NFL draft: Fernando Mendoza goes to Raiders at 1; Rams take Ty Simpson at 13
04, Jul 202671d ago / 11:18 PM EDT
First round ties the recent record for offensive linemen picks
It may not be the most exciting thing, but offensive linemen flew off the board tonight, tied for the most in the 21st century.
Seven tackles and two guards were selected, tied with 2024, 2022 and 2013. Offensive line is a strength of this draft class, and considering how hard it is to find good offensive line help in free agency, teams might have felt like they needed to take a swing when the opportunity presents itself.
71d ago / 11:17 PM EDT
Seahawks get their new Kenneth Walker: Jadarian Price
The Seahawks' identity is as a team that knows how to pound the rock. That's what makes Price such a great fit for them as they look to replace Kenneth Walker, who left for free agency, and bolster their depth as Zach Charbonnet recovers from a knee injury.
Price is more of a physical runner than a burner, but flashes good tackle-breaking ability. The fact that he played behind Jeremiyah Love is a double-edged sword: He doesn't have a ton of miles on his tires, but he hasn't ever had to handle a massive workload. He also didn't get much work catching passes in college, so it will be interesting to see what kind of role the Seahawks want him to play.
71d ago / 11:10 PM EDT
No. 32: Seattle Seahawks select Notre Dame RB Jadarian Price
Price played second fiddle to Jeremiyah Love at Notre Dame, but he was talented in his own right too. He's a sturdy running back who can break tackles, but he didn't get much pass-catching work in college.
71d ago / 11:08 PM EDT
Eagles swooped in front of Steelers to draft Lemon
According to the NFL Network, while Pittsburgh was on the phone with USC receiver Makai Lemon, with plans to take him 21st overall, Philadelphia traded up to 20 and grabbed Lemon for themselves. If Lemon becomes a star, that will be a "what if" moment that both Pennsylvania fanbases will remember.
71d ago / 11:07 PM EDT
Tennessee trades back into first round to take Keldric Faulk
The Titans entered the draft very much in need of more pass rush, someone to pair with Jermaine Johnson, an edge rusher they acquired from the Jets. At the No. 4 pick, the Titans passed on one of the draft's most dynamic edge rushers, Arvell Reese, to take a wide receiver, Carnell Tate from Ohio State.
Now a few hours later, Tennessee traded back into the first round, into pick No. 30, to pick Keldric Faulk, an defensive lineman from Auburn. Faulk stands 6-foot-6 and weighs 276 pounds and can play outside and inside. His position versatility was probably seen as a huge plus by Robert Saleh, the new Titans coach. But Faulk only recorded 10 sacks over three college seasons.
71d ago / 10:59 PM EDT
Chiefs beefing up the trenches
With the pick of Peter Woods, the Chiefs are hoping to add some girth to a defensive line that disappointed last season.
Kansas City finished 22nd in sacks last year despite having Chris Jones to wreak havoc on opposing quarterbacks. In Woods, the Chiefs get a high-potential prospect who didn’t quite hit his ceiling during his final collegiate season. Kansas City is hoping he can unlock his physical talents playing next to Jones and under defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, who has a history of developing pass rushers.
71d ago / 10:59 PM EDT
Jets grab their second pass-catcher of the night
Indiana's Omar Cooper Jr. goes No. 30 to New York, which also selected Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq earlier in the round. The Jets have given quarterback Geno Smith options, but will they have the pass protection to take advantage of the rookies?
Cooper was used almost always as a slot receiver at Indiana. It will be interesting to follow how the Jets view him.
71d ago / 10:58 PM EDT
No. 31: Tennessee Titans select Auburn DE Keldric Faulk
Faulk has impressive physical statute and is one of the youngest prospects in the draft. Many believe he hasn’t fully tapped into his potential, particularly as a pass rusher.
71d ago / 10:53 PM EDT
No. 30: New York Jets select Indiana WR Omar Cooper Jr.
Cooper Jr. is a playmaking talent with great pound-for-pound strength. He can bully his way into space underneath and create big plays with the ball in his hands. Of his total receiving yards in 2025, 494 came after the catch. His teammate, cornerback D’Angelo Ponds, compared him to Davante Adams at the NFL Combine because of his releases.
There are multiple grabs on his highlight reel where he makes unorthodox adjustments to the ball. He’s dangerous from the slot but has enough burst, speed and strength to win from the outside as well. I project a higher ceiling for Cooper Jr. at the next level.
71d ago / 10:50 PM EDT
No. 29: Kansas City Chiefs select Clemson DT Peter Woods
Another underperforming Clemson Tiger who came into the 2025 season as a potential top 10 pick, Woods joins a Chiefs pass rush where he can unlock the next gear many believe he has.
71d ago / 10:49 PM EDT
Patriots shore up their offensive line
The Patriots picking an offensive tackle in back-to-back first rounds sends a clear message about how they're trying to build around Drake Maye and their dynamic running back room. Lomu started two years at left tackle in college, so while he may slot in somewhere else on the line right now, he could be an insurance policy if the team decides that Will Campbell fits better inside.
71d ago / 10:47 PM EDT
Dolphins trade ups, takes ballhawk corner Chris Johnson
Earlier this offseason, Miami acquired the No. 30 pick in the first round this year when it traded wide receiver Jaylen Waddle to the Denver Broncos, as part of a seeming team-wide rebuilding effort. Entering the draft, the Dolphins were hard to predict. They needed talent pretty much everywhere.
Just now, the Dolphins moved up a few spots to No. 27, to snag Chris Johnson, a speedy cornerback from San Diego State. Johnson is an instinctive, athletic cornerback, who was the Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year. He could step in and start immediately on this Dolphins' defense.
Earlier, Miami drafted Alabama offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor at No. 12.
71d ago / 10:45 PM EDT
No. 28: New England Patriots select Utah OT Caleb Lomu
Overshadowed a bit by his teammate on the offensive line, Spencer Fano, Lomu has his share of fans too. He didn’t allow a sack last year and is a two-year starter at left tackle.
71d ago / 10:43 PM EDT
No. 27: Miami Dolphins select San Diego State DB Chris Johnson
A multi-year starter at San Diego State, Johnson impressed at the combine, where he ran a 4.4 second 40-yard dash and put up strong jumps. He's hardly a combine darling, and had a strong career against albeit less-than-stellar competition at times. Still, he has a lot of fans in draft circles, as experts regularly cite his athleticism, size, tackle ability and physical brand of coverage.
71d ago / 10:42 PM EDT
Houston trades up to help its offensive line
After trading with Buffalo to move up two spots, the Texans have taken Keylan Rutledge from Georgia Tech in a clear sign that they are still looking for ways to upgrade their offense and to protect quarterback C.J. Stroud.
The Texans really didn't have any need to pick a defender this early; their defense last season was arguably the best in the NFL, by some metrics. Their offense, however, is another story. In free agency Houston signed former Colts offensive lineman Braden Smith, and now have added Rutledge in hopes better protection will perhaps cut down on Stroud's penchant for turnovers.
The one concern with Rutledge is his left foot, which has undergone two surgeries since 2023.
71d ago / 10:38 PM EDT
No. 26: Houston Texans select Georgia Tech OG Keylan Rutledge
Rutledge is the second guard off the board, a multi-year starter at Georgia Tech who didn't give up a single sack last season, according to Pro Football Focus.
71d ago / 10:37 PM EDT
Giants tackle jokes about team loading up on edge rushers
New York Giants right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor had a laugh at his team loading up on edge rushers, as they added Ohio State edge/linebacker Arvell Reese to an already talented position room.
71d ago / 10:36 PM EDT
The Bears selected for need in the first round
The Bears filled a glaring need by selecting safety Dillon Thieneman, who will join Coby Bryant in a new-look defensive backfield for Chicago.
The Bears lost both Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker in the offseason, both of whom left the team in free agency. Chicago responded by signing Bryant away from the Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks, and now they’ve added Thieneman to be his running mate.
The Bears’ defense was more opportunistic than good in 2025, leading the league with 33 takeaways. Creating turnovers on such a level on a year-to-year basis has proven unsustainable in the NFL. With Thieneman, Chicago is hoping to build a more consistent foundation opposite Caleb Williams and the offense.
71d ago / 10:33 PM EDT
Report: Texans jump up two spots to No. 26
NFL Network reports that Houston has traded up into the No. 26 spot, which had been owned by the Buffalo Bills, who now slide back to No. 28.
71d ago / 10:32 PM EDT
Concepcion gives Cleveland a much-needed weapon
The Texas A&M receiver has a lot of fans in NFL circles, especially for how he can gain yardage after the catch. But it's a bit of an odd fit for Cleveland, given how Concepcion struggled with drops in college and could work best in the slot. That sounds a lot like the receivers the Browns already have, as Jerry Jeudy had drop issues last year and both he and Isaiah Bond like to work out of the slot.
71d ago / 10:31 PM EDT
No. 25: Chicago Bears select Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman
Thieneman ran one of the fastest 40s and was one of the highest leapers at his position at the combine. But he has the production profile to back it up — he’s been a starter since a freshman and fell just short of three straight years of 100 tackles. That blend of athletic profile and toughness should be a value at the top of a defensive scheme.
71d ago / 10:24 PM EDT
No. 24: Cleveland Browns select Texas A&M WR KC Concepcion
Concepcion has been a do-it-all weapon across two college programs. He was a legit rushing threat at N.C. State, but had his best year through the air in 2025 at Texas A&M.
He’s very quick with the agility to elude coverage in the short and intermediate areas of the field. After the catch, his acceleration shines and he has enough wiggle in space to make defenders miss. Texas A&M wisely got him involved in the screen game and short passes that let him build momentum.
Concepcion has had a high drop rate over the last two seasons, but many look like he’s thinking about making a move before securing the football. His top gear is mediocre, but he has good foot speed and sells his routes with a purpose. He has the ceiling of a dangerous number two wide receiver (needs to continue getting stronger and limit his drops), but most likely enters the league as a No. 3 slot weapon.
71d ago / 10:22 PM EDT
Cowboys trade back, take edge rusher Malachi Lawrence
The Cowboys had been scheduled to pick at No. 20, but dropped down a few spots to No. 23, making an in-division trade with the Eagles. Philadelphia moved up to take wide receiver Makai Lemon. After moving back, the Cowboys took edge rusher Malachi Lawrence from Central Florida.
Dallas needed more talent on defense, and the Cowboys have added it tonight, first with safety Caleb Downs at No. 11 and now Lawrence. He is a 6-foot-4, 270-pound rusher, who recorded 19.5 sacks in his last three years of college.
This is the type of trade, though, that these NFC East rivals might remember, especially if Lemon is torching the Dallas defense this fall.
71d ago / 10:19 PM EDT
Chargers go defense instead of protecting QB
Justin Herbert was constantly under pressure of being sacked last season, but the Chargers opted against bolstering their offensive line with their first pick of the draft. Instead, they pick Miami edge rusher Akheem Mesidor.
The defensive line also is a position of need, with their 45 sacks last season 23 fewer than league-leader Denver. The Chargers also lost an edge rusher, Odafe Oweh, in free agency.
71d ago / 10:18 PM EDT
No. 23: Dallas Cowboys select UCF DE Malachi Lawrence
Lawrence is a unique athlete who plays with a jetpack on. He’s explosive off the snap and has incredible burst to the ball. With nearly 34-inch arms, he swipes and chops at blockers’ hands but doesn’t lose much momentum in his rush. He always seems to outangle blockers by swiftly slipping around them, even when he is initially stalled.
For all of the pass rush gifts Lawrence has, his consistency as a run defender is a work in progress. He has the measurables to be a three-down player, but he is too often engulfed and moved at the point of attack. When he does show power, he’ll occasionally lose sight of the ball carrier with his head down.
71d ago / 10:13 PM EDT
Whoever the Steelers quarterback is will be protected
The Steelers have a giant question mark at quarterback, but at least whoever that player ends up being will have some reinforcements in front of him.
Pittsburgh scooped up tackle Max Iheanachor to shore up its offensive line. While the Steelers were actually decent at protecting the passer last year, they were aided in part by Aaron Rodgers’ veteran know-how. Where Pittsburgh really struggled though was running the ball, finishing seventh-worst in the league in rush yards per game.
Iheanachor doesn’t answer the offense’s biggest question, but he should be a relatively safe pick for a team that could be required to ground and pound next season.
71d ago / 10:12 PM EDT
No. 22: Los Angeles Chargers select Miami DE Akheem Mesidor
Mesidor is a sixth-year college player who successfully transitioned from defensive tackle to disruptive edge rusher of that span. His lower half is always working in sync with his upper body, throwing disruptive hands with a purpose.
He brings that same tenacity as a run defender, but is also smart and polished. He tracks the ball carrier with his head up and can stack and shed off of blockers. Mesidor doesn’t possess ideal length and will be a 25-year-old rookie, but his pro-ready nature on all three downs should see him come off the board in the first round.
71d ago / 10:08 PM EDT
No. 21: Pittsburgh Steelers select Arizona State OT Max Iheanachor
The Pittsburgh Steelers shore up their offensive line with Iheanachor. He’s raw, new to football and the position. But he has the tools to keep ascending, and it’s hard to find premiere offensive line talent in free agency.
71d ago / 10:05 PM EDT
Eagles pounce on another slide with Lemon, perhaps to prepare for life without A.J. Brown
The Eagles regularly feast on talented players who slide in the draft, and the pick of USC's Makai Lemon feels like one of those. Most mock drafts had him going much higher than this because he's a fantastic yards-after-catch receiver, a consistent a chain mover with his fair share of contested catches (given his size).
"They gettin' a dog," Lemon told ESPN when asked what kind of player Eagles fans are getting in him.
Amid the rumors the Eagles might trade star wide receiver A.J. Brown, Lemon could end up seeing a whole bunch of playing time this year.
71d ago / 10:02 PM EDT
Panthers take offensive tackle to protect Bryce Young
Tonight, Carolina continued its years-long effort to build a competent offense around Bryce Young, the No. 1 overall pick from the 2023 draft.
Last year, the Panthers picked wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan in the first round. In his rookie year, he caught 70 passes for 1,014 yards and 7 touchdowns. Now, at pick No. 19, the Panthers took an offensive tackle, Monroe Freeling.
Young is a shorter quarterback, standing about 5-foot-10, who operates best when he is not under pressure and has a clean pocket to throw from. That job will now be up to Freeling, who stands about 6-foot-7 and weighs 315 pounds. One thing to watch: he was only a starter for one full season at Georgia.
71d ago / 10:00 PM EDT
No. 20: Philadelphia Eagles select USC WR Makai Lemon
Lemon is a compact slot receiver who plays bigger than his size. He has a great understanding of how to alter tempo in his routes to create enough separation.
Lemon is advanced in attacking zone coverages and rarely drops passes. Everything he does is with high effort and intensity. He doesn’t possess prototypical size or speed to physically dominate over the top or after the catch at the next level. Overall, his reliability, effort and ability to finish plays brings a promising floor.
71d ago / 9:59 PM EDT
Vikings hoping for health with Caleb Banks
A defensive tackle, Banks has tantalizing physical skills, with arms that are 35 inches long and a 6-foot-6, nearly 330-pound frame. Minnesota is banking, no pun intended, on Banks staying healthy after he played just three games last year because of a foot injury. This week, ESPN reported that a doctor sent NFL teams a letter stating Banks should be cleared to resume football activities in June, following surgery on the foot in early March.
The pick is a bit surprising because one of Minnesota's biggest needs was also on defense, but at safety should Harrison Smith, 37, retire. The Vikings also have questions at center. Instead, they opted for Banks and his enormous frame and potential.
71d ago / 9:59 PM EDT
No. 19: Carolina Panthers select Georgia LT Monroe Freeling
Freeling has huge upside and announced his presence with authority with one of the best combine performances at the position. And importantly in the eyes of many teams, he has experience playing the all-important left tackle position. But he’s raw, and only has one season as a full-time starter under his belt.
71d ago / 9:58 PM EDT
Cowboys trade No. 20 to the Eagles
Eagles General Manager Howie Roseman doesn't like to sit still on draft night. And he's doing it again, trading up three picks with the Cowboys. One potential target for them could be offensive line, as five tackles are already gone.
71d ago / 9:56 PM EDT
The Lions stick to their identity with Blake Miller
The key to Dan Campbell’s success as the Lions’ head coach has been a smashmouth identity built off a strong offensive line.
That line saw a dip last season, never quite recovering from the retirement of center Frank Ragnow. The offseason saw another departure with tackle Taylor Decker getting released.
Miller will now get to be a bookend to one of the best tackles in the game, Penei Sewell, who could be moved to the left side to make life easier for Miller during his rookie season.
After missing the playoffs for the first time since 2022, Detroit is clearly trying to get back to the brand of football that powered its great seasons in 2023 and 2024.
71d ago / 9:54 PM EDT
No. 18: Minnesota Vikings select Florida DT Caleb Banks
Banks had a lot of fans after his 2024 season, but he played just three games last season while battling a foot injury. Then, he broke his foot the day before he participated in the combine. The injury complicates the projection here.
71d ago / 9:53 PM EDT
No. 17: Detroit Lions select Clemson OL Blake Miller
Miller's calling-card is experience, he's a multi-year starter at Clemson who has more experience than many of the offensive line prospects who will hear their names called tonight. He's a clean projection to right tackle.
71d ago / 9:48 PM EDT
Sadiq gives Jets an athletic weapon
Kenyon Sadiq is an interesting fit for the Jets as they look to rebuild their offense eventually for whoever they draft next year. Sadiq is one of the most athletic players in the draft and is a fantastic complement to a group of pass catchers that includes a lot of question marks behind Garrett Wilson.
But it's interesting to see the Jets draft a tight end so high one year after they picked another tight end, Mason Taylor, with a second-round pick last year. It'll be interesting to see whether they somewhat move on from Taylor, or envision playing more 12 personnel (football-speak for a formation with two tight ends on the field at the same time).
71d ago / 9:47 PM EDT
Rueben Bain Jr. slides, lands with Tampa Bay at 15
Miami edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr., fresh off a run to the national championship game, had been expected to be a potential top-10 pick. But scouts had questions about his measurements, specifically his arm length. Then a report surfaced about his involvement in a car crash years ago.
Tampa Bay badly needed an edge rusher. The Bucs averaged 2.17 sacks per game last season, and only had one player record more than 5 sacks. Linebacker Yaya Diaby recorded 7. Bain had 9.5 sacks last year at Miami.
"When you watch the film, he was the most dominant defensive lineman in college football last year," ESPN analyst Booger McFarland said on the telecast. "I don't care how long his arms are."
"I know I'm the best in the country," Bain said after being drafted. "I'm sure."
71d ago / 9:46 PM EDT
No. 16: New York Jets select Oregont TE Kenyon Sadiq
Sadiq’s athletic profile is unprecedented: He ran one of the fastest 40 yard dashes and had one of the best broad jumps in combine history. But like Colston Loveland last year, he doesn’t have the college production profile of some of the top prospects at the position from recent years.
71d ago / 9:39 PM EDT
No. 15: Tampa Bay Buccaneers select Miami DE Rueben Bain Jr.
Bain is a compact powerhouse that detonates blocks with force. He lacks length, but is a leverage monster to get under blockers and move them backwards. Despite the mass he carries, he can win around the corner and close on quarterbacks with decent speed.
Bain simply wears out offensive linemen across four quarters, and the 83 pressures he generated across 16 games this year speaks to his consistency. He should thrive in a front looking for a 4-3 defensive end.
71d ago / 9:39 PM EDT
Report: Rams gave Stafford heads up about Simpson pick
ESPN's Adam Schefter reported on the telecast that the Los Angeles Rams told veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford ahead of time that they'd be drafting another QB during the draft tonight. They just took Ty Simpson at No. 13, when there were plenty of offensive skill players still on the board.
Simpson seems excited to learn from Stafford and coach Sean McVay. In an interview on the ESPN telecast, Simpson called them "two of the greatest minds in offense," and called Stafford "one of the greatest of all time."
"I'm looking forward to it," he added.
71d ago / 9:35 PM EDT
Baltimore's ground game gets a boost with Ioane
Baltimore nearly did not have this draft pick, as it had been included — along with a 2027 first-round pick — initially in the team's trade for Maxx Crosby. Then the Ravens nullified that trade, got their picks back and used it to select Olaivavega Ioane, a guard from Penn State.
Baltimore needed help on the interior of its line to get its running game going again. Center Tyler Linderbaum signed with Las Vegas in free agency, and had a thin depth chart at guard, too.
Under coach John Harbaugh for nearly two decades, Baltimore had a rock-solid identity. How his successor, first-year coach Jesse Minter, changes that remains one of the most fascinating questions of the 2026 season given Baltimore's potential to again be a conference-championship contender.
71d ago / 9:34 PM EDT
Bain still on the board as first round nears mid-point
Rueben Bain Jr., the talented and productive Miami edge rusher, is still on the board 14 picks in. While earlier mock drafts had Bain flirting with the top five, he's been slowly sliding down mock drafts in recent weeks.
Bain's production is unquestionable, he wreaked havoc on opposing offensive lines and was a dominant and physical pass rusher. But he has small arms that make him a massive outlier for the position, and news came out earlier this month he was involved in a car accident where a passenger died (he was cited, as the driver, but the charges were dropped, according to The Read Optional and other outlets).
71d ago / 9:34 PM EDT
No. 14: Baltimore Ravens select Olaivavega Ioane
Ioane’s pro ready ability and floor make him one of the ‘safer’ prospects in this entire draft. You simply don’t see him lose on tape often and his head to toe strength stands out.
71d ago / 9:30 PM EDT
Giants' Carter appears pleased with Arvell Reese pick
At No. 5, the Giants selected Arvell Reese, a linebacker and/or edge rusher from Ohio State. Last year, the Giants drafted another edge rusher from the Big Ten in the top-5, Abdul Carter from Penn State. Carter appears pleased with his new teammate:
71d ago / 9:28 PM EDT
The Rams take the biggest swing of the first round
Perhaps the biggest mystery of this year’s NFL Draft has been solved, with the Rams taking quarterback Ty Simpson with the 13th pick.
Entering Thursday, it was unclear whether or not a second quarterback would be taken in the first round. Simpson was most likely to be that player, though some prognosticators felt he was more of a mid-round prospect.
Los Angeles is clearly betting on the quarterback whispering skills of head coach Sean McVay to take advantage of Simpson’s physical talents. Simpson is entering perhaps the ideal situation if Matthew Stafford does indeed return for another season. There will be no pressure on Simpson to start right away, and he can learn under the tutelage of a QB who is clearly nearing the end of his career.
71d ago / 9:26 PM EDT
No. 13: Los Angeles Rams select Alabama QB Ty Simpson
In his first year as Alabama’s starter, it was a tale of two seasons for Ty Simpson. In weeks 1-8, he threw 18 touchdowns, one interception and averaged 276 passing yards per game. In his final eight games, he threw just 10 touchdowns, had 11 turnover worthy plays and averaged 204 passing yards per game.
Did Simpson’s play decline as the pressure of the season mounted? How hampered was he by injury? It’s no secret Alabama’s poor run game and 30 total drops by his pass catchers did not help, either.
71d ago / 9:26 PM EDT
Proctor gives Miami immediate help on the O-line
Miami needs help everywhere, which makes drafting tough. But it also kind of makes it easy, as you can feel good about taking what the draft gives you.
That's what the Dolphins did, sliding back one pick and taking Kayden Proctor, the massive Alabama tackle. He has a ton of talent and can immediately slot on a mediocre Miami offensive tackle at either guard or tackle (and even has some experience catching passes).
But his former coach, Nick Saban, nodded this week in an interview with ESPN to the fact he's struggled with his weight and motivation, even has he lauded Proctor's talent and predicted he would be a "really good player in the NFL."
71d ago / 9:19 PM EDT
Cowboys trade up to nab safety Caleb Downs
Jerry Jones isn't exactly known for his patience. The Cowboys traded two fifth-round picks to move up one spot, from No. 12 to No. 11, to ensure that they could draft Caleb Downs, the do-everything safety from Ohio State, who some prognosticators had predicted to go much earlier in the draft.
The Cowboys badly need talent on defense, especially after trading away edge rusher Micah Parsons, who once upon a time fell to the Cowboys in the draft.
Now, they get another draft steal in Downs. He’ll be a playmaker, a mistake-eraser at the back end of the defense.
71d ago / 9:19 PM EDT
No. 12: Miami Dolphins select Alabama OT Kadyn Proctor
A mammoth of a man, Proctor weighed in at 352 pounds and measured 6-foot-7 at the combine, slimmed down from his listed college weight of 366 pounds. Proctor has the play strength you’d want from someone of his size, but some teams may want to see him play inside, where he won’t be forced to be as nimble.
71d ago / 9:14 PM EDT
No. 11: Dallas Cowboys select Ohio State safety Caleb Downs
The Cowboys took the back-to-back All American who answered the bell at two of the nation’s best programs, Alabama and then Ohio State. Downs can move around the formation like a chess piece and has a rare ability to see the field — he can instantly raise the floor of Dallas’ defense.
71d ago / 9:10 PM EDT
Giants have sought help in the trenches
After the Giants selected linebacker standout Arvell Reese with the team's first pick tonight, at No. 5, the team has gone to the other side of the ball by taking Miami offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa. New coach John Harbaugh has discussed building up the roster via its offensive and defensive lines, and both of these picks turn those intentions into reality.
The team acquired this pick from the Bengals after trading away Dexter Lawrence last week.
Asked by ESPN what his message to quarterback Jaxson Dart would be, Mauigoa smiled while saying "I'm ready to die for you, man."
71d ago / 9:10 PM EDT
Dolphins trade the 11th pick to the Cowboys
We're still waiting on the full trade compensation but there's been a trade! The Dolphins traded the 11th overall pick to the Cowboys, a move that, pending what they got for it, makes a lot of sense. The Dolphins depth chart is, frankly, abysmal, and they need help all over the board. If they can improve their team and only move down one slot, that should work for them.
71d ago / 9:08 PM EDT
Browns benefit from trading down by still getting their man
The Browns look great here after trading down, getting more ammo in this draft and still attacking their top position of need, offensive line. I mocked Fano to them with the sixth pick, aware of that need.
The league was clearly aware they needed him too, but they were still able to trade down and accumulate more picks.
71d ago / 9:08 PM EDT
The Browns needed help everywhere on offense
Coming off a season in which they finished third-to-last in total offense, the Browns really couldn’t go wrong picking somebody to help on that side of the ball in the first round.
Spencer Fano should help whoever ends up being Cleveland’s quarterback, whether that’s Shedeur Sanders, Deshaun Watson, or perhaps someone selected later this weekend.
Last season, the Browns allowed a whopping 51 sacks, which means Fano will need to make an immediate impact.
71d ago / 9:06 PM EDT
No. 10: New York Giants select Miami OL Francis Mauigoa
It’s hard to find a long term, game-changing offensive tackle in free agency, so teams need to build through the draft. He appears to be ready right away, looks the part and was a consistent presence along the line for the national runner-up Miami Hurricanes.
71d ago / 9:04 PM EDT
No. 9: Cleveland Browns select Utah OT Spencer Fano
Fano’s versatility (he played both tackle positions in college and took some center reps at the combine) is a big ticket here. Best case scenario, you get one of the best tackle prospects in the country, an athletic and productive blocker who Pro Football Focus credited with 0 sacks allowed last year. If his shorter arms make it too hard for him to survive on the outside, most scouts believe he can be a great interior offensive lineman.
71d ago / 9:03 PM EDT
Jordyn Tyson's injury history makes him a high ceiling, high floor play
There's no denying Jordyn Tyson is supremely talented. He's such a fun watch, a fluid mover who tracks the ball and can go up and get it. But he's battled injuries his entire career. If he can stay healthy, the sky is the limit, and Tyson could help the Saints as they continue to build out an explosive offense.
But it's a risk, especially for the Saints, whose No. 1 wide receiver, Chris Olave, has also had issues staying on the field.
71d ago / 9:02 PM EDT
Commanders take Styles, continue to remake defense
The Washington Commanders have spent the offseason trying to improve their defense, signing two edge rushers Odafe Oweh and K'Lavon Chaisson, and linebacker Leo Chenal. All are considered role players, though. Not stars.
Their best defensive addition, though, might've come tonight when Washington selected Sonny Styles, an uber athletic linebacker from Ohio State, at No. 7 overall. He'll likely be replacing Bobby Wagner, a potential future Hall of Famer at the center of the Commanders defense.
Styles' brother Lorenzo Styles Jr. is also expected to be drafted this weekend. "We dreamed about this since we were 5 years old," Sonny said on the telecast. "To see it all happen, [we're] living out the dream. It's just the beginning."
71d ago / 8:58 PM EDT
No. 8: New Orleans Saints select Arizona State WR Jordyn Tyson
Tyson is an explosive separator with acrobatic body control. He uses his 6-foot-2, 200+ pound frame to power through contact in his routes. He’s a natural when it comes to plucking the ball away from his body and transitioning into an open field runner.
He improved his drop rate from 8.4% in 2024 to 1.6% in 2025, while hauling in 17 of 31 contested catch opportunities in that same span.
He doesn’t have the same ridiculous speed, but there are glimpses of Odell Beckham Jr. in his movements and overall game. His injury history will be a notable conversation for teams, but he’s the most talented wide receiver in this draft.
71d ago / 8:55 PM EDT
Here's what Styles' linebacker coach told NBC the Commanders are getting
NBC News spoke with Ohio State linebackers coach and NFL veteran James Laurinaitis earlier this month about what the team that drafts Styles is getting.
“Whoever takes him is going to get a guy who is going to be the leader of their franchise, and the face of it for a decade,” he said. “That’s why I’m so high on him — it’s the well-roundedness of his physical traits, yes. Football production and high football intelligence, yes. And then you get the whole intangibles, leadership and character.”
71d ago / 8:51 PM EDT
Kansas City hopes it has a new standout corner
Only weeks after trading away one of the league's best corners in Trent McDuffie, the Chiefs traded up with Cleveland to take McDuffie's replacment. Mansoor Delane from LSU is Kansas City's selection.
"They weren't really on me too much in this process but they said they wanted to keep it quiet," Delane said on the ESPN telecast. Delane called himself the best pick in the draft.
71d ago / 8:50 PM EDT
No. 7: Washington Commanders select Ohio State LB Sonny Styles
The Ohio State standout drew rave reviews at this year’s combine, one of the best performances for a player of his size this century. But he’s more than that as his speed and explosiveness matches the tape and stats. It’s rare for a true off-ball linebacker to get taken this high, but it’s rare that a linebacker possesses Styles’ dominant blend of traits and productivity.
71d ago / 8:45 PM EDT
No. 6: Kansas City Chiefs select LSU CB Mansoor Delane
Delane is an athletic, fast, and feisty man cover corner. His back pedal looks natural and he can mirror pass catchers altering speeds.
He was a confident and dominant man cover corner for LSU in 2025. In press, he is physical and disruptive, but has the long speed to open up and recover down the field. On underneath throws, he consistently congests the catch point and has an infectious energy in the secondary.
Previously at Virginia Tech, he was late reacting to in breaking and intermediate out routes, but improved in this area in 2025. He will throw his body around like a safety but will occasionally whiff by lunging. Overall, Delane is an excellent cornerback that should eventually be able to travel with opposing No. 1 wide receivers at the next level.
71d ago / 8:44 PM EDT
The Giants now have a ton of options on the edge
John Harbaugh will have a lot of athletes to play with on the edge in his first year as the Giants head coach.
Arvell Reese will join a linebacker/defensive end group that also includes Brian Burns, Kayvon Thibodeau, Abdul Carter and Tremaine Edmunds.
It should be a familiar feeling for longtime Giants fans, who remember better than anyone the ferocious pass rush that powered two Super Bowl runs in 2007 and 2011.
With some great quarterbacks in the division, New York now has the horses to get after them.
71d ago / 8:40 PM EDT
No. 5: New York Giants select Ohio State LB/DE Arvell Reese
Reese is one of the most intriguing prospects in the draft thanks to a blend of production and athleticism that’s sparked a debate over whether he should play linebacker or edge defender in the pros. A pick this high is likely a signal he’d make the conversion to edge, with the hopes he could follow a path similar to the one Micah Parsons went a few years ago. But if he doesn’t, the fallback is an electric linebacker.
71d ago / 8:38 PM EDT
Trade! Here are the reported terms on the Browns-Chiefs swap
Cleveland picks up two extra picks:
71d ago / 8:36 PM EDT
Titans give Cam Ward a true No. 1 WR with Carnell Tate
Few people had Tate mocked to go this high, especially if Arvell Reese was going to be on the board. But it's a great fit and a fantastic way to keep investing in last year's No. 1 pick.
Tate is arguably the most well-rounded receiver in the draft, the latest in a long line of successful Ohio State pass catchers. He eclipsed 3 yards-per-route-run last year, an important metric that lends well to success at the next level, didn't drop a pass and dominated on contested catches. That's a fun new weapon for Cam Ward, and a clear new top receiver for the Titans.
71d ago / 8:33 PM EDT
Jets draft Bailey, new defensive cornerstone?
The Jets need more talent on defense. Last season, they traded away two defensive cornerstones Quinnen Williams and Sauce Gardner.
At pick No. 2, the Jets took David Bailey, a pass rusher from Texas Tech, who posted 19.5 tackles for loss and 14.5 sacks last season. Now coach Aaron Glenn hopes Bailey can be the next building block of his defense.
71d ago / 8:31 PM EDT
No. 4: Tennessee Titans select Ohio State WR Carnell Tate
Tate is a technician with good length and ball skills to finish plays. He’s extremely detailed in his footwork to win at multiple levels of the field and does not drop passes (he has 10 ¼-inch hands).
Tate has hauled in an absurd 18 of 24 contested catch opportunities over the last two seasons, showing off excellent tracking, concentration and adjustments to the football. He’s not very creative or explosive after the catch and could add more strength to his 192-pound frame.
Overall, Tate should be a high-end No. 2 wide receiver at the next level with a chance to blossom into more.
71d ago / 8:30 PM EDT
It's all Love for Arizona
Trent Richardson and Saquon Barkley are the only running backs who have been drafted in the top three picks in the last two decades of the NFL draft, but Jeremiyah Love joins that group as the Cardinals take the unusual move of drafting a back this high.
The Cardinals are in transition after releasing quarterback and former No. 1 pick Kyler Murray, with journeymen Jacoby Brissett and Gardner Minshew seemingly set to battle for the starting spot next fall. As their rebuild goes on, they'll have to eventually address acquiring a franchise quarterback, but this wasn't the draft with the kind of depth to take one this early. The Cardinals instead chose to rebuild their foundation by going for a different need in the backfield.
"I feel very honored to represent the running backs and I'm going to put on for them," Love said on the broadcast.
71d ago / 8:29 PM EDT
A running back hasn't gone this high since 2018
The last time a running back went with the third overall pick was in 2012, when the Browns picked Trent Richardson.
A running back has gone higher only three times this century, most recently when the Giants picked Saquon Barkley second overall.
71d ago / 8:26 PM EDT
In Bailey, Jets go proven over prospect
It was the first big question of the NFL Draft and the Jets chose David Bailey, the proven pass rusher who stuffed the stat sheet at Texas Tech.
Bailey was top five in college in hurries and led the country in sacks. That's the kind of production the Jets pass rush needs right now.
Reese has sky-high potential, and looked incredible in college. But he split time at linebacker and edge, so teams wanting him to play edge full-time are making a projection on what he can be.
71d ago / 8:24 PM EDT
No. 3: Arizona Cardinals select Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love
Love is an explosive home run hitter who can impact the game on any down. He’s a multi-scheme, gifted runner who creates his own yards at a special rate. His patience helps him seek out an opening and his acceleration allows him to explode through it. He is very difficult for defenders to tackle in one-on-one situations with quick cuts, ridiculous hurdles, or pure breakaway speed.
Love is in a special tier of running back prospect due to his pass game ability on top of the work he does on the ground. His routes are twitchy and his speed translates to easy separation skills.
For how talented he is, Love does not get the credit he deserves from a pure compete and determination standpoint. This shows up in pass protection where he stays square and strikes with authority.
71d ago / 8:22 PM EDT
Fernando Mendoza on Raiders: 'Great organization, great legacy.'
Shortly after being picked No. 1 overall by the Las Vegas Raiders, Fernando Mendoza gave a brief interview on the ESPN telecast.
"What a great organization, great legacy," Mendoza said of the Raiders. "There's so many great teammates I'm looking forward to talking to, coaches, owners. I'm ecstatic for the opportunity."
He said "owners," plural. Remember, Tom Brady is a minority owner.
71d ago / 8:22 PM EDT
Tom Brady welcomes Fernando Mendoza to Las Vegas
The Raiders co-owner weighed in on X:
71d ago / 8:18 PM EDT
No. 2: New York Jets select Texas Tech DE David Bailey
Bailey is a well-built (6-foot-3 ⅝, 251 pounds, 33 ¾ inch-arms and 10 ¼ inch-hands) creator of chaos. He uses his explosiveness to win early against blockers, throwing a variety of moves ranging from a shoulder dip to spins. His quick steps can cause tackles to lose their balance, and his burst to turn pressures into sacks is tremendous.
He’s forced eight fumbles over the last two seasons and consistently helps his defense get off the field, killing drives. Bailey is not a plus run defender, but he got better in that area down the stretch of the season. Overall, his play speed and ability to instantly put blockers in recovery mode sets a high floor for him to impact quarterbacks at the pro level.
71d ago / 8:15 PM EDT
The Raiders will try to make things safe for Fernando Mendoza
The Raiders will do all they can to give their first overall pick a soft landing spot.
Las Vegas signed center Tyler Linderbaum in free agency, lavishing the center with the richest deal for a center in NFL history: three years, $60 million guaranteed.
With a veteran signal caller on the line, the Raiders also signed quarterback Kirk Cousins in free agency. Cousins’s presence means Mendoza likely won’t have to start right away, and will also have a veteran quarterback who can mentor him — not dissimilar to how Alex Smith started for the Chiefs during Patrick Mahomes’s rookie year.
Between tight end Brock Bowers and last year’s first-round pick Ashton Jeanty, Mendoza should also have some young weapons to grow with when he’s eventually given the keys to the offense.
71d ago / 8:12 PM EDT
No. 1: Las Vegas Raiders select QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana
Mendoza became the No. 1 pick in the draft after making tremendous strides from his 2024 season at Cal to his 2025 national title season at Indiana. He cut down the sacks he took from 40 to 25, decreased his turnover worthy play rate from 3.5% to 2.6% and increased his yards per attempt when pressured from just 5.8 to 7.6 (per PFF).
Mendoza is accurate to all three levels of the field and has developed a great understanding of when and where to attack down the field. When he’s at his best, there are clear shades of Matt Ryan and Jared Goff in his game. If the Raiders can keep him upright, he’ll be able to stabilize their passing attack in a heavy play action system under new head coach Klint Kubiak.
71d ago / 8:10 PM EDT
A suspense free pick at the top of the draft
As Fernando Mendoza is poised to hear his name called first overall, it's gotten me thinking: We really haven't had a suspenseful first overall pick since 2022. Each of the last three drafts, we knew who the first pick would be: Cam Ward in 2025, Caleb Williams in 2024 and Bryce Young in 2023.
The 2022 draft was the last one to be truly wide open at the top — the Jags ended up picking edge rusher Travon Walker in a year that featured three edge rushers and two cornerbacks in the top five, and no quarterback selected until Kenny Pickett at 20.
71d ago / 8:05 PM EDT
Commissioner Roger Goodell opens the draft to loud boos
As Goodell came to the podium to open the draft, he accompanied by two Pittsburgh Steelers, TJ Watt and Cameron Heyward, who were waving Terrible Towels. And still, Goodell was greeted by a loud chorus of boos.
"C'mon, you can do better than that," Gooddell said. "We have over 300,000 people. Let's go! Let's hear you!"
71d ago / 8:02 PM EDT
New this year: Less time between first-round picks
Teams will have eight minutes between picks in this year's first round, down from the 10 minutes that teams had since 2008.
That reduction has led to more trade discussions in the lead-up to draft night, Steelers general manager Omar Kahn said at a pre-draft press conference.
"They moved the first round from 10 minutes to eight minutes, so naturally we’ve been having more conversations to set parameters of what the value is if you move up to this spot or trade back," Khan said. "There’s more conversation, but until we get there, I’m not sure how that’s going to go."
71d ago / 7:54 PM EDT
The last time only one QB went in the first round...
...Was 2022, when the Steelers took Kenny Pickett.
Only twice in the last 24 years have their been first rounds with only one QB taken, per the AP. In 2025, two quarterbacks were taken in the first: Cam Ward and Jaxson Dart.
71d ago / 7:42 PM EDT
How many QBs have gone No. 1 since 2000?
Nineteen quarterbacks have been taken with the first overall pick this millennium, and they have a checkered history.
Some, like David Carr and Jamarcus Russell, never lived up to the hype.
Others, like Michael Vick or Carson Palmer, had long careers with high highs but never made the mountain top.
But there are also plenty of successes. Eli Manning, Matthew Stafford, Cam Newton, Jared Goff and Joe Burrow were all starters on a Super Bowl team, (Alex Smith also began the season as the starter for a team that made a Super Bowl.)
71d ago / 7:32 PM EDT
Steelers fans have home-field advantage
To the host go the spoils. Pittsburgh owner Art Rooney II told a local radio show this week he'd asked the NFL to swap where fans of the Steelers and Baltimore Ravens, a hated rival, were sitting in a theatre outside Pittsburgh's stadium on draft night.
“On the normal seating chart, I noticed that the Ravens fans were sitting in front of the Steeler fans in one section of the draft theater,” Rooney said, according to WDVE. “So I asked [the league] to make that change, and they agreed to make that.”
71d ago / 7:22 PM EDT
Why the NFL draft is a ‘psychological experiment’
Chris Simms and Mike Florio look into the factors at play that make the NFL draft such an intriguing event, discussing the time in between first-round picks changing and the new “formula” of picking players.
71d ago / 7:12 PM EDT
Is Mendoza best player in 2026 NFL Draft class?
Connor Rogers and Chris Simms talk about all things Fernando Mendoza, explaining why the star quarterback "is being a little disrespected in this conversation" and deserves credit for his historic success in college.
71d ago / 7:01 PM EDT
Why it's tough to see Cardinals passing on Love
There is much intrigue around the No. 3 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, and Drew Dinsick analyzes why he believes Jeremiyah Love is the choice despite much discussion around David Bailey.
71d ago / 6:51 PM EDT
Could the Cowboys be looking for a receiver?
Dallas has one of the league’s best receiving duos in CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens, but while Lamb is playing under a contract extension he signed in 2024, Pickens will play under the franchise tag this season, Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones said Wednesday.
That means Pickens will only be signed for the upcoming season and not beyond. Is he in Dallas’s long-term plans? Or could the front office be looking for his replacement at picks 12 or 20?
71d ago / 6:41 PM EDT
Should Pittsburgh pick Simpson as Rodgers saga continues?
Mike Florio and Chris Simms evaluate the quarterback options for the Steelers and break down the possibility of Pittsburgh turning to Ty Simpson as Aaron Rodgers has yet to make a decision on his playing future.
71d ago / 6:35 PM EDT
How high will the elite players at non-elite positions go?
Having a successful draft is more complicated than just picking the best players — it’s also about considering team needs and fit. One complicating factor of this draft class is the consensus blue-chip prospects are largely at positions that aren’t as valuable to NFL teams than the ones that command the most money on the open market.
Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love, Ohio State safety Caleb Downs and Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles are consistently at the top of most big boards. And offensive guard Olaivavega Ioane also comes up regularly as one of the draft’s top players too. How teams balance their evaluation of these players with the debate over positional value will be one of the key stories of this draft.
71d ago / 6:20 PM EDT
Jets reportedly considering Reese, Bailey at No. 2
Kyle Dvorchak reveals the latest news surrounding who the Jets will select with the second overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, detailing why "there's a few people on the planet that truly know" what New York is planning.
71d ago / 6:10 PM EDT
This is why Fernando Mendoza won’t be in Pittsburgh
It’s one of the most memorable moments of any draft, when the top pick greets the commissioner and poses with the jersey of his new team. But Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza won’t be in Pittsburgh for that moment. He told “The Rich Eisen Show” this week he’d instead be at home with his family, including his mother, who lives with multiple sclerosis.
“Pittsburgh is a great opportunity and it’s a great venue and I’m really excited to see all the guys, or most of the guys, walk across the stage on Thursday night. It’ll be a dream for a lot of guys. However, my mom really wanted to do it at home,” he said.
“It’s a lot easier for us with the family situation. You have to hop on a plane the next morning anyways. I wanted to stay and make the memory with everybody who poured into my football journey.”
71d ago / 6:06 PM EDT
How lack of star QB prospects hurts 2026 NFL Draft
Mike Jones of The Athletic explains why the lack of top-tier quarterback prospects beyond Fernando Mendoza limits the intrigue typically expected of NFL drafts.
71d ago / 5:51 PM EDT
What do teams do with outliers?
The saying “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder” works with draft prospects, too. There are a handful of top prospects who may be high up on some boards given their talent or lower on others because of certain outlier traits.
Miami edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr.’s arm length has been much discussed, but it’s also a complicating factor for Utah tackle Spencer Fano, who is seen as one of the top tackles in the draft. USC wide receiver Makai Lemon and Clemson cornerback Avieon Terrell could be viewed differently by different teams depending on their feelings about their small stature, while Miami edge rusher Akheem Mesidor’s age (he just turned 25) might play differently with different teams, too.
71d ago / 5:41 PM EDT
Giants trading Dexter Lawrence to Bengals was a ‘shocking’ move
Mike Florio and Chris Simms discuss some of the top storylines heading into the 2026 NFL draft.
71d ago / 5:31 PM EDT
Where will Lions go with first-round pick?
Chris Simms talks Connor Rogers through his mock draft selection for the Detroit Lions at No. 17.
71d ago / 5:21 PM EDT
What flavor of elite edge rusher do teams want?
Edge is one of the strongest, and deepest, position groups in this draft. So teams looking to grab one of the top prospects have an interesting question to answer: What’s their favorite flavor?
Ohio State’s Arvell Reese is the pure projection — the college linebacker was one of the most exciting players in college football last season and many believe he could make the switch to edge given his pass rush juice.
Texas Tech’s David Bailey is a proven commodity, one of the most productive and efficient pass rushers in college football last season, but lacks some of the size and bend that teams like and may be closer to his ceiling than Reese.
Then there’s Rueben Bain Jr. He ravaged offensive lines during an incredible run at Miami, but some experts worry that his short arm length (which makes him an outlier for edge rushers who could be drafted in the first round) will make it harder for him to win against NFL-caliber tackles.
71d ago / 5:01 PM EDT
How high could tight end Sadiq be drafted?
With a "monumental gap" between Kenyon Sadiq and other 2026 NFL draft tight end prospects, Drew Dinsick shares why he's "skeptical" to go under on his projected draft position of 15.5.
71d ago / 4:51 PM EDT
Mendoza studied Kirk Cousins years ago. Now they could be teammates.
If the Las Vegas Raiders select Fernando Mendoza No. 1 overall tonight, the quarterback will join a QB depth chart featuring Kirk Cousins. Mendoza won't need an introduction — he's already spent quite a bit of time studying him.
Mendoza told the "Dan Patrick Show" this week that when he was playing at Cal — before his national title and Heisman Trophy at Indiana — he was told he played similarly to Sam Darnold and Cousins, which led him to study them in depth.
“There was two years ago where I watched all Minnesota Vikings pass tape” when Cousins was a Viking, Mendoza said. “Every single pass, whether it was incomplete or a completion throughout the entire season. Which is a lot because the NFL has a lot of games.”
Cousins, at the time, was coached by Vikings quarterbacks coach Klint Kubiak. Kubiak is now the Raiders head coach, and he coached Sam Darnold in Seattle last year. Kubiak, then, should have a good feel for how to coach Mendoza.
71d ago / 4:38 PM EDT
Dolphins must ‘restock the shelves’ in draft
Omar Kelly of the Miami Herald catches up with Mike Florio about the state of the Dolphins, including potential draft plans, De'Von Achane's future and why the team is excited about Malik Willis.
71d ago / 4:27 PM EDT
Will Ty Simpson get drafted in the first round?
The quarterback dynamic in this year’s first round is the same as last year — we know one’s going with the top pick, but then there’ll be a waiting game to see whether another one goes, or if someone trades up to take them.
This year that quarterback-in-waiting is Alabama’s Ty Simpson, a talented and smart player whose evaluation is complicated by injury struggles, as well as a lack of starting experience and consistency. Connor Rogers, an NBC Sports NFL draft analyst and host of "Fantasy Football Happy Hour," called Simpson a “classic case of a day-two developmental quarterback” who if he hears his name called in the first round, it could be because of the relative weaknesses of this draft class.
Draft analysts don’t view any other quarterback as a potential first-round pick, so if a quarterback-needy team wants to make sure they get one in this class, they may need to be proactive and trade up. That’s what the Giants did last year, trading up to the back half of the first round in exchange for a second-round pick and two thirds (one in 2025 and one in 2026).
71d ago / 4:18 PM EDT
2026 draft likely won't have a Shedeur-type story
Mike Florio and Chris Simms discuss some of the top storylines heading into the 2026 NFL draft and explain why this year likely won’t have a major story like the slide of Shedeur Sanders.
71d ago / 4:08 PM EDT
Why NFL teams hesitate to trade picks for stars
With Dexter Lawrence dealt to the Bengals for a top-10 pick, Pro Football Talk explores why NFL teams aren’t more willing to trade high-value picks for proven commodities.
72d ago / 3:58 PM EDT
How will the Giants handle having two top-10 picks?
In the wake of the Dexter Lawrence trade, Mike Florio and Chris Simms discuss the options available to the New York Giants with two picks in the top 10 of the 2026 NFL draft.
72d ago / 3:47 PM EDT
Big night for the new Dolphins regime
The Miami Dolphins cleaned house this offseason, then raided the Packers’ to figure out their new direction.
After firing head coach Mike McDaniel and general manager Chris Grier, Miami brought in Jon-Eric Sullivan to lead the front office and Jeff Hafley as the new head coach, with both coming over from Green Bay.
They’ll have a significant opportunity to remake the roster in the draft, as the Dolphins have seven picks in the first 100 selections, including two first-rounders.
72d ago / 3:33 PM EDT
Where will Caleb Downs be taken?
Tryst Krick and Drew Dinsick ponder where the Ohio State safety could go in the 2026 NFL draft.
72d ago / 3:17 PM EDT
The last running back to go in the top five ...
... was Saquon Barkley in 2018, who was selected second overall by the New York Giants.
Barkley has largely lived up to the billing, running for 8,356 yards and 55 touchdowns in his eight seasons. His incredible 2024 season, in which he ran for 2,005 yards, helped propel the Philadelphia Eagles to the Super Bowl.
If Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love is selected in the top five, he better prepare for the Barkley comparisons.
72d ago / 3:17 PM EDT
Why does Fernando Mendoza's hand size matter?
At the NFL combine, Mendoza's hand measured 9 1/2 inches across. You might be wondering how that is relevant to his draft stock, but in the NFL, players who fit into a certain archetype in size or speed are often slotted ahead of others in a team's ranking of prospects, even if there are differences in their college production.
“Some teams would never, ever draft a quarterback if his hands weren’t big,” former NFL coach Ron Rivera said.
Read the full story here:
72d ago / 3:17 PM EDT
Simms: Don't be surprised to see Commanders trade up for Tate
Chris Simms breaks down the early selections of his 2026 NFL Mock Draft, in which he predicts the Commanders trade up for Ohio State's Carnell Tate and three other Buckeyes go in the top eight.
72d ago / 3:17 PM EDT
No. 16: New York Jets select Oregon TE Kenyon Sadiq
Sadiq's athletic profile is unprecedented: He ran one of the fastest 40-yard dashes and had one of the best broad jumps in combine history. But like Colston Loveland last year, he doesn't have the college production profile of some of the top prospects at the position from recent years.
