| Robert Kraft is certain 18 games with one International Game for each team is coming soon. Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com: It’s a matter of when not if the NFL will expand to 18 regular-season games. On Tuesday, Patriots owner Robert Kraft addressed the issue during an appearance on 98.5 The Sports Hub, from Gillette Stadium. “I want to tell you guys that we’re going to push like the dickens now to make international [games] more important with us,” Kraft told the Zolak & Bertrand show. “Every team will go to 18 [regular-season games] and two [preseason games] and eliminate one of the preseason games, and every team every year will play one game overseas.” Obviously, that can’t happen unless the NFL Players Association agrees. Even more obviously, the owners will lock out the players in 2031 unless and until they agree to a new Collective Bargaining Agreement premised on 18 games and 16 international contests. “Part of the reason is so we can continue to grow the cap and keep our labor happy, because we’re sort of getting near the top here,” Kraft said. “You know, with the coverage, 93 of the top 100 programs on television, our NFL games, think about that. It’s really amazing. And you look at the size of our crowds versus the other sports. We had that Amazon [playoff] game . . . a couple of weeks ago, 31 million people streamed in.” The key to increasing revenue is to increase inventory. Sixteen games became 17. Seventeen will become 18. Eventually, 18 will become 19. Someday, 19 will become 20. The logic is simple, even if some would say it’s flawed. The NFL has played 20 total games per team for decades. Prior to 1978, the split was 14 regular-season games and six preseason games. It moved to 16 and four. It’s now 17 and 3. Under that reasoning, 20 regular-season games and no preseason games is a natural extension of the existing framework. The DB, once again, casts a vote for some of those games to be neutral site games in the US – Bengals-Browns in Columbus, Eagles-Steelers at Penn State, Colts-Bears in South Bend, Texans-Cowboys in Austin, etc- – -If you’re not tired of the debate as to whether Bills WR BRANDIN COOKS caught the ball that might have won the game (instead of an interception as the NFL is selling), take a look at this version of the play from NFL Films – https://x.com/i/status/2013782608463675580 A Bills X account had this to say: Chris (Low Ceilings)@LowBuffaSteratore talked about how slow motion should be limited bc it distorts the interpretation of the event, but isn’t that the whole pt of replay?! To go beyond the naked eye to ensure an accurate call? I wasn’t convinced Cooks had it on Sat, but now I am – – -Michael David Smith of ProFootballTalk.com on the uncertainty of the playoffs to date: With three postseason games still to go, the 2025-26 NFL playoffs have already had the most fourth quarter lead changes of any year in NFL history. The 10 playoff games played in the last two weeks have had a total of 15 fourth quarter lead changes, by far the most ever. The previous record went to the 2007-08 playoffs, which had 10 fourth quarter lead changes, including three in the Super Bowl, when the Giants ended the Patriots’ perfect season. That record had already been broken within the first four games of this year’s postseason, when those games combined for 12 fourth quarter lead changes. That included four fourth-quarter lead changes in the Rams’ win over the Panthers, four more in the Bills’ win over the Jaguars, three fourth quarter lead changes in the 49ers’ win over the Eagles, and one fourth quarter lead change in the Bears’ win over the Packers. The divisional round of the playoffs featured two fourth quarter lead changes in the Broncos’ win over the Bills, and one in the Rams’ win over the Bears. These playoffs have also had a few dull blowouts, but the good games have been so good that the NFL has had one of its most exciting postseasons. And it’s not over yet. |
| NFC NORTH |
| GREEN BAYFormer Arizona head coach Jonathan Gannon is moving on to Green Bay in search of DC gig. Charean Williams of ProFootballTalk.com: Former Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon has completed his interview with the Cowboys, Josina Anderson reports. Gannon now has another flight to catch. Mike Garafolo of NFL Media reports that Gannon will head to Green Bay this week to interview for the Packers’ defensive coordinator job. The Packers also have Eagles passing game coordinator Christian Parker and Vikings passing game coordinator Daronte Jones on their list of candidates. The Packers are seeking to replace Jeff Hafley, whom the Dolphins hired on Monday. Gannon spent three seasons as the Cardinals’ head coach before the team fired him at the end of the season. He was 15-36 in his tenure with the Cardinals, including a 3-14 record in 2025. Gannon earned his head coaching job after two seasons as the Eagles’ defensive coordinator. He has also worked for the Falcons, Titans, Vikings and Colts, although his time with the Eagles is his only experience as a defensive coordinator. One player Gannon (or anyone else) won’t coach with the Packers is CB TREVON DIGGS. Bryan DeArdo of CBSSports.com: For the first time in his career, Trevon Diggs is a free agent after he was released by the Green Bay Packers on Tuesday after being with the team for less than a month. A former All-Pro selection and two-time Pro Bowler, Diggs was claimed off waivers by the Packers late in the regular season after being released by the Dallas Cowboys, where he spent his first five-plus seasons. Diggs made three tackles in two games with the Packers, including seeing brief action in the 31-27 loss to the Chicago Bears in the NFC wild card round. Diggs, 27, enjoyed a fast start to his career that included leading the NFL with 11 interceptions in 2021, his second season. His early success led to the Cowboys giving him a five-year, $97 million contract heading into the 2023 season. A knee injury sustained in practice led to Diggs missing all but two games that season. He played in 11 games in 2024 but was sidelined for the final four games of the season after undergoing surgery on the same knee that he had injured a year earlier. Diggs was placed on injured reserve this year after dealing with lingering concussion symptoms. He played in eight games for the Cowboys before being released on December 30. He was claimed by the Packers the following day. Diggs is now free to sign with anyone, including the four teams that will be playing this weekend in the AFC and NFC Championship games. One of those teams, the New England Patriots, rosters his older brother, receiver Stefon Diggs. |
| NFC EAST |
| NEW YORK GIANTSReally? @GaryMyersNYI know this might sound crazy, but don’t discount Rex Ryan being considered to be John Harbaugh’s defensive coordinator with @Giants. Rex was on @Ravens staff and wanted HC job when Harbaugh was hired in 2008. Ryan worked for Harbaugh for one year before he was hired by the @nyjets. They also worked together at @GoBearcatsFB in 1996 when Rex was DC and Harbaugh was ST Coordinator. Ryan would be outstanding hire. Here’s what Harbaugh said Tuesday, per James Dudko of Heavy.com: Harbaugh was asked about Ryan and Don ‘Wink’ Martindale, both of whom called defenses for the Baltimore Ravens. As Harbaugh put it, “Yeah, I’m gonna tell you what, why not? Can you imagine Rex coming back in here, you know?” Going into more detail about Ryan, who was Harbaugh’s first coordinator in Baltimore way back in 2008, the new man in charge of the Giants explained, “Nobody calls a better game than Rex Ryan. He built great defenses, but he called a great game and there’s a lot to be said for that.” When pressed if he’ll place a call to Ryan, Harbaugh said, “we’ll have to give him a call. Why not? I talk to Rex a lot.” – – -The Giants lost their best receiver and their exciting rookie RB during the course of the 2025 season. GM Joe Schoen with an encouraging note on the progress of WR MALIK NABERS and RB CAM SKATTEBO. Giants receiver Malik Nabers underwent surgery to repair the torn ACL in his right knee on Oct. 28. He was on a cane on the sideline while watching the season finale against the Cowboys on Jan. 4. Nabers, though, has made enough progress in his rehab that Giants General Manager Joe Schoen expressed optimism that the 2024 Pro Bowler will be ready for training camp in late July. Nabers made 109 catches for 1,204 yards and seven touchdowns as a rookie and had 18 receptions for 271 yards and two touchdowns in 2025 before his season-ending injury in Week 4. Giants running back Cam Skattebo, who is recovering from a season-ending ankle injury, will be ready for the offseason program, Schoen said. |
| NFC SOUTH |
| ATLANTAAn old enemy of Buccaneers QB BAKER MAYFIELD – at least as Mayfield sees it, now coaches the Falcons. Nick Pedone of SI.com: Stefanski wasted no time landing on his feet, as he was hired as the next head coach of the Atlanta Falcons. Now Stefanski’s old quarterback, Baker Mayfield, is dropping truth bombs on what really happened during their time together with the Browns. D. Orlando Ledbetter, who covers the Falcons, posted on X that Stefanski “had a dumpster fire” at quarterback during his time with the Browns as Mayfield and Deshaun Watson failed, starting a chain reaction to 11 other quarterbacks getting starts in Cleveland. Mayfield seemingly took offense to being called a failure in Cleveland, replying with his own post. “Failed is quite the reach pal,” Mayfield wrote. “Still waiting on a text/call from him after I got shipped off like a piece of garbage. Can’t wait to see you twice a year, Coach.” After Cleveland’s disastrous 2021 season, the Browns set out on a voyage to upgrade their quarterback position. Watson was the white whale that Browns general manager Andrew Berry was chasing – and Stefanski boarded the plane to go recruit the controversial quarterback. After a rollercoaster ride landed Watson with the Browns in, Mayfield was awkwardly traded to the Carolina Panthers for a conditional draft pick.– – -The Falcons have lurked slightly below .500 and it got their coach and GM fired. Next on the interview list for GM is a guy that comes from a team that has lurked slightly above .500. Charean Williams of ProFootballTalk.com: Matt Ryan, as the Falcons’ president of football, will oversee all aspects of football for the organization. The team, though, still intends to hire a General Manager. With Ryan as the primary decision-maker for the Falcons, teams are allowed to block interview requests from the Falcons for the G.M. job. The Steelers apparently won’t, though. Mark Kaboly of The Pat McAfee Show reports that Steelers assistant General Manager Andy Weidl will interview for the Falcons’ General Manager job. Weidl joined the Steelers after the draft in 2022. He also has worked for the Saints, Ravens and Eagles. |
| NFC WEST |
| ARIZONAJaguars DC Anthony Campanile has earned a second interview with Arizona. Myles Simmons of ProFootballTalk.com: The Cardinals are getting closer to finding their new head coach. Per Ian Rapoport of NFL Media, Jacksonville defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile is flying to the desert to have his second interview with Arizona on Thursday. Campanile, 43, just finished his first season as the club’s defensive coordinator. Jacksonville finished No. 8 in points allowed and No. 11 in yards allowed in 2025. The Ravens and Dolphins have also shown interest in Campanile as a head coaching candidate, though Miami has since hired Jeff Hafley. Jonathan Gannon was fired earlier this month after three seasons with the club. He ticks a lot of the same boxes Gannon did three years ago. |
| AFC WEST |
| DENVERHe’s only 30, but Broncos OC Davis Webb is a simmering head coaching prospect. And apparently his mentor, Kliff Kingsbury, is anxious to be his OC. Myles Simmons of ProFootballTalk.com: Broncos offensive pass game coordinator/quarterbacks coach Davis Webb is not eligible to interview with teams for their head coaching vacancies this week, as he’s preparing for Sunday’s AFC Championship Game. But if Webb does end up landing one of the open jobs, there is one veteran coach who may wind up as one of his top assistants. Per Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, Kliff Kingsbury is a candidate to join Webb as his offensive coordinator. Kingsbury, who most recently served as Washington’s offensive coordinator from 2024-2025, was Webb’s head coach at Texas Tech from 2013-2015 before Webb transferred to Cal for the 2016 season. Kingsbury would also bring NFL head coaching experience to any staff, having accumulated a 28-37-1 record as Cardinals head coach from 2019-2022. Webb, 30, was a third-round pick in the 2017 draft. He started his coaching career as Denver’s QBs coach under Sean Payton in 2023 after ending his time as a player with the Giants in 2022. |
| LOS ANGELES CHARGERSMike McDaniel has withdrawn from consideration for the Browns coaching job – and on Tuesday night it looked like he was heading to the Chargers as OC. Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com: Well, now we know why Mike McDaniel passed on a second interview for the Browns’ head-coaching job. Via multiple reports, McDaniel will become the new offensive coordinator of the Chargers. It gives McDaniel a chance to partner with coach Jim Harbaugh and quarterback Justin Herbert. And it gives McDaniel an opportunity to author the kind of performance that sets him up to potentially become an A-list candidate in 2027. McDaniel coached the Dolphins for four seasons, with a record of 35-33 in the regular season and 0-2 in the playoffs. He had drawn head-coaching interest, and it’s apparently possible he could still pivot to a bigger job. As noted by Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, no deal has been signed. He remains in play for the top jobs with the Ravens and Raiders. For now, however, McDaniel is on track to partner with Jim Harbaugh. Both are quirky. Both are unique. And we can only hope that the Chargers will be the focal point of Hard Knocks in August. |
| AFC NORTH |
| CLEVELANDTodd Monken or Jim Schwartz? Josh Alper of ProFootballTalk.com: The Browns lost a head coaching candidate on Tuesday, but they also completed a second interview with another one. Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken joined Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz as candidates who have had multiple meetings with the team. The interview came on the same day that Mike McDaniel dropped out of consideration for the job in order to become the offensive coordinator for the Chargers. Monken is also believed to be the top candidate to be the Giants’ offensive coordinator. He was on John Harbaugh’s staff in Baltimore for the last three seasons, so the fit would be an obvious one if he does not land the job in Cleveland. Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter and Jaguars offensive coordinator Grant Udinski are also scheduled to interview with the Browns this week. Rams pass game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase is also on the second interview list, but cannot meet with the team before the NFC Championship Game. |
| AFC SOUTH |
| TENNESSEEWithin a few short months, the AFC South has risen to become perhaps the top division in the AFC. The Titans coaching hire makes things even more spicy as Jordan Dajani of CBSSports.com reminds us: Sports fans crave rivalries, and coaches who aren’t afraid to embrace the hate that one fan base has for another. Look no further than Ben Johnson. When he accepted the coaching job with the Chicago Bears last offseason, he fired a shot at Green Bay Packers coach Matt LaFleur in his introductory press conference, saying he enjoyed beating LaFleur twice a year. Johnson backed up his talk by sending the Packers home in the wild card round a couple weeks ago. The AFC South may have just seen a rivalry renewed, as the Tennessee Titans agreed to terms with former San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh to be their new coach. Saleh had an interaction with Jacksonville Jaguars coach Liam Coen earlier this season that made headlines, and it became an interesting story for more reasons than one. Now, these two coaches will get to face off twice a year. So, what happened between Saleh and Coen this year? Let’s take a look back in time. One passed over for the otherThe Saleh vs. Coen drama may have started earlier than we all thought. Peter Schrager of ESPN reported that when the Jaguars were searching for their new coach last year, they narrowed down their choices to two men: Coen and Saleh. Ultimately, the Jaguars landed on the former Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator, and it appears to have been a good decision since Jacksonville won the AFC South in Coen’s first season with a 13-4 record. Schrager reported that Saleh was “devastated” to not get the Jaguars job, and opted to return to the 49ers. Allegations of a ‘legal’ sign-stealing operationAs the 49ers prepared for their Week 4 matchup against the Jaguars earlier this season, Saleh spoke to reporters about what he saw from Jacksonville’s offense. The defensive coordinator then dropped what was interpreted to be a bombshell allegation — that Coen and his staff had a “really advanced” sign-stealing operation! “Liam and his staff, a couple guys coming from Minnesota, they’ve got a — legally — a really advanced signal-stealing-type system where they always find a way to put themselves in an advantageous situation,” Saleh said. “They do a great job of it. They formation you to just try to find any nugget they can. So we’ve got to be great with our signals and we’ve gotta be great with our communication to combat some of the tells that we might give on the field.” Saleh said that other McVay disciples, such as Minnesota Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell, are fantastic when it comes to anticipating what opposing defenses want to do, and putting them in undesirable situations. He called it “the ultimate trick.” “They’re almost elite in that regard. That whole entire tree from Sean [McVay] to Kevin O’Connell to all of those guys, they all do it,” Saleh said. “There’s challenges. They’re going to catch us in some situations where they have the advantage and we’ve just got to play sound, fundamental football and do our best to outexecute them.” Naturally, Coen was asked about Saleh’s comments the following day. He downplayed the remarks, and said there was nothing unusual about what the Jaguars do. “We [are] typically by formation, by game plan, by working really hard as a coaching staff throughout the week, trying to get indicators by your formation, motion, shift, pre-snap; those are the things you’re trying to do as a coach if you’re trying to put your players in the best position to be successful,” Coen said. “It’s a lot of hard work that goes into game-planning.” This story had the potential to go away very quickly. Saleh made sure to emphasize that what Coen’s staff does is very much legal. However, after a Jaguars’ 26-21 upset victory over the 49ers that Sunday, Coen wasn’t done with Saleh. The confrontationAs the two teams met on the field following the final whistle, cameras picked up Coen and Saleh having words with each other. . Here’s the exchange: Coen: “Keep my name out of your mouth. Keep my name out of your f—ing mouth.” Saleh: “I was trying to compliment your ass. I will f— your world up. You don’t wanna f— with me. I will f—ing end your f–ing life.” Obviously, this was WAY more dramatic than some “icy handshake.” It’s probably true that Saleh was just trying to compliment Coen, but clearly the Jaguars coach took it as something different! The aftermathThe following week, Saleh publicly admitted that he “probably used the wrong choice of words” during the interaction with Coen. “In my heart, genuinely, I was trying to give a compliment,” Saleh said, via Fox Sports. “I own the fact that I probably used the wrong choice of words, but however you want to word it, I mean, they’re really, really good at putting their players in position to be successful. As coaches, we’re always chasing leverage. They’re trying to have winning leverage. We’re trying to take leverage away. Everyone in the league is trying to find every avenue they can. As a coach watching their tape, I recognize the amount of hours that must be spent to be able to build formations and to find every little indicator they can to give their players a chance to be in a successful position.” While Saleh probably wants to put this saga behind him, the fact of the matter is that Titans fans are excited about the kind of intensity their new lead man showed here. They want someone to come in and breathe life and energy into a franchise that has gone 6-28 over the last two seasons. Hopefully, Saleh carries an energy with him to Nashville that resembles what Johnson brought to Chicago. |
| AFC EAST |
| BUFFALOOwner Terry Pegula speaks on his decision to jettison Sean McDermott and promote GM Brandon Beane. Two big takes – the decision was impulsive, made after “New York” said WR BRANDIN COOKS did not make the catch and that some of Buffalo’s recent draft busts were instigated by the coaching staff. From The Athletic: Buffalo Bills owner Terry Pegula said he decided to fire head coach Sean McDermott after the Bills’ loss to the Denver Broncos in the AFC’s divisional round playoffs based on the result of the game and the tearful reaction from quarterback Josh Allen. On Wednesday, Pegula held a news conference alongside general manager Brandon Beane, who was retained and promoted, to explain the move. McDermott’s firing and Beane’s promotion drew strong reactions from fans and current and former Bills players. “I want to take you into the locker room after that game,” Pegula said. “I looked around. First thing I noticed was our quarterback with his head down, crying. I looked at all the other players. I looked at their faces and our coaches. I walked over to Josh. He didn’t even acknowledge I was there. First thing I said to him, I said, ‘That was a catch!’ We all know what I’m talking about. He didn’t acknowledge me. He just sat there sobbing. He was listless. He had given everything he had to try to win that game. And looking around, so did all the other players on the team. I saw the pain in Josh’s face at his presser, and I felt his pain. I know we can do better, and I know we will get better.” Pegula defended his decision to keep Beane by saying the team has had enough talent to be successful in the playoffs, but hit “the proverbial wall.” Under McDermott, the Bills reached the divisional round in six straight seasons and twice advanced to the AFC Championship Game (in 2020 and 2024) but lost to the Kansas City Chiefs in both appearances. McDermott’s teams made the playoffs in eight of his nine seasons, including in his first year in 2017, when the Bills snapped a 17-year playoff drought. His 98 wins are second in franchise history, behind Hall of Fame coach Marv Levy, who won 112 games over 12 seasons and reached four Super Bowls. “It was one year after another. I just couldn’t see us doing that with Sean,” Pegula said. “It’s not an easy decision, trust me with that success. But what is success? Is it being in the playoffs seven years in a row with no Super Bowl?” When was Beane asked about the lack of top-tier wide receivers on the roster, including the decision to draft Keon Coleman, who has been disciplined three times since Buffalo drafted him in the second round in 2024 and has not materialized as a reliable target for Allen, Pegula interjected and said the coaching staff pushed for Coleman and that Beane was being a team player by selecting him. “I’ll address the Keon situation,” Pegula said. “The coaching staff pushed to draft Keon. I’m not saying Brandon wouldn’t have drafted him, but (Coleman) wasn’t his next choice. It was Brandon being a team player and taking advice of his coaching staff, who felt strongly about the player. He’s taken, for some reason, heat over it and not said a word about it. But I’m here to tell you the true story.” Later in the press conference, Beane addressed drafting Coleman. “He was my pick. I made the pick,” Beane said. “Terry’s point was that we might’ve had a different order of personnel versus coaching, and I went that way. But ultimately, I’m not turning in a pick for a player that I don’t think we can succeed with. So don’t misunderstand that. Keon Coleman is a young player that has been here two years, has two years left on his deal. It’s up to us to work with him and develop him. “His issues have not been on the field. It’s been maturity things that he owns; I give him credit. He doesn’t make excuses, which I appreciate. He busted his tail and had a great offseason. He had an excellent camp no matter who he went against, made a bunch of plays. The Ravens game he ends up with 100-whatever yards and you’re right: ‘Man, this kid’s going to take off.’ But some of the maturity stuff got in the way, and you can naturally lose confidence in teammates or coaches, and that’s understandable.” Beane defends his characterOne of the biggest moments during the 53-minute press conference was when Beane stood up for his character. The fan base has wondered why Beane remained in his position, with a promotion, while the Bills fired McDermott, despite the two working collaboratively for the last nine seasons with the same roster and the same results. The fan perception of that is Beane made a power play of some kind to be the last one standing. Speaking for the first time since the Bills announced the moves, Beane passionately defended his character, red-faced and on the verge of tears, calling it “hurtful and harmful,” citing all the hard work he’s put in throughout his career.– – -At first blush, from a distance, the DB thought the firing of Sean McDermott might be designed to keep OC Joe Brady in the house (an OC who put a lot of points on the board with less-than-elite skill players). He is on this list from Jonathan Jones of CBSSports.com, but there are others as well: The Buffalo Bills were one play from spending today preparing to travel to New England for the AFC Championship Game. Instead, they have fired the second-winningest head coach in team history and begun a coaching search. Bills owner Terry Pegula fired Sean McDermott on Monday, opening up what many believe to be the top coaching job in an insane cycle this season. And sources across the league — and some within the Bills building — believe quarterback Josh Allen will be the priority for the next hire. “When you look at the big picture with the quarterback, are you changing the offensive system?,” said one source. “We know the answer to that.” The Bills, led by general manager and now president of football operations Brandon Beane, are building their list of head-coaching candidates. But three names have emerged who are familiar with Allen, the 2024 NFL MVP. Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady, former Bills OC and Giants head coach Brian Daboll and former Bills backup quarterback and current Broncos QBs coach Davis Webb have all been linked to the Orchard Park opening by multiple sources. Brady is in the mix for head coaching jobs at multiple teams after pulling his name from consideration last year in New Orleans. According to a source he has a second interview set up with the Ravens and will also speak to the Cardinals. He remains in the running for the Raiders job, as well. Brady, 36, has been the Bills OC the last two-plus seasons and forged a close relationship with Allen. Sources say the Bills did not want to lose Brady last year and were pleased when he pulled out of the running for the Saints job. A Western New York native, Daboll was Allen’s first offensive coordinator with the Bills before taking the head job with the Giants. Daboll has interviewed for the Chargers and Eagles offensive coordinator jobs, and multiple sources say new Titans head coach Robert Saleh has interest in bringing him to Tennessee. But Daboll wants to see how things shake out in Buffalo before making a decision on an OC job, sources say. Interestingly enough, Daboll and McDermott share an agent in long-time superagent Bob LaMonte. Webb, the Broncos pass game coordinator who turns 31 later this week, is close friends with Allen. It would be highly unusual for a team to hire the close friend of a quarterback. Sean McVay, hired at 30 as the youngest head coach in NFL history, had a Super Bowl appearance on his head-coaching resume before his team traded for Matthew Stafford. Philip Rivers stayed in close contact with Shane Steichen in the years since they worked together in San Diego when he got the emergency call toward the end of this past season. But a close friend getting the job, with just three years of coaching experience, would be a difficult proposition for many executives who spoke to CBS Sports. Accountability and equal treatment — insofar as quarterbacks are treated the same as other players on a team — would inherently be an issue with a Webb-led Bills team. Webb is also considered a strong candidate with the Las Vegas Raiders, where Tom Brady has significant say over who will lead that program with presumed future quarterback Fernando Mendoza in 2026 and beyond. To be sure, not all sources agreed on this trio in Buffalo for various reasons. And it is certain the team will interview far more than just three men for the job. A well-placed source said there’s early interest out of Buffalo in Seattle offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, for example. Whoever gets the job will be faced with meeting a standard that McDermott helped create but couldn’t reach this season. “Liam Coen, New England’s success, Ben Johnson… that hurt Sean,” said one team source. Coen (Jaguars) and Johnson (Bears) won big in their maiden season with their respective franchises, as did Mike Vrabel in New England, which toppled Buffalo out of the AFC East’s catbird seat. “Because success is defined in a different way. We won 13 games this year and success is now one way. It’s winning a world championship. That is the new standard here in Buffalo.” The Bills are getting a late start on their coaching search. Already four head-coaching jobs have been filled by John Harbaugh (Giants), Kevin Stefanski (Falcons), Robert Saleh (Titans) and Jeff Hafley (Dolphins). The Bills are one of six teams still searching for a head coach. Teams like the Raiders and Ravens have already conducted more than a dozen interviews each. Further complicating matters for Buffalo are the league’s rules around interviewing candidates still in the playoffs. If the Bills desire to speak to any coach on the conference championship teams, they cannot have any communication with them this week. Buffalo could speak with coaches on the losing teams after Sunday, but they cannot interview coaches on the Super Bowl teams until after the Super Bowl is played Feb. 8. That means some collection of these coaches will be unavailable to speak with the Bills until three weeks from now, at the earliest: Webb and Vance Joseph with the Broncos, Chris Shula, Nate Scheelhaase and Mike LaFleur with the Rams, Kubiak and Aden Durde with the Seahawks and Thomas Brown with the Patriots. Who Beane will ultimately choose is still a guess. McDermott was hired a few months before Beane got the job following the 2017 draft, so Beane has never had to conduct a head-coaching search. He was in close proximity to one in 2011 as director of football operations in Carolina when the Panthers hired Ron Rivera, but that’s the sum of it. Bills owner Terry Pegula has empowered Beane to not only run this search but take full control of football operations. For years, the head coach and GM reported individually to Pegula. Now, it is coach to GM and GM to owner in the chain of command. By firing McDermott and giving Beane more power, Pegula made a tacit admission he believes the roster is championship-worthy. Sources say McDermott had gotten a sense of where Pegula stood in the closing weeks of the regular season.– – –@AjayCybulskiFormer NFL Coach of the Year Bruce Arians weighs in on the drama at One Bills Drive, via the Pat McAfee show👀 “This one baffles me. How Brandon Beane got elevated and Sean McDermott got fired – that just blows my mind because they didn’t have any damn players. The guy is one of the best coaches in the league… and Brandon Beane gets a fu***** raise?” Mike Florio does indeed know how this works: The decision to fire coach Sean McDermott and to promote G.M. Brandon Beane shows that owner Terry Pegula resolved the “coaching” vs. “talent” question by concluding that the roster was good enough to get farther than the divisional round of the 2025 playoffs. Veteran Bills reporter Vic Carucci of WGRZ.com has posted a story with a nugget that sheds more light on the internal assessment of whether McDermott had the tools he needed. From Carucci: “I’m told that during a meeting held five weeks ago between McDermott, Beane and Pegula, the coach pointed out what the roster lacked to win a Super Bowl. I don’t know the specifics McDermott mentioned, but I’m told neither Beane nor Pegula was pleased with McDermott’s assessment.” This is what happens when ownership views the coach and the General Manager as not being joined at the hip. If the position from the top is that both succeed or both fail, there’s never a debate about whether the G.M. has, or hasn’t, given the coach what he needs to thrive. In those situations, ownership expects them to work together. An either-or environment opens the door to something that happens commonly during NFL games. As the coach is on the sideline, doing his job to the best of his ability, one or more people in proximity to the owner can criticize anything and everything the coach does and doesn’t do. Those three hours per week are the most important. And the coach can’t defend himself while he’s being judged in real time by others who envision a path to saving themselves (or, as the case may be, advancing their interests) by blaming it all on the coach. Carucci’s reporting indirectly confirms that something like this happened in Buffalo. It was two against one, and the two didn’t want to hear McDermott’s belief that he didn’t have enough talent to get the team to where others expected him to take it. And so McDermott is gone. While the presence of quarterback Josh Allen makes the Bills job attractive, the next coach needs to take the job with eyes wide open. It’ll be on him to take the Bills over the top. Of course, if the next coach doesn’t get it done, Beane will get some blame for hiring the wrong coach. The better approach would be for Pegula to make it clear to Beane and whomever he hires that they’ll be running a three-legged race. Either they both get to the finish line, or they both fall flat on their faces. If the next coach will instead be the next guy to take the fall if the Bills fail, the Bills may not be able to get the best coach for the job. That’s what the Giants recently experienced in trying to hire John Harbaugh. Harbaugh didn’t want to answer to G.M. Joe Schoen. Harbaugh wanted to have (and got) a direct pipeline to those who run the show, making it easier for him to make his case (if he feels compelled to make it) that the roster is lacking. Of course, there’s currently no other candidate with the kind of leverage Harbaugh had. Whoever gets the job will be working for, and answering to, Beane. And if the coach concludes the roster isn’t good enough, his best move will be to keep that opinion to himself. |
| NEW YORK JETSToday’s Jets tweet: @IhartitzConsecutive losing seasons: 10: NYJ8: ATL, CAR…4: TEN, LV, ARZ3: NYG2: MIA, CLE, IND, DAL, NO1: BAL, CIN, KC, WSH, TB0: NE, BUF, PIT, JAX, HOU, DEN, LAC, PHI, CHI, GB, MIN, DET, SEA, LAR, SF |
| THIS AND THAT |
| THE FINAL THREE REFEREESJust as 2025 marked a changing of the guard among NFL teams and quarterbacks, we have a different cast of characters in stripes at the end of the playoffs. For the first time in seven years, the Super Bowl and two conference championship games won’t have Carl Cheffers, Bill Vinovich or Ron Torbert in one of the three referee slots. On Tuesday, Shaun Smith was announced as the Super Bowl referee, while Alex Kemp (AFC) and Clay Martin (NFC) will work the championship games. Jeremy Bergman of NFL.com has the story: The NFL has revealed the officiating crew for Super Bowl LX. Shawn Smith will be the referee for the final game of the NFL season, which will kick off on Sunday, Feb. 8 from Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. This will be Smith’s first on-field Super Bowl assignment (11th in playoffs) and therefore his first Super Bowl appearance as a referee. He is in his 11th NFL season and eighth as a referee, per Football Zebras. Smith was the referee for the New England Patriots’ win over the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round. Joining Smith will be umpire Roy Ellison and side judge Eugene Hall, who have three Super Bowls under their belt; back judge Greg Steed (two); down judge Dana McKenzie (one) and line judge Julian Mapp, field judge Jason Ledet and replay official Andrew Lambert, who are also making their Super Bowl debuts. Smith seems young, but he’s 54. He’s from Detroit and went to Ferris State. ProFootballZebras.com with more: This is Smith’s 11th postseason assignment, including 5 Wild Card Playoffs, 3 Divisional Playoffs and 2 Conference Championships. His first Conference Championship came in his third season — the earliest possible under assignment rules at the time — and he has been assigned to at least one playoff game every year he was eligible. (First-year officials and referees in their first season are ineligible.) Smith is in his 11th season and 8th as referee. Three of the seven on-field Super Bowl officials came from the crew of Adrian Hill. Kemp and Martin are also in their early 50s and working their first games as high as the conference championship game. Either Torbert, Vinovich or Cheffers has called the last six Super Bowls. In the previous year, 2018, Vinovich had the NFC Championship Game. 2017 was the last year with none of the three in the final three games. Vinovich and Cheffers were both involved with various games in 2015 and 2016. |
| 2026 DRAFTThe legendary Mel Kiper of ESPN.com offers his first Mock Draft of 2026: There is only one clear first-round quarterback, followed by a few other passers who could join. (I projected two QBs on Day 1 here.) But we should see a bunch of talented pass catchers — the offensive skill positions make up a quarter of my 32 pick projections below — and impact defenders. The draft order is set for the first 28 picks, and I used ESPN’s Football Power Index (FPI) for the Broncos, Patriots, Rams and Seahawks, who, of course, still have some football to play before their slots lock in. I didn’t project any trades quite yet, but four first-round picks already have been dealt to other teams. The Rams have the Falcons’ selection, the Jets have the Colts’ selection, the Cowboys have the Packers’ selection and the Browns have the Jaguars’ selection. One thing to remember before I dive in: The predraft process commences with the East-West Shrine Bowl and the Panini Senior Bowl over the next two weeks, before continuing with the combine, pro days, private workouts and team interviews. We still have NFL free agency and the trade market to sort out. Heck, six teams don’t even have head coaches yet. The point is, it’s very early, and a lot is going to change. OK, let’s kick this off with the No. 1 prospect on my board going to the Raiders. 1. Las Vegas RaidersFernando Mendoza, QB, IndianaThis is an easy one. The Raiders traded a third-round pick for Geno Smith less than a year ago, but it hasn’t worked out. He finished the 2025 season ranked 27th of 28 qualified passers in QBR (34.1), throwing 17 interceptions over 15 games. And with a new coach (to be determined) coming in, it’s time for a fresh start. Mendoza could join Joe Burrow and Cam Newton in going undefeated for the season, winning the Heisman Trophy and the national championship, and going No. 1 in the draft all inside a 12-month window. Mendoza transferred to the Hoosiers from Cal and immediately leveled up, throwing 41 touchdown passes and just six interceptions in 2025. I see great ball placement on the tape, and he’s a no-brainer to begin Round 1. Las Vegas could start to build something offensively here with Mendoza, running back Ashton Jeanty and tight end Brock Bowers. 2. New York JetsArvell Reese, LB, Ohio StateThe Jets ranked 31st in sacks with 26, and Will McDonald IV was the only player on the roster with more than four of them (eight). Jermaine Johnson is heading into his fifth-year-option season, meaning the depth chart could be thinning out on the edge. With coach Aaron Glenn’s defensive background, getting that unit right will be an offseason priority. Reese played off the ball before moving into an edge rusher role in 2025, and he has the traits to make an impact there in the NFL. I love his instincts and burst. (And if New York wanted him at linebacker, there’s a void there with Quincy Williams entering free agency.) For the Jets fans screaming that the team needs a quarterback, I’m with you. There just isn’t another passer worthy of a top-two selection right now after Dante Moore decided to go back to Oregon for another season. Perhaps that changes. Maybe the Jets go get a veteran and make this irrelevant anyway, waiting for 2027, instead, when they have three first-rounders. But right now, New York is better off taking the top defensive prospect on the board — and maybe getting lucky at the QB position when it is back on the board in the middle of Round 1. 3. Arizona CardinalsFrancis Mauigoa, OT, MiamiMauigoa would have just missed the chance to join his brother, linebacker Kiko Mauigoa, with the Jets, but I still have Francis as a top-three pick thanks to his mauling play style, experience (41 career starts) and overall consistency as a blocker. Since Kelvin Beachum is a free agent, Mauigoa could slide in at right tackle and help spring James Conner and Trey Benson for big runs next season. The quarterback situation is still unsettled, but no matter who is under center, the protection has to be right. 4. Tennessee TitansDavid Bailey, OLB, Texas TechTennessee is going to be focused on two things this offseason: getting quarterback Cam Ward more help and improving the defense. It’s a tough call on which direction the Titans will go here, but let’s follow the board while also knowing new coach Robert Saleh is a defense guy. Bailey was outstanding this past season. His stats tell the story: 14.5 sacks, 20.2% pressure rate, 23 tackles for loss — and all at least tied for a share of first in the FBS. Pairing Bailey with defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons on the D-line could be a big step in the right direction. As for offense, this is a pretty deep class of pass catchers. But if Saleh decides Ward’s supporting cast is the first-round priority no matter what, then I’d expect Ohio State’s Carnell Tate to get some attention here. Speaking of Tate … 5. New York GiantsCarnell Tate, WR, Ohio StateThe Giants have a lot of needs, but similar to Tennessee, they have a second-year quarterback looking for help. Yes, wide receiver Malik Nabers (knee) and running back Cam Skattebo (ankle/leg) will be back on the field, but wideout Wan’Dale Robinson is a free agent, and Nabers can’t be the target on all of Jaxson Dart’s throws. Taking a first-round wide receiver wouldn’t be new to recently hired coach John Harbaugh; in Baltimore, he used four Day 1 picks starting in 2015 on the position (Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman, Hollywood Brown and Breshad Perriman). This also would be the fifth straight year we’ve seen a first-round wideout from Ohio State. Tate would bring fantastic route running and reliable hands to MetLife Stadium. He caught 51 passes for 875 yards and nine scores for the Buckeyes this past season. 6. Cleveland BrownsSpencer Fano, OT, UtahThe Browns had an amazing 2025 draft, and they can kick things off in 2026 with a versatile tackle. Over 37 career games (36 starts), Fano allowed just four sacks, and the most recent came in Week 1 of the 2024 season. He played on both sides at Utah, and he has the size, power and technique to excel at either tackle spot. Cam Robinson and Jack Conklin are both free agents, so I could see Cleveland pairing Fano with Dawand Jones — who is returning from a knee injury — and trying to improve its middle-of-the-road pass protection. 7. Washington CommandersRueben Bain Jr., DE, MiamiNFC East quarterbacks and offensive tackles aren’t going to be happy if Washington goes this way. Bain knows how to reach the quarterback, with 9.5 sacks and 17.5 tackles for loss in 2025 (including a sack and 2.5 TFLs on Monday night against Indiana in the national title game). He has a great mix of power, speed and bend, and the Commanders could move him around on the defensive line to create mismatches. Von Miller led the team with nine sacks this season, but he will turn 37 in March and isn’t under contract for 2026. This is a clear need for Washington after the defense allowed 6.0 yards per play, tied for third worst in the league. By the way, this would be only the third time in the common draft era (since 1967) that multiple Miami players went in the top 10 (2004 and 1987). 8. New Orleans SaintsJordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona StateAfter rumors swirled about Chris Olave being on the trade market ahead of the deadline this season, it looks as if New Orleans is hanging onto its star wideout. However, Olave is under contract for only one more year, and even if the Saints extend him, they still need more pass-catching options for second-year quarterback Tyler Shough. Consider that Rashid Shaheed was the only other Saints wide receiver with over 300 receiving yards this season, and he was dealt at the deadline. Tyson could immediately be a red zone target for Shough thanks to his strength and ability on contested catches. 9. Kansas City ChiefsJeremiyah Love, RB, Notre DameYou could see it, right? The Chiefs make their first pick in the top 10 since they took Patrick Mahomes at No. 10 in 2017 and promptly use the selection to get a game-changing running back to pair with their star quarterback? Improving the run game could open up the offense in a big way. The Chiefs were in the bottom half of the league in yards per carry (4.2) and runs of 10-plus yards (44) this season, and Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt are both free agents. It’s time to inject some juice into this ground attack. Ignoring positional value, Love is the second-best prospect on my Big Board. Vision. Burst. Power. Speed. Receiving skills. This kid has it all, and he ran for 1,372 yards and 18 touchdowns this past season. 10. Cincinnati BengalsCaleb Downs, S, Ohio StateAccording to ESPN Research, Jamal Adams is the only safety to get picked in the top 10 in the common draft era. Well, get ready for that to change. Downs reads plays so well and has the speed and wrap-up technique to wrangle and take down ball carriers. And don’t sleep on his ball skills: Downs had two interceptions in each of his three college seasons. He’s exactly the type of player the Bengals need on the back end. Cincinnati allowed the NFL’s most yards per play in two of the past three campaigns, including 6.2 yards in 2025. This would be just the second time in the common draft era that three Ohio State players went in the top 10, per ESPN Research. (The other class was 2016.) And spoiler alert: Two more Buckeyes are in this mock draft. OSU could own Round 1. 11. Miami DolphinsKeldric Faulk, DE, AuburnWe don’t know if Tua Tagovailoa will still be Miami’s quarterback next season, but either way, it’s probably too early for Alabama’s Ty Simpson. We do know the defense could use some work, though, and new coach Jeff Hafley’s background is on that side of the ball. I thought about cornerback here, and Tennessee’s Jermod McCoy might make sense, but I just wasn’t ready to pull the first CB off the board. Miami could use this pick to reload on the edge. The Dolphins traded Jaelan Phillips at the deadline, and Bradley Chubb could be a cap-saving release this offseason, since he has no guaranteed money left on his deal. Mixing Chop Robinson’s burst with Faulk’s power could be a long-term solution. 12. Dallas CowboysSonny Styles, LB, Ohio StateIf you wanted to score points in 2025, all you needed was a matchup with the Cowboys’ defense. They allowed 30.1 points per game, the most in the league. This is another spot where Jermod McCoy could make sense, though DaRon Bland (foot) will be back in 2026. And I think Keldric Faulk could fit here if he is still on the board. But Dallas could really use an impact player in the middle of the defense. Styles is a former safety, and it’s no surprise once you see his speed. He can close on ball carriers and pass catchers in a flash. With 174 tackles over the past two seasons, he’s a top-10 prospect for me. 13. Los Angeles Rams (via ATL)Jermod McCoy, CB, TennesseeOK, let’s get McCoy off the board for real now. He’s a tough evaluation, as he didn’t play a snap of football in the 2025 season after tearing an ACL last January. Teams are going to have to take that into consideration, and his medical checks at the combine will be key. We saw Ja’Marr Chase, Penei Sewell, Micah Parsons and Rashawn Slater all go in the top 15 in 2021 without playing at all in 2020, but they were all COVID-19 opt-outs. Recovering from an injury is a little different. That all said, McCoy is a ball hawk, and he’s still a top-15 prospect for me. He had four interceptions and nine pass breakups back in 2024. Los Angeles has gotten the most out of its cornerbacks this season en route to the NFC Championship Game, but it still needs a true CB1. The Rams gave up 7.6 yards per pass attempt this season, tied for fifth highest. 14. Baltimore RavensMakai Lemon, WR, USCLemon is one of my favorite prospects in this class. He attacks the ball in the air, and you can see his competitiveness in the way he plays the game. Like Zay Flowers, he’s on the smaller side at 5-foot-11 and 195 pounds. But also like Flowers, he still has inside-outside flexibility. Lemon went for 1,156 yards and 11 touchdowns this past season, and that kind of production could help get Lamar Jackson back to MVP levels. 15. Tampa Bay BuccaneersKenyon Sadiq, TE, OregonThe Buccaneers landed Emeka Egbuka in Round 1 last April, but don’t be surprised if they go back to the pass-catching well in 2026. After a hot start to the season, Baker Mayfield slowed down in the second half, and his offense could lose wide receiver Mike Evans and tight end Cade Otton. They are both free agents, and Evans is 32. Egbuka, Chris Godwin Jr., Jalen McMillan and Tez Johnson should be able to carry the WR room, but the tight end group would take a big hit. What Tampa Bay needs is exactly what Sadiq would provide. He’s a big, 6-foot-3 target with explosive traits, making him a matchup nightmare for opponents. Mayfield could get him the ball in space to let him use his after-the-catch ability to pick up the sticks or fire jump balls to him in the back of the end zone. I really like this match. 16. New York Jets (via IND)Ty Simpson, QB, AlabamaRecall that the Jets were left out of the quarterback game when they were on the board the first time at No. 2; there just isn’t another top-five QB prospect in this class right now beyond Fernando Mendoza. But getting linebacker Arvell Reese there then getting the class’ QB2 here? That’s a pretty good first round for New York. Let’s be clear, though: I do have some concerns about Simpson. He has 15 career starts, which means this pick would come with a lot of risk. That’s just not enough game experience. We also can’t ignore his dip in performance in the second half of the 2025 season. But there’s also no questioning his upside. Simpson has good pocket presence, and he fired 28 touchdown passes and only five interceptions this past season. If the Jets can surround him with talent on offense and develop him, he has a high ceiling. 17. Detroit LionsOlaivavega Ioane, G, Penn StateDetroit took guard Tate Ratledge in Round 2 of the 2025 draft, but there are still issues on the interior. The Lions were 31st in pass block win rate at 55.5%. With all their skill on offense, that has to be fixed. And while taking a guard in the first round isn’t the most exciting pick, Ioane is extremely talented. Jared Goff would appreciate Ioane’s ability to sustain blocks and that he hasn’t given up a sack since 2023. And Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery will love the way Ioane gets to the second level and moves defenders out of rushing lanes. 18. Minnesota VikingsMansoor Delane, CB, LSUDelane would bring top-end ball skills and some really good coverage technique to Minnesota. The Vikings redid their cornerback room in 2025 free agency, but they still have depth problems behind Byron Murphy Jr. and Isaiah Rodgers. Plus, Minnesota managed just eight interceptions this season (tied for sixth fewest). Well, over the past two campaigns, Delane has six picks and 18 pass breakups. That’s impact production, and coordinator Brian Flores would love to get a player such as Delane into his unit. 19. Carolina PanthersCJ Allen, LB, GeorgiaCarolina took a big step forward on defense (and overall) this season, but there’s a looming void in the middle. Christian Rozeboom is a free agent, and the Panthers could use a three-down middle linebacker to step in. Allen is a read-and-react player who sees it and goes. In 2025, Allen had 97 tackles. He also can chip in with the pass rush, and you’ll see him drop in coverage on tape. The Panthers went from 5-12 in 2024 to NFC South champions at 8-9 this season. Nailing this pick could be important in defending that title and making more noise in the playoffs next season. 20. Dallas Cowboys (via GB)Akheem Mesidor, DE, MiamiMiami lost in Monday’s national championship game, but did you watch Mesidor? He had two sacks, bringing his season total to 12.5. He has been around college football for a long time, playing at West Virginia in 2020 and 2021 before transferring to Miami. Mesidor has battled injuries, but his toolbox is full. His bend, burst and power could help the Cowboys recapture some of the pass-rush juice they lost when they traded Micah Parsons in August. Mesidor can get into the backfield quickly and finish, registering 17.5 tackles for loss and four forced fumbles this past season. Taking Sonny Styles at No. 12 then Mesidor here would help that Dallas defense in a big way — but Jerry Jones would have to figure out the secondary on Day 2 or in free agency. That’s yet another hole on that side of the ball. 21. Pittsburgh SteelersDenzel Boston, WR, WashingtonI really wanted to get a quarterback to the Steelers in this spot. It’s possible Ole Miss’ Trinidad Chambliss finds himself in the first-round conversation, obviously depending on what happens with his NCAA eligibility lawsuit. But the other QBs in this class would be big reaches. I don’t know what Pittsburgh will do under center or whether Aaron Rodgers will play another season, but there doesn’t appear to be an easy fix in Round 1 this year. So, let’s pivot to the rest of the offense and land a WR2 alongside DK Metcalf. We saw what happens when this offense loses Metcalf, as the Steelers managed just one passing touchdown over Weeks 17 and 18 while Metcalf was suspended. But Boston runs strong routes and uses his physicality to box out defenders and make plays on the ball. He had 11 touchdowns this past season, including seven in the red zone. He’d elevate the unit right out of the gate and take some weight off Metcalf. 22. Los Angeles ChargersPeter Woods, DT, ClemsonWoods looked like a top-10 pick heading into the season, but the production dipped, and here he is outside the top 20. The Chargers won’t complain, though. They would love to bring in a talented 3-technique with strength and versatility. At his best, Woods can wreck an opponent’s game plan. Can coach Jim Harbaugh (and maybe defensive coordinator Jesse Minter, if he isn’t hired elsewhere as a head coach) get Woods’ game back to that level? If so, he’d be a really good replacement for free agent Teair Tart. 23. Philadelphia EaglesAvieon Terrell, CB, ClemsonPhiladelphia could go a lot of directions, especially if it moves on from wide receiver A.J. Brown this offseason. But one spot that has received a lot of attention is actually on defense. The Eagles tried to fix the CB2 position opposite Quinyon Mitchell (Cooper DeJean is in the slot) with trades for Jaire Alexander and Michael Carter II, but neither move did the trick. Carter barely played down the stretch, and Alexander stepped away from football in mid-November. Terrell, though, would be a reliable answer. He broke up nine passes and forced five — yes, five — fumbles in 2025. He’s terrific in man coverage, and coordinator Vic Fangio had his defense in man 55% of the time this season, third most in the NFL. 24. Cleveland Browns (via JAX)Zachariah Branch, WR, GeorgiaWe’re sticking with offense after Cleveland got tackle Spencer Fano earlier in this mock draft. No team saw less production from its wide receiver group in 2025 than the Browns. Their WR room totaled just 1,467 receiving yards, the lowest in the league and more than 100 yards shy of the next worst (the Jets). The Seahawks’ Jaxon Smith-Njigba (1,793 yards) and the Rams’ Puka Nacua (1,715) each cleared that number on their own! You get the point: Cleveland has to go get a pass catcher. Branch is smaller at 5-foot-10 and 180 pounds, but he’s electric. No one can catch him when he gets into space, and he has the ability to turn a quick pass into a big gain. Branch had 81 catches for 811 yards and six scores this past season. 25. Chicago BearsKayden McDonald, DT, Ohio StateThe Bears are in “best player available” territory. Edge rusher would obviously be a target, but once Akheem Mesidor went off the board at No. 20, the value disappeared at the position. Maybe Texas A&M’s Cashius Howell? But why not kick inside and address the interior? Gervon Dexter Sr. is entering a contract year, Grady Jarrett will be turning 33 and most of the depth behind those two — namely Andrew Billings and Chris Williams — is headed toward the open market. McDonald had a huge breakout season, showcasing power and quickness with 67 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss and three sacks. And considering Chicago was gashed for 5.0 yards per carry this season, it could use a solid 326-pound presence up the middle. 26. Buffalo BillsChris Brazzell II, WR, TennesseeAs Buffalo looks for a new coach, it also might start evaluating its wide receiver room. The Bills haven’t had a true WR1 nor any pass catcher clear 850 yards since Stefon Diggs was traded in 2024. And when the injuries started to pile up at the position in the playoffs, things only got worse. Picking in this range makes it difficult to find impact wideouts, and Brazzell would be the sixth off the board (marking the 10th time this century that six or more wide receivers have gone in Round 1). But he also has the skill set to be a standout in the pros. His 6-foot-5 frame, long arms, sure hands and great concentration make him a big-time target in the end zone and on contested balls. I also see the explosiveness to get out of his breaks and separate. Brazzell tallied 1,017 yards and nine touchdowns this past season. 27. San Francisco 49ersCaleb Lomu, OT, UtahI recently moved Lomu into my top 25 rankings. He is really good in both pass protection and run blocking, and his quickness is going to be an asset in the NFL. Could he be the heir apparent for Trent Williams at left tackle? Williams will turn 38 this summer and has just one year left on his deal. San Francisco can’t kick the can down the road too much further on its long-term plan. Lomu had 24 career starts and allowed just three sacks during that time — all in 2024. With Lomu joining Spencer Fano in this mock, we might see both Utah offensive tackles in Round 1. We’ve had two OTs from the same school both go on Day 1 only four times in the common draft era, most recently in 2020 with Georgia’s Andrew Thomas and Isaiah Wilson, per ESPN Research. 28. Houston TexansKadyn Proctor, OT/G, AlabamaHouston turned its offensive line upside down last offseason in a full makeover effort, but there wasn’t enough improvement. The unit was still 30th in pass block win rate at 55.5%, though the sack count dropped from 54 (tied for third most) to 31 (tied for ninth fewest). There’s also the matter of the entire right side being unsigned for 2026. Proctor had all 40 of his career starts at left tackle (where Aireontae Ersery was this season), but he could slide to right tackle or even inside to guard. The bigger priority is getting capable blockers in front of C.J. Stroud. Reminder: Pick Nos. 29 to 32 are based on ESPN’s Football Power Index projections for the playoffs, and the full order won’t be final until after Super Bowl LX on Feb. 8. 29. Los Angeles RamsMonroe Freeling, OT/G, GeorgiaLos Angeles will do its homework on the quarterback class, regardless of whether Matthew Stafford plays next season. But right now, coach Sean McVay might be better off waiting until Day 2 for Trinidad Chambliss (if he isn’t able to go back to Ole Miss), Drew Allar (Penn State) or Carson Beck (Miami) than reaching. Let’s stick on offense, though, after going defense with the L.A.’s other first-rounder. The Rams don’t have huge free agency concerns on the offensive line, and they’ve had very good blocking by most metrics this season. Still, the OL depth could use a boost, and getting a 21-year-old with 18 starts of experience in the door late in Round 1 is a good team-building opportunity. Freeling moves well for a 6-foot-7, 315-pound left tackle, and I like the way he picks up stunts, blitzes and inside rushes. 30. Denver BroncosCaleb Banks, DT, Florida Injuries limited Banks to three games this past season, but I enjoyed watching his 2024 tape. He had 4.5 sacks that campaign, getting some good interior push. But his real impact is as a run defender: At 6-foot-6 and 330 pounds, he stuffs ball carriers and makes plays behind the line of scrimmage. This would be a depth addition for Denver. He could learn from Zach Allen and help keep the elite Broncos defense among the league’s best units down the road. 31. New England PatriotsCashius Howell, OLB, Texas A&MCoach Mike Vrabel has a solid defense heading into the AFC Championship Game, but the pass rush could use a spark. The Patriots’ 35 sacks were tied for 22nd in the league. Their 31.1% pressure rate was 21st. And if they lose K’Lavon Chaisson (7.5 sacks) to free agency, those numbers could be worse. That’s why Howell makes a ton of sense here. He had 11.5 sacks this past season. He is quick off the edge and keeps blockers guessing with different pass-rush moves. The Pats turned things around really fast, but Vrabel is building something long term here too. And Howell could be the next part of the puzzle. 32. Seattle SeahawksBrandon Cisse, CB, South CarolinaThe FPI has the Seahawks as the Super Bowl favorites among the four remaining teams, which puts them at No. 32 in the draft order for this exercise. And like most Super Bowl teams, Seattle doesn’t have many glaring holes. Perhaps Clemson’s T.J. Parker could boost the pass rush? Not a bad option. But I’m instead looking at ways to fill the Riq Woolen/Josh Jobe CB2 spot opposite Devon Witherspoon. Woolen was a trade candidate during the season, and he and Jobe could be gone via free agency this offseason. The top cornerback on the board at this point is Cisse, who plays with good anticipation and speed to the football. He had only one interception across the past two seasons, but he did have 12 pass breakups over that time, so the ball skills are there. Cisse would be a good fit under coach Mike Macdonald. |
