| Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com on what we know of the NFL’s plans for Christmas, 2026: With Christmas landing on a Friday in 2026, the NFL plans to fill everyone’s stockings with football. There will be three games that day. Via Eric Fisher of Front Office Sports, two of them will be streamed by Netflix. The third will be televised by Fox. The NFL’s owners voted on Friday to exempt Friday games from the limitation on two “short-week” games per team per year. This means that one or more of the six teams that will play on Christmas (after playing on Sunday, December 20) can otherwise have at least two Sunday-to-Thursday turnarounds. In recent years, the NFL has made a full embrace of Christmas football. Even after claiming that games wouldn’t be played when December 25 lands on a Tuesday or Wednesday, the league reversed course, playing two games in 2024, when Christmas landed on a Wednesday. This year, the league also will likely play one or more games on Saturday, December 26, and on Thursday, December 24. It sets up a full, five-day run of games, from Thursday through Monday. One on Thursday Three on Christmas Friday One or two on Saturday One on Monday One on Sunday night That leaves eight or nine for Sunday afternoon.- – -The Commish says will send his highly-paid lawyers to fight Florida’s attempt to ban the Rooney Rule. Ben Baby of ESPN.com: NFL commissioner Roger Goodell made the league’s stance on the Rooney Rule clear after being challenged by Florida’s attorney general: It is here to stay. At the conclusion of the annual league meeting Tuesday, Goodell defended the NFL initiative, which aims to increase the diversity of hiring pools for key positions. The Rooney Rule came under fire last week from Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, who sent a letter to Goodell threatening potential civil litigation if the rule was not eliminated. “One thing that doesn’t change is our values, and we believe that diversity has been a benefit to the National Football League,” Goodell said. “We are well aware of the laws and where the laws are changing or evolving. We think the Rooney Rule is consistent with those.” Established in 2003, the Rooney Rule initially required teams to interview at least one minority candidate for head coaching vacancies. It has since expanded to include general manager and coordinator positions as well as the quarterback coach position. In 2020, league owners approved a change that stated if a team has a minority candidate who is hired as a general manager or a head coach of another team, the previous club is granted a compensatory third-round draft pick for two seasons. In a video statement released March 25, Uthmeier contended that rule violated state law and is discriminatory. “Florida law is clear — hiring decisions cannot be based on race,” Uthmeier said. However, Goodell stressed Tuesday that the Rooney Rule is not a hiring mandate. He said the spirit of the initiative has proved to be successful, in football and even beyond. “It’s intended to try to help, and it’s been used by industries far beyond football and far beyond the United States to help identify candidates, and a diverse set of candidates bring in better talent and give us an opportunity to hire the best talent, ultimately,” Goodell said. |
| NFC NORTH |
| DETROITShould the Lions be demanding that C FRANK RAGNOW return part of his last signing bonus? Jason Kelce eloquently argues for the “no” position. Ari Meirov@MySportsUpdateThe #Lions made Frank Ragnow return part of his signing bonus after retiring early, continuing a franchise policy that dates back to Barry Sanders and Calvin Johnson, per President Rod Wood, via @DaveBirkett “Our precedent goes all the way back to Barry Sanders… And I think the reality is, they’re not paying back their money, they’re returning our money, because they were paid in advance for services that they hadn’t completed.” @JasonKelceThis is interesting. It feels like it’s obvious that Frank retired because he was physically fighting through injuries and pain, and it got to a point that he no longer could play the game in an enjoyable, effective, or healthy way. The whole purpose of a signing bonus is to be a guarantee up front that insures a salary irregardless of performance metrics, or most importantly injuries that could compromise your career in the future. What makes this interesting is that Frank likely retired “voluntarily”, meaning, he wasn’t declared medically unfit to play by a doctor, which allows the team to ask for a prorated amount of his signing bonus back. Had he been medically deemed unfit to play football by a doctor before he retired, the team wouldn’t be able to recoup part of the signing bonus. Let me say this first, if a player truly just retires without reason, or because they’ve lost the desire to play, I completely get and acknowledge teams should be able to recoup compensation when players don’t fulfill there contractual obligations and agreements. However, Frank was known for being hurt and playing through injuries most players wouldn’t play through constantly. Broken foot, a torn pec, multiple knee injuries, back issues. There was always something, and I’m sure he was continuously dealing with multiple ailments to try and continue playing the game. His body clearly had deteriorated to a degree that made football no longer a viable option, physically, and probably mentally. In my opinion, the signing bonus is supposed to protect players from future physical ailments limiting their availability on the field, that’s one of the reasons you want more guaranteed money upfront. So while I get that the team has a right to ask for money back, in the spirit of the agreement, I think it’s bullshit Frank is being asked to return money. This was clearly a player that the game had physically taken its toll on, and his body was clearly no longer holding up to the rigors of the NFL. It wasn’t just some player deciding he didn’t want to play anymore, it wasn’t that simple, and these signing bonuses are there to protect players from the inevitable injuries they incur on the field. |
| NFC EAST |
| NEW YORK GIANTSThe Commish explains why Giants co-owner won’t be investigated by NFL Justice for his interactions with Jeffrey Epstein. Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com: When Commissioner Roger Goodell last spoke to reporters, he addressed the then-recent disclosure of an email relationship between Giants co-owner Steve Tisch and Jeffrey Epstein. Said Goodell at the time, “Let’s get the facts first.” On Tuesday, Goodell was asked by reporters whether there’s an update on the situation, and specifically whether the league has found cause to take action under the Personal Conduct Policy. “There hasn’t been,” Goodell responded. “As we said, we’re going to follow the facts. We have been doing that. We’ve been very focused on making sure we know everything that’s out there. We’ve engaged with others to make sure we have that information. As you know, the Tisch family also made some family changes. Steve, and John, and Laurie actually did some transactions as part of their estate planning and are no longer owners. But we have not found anything that’s a violation at this stage.” Steve Tisch reportedly will remain the chairman of the Giants board, so he’s not completely out of the organization. And there continues to be more than enough evidence to justify a full investigation regarding his relationship with Epstein — and the liaisons it spawned. With Steve Tisch surrendering his interest in the team, the league has an easy way to justify inaction. It’s still fair to wonder whether the NFL applies a double standard when it comes to owners and everyone else, especially players. |
| AFC WEST |
| LAS VEGASMark Davis has looked at his childless mortality – and the NFL owners have approved. Stephen Holder of ESPN.com: NFL owners on Tuesday approved a Las Vegas Raiders succession plan that will give Silver Lake co-chief executive officer Egon Durban the option to purchase a majority stake in the team from owner Mark Davis, commissioner Roger Goodell said. The plan, which calls for Durban and limited partner Michael Meldman to purchase an additional 3.5% of the franchise from Davis now with a potential additional 3.5% stake to be sold to him at a later time, was passed during a vote at the NFL annual meeting. Passage requires 24 affirmative votes from the 32 franchises. But Davis, 70, insists he has no intention of selling a controlling interest in his team. He told Raiders.com on Tuesday that the development means “Nothing. Absolutely everything runs exactly the way it’s been.” Davis, who does not have any children, added, “The NFL forces you to have a succession plan. And up until [five] months ago, my mom and I were both alive and my mom passed away.” Carol Davis, the widow of late Raiders owner Al Davis and Mark Davis’ mother, died last year at 93. The Raiders have been in the Davis family since Al Davis became principal owner in 1972. He went on to become one of the league’s most influential figures and was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1992. Durban already owned 7.5% of the Raiders after purchasing that original stake in 2024. That was one of just several ownership stakes Mark Davis has sold in recent years, including a 5% stake to former NFL great Tom Brady. Durban co-runs Silver Lake, which is a private equity firm with a portfolio that includes stakes in Madison Square Garden Sports and Fanatics Collectibles. |
| AFC SOUTH |
| JACKSONVILLEAs expected, the Jaguars announce they will play their 2027 home games in Orlando. The AP: The Jacksonville Jaguars are going to Disney World! The Jaguars will play most of their 2027 home games in Orlando after NFL owners rubber-stamped a proposal Tuesday that has been years in the making and essentially a done deal for months. Owners voted unanimously at the league’s annual meetings in Arizona to allow the team to temporary relocate next year’s home slate during the final stages of a $1.4 billion stadium renovation. Jacksonville started searching for a home away from home when it unveiled plans for a “stadium of the future” in 2023. The Jags considered playing at Daytona International Speedway, at Florida Field in Gainesville and at Camping World Stadium in Orlando. Camping World was always the front-runner. And it became a no-brainer when Orlando leaders cleared a $10 million sports-incentive package to help land the Jaguars earlier this year. The aging stadium also is undergoing a $400 million facelift — a project that will give the venue a modernized, NFL-friendly infrastructure. “I look at it as an exciting opportunity,” Jaguars general manager James Gladstone said. “You have a chance to breach a region of the state that you otherwise wouldn’t have the luxury of doing.” The Jaguars are scheduled to play 10 home games in 2027, including a preseason exhibition. But not all of those will be played in Orlando; Jacksonville can play up to three home games in London that season. So Orlando is likely to land seven or eight NFL games, including in-state matchups featuring Tampa Bay at Jacksonville and Miami at Jacksonville Is that true? Is it just coincidence that the NFL schedule slot machine puts both of Florida’s other teams at the Jaguars in 2027? Home Houston TexansIndianapolis ColtsTennessee TitansBuffalo BillsMiami DolphinsNew Orleans SaintsTampa Bay BuccaneersAFC West TBDNFC West TBD Yes! |
| AFC EAST |
| NEW YORK JETSJets fans have heard a lot about promises the last few decades. Rich Cimini of ESPN.com: Geno Smith is widely perceived as a bridge quarterback, a placeholder until the New York Jets identify their long-term solution in the 2026 or 2027 NFL draft. Coach Aaron Glenn sees him in a different light. “I just feel like he’s the guy that’s going to lead us to the promised land,” Glenn said Tuesday morning at the NFL’s annual meeting. That’s quite a statement, considering the Jets were 3-14 last season and Smith threw a league-high 17 interceptions for the Las Vegas Raiders. But he played well enough from 2022 to 1024 with the Seattle Seahawks to make Glenn believe his recently acquired starter is capable of big things. “Listen, I know he had his struggles,” Glenn said. “I think a lot of quarterbacks, they have their struggles. “But I do know this: He understands exactly what happened last year. I don’t want to get too far into that because I wasn’t there, obviously, with the Raiders. But I do know that, man, there are some things that he knows he can correct. He’s at fault on some of those, but there are some things that he knows that he’s going to get better at, and I look forward to him doing that.” The Jets acquired Smith in a low-cost trade with the Raiders, sending a 2026 sixth-round pick to the Raiders (they received a 2027 seventh-rounder in return) and agreeing to pay $3.3 million on his $18.5 million salary. Subsequently, the Jets traded Justin Fields, their 2025 starter, to the Kansas City Chiefs. With the second and 16th picks in the upcoming draft, the Jets could be in position to select Alabama’s Ty Simpson, the consensus No. 2 quarterback prospect. Or they could wait until 2027, when they will have three first-round picks in what is expected to be a talent-rich quarterback class. |
| THIS AND THAT |
| UPCOMING DRAFTSErik Edholm of NFL.com proposes five trades involving picks in the upcoming draft: Six first-round picks in the 2026 NFL Draft have already been moved in trades. There might be that many deals involving 2026 first-round picks that still could be made on or prior to April 23, when the event kicks off in Pittsburgh. Remember, last year we saw a flurry of significant action on draft day. The Jaguars and Browns made a massive swap involving top-five picks. The Giants traded back into Round 1 for Jaxson Dart. The Falcons did the same in a controversial swap for James Pearce Jr. Even the Chiefs and Eagles flipped picks at the end of Round 1 after facing off in the Super Bowl two months prior. Get ready for some more action this time around. We’ve averaged five to six deals involving first-rounders the past few years, and similar activity could be on tap next month. So let’s try to get a ahead of the curve by projecting deals that could feasibly go down in Round 1. I tried to be semi-realistic in this exercise, staying cognizant that it takes two teams to tango. Finding trade-up teams wasn’t nearly as easy as trade-down teams. With each deal I conjured up, I kept asking myself: Would BOTH teams do this? It’s not as easy as you think. My first proposed deal might be the biggest stretch of the lot, but rest assured, I did my best to find trades that had purpose and relative balance for all parties. Oh, and please be sure to let me know how angry these suggestions make you. 1 Washington Commanders receive:2026 1st-round pick (No. 17 overall)2026 6th-round pick (No. 205 overall)TE Sam LaPorta Detroit Lions receive:2026 1st-round pick (No. 7 overall)2027 3rd-round pickTE Ben Sinnott First off, I don’t think LaPorta will be traded. But it wouldn’t totally floor me if he was. LaPorta has been great, and losing him hurts Detroit’s offense, but the big picture must be considered: LaPorta is entering the final year of his rookie deal and is coming off back surgery. George Kittle and Trey McBride reset the TE market last offseason with extensions that pay them each $19 million-plus per year, and that’s before any extension has been struck for Atlanta’s Kyle Pitts. Can the Lions afford to pay LaPorta close to that level? Remember, they also must pay RB Jahmyr Gibbs(two years left on his rookie contract, including a fifth-year option), LB Jack Campbell (on the same timeline as Gibbs) and S Brian Branch (one year left). Branch is recovering from an Achilles tear, which eliminates him as a trade candidate, and they have an extra year to get extensions done with Gibbs and Campbell. That means we can assume LaPorta is the most likely of the four to be dealt, remote as those chances might be. Sending Sinnott to the Lions softens the blow just a tad, as he remains a relative unknown, albeit an intriguing one to me. It’s not hard to imagine why the Commanders would want LaPorta, especially with David Blough (who was on Detroit’s practice squad LaPorta’s rookie season) calling plays. Washington should still find a receiver or defensive help readily at No. 17. Why would Detroit move up to seven? I suspect to acquire a foundational left tackle. That position is their biggest remaining worry, and their guy might not last until 17. It would be a big risk, but a potentially smart one financially and football-wise, and Brad Holmes has never shied away from making waves in Round 1. 2 Minnesota Vikings receive:2026 1st-round pick (No. 23 overall)2026 2nd-round pick (No. 54 overall) Philadelphia Eagles receive:2026 1st-round pick (No. 18 overall)2026 3rd-round pick (No. 82 overall)2026 6th-round pick (No. 196 overall) For Philadelphia, this trade-up suggestion doesn’t come with one specific target. Maybe the Eagles want a pass rusher. Perhaps a pass catcher, with rumors that they’ll trade A.J. Brown wafting in the wind. How about Lane Johnson‘s eventual replacement at right tackle? There’s also a starting safety job open. This would be more about opportunity for Howie Roseman, the ultimate opportunist on draft day. No GM has appeared as flexible during live draft action, ready to swing a blockbuster (e.g., giving the No. 18 overall pick to Tennessee in exchange for Brown in 2022) or make shorter jumps (going from No. 12 to No. 10 for DeVonta Smith in 2021, going from No. 10 to No. 9 for Jalen Carter in 2023) to get their guy. If a top-10 player on the Eagles’ board slips into the teens, watch out. It has been a quieter offseason so far, and you just know Roseman is itching to strike. Philly has the draft capital and the motivation to move up. The timing of the front-office shakeup in Minnesota means Rob Brzezinski will run this draft before the Vikings pick Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s full-time replacement. My guess is, the Vikings will certainly veer from how they’ve drafted in recent years. Brzezinski is a former Rick Spielman colleague, and Spielman was always game for a good move back. He did this multiple times as Vikings GM, and it wouldn’t stun me if Brzezinski takes a similar approach. Play the hits, baby. I suspect the Vikings don’t view themselves as being one player away from contention, so this has the feel of a hit-it-down-the-fairway draft from Brzezinski. There are enough needs that sliding back gently in Round 1 and moving way up in Round 2 sounds like pretty solid business. 3 New York Jets receive:2026 1st-round pick (No. 22 overall)2026 2nd-round pick (No. 55 overall)2026 4th-round pick (No. 123 overall)2027 3rd-round pick Los Angeles Chargers receive:2026 2nd-round pick (No. 33 overall)2026 2nd-round pick (No. 44 overall)2026 4th-round pick (No. 103 overall)2027 2nd-round pick If the Jets want to draft Alabama QB Ty Simpson and address other weighty issues, they might have to trade back into Round 1 for a third first-rounder. They and the Cardinals figure to be the main bidders for Simpson, but New York can blow any team out of the water from a draft-position standpoint. Right now, the Jets own Nos. 2 and 16, and they’re loaded for next year, too, possessing three first-rounders in 2027. Even if they must jump on Simpson earlier than they want, I think they’ll still be anxious to land two more immediate contributors up high. Let’s say they take Arvell Reese at No. 2; attacking receiver (or another defensive spot) makes sense, either at 16 or (if they draft Simpson there) at 22. Because the Jets lack a third-rounder this year, they send a second in 2027 over in this mock. The Chargers could find similar players at 33 as they would at 22. There is additional value in having a chance to restack the board, let trade offers roll in and collect an extra night’s sleep before Round 2 begins. The Bolts have just five picks currently, and their biggest needs (on both sides of the line, plus at pass rusher, receiver and DB) just happen to match this draft’s relative strengths. 4 Kansas City Chiefs receive:2026 1st-round pick (No. 20 overall)2026 5th-round pick (No. 152 overall)2026 7th-round pick (No. 218 overall) Dallas Cowboys receive:2026 1st-round pick (No. 29 overall)2026 3rd-round pick (No. 74 overall)2026 5th-round pick (No. 148 overall)2026 5th-round pick (No. 176 overall) And now for something different: two teams with two first-round picks swinging a deal with one another. They might just be able to help each other out. The Chiefs are in win-again mode. If they can come out of this draft with a pass rusher, at least one cornerback, a receiver and possibly a tackle — in whatever order — then I think they’d consider it a success. They’ll cross one of those needs off with their first first-rounder. that leaves big holes to address at Nos. 29 and 40, and I don’t know that GM Brett Veach can wait that long. He’s aggressive by nature, and several teams the Chiefs are competing against (the Chargers, Bills and Texans) are picking just ahead of them, along with other teams targeting the same positions Kansas City is. We could see runs at any of the Chiefs’ biggest positions of need in the middle of Round 1. And with four top-100 picks to deal, they can be bold in making sure they don’t miss out. The Cowboys have eight selections, including those two first-rounders, but none between Nos. 20 and 92 overall, which is the supposed heart of this draft class, especially at their positions of need. Dallas has taken on more of an apparent trade-down mentality in recent years, and because the Cowboys’ biggest aim should arguably be scooping up as much defensive talent as possible, moving back would have real merit. After all the picks are swapped, Dallas would have five in the top 112 overall. Use four or more of those on defense and kickstart the rebuild. 5 Seattle Seahawks receive:2026 2nd-round pick (No. 53 overall)2026 3rd-round pick (No. 76 overall)2026 5th-round pick (No. 161 overall)2026 6th-round pick (No. 216 overall) Pittsburgh Steelers receive:2026 1st-round pick (No. 32 overall) The most memorable moment from last year’s Round 1 was the Packers — finally! — drafting a wide receiver in front of the Green Bay fans. I’d love for something similar to happen this year in Pittsburgh, capping off Thursday night with some fireworks for the locals. Let’s say the Steelers go more blue-collar at No. 21, with something like an offensive lineman. Heck, the Yinzers would probably love that, especially if it’s Penn State’s Vega Ioane. But if they really wanna light up the crowd by Acrisure Stadium, why not swing back in for something sexier — and very needed — like a receiver? Pittsburgh is not a huge trade-up team traditionally, but it has the picks to make it work. I’m even thinking specifically about Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson, who might be the most gifted of the WR bunch but could slip because of a lengthy injury history. Other gifted receivers also make sense, but if Tyson is somehow there, it should be a no-brainer. He screams Steelers receiver and McCarthy receiver and is exactly the separator they need. Tyson’s history working with Hines Ward at ASU would render instant cred in Pittsburgh, too. The Seahawks look very much like a trade-down team, in possession of just four selections, only one of which is on Day 3. Since John Schneider arrived in 2010, roughly two-thirds of Seattle’s picks have come in Rounds 4-7. I suspect Schneider will attempt to rectify that dearth of late selections. Seattle needs to add a back to help replace Kenneth Walker III, but doing so at 32 might be a bit rich for this draft class. No. 53 could be the sweet spot; in this case, the ‘Hawks slide there while also adding three more picks in the process. Not bad, even if it might be a slight underpay for Pittsburgh. |
| UNDER 20 COLLEGE STARTSAlabama QB TYLER SIMPSON is the latest in a long and not very distinguished line of NFL QB draft phenoms who started under 20 games in NCAA action. Jeff Legwold of ESPN.com (edited for space): WHEN EVALUATING NFL players over the years, John Elway has often said, “The tape is your résumé.” And for the best quarterback prospects in each NFL draft, that résumé usually contains a lot of tape — multiple seasons as the starter, with a wide assortment of throws to every level of the field and in a variety of situations. But as league executives continue their perennial pursuit to find “The Guy” at QB, they’re presented with the conundrum of Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson in the 2026 NFL draft class. Simpson, who is expected by many in the league to be the second signal-caller off the board after Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza, started only 15 games in four seasons with the Crimson Tide, all coming in 2025. On one hand, Simpson completed 64.5% of his passes for 3,567 passing yards, 28 touchdowns and five interceptions as he led Alabama to the College Football Playoff quarterfinals. On the other, that limited college starting experience is going to scare off some front offices and NFL decision-makers, no matter how exciting the tape If he is selected in the first round on April 23 in Pittsburgh, Simpson will be the 10th quarterback with 20 or fewer college starts to be picked on the first day of the draft since 2006, according to ESPN Research. And he’d be the fifth with as few as 15. The track record of the other passers on that list has been largely underwhelming. But Simpson is unfazed. “Everybody talks about my starts, but I played in other games besides that,” he said. “I played really good NFL players. Think about my freshman year, learning from the No. 1 overall pick and Heisman Trophy winner [Bryce Young] … going on scout team I got Will Anderson [Jr.], Dallas Turner, Henry To’oTo’o, got Kool-Aid [McKinstry] on one side, Terrion [Arnold] on the other side. … The Alabama locker room was as close to a locker room in the NFL as you can get.” DECADES AGO, HALL of Fame coach Bill Parcells devised a list of requirements he used to evaluate college quarterbacks. The guidelines included statistical benchmarks — such as a 60% career completion percentage — but these three tenets to predict NFL success topped the list: Be a three-year college starter. Play through your senior season and have your college degree. Start at least 30 games. Though far more players enter the draft each year before their senior season than 30 or 40 years ago, most personnel executives in the league use a start threshold close to what Parcells calculated. Some evaluators — including some who worked for Parcells — have pivoted slightly to the 25-start range. “If you do have [a threshold] you stick to, I would think a lot of people are in the 20s somewhere,” the NFC general manager said. “A few probably aren’t worried as much as others, but I know a lot of guys who are looking hard if it’s under 25 or 20.” Denver Broncos coach Sean Payton, who spent three seasons on Parcells’ Dallas Cowboys staff before becoming a head coach in 2006, was asked if he had adopted Parcells’ quarterback evaluation rules. Payton has drafted only one first-round quarterback in his two decades as a head coach, selecting Bo Nix with the No. 12 pick in 2024. But Nix entered the NFL after 61 college starts, which is second to current Cleveland Browns quarterback Dillon Gabriel for the most in NCAA history, per ESPN Research. And Payton has repeatedly cited Nix’s experience, along with how Nix approached preparation, in-game decision-making and being “hard to sack,” as key elements that attracted him to the QB. The Sub-20 ClubHere are the nine quarterbacks drafted in the first round of the NFL draft since 2006 with fewer than 20 college starts. The QBR stat is for the player with his original team only. QB Year Team starts Pro Bowls QBR Second contract?Ryan Tannehill 2012 MIA 19 0 48.9 YesMac Jones 2021 NE 17 1 45.1 NoKyler Murray 2019 ARI 17 2 58.5 YesTrey Lance 2021 SF 17 0 38.4 NoMark Sanchez 2009 NYJ 16 0 39.2 NoDwayne Haskins Jr. 2019 WSH 14 0 26.4 NoCam Newton 2011 CAR 14 3 55.3 YesMitchell Trubisky 2017 CHI 13 1 50.8 NoAnthony Richardson 2023 IND 13 0 44.4 Still on first MANY LEAGUE EXECUTIVES say that Simpson’s ascent up draft boards was a perfect storm of sorts. Mendoza closed out his Heisman Trophy season for the national champion Hoosiers as a near-consensus QB1 and is expected to be the No. 1 pick by the Raiders. But there was uncertainty about the next quarterback picked in this class. Penn State’s Drew Allar and LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier dealt with injuries. Clemson’s Cade Klubnik and South Carolina’s LaNorris Sellers were inconsistent. And then there was Oregon’s Dante Moore. Moore decided to remain in the school another season after ending the 2025 season with 20 career starts (five at UCLA in 2023, 15 at Oregon last season). He cited wanting to get more experience as the reason for going back to school, telling ESPN in January that “I’ve had many great throws, many great plays, but at the end of the day I feel I can still learn so much more.” Simpson went the other direction. At 6-foot-1 and 211 pounds, Simpson displayed good pocket movement and solid accuracy last season. He started hot, with 20 of his 28 touchdown passes coming in the first eight games, which included statement wins over Georgia, Vanderbilt, Missouri and Tennessee. But his stretch run was uneven — he threw four of his five interceptions over the last seven games. It invited some questions … and thoughts he should go back to school for another season. As an AFC head coach put it: “[Simpson] obviously heard, or his reps heard, what people thought of him before he entered the draft. He knew at least something back in January or he goes back [to school]. This didn’t sneak up on him and people in the league, he understands the class and where he might fit.” Simpson and North Dakota State’s Cole Payton (13 starts) are the short-résumé players on this year’s QB board. Experience dots the rest of the quarterbacks available. Arkansas’ Taylen Green leads the way with 46 starts. Miami’s Carson Beck had 43, Klubnik had 40, Mendoza and Allar had 35 each, and Nussmeier had 23. Nussmeier, for one, says he believes in the importance of a lot of starts and snaps, saying, “Experience is everything.” “It’s always the same, how do you avoid looking too hard at the outlier in anything?” an AFC general manager said. “[You] make yourself look at everything, but I’ll say it’s pretty basic on some level, more snaps means more to look at, more to look at means more information. … “If I take all of the data points, all of the metrics I have available, and apply them to 2,700 snaps on one guy and 900 on another, one of those pictures is going to feel more complete. I think all of the other metrics sometimes point back to the basic one, just how much has the guy been through on the job, the old time on task.” WHEN IT COMES to quarterback prospects, NFL decision-makers sound as if they’re looking for a player who is a card-carrying member of Mensa and one of the X-Men. But what do they do when a quarterback prospect has a shorter playing résumé? Some in the league say that evaluators stretch and elevate other factors to fill in the blanks. That can include focusing on combine workouts, pro days or even a few particular plays. The Colts used the No. 4 pick in the 2023 draft on Florida’s Anthony Richardson Sr., who had started only 13 college games before a historic combine workout. He ran a 4.39-second 40-yard dash at 6-foot-4 and 244 pounds, and had a 40½-inch vertical jump. He also showed off his massive arm in the throwing drills. Indianapolis had seen enough to take the plunge. Richardson started 15 games in his three NFL seasons and lost his job to Daniel Jones before last season. In those starts, Richardson completed 50.5% of his passes (the worst completion percentage of any quarterback with at least 100 pass attempts in that span) and threw 11 touchdown passes to go with 13 interceptions. He also sat out because of a dislocated pinkie, multiple AC joint injuries, back spasms, a hip injury, a concussion and an orbital fracture. “We shouldn’t discount it as important, even with all the metrics we have,” the NFC general manager said of college game experience. “To simply see those throws you like more often, to see more two-minute drills, more plays after adversity, just more. “It’s not everything, but you have to avoid talking yourself into a decision over a handful of plays, or data on a handful of plays.” Indianapolis re-signed Jones to a two-year, $88 million contract this offseason to remain its starter and granted Richardson permission to seek a trade. Though there is not one reason that some quarterbacks succeed and others don’t, the experience factor has reared its head before for teams like the Colts and players like Richardson. There are nine first-round quarterbacks since 2006 with fewer than 20 college starts: Mitchell Trubisky (13 starts), Richardson, Cam Newton (14), Dwayne Haskins Jr. (14), Mark Sanchez (16), Trey Lance (17), Kyler Murray (17), Mac Jones (17) and Ryan Tannehill (19). Besides Newton and Murray, this group hasn’t done much in the pros, combining for three Pro Bowls — and Tannehill is the only one of the other seven who stuck with his original team longer than four seasons. (Haskins was killed in 2022 at 24 years old when he was struck by a vehicle while walking along a South Florida highway.) Murray started 14 games in two seasons at Oklahoma after three as a freshman at Texas A&M, and the Arizona Cardinals selected him with the No. 1 pick of the 2019 draft. After seven seasons and a 38-48-1 record in games he started, the Cardinals released Murray earlier this year; he signed a one-year deal with the Minnesota Vikings. Murray started with a flourish as the league’s Offensive Rookie of the Year and two Pro Bowl selections in his first three seasons in the league. He was able to earn a second deal with his original team — a five-year, $230.5 million extension before the 2022 season — but threw more than 15 touchdown passes in only one of his last four seasons with the Cardinals. Of the short-résumé quarterbacks over the past 20 drafts, Newton is the biggest success story. After making 14 starts at Auburn on the way to winning the Heisman Trophy in 2010, the Carolina Panthers selected him with the No. 1 pick of the 2011 draft. Newton played 11 seasons in the league and was was named to three Pro Bowls, was the MVP in 2015 and started a Super Bowl. He had signed his second contract with the Panthers — a five-year, $103.8 million deal — just before his MVP season. But the lack of success of his short-résumé peers continues to make NFL talent evaluators cautious. Simpson says he believes the quality of the work should outweigh the quantity. Some league personnel executives say he will be rewarded for his decision to enter this draft with a selection in the mid-to-late first round. But other scouts contacted in recent weeks say if Simpson were dropped into the draft board without the context of being the second-best quarterback in the class, he would be graded closer to the mid-to-late second round because of the limited résumé. But Simpson is unwavering in his decision to enter this draft and just as unwavering as to what kind of player the team that selects him will get. “I’m ready. I’m a franchise quarterback,” Simpson said. |
| 2026 DRAFTA Mock Draft from Lance Zeurlein of NFL.com: With free agency signings and trades clarifying the roster-building picture for many teams, let’s take another spin at projecting Round 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft. My third go-around includes a coup for the Cowboys and a trade up by the Cardinals — but not for the prospect you might be thinking of. 1 Las Vegas RaidersFernando MendozaIndiana · QB · Junior (RS)This pick feels locked in for a team that needs to find and build around a face of the franchise. 2 New York JetsArvell ReeseOhio State · LB/Edge · JuniorGM Darren Mougey has loads of draft capital and should be allowed the runway to build his squad. Reese is an unpolished diamond, but the Jets can take a swing on the upside. 3 Arizona CardinalsDavid BaileyTexas Tech · Edge · JuniorArizona is in position here to trade back or simply take the best player available, which happens to be Bailey in this scenario. 4 Tennessee TitansJeremiyah LoveNotre Dame · RB · JuniorThe Titans grab an explosive three-down back to help take pressure off Cam Ward, then look to target wide receiver later in the draft. 5 New York GiantsCarnell TateOhio State · WR · JuniorThe Giants, who have just two top-100 selections, pair Tate with Malik Nabers to give Jaxson Dart a formidable duo to grow with in the passing game. 6 Cleveland BrownsMonroe FreelingGeorgia · OT · JuniorWith Tate off the board, the Browns are forced to decide between a slight overdraft on a future left tackle or a quality wideout. They go with Option No. 1 here. Freeling needs more polish, but he has the traits, athleticism and upside to be an effective bookend at the next level. 7 Washington CommandersMansoor DelaneLSU · CB · SeniorThe Commanders need a plug-and-play starting cornerback in the worst way, and that is exactly what the speedy, smothering Delane offers on the outside. 8 New Orleans SaintsMakai LemonUSC · WR · JuniorThe Saints prioritize wideout over edge defender in this spot, grabbing the ultra-competitive Lemon to offer a high-volume option for Tyler Shough. 9 Kansas City ChiefsSpencer FanoUtah · OL · JuniorThe Chiefs stick with their best-available mindset and add a polished, athletic offensive lineman who can step into the right tackle spot or bump inside in the future if need be. 10 Cincinnati BengalsRueben Bain Jr.Miami · Edge · JuniorThe Bengals, in dire need of a pass rusher, end up landing the strongest, most physical defender at the position in this draft. 11 Miami DolphinsFrancis MauigoaMiami · OL · JuniorAustin Jackson is only under contract through the 2026 campaign, which means Mauigoa can either take over the right tackle spot this season or slide inside to guard for a year before kicking back outside in 2027. 12 Dallas CowboysSonny StylesOhio State · LB · SeniorJackpot! Look, Styles could go much higher. If the Giants don’t take him No. 5 overall, he could be a potential trade-up target for a few teams. But if he’s still on the board at the 12 spot, the Cowboys should be very excited. 13 Los Angeles Rams (via ATL)Jordyn TysonArizona State · WR · Junior (RS)The Rams add even more firepower to the offense while providing some insurance at the position in the event Davante Adams departs when his contract runs out next spring. 14 Carolina Panthers PROJECTED TRADE WITH BALTIMORE RAVENSAkheem MesidorMiami · Edge · SeniorCarolina moves ahead of Tampa, New York and Detroit, three teams that need edge help, to grab a plug-and-play pass rusher with a deep bag of tricks and relentless motor. 15 Tampa Bay BuccaneersKenyon SadiqOregon · TE · JuniorInside linebacker and edge are needs for Tampa, but those are also deep positions in this draft. Sadiq is one-of-one in this class in terms of a pass-catching tight end who opens up more 12 personnel groupings for OC Zac Robinson. 16 New York Jets (via IND)Caleb DownsOhio State · S · JuniorDowns’ slide stops with the Jets, who should be overjoyed to add a culture player offering a tremendous competitive nature and the ability to play strong safety and some nickel. 17 Detroit LionsKadyn ProctorAlabama · OL · JuniorThis could be a best-case scenario for the Lions if both Proctor (a potential left/right tackle) and Olaivavega Ioane (guard) are on the board. In this case, the Lions take the massive Alabama tackle. 18 Minnesota VikingsJermod McCoyTennessee · CB · JuniorMcCoy is a press man cornerback with good size. He allows defensive coordinator Brian Flores even more freedom to crank up exotic blitzes, because McCoy can play on an island. 19 Baltimore Ravens PROJECTED TRADE WITH CAROLINA PANTHERSOlaivavega IoanePenn State · OL · Junior (RS)Baltimore moves back and still gets its hands on a mashing guard prospect with excellent size (6-foot-4, 320 pounds) and the ability to help fortify the running game for years to come. 20 Dallas Cowboys (via GB)Colton HoodTennessee · CB · Sophomore (RS)There is nothing sexy about this pick. Dallas needs help on the back end, and Hood is one of the first-round tackles who offers toughness in coverage and in run support. 21 Pittsburgh SteelersOmar Cooper Jr.Indiana · WR · Junior (RS)The Steelers’ new WR combination of Michael Pittman Jr. and DK Metcalf is solid, but Cooper gives them a more dynamic option and could offer insurance after the 2026 season, in case Pittsburgh wants to move on from Metcalf and save a chunk of cap space. 22 Los Angeles ChargersCaleb BanksFlorida · DT · SeniorWith an injury history that reportedly includes a broken foot suffered at the NFL Scouting Combine, Banks carries some risk as a potential first-round pick. But the Chargers shoot their shot here, banking on his elite traits and very high ceiling. 23 Philadelphia EaglesBlake MillerClemson · OL · SeniorMiller is an athletic, long-armed career right tackle with more game experience than any tackle in this draft. He feels like an eventual natural replacement for Lane Johnson on the right side. 24 Cleveland Browns (via JAC)T.J. ParkerClemson · Edge · JuniorI’m in the camp of people who believe the Browns could shake up the NFL with a trade of Myles Garrett before the draft — despite brass repeatedly denying the possibility — which could change everything. Parker is a power rushing edge whose 2024 production was off the charts. 25 Chicago BearsDillon ThienemanOregon · S · JuniorThieneman offers Dennis Allen’s defense an instinctive safety with explosive athleticism and the versatility to help disguise coverages and change the picture post-snap for the quarterback. 26 Arizona Cardinals PROJECTED TRADE WITH THE BUFFALO BILLSMax IheanachorArizona State · OT · SeniorArizona trading back into the first round to take Alabama’s Ty Simpson has become popular among mock drafts, but my guess is the Cards make the jump for the ascending right tackle. Buffalo brings in some much-needed draft capital in the move out of Round 1. 27 San Francisco 49ersKC ConcepcionTexas A&M · WR · JuniorMike Evans is aging, and Christian Kirk has dealt with injuries over the last few seasons, so the addition of those players shouldn’t keep San Francisco from taking a look at one of the premier separators in this draft. 28 Houston TexansAnthony Hill Jr.Texas · LB · JuniorHill is fast, can rush or cover on third down and is a very good tackle finisher who rarely misses assignments in the run game. Both Texans starting linebackers (Henry To’oTo’o and Azeez Al-Shaair) are free agents after 2026; however, Hill should be able to supplant To’oTo’o this year. 29 Kansas City Chiefs (via LAR)Denzel BostonWashington · WR · Junior (RS)I’m not sure Auburn’s Keldric Faulk fits the type of edge defenders the Chiefs like, and there really isn’t a board-value cornerback here. Instead, the Chiefs target another position of need and grab a big, ball-winning target to add more firepower to the offense. 30 Miami Dolphins (via DEN)Emmanuel McNeil-WarrenToledo · S · SeniorIf the board falls this way, it might be a decision between Keldric Faulk and McNeil-Warren. The Dolphins have seven picks in the top 100, and the draft is deeper at edge than safety, so let’s grab the long, rangy hitter out of Toledo. 31 New England PatriotsCaleb LomuUtah · OT · Sophomore (RS)Lomu is a little green, but he’s talented in pass protection. He would give the Patriots the ability to mix and match Will Campbell and Lomu at either tackle spot once Morgan Moses departs. 32 Seattle SeahawksJadarian PriceNotre Dame · RB · Junior (RS)Price is a silky smooth running back with plug-and-play talent and the potential to add more receptions than we saw from him at Notre Dame. Getting the fifth-year option that would come with drafting Price in Round 1 is a big advantage for the Seahawks in this spot. |
