frustration internally. |
| AFC SOUTH |
| TENNESSEEA former Titans player, CB J’Darius Sneed, walks away a free man from a 2024 Texas shooting charge. Former Tennessee Titans cornerback L’Jarius Sneed will not face charges following an alleged 2024 shooting. Sneed had all charges dropped from the incident, leaving him “without conviction or admission of any kind,” per ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Dallas based criminal defense attorney Michael J. Todd announced that all criminal charges against his client, former Chiefs and Titans cornerback L’Jarius Sneed, have been dismissed. Sneed originally was charged with aggravated assault that was reduced by the grand jury to the misdemeanor offense of failure to report the commission of a felony. The state of Texas dismissed the misdemeanor completely Friday, which Todd said leaves Sneed without conviction or admission of any kind. As a result, the current free agent may not face additional punishment from the NFL. Sneed was originally charged after a Dec. 2024 incident, in which two men claim they were shot at from a car in which Sneed was seen entering. Video showed Sneed at a car dealership and gas station at the same time as the men — Christian Nshimiyimana and Avi Ahmed. Surveillance video showed Sneed entering the car, which was later spotted driving past the dealership and allegedly firing shots at Nshimiyimana and Ahmed. No one was injured in the alleged shooting, though a building and car sustained damage. Witnesses at the car dealership and detectives identified Sneed as one of the two men in the car that allegedly shot at Nshimiyimana and Ahmed. Sneed was originally charged with aggravated assault, though that charge was altered to misdemeanor failure to report a felony. Sneed was a member of the Titans at the time of the alleged incident but was on injured reserve. Sneed played in just five games with the team during the 2024 NFL season. He returned to the Titans for the 2025 season, but played in just seven games due to injury. He was released by the team in March and remains a free agent. “Failure to report the commission of a felony” – what felony (the shooting?) did he fail to report? No wonder it was dismissed. |
| THIS AND THAT |
| DIANNA’S STORY INBOUND?Radio host “Stugotz” has heard Dianna Russini’s version of things on the phone. And he hints that at some point we will too. Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com The developments regarding the story that has had plenty of them over the past four weeks have slowed down, for now. There’s one potentially significant development still to happen, at some point. If it even happens. Dianna Russini, formerly of ESPN and The Athletic, has yet to tell her story. If/when she does — and depending on what she says — that could change everything. For now, there are hints that she will eventually tell her story. Via Sam Neumann of Awful Announcing, Jon “Stugotz” Weiner recently made comments on his radio show suggesting that, at some point, she’ll share her version of the events. “This is her story to share when she feels like sharing it,” Weiner said. “It is not me. And it is not my obligation to talk to Dianna Russini privately on the phone and then share it with a radio audience that she doesn’t want me to share it with, because it’s not my story to tell. It’s her story to tell on her timeline.” This implies that, at some point, Russini will tell her story. For now, her story is confined to the statement issued to the New York Post on April 7, and the contents of her resignation letter one week later. In both instances, she denied having the kind of relationship with Patriots coach Mike Vrabel that would undermine her objectivity. Since then, more reporting (including photos taken in March 2020) from the New York Post, coupled with multiple statements from Vrabel himself, have undermined the notion that there’s nothing to see here. The next step will be for Russini, if she chooses, to say something other than what she has said. Surely, multiple news organizations are trying to get her to talk. It will be for her to decide when, where, and to whom the story will be told. Depending on what she says — and when she says it — her story could create a new set of issues for Vrabel and the Patriots. The timing will be critical. Will she talk not long before training camp opens? In the days preceding Week 1? Will she talk at all? Some sort of settlement agreement, with an NDA, would not be unprecedented in a situation like this. Regardless, she has a story to tell. The first question is whether she’ll tell it. The next question is when. The ultimate question is what she’ll say. |
| ESPN POWER POLLThe collected wisdom of ESPN Insiders after the draft It has been two months since our last 2026 NFL Power Rankings, and all 32 rosters look completely different. Through the first four days of free agency in March, NFL teams addressed some of their roster holes by giving out a record $5.83 billion in player compensation. A few blockbuster trades from that time also reshaped some rosters, including one that sent Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie to the Rams for a package of four draft picks. And then in the NFL draft, teams tried to fill some of their final roster holes with exciting rookies. So in addition to our latest rankings, we asked our NFL Nation reporters to pick which position group has improved the most this offseason. Our power panel of more than 80 writers, editors and TV personalities evaluates how NFL teams stack up against one another, ranking them from 1 to 32. 1. Seattle SeahawksWay-too-early ranking: 1Most improved position: GuardThe Super Bowl champions didn’t lose anyone on their offensive line, returning all 11 players who had at least one snap last season. That group should improve with continuity, and one draft pick could be their biggest addition of the offseason. General manager John Schneider traded a 2027 fourth-round pick to draft Iowa’s Beau Stephens in the fifth round. The Associated Press All-American in 2025 looks like he’ll provide some needed competition for Anthony Bradford at right guard. — Brady Henderson 2. Los Angeles RamsWay-too-early ranking: 3Most improved position: CornerbackThe Rams went into the offseason knowing there would be significant turnover at the position, as the team had four pending free agents at cornerback. Los Angeles invested heavily at the position in March, trading for Trent McDuffie and signing Jaylen Watson to a three-year deal. Cornerback was a roster weakness at the end of last season — including the Rams’ NFC Championship Game loss to the Seahawks — but that is no longer the case for the first time since Los Angeles traded away Jalen Ramsey in March 2023. — Sarah Barshop 3. Denver BroncosWay-too-early ranking: 4Most improved position: Wide receiverIn an offseason that saw the Broncos re-sign 17 of their 21 unrestricted, restricted and exclusive rights free agents, the big swing for wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (three draft picks in all) was their desired move after a quarter of their drives ended in three-and-outs last season. The hope is Waddle also unlocks the deep part of the field for quarterback Bo Nix, who had a 38.7% completion rate on attempts of 20 or more yards last season. Waddle’s yards per pass route (2.34) was 11th best in 2025 and well ahead of the highest-ranked Broncos player — Courtland Sutton at 1.75. — Jeff Legwold 4. Buffalo BillsWay-too-early ranking: 5Most improved position: SafetyThe Bills got younger at the safety position after dealing with injuries last season. They signed C.J. Gardner-Johnson and Geno Stone before drafting Jalon Kilgore in the fifth round. The starters are likely to be third-year player Cole Bishop and Gardner-Johnson, but this room has some of the toughest competition for the final roster. Sam Franklin Jr.’s special teams abilities and Jordan Hancock’s potential to play nickel and safety should land them spots. — Alaina Getzenberg 5. Philadelphia EaglesWay-too-early ranking: 8Most improved position: Tight endThe most action has been at receiver for the Eagles after drafting Makai Lemon, trading for Dontayvion Wicks, and signing Hollywood Brown and Elijah Moore. But that’s in part about trying to offset the expected departure of A.J. Brown. Similarly, they acquired edge Jonathan Greenard but lost Jaelan Phillips in free agency. At tight end, meanwhile, Philly selected Eli Stowers in the second round and inked Johnny Mundt and Stone Smartt to one-year contracts. Add the re-signing of Dallas Goedert and the Eagles have built out a talented tight ends room with more diverse skill sets than a year ago. — Tim McManus 6. New England PatriotsWay-too-early ranking: 2Most improved position: FullbackSigning seven-year veteran Reggie Gilliam to a three-year, $10.8 million deal was a decisive move early in free agency to add more toughness in the running game. Despite the fullback position becoming less prominent across the NFL in recent years, coordinator Josh McDaniels’ offense has traditionally used it to help dictate matchups. The Patriots hope Gilliam has a similar impact for them as he did with the Bills in 2025, when he helped running back James Cook lead the NFL with 1,621 rushing yards. — Mike Reiss 7. Green Bay PackersWay-too-early ranking: 10Most improved position: CornerbackIt was the biggest position of need, and general manager Brian Gutekunst used free agency and the draft to boost it. After cutting the oft-injured and disappointing Nate Hobbs just one year into his four-year, $48 million deal, the Packers signed a midlevel free agent in Benjamin St-Juste (two years, $10 million). They then used their first pick (No. 52 overall) on South Carolina cornerback Brandon Cisse and added Alabama’s Domani Jackson in the sixth round. Ideally, one of them would win a starting job opposite Keisean Nixon and serve as an upgrade over Hobbs and Carrington Valentine, who also returns. — Rob Demovsky 8. San Francisco 49ersWay-too-early ranking: 6Most improved position: Wide receiverIn 2025, San Francisco’s wide receivers combined for 2,171 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns, which ranked 21st and 25th in the NFL, respectively. With the departure of Brandon Aiyuk still pending and Jauan Jennings not returning, the Niners added proven pass catchers in free agency. They signed six-time Pro Bowler Mike Evans and eight-year veteran Christian Kirk. Then they spent the No. 33 pick on Ole Miss wideout De’Zhaun Stribling to provide some much-needed speed. There is uncertainty in how much Evans and Kirk still have in the tank and whether Stribling can produce right away, but the options alongside Ricky Pearsall are undoubtedly much better than they were a season ago. — Nick Wagoner 9. Chicago BearsWay-too-early ranking: 11Most improved position: SafetyThe Bears revamped their back seven this offseason, particularly at safety. Once Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker left in free agency, the team’s biggest splash came by signing Coby Bryant to a three-year, $40 million deal. One month later, Chicago used the No. 25 pick on Oregon’s Dillon Thieneman. The Bears lost Byard’s league-leading seven interceptions, but they got younger, rangier and faster on the back end this offseason. — Courtney Cronin 10. Baltimore RavensWay-too-early ranking: 14Most improved position: EdgeThe Ravens are looking to get to the quarterback more often after signing Trey Hendrickson to a four-year, $112 million deal in free agency and then drafting Missouri’s Zion Young in the second round. Hendrickson has the third-most sacks (39) in the NFL over the past three years, and Young had the fifth-best pressure rate (15.4%) in the SEC last season. Baltimore’s pass rush needed a boost after the Ravens had 30 sacks last season, which was tied for 28th in the NFL and tied for their second fewest in team history. — Jamison Hensley 11. Detroit LionsWay-too-early ranking: 7Most improved position: Offensive tackleDetroit’s offensive line wasn’t up to par in 2025, finishing with the second-worst pass block win rate in the NFL last season (56%). This offseason, the Lions beefed up their offensive tackle depth alongside Penei Sewell. They drafted Clemson’s Blake Miller with the 17th pick after releasing veteran left tackle Taylor Decker in March. Miller started at right tackle for all four years in college. Detroit also signed Larry Borom, who has experience at guard and at both tackle spots. — Eric Woodyard 12. Kansas City ChiefsWay-too-early ranking: 12Most improved position: Running backNo other position could’ve been better enhanced than at running back, as the Chiefs replaced Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt with a trio of Kenneth Walker III, Emari Demercado and Emmett Johnson. Last season, Pacheco and Hunt combined for only one rushing attempt that went farther than 20 yards. With the Seahawks last season, Walker finished second among all running backs in percentage of carries that gained 10 yards or more. Demercado and Johnson should be quality backups who offer versatility and receiving skills out of the backfield. — Nate Taylor 13. Houston TexansWay-too-early ranking: 13Most improved position: Defensive tackleHouston’s defensive tackles room improved slightly this offseason. The Texans were able to re-sign veteran Sheldon Rankins and add an effective free agent in Logan Hall. Their home run addition, though, was Ohio State’s Kayden McDonald in the second round. In 2025, McDonald earned first-team All-America and Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year honors. He posted 65 tackles, nine tackles for loss and three sacks. — DJ Bien-Aime 14. Los Angeles ChargersWay-too-early ranking: 15Most improved position: CenterBradley Bozeman ranked 30th out of 31 qualifying NFL centers in pass block win rate last season (92.5%). After Bozeman’s retirement, the Chargers signed former Commanders center Tyler Biadasz (94.5%), who ranked 15th in pass block win rate in 2025. Then L.A. used a second-round pick on Florida’s Jake Slaughter, with Harbaugh calling him the “top center in the draft.” In Year 1, Slaughter will likely be the team’s starting left guard, where the Chargers also need help after a weak performance in 2025. — Kris Rhim 15. Jacksonville JaguarsWay-too-early ranking: 9Most improved position: CornerbackTravis Hunter being primarily a cornerback in 2026 — the opposite of what happened last season — is the main reason. He played 67% of the team’s offensive snaps and 36% of the defensive snaps before the noncontact knee injury he suffered in practice Oct. 30. The Jaguars believe Hunter was their best corner despite the smaller workload on defense. Re-signing Montaric Brown to start on the other side is a major plus, too. If Jourdan Lewis returns to his level of play before his Week 16 foot injury, cornerback will be the Jaguars’ strongest position group. — Michael DiRocco 16. Dallas CowboysWay-too-early ranking: 18Most improved position: SafetyThe Cowboys signed Jalen Thompson to their richest free agent deal since 2012 (three years, $33 million). They also added P.J. Locke in free agency. But they tripled down at safety, trading up one spot to take Ohio State’s Caleb Downs. He not only was the best safety in the draft but also was considered perhaps the best overall prospect. A large part of new coordinator Christian Parker’s scheme will be based on versatility; Thompson, Locke and, certainly, Downs can and will play multiple spots. A year ago, the Cowboys had Malik Hooker and Donovan Wilson as their starting safeties. Hooker remains, but Wilson is still unsigned. The backups were Markquese Bell and Juanyeh Thomas. Bell is still there, but his role will be altered by the 2026 additions. — Todd Archer 17. Cincinnati BengalsWay-too-early ranking: 16Most improved position: Defensive tackleThis might be the biggest slam dunk of the offseason. The Bengals not only traded for Dexter Lawrence II but also signed Jonathan Allen in free agency. Interior pass rush has been something the team has lacked for years. Early in the offseason, de facto Cincinnati GM Duke Tobin outlined the strategy: “Pass rush is king.” It’s crazy to consider given the team’s decision to let defensive end Trey Hendrickson leave in free agency, but the Bengals spared no resources to improve a D-line that needed more depth. — Ben Baby 18. Tampa Bay BuccaneersWay-too-early ranking: 17Most improved position: EdgeBetween the signing of free agent Al-Quadin Muhammad, who had 11.0 sacks last season, and the selection of Miami’s Rueben Bain Jr. at No. 15 in the draft, the Bucs are hoping they can get back to the type of pressure they were generating off the edge in 2020. Back then, the team won the Super Bowl with a 7% sack rate (seventh highest in the NFL). Per ESPN Research, the Bucs ranked 23rd in sack rate (5.8%) in 2025, the lowest for a Todd Bowles defense since the 2017 Jets. — Jenna Laine 19. Washington CommandersWay-too-early ranking: 20Most improved position: EdgeThe Commanders knew they had to get younger and more athletic on the edges this offseason. In 2025, their pass rush collapsed once Dorance Armstrong tore an ACL in the first quarter of their Week 7 loss to Dallas. Before the injury, Washington had a 45.4% pass rush win rate; from Week 7 on it was 30.8%. Now, the Commanders will pair Armstrong with free agent signees Odafe Oweh and K’Lavon Chaisson. Plus, they drafted a developmental edge in fifth-rounder Joshua Josephs and signed Charles Omenihu, who likely will rush a lot inside. — John Keim 20. Indianapolis ColtsWay-too-early ranking: 19Most improved position: Defensive tackle The Colts haven’t made any splashy acquisitions this offseason, so options are limited. But they did add some notable depth to their interior defensive line, where veterans Colby Wooden, Jerry Tillery and Derrick Nnadi will compete for snaps behind starters DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart. These moves might be a sort of recognition that the team’s edge rush still leaves something to be desired. They could also be important because Buckner is returning from a serious neck injury and subsequent surgery. — Stephen Holder 21. Pittsburgh SteelersWay-too-early ranking: 21Most improved position: Wide receiverThe Steelers addressed wide receiver as soon as they could when the negotiating window opened by trading for Colts receiver Michael Pittman Jr. Pittsburgh tried to add another premium talent to pair with DK Metcalf in the first round, but the Eagles nabbed Makai Lemon before he could officially become a Steeler. Instead, Pittsburgh pivoted to drafting Alabama wide receiver Germie Bernard, who is a solid all-around offensive threat. It lost Calvin Austin III in free agency but still significantly upgraded one of its weakest positions from 2025. — Brooke Pryor 22. Carolina PanthersWay-too-early ranking: 22Most improved position: LinebackerThe addition of All-Pro Devin Lloyd was among the league’s best signings this offseason. He brings big-play ability — five interceptions, including a 99-yard touchdown return last season — and has improved as a pass rusher. Lloyd set career highs in QB hits (10) and pressures (18) in 2025. The Panthers had 30 sacks last season, tied for the third fewest in the NFL, and they had the second-lowest pressure rate (27%). — Michael DiRocco 23. New York GiantsWay-too-early ranking: 25Most improved position: LinebackerThe Giants spent $13 million this offseason to sign linebacker Tremaine Edmunds and used the No. 5 pick on Ohio State’s Arvell Reese, who will play weakside linebacker. So they’re hoping the unit is significantly improved from last season’s, which began with Bobby Okereke as the middle linebacker and Micah McFadden alongside him. McFadden also re-signed with the Giants after missing most of last season because of a foot injury. Between Edmunds, Reese and McFadden, the inside linebacker group should be an asset as New York tries to solve its run-stuffing woes. The Giants allowed a league-worst 5.3 yards per rush last season, the worst mark in franchise history. — Jordan Raanan 24. Minnesota VikingsWay-too-early ranking: 23Most improved position: QuarterbackThe Vikings did some good work at defensive tackle in the draft, but they had long ago accomplished the most important task of the offseason by building a more competitive QB room. Kyler Murray was the best quarterback available this offseason, and he will cost the Vikings only $1.3 million while the Cardinals pay the remainder of his $37.6 million salary. Instead of simply hoping J.J. McCarthy will take the necessary steps forward, the Vikings have a proven veteran with arguably higher upside in Murray. And if it doesn’t work out, the Vikings brought back Carson Wentz to ensure the position will have a higher floor than it did last season. — Kevin Seifert 25. New Orleans SaintsWay-too-early ranking: 26Most improved position: Wide receiverThe Saints didn’t make any splash signings to improve their receivers room after Chris Olave was responsible for 25% of their receptions and 29% of their receiving yards last season, per ESPN Research. But they’re looking a lot better after drafting Jordyn Tyson in the first round, developmental receiver Bryce Lance in the fourth and wide receiver/kick returner Barion Brown in the sixth. The Saints have a full complement of receivers and will have to make some tough choices during training camp when they get to final cuts. — Katherine Terrell 26. Atlanta FalconsWay-too-early ranking: 24Most improved position: Wide receiverAtlanta’s wide receiver room went from a strength in 2024 to a liability in 2025. Star wideout Drake London missed five games, Darnell Mooney broke his collarbone on the first day of training camp and never returned to form, and Ray-Ray McCloud III was cut in October. Atlanta had to rely too much on journeymen such as David Sills V. This offseason, the new regime released Mooney and signed Jahan Dotson and Olamide Zaccheaus. With their third-round pick, the Falcons selected Zachariah Branch, who adds speed alongside London’s ability to make catches in traffic. — Marc Raimondi 27. Tennessee TitansWay-too-early ranking: 27Most improved position: Wide receiverThe Titans improved their wide receiver room in the draft and free agency. Adding Wan’Dale Robinson from the Giants gave them a legitimate option in the slot who should move the chains (40 of his 92 receptions resulted in first downs last season). Selecting Carnell Tate at No. 4 in the draft added a player who caught five touchdown passes of 40-plus yards as a junior at Ohio State. Tennessee posted only three passing plays of 40-plus yards last season. — Turron Davenport 28. Las Vegas RaidersWay-too-early ranking: 30Most improved position: QuarterbackThe Raiders’ quarterbacks room is in a better spot now that they have a short-term and long-term answer at quarterback. Free agent signee Kirk Cousins, a four-time Pro Bowl selection, is more than capable of starting until Fernando Mendoza is ready to take over. At the same time, Mendoza has spent a fair amount of time ahead of the draft getting accustomed to the West Coast offense, and his strong processing ability could lead to a training camp battle. Let’s not forget that the Raiders still have Aidan O’Connell, who is entering his fourth season. — Ryan McFadden 29. Arizona CardinalsWay-too-early ranking: 28Most improved position: Running backThe Cardinals signed Tyler Allgeier early in free agency with an eye toward giving him an expanded role beyond backing up Bijan Robinson in Atlanta. But as the NFL draft process played out, Arizona viewed running back Jeremiyah Love as the best player available at No. 3 and made him the highest running back selection since Saquon Barkley went No. 2 to the Giants in 2018. Arizona also re-signed Bam Knight and restructured James Conner’s deal. Love should be the centerpiece, while Allgeier could be a strong backup and excel in short-yardage situations. Conner, Trey Benson and Knight round out what is one of the deepest running backs rooms in the league. — Nick Wagoner 30. Cleveland BrownsWay-too-early ranking: 32Most improved position: Wide receiverThe Browns didn’t make a major receiver signing in free agency but double-dipped in the draft, selecting two wideouts with top-40 picks. KC Concepcion (No. 24) is a dynamic pass-catcher; 79% of his receptions resulted in a first down, which ranked 17th in the FBS last season. Denzel Boston (No. 39) is a big-bodied target who should complement Concepcion well; Boston’s 24 contested catches since 2024 were 10th most in the FBS. The rookie duo, which combined for 45 receiving touchdowns in their college careers, should immediately boost a Browns receivers room that ranked last in receptions, receiving yards and touchdowns catches in 2025. — Daniel Oyefusi 31. New York JetsWay-too-early ranking: 31Most improved position: EdgeThe Jets used the draft, free agency and a trade to improve one of their weakest position groups, edge rusher. The headliner is No. 2 draft pick David Bailey, who replaces Jermaine Johnson II (traded to the Titans). The Jets also signed Joseph Ossai (Bengals) and Kingsley Enagbare (Packers) in March. 32. Miami DolphinsWay-too-early ranking: 29Most improved position: GuardMiami spent first- and sixth-round picks on Kadyn Proctor and DJ Campbell, respectively, adding physicality and depth to an offensive line that needed both. It also signed Jamaree Salyer to compete for a starting job with last year’s second-round pick, Jonah Savaiinaea, at right guard. Proctor played tackle at Alabama, so he could be a long-term replacement for Austin Jackson. However, GM Jon-Eric Sullivan said the team plans to play Proctor at left guard in 2026. The Dolphins want to rely on the run next season, and they’ve operated as such through free agency and the draft. — Marcel Louis-Jacques |
