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A notable NFL expert believes there was a very specific reason Aaron Rodgers waited until this week to re-sign with the Pittsburgh Steelers, and it wasn’t about haggling for money.

After a few months of speculation and rumors, the inevitable happened, and NFL legend Aaron Rodgers signed a new one-year deal with the Steelers. Most of the league expected him to return to Pittsburgh for a second season. Especially when the team did not give him many options.

When the Steelers exercised the unrestricted free agent tender on the 42-year-old, it severely limited his options to sign elsewhere because Pittsburgh would receive a compensatory draft selection if he joined another team. So why did it take until May for Rodgers to finally sign a contract?

Aaron Rodgers wanted to see the Steelers’ schedule before re-signing?

Some have speculated that he is still not sure whether he will play another season. Others have suggested that he was not completely set on reuniting with his former Green Bay Packers head coach, Mike McCarthy. However, Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio has a different idea: Rodgers wanted to take a look at the Steelers’ 2026 schedule first.

Florio suggests that he waited until after May 14, when the schedule was released, to anger the NFL, because if he had known he would return in 2026, he would have placed more Steelers games in primetime during the first half of the season. And the four-time NFL MVP wouldn’t be interested in helping the league. But maybe he just wanted to see how tough the road to the playoffs could be?

While next season’s schedule isn’t easy for Pittsburgh, it’s not one of the five to six worst. Knowing they don’t have a specific schedule, perhaps Rodgers has received final confirmation that he will return for another season and make a playoff run in 2026. Because in the end, he just wants another year in the league for more wins and glory.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

The 2026 NFL schedule was revealed last Thursday. Now that analysts have had a week to review the 18-week schedule, which includes a record number of nine international games, some believe the Los Angeles Rams got the beat early.

This has become a common talking point as fans have had a chance to digest the team’s schedule revelations on social media. It turns out, this isn’t just another Los Angeles conspiracy theory, this idea has spread among NFL insiders as well.

comes from the latest Sports IllustratedThe Wednesday edition of Albert Breuer’s weekly mailbag which answers questions submitted by readers. One question asked, “Does it feel like some teams are penalized for being popular when the schedule is made?”

Breyer’s response: “Sure, Joey. Look at the Chiefs’ schedule in 2024 and ’25 and the Rams’ schedule in 2026.”

Breyer referenced a column by his SI colleague Connor Orr, who previously wrote that the Rams “screwed up” with their 2026 slate.

Obviously, the league tries to put the NFL’s best teams in primetime slots. The Rams are expected to be a Super Bowl contender, so seven primetime games should be no surprise.

Other obstacles, such as playing in Australia or being the two-time defending Super Bowl champions in the final weeks of the season, are also a result of the team’s popularity and overall expectations, where the league tries to save important divisional matchups for late in the season when it seems at every moment that playoff status is on the line.

Ultimately, if teams like the Rams can overcome a tough challenge, it means they are truly one of the best teams in the NFL. But this won’t be proven until the playoffs arrive. First things first, the Rams have to get there, and it won’t be easy.

RELATED: Los Angeles Rams seen as ‘best team fit’ for Pro Bowl receiver

Dedicated NFL copywriter/editor. My work has been found on SportsNut, Sports Illustrated, Sporting News, MSN, Yahoo, and Minnesota Sports… More about Andrew Buller-Russ

The NFL calendar continues to move toward June, when we’ll see all teams in action. Players reporting and participating in mandatory minicamp will make headlines based on who is there and who isn’t. There is always a possibility of further injury.

Dissatisfying relationships and ailing ligaments could inspire more trade and free agency activity. Not to mention the all-important June 1st, which could bring a flurry of activity on the markets for two high-profile wide receivers. Add it all up, and we’ve created a list of seven NFL players who could be traded in June.

RELATED: 2026 NFL QB rankings after Aaron Rodgers rejoins the Steelers

garrett bradbury

When the Bears traded a fifth-round pick for Garrett Bradbury, it was because their 27-year-old Pro Bowl center Drew Dallman had retired three days earlier. Circumstances have changed since the Bears selected Iowa’s Logan Jones in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft in April. Now, if Jones looks ready to start, the Bears could look to recoup his draft compensation or something close to it.

brandon ayuk

If the 49ers trade or cut former All-Pro Brandon Aiyuk to another team before June 1, they will incur a dead cap charge of $29.5 million with a savings of only $14.9 million. They have been incredibly stubborn so far, indicating that they will not bite him and get nothing in return except a larger bill. Meanwhile, more flexibility is available after June 1, where the 49ers will only face an $8.3 million dead cap penalty, saving $6.3 million. The Commanders have been the most popular landing spot, as he would be able to reunite with his former college QB Jayden Daniels.

Anthony Richardson

It doesn’t seem like the Colts are planning on trading former No. 4 pick Anthony Richardson in the near future. However, an injury to a starter or even a top backup could prompt a strong trade offer. Or perhaps the Colts are starting to really like what they see in 23-year-old Riley Leonard, enough to move over as the backup to Richardson.

Kayvon Thibodeaux

The Giants are almost at an embarrassment of riches at the pass-rusher position. About. While former first-round pick Kayvon Thibodeaux will certainly have an important role as the third/situational edge player behind Brian Burns and Abdul Carter, he is also entering the final year of his contract. The Giants may be able to generate a good trade return while doing the 25-year-old a favor by finding him a starting opportunity elsewhere.

RELATED: New York Giants QB reveals team’s offensive gameplan

Alvin Kamara

The Saints really don’t need Alvin Kamara anymore. He certainly won’t play nearly the same role he did before signing a four-year, $48 million contract with Travis Etienne. The players’ skills essentially match each other, meaning Kamara will have more luck in the same role he is used to in a different environment.

RELATED: 4 Alvin Kamara landing spots before training camp

passion sweat

The Cardinals have come into voluntary OTAs, but one of their best players, Josh Sweat, is not in attendance. He is not hurt. According to team insider Kyle Odegaard, Sweat is not “happy” with the team. But no one has revealed why this is so. Ranking 21st in contract value among edge rushers is likely part of the reason, especially after recording a career-high four forced fumbles and 12 sacks.

aj brown

The NFL’s best-kept secret is that the Eagles are planning to trade Pro Bowl receiver AJ Brown. In fact, at this point it is “somewhat understood”. Most expect Brown to stay in New England with his former head coach Mike Vrabel, but that can’t be certain.

RELATED: 2026 NFL Power Rankings: Evaluating the worst, best teams after the NFL Draft

Dedicated NFL copywriter/editor. My work has been found on SportsNut, Sports Illustrated, Sporting News, MSN, Yahoo, and Minnesota Sports… More about Andrew Buller-Russ

Aaron Rodgers has signed up to play his 22nd season in the NFL, after agreeing to return for another year with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The future Hall of Fame quarterback will be 42 years old when the season starts, and on December 2 he will turn 43.

Still, before committing to the Steelers last week, some doubt had grown about whether Rodgers would be suitable for another season. It turns out this was a much more classic discussion of an all-time great fading into the final stages of his career than his Packers predecessor Brett Favre did.

Rodgers returns to the Steelers team he helped lead to the playoffs last season. This time, now in Green Bay, he is looking to take the Steelers even further by teaming up with his old head coach Mike McCarthy and Rodgers.

But don’t expect the same kind of gimmicks next offseason. Rodgers now claims he knows when his football career will end.

Speaking on Wednesday, Rodgers acknowledged that he will retire at the end of the 2026 NFL season.

Aaron Rodgers asked if it was last year: “Yeah. That’s it.” https://t.co/VeIC3W3TUw

– Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) 20 May 2026

A four-time NFL MVP winner and former Super Bowl champion, Rodgers has already built the type of resume that will earn him a bronze medal in Canton. However he clearly has the competitive drive to see if he is able to double his Super Bowl ring total, this time, accomplishing the feat with the same head coach, but on a different team.

RELATED: 2026 NFL QB rankings after Aaron Rodgers rejoins the Steelers

Dedicated NFL copywriter/editor. My work has been found on SportsNut, Sports Illustrated, Sporting News, MSN, Yahoo, and Minnesota Sports… More about Andrew Buller-Russ

Stefon Diggs hit NFL free agency this offseason before settling his off-field issues, resulting in quiet months with minimal interest. Now that he’s been acquitted, it won’t be long before he finds a new home.

Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer addressed Diggs’ situation last week, naming the Washington Commanders, Los Angeles Rams, Kansas City Chiefs and Atlanta Falcons as possible landing spots.

Commanders and Chiefs are known in the market for their pass-catching help. While Washington hopes both Terry McLaurin and Luke McCaffrey stay healthy in 2026, its only significant contributor in the receiving room was third-round pick Antonio Williams.

As far as Kansas City is concerned, they are looking for more depth behind Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy and Tyquan Thornton. Given that Thornton was only used as a deep threat last year and Worthy hasn’t lived up to expectations of being a first-round pick, Diggs may have a chance to become the No. 2 receiver in Kansas City next season.

Breyer believes whichever team signs him, it will likely be a one-year contract in the range of $10 million for the upcoming season. While the cap hit on a one-year deal would be less than $10 million, this ballpark figure would make Diggs approximately the 38th highest-paid receiver in the NFL.

The oddest fit of the above teams would seem to be the Rams. Los Angeles already has two established wide receivers in Puka Nacua and Davante Adams, who attracted 46.9 percent of Matthew Stafford’s pass attempts in 2025. The Rams may not be able to give Diggs the role he wants.

Diggs may wait until closer to NFL training camp to ultimately sign, but his production last year demonstrated he is still a starting-caliber player. Our guess is he’ll sign with either the Chiefs or Commanders.

Matt Johnson is the senior NFL and college football editor for Sportsknot. His work including the weekly NFL and college… More about Matt Johnson

The Green Bay Packers were relatively quiet in NFL free agency this offseason, with general manager Brian Gutekunst looking to preserve compensatory selections in the 2027 NFL Draft. Now that that is no longer a factor, the team is being linked to a potential role player who is still available.

ESPN’s Matt Bowen reports the Packers are the best fit for free-agent edge rusher AJ Epenesa.

“The Packers lost rotational edge rusher Kingsley Enagbare to the Jets in free agency, so the team could add his replacement in Epenesa. He’s a long, powerful mover who can break the edge with his 6-foot-6, 260-pound frame. He can also make disruptive plays under new coordinator Jonathan Gannon, as he recorded 24.5 sacks and four interceptions in six seasons with the Bills. Are.”

Matt Burrows on AJ Epense as fit for Green Bay Packers

RELATED: Contract extensions planned for 4 Green Bay Packers players

Once the 2026 NFL Draft concludes, free-agent signings have no impact on the compensation formula for the 2027 NFL Draft. That’s why Green Bay wasted little time in signing veteran quarterback Tyrod Taylor.

There are still obvious areas for improvement on the Packers’ roster. Green Bay could use an in-line blocking tight end to pair with Tucker Craft, depth at running back is an issue due to Marshon Lloyd’s durability issues, and depth at nose tackle is still needed.

Connected: Green Bay Packers players who may be out in 2026

6-foot-6 edge rusher Epenesa has been a rotational player for most of his career. Last season, he played 438 snaps for the Buffalo Bills, and he played less than 50 percent of the team’s defensive snaps in five of his six seasons in the NFL.

In 2025, Epenesa recorded 12 pressures, 9 quarterback hits and 17 solo tackles with 4 pass deflections, 2.5 sacks and 2 interceptions in 16 games. Epenesa, who turns 28 in September, earned a 48.6 PFF run-blocking grade along with a 63.5 pass-rushing grade in 2025.

RELATED: Green Bay Packers who could be on the roster bubble in 2026

With All-Pro edge rusher Micah Parsons likely to miss the first four games of the season recovering from ACL surgery, pass-rushing depth is essential. Signing Epenesa would allow Packers defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon to rotate him with Carl Brooks, Lucas Van Ness, Brenton Cox Jr. and Barry Sorrell.

Realistically, any veteran Green Bay signs in NFL free agency at this point will be landing a one-year contract. Beyond Epenesa, there are also options like Derek Barnett, Dante Fowler Jr., Brandon Graham, and Haason Redick.

Matt Johnson is the senior NFL and college football editor for Sportsknot. His work including the weekly NFL and college… More about Matt Johnson

The Philadelphia Eagles are expected to trade AJ Brown this summer in an effort to make further changes to the offense. However, if the unit again does not live up to expectations, some believe Jalen Hurts could be the next position.

An AFC executive speaking to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler suggested the Eagles could move on from Hurts after the 2026 NFL season.

“The player is becoming polarized, and as his running ability begins to decline, his value will also decline [Eagles general manager Howie Roseman] Will always be active to find solutions.”

Anonymous AFC executive on Philadelphia Eagles QB Jalen Hurts

READ MORE: NFL defense rankings 2026, see where the Eagles land

• Jalen Hurts Contract (Spottrack): $31.971 million cap hit in 2026, $42.132 million cap hit in 2027, $47.549 million cap hit in 2028

Hurts, a second-team All-Pro in 2022 and Super Bowl LVIII MVP, has faced increasing scrutiny in Philadelphia. Earlier this offseason, Fowler and ESPN’s Tim McManus released an in-depth story detailing the friction in the Eagles’ locker room and the issues and questions surrounding the star quarterback.

Many around the league saw the leak from the Eagles organization as an indirect way of sending a message to Hurts. The coaching staff and front office want to see both improved play and leadership from him in 2026, as well as a willingness to work within the design of the offense.

It looks like Howie Roseman is giving himself a little flexibility at quarterback for a long time. The Eagles used the 178th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft on developmental quarterback prospect Cole Payton. The coaching staff also remains high on former 2023 sixth-round pick Tanner McKee.

If the Eagles want to move on from Hearts in 2027, they will have to pay a heavy financial cost. Even the post-June 1 trade designation, which would be used to land the Browns this summer, would leave a dead cap hit of $30.756 million in 2027 and $54.478 million the following year.

However, the organisation’s growing dissatisfaction with Hearts has become more evident within the past year. Although it’s still unlikely that Philadelphia will move on from the Super Bowl-winning quarterback a year from now, it appears that it is an option that is being considered.

Matt Johnson is the senior NFL and college football editor for SportsKnow. His work including weekly NFL and college… More about Matt Johnson

Stefon Diggs is still looking for a home ahead of the 2026-27 NFL season. After being released from the New England Patriots, Diggs hopes to land with a team capable of winning a Super Bowl next season. With the 2026 NFL Draft looming in the past, one ESPN writer has labeled him the “best” fit for the 32-year-old wide receiver.

As ESPN’s Matt Bowen wrote, the Los Angeles Rams are the “best” fit for Diggs in the upcoming 2026-27 NFL season. Diggs will be next to Puka Nakua and Davante Adams, giving the Rams an excellent wide receiver trio for starting quarterback Matthew Stafford.

However, why would Los Angeles be the best landing spot for Diggs?

Why would the Los Angeles Rams be a good fit for Stefon Diggs?

There are several reasons why the Rams would be a good fit for Diggs. In Los Angeles, the former Patriots wide receiver will work inside or outside, providing versatility to the organization. More importantly, Diggs won’t have to fill the wide receiver room like he did in New England.

Diggs will be lined up next to Necua and Adams, meaning he won’t get as much attention. This will be good for Stafford, as Diggs can spread out and operate in the middle of the field. There will be less pressure on the 32-year-old wide receiver as he looks to return to the Super Bowl. This is another reason why this will work.

Diggs is nearing the end of his NFL career, and Los Angeles is one of the favorites to win the 2027 Super Bowl. The Rams are considered a strong offensive team, but they worked on their defense during the 2026 NFL offseason. If Diggs joins the offense, it will become even more powerful.

Diggs’ days as an elite WR1 are over, but he can serve as a WR2. In Los Angeles, he will certainly be the best WR3 in the NFL. The Rams don’t need Diggs to compete for a Super Bowl, but adding him would boost their chances even more.

Los Angeles and Diggs seem like a perfect match, and it should be something both sides explore soon.

READ MORE: NFL Insider gives big update on AJ Brown trade to New England Patriots

Austin Konensky is a writer at SportsNut, covering the NHL, MLB, NFL, NBA and more. His work may also…More about Austin Konensky

Brock Bowers will not sign a contract extension with the Las Vegas Raiders this year. He can’t. NFL rules say so.

For the Raiders to future-proof their franchise, they will have to wait until after the 2026 season. Until then, the price tag won’t look like it does today. And that can be a problem. or is it?

There are three tight ends sitting ahead of Brock Bowers in line for new deals. Those players are about to have new deals and when the riders are ready to extend or give their studs a new deal it could make a huge difference in a tight market.

Sam LaPorta in Detroit, Tucker Craft in Green Bay, and Kyle Pitts in Atlanta are set to reset a resurgent tight end market in the NFL. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported earlier this month, based on conversations with league officials, that Laporta and Krafth are both in a position to increase their salaries to above $19 million per season. Pitts will hit the open market next offseason and could make an absolute splash if he reaches free agency.

That’s the part that should concern general manager Jon Spytek.

Brock Bowers in a league of his own?

The 23-year-old Bowers is still playing on a four-year, $18.1 million rookie contract signed through 2024. Spotrac lists his average annual value at approximately $4.5 million, which ranks him 32nd among NFL tight ends. He set rookie records with 112 catches and 1,194 receiving yards at age 21, and was named All-Pro and Pro Bowl in his first two seasons.

The current top of the tight end market is San Francisco’s George Kittle at $19.1 million per year, while Arizona’s Trey McBride is essentially flat at $19 million as well. Apart from those two, the situation deteriorates rapidly. It’s that difference that makes Laporta, Craft and Pitts set the standard for Bowers and Spytek.

Bowers may end up in a different conversation entirely.

NFL.com senior researcher Anthony Holzman-Escareno argued last year that Bowers’ next contract would be benchmarked against specific wide receivers, not tight ends. The top 10 wideouts in the league average $32 million per season. Ja’Marr Chase reset that market at $40.3 million per year last season in Cincinnati. Of course, Bowers won’t be getting Chase’s money, but the floor for his extension continues to grow.

Their use is proof that he is moving in that direction. After trading away Davante Adams in 2024 and Jakobi Meyers in 2025, the Raiders failed to add a proven veteran wide receiver in either of the following two offseasons. Bowers became the offense’s top option by default. New head coach Clint Kubiak, who spent last season leading the offense in Seattle, is expected to be relied upon even more.

Connected: Michael Meyer has never had a real QB with the Las Vegas Raiders, but that will change in 2026

Raiders continue to rely on Bowers as key to offense

Brock Bowers missed five games due to a PCL injury in the first week of the 2025 season and returned in Week 9 against Jacksonville, catching 12 passes for 123 yards and three touchdowns, then played in 11 more games before going on injured reserve in late December. The final line: 64 receptions, 680 yards, seven scores. Pro Bowl number two was locked in and his value to the franchise was cemented.

There’s no doubt that GM Jon Spytek will spend to keep his guys. The second-year general manager signed defensive end Max Crosby to a three-year, $106.5 million extension through 2025, the richest non-quarterback contract in franchise history. They gave Meyers wide receiver money last summer and traded him in return. The pattern is becoming clear: pay the homegrown stars, and don’t move the rest.

Cap space is not the issue here. Over the Cap projects the Raiders will make $207.5 million in 2028, 13th-most in the league. This covers the first year of any Bowers deal with plenty of room left.

The point is the order in which things happen.

Every tight end who signs before Bowers raises his ceiling and costs Spytek and the Raiders. In Detroit, Laporta will likely end up this summer. Could be in craft training camp. Pitts is expected to hit the open market next spring. Each of those numbers becomes the new comp and will set the standard for how much Bowers will cost the Raiders. By the time the spytech picks up the phone, the negotiations and costs will have escalated.

Bowers gets a base salary of $1.07 million and a roster bonus of $1.36 million in 2026, just under the cap hit of $4.95 million.

Las Vegas opens the season on September 13 against Miami at Allegiant Stadium.

Connected: Las Vegas Raiders 2026 schedule: Zero primetime games, toughest road stretch in years

Scott Gulbransen, a quintessential expert in the field of sports journalism, serves as an editor, nfl , mlb , Formula 1 … More about Scott Gulbransen

The New England Patriots are in need of a star wide receiver, and AJ Brown remains the most logical fit. The Philadelphia Eagles are encouraged to trade Brown after June 1 for cap reasons, while New England will happily wait. So, what is the latest update on Brown’s potential trade with the Patriots?

Brown is still expected to be traded to the Patriots in June, as ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports on the Get Up. Schefter said that despite ongoing issues with head coach Mike Vrabel, the Eagles’ superstar is still tracking to join New England.

With a trade very likely, what should the Patriots send the Eagles for Brown in June?

What trade should the New England Patriots make for AJ Brown

Brown to New England is one of the NFL’s worst-kept secrets, and a trade should come within the next three weeks. The Eagles have filled out their wide receiver room in anticipation of a deal. Meanwhile, the Patriots haven’t added much other than adding Romeo Doubs in place of Stefon Diggs.

The 28-year-old wide receiver will likely command a 2028 first-round pick and more. Therefore, New England should trade their 2028 first-round pick and wide receiver Kayshon Bout to Philadelphia. If the Eagles don’t want Bouté, the Patriots should include a third- or fourth-round pick instead.

Brown will replace Boute in the New England offense, so Boute will not be able to step up. Even if the Eagles do not trade for the 24-year-old wide receiver, he will likely be on the move before the 2026-27 NFL season. It wouldn’t hurt for Philadelphia to acquire Bout in exchange for Brown, however.

The Eagles had high demands for Brown in March, and although the Patriots likely won’t meet them, the organization should get plenty of value. Losing Brown would be a huge loss for Philadelphia’s offense, but it appears to be the best development for both sides.

As far as the Patriots are concerned, they’ll just have to wait until June to acquire Brown.

READ MORE: New England Patriots’ 2026 NFL Draft criticized by NFL officials

Austin Konensky is a writer at SportsNut, covering the NHL, MLB, NFL, NBA and more. His work can also…more about Austin Konensky

A new report reveals a surprising reason why this will likely be TJ Watt’s final season with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Watt is going to go down as one of the greatest players ever in a franchise that has had a lot of players. In his nine seasons in the Steel City, Watt has been to the Pro Bowl every season except his rookie year, is a four-time All-Pro, and earned Defensive Player of the Year honors when he posted a ridiculous 22.5 sacks in 2021.

He already leads the franchise in sacks and QB hits, and could take the No. 1 spot in forced fumbles and tackles for loss this season. He’s a Steelers legend. However, as great as his performances have been, including playing a key role in six trips to the playoffs, all good things come to an end. And this could be Watt’s last year in Pittsburgh, even though he has two more years on his contract after 2026.

Teams think TJ Watt could hit the trade block next spring

On Thursday, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported that the team wants to retain linebacker Nick Herbig after he made more progress in 2025 and posted 7.5 sacks in a part-time role. He’s only 24 years old, and another good season will make him a top free agent target for many teams next spring. However, the Steelers have already invested a lot of money in Watt and Alex Highsmith.

Something will have to give if the Steelers want to sign Herbig to a new long-term deal, and an NFL insider claims teams around the league believe Watt will be the odd man out and could hit the trade block next year.

Trading Watt would upset many Steelers fans. However, Fowler has a point, and it would be smart to move on from the future Hall of Famer while his value is still high and before he suffers age-related decline. Still, if Herbig doesn’t show much growth this season, it will certainly change opinions on a potential Watt trade.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

A new report of the opinions of executives around the NFL suggests that the Baltimore Ravens should prepare for more Lamar Jackson contract drama if he continues to perform at his current level over the next two seasons.

After being the last pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, Jackson has been better than the Ravens imagined. After showing his potential in six starts during his rookie season, he would emerge as one of the best players at the game’s most important position in the years to come.

Since 2019, Jackson has earned Pro Bowl honors four times, is a three-time All-Pro, and is a two-time NFL MVP. The dual-threat QB is already the best signal caller in Ravens history, and that’s why he got a massive five-year, $260 million contract ahead of the 2023 season. Still, to get that deal done, it was a complete struggle.

Jackson represented himself in negotiations and demanded to receive a fully guaranteed deal and be unable to place his franchise tag on the Ravens in the future. When discussions reached an impasse, he demanded a trade in March 2023. However, after continued difficult negotiations, an agreement was eventually reached.

NFL executive expects another dramatic Ravens and Lamar Jackson contract battle in 2028

This period when the Ravens are happy is in the rear view. However, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, some around the NFL believe the team and superstar QB can do it all again in 2028.

An NFC executive told Fowler, “Last time it looked like negotiations were going nowhere and then suddenly a deal appeared.” “It has a chance to be really interesting again, especially if he has a big year and his leverage goes up.”

While he has eight seasons under his belt, Jackson will only be 31 in 2028. So he should still have two or three more prime years left in him. Elite QBs are the biggest assets in the NFL, and all teams will pay big bucks to get them. It wouldn’t be surprising if Jackson decided to bet on himself and hit the market in two years.

However, that’s a problem down the stretch, and the Ravens should be in title contention again this year thanks to the two-time MVP.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

A new report suggests that if Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts doesn’t have a big season in 2026, sports officials think it will be his last season in the City of Brotherly Love.

In just six seasons, Hurts has already solidified his place as one of the best signal callers to ever wear an Eagles uniform. After taking over the starting job in his sophomore season (2021), the second-round pick went to the Pro Bowl three times and led the team to two Super Bowl trips, including a win and MVP honors in 2024.

Yet it hasn’t always been easy for Hurts in Philadelphia. He has had to deal with several different offensive coordinators over the course of his career, and has been more resistant to being pushed out of his comfort zone to the point of frustrating teammates and the organization this past season.

However, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Hurts has been “as open as we can” to new methods of offense this off-season, with Sean Mannion preparing to call up players in 2026. Additionally, he has worked extensively with receiver DeVonta Smith and veteran Elijah Moore in recent months.

Jalen Hurts will be on the trade block next year if he doesn’t improve in 2026

Still, that doesn’t mean there isn’t a lot of pressure on the QB after his downfall last season. Hurts has something to prove in 2026, and if he can’t have a bounce-back year, some around the game think this will be his last year with the Eagles.

When an AFC official asked Fowler if Philly could move him next year if the offense struggled, he said, “I feel bad.” “The player is becoming polarized, and as his running ability begins to decline, his value will also decline. And [Eagles general manager Howie Roseman] Will always be active in finding solutions.”

Fowler says Philadelphia would lose $2.9 million in salary cap space if he is traded before June 1, 2027. But if he is dealt after June 1, they will save $21.4 million on the cap for that year. Similar to the situation going on with AJ Brown and expectations that they are waiting until June 1 to trade him.

Philadelphia Eagles QB predicts a big season in 2026

However, a personal evaluator who spoke to Fowler believes Jalen Hurts is destined for a big season. This could give the QB an advantage if he pushes for a contract extension after the season.

“I think he’ll play well,” the NFC personnel evaluator said. “He’s had so many different coordinators over the years that he’ll be able to adjust to the changes, and if the running game comes back into form, he’ll throw it in nicely over the top.”

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

A top NFL expert offered a bold prediction for the New York Giants that will have Big Blue fans happy heading into the 2026 season.

In November, the Giants were a complete mess. After finishing 3-14 in 2024, head coach Brian Daboll began the 2025 campaign with a miserable 2-8 record that included some brutal losses. Unsurprisingly, this was the last straw for the management, and they fired him midway through the fourth season. It was the right move, but there was no obvious replacement they could turn to.

Then the Baltimore Ravens gifted the Giants with the perfect option: John Harbaugh. Although it wasn’t easy and they are giving a Super Bowl winning coach a lot of money and control over the roster, there is a lot of hope and excitement for the team next season.

Not just because of how good a coach Harbaugh is, but because the Giants have some very good pieces on the roster that were absolutely wasted last season. Additionally, many NFL experts believe the team played well in last month’s draft, which included a pair of first-round picks in Arvel Reese and Francis Mauigoa.

The new coaching staff and roster have many in New York thinking the team can compete for a playoff spot this season. However, ESPN NFL expert Peter Schrager believes they can do even better and compete for the NFC East title.

Peter Schrager loves the NY Giants roster and coaching staff for the 2026 season

In a new conversation with SNY, Scherzer explained why he’s confident the Giants can be an “11 or 12-win team.”

“I think Jimmy and Jose are there. They’ve got a pretty good roster,” Schrager began by saying. “I was a little bit like, ‘Okay, let’s see how this all goes. [with Harbaugh] Based on the appointment process and ‘He is coming, but we have to wait.’ What’s up [General Manager Joe] Schoen, but he’s on the board, and in that offensive room, you’ve got Matt Nagy, Greg Roman, Brian Callahan, three really talented play callers, and two of them are former head coaches.

“And then Harbaugh is the ultimate adult in the room. The way he handled the Malik Nabors podcast appearance during the draft, I thought, was a masterclass on leadership and dealing with this new generation… I don’t think double-digit wins are crazy for the New York Giants.’

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

D’Von Achane is one of the few Miami Dolphins stars who has escaped the offensive overhaul. Achane, one of the NFL’s best running backs, remains the centerpiece of Miami’s offense following Jaylen Waddle’s trade to the Denver Broncos.

However, could the 24-year-old running back be on the move for the right price? An NFL insider has revealed what the Dolphins would have to do to trade Achen.

Miami Dolphins trade value for Devon Achane revealed

If an NFL team offers a first-round pick to Achane, the Dolphins’ opinion of a potential trade could waver a bit, as ESPN’s Dan Graziano reports. Instead, the ESPN insider said the smart bet is on Miami adding its star running back at some point during the 2026 NFL offseason.

There is still time for another NFL organization to make a trade for Aachen; However, doing so would require at least a first-round selection. NFL running backs generally don’t move up for first-round draft picks, especially when they need a big payday.

Achen is entering the final year of his rookie contract and will enter NFL free agency if he is not franchise tagged or extended. For Miami, it should feel incentivized to keep Achane in this scenario. Losing a star for nothing in free agency would be detrimental to the team.

However, should the Dolphins focus on retaining Achen long-term instead of relying on the franchise tag or trade?

Why should the Dolphins keep Aachen on offense?

It’s hard to match a running back of Achen’s caliber in the NFL. Over the past two seasons, Achen has rushed for 2,257 yards while playing a key role in the passing game. In fact, the star running back had 67 receptions for 488 yards and four touchdowns during the 2025-26 NFL season.

Miami didn’t do much at the wide receiver position after trading Waddle, so Aichen’s role in the passing game is likely to be even bigger this season. Achane can take charge, as proven by his more than 85 goals in each of the last two seasons.

There aren’t many running backs in the NFL who can maintain a heavy workload in the passing game while serving as a bell cow. Even with a small body for a running back horse, Achane has avoided any serious injuries, making him a smart investment moving forward.

While Achen is due for a new contract, the Dolphins should do everything in their power to keep him in Miami. If the Dolphins were looking to replace him, they couldn’t find a better option.

Achane is a true offensive centerpiece, and while a first-round pick would be a nice return, it still wouldn’t mean much.

READ MORE: Dolphins GM gives major update on De’Von Achen trade rumors

Austin Konensky is a writer at SportsNut, covering the NHL, MLB, NFL, NBA and more. His work can also…more about Austin Konensky

After the Arizona Cardinals made Jeremiah Love the third overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, many feel like he is the early favorite to win Offensive Rookie of the Year. After all, running backs typically don’t have as steep a learning curve as some of their peers.

While Love isn’t your average running back prospect, he’s also entering a pretty stacked backfield that also includes two-time Pro Bowler James Connor and Tyler Allger, who recorded over 1,000 rushing yards as a rookie in 2022 and signed a $12.5 million contract with the Cardinals this offseason.

Love is expected to claim the Cardinals’ starting running back job, but Connor and Allger will certainly still be in the mix. His presence may diminish Love’s impact in his rookie season.

Sports IllustratedAlbert Breer believes Love’s low workload makes him an outside bet to win the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year award. This was his response when asked which rookie would make the biggest impact as a rookie.

While Love will likely return, he will have to share some of the workload, unless the Cardinals plan to trade or cut Connor and/or Alger. Nevertheless, a partnership with Alger is unlikely, given that he only signed his contract in March. With less stuff to go around, it may take a year or two for Love to become the superstar that many envision.

RELATED: Ranking the 2026 NFL rookie offensive candidates

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Most athletes who have ever played football would love to have a career like Russell Wilson. After all, how many third-round picks can say they earned the title of franchise quarterback as a rookie?

Wilson did so and helped the Seattle Seahawks win the organization’s first Super Bowl in his second season of play. He did all this despite being short at 5 feet 11 inches and earning 10 Pro Bowl accolades along the way.

While Wilson had a stellar early career, he has come back down to earth recently, leading his team to just one playoff appearance since 2021. This comes after seven playoff appearances in their first eight seasons. Although the 37-year-old may no longer be viewed as a high-end starter, there is no doubt that he is still a capable quarterback who also showed game-changing ability with the Giants last season.

He has already received a contract offer from the New York Jets, but Wilson is also said to be considering TV opportunities. Still, if Wilson really wants to play but isn’t impressed by the Jets’ offer, who else could sign him this offseason?

RELATED: 5 New York Jets QB options to back up Geno Smith in 2026

new England Patriots

The Patriots have definitely found their franchise quarterback, so they are now filling out their depth chart with developmental prospects. His primary backup, Tommy DeVito, is a mix of both, but he may not have much untapped potential at this point. If Drake Mays gets hurt, are the Patriots really confident DeVito can lead a winning effort in multiple games? Wilson will definitely improve their chances.

detroit lions

The Lions continue to add Teddy Bridgewater, who could be excellent in helping the team during game-to-game preparation for their upcoming opponents. However, can he effectively lead the same high-powered offense that Jared Goff can? no way. Still, Wilson may have a better chance of maintaining the Lions’ explosive scoring attack, and he will also benefit from playing inside the domed stadium of Ford Field.

buffalo bill

When Josh Allen is healthy, the Buffalo Bills are Super Bowl contenders. If he isn’t, and backup Kyle Allen has to lead the charge, the Bills are effectively screwed. While no one can replace Allen’s production as a passer and rusher, Wilson may be their best bet to help in a pinch. Plus, he’ll still get a chance to live in New York, as he did last year while playing for the Giants.

pittsburgh steelers

A reunion? We can’t completely rule it out as Aaron Rodgers is still unsigned in free agency. Wilson led the Steelers to the playoffs once; Who’s to say he can’t do it again with Mike McCarthy pushing his buttons? This result would only make sense if Rodgers surprisingly decided not to sign in Pittsburgh, but for some reason, he still hasn’t agreed to a new contract.

denver broncos

Have the Broncos burned bridges with Wilson? It’s possible the ice hasn’t melted yet for Sean Payton and GM George Payton. Still, they recently expressed interest in adding a quarterback while Bo Nix recovers from surgery, and if for some reason he’s not ready for Week 1, Wilson would be a huge upgrade over Jarrett Stidham.

RELATED: 2026 NFL QB rankings: From the NFL’s worst starting QBs to the best

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We’ve reached the slow part of the offseason, where the remaining veterans are still hoping to land one of the 90 roster spots on one of the 32 NFL teams. One team that has undergone significant change after hiring a new head coach, the New York Giants, has been a popular destination for some.

We’ve seen past greats come out and say they would love to play for new coach John Harbaugh. It also stars Jason Pierre-Paul. But it turns out, he’s not the only former Giants franchise icon who wants to re-join Big Blue for the 2026 season.

Wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. has also been vocal about returning to the NFL after spending 2025 out of the game. But OBJ doesn’t want to join just any team; He wants to play for the Giants.

Still, like Sports IllustratedIn Albert Breer’s opinion, the idea of ​​adding Beckham to the team may actually be better than not actually adding him to the team.

“Do I think this could be a really good story about a guy who wants to play football again? I do. And I’m willing to be that. But let’s not turn it into something it’s not.”

Breyer reveals several truths about where the 33-year-old receiver is in his career. Not only did Beckham not play football last season, but he also hasn’t had a 1,000-yard season since 2019, the year before he was traded to the Giants.

it gets worse.

Beckham hasn’t played a game since 2023 where he topped 20 yards. In other words, it’s hard to imagine that a young player who may be more equipped to help on special teams wouldn’t be a more ideal long-term fit for a veteran team that already has its top four receivers on the roster.

RELATED: 2026 NFL QB rankings: From the NFL’s worst starting QBs to the best

Dedicated NFL copywriter/editor. My work has been found on SportsNut, Sports Illustrated, Sporting News, MSN, Yahoo, and Minnesota Sports… More about Andrew Buller-Russ

When Stefon Diggs became a free agent in March, his circumstances were a little different from his fellow athletes hitting the open market. For one, the 32-year-old has been dealing with legal issues that may have impacted his availability for the 2026-27 NFL season.

However, now that Diggs was cleared of those charges on May 4, the market for the four-time Pro Bowl receiver is expected to skyrocket. Since he is extremely competitive, we expect Diggs to prefer the chance to land with a playoff contender. Below, we evaluate the four best and most likely landing spots for the former All-Pro.

RELATED: 2026 NFL QB rankings: From the NFL’s worst starting QBs to the best

buffalo bill

How about a reunion? We would argue that the Bills still haven’t got their MVP QB enough help at the receiver position. DJ Moore may not be the solution, but we could see it working while adding Stefon Diggs to help take attention away from each other. Diggs already knows the offense, and he already has chemistry with Josh Allen. It makes a lot more sense not to work.

new England Patriots

The Patriots may have been concerned about the potential PR hit and potential future suspension of Diggs when deciding to release Diggs from their roster in March. Now that the NFL Draft has come and gone, the Patriots haven’t added anyone in free agency except Romeo Dobbs, so the Patriots should welcome Diggs with open arms and really try to win a Super Bowl this time.

kansas city chiefs

Who wouldn’t want to team up with Patrick Mahomes? Diggs is still chasing his first Super Bowl ring, and Kansas City has always been confident in his ability to reach the big game. Who knows? Maybe with Diggs, they could quickly get back to the top of the mountain.

Washington Commanders

Diggs is a DC native, which has led to frequent rumors that he would like to play for the Washington Commanders. When it came time to choose a college, he decided to stay close to home and play for Maryland. Now he’s been given the chance to choose his next destination, why not consider the opportunity to become a hometown hero?

RELATED: 2026 NFL Power Rankings: Evaluating the worst, best teams after the NFL Draft

Dedicated NFL copywriter/editor. My work has been found on SportsNut, Sports Illustrated, Sporting News, MSN, Yahoo, and Minnesota Sports… More about Andrew Buller-Russ

The Minnesota Vikings had a busy offseason, looking to replace one general manager. They also shed several major salaries, but the Vikings believe they have found low-cost replacements for all of them.

While Jaune Jennings was more on the spendy side of things, even his $8 million base salary comes in at a bargain price, considering he recorded 975 yards and six touchdowns in 2024. Still just 28 years old, Jennings is expected to take over for last year’s WR3 Jalen Naylor. While Jennings isn’t as fast as “Speedy”, he will be a better run blocker, and he is far more adept as a receiver.

Yet, even more than signing Jennings, the Vikings believe they made a steal by adding Kyler Murray at a bargain price of just $1.3 million, according to ESPN’s NFL insider Jeremy Fowler. Although he has yet to play any actual games for Minnesota, the coaching staff is “thrilled” with Murray so far.

The Vikings continue to paint a picture where Murray will compete with JJ McCarthy for the starting QB job in 2026. Still, on the outside, most expected the job to be lost to Murray, meaning McCarthy would have to come back significantly improved from his rookie year.

Still, Murray has proven to be far more so in live games, which will give him the edge until McCarthy proves otherwise. This can never happen. If that happens, Minnesota will have a nice problem with two competent starters instead of no one at all.

RELATED: 2026 NFL QB rankings: From the NFL’s worst starting QBs to the best

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With the 2026 NFL schedule being released on Thursday, there is a lot of excitement to see which team the New York Giants will face in the season opener.

With John Harbaugh as head coach and the team’s additions in free agency and the draft, some think they can go from worst to first in the NFC East.

New York will be one of the most interesting teams of the season, and you can be sure the league will want them to have an entertaining matchup in Week 1 to kick off the season and the John Harbaugh era.

Here are the five most likely Week 1 opponents for the Giants.

RELATED: 2026 NFL Power Rankings: Evaluating the worst, best teams after the NFL Draft

On the road against the Dallas Cowboys

For the past two decades, New York opening the season against the Dallas Cowboys has been a common theme. Since 2007, the Cowboys have hosted the Giants in the opener six times, including three consecutive years from 2015 to 2017.

But the Giants haven’t started the season in Dallas since 2019, but now seems like the right time to resume this pattern. 2026 marks 10 years since the Giants’ last win in Dallas, which ironically was in Week 1. There’s no better way to launch the Harbaugh era than to get a chance to end this questionable losing streak and send a message that the franchise is headed in the right direction.

home against the tennessee titans

The Giants sweeping the Tennessee Titans would be an interesting way to start the season as Big Blue will welcome back their former head coach Brian Daboll, who is now the Titans’ offensive coordinator. In addition to Daboll, several former greats are now with Tennessee, including Van’Dale Robinson, Kor’Dale Flott and Daniel Bellinger.

This game will also be the first matchup between Cam Ward and Jackson Dart, the first two quarterbacks selected in the 2025 NFL Draft. These two teams started off the year against each other in Tennessee in 2022, and there’s a good chance they start the season against each other again.

home against washington commanders

This season marks the 40th anniversary of the Giants’ first Super Bowl victory. To celebrate, the NFL may have the Giants face the franchise they defeated in the NFC Championship 40 years ago to clinch their first Super Bowl berth in Washington.

Since 2008, these divisional rivals have met four times in Week 1, including last year in Washington, where the Commanders were victorious 21–6. But that was before Jackson Dart took over as the starter, and both teams have made significant roster changes since then. This matchup would see the Giants go up against Sonny Styles for the first time, who many thought they would take with the fifth overall selection, but instead they selected Arvel Reese.

On the road against the Detroit Lions

The Giants and Detroit Lions both finished last in their respective divisions in 2025, but both are among the favorites to go from worst to first in 2026. With the number of skill position players on both teams, this could turn out to be one of the most entertaining games of the opening weekend.

It will also be a big test for New York’s revamped defense and new defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson to see if they can stop Jahmir Gibbs and Amon-Ra St. Brown, as the two had 413 combined yards in the Lions’ 34-27 overtime win in Week 12 last year.

at the Seattle Seahawks for the NFL season opener

The NFL would like to pit the defending and defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks against a major opponent for the NFL season opener. Despite their losing streak over the past decade and a half, the Giants are still one of the marquee franchises in the league and are a team that many believe is on the rise now that they are led by a Super Bowl-winning coach.

It won’t be an ideal first Test for the new-look giants, but it offers a chance to pull off a big upset against the champions and build confidence for the rest of the season.

We’ll find out soon enough who Big Blue will start against in the first game of the John Harbaugh era.

RELATED: 2026 NFL QB Rankings: Where does Jackson Dart rank?

While things could certainly change, the Arizona Cardinals are set to enter training camp with low expectations. No one would have predicted they would reach the playoffs in a crowded NFC West divisional field in Mike LaFleur’s first season as head coach.

It also doesn’t help that the Cardinals don’t have a clear starting quarterback on the roster. For now, the expectation is that veteran journeyman Jacoby Brissett will take over the starting duties. But his relationship with the Cardinals has soured after leaving minicamp in search of a pay raise.

Behind Brissett, the Cardinals have free agent signee Gardner Minshew and third-round rookie Carson Beck. Still, recent rumors have linked the Cardinals to another free agent quarterback, albeit one that is much more accomplished. However, Cardinals fans shouldn’t get their hopes too high.

There is no truth, “at all,” to rumors of Aaron Rodgers eyeing a contract to play in Arizona, according to ESPN Cardinals insider Josh Weinfuss.

Thus, the Cardinals appear prepared with their QB room. Meanwhile, for Rodgers, the options appear to be either playing one more season with the Pittsburgh Steelers or enjoying retirement. Even though he is taking his sweet time, everyone expects him to play another season, but it won’t be with the Cardinals.

RELATED: Arizona Cardinals player recruiting future Hall of Famer to join team

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Texas Tech Red Raiders quarterback Brandon Sorsby is facing the possibility of being stripped of his eligibility by the NCAA in 2022 for allegedly betting on football games while he was with the Indiana Hoosiers. If that happens, the NFL’s supplemental draft may once again be relevant.

While the supplemental draft once produced starting-caliber players such as Josh Gordon (2012) and Ahmad Brooks (2006), a player has not been selected since 2019. Given the number of quarterback-needy teams around the league, Sorsby could change that if he decides to turn pro.

Let’s look at some potential landing spots for Soursby in the NFL supplemental draft.

green Bay Packers

This may come as a surprise. However, the Green Bay Packers would love to have a developmental quarterback behind Jordan Love who they can potentially help like they did with Malik Willis. There will be no pressure on Soursby to play in Green Bay, as he can sit behind both Love and Desmond Ridder. The Packers are projected to receive compensatory picks in Rounds 3 and 4 in the 2027 NFL Draft, which could give general manager Brian Gutekunst the option to sacrifice a third-round pick forfeiture to take Soursby in the supplemental draft. He will have four years of contractual control and can develop for another year before making him Love’s backup in 2027. After that, he’ll still be only 24 years old and the Packers could potentially flip him for premium draft capital in the 2028 NFL Draft.

RELATED: NFL executive offers reason to worry about Green Bay Packers

dallas cowboys

We are prioritizing landing locations first, where Sorsby will be under no pressure to see the field in the near future. The Dallas Cowboys have already demonstrated they are willing to gamble on young quarterbacks with attractive physical tools (Trey Lance and Joe Milton); Sorsby was a more attractive prospect than any of them when he was acquired. It will also be a homecoming for the 23-year-old quarterback, who starred at Lake Dallas High School in Denton, Texas. Sorsby will have the opportunity to learn from Dak Prescott for two-plus years before potentially taking over as the Cowboys’ starting quarterback in 2028. This may have required Jerry Jones to sacrifice a second-day pick, but he has made more aggressive moves with first-round draft capital for worse players.

Read More: 2026 NFL Power Rankings, evaluating each team after the 2026 NFL Draft

miami dolphins

While Brandon Sorsby has played 34 career collegiate games, he wasn’t really viewed as a major quarterback prospect for the NFL until last year. Now that he is dealing with a gambling scandal, there is too much risk in thrusting him into a starting role so soon. However, the worst NFL teams are willing to take more chances. Fortunately, the Miami Dolphins already have a starting quarterback to whom they are financially committed for 2026. Malik Willis’ contract should ensure that he remains the Dolphins’ starter, allowing the coaching staff to use this season as a development year for Soursby. If he makes a strong impact and demonstrates he’s ready to be the starter, Miami could potentially use a top-three pick on wide receiver Jeremiah Smith.

New York Jets

If Brandon Sorsby were to be selected in the second round in the NFL supplemental draft, the New York Jets would come up as a potential option. They already have three first-round selections in the 2027 NFL Draft, so that Round 2 selection could already stand out as a potential trade chip. Many will believe that Soursby could challenge to become the Jets’ starting quarterback very soon, but the coaching staff is very committed to Geno Smith. A better plan would be to give Smith the first three months of the season before Soursby gets a trial run as the starter in December. If he performs really well, New York could use their first trio to build a core around him. If he struggles, take Arch Manning or Dante Moore.

RELATED: The best 2026 NFL draft classes including the NY Jets

Matt Johnson is the senior NFL and college football editor for Sportsknot. His work including the weekly NFL and college… More about Matt Johnson

Texas Tech Red Raiders quarterback Brandon Sorsby is facing the possibility of being stripped of his eligibility by the NCAA in 2022 for allegedly betting on football games while he was with the Indiana Hoosiers. If that happens, the NFL’s supplemental draft may once again be relevant.

While the supplemental draft once produced starting-caliber players such as Josh Gordon (2012) and Ahmad Brooks (2006), a player has not been selected since 2019. Given the number of quarterback-needy teams around the league, Sorsby could change that if he decides to turn pro.

Let’s look at some potential landing spots for Soursby in the NFL supplemental draft.

green Bay Packers

This may come as a surprise. However, the Green Bay Packers would love to have a developmental quarterback behind Jordan Love who they can potentially help like they did with Malik Willis. There will be no pressure on Soursby to play in Green Bay, as he can sit behind both Love and Desmond Ridder. The Packers are projected to receive compensatory picks in Rounds 3 and 4 in the 2027 NFL Draft, which could give general manager Brian Gutekunst the option to sacrifice a third-round pick forfeiture to take Soursby in the supplemental draft. He will have four years of contractual control and can develop for another year before making him Love’s backup in 2027. After that, he’ll still be only 24 years old and the Packers could potentially flip him for premium draft capital in the 2028 NFL Draft.

RELATED: NFL executive offers reason to worry about Green Bay Packers

dallas cowboys

We are prioritizing landing locations first, where Sorsby will be under no pressure to see the field in the near future. The Dallas Cowboys have already demonstrated they are willing to gamble on young quarterbacks with attractive physical tools (Trey Lance and Joe Milton); Sorsby was a more attractive prospect than any of them when he was acquired. It will also be a homecoming for the 23-year-old quarterback, who starred at Lake Dallas High School in Denton, Texas. Sorsby will have the opportunity to learn from Dak Prescott for two-plus years before potentially taking over as the Cowboys’ starting quarterback in 2028. This may have required Jerry Jones to sacrifice a second-day pick, but he has made more aggressive moves with first-round draft capital for worse players.

Read More: 2026 NFL Power Rankings, evaluating each team after the 2026 NFL Draft

miami dolphins

While Brandon Sorsby has played 34 career collegiate games, he wasn’t really viewed as a major quarterback prospect for the NFL until last year. Now that he is dealing with a gambling scandal, there is too much risk in thrusting him into a starting role so soon. However, the worst NFL teams are willing to take more chances. Fortunately, the Miami Dolphins already have a starting quarterback to whom they are financially committed for 2026. Malik Willis’ contract should ensure that he remains the Dolphins’ starter, allowing the coaching staff to use this season as a development year for Soursby. If he makes a strong impact and demonstrates he’s ready to be the starter, Miami could potentially use a top-three pick on wide receiver Jeremiah Smith.

New York Jets

If Brandon Sorsby were to be selected in the second round in the NFL supplemental draft, the New York Jets would come up as a potential option. They already have three first-round selections in the 2027 NFL Draft, so that Round 2 selection could already stand out as a potential trade chip. Many will believe that Soursby could challenge to become the Jets’ starting quarterback very soon, but the coaching staff is very committed to Geno Smith. A better plan would be to give Smith the first three months of the season before Soursby gets a trial run as the starter in December. If he performs really well, New York could use their first trio to build a core around him. If he struggles, take Arch Manning or Dante Moore.

RELATED: The best 2026 NFL draft classes including the NY Jets

Matt Johnson is the senior NFL and college football editor for Sportsknot. His work including the weekly NFL and college… More about Matt Johnson

The Buffalo Bills parted ways with head coach Sean McDermott this offseason after seven consecutive seasons of double-digit wins. Although expectations for the organization clearly have not been met, it appears that some in the league believe things will not get better any time soon.

Speaking to Mike Sandow of The Athletic, an NFL executive shared his belief that the Bills’ window as a Super Bowl contender in the AFC has closed. This is despite the expected regression from the New England Patriots and the AFC seemingly being “down” right now.

“I think Buffalo’s window is closed.”

Unnamed NFL executive on Buffalo Bills entering 2026 season

RELATED: 2026 NFL power rankings, see where the Bills land

In 2025, Buffalo tied for the fourth-most wins in the AFC and then reached the divisional round, but lost in overtime. This led to head coach Sean McDermott being fired, general manager Brandon Beane being promoted to president of football operations and offensive coordinator Joe Brady being named head coach.

The Bills front office responded to that disappointment in 2025 by adding safety Geno Stone, nickel C.J. Gardner-Johnson and edge rusher Bradley Chubb to bolster the defense. Equally important, Buffalo traded for wide receiver DJ Moore to provide Allen with an effective offensive weapon.

It’s fair to assume that the Kansas City Chiefs will bounce back in 2026 with the return of Patrick Mahomes and the signing of Kenneth Walker. Elsewhere in the AFC, the Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals look better on paper next season.

One reason some around the league are skeptical of the Bills’ approach may have something to do with the team’s draft class. Beane traded downs twice in Round 1 and, in a class that was considered unusually weak, there were some questions whether the team had taken the right approach.

NFL officials skeptical of Buffalo Bills draft strategy

Another executive questioned the Bills’ strategy in the 2026 NFL Draft. While President of Football Operations Brandon Beane received much praise from analysts for trading down multiple times, an analytics-approved strategy, some around the league were not as keen on this specific draft reason.

One executive said, “You get an advantage from the guys who pick you, whether it’s third or fourth or something later, they weren’t going to give you any (good) player in this draft.”

The Athletic’s NFL executive trading down on the Buffalo Bills draft class

This was not the only opinion that expressed doubt as to whether this is the right year to trade up multiple times and collect large amounts of Day 3 draft capital. Another NFL executive told Sandow that it was a “weird draft” because the class was “terrible at the top and terrible at the bottom.”

RELATED: The best 2026 NFL draft classes, including the Buffalo Bills

However, as some of Beane’s teammates in front offices around the league pointed out, a weak 2026 NFL Draft class actually made it, so there was no “right” strategy to take. Beane setting himself up to take multiple swings may prove to be the best approach as it at least gives him a chance to take more swings at different players who may strike out.

Matt Johnson is the senior NFL and college football editor for Sportsknot. His work including the weekly NFL and college… More about Matt Johnson

After gutting the roster and cutting millions in salary, the Miami Dolphins got much better during the 2026 NFL Draft. The Dolphins included 13 players in the draft, but that doesn’t mean the team addressed all of their weaknesses and needs.

Shortly after the draft ended, the Dolphins were already linked to one of the top remaining free agents.

according to miami heraldBarry Jackson The Dolphins have shown interest in wide receiver Jaun Jennings since the start of free agency. Nevertheless, there is no indication that the interests are mutual.

“In fact, according to a source, the Dolphins – since the start of free agency – have expressed interest in 49ers free agent receiver Jaune Jennings,” Jackson wrote. “But they don’t have the money to satisfy his contractual wishes, and Sullivan has said Miami is not going to spend big in free agency after June 1.”

The former San Francisco 49ers receiver is currently visiting with the Minnesota Vikings, and is expected to stay through Wednesday as well. Chances are, the Vikings will make every effort to ensure that Jennings does not leave their facility without a signed contract.

Come 4pm ET on April 29, teams will be able to sign free agents without impacting their future compensatory selection formula. This could be just what teams like the Vikings have been waiting for, but the real question may center on how much money Jennings is asking for.

Jennings, 28, recorded 643 yards and nine touchdowns last season. He’ll likely play a much bigger role in the Dolphins’ offense than the Vikings, where he’ll be behind Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. Nevertheless, the Dolphins are expected to struggle in a rebuilding season, while the Vikings are expected to compete for a playoff spot again. This could be just what Jennings is looking for.

RELATED: 2026 NFL Power Rankings: Evaluating the worst, best teams after the NFL Draft

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Undrafted free agent quarterback Diego Pavia has a new home in the NFL. Pavia has signed a three-year contract with the Baltimore Ravens after the 2026 NFL Draft, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports. The 24-year-old quarterback was the runner-up for the 2025 Heisman Trophy behind Fernando Mendoza.

Pavia, who became the first Heisman Trophy runner-up to go undrafted since Brad Banks in 2003, joins a stacked quarterback room with Lamar Jackson and Tyler Huntley. Earlier on Tuesday, the Ravens also signed undrafted quarterback Joe Fagnano to a three-year contract.

Pavia went undrafted due to concerns about his size and playing style transitioning to the NFL level. Despite throwing for 3,539 yards, 29 touchdowns and eight interceptions, the 24-year-old quarterback did not receive much interest in the draft. Pavia also did not receive an immediate contract as an undrafted free agent.

This gives Pavia a chance to secure a spot on Baltimore’s 53-man roster for the 2026–27 NFL season. This also means the former Vanderbilt Commodore quarterback will likely battle Fagnano for the QB3 role behind Jackson and Huntley during the summer.

Although this contract does not guarantee Pavia a spot on the 53-man roster, it is a great result after going undrafted. The Ravens were initially going to bring Pavia to their rookie mini-camp on a tryout basis, but the team already signed him.

If Pavia does not find a role behind Jackson and Huntley, he could join the practice squad to begin the 2026–27 NFL season. Either way, Pavia is likely to get a significant amount of reps with Fagnano during the 2026 NFL preseason.

Pavia has a home in the NFL, but what happens next in Baltimore depends on his performance this summer.

READ MORE: Multiple NFL teams seeking to sign Diego Pavia after going undrafted

Austin Konensky is a writer at SportsNut, covering the NHL, MLB, NFL, NBA and more. His work can also…more about Austin Konensky

Odell Beckham Jr. has not played in the NFL with the Miami Dolphins since the 2024 season; However, that has not been accomplished yet. The New York Giants have been linked to a reunion with Beckham following an April 20 visit. However, what is the latest update on the 2014 first-round pick’s possible return to New York? An NFL insider has released a big update.

It seems like something will happen between Beckham and the Giants at some point, as reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter on the Pat McAfee Show. Schefter said there was a real possibility that Beckham would return to the Giants. The 33-year-old wide receiver spent the first five seasons of his career in New York.

What will Odell Beckham Jr. bring to the New York Giants

If Beckham were to sign with the Giants, he would join Malik Nabors, Darius Slayton, Darnell Mooney and Malachi Fields in the wide receiver room. Beckham is past his prime years in the NFL, but he will still provide solid depth for New York and quarterback Jackson Dart. The last time Beckham had more than 600 receiving yards in a season was in 2019 with the Cleveland Browns.

Still, the free-agent wide receiver could boost a depth role for New York. Beckham would also be a good mentor and provide experienced leadership to a relatively young wide receiver room. After all, there are similarities between Beckham and Nabors, a third-year wide receiver coming off a torn ACL.

New York head coach John Harbaugh coached Beckham with the Baltimore Ravens in 2023, so he fully understands what he can bring to the table. Beckham may not be an elite wide receiver at this stage of his career, but he could give the Giants a great locker room presence.

It remains to be seen whether New York signs Beckham, but based on Schefter’s comments, it seems to be a very realistic possibility.

READ MORE: Report suggests New York Giants GM Joe Schoen could be fired soon

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Less than a week before the start of the 2026 NFL Draft, the New York Giants made the surprising decision to trade one of their best players, sending Dexter Lawrence to the Cincinnati Bengals in exchange for the 10th overall pick. While the Giants got a strong return for their three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle, his departure left a huge hole in the middle of John Harbaugh’s defense.

What was the Giants’ plan to replace the DT?

According to NFL insider Tony Pauline of Essential Sports, the Giants wanted to take Ohio State defensive tackle Kayden McDonald “at the top of Round 2” with the 37th overall pick. Nevertheless, the Houston Texans selected McDonald with the 36th pick, just one spot ahead of the Giants.

As mentioned, once McDonald left, the Giants turned to Tennessee cornerback Colton Hood, who some viewed as a potential first-round pick like McDonald. Still, the Giants did not get back on the defensive line until selecting Auburn’s Bobby Jamison-Travis with the 186th overall pick.

Thus, the Giants may still be looking to add a potential starting defensive tackle before the 2026 season begins. They’ve already brought in DJ Reeder for the tour, and it’s possible he’ll be part of the solution going forward, but McDonald might be the better option long-term.

RELATED: A bold prediction for every player in the New York Giants’ 2026 draft class

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Jacksonville Jaguars general manager James Gladstone is the NFL’s youngest GM. After seeing how the Jaguars handled the 2026 NFL Draft, some might say their inexperience showed last weekend.

To be fair, this team was already behind the 8-ball, entering the weekend without a first-round draft pick after last year’s trade for Travis Hunter. Jacksonville’s first draft selection did not come until the 56th overall selection, when they selected tight end Nate Boerkircher, who was projected to be a fourth-round selection by NFL.com and athleticDan Brugler.

Things didn’t get any better from there, yet the Jaguars still had nine more selections to make.

Recently, NFL insider Tony Pauline of Essential Sports called the Boerkircher pick a “head-scratcher.” He also called the team’s fifth-round selection, DT Albert Regis, a “reach.”

While some of her selections were heavily criticized, Pauline liked some of the team’s other selections, but even some of them had flaws.

“On the other hand, Emmanuel Pregnon can turn in steals from the same frame, as he is a dominant, drive-blocking guard who is relatively effective on the move,” Poulin wrote. “Why did he slide? People at USC told me Pregnon can be tricky, while others say he often slows down offensive schemes. Still, it was worth rolling the dice for Jacksonville. Safety Jalen Huskey and edge rusher Wesley Williams are two players I like, but I believe they would have been available later in the draft. Josh Cameron could be a steal in Round 6, as he’s sure-handed and productive. But he lacks speed and has a funky body type.”

Overall, Pauline gave the Jaguar a C- grade. Meanwhile, Brugler actually ranked the Jaguars last, suggesting that Jacksonville’s draft class was the “worst” in the NFL this year.

Of course, NFL Draft grades mean nothing in immediate results. What really matters is how the classroom is viewed, one, two, or five years from now, when we will be able to better assess their actual impact rather than predicted outcomes.

RELATED: 2026 NFL Draft Day 2: Winners, losers from Rounds 2 and 3

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During the 2025 college football season, Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia was easily one of the best players on the field. He not only won the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, given to the nation’s top elite QB in college football, but he also finished as a Heisman finalist.

Still, when it came to evaluating Pavia’s prospects, many thought the 5-foot-10 QB would not be drafted in the 2026 NFL Draft. They were right.

A total of 257 players were selected across the three-day event, but not Pavia. After the NFL Draft ended on Saturday, the race to sign him as an undrafted free agent began.

Yet, unlike hundreds of others who have already signed contracts, Pavia have taken a different path.

He has already agreed to participate in the Ravens’ rookie minicamp this weekend. However, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, “if the Ravens don’t sign him other teams may also want to bring him in.”

Whatever happens, Pavia faces a tough road ahead. For now, he will compete for a chance to become the Ravens’ third-line QB behind Lamar Jackson and Tyler Huntley. Still, there may be more opportunities to come if things don’t work out well this weekend.

Pavia threw for 29 touchdowns and eight interceptions last season, while completing 70.6% of his passes. Pavia threw for another 862 yards and 10 touchdowns as a runner, demonstrating dual-threat ability. But he was in college; He still needs to prove himself in the NFL.

RELATED: 2026 NFL Power Rankings: Evaluating the worst, best teams after the NFL Draft

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While performance on the field will really determine which teams make the best moves in the 2026 NFL Draft, it’s always worth checking out how much some rosters improved over this past weekend. This practice favors teams with premium draft capital, but it also highlights how different some of these clubs could look this fall.

Let’s take a look at the list of NFL teams that we believe have improved the most through the draft.

New York Jets

The New York Jets looked to be one of the worst teams seen in the last decade during the second half of the 2025 NFL season. Not surprisingly, when you eliminate most of your roster, there’s a lot of room for improvement. We think New York did a great job in the NFL Draft.

In the first two rounds, there’s a great case that New York came away with four starters. David Bailey could be an exciting No. 2 edge rusher for Aaron Glenn in 2026, D’Angelo Ponds found the right team to use, and the Jets strengthened their passing game with the selection of playmakers Kenyon Saadiq and Omar Cooper Jr. There will also be more depth on the defensive interior with Darrell Jackson Jr., and we’re eager to see how Glenn utilizes his size (6-foot-3) and speed (4.4). 40-yard dash) in a rotational role for safety VJ Payne.

Connected: Ranking the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year candidates

dallas cowboys

It is a popular opinion to say that the Dallas Cowboys came out of the 2026 NFL Draft with one of the best performances. Our assessment is that this rookie class, especially the top three picks, will prove vital in a remarkable one-year turnaround for this Cowboys defense. That step forward could also be the difference in potentially winning the NFC East.

Although we don’t expect Caleb Downs to perform like an All-Pro as a rookie, a Pro Bowl selection is on the table because of Christian Parker’s system. This is great, as it took Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper Dejean until their second season under Parker in Philadelphia to do this, but a significant improvement defensively for Dallas makes it possible.

We also like what the Cowboys did at edge rusher by taking Malachi Lawrence (23rd overall pick), Jayshawn Barham (92nd overall pick) and LT Overton (137th overall pick). Suddenly, pass-rushing depth is no longer an issue for this team, and they have already upgraded the backbone of their defense. We’ll also mention the fact that Dallas acquired linebacker Dee Winters, who, if healthy, will be an upgrade from Kenneth Murray Jr. Jerry Jones and company made improving the defense their top priority, and we believe they succeeded.

tampa bay buccaneers

Sometimes it’s good to have luck on your side in the 2026 NFL Draft. For whatever reason, frontrunner Ruben Benn Jr. dropped to 15th overall. We feel pretty confident in saying that if the Tampa Bay Buccaneers had picked this high, they would have been taken in the top eight. He’s an immediate starter, solidifying a position that has plagued this Buccaneers defense for years. What makes the selection even better is that Ben will be in a good position to produce quickly as he is joining a defensive line that includes Vita Vea and Caliza Cansi. Tampa Bay’s defensive line may eventually become a problem for other teams again rather than the team’s problem.

Fittingly, in a draft where the Buccaneers had addressed a position of weakness for several years, linebacker Josiah Trotter was the 46th pick overall. He was built for Tampa Bay’s defense, due to his excellent ability to attack everything in front of him. Dropping back into coverage is certainly an issue, but it’s clearly something the Buccaneers’ coaching staff is accustomed to dealing with at linebacker. Elsewhere on defense, Keyontae Scott (116th pick overall) could be a good nickel corner for the Buccaneers this season, and DeMonte Capehart provides some depth if Kansas goes down again.

RELATED: Best 2026 NFL Draft Classes

kansas city chiefs

Not only were the Kansas City Chiefs coming off their worst season since 2012, but they also moved on from corners Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson this offseason. Moving on from the All-Pro cornerback isn’t always an easy call, but this could lead to an improvement on the Kansas City defense we saw last year.

As good as McDuffie was, he had his limitations, and Mansur Delaney plans to be a better boundary corner who matches up well against bigger wide receivers. The Chiefs finally found their future at defensive tackle and landed Peter Woods with the 29th pick overall. We know Woods was extremely talented at Clemson, but he will get far better coaching in the NFL than he did at Clemson. Although his maximum range may not be reached for a few years, he could make a real positive impact on the interior in 2026.

Additionally, Kansas City added some pass-rushing depth on the edge with R Mason Thomas (40th pick overall). The history of the Chiefs coaching staff gives us all the confidence in the world that Jadon Canady (109th overall pick) can develop into a quality rotational cornerback. Credit Kansas City for improving defensively; It was needed.

cleveland browns

As much criticism as the Cleveland Browns organization receives from the public, general manager Andrew Berry knows how to identify talent. In our view, Cleveland was the top pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, and we look forward to seeing both sides of the ball next season.

The focus, naturally, is on an offense that features a new left tackle (Spencer Fano) along with two wide receivers (Casey Concepcion and Denzel Boston) whose skills complement each other perfectly. While there is no true ‘alpha’ receiver on this Browns offense right now, it doesn’t seem to be as necessary at the moment as there is now a good group of playmakers to pair with tight end Harold Fannin Jr.

Cleveland got a deal to land safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, the 58th overall pick, who will make a name for himself as a rookie. Berry also learned what can happen when you don’t have depth on the offensive line, adding swing tackle Austin Barber and center Parker Brailsford. While we can’t be confident that Shedure Sanders is the long-term answer in Cleveland, the right infrastructure is in place to evaluate him now.

RELATED: NFL Power Rankings, evaluating teams after the 2026 NFL Draft

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It appears that the New England Patriots and Philadelphia Eagles are destined to end up trading AJ Brown. New England is likely to acquire Brown after June 1, after Philadelphia traded up in the 2026 NFL Draft to select wide receiver Makai Lemon. In fact, an NFL insider has revealed a major update on a potential trade package.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter believes the Patriots will send a future first-round pick to Brown, as did Insider on the Pat McAfee Show. Schefter projected it would be a 2028 first-round pick, meaning the Patriots will keep their first-round pick for a stacked 2027 NFL Draft class.

New England Patriots’ potential trade package for AJ Brown

It would be shocking if the Patriots and Eagles don’t make a deal for Brown. Philadelphia has loaded up on wide receivers while New England has the only additional member in the room in Romeo Doubs. While Dobbs projects to play a key role in the Patriots’ offense, the team did not add a wide receiver in the 2026 NFL Draft. So, what might a trade package look like now?

The Patriots could send a 2028 first-round pick and a 2027 fourth-round pick to acquire Brown. While wide receiver Keyshawn Boutte has been a popular add to trade packages, the Eagles don’t need to replace a superstar receiver. Instead, both organizations can focus on draft capital.

This may not be the exact package Philadelphia gets, as any third- or fourth-round selection between 2027 and 2028 would make sense. However, if the Patriots send a 2028 first-round pick, it makes the rest of the trade package easier. After all, Brown is worth a first-round pick and the 2028 NFL Draft is two years away.

If New England ultimately voids the deal, Brown will join Dobbs, Kyle Williams, Mack Hollins, Demario Douglas and Elton Chism in the wide receiver room. This is a big upgrade heading into the 2025-26 NFL season, as Stefon Diggs took over as the Patriots’ WR1. In this scenario, Diggs would be the replacement as the WR2 behind Brown in New England.

The Patriots and Eagles will likely have to wait another month, but a Browns trade should come closer.

READ MORE: New England Patriots trade rumors: NFL officials expected to transfer AJ Brown

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Immediately following the 2026 NFL Draft, one of the focuses turns to how the rookie class will perform in the upcoming season. There are some compelling NFL Rookie of the Year candidates this year, with some similarities to last year’s class that make for a meaningful comparison.

At this time a year ago, Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty was the heavy favorite to win NFL Rookie of the Year, with Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam Ward behind him. who won? Carolina Panthers wide receiver Tetaroa McMillan, neither Jeanty nor Ward finished in the top five in voting.

We’re keeping that in mind as we dive into ranking the 2026 NFL Rookie of the Year candidates ahead of the summer.

1. Jeremiah Love, RB, Arizona Cardinals

We’ve seen discussion about the Arizona Cardinals’ depth with Tyler Allger, Trey Benson and James Conner. The latter two are irrelevant when you use the third overall pick on a running back, and Alger is clearly going to be a situational back for Arizona. Jeremiah Love’s skill set is similar to Bijan Robinson’s, with both having the ability to make explosive runs and impact the passing game like a receiver.

Arizona has also upgraded its interior offensive line this season with Isaac Seumalo and Chase Bissontis, so there should be some running lanes for Love. We’ve seen Robinson (1,463) and Jeanty (1,321) eclipse 1,300 scrimmage yards in their rookie seasons, and that seems like a reasonable goal for Love. Plus, considering this isn’t the strongest group of Rookie of the Year candidates, this could be enough for him to win.

RELATED: 2026 Dynasty Positional Rankings

2. Carnell Tate, WR, Tennessee Titans

The best bet to win Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2026, at least for now, is Tennessee Titans wide receiver Carnell Tate. Although he’s a bit overshadowed by the presence of Wan’Dale Robinson, who signed a $70 million contract this offseason and is a favorite of offensive coordinator Brian Daboll, we still like the situation with the Tennessee Titans.

Tate is a great route-runner who has a nice set of skills that translate immediately to the NFL and could make him a favorite target for Cam Ward. Tate McMillan needed only 1,014 receiving yards and 7 touchdowns last time out to win Rookie of the Year, and if Ward completes 550-plus pass attempts with a 62-plus percent completion rate, a 1,000-yard season is more than possible for Tate. He may also be the only rookie receiver to surpass that mark.

3. Casey Concepcion, WR, Cleveland Browns

We liked what the Cleveland Browns did in the 2026 NFL Draft, and we wouldn’t be at all surprised if Casey Concepcion wins Rookie of the Year honors after the upcoming season. While Jerry Jeudy will still have a role in Todd Monken’s offense, he doesn’t provide the playmaking ability with the football in his hands that Concepcion brings to the table. Monken can also open up Concepcion quickly on down routes, and we’re confident these are the types of throws Shadeur Sanders can hit consistently with good timing and touch.

We believe it is possible for Concepcion to have over 800 receiving yards with 5 touchdowns in his rookie season. What elevates him even higher in our ranking of Rookie of the Year candidates is his explosive ability as a returner. If he can take one back to the house and be one of the NFL’s best returners, it’s possible for Roy to win.

RELATED: Best 2026 NFL Draft Classes

4. Jordan Tyson, WR, New Orleans Saints

Durability is our primary issue when including Jordan Tyson among the NFL Rookie of the Year candidates in 2026. The New Orleans Saints made him the 8th overall pick, and he will complement Chris Olave well in this offense. However, his pre-draft process was also a bit shaky due to a hamstring injury, which confirmed long-standing concerns about his injury history.

If Tyson plays all 17 games, he could be the perfect choice to win the ODI. Although he won’t see as many targets as Olave, playing the No. 2 role also means drawing less defensive attention and getting more favorable cornerback matchups. Tyson has a very good chance to lead all rookies in receiving touchdowns, and could have over 900 receiving yards to go with it.

5. Fernando Mendoza, QB, Las Vegas Raiders

It already seems clear that Kirk Cousins ​​will be the Las Vegas Raiders starting quarterback in Week 1. This is a reasonable approach, as the franchise wants to make sure that Fernando Mendoza is ready to run Andrew Janko’s offense and be under center when he makes his first start. However, this does hurt his Rookie of the Year chances slightly.

We’re also taking into account the recent history of Offensive Rookie of the Year winners. Jaden Daniels and CJ Stroud both made the playoffs and posted QB ratings over 100 in 15 games when they earned the honor in their respective years. We don’t necessarily believe Mendoza will be that successful in his first year, nor are the Raiders in a good position to make such a big jump.

6. Jadarion Price, RB, Seattle Seahawks

One thing working against the Seattle Seahawks running back Jadarion Price is that taking him in Round 1 is already viewed negatively by voters. It was a reach, and the Seahawks front office raised expectations for him by getting to that spot. Recognizing this, the opportunity in Seattle is attractive.

The Seahawks offensive line ranked eighth in ESPN run-block win rate (73 percent) in 2025, so there should be some running lanes for Price. He’s a very good starting back, and with Zach Charbonnet recovering from a torn ACL in the playoffs, the path is clear for Price to become the primary ball-carrier early in the season. We’re not sure if he’ll put up the numbers this season to overtake any of the big names who will play more prominent roles.

RELATED: NFL Power Rankings, evaluating teams after the 2026 NFL Draft

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Texas Tech Red Raiders transfer quarterback Brandon Sorsby is checking into a treatment program for gambling addiction, as reported by ESPN’s Pete Thamel. Sorbsey, who most recently played for the Cincinnati Bearcats, is one of the top quarterback prospects for the 2027 NFL Draft next spring.

The 22-year-old quarterback decided to seek gambling treatment after a recent discovery. Sorsby placed thousands of online bets on various sports through a gambling app, as first reported by Thamel. The NCAA is currently investigating Sorsby’s gambling as he enters treatment for the problem.

“we love [Brendan Sorsby] And support his decision to seek professional help,” said Texas Tech head coach Joey McGuire. ”It takes courage to take this step, and our primary focus is on them as an individual. Our program is behind Brendan as he prioritizes his health.

In 2025, Soursby threw for 2,800 yards, 27 touchdowns and five interceptions in 12 games with Cincinnati. This represents the 22-year-old quarterback’s second year with Cincinnati. He spent the last two seasons with the Indiana Hoosiers. Sorbsey was ranked as one of the top players in the NCAA transfer portal during this cycle.

Sorsby is set to replace former Texas Tech quarterback Behren Morton, who was selected by the New England Patriots in the 2026 NFL Draft. Texas Tech was excited to land Sorsby, who was one of the top quarterback prospects in next year’s 2027 NFL Draft.

Sorsby’s future with Texas Tech is unclear after seeking treatment for gambling. Currently, the NCAA is trying to understand the extent of his actions through its investigation. Meanwhile, the Red Raiders aid Soursby in his recovery, hoping he can improve his health.

READ MORE: Highlights from Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft, including the 2027 NFL Draft class

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The New York Giants established their foundation under new head coach John Harbaugh with the team having seven selections in the 2026 NFL Draft.

• Averell Reese, LB, Ohio State (5^th overall)
• Francis Mauigoa, OT Miami (10^th overall)
• Colton Hood, CB Tennessee (37)^th overall)
• Malachi Fields, WR Notre Dame (74^th overall)
• Bobby Jamison-Travis, DT Auburn (186^th overall)
• Jesse Davis, OL Illinois (192^Ra overall)
• Jack Kelly, LB BYU (193^third overall)

Although we will have to wait and see how the players perform on the field to properly evaluate them, the Giants should be considered one of the winners of the draft, considering the players they drafted where they were taken.

It was eye-opening to see how the franchise handled the first draft under Harbaugh, and here are the four biggest takeaways.

Giants signing DJ Reeder seems inevitable

Defensive tackle was one of the team’s biggest needs coming into the draft in the wake of the Dexter Lawrence trade with the Cincinnati Bengals. They ultimately took Jamison-Travis in the sixth round, but he is a project and not ready to be a starter. That’s why the team is expected to sign free agent DJ Reeder at any time.

The 6’3, 330-pound defensive tackle started 32 games for the Detroit Lions over the past two seasons and recorded 51 tackles with 12 quarterback hits and three sacks. He spent his last four seasons with the Bengals, and the first four years of his career with the Houston Texans.

Reeder will turn 32 in July, and he would be an ideal candidate to fill the void in the middle of the defense for a season until a team drafts a defensive tackle in the 2027 draft.

The signing of the veteran defensive tackle could happen as early as this week or sometime during OTAs.

The new system believes you can never have too many pass rushers.

There’s an old Giants adage that you can never have too many pass rushers, and the Giants’ new regime, led by Harbaugh and Senior Vice President of Football Operations Don Aponte, believes it too.

Although Averell Reese would play inside linebacker with New York, he played the majority of his snaps playing on the edge in his final year at Ohio State. He will now run faster from the A gap and sometimes line up on the outside in passing situations.

The team now has four leading pass rushers in Reese, Brian Burns, Abdul Carter and Kayvon Thibodeaux. There were reports that the team was engaged in trade talks with the New Orleans Saints for Thibodaux. But the Saints did not offer the compensation the Giants were looking for, and decided not to part with the 25-year-old edge rusher.

It’s possible the team parted ways with Thibodaux at the end of this offseason. But right now, they have a group of pass rushers that are going to make life difficult for opposing offensive lines. They may not have been the 2011 NASCAR package that led the franchise to victory in Super Bowl XLVI, led by Justin Tuck, Osi Umenyiora, Jason Pierre-Paul and Mathias Kiwanuka, as they played on the defensive line. But fans are hopeful that this generation of pass rushers will help the franchise win a Super Bowl just like the previous generation of pass rushers.

RELATED: 6 best 2026 NFL draft classes including the Bills and Browns

The team got great value from their choice

One reason Big Blue gets high praise for the players they have selected is because of where they have selected them.

Some thought Reese would be a top three pick, but he fell to fifth and New York rushed to hand him his card for the pick. Mauigoa was viewed as the most drafted offensive lineman in the draft, and some mock drafts had him included in the top 10. For the Giants to land him at 10 is great value for a team that was in desperate need of offensive line help.

In terms of price selection, New York is getting the hood with 37^th The overall pick could turn into one of the best value selections of the 2026 NFL Draft. He had a first-round grade by many and will have a chance to start at cornerback.

The Giants committed a turnover of 105.^th and 145^th Trading a selection in the 2026 draft and a fourth-round selection in the 2027 draft and taking Malachi Fields at 74. The 6’4, 218 pound wideout has five years of playing experience, and if not for his 4.61 40 time, he would have been off the board sooner.

The team’s final selection, Jack Kelly, totaled 106 tackles and 15 sacks in his two seasons at BYU. The versatile linebacker will get playing time on special teams but will eventually slide into the defensive rotation.

Caleb Downs wasn’t ranked that high on the Giants’ draft board

In the creation of draft, it is also. For months before the draft, there were reports that the Giants were very high on Ohio State safety Caleb Downs.

Many mock drafts had New York playing the All-American safety with the fifth overall selection. Then, when they got 10^th In the Dexter Lawrence trade, the assumption was that if they didn’t take Downs at five, they would definitely take him at 10 if he was still on the board. But this did not happen.

Big Blue passed on him twice, and now they’ll have to face him twice a year as the Dallas Cowboys have made a deal to take him with pick 11.^th choose. Only time will tell if Big Blue will regret not taking the best safety in the draft.

RELATED: 2026 NFL Draft stunners: The biggest surprises from Round 1, including Simpson going to the LA Rams

Entering the 2026 NFL Draft, many argued that the Minnesota Vikings needed to select a wide receiver who could compete for the WR3 role behind Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. Last year’s third receiver, Jalen Naylor, signed with the Las Vegas Raiders in free agency.

The Vikings drafted receiver Tai Felton in the third round last year, but as a rookie he recorded only three receptions for 25 yards. This is not enough to suggest he will replace Neller in 2026. While the coaching staff may have stronger internal belief in Felton than others, after not selecting any receivers with their nine selections, Minnesota’s need has only increased.

Still, the Vikings’ deregulation of the position, along with opening up more than $10 million in cap space with the Jonathan Greenard trade, has led to speculation that Minnesota could add a veteran receiver in the next few weeks. Here are some players they could target.

RELATED: 2026 NFL Draft Day 2: Winners, losers from Rounds 2 and 3

odell beckham jr

He has already won a Super Bowl playing in the offense that Kevin O’Connell was a part of with the Rams. While OBJ’s best days are far behind him, there has been renewed interest in him in continuing his NFL career since he lined up for a flag football game this offseason. Still just 32 years old, perhaps Beckham will find his spark reuniting with KOC while catching passes from Kyler Murray, and we can guarantee he’ll never have to face a double-team with Justin Jefferson again.

deandre hopkins

Hopkins has already spent three seasons with the Cardinals catching passes from Murray. He has already expressed interest in reuniting with K1 on Vikings. Now that the draft is over, the Vikings can return to the 3x All-Pro knowing his price will be low, given that no one else is knocking on his door. Still, Hopkins turns 34 in June, and hasn’t thrown for 600 yards since 2024. How much does Hopkins have left in the tank?

brandon ayuk

Still under contract in San Francisco, the 49ers appear unwilling to receive anything valuable in return for the former second-team All-Pro. Teams had long expected the 49ers to release the receiver after he missed the entire 2025 season due to a knee injury, but the Vikings may have to offer a 2027 Day 3 draft pick in exchange for the 28-year-old receiver.

john jennings

Somehow still a free agent after recording a respectable 643-yard, 9 TD season, Jennings will be in high demand on the open market. After all, it took him just one year to fall 25 yards short of a 1,000-yard season. After spending five seasons playing for Kyle Shanahan in San Francisco, Jennings would also be a great fit for Minnesota’s offense, especially since he is capable of playing all three receiver spots, which is a must for anyone signing to back up Jefferson and Jordan Addison.

RELATED: Highlights from Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft, including the Eagles and the 2027 draft class

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After setting a new attendance record, it’s safe to say that hosting the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania was a huge success. As far as the Pittsburgh Steelers themselves, their weekend was one of the strangest among all 32 NFL teams.

It all started Thursday in Round 1, where the Steelers were taken 21st overall. It appears Pittsburgh did what every team does: try to get in touch with the player they plan to select.

The only issue? Pittsburgh just wasn’t on time. It was actually the Dallas Cowboys’ turn to pick the No. 20 pick. Perhaps the Steelers felt strongly about the Cowboys not choosing their target. Still, Pittsburgh did not anticipate that Dallas might trade the pick elsewhere.

That’s exactly what happened when the Cowboys made a trade with their NFC East division rival, the Philadelphia Eagles. The real weird part came when the Eagles tried to call USC wide receiver Makai Lemon, who was already on the phone with the Steelers.

Once his people informed him that the Eagles were on the clock, Lemon immediately hung up the phone on the Steelers and started talking to Philadelphia, which was actually selecting them at 20th overall instead of landing them at 21 with Pittsburgh.

This is the moment Makai Lemon thought he was going to be drafted #steelers And realizing in real time that #eagle traded through @gmfb This morning.

He asked Omar Khan “Why is Philly calling?” [me]?” pic.twitter.com/AbXDJONYye

– Ross McCorkle (@Ross_McCorkle) 24 April 2026

According to former Eagles executive Jake Rosenberg, the Steelers may have violated NFL rules by keeping in contact with Lemon when he was not actually on the clock. According to , the NFL intends to examine the Steelers’ draft strategy now that the three-day event has ended. However, he expressed doubt that the league would assess any type of penalty.

We’re guessing this won’t be a big deal. But in the incredibly competitive NFL, it doesn’t take much for a team and agent to create controversy over a small issue.

RELATED: 2026 NFL Draft Day 2: Winners, losers from Rounds 2 and 3

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The 2026 NFL Draft has ended and while it’s technically too early to declare which teams performed best before these players take the field, it’s always a fun exercise. It’s even more interesting this year because the 2026 draft class was not viewed as particularly strong.

Let’s quickly take a look at our list of the best 2026 NFL Draft classes.

New York Giants

When you have a pair of top-10 selections, it certainly helps to be recognized as one of the best classes from the 2026 NFL Draft. Of course, this came at the cost of the New York Giants trading All-Pro defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence. That said, what happened in Round 1 justified it. Arvell Reese was arguably a top-three prospect in this class, and he is a more well-rounded off-ball linebacker than the Giants’ previous first-round selection Abdul Carter. New York is getting someone with an All-Pro ceiling, and even a 90th percentile result is a perennial Pro Bowl selection who can make an impact on all three downs. With the 10th overall pick, the Giants upgraded their offensive line with Francis Mauigoa. He can be an excellent starter at guard, and by kicking him inside, his timeline to becoming an above average player is accelerated.

We also really liked what New York did the other day. Colton Hood was a marginal talent in the first round, and the Giants took him with the 37th overall pick. He projects to be a quality No. 2 cornerback for a long time, and we’re especially excited to see how defensive coordinator Denard Wilson maximizes his instincts and press-man ability. To the Giants’ credit, they also found a nice complementary receiver to Malik Nabors in Notre Dame’s Malachi Fields (74th overall). He’s not a great athlete, but what matters is he’s 6 feet 4 inches tall, with a big catch radius and the ability to fight through contact. There’s a very good chance that New York came out with four starters, two on each side of the ball. This is a victory.

RELATED: Highlights from Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft

Baltimore Ravens

It’s safe to say that the Baltimore Ravens are happy that the Max Crosby trade just fell through (on their own account). Holding the 14th overall pick, the front office desperately needed help on the interior offensive line with Penn State’s Olivavega Ioane. Using a first-round pick on guard isn’t a “sexy” option, but he is one of the safest prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft class with a high chance of becoming an above-average starter for the Ravens.

On Day 2, some good luck occurred for Baltimore when leading tackle Zion Young slipped to 45th overall. A consensus top-40 prospect, Young offers the length-strength-intangibility combo that coaches love in an edge rusher. He can help establish the edge against the run immediately, and he has a long-term path to becoming a very effective three-down player. At No. 80 overall, Baltimore handed Lamar Jackson a pass-catching magnet in 6-foot-4 receiver Ja’Coby Lane. He’ll never be great at getting away from the defense, but the Ravens offense really needed someone who could come up with contested catches and make an impact inside the red zone. To complete that selection, Baltimore added receiver Elijah Sarratt on Day 3 (115th overall). The former Indiana standout isn’t a great athlete, but he knows how to use his 6-foot-2 body to beat corners and get his hands on the football. After a difficult free-agency period, Baltimore hit it out of the park with this draft.

READ MORE: Fantasy football analysis from Round 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft

New York Jets

What a strange world we live in where both the Giants and New York Jets are listed among the best 2026 NFL Draft classes. It certainly helps that having three first-round picks is the result of a teardown, but it really feels like the Jets front office has made very good connections with all three swings. David Bailey offers a Pro Bowl ceiling, and he could be even more impressive given the additional changes New York has already made to its front seven this offseason. The Jets then landed their top-rated pass-catcher in Kenyon Saadiq, whose athleticism and hands gave him a chance to become one of the five best tight ends in the NFL. Rounding out Round 1, New York selected wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. There are legitimate similarities to Deebo Samuel, at least in some of the ways he can be used and what he does as a receiver with the football in his hands.

The impact on cornerback D’Angelo Ponds is obvious: He’s 5 feet 8 inches tall. It is also undisputed that if he had been 5 feet 11 inches tall he would have been in the top 20. Ponds is a very good athlete with a high football IQ and tenacity that head coach Aaron Glenn will love. New York has done a really great job retooling their defense this season, and this draft class has shown a huge commitment to building a better supporting cast for the franchise quarterback heading into the 2027 NFL Draft.

RELATED: Winners, losers from Round 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft

cleveland browns

If we were ranking the best 2026 NFL Draft classes, the Cleveland Browns might be in the No. 1 spot. Landing a franchise quarterback was not possible, so general manager Andrew Berry focused on building the infrastructure for his future face of the franchise. Spencer Fano will immediately become a plug-and-play starter at left tackle for the Browns, which is another step toward dismantling last season’s disastrous offensive line. Cleveland then used their next two picks on Casey Concepcion (24th overall) and Denzel Boston (39th overall), two receivers whose games complement each other perfectly. An apt comparison for this duo is the skill sets that Jaylen Waddle and Courtland Sutton bring to the Denver Broncos’ passing game.

This is already a strong start to the draft. Cleveland then got draft-day steal Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, a first-round talent at safety who inexplicably fell to 58th overall. He can fly all the way down to attack anything in sight, and as a rookie he will play quite a few games inside the box. Berry then added more depth to the offensive line, grabbing swing tackle Austin Barber (86th overall) and interior lineman Parker Brailsford. This feels like an A-minus class for the Browns.

RELATED: Winners, losers from Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft

kansas city chiefs

The Kansas City Chiefs faced some skepticism for their decision to trade FLR All-American cornerback Mansur Delaney. In our view, you should be prepared to pay a little more to make sure you get a player you think can be a star. Delaney, the top cornerback in the 2026 NFL Draft class, could be a true No. 1 corner and given Steve Spagnuolo’s track record of developing defensive backs, he could be a lockdown perimeter defender. Obviously, given Trent McDuffie’s limitations playing on the boundary, Kansas City may be better off moving forward with this change.

In addition to that selection, Kansas City’s subsequent first-round selection of defensive tackle Peter Woods could yield massive returns a few years from now. He was a lot more show than substance at Clemson, but those peak moments were the type of performances you only see in top-10 prospects. He will also get guidance from Chris Jones. Smartly, the Chiefs continued to prioritize their defense with the selections of Mason Thomas (40th overall pick) and Jadon Canady. Thomas is on the small side as an edge rusher, but a great defensive coordinator can find ways to take advantage of his get-off, strength, motor and understanding of how to win with leverage. Kansas. As for Kennedy, it’s not hard to see him developing as a rookie for the Chiefs. The Chiefs draft class should be vastly improved defensively.

buffalo bill

Coming into the 2026 NFL Draft, there was a lot of talk about this year’s class not being top-heavy, but it did have some depth in terms of role players and upside. The Buffalo Bills had limited chances to take some of those risks until Brandon Beane was traded out of Round 1 altogether. The strategy was successful and Buffalo was well prepared for both the next season and the future.

With their top pick (35th overall), Buffalo made TJ Parker, a great player who would have been a reasonable selection 15 picks earlier. Late in the second round, Beane brought in cornerback Davison Igbinosun, whose length-athleticism combo is perfect for molding into a CB2. While he’s a project that needs to be cleaned up on penalties and footwork, Bills defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard is a great teacher.

On Day 3, the Bills coaching staff landed a new project offensive lineman in Jude Bourrie (102nd selection overall), who could be a swing tackle and develop into a future starter. Skylar Bell, a 5-foot-11 receiver from UConn, bears some resemblance to Khalil Shakir and projects as a useful No. 3 receiver. Buffalo then got more good value with its later picks, TCU linebacker Caleb Elarms-Orr and safety Jalon Kilgore. While there is a greater chance that they will not be successful and have a short NFL career, they also offer an extremely high ceiling.

Matt Johnson is the senior NFL and college football editor for Sportsknot. His work including the weekly NFL and college… More about Matt Johnson

Rounds 2 and 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft will really help shape the future of the National Football League. There are always Day 2 selections that prove to be massive hits for clubs every year and these selections also shed light on how the front office views the needs and future of the team.

As tonight’s action comes to a close, we’re providing some analysis on what we learned from tonight’s selections. The lessons outline how general managers and scouts view the 2026 NFL Draft class.

Let’s take a look at the takeaways from Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft.

The Houston Texans’ defense will be even more impressive in 2026

In 2025, the Houston Texans defense allowed the third-fewest total yards per drive (25.4) and second-fewest points per drive (1.54), all with the fourth-highest takeaway rate (14.6 percent) in the NFL. All of this was accomplished without getting a truly spectacular output from Demeco Ryans’ interior. That’s about to change. Kayden McDonald has been overshadowed by Ohio State’s stout defense, but he is an absolute force as a starter. A year after the Texans allowed the seventh-lowest rush success rate (37.7 percent), this could be a top-five run defense. That means a lot more second- and third-and-longs, which means the Texans’ pass rush gets more treats. Houston’s defense is going to be an even bigger problem for the rest of the league.

RELATED: Winners, losers from Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft

Teams excited by 2027 NFL Draft class

How high are NFL teams taking the 2027 class compared to the 2026 NFL Draft class? Just look at how few future picks were made over the last two nights. Historically, general managers have considered the current selection one round more valuable than a future selection. Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith is clearly a generational talent, a Julio Jones-caliber offensive prospect. Next year’s class is also more deep at running back, quarterback and wide receiver. There is some discussion among analysts that the 2027 class could be one of the strongest and deepest in recent years. This opinion seems to be shared based on how teams have dealt with their future draft capital.

The Cleveland Browns believe in Shedure Sanders

It’s become very clear that Todd Monken was telling the truth about his confidence in quarterback Shadure Sanders. While the front office believes there will be a starting quarterback battle, Sanders is the favorite, and Cleveland has invested premium draft capital in his support. Just look at how much better the supporting cast is now. Spencer Fano is a plug-and-play starter who should at least be serviceable at left tackle as a rookie, and his ceiling exceeds that. The Browns then doubled up at wide receiver, giving Sanders a YAC threat in Casey Concepcion who can get open quickly and complementing it with 6-foot-3 wideout Denzel Boston, who has some shades of Courtland Sutton, with glue-like hands and a huge catch radius. Boston and Concepcion help the quarterback in different ways and that’s what Sanders needed.

Philadelphia Eagles find their Jaylen Phillips replacement

The Philadelphia Eagles definitely wanted to bring back Jaylen Phillips, but the Carolina Panthers pushed the bidding war to a price that couldn’t be compared. Fast forward to the 2026 NFL Draft: Philadelphia flipped the 98th overall pick and a 2027 third-round selection to the Minnesota Vikings for edge rusher Jonathan Greenard. He only had 3 sacks last season, but was a double-digit sack player in the last two campaigns. He’s an above-average rusher, and the Eagles clearly believe he can return to his 2023-24 form, as evidenced by his $100 million contract extension.

NFL teams love TE class, hate 2026 QB and RB prospects

NFL free agency is usually a good indicator of how teams view certain positions in the upcoming draft class. A few months ago, Travis Etienne and Kenneth Walker got paid, while Keaton Mitchell, Rico Dowdle, Kenneth Gainwell, Rachad White, Chris Rodriguez Jr. and Zeke Dobbins were off the board early. Similarly, many quarterbacks found new homes and backups made good money. All this shows that NFL teams didn’t like quarterback and running back prospects other than blue-chip talent this year. That proved to be the case for only one of those taken in the first 75 picks (quarterback Carson Beck).

Meanwhile, Kenyon Saadiq was taken with the 16th overall pick on Thursday night, and we saw a run at tight ends in the middle of Day 2. From the 54th to the 73rd overall pick, six tight ends came off the board. There was a long stretch in the NFL where tight ends looked pretty thin. That’s no longer the case, and it’s clear that teams are placing more emphasis on 2TE sets.

Minnesota Vikings All In Brian Flores Front Seven

Based on the Minnesota Vikings draft selections this year you would think Brian Flores is the head coach, not Kevin O’Connell. Minnesota took a big gamble in Round 1 on defensive tackle Caleb Banks, betting on his elite size and athleticism to have success in Flores’ system and ignoring long-term injury concerns with his foot. On the second day, the Vikings landed linebacker Jake Golde. It’s another bet on explosiveness and size, with Golde (6-foot-4 and 1.60 10-yard dash) really showcasing that ability as a blitzer. In Round 3, Minnesota added some significant beef to the interior by landing Dominique Orange. Standing at 6-foot-2 and over 320 pounds, he is a classic nose tackle who makes his presence felt in the run. Minnesota will once again boast one of the league’s best defenses in 2026.

Matt Johnson is the senior NFL and college football editor for Sportsknot. His work including the weekly NFL and college… More about Matt Johnson

Round 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft is in the books, and there were some surprising moves made on Thursday night. There were several players projected to make the top 32 who would remain on the board in Round 2. Before the second night of the draft, let’s take a look at the 20 best players still set to go in this week’s NFL Draft.

Denzel Boston, WR, Washington

Washington receiver Denzel Boston still needs some time to develop, but he could be a star at the next level. He has a very good start, good speed, is effective at winning jump balls and competitive pass battles, and is a problem in the red zone.

Still, there are concerns about his ability to stay away from press coverage. This is a major reason why he was not taken in Round 1.

Zion Young, Edge, Missouri

Missouri EDGE runner Zion Young could be a difference maker at the next level. He has good size and strength which proves valuable in driving passes and blowing up run blocks. Plus, he’s a dog who brings fiery energy to the field and locker room.

Young’s biggest shortcomings are his speed, range, and limited moves when trying to shed pass blockers. At the very least, he can contribute immediately as a run stopper.

Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee

After a big sophomore season, where he earned Second-Team All-American honors, Tennessee corner Jermod McCoy was sidelined his junior year after tearing his ACL. If not, he likely would have been a first-rounder this week.

McCoy is a very good athlete who shows explosiveness and quick feet. He has also proven that he has good instincts for breaking up passes and getting interceptions. However, he struggles against faster receivers and when he goes for passes against stronger opposition.

CJ Allen, LB, Georgia

The best way to summarize Georgia linebacker CJ Allen is extremely solid. His athleticism and highlight reel don’t demand attention. However, he is a smart player who helps elevate the talent around him as a very good “green dot” leader on defense. He is not great in any one area, nor is he a liability. Allen can be a reliable three-down linebacker.

Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee

Tennessee cornerback Colton Hood had the potential to go in the first round. However, he still needs to improve his coverage techniques and instincts. Additionally, he is very good in press coverage as he uses his physical ability to outmaneuver opposing wide receivers. The same aggression proves valuable in stopping the run as well. With development, Hood could be an impressive cornerback at the next level.

Chase Bisontis, G, Texas A&M

Texas A&M guard Chase Bissontis is one of the better players at his position in this year’s class. He’s a talented run blocker with good footwork, above-average strength, and brings out a nasty streak when needed. However, he did not go into Round 1 due to concerns about his pass blocking as he has shown problems to opponents.

Bisontis still has a lot of potential and can definitely be a worthwhile starter in the NFL.

Jeremy Bernard, WR, Alabama

Alabama wide receiver Jermaine Bernard brings some nice tools to the team that selects him in the NFL Draft. He is a smooth route runner with good size and acceleration. He can play outside or become a matchup problem in the slot.

The biggest issues with Bernard’s game are that he does not play commensurate with his size (6-foot-1 and 206 pounds) while struggling for balls in the air, and he is not a player who will stretch the field at an above-average level.

Kaden McDonald, DT, Ohio State

Many thought five Ohio State players could go in Round 1 of the NFL Draft on Thursday. However, defensive tackle Kaden McDonald was not called among the first 32 picks. That doesn’t mean he can’t become an impact player at the next level soon.

McDonald is not a tackle with real rush value, but he has shown he can be a high-level talent in stopping the run as he has natural leverage and sends shock waves to interior linemen during initial contact. The OSU star has also proven that he is very good at finding the ball carrier and making tackles.

Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo

In the right system, Toledo’s Emmanuel McNeil-Warren has star potential in the NFL. Often lined up in the box as a safety, he has consistently shown ability as a run-stopping difference-maker and an enforcer through the middle. Although he has solid coverage skills, he will still need to defend against mismatches with speedy burners on the outside.

Mike Washington Jr., RB, Arkansas

Arkansas running back Mike Washington Jr. has consistently improved at each stop. His speed and breakaway ability are his trademarks and can cause problems lining up when moving through interior traffic. However, he struggles to get to the hole quickly, fouls are a problem, and while he has good size (6-foot-1 and 223 pounds), he lacks the necessary composure when blocking. He could be a nice rotation addition at the next level.

R Mason Thomas, OLB, Oklahoma

Oklahoma’s R Mason Thomas has impressive speed and the ability to explode off the edge and slip into gaps in the offensive line. He also has better than expected power when he gets forward. However, when he has to stand 10 feet under and go to battle with a bigger, taller blocker, his game show looks go berserk. Still, he can definitely become an impact player in a few years.

Cassius Howell, OLB, Texas A&M

Texas A&M linebacker Cassius Howell could be an immediate difference-maker in the NFL as an EDGE rusher. He has a great first burst, is elusive, and owns a nasty spin move. Still, he needs to improve his handwork and his strength to better deal with run blockers and set the edge properly. But at the very least, he can be a designated player early in his career.

Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas

Texas linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. could be a Pro Bowler in a few years. He’s smart, has the power to blow up run plays, and the speed to hold his own in coverage or move from sideline to sideline. The bigger issue was that most of their success came from a lot of run-blitz calls. He also needs to work on disguising his attacks and missed a surprising number of tackles two years ago.

Brandon Sissay, CB, South Carolina

South Carolina cornerback Brandon Cisse is an explosive athlete who is strong and has good length to intercept passes. But his impressive athleticism has masked some of his technical and instinctive shortcomings at the college level. That’s pretty much a next level project. However, he has the highest ceiling compared to other players at this point in the NFL Draft.

Lee Hunter, DT, Texas Tech

Texas Tech nose tackle Lee Hunter could be a strong anchor on a 3-4 defensive line. While he needs development in his block-shedding techniques and winning in the gap, at 6-foot-3, 318 pounds and with a 6-foot-9 wingspan, he’s quite good at run-stuffing the middle. For now, he estimates it’s primarily an early-down threat.

Emmanuel Pregnon, G, Oregon

In a run-heavy attack, Oregon’s Emmanuel Pregnon would be a very nice addition in Round 2. The 6-foot-4, 314-pounder is durable, experienced, and is a nasty downhill blocker due to his upper body strength. Not surprisingly, his lack of quickness in pass blocking is a notable issue. But he is a smart and consistent player.

Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech

Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez entered the college ranks as an offensive tackle, but has reached the next level as a very productive tackling machine. He has good explosion and is difficult to catch on blocks because he focuses on quick ball handlers. Despite his production, he drops to Round 2 as he has trouble with big blockers and can often be fooled due to misdirection and play actions.

Avion Terrell, CB, Clemson

Avion Terrell, brother of 2020 Atlanta Falcons first-round pick AJ Terrell, is a good athlete who moves well and is at his best in press-man coverage. While he struggles against larger receivers due to his size (5-foot-10 and 186 pounds), he is good at getting upset at the catch. He plans to be a very good nickelback early in his career.

Eli Stowers, TE, Vanderbilt

Vanderbilt tight end Eric Stowers is a former quarterback with a lot of potential. He has great hands and is an exceptional athlete. He can also beat downfield linebackers with his speed and is strong on his breaks. But he still needs a lot of development in his route running and isn’t a strong enough run blocker for a position where that’s a critical need.

Zacharias Branch, WR, Georgia

Georgia’s Zachariah Branch can turn routine plays into explosive plays due to his breakaway speed. He is much stronger than he looks and has shown his toughness on several occasions. He needs work on his route running, but offers the option to become a returner as he develops his skills.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

The first round of the 2026 NFL Draft is over, and we’ve seen some skill players come off the board. Jeremiah Love is the headliner, but there are several top wide receiver prospects who are finding themselves in attractive landing spots and, of course, there are quarterbacks and tight ends who have come off the board.

Let’s dive into our fantasy football analysis of where each skill player taken in Round 1 ended up. Note, we’re doing this in the order they were chosen.

RELATED: Winners, losers from Round 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft

Fernando Mendoza, QB, Las Vegas Raiders

How do you feel about Jared Goff? That’s pretty much all you’re going to get from Fernando Mendoza in his peak years. The good news is that he already has an All-Pro offensive weapon in Brock Bowers, and we’re confident that Clint Kubiak can get the most out of Mendoza. For 2026, we don’t see any realistic outcome where Mendoza is a top-16 fantasy quarterback. Looking ahead to the next decade, his status could be one of their top-12 fantasy options.

Jeremiah Love, RB, Arizona Cardinals

Was this the ideal landing spot for Jeremiah Love from a fantasy football perspective? No, not even close. The Arizona Cardinals’ offensive line leaves a lot to be desired and, as helpful as Jacoby Brissett was in increasing their number of pass-catchers, Love will face a stacked box because of who Arizona has under center. As the saying goes, it’s the talent that counts. Ashton Jeanty averaged the 11th-most fantasy points among running backs on ESPN as a rookie, and Love’s pass-catching ability is better. We see Love as a top 10 fantasy pick this season and, if the situation ever improves in Arizona, he could be a top three RB in the offseason alongside Bijan Robinson and Jahmir Gibbs.

RELATED: 2026 Dynasty Positional Rankings

Carnell Tate, WR, Tennessee Titans

The Tennessee Titans made it abundantly clear tonight that they are fully in on Cam Ward and are willing to invest premium draft capital to back him up. Carnell Tate, the most polished wide receiver prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft, steps in as the clear No. 1 receiver in Brian Daboll’s offense. When people compare him to Calvin Ridley, remember this is the version of the player who put up 3,061 receiving yards and 26 touchdowns in his first three seasons with the Atlanta Falcons. We’d feel confident drafting Tate as a mid-tier WR2 in fantasy football this year, and he could be a high-tier No. 2 long-term.

Jordan Tyson, WR, Arizona State

Medical care is the primary concern for Jordan Tyson. Standing 6 feet 2 inches tall with very good speed and excellent ball skills, he is capable of making big plays both downfield and in the red zone. He’s already a very good route runner who knows how to isolate downfield, a perfect pairing with Tyler Shaw. Some will point to the downside that he’ll share looks with Chris Olave, but Kellen Moore is a very good play-caller, and there are a growing number of examples of a passing game that can support two high-end receivers from a fantasy perspective. We think Tyson can become a low-end WR2 this season, but there will be some instability, and you must remember he has a long track record of lower body injuries.

Ty Simpson, QB, Los Angeles Rams

Well, that’s what happened. Ty Simpson clearly has no fantasy football value in 2026. So, it’s really an attempt to look at him through the lens of the dynasty perspective. There really isn’t a better landing spot for a young quarterback, as this Los Angeles Rams offense will have Sean McVay and Puka Nakua for years to come. It appears we are optimistic about Simpson long-term. Except that, Simpson is only a pedestrian athlete at the quarterback position, with arm strength and playmaking ability that can only be described as adequate. There is no top five fantasy QB upside here, not by a long shot. We don’t view him as a quarterback prospect worth passing on.

Kenyon Saadiq, TE, New York Jets

The fantasy football landscape at tight end isn’t as thin as it used to be. That said, Kenyon Saadiq has the potential to be a top-five player at the position. He is “only” 6 feet 3 inches tall, but his athleticism is off the charts. He is just as capable of leapfrogging a defender (43.5″ vertical leap) or making an acrobatic catch in the end zone as he is taking a short pass and turning on the jets with his speed (4.39 40-yard dash time). Plus, landing with the New York Jets means he’s in the offense with the No. 1 wide receiver, who immediately draws the defense’s attention, and New York’s other first-round pick (Omar Cooper Jr.) creates even more open space. NFL comparisons to Vernon Davis and Trey McBride; Sadiq is that special someone as an athlete and he could be one of the best fantasy players in the coming years.

Makai Lemmon, WR, Philadelphia Eagles

So it is clear that AJ Brown is being traded to the New England Patriots in the first week of June. Makai Lemon, who almost landed with the Pittsburgh Steelers, immediately moved into the No. 2 role in the Philadelphia Eagles offense. This assumes he’s playing DeVonta Smith’s role (113 targets in 17 games last season). There are Amon-Ra Saint Brown-lite qualities here with Lemon, and his skill set is perfect for making an impact in his rookie season. However, his upside is limited as he will be in a run-heavy offense and catching passes from a quarterback whose accuracy issues have already frustrated his two star wide receivers. Lemon may be a high-end WR2 in fantasy at some point in his career, but he’ll become a WR3 in 2026.

Casey Concepcion, WR, Cleveland Browns

While the quarterback situation is still a bit fluid with the Cleveland Browns, we like this landing spot for Casey Concepcion. He has an opportunity to immediately become the best receiver on the Browns offense, and play-caller Todd Monken has a proven track record of finding ways to get the football in the hands of his playmakers. As a rookie, we could also see Cleveland take advantage of his explosiveness as a returner. Our guess is that Concepcion will become a risk-reward WR3 this upcoming season and, in the long term, if he cleans up the downs and gets a great quarterback, he could be a high-end WR2.

Omar Cooper Jr., WR, New York Jets

Reporting in the weeks leading up to the 2026 NFL Draft made it clear that the New York Jets were relying heavily on Omar Cooper Jr. Sure enough, they moved late in Round 1 to stop him. The NFL comparisons to Deebo Samuel are legitimate; Cooper offers attractive YAC ability at 6 feet tall, and defensive backs have a tough task bringing him down. He’s also running in a situation where Garrett Wilson and Kenyon Saadiq will already draw defenders away, creating more open space for Cooper to operate. He profiles as a low-end WR3 in fantasy for the 2026 season, but there is a very real long-term benefit to him being a strong WR2.

Jadarion Price, RB, Seattle Seahawks

Jadarion Price has certainly landed in a relatively favorable spot from a fantasy football perspective. Zach Charbonnet faces a long recovery from ACL surgery in January, and Emmanuel Wilson isn’t much of a depth prospect. Price entered the NFL with minimal tread on tires, handling only 295 career touches in three seasons at Notre Dame. He averaged more than 6 yards per carry in each of his previous seasons and scored a total of 20 scrimmage touchdowns on 243 attempts. The approach he brings bodes well for immediate success, and a clear path to a leading role in the Seahawks’ offense. However, his current limitations at third in PPR scoring impact his value. For now, he projects as a low-end RB2 in 2026 with more solid flex play.

Matt Johnson is the senior NFL and college football editor for Sportsknot. His work including the weekly NFL and college… More about Matt Johnson

One notable NFL Draft expert believes the New York Giants could make a very questionable decision with their first pick in tonight’s event.

There is a lot of excitement surrounding the first draft of the John Harbaugh era for the Giants. With the No. 5 pick heading into this week’s event, the team has several directions it can go. In various mock drafts since the season ended, Big Blue has been linked to a boatload of five players, including Ohio State’s Caleb Downs and Notre Dame’s Jeremiah Love.

However, Thursday night got even more exciting for Giants fans last week when the team somehow managed to acquire the 10th overall pick from the Cincinnati Bengals in exchange for disgruntled three-time Pro Bowler Dexter Lawrence. The G-Men now have two picks in the top 10, and there is new speculation over who they might take with that second selection.

One name that has come up frequently in recent conversations is Arizona State wide receiver, Jordan Tyson. A player who impressed in his open workout last week. Still, while some believe he could be the best receiver in this year’s class, he was projected to fall out of the top 15 for a few weeks due to injury concerns and declining issues last season.

Could the New York Giants use the No. 5 pick on Jordan Tyson?

But taking him 10th overall could still be a smart risk because of his high upside. However, during an appearance rich eisen show This week, ESPN draft expert Matt Miller suggested the Giants could use their pick five on Tyson when asked about a potential surprise in Round 1.

Miller said, “I think it would be surprising. Where the Giants get on the clock, and whether it’s you guys, or you know, Mel Kiper and those guys talking about it, and you’re running through all the options of these defensive players, and they call out Jordan Tyson.”

Tyson is a very talented player, but there are good reasons to be concerned about his durability at the next level. Selecting him at age 10 may be a reach, but a worthwhile risk. There’s no point in taking a player originally expected to go in the top five at pick 15 when Harbaugh and the front office have the luxury of picking again at 10.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

The 2026 NFL Draft takes place tonight at 8 PM ET, and the Detroit Lions hold the 17th overall pick in the first round. After missing the postseason in 2025, succeeding with their first-round pick will be key to continued roster growth.

Still, the Lions can’t be satisfied with holding on and picking at 17th. They may have their eye on a top prospect who Detroit thinks won’t fall into their draft slot.

According to ESPN’s NFL insider Jeremy Fowler, the Lions are making “trade calls” for Thursday’s event. He further stated that “some teams are looking at Detroit as a trade-up threat.”

The Lions could take a look at one of several offensive tackles who are projected to be selected in the first round after Taylor Decker’s request for and his release is granted. Detroit plans to transition Penei Sewell from right to left tackle, but the Lions still need a replacement for their All-Pro on the right side.

Of course, Lions general manager Brad Holmes is known for some draft day surprises. Often Leos go into the night with a specific need, but emerge with a different playmate. Maybe they are planning the same thing again.

With a total of nine draft selections, the Lions have some extra ammo to play with. Still, they don’t even have a third-round pick this year, so dipping into their 2027 draft capital may be necessary for a big move.

RELATED: Final 2026 NFL mock draft: Projecting Round 1 with trades

Dedicated NFL copywriter/editor. My work has been found on SportsNut, Sports Illustrated, Sporting News, MSN, Yahoo, and Minnesota Sports… More about Andrew Buller-Russ

Before the Raiders hit the clock, I want to go on the record.

Every year I do this. Every year, some of these age beautifully and some of them get screenshotted and thrown back in my face by people in my mentions who have been waiting since April to do the exact same thing. Good. This is the deal. You want accountable tech, they’re here.

Let’s start with the obvious and get it out of the way.

Fernando Mendoza has become number 1. I’m really going out on a limb here, aren’t I? The Raiders took over an Indiana quarterback who went 16–0, won a Heisman, threw 41 touchdowns against six interceptions and completed 72% of his passes in a national championship season. It takes almost zero courage to predict this. John Spytek said he has received calls about the selection and that teams “know where they stand.” This GM means stop calling us.

Mendoza is a Raider as of Thursday night at 8:15 pm Eastern time. write it down.

Now this is where it gets interesting.

How the top of the draft plays out past Mendoza

Jets It’s two o’clock and I’m taking Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey over Ohio State’s Arvel Reese. I know this is an unpopular approach. Reese is the unanimous choice, the athleticism darling, the guy most analysts have cornered. I don’t care. The Jets aren’t drafting for upside right now – they’re drafting for production. Bailey led the Big 12 with 14.5 sacks last season, posted 19.5 tackles for loss, and was disruptive every week against real competition. Reese has a high ceiling. Bailey has a track record. New York has been trying to replace their pass rush for half a decade and they don’t have the luxury of waiting on the potential Bailey already has to develop. The Jets took Bailey, and in two years no one remembered it being a surprise. But, this is a prediction that most of you will take a screenshot of.

Cornell Tate could not advance further than eighth place. On most boards he’s going somewhere between six and nine, and I’m not arguing with that range. He’s the most complete receiver in this class, a legitimate route runner who draws comparisons to Justin Jefferson from people whose opinions I really respect. Cleveland needs a receiver so badly that if he’s there at six, they’re not waiting. If it somehow falls, someone will do the business. Tate is leaving quickly with a smile on his face.

Omar Cooper Jr. is the wild card of the first round. Most big boards right now have him going between 13 and 16 — Dan Brugler at The Athletic has him ranked 21st overall, NFL.com’s Mock continues to have him landing at 13 on the Rams, and Todd McShay has him in the middle of the first round. Daniel Jeremiah expressed the possibility that he would lose in the second round. I think the truth lies somewhere between the consensus and Jeremiah. His receiving totals never topped 1,000 yards in college, and for all the athleticism and yards after the catch, NFL teams are going to be talking to themselves before Thursday night is over. He doesn’t make it to Round 2, but he doesn’t make it to Round 13 either. Cooper lands somewhere in the 18-22 range, and whoever took him there feels like they stole something.

What about the Raiders in Round 2?

Now – Raiders at 36.

The receiver board in this location is actually quite interesting. Zachariah Branch, Kevin Concepcion, and Isaiah Bonds all sit in that late-first to mid-second tier, and in most years at least one – if not two – of them are gone before the Raiders even get on the clock. Concepcion, in particular, is a mid-20s player on a lot of boards and probably shouldn’t have gotten here. If he does that, this type of slide teams onto the podium quickly. Any one of them makes sense here.

But the name I remember over and over again is Jeremy Bernard. The Alabama receiver doesn’t have the buzz of the top names in this class, but he weighs in at 6-1, 206 pounds and led the Crimson Tide in catches last season with 50 receptions for 794 yards. Dan Brugler called him a favorite among scouts and coaches, especially because of his versatility in all formations and his competitive mentality. He’s not a slam dunk pick here – Branch and Bonds both have arguments – but if Spytek is building around Mendoza’s comfort and wants a receiver who can line up at multiple spots and work quickly, Bernard fits that profile better than anyone else at this level. Kubiak will find ways to get him the ball.

Either way, the Raiders come out of Round 2 with a pass catcher. I’ll bet on it.

Attackers in Round 3 and beyond

When Vegas gets to 67 in round 3, I think SpyTech goes to the rescue. Specifically, defensive tackle. McDonald visited Henderson and everyone keeps throwing up his name, but let’s be honest – Kayden McDonald is an intriguing prospect. Many boards have him in the mid to late round of the first round, and if he somehow ends up in the late part of Round 2, Spytek should be trading on the phone, not sitting and waiting. He will no longer be there at the age of 67.

A more realistic target is Domonique Orange out of Iowa State. He visited Henderson, he weighs 325 pounds and projects as a round 3-4 pick across the board. He’s not a pass rusher, but in Rob Leonard’s 3-4, the nose tackle’s job is to hold the point of attack and keep the linebackers clean. Orange does exactly that.

Chris McClellan from Missouri is another name here. He also visited, and what separates him from the Orange isn’t pass-rush production (scouts doubt that part of his game), it’s versatility. McClellan can line up anywhere from zero-technique to 4i, which gives a defensive coordinator more options depending on personnel. One of them is a raider as of Saturday morning.

The secondary is addressed on the third day with at least one selection of the fourth round. Three fourth rounders are a luxury. Spytek uses one on a cornerback – I guess Delenn Everett from Georgia visited. The projection range on Everett is wide, anywhere from the end of Day 2 to the beginning of Day 3, so nabbing him with one of those fourth-round picks is realistic without a stretch.

The running back comes in on day three. There’s the name of Indiana’s Kellon Black – physical runner, strong in pass protection, and running backs to that national championship with Mendoza in two seasons. He projects in the fifth or sixth round, right where the Raiders have options sitting. You’re not asking him to go back to being featured. You’re asking him to provide a capable rotation option to Ashton Jeanty and contribute on special teams. Black can do this.

Then there’s Boston College offensive lineman Logan Taylor, who made the top 30 with the Raiders. He weighs 6-7, 314 pounds and started games at all four positions on the line in college – left tackle, left guard, right guard, right tackle. He is not someone who has wandered into a position; He is a man who has learned how to play football. You don’t need that to get started. You need him to give your offensive line room a reliable backup who can plug in anywhere when things get rough, and Taylor provides exactly that. He is the person chosen for the third day who fits the role of the third day perfectly.

Then it’s a receiver, a safety or two, a linebacker that makes your special teams coach smile. The third day is where you throw darts and hope one of them sticks.

Here’s my main takeaway: The Raiders will not be a contender in 2026. Anyone telling you otherwise is not straight with you. Six wins, maybe seven, is a realistic outcome in Year 1 of this rebuild. But a good draft – a Mendoza, a receiver at 36, a nose tackle at 67, secondary depth in Round 4, and a running back with system familiarity at the end of Day 3 – sets this thing up nicely for 2027 and beyond.

Check back Friday morning. I will remain here, either paying obeisance or explaining myself.

maybe both.

Scott Gulbransen, a quintessential expert in the field of sports journalism, serves as an editor, nfl , mlb , Formula 1 … More about Scott Gulbransen

The New York Giants are the most interesting team heading into the 2026 NFL Draft. They are the only team with two top 10 picks, and no one is sure what they intend to do with those selections.

That’s what the Giants brass want as they enter their first draft under new head coach John Harbaugh. Although we’re more than four months away from the regular season, New York is always competing against 31 other teams, and you never want your opponents to know about your plans.

There has been speculation for months as to what the team will do with the fifth overall selection. With the draft just hours away, opinions and mock drafts still vary on who the newest veteran will be.

The players who have generated the most buzz are Notre Dame running back Jeremiah Love, Ohio State Buckeyes Sonny Styles, Caleb Downs, Carnell Tate and Miami offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa. But there is also speculation that the team is not as dominant over him as some people believe.

Harbaugh, general manager Joe Schoen and senior vice president of football operations Don Aponte have done an excellent job of disguising which direction the team could go with their first pick. This is a stark contrast to the last two drafts, where it was clear New York had its eyes on Malik Nabors in 2024 and Abdul Carter last year.

after receiving 10^th No one is sure who the Giants might take with their second pick in the Dexter Lawrence trade to the Cincinnati Bengals. If Downs and Mauigoa are still available, some think the team will not give both players a second try. Also, there is a thought that they could take LSU corner Mansoor Delaney. But for the past few days, there has been talk that the team is relying more on Arizona State wide receiver Jordan Tyson.

Of the receivers in this draft class, the 6’2 203-pound Tyson is viewed as the player with the highest ceiling as he has the speed and size to be a dynamic player. However, he has a history of knee, collarbone and hamstring injuries, and there are concerns about how his body will hold up while playing on the MetLife Stadium turf.

There are reports that the team will consider trading up to the middle or late 10th round pick to acquire more picks since the team is without a selection in the third round. The belief is that they will use a pick in the middle or late rounds and take a defensive tackle to replace Lawrence.

The bottom line is that no one outside the Giants organization knows for sure how they will land in the first round of the draft, and you have to give everyone involved credit for putting up a smoke screen. In the previous build-up to the draft, teams acted as if they were playing checkers; This year, they are playing chess and everyone is guessing what move they will make.

RELATED: 2026 New York Giants mock draft, Nos. 5 to 193

The 2026 NFL Draft is fast approaching, and there has been a lot of attention paid to which direction the New Orleans Saints might lean with the eighth overall selection in the first round. Still, with a total of eight selections in the three-day event, the Saints will still find immediate contributors later on, especially considering they have two other selections in the top 73 selections.

However, the Saints could also use the draft as an opportunity to acquire one of their most recognizable players, depending on how the draft board looks for both them and other teams.

According to Saints general manager Mickey Loomis, the outcome of this weekend’s draft could “impact” the future of Alvin Kamara and Cameron Jordan’s status with the team.

“I think it could have an impact on it,” Loomis said. “You know, we’ll see what happens, and it goes both ways, it could impact them, from their perspective and also from our perspective.”

Jordan is already a free agent. Meanwhile, the Saints signed running back Travis Etienne to a four-year, $48 million contract this offseason, and Kamara is entering the final year of his contract. It’s certainly possible that another team would be willing to part with a third-day draft selection in exchange for Kamara. The five-time Pro Bowl back is now 30 years old and is playing his first season without at least 1,000 yards from scrimmage.

For a Saints team that has already moved on at the RB position, parting ways with Kamara for any type of draft compensation would be a win. Plus, they would be doing one of their franchise icons a favor by giving them a better opportunity elsewhere. Of course, they could have done him an even bigger favor by releasing him entirely, giving Kamara the chance to choose his own team rather than being traded there.

RELATED: Final 2026 NFL mock draft: Projecting Round 1 with trades

Dedicated NFL copywriter/editor. My work has been found on SportsNut, Sports Illustrated, Sporting News, MSN, Yahoo, and Minnesota Sports… More about Andrew Buller-Russ

The 2026 NFL Draft begins with first-round action on Thursday night, where the Los Angeles Rams have the 13th overall pick. Rams general manager Les Snead hasn’t selected this high since 2016, when he made a blockbuster move at No. 1 for Jared Goff.

Despite the presence of Puka Nakua and Davante Adams, many Rams mocks had them selecting a wide receiver who led the NFL in receiving yards and touchdowns in 2025. Still, Adams is 33 years old and entering the final year of his contract.

Adding another pass-catcher could certainly make a play at No. 13, but the Rams are a wild card; They’re not even close to forcing a first down on a receiver. In other words, he could deliver one of the biggest surprises of the draft.

Meanwhile, ESPN’s NFL insider Dan Graziano suggests that “some are also watching to see if they make a big move for Love, which would be a very exciting cherry on top of their offensive sundae.”

A trade for Love, which may require launching up to the third pick via a trade with the Arizona Cardinals (who are open for business), would require a major investment from Los Angeles. But we’re talking about Les Snead here. The Rams aren’t afraid to trade a collection of draft picks for a player they want, like Jalen Ramsey or even Trent McDuffie.

This time, they’re doing it for a prospect, but someone who many consider to be the best player in the 2026 NFL Draft class. However, the Rams already have a Pro Bowl running back in Kyren Williams, who is still only 25 years old? Will they really do everything possible to land another Notre Dame running back? It will definitely be a surprise, but also fun.

RELATED: Final 2026 NFL mock draft: Projecting Round 1 with trades

Dedicated NFL copywriter/editor. My work has been found on SportsNut, Sports Illustrated, Sporting News, MSN, Yahoo, and Minnesota Sports… More about Andrew Buller-Russ

Claiming the 12th and 20th overall picks in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, the Dallas Cowboys will emerge from Thursday as a better team. After allowing the most points in the NFL in 2025, many expect the Cowboys to turn their attention to defense with one or possibly both selections.

Of course, trading for a top prospect could change those plans. Still, given how well the Cowboys have drafted, they’d probably prefer to have two selections in the first round. The other interesting thing is that the Cowboys often target a player that some analysts believe is a reach, a surprise or even a shocking selection.

Recently, when Essential Sports’ NFL insider Tony Pauline was asked which teams and/or players could lead to a “shocking” selection in the first round of the draft, he didn’t hesitate to name the Cowboys.

As mentioned, the Cowboys have a recent history of making surprise picks in the first round. One could argue they’ve done this in each of the last four drafts, selecting Tyler Booker, Tyler Guyton, Mazzie Smith and Tyler Smith.

If they select someone like Johnson or Rodriguez, especially at age 20, both would qualify as surprise picks, as both players are viewed as more likely to come off the board on the first, if not the second, day of the NFL Draft.

RELATED: Dallas Cowboys Draft Rumors: Trade Update + Key Prospect Watch

Dedicated NFL copywriter/editor. My work has been found on SportsNut, Sports Illustrated, Sporting News, MSN, Yahoo, and Minnesota Sports… More about Andrew Buller-Russ

达拉斯牛仔队拥有 2026 年 NFL 选秀首轮第 12 顺位和第 20 顺位选秀权，将从周四开始成为一支进步的球队。在 2025 年获得 NFL 最高分后，许多人预计牛仔队将通过其中一项甚至两项选择将注意力集中在防守上。

当然，对顶级前景的交易可能会改变这些计划。然而，考虑到牛仔队的选秀水平，也许他们更愿意坚持并在第一轮做出两个选择。另一件有趣的事情是，牛仔队经常瞄准一些分析师认为是一个触及范围、令人惊讶甚至令人震惊的选择的球员。

最近，当 Essentially Sports 的 NFL 内部人士 Tony Pauline 被问及哪些球队和/或球员能够在选秀首轮中获得“令人震惊”的选择时，他毫不犹豫地提到了牛仔队。

如前所述，牛仔队最近有一些令人惊讶的首轮选择。有人可能会说他们在过去四次选秀中都这样做了，选择了泰勒·布克、泰勒·盖顿、马兹·史密斯和泰勒·史密斯。

如果他们选择像约翰逊或罗德里格斯这样的人，特别是在 20 岁的时候，两人都将有资格成为意外选择，因为这两名球员被认为更有可能在 NFL 选秀的第一天晚些时候被淘汰，即使不是在第二天。

相关：达拉斯牛仔队选秀传闻：交易更新+主要前景观察

专门的 NFL 文案/编辑。我的作品出现在《Sportsnaut》、《体育画报》、《体育新闻》、MSN、雅虎和《明尼苏达体育》上……有关安德鲁·布勒-拉斯的更多信息

After months of intense debate and evaluation of players, the Arizona Cardinals are finally ready to use the third overall selection on who they hope can become a franchise cornerstone. Of course, Cardinals general manager Monty Ossenfort could find a trade offer too good to refuse, allowing Arizona to add to their draft capital while still getting a prospect they like a lot.

Still, the Cardinals themselves may not yet know what they’ll be doing on draft day. Like most other teams, the Cardinals’ plans may depend on how the draft board goes past them, with the Jets selecting at No. 2, and rumor that they are targeting a pass-rusher.

According to NFL insider Tony Pauline of Essential Sports, the Cardinals’ GM “wants” Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey. If he is no longer available, the Cardinals front office will “try hard” to trade up in the first round.

Pauline wrote, “The Cardinals, especially general manager Monty Ossenfort, want David Bailey.” “If he’s not available, Arizona will work hard to move the selection up. They could potentially move the selection up before the draft starts. If Bailey is unavailable and they can’t move up the selection, I’m told it’s unlikely they select Arvel Reese, as they view him as a hybrid defender versus a pure edge rusher, and the Cardinals have bombed out on hybrid selections in the past.”

The Cardinals have attempted to draft guys who have no natural home in the NFL, such as eight-year-old Isaiah Simmons in 2020 and 16-year-old Zavon Collins in 2021. Neither one has lived up to their potential, and the fear is that Reese won’t either.

However, Ossenfort wasn’t even with the Cardinals in 2020 or 2021, meaning he had nothing to do with the Cardinals’ previous draft misses. One would think this shouldn’t impact how the Cardinals pursue draft prospects, but unless Pauline’s report is a smokescreen, Arizona doesn’t appear to be too impressed with Reese, leaving us to wonder how far Ohio State could fall on hybrid draft day.

RELATED: Arizona Cardinals target elite position on 3+ trade in late first round

Dedicated NFL copywriter/editor. My work has been found on SportsNut, Sports Illustrated, Sporting News, MSN, Yahoo, and Minnesota Sports… More about Andrew Buller-Russ

经过几个月的激烈辩论和球员评估，亚利桑那红雀队最终决定使用第三顺位选秀权来选择他们希望成为球队基石的人。当然，红雀队总经理蒙蒂·奥森福特可能会收到一份好得难以拒绝的交易报价，从而导致亚利桑那州增加其选秀资本，同时仍然获得他们高度渴望的前景。

然而，红雀队自己可能还不知道他们在选秀日会做什么。和大多数其他球队一样，红雀队的计划可能取决于选秀委员会的排名，喷气机队在第二顺位选择，并且有传言说他们的目标是冲传球。

根据 Essentials Sports 的 NFL 内部人士托尼·波林 (Tony Pauline) 的说法，红雀队的总经理“想要”德州理工大学的冲锋手大卫·贝利 (David Bailey)。如果他无法上场，那么红雀队的管理层将“努力”在第一轮进行交易。

“红雀队，特别是总经理蒙蒂·奥森福特，想要大卫·贝利，”波林写道。 “如果他不能上场，亚利桑那州将努力移动选秀权。他们有可能在选秀开始之前就移动选秀权。如果贝利不能上场并且他们无法移动选秀权，我被告知他们不太可能选择阿维尔·里斯，因为他们认为他是一个混合防守者而不是纯粹的冲锋者，而红雀队过去在混合选择上失败了。”

红雀队试图选秀那些在 NFL 没有天然归属的选秀怪人，比如 2020 年 8 岁的以赛亚·西蒙斯 (Isaiah Simmons) 和 2021 年 16 岁的扎文·科林斯 (Zaven Collins)。两者都没有发挥出自己的潜力，人们担心里斯也不会。

不过，奥森福特甚至没有在 2020 年或 2021 年回到红雀队，这意味着他与红雀队之前的选秀失误没有任何关系。人们可能会认为这不会影响他对红雀队未来选秀前景的评分，但除非波琳的报告是烟幕弹，否则亚利桑那州似乎并不太迷恋里斯，这让我们想知道俄亥俄州立大学的混合体在选秀日可能会落下多远。

相关：亚利桑那红雀队的目标是 3 + 进入第一轮后期的特定位置

专门的 NFL 文案/编辑。我的作品出现在《Sportsnaut》、《体育画报》、《体育新闻》、MSN、雅虎和《明尼苏达体育》上……有关安德鲁·布勒-拉斯的更多信息

布法罗比尔队总经理布兰登·比恩已经习惯了 NFL 选秀如此晚的选秀时间，因此很难预测第一轮后半段会出现哪些新秀。当然，如前所述，这对于比尔队来说并不是什么新鲜事，自从他们在 2019 年 NFL 选秀中将埃德·奥利弗选为第九顺位选秀权以来，比尔队还没有进入过前十名。

这一次，比尔队直到首轮第26位才拥有选秀权。大多数比尔选秀预测都希望球队将重点放在外接手或后卫身上。事实证明，比尔队的评估者投入了大量时间来挖掘防守上的具体位置。

根据 Essentials Sports 的 NFL 内部人士 Tony Pauline 的说法，比尔队在 2026 年 NFL 选秀的无球后卫前景上做了“疯狂的工作”。

“在我之前的第一轮模拟选秀中，我让布法罗选择了乔治亚州的 CJ 艾伦，”波琳写道。 “我听说比尔队在第一轮选择后才选择了第 91 号，他们在无球线卫上做了大量的工作。”

艾伦是比尔队第 26 顺位的常见选择。他被认为是仅次于俄亥俄州立大学球星桑尼·斯泰尔斯的第二好的纯线卫前景，并且在 NFL 联合侦察队中以 4.47 秒的 40 码冲刺成绩被视为可能的第一轮选择。

比尔队在 NFL 选秀中共有 7 个选秀权，包括第 26 号和第 91 号。此后，找到直接贡献者的几率会大大降低，但比尔队仍然有 5 次机会找到可以破解他们阵容的人。

相关：NFL 执行官批评布法罗比尔队的休赛期策略

专门的 NFL 文案/编辑。我的作品出现在《Sportsnaut》、《体育画报》、《体育新闻》、MSN、雅虎和《明尼苏达体育》上……有关安德鲁·布勒-拉斯的更多信息

When selecting so late in the NFL Draft, as Buffalo Bills general manager Brandon Beane has become accustomed to, it becomes difficult to predict which prospects will be available in the latter half of the first round. Of course, as mentioned, this is nothing new for the Bills, who haven’t had a top-10 selection since making Ed Oliver the ninth overall selection in the 2019 NFL Draft.

This time, the Bills don’t have a pick until No. 26 in the first round. Most Bills draft projections expect the team to focus on a wide receiver or defender. It turns out, the Bills’ evaluators have invested a lot of time exploring a specific position on defense.

According to NFL insider Tony Pauline of Essential Sports, the Bills have done an “extreme amount of work” on off-ball linebacker prospects for the 2026 NFL Draft.

“In my first-round mock draft, I had Buffalo select Georgia’s C.J. Allen,” Pauline wrote. “I’m told the Bills, who don’t have a selection until No. 91 after their pick in the early frame, are doing a lot of work on off-ball linebackers.”

Allen has been a common choice for the Bills at No. 26. He is viewed as the second-best pure linebacker prospect behind Ohio State star Sonny Styles and a potential first-round selection after clocking a 4.47 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine.

The Bills have a total of seven selections in the NFL Draft, including Nos. 26 and 91. After that, the chances of finding an immediate contributor diminish significantly, but the Bills will still have five chances to find someone who can crack their roster.

RELATED: NFL executive criticizes Buffalo Bills’ offseason strategy

Dedicated NFL copywriter/editor. My work has been found on SportsNut, Sports Illustrated, Sporting News, MSN, Yahoo, and Minnesota Sports… More about Andrew Buller-Russ

Round 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft begins Thursday night and everyone knows Fernando Mendoza will be the first overall pick by the Las Vegas Raiders. After that, chaos can happen and we’re trying to present some surprises that could happen on draft night.

Let’s take a look at our final set of bold 2026 NFL Draft predictions for Round 1.

New Orleans Saints trade up for No. 3 pick

Myriad of NFL Draft rumors have made it clear that the Arizona Cardinals are engaged in talks to trade down from No. 3 overall. A deal with the Kansas City Chiefs is certainly possible, but general manager Mickey Loomis’ history of draft-day aggression leads us to believe it would be the New Orleans Saints. Along with the quarterback, New Orleans needs to find its own blue-chip talent on the defensive side. That would be Arvel Reese. While David Bailey is the better pass rusher at the moment, Reese offers more versatility as a player with a higher ceiling overall. He could be the centerpiece of the Saints defense for a decade.

RELATED: Small-school prospects worth knowing about in the 2026 NFL Draft

New York Giants snag Jordan Tyson, Caleb Downs

The Dexter Lawrence trade allows the New York Giants to double dip into this attractive prospect pool, addressing needs on both sides of the ball. We think the New York Giants will use the fifth overall pick on wide receiver Jordan Tyson, betting that his injury issues are behind him. When healthy, Tyson is a true No. 1 receiver whose skillset will complement Malik Nabors greatly. For the Giants, this gives Jackson Dart two No. 1 receivers to pair with tight end Isaiah Potential. With the 10th overall selection, head coach John Harbaugh is reminiscent of what the Baltimore Ravens did with the selection of Kyle Hamilton a few years ago. In grabbing All-American safety Caleb Downs at No. 10, New York gets a high-end starter who can do it all.

Washington Commanders Draft Jeremiah Love

Although there is a lot of talk that the Tennessee Titans could choose to bring back Jeremiah Love, we believe Robert Saleh will get his preferred player in David Bailey. So, with Tyson landing in New York, the Washington commanders’ dream scenario unfolds. Running backs may not be the Commanders’ highest need, but blue-chip edge defenders are off the board. It’s also worth remembering that many teams view Love as the best player in the 2026 NFL Draft. He may be just a level below Bijan Robinson as a prospect, but Love’s three-down ability and home-run explosiveness are reminiscent of an All-Pro. That’s the ability you want to pair with Jaden Daniels and Washington will get him.

RELATED: Why the Titans shouldn’t draft Jeremiah Love

Los Angeles Rams boost offense with Makai Lemon

If it hasn’t already been made clear, the Los Angeles Rams are all set heading into the 2026 season and are putting together possibly the best supporting cast around Matthew Stafford. That means selecting wide receiver Makai Lemon with the 13th overall pick. Lemon will be in a position to have plenty of guys to feed into in the Rams’ passing game, but he will also share the field with Puka Nakua and receive guidance from Davante Adams. If he can even be a discount version of Amon-Ra St. Brown, the Rams’ passing attack could be one of the best the NFL has seen in over a decade.

Arizona Cardinals trade up in Round 1 for Ty Simpson

We think a pair of NFC West teams would make unlikely trade partners in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. With the Seattle Seahawks actively seeking more draft capital this year, the Cardinals are taking advantage. After moving down from No. 3 earlier in the night and selecting right tackle Francis Mauigoa, the Cardinals tapped into their war chest of draft picks and moved up two spots from the 34th to 32nd selection overall. This secures a fifth-year option on quarterback Ty Simpson, while Seattle picks up some additional draft picks and possibly lands a player with the second pick in Round 2 that would be taken to end Round 1. A win-win for everyone, and Simpson walks into a position with an advanced offensive line and a great supporting cast of weapons in Trey McBride, Marvin Harrison Jr. and Michael Wilson.

Matt Johnson is the senior NFL and college football editor for Sportsknot. His work including the weekly NFL and college… More about Matt Johnson