5 Takeaways From NFL Free Agency Day 1: Malik Willis to Miami; Mike Evans Leaves Tampa

Day 1 of NFL free agency started hot and heavy, with many of the biggest names available coming off the board in the first couple of hours after the noon ET start time. The Dolphins' plans to cut Tua Tagovailoa started the day, and then they had their new quarterback pretty quickly. A legendary receiver left the Buccaneers, and the two teams in New York made some big strides to establish new identities. Here are our takeaways: 1. Malik Willis is exactly the type of QB who is worth the risk in free agency Henry McKenna: Over the last two years, Willis took a legitimate 28 dropbacks when you cut out the screen passes, quick-game throws and tuck-and-run scrambles. Twenty eight. That’s nothing. So, if there was anyone who was going to invest in him, it was going to be someone with insider knowledge about him. There appeared to be two teams where that applied: 1) The Miami Dolphins. Both of Miami's key hires this offseason came from the Green Bay Packers: head coach Jeff Hafley and general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan. When he wasn’t filling in as the starter, Willis was the scout-team QB who faced off against Hafley’s defense almost every day. 2) The Arizona Cardinals. Packers coach Matt LaFleur developed Willis. His brother, Mike LaFleur, is the Cardinals' new head coach. If anyone was going to have a sense of what it was going to be, it’s probably Matt’s brother. As it turns out, Willis will be a Dolphin. Even after the Dolphins decided to take on $99 million in dead cap in order to cut Tua Tagovailoa, the Dolphins added Willis for three years, $67.5 million ($45 million guaranteed). At $22.5 million per year, that’s not crazy. Not when the Jets gave $20 million per year to Justin Fields. Not when the Colts gave $37.5 million to Daniel Jones (coming off an Achilles injury) for 2026. When looking at the draft for context, the deal makes even more sense. There is no QB who projects as a year-one starter past Fernando Mendoza, the presumed No. 1 pick. One Dolphins source expressed surprise at Willis’ "reasonable contract." That same source thought Willis had as much upside as any young QB this offseason — including Mendoza. When Willis was drafted, he had raw tools, with an impressive arm and the speed to make him a dual threat. In his two seasons with the Packers, he demonstrated the ability to serve as a game manager. That actually answered a number of pre-draft questions about his pro-readiness, in regards to his consistency and decision-making. Willis is basically the same age as Tyler Shough, also 26 years old, who was a second-round pick last year. The arrow is pointing up. The Dolphins will have the exciting job of keeping it that way. 2. Colts betting on ascending talent in signing Alec Pierce to big-money deal Eric D. Williams: The top receiver in free agency, Pierce has just one 1,000-yard season in his first four NFL seasons. That was last year, when Pierce posted 47 receptions for 1,003 yards and six touchdowns and averaged a league-high 21.3 yards per reception. And for the Colts, the expectation is Pierce will elevate his production after receiving a four-year, $116 million deal that includes $80 in guaranteed money with an average annual salary of $29 million. Indianapolis is projecting that Pierce, who turns 26 in May, is just entering the prime of his NFL career. "I haven’t seen it all, but I would say it’s a good deal and where he wanted to be," a league source told me when asked about Pierce’s deal. Added a longtime NFL personnel executive: "History has shown paying top-10 WR money for a No. 2 WR is a risk." One reason for the Colts re-signing Pierce to a big payday is his relationship with quarterback Daniel Jones, who is recovering from a season-ending Achilles tendon tear. The Colts placed the transition tag on Jones at $37.8 million earlier this offseason. Jones and Pierce are close, and Pierce had his best season as a pro in Jones' first season in Indianapolis. The Colts also traded the team’s leading receiver from last season, Michael Pittman Jr., to the Pittsburgh Steelers in a late-round pick swap. Pittman promptly signed a three-year, $59 million contract extension worth nearly $20 million annually as the No. 2 receiver for the Steelers to play alongside DK Metcalf. Pittman led the Colts last season in receptions (80) and receiving touchdowns (seven), totaling 784 receiving yards during the regular season. Now, Indianapolis general manager Chris Ballard and head coach Shane Steichen are counting on Pierce to improve his production and take over Pittman’s role as the top target on the perimeter for the Colts. "We’ll see if it’s truly $29 million per year or if that’s an inflated number inclusive of incentives," a league source told me. "Assuming it truly is $29 million per year, that’s high-end No. 2, low-end No. 1 money. Tee Higgins is at $28.5 million, and I would call him a 1B to (Jamarr) Chase. "So, to me, this Pierce deal says they view him as a high-end No. 2 who could ascend to a No. 1. But for a guy who has primarily been a deep ball guy, to me it’s a bit of a stretch projection." 3. Mike Evans leaves Tampa Bay after 12 seasons Greg Auman: For so long, Evans looked to be the rare Hall of Fame receiver who spent his entire career with one franchise. After 12 seasons and 108 touchdowns, though, he’s moving on from Tampa. What might be hardest for Bucs fans is that it wasn’t about money. The initial reports were that San Francisco got him for three years and $60.5 million – less per year than his last Bucs deal – but it’s actually much lower. The base contract is just over $14 million a year, and Evans can improve that by hitting incentives, but if he’s hurt the way he was in 2025, that’s all he’s getting. That’s a team-friendly deal that the Bucs could have easily matched, which makes you think Evans just wanted a chance and Tampa Bay had no chance to keep him at any price. And it’s all the more sobering for Bucs fans if Evans, wanting a ring at the end of his career, thinks his odds are better with the 49ers, in the same division as the defending Super Bowl champion Seahawks and perhaps the favorites for next season in the Rams. It’s a bitter departure for the Buccaneers, but they had seen it coming a bit last year when they unexpectedly took Emeka Egbuka in the first round instead of addressing more obvious positional needs. Much like the man who stole Evans, 49ers general manager John Lynch, he’ll finish a legendary career wearing a different uniform. Evans had offers from lesser teams at $27 million a year or more, according to a league source, but this wasn’t ever a decision about money. The lasting image of Evans is him walking off the field in anger and frustration after Tampa Bay’s defense let the Falcons score after facing a third-and-28 on their final drive in a comeback victory that ultimately kept the Bucs out of the playoffs. He had six years without making the playoffs to begin his career, and five straight years in the postseason weren’t enough to keep him around in Tampa for his NFL finish. Can Evans’ hamstring stay healthy for him at age 33? San Francisco has fumbled a few chances at a No. 1 receiver – Deebo Samuel was traded away, while Brandon Aiyuk is all but gone and Jauan Jennings’ contract situation is unknown. The biggest question for Evans in Year 13 is what he’ll do for a jersey number since Brock Purdy already has 13 with the 49ers. 4. New Jets, Giants coaches rebuilding in their own image Ralph Vacchiano: Fixing what’s wrong with New York football is going to take a lot of work. But one thing was clear on the first day of free agency: The Giants and Jets coaches are determined to do things their way. That’s actually been clear with the Jets for a while, ever since head coach Aaron Glenn announced his intention to take over his team’s disastrous defense (Because, he said, defensive "play-calling is my superpower"). And it showed on Monday when they added a string of veterans on defense, including two leaders – linebacker Demario Davis (two years, $22 million) and safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (three years, $40 million after acquiring him for a seventh-round pick) – who can steady their sinking ship and make sure Glenn’s message gets through. "All those guys (including defensive ends Joseph Ossai and Kingsley Engabare and defensive tackle David Onyemata) are just like their coach," an AFC scout told me. "They’re tough, disciplined, smart. That’s what the Jets needed. They are the foundation. Glenn knew he didn’t have any foundational pieces. "They needed guys who know how to play, play smart, and play hard." The "tough" part is essential for a team that ranked 29th against the run last season. And the "smart" part is big for a secondary that had zero interceptions all season long. And it certainly helps that Glenn has coached Davis and Onyemata, too. There are more foundational pieces on the other side of town, but new Giants coach John Harbaugh knows he has work to do to build a team his way too. So it was no surprise that his first signing – and it was "his" signing, since he now has final say over player personnel – was former Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely. Harbaugh has a promising young quarterback in New York with Jaxson Dart, but not a lot of healthy and trusted weapons. Likely, who was often buried in Baltimore behind Mark Andrews, is a player Harbaugh trusts. "He’s a big weapon," an NFC scout told me. "He’s got good hands. He can stretch the field. Don’t worry about the position—tight end, slot receiver, whatever. He’s their No. 2 weapon now." The Giants also added middle linebacker Tremaine Edmunds, an eight-year vet who is a replacement for the recently cut Bobby Okereke. He gives Harbaugh someone to build around in the middle of the defense, to be, as one scout told me, "like another coach on the field." The Giants have more to do, of course. After re-signing RT Jermain Eluemanor (three years, $39 million, they will turn their attention to the interior of their line, according to multiple sources. They were also nosing around the running back market, too, though it’s unclear how high they're willing to go at that position. Harbaugh envisions a power running game much like what he had in Baltimore with Derrick Henry. He likely needs to strengthen the guards and upgrade the running back room to really make that look the way he wants. But in the end, it will look the way he wants, just like the Jets’ defense will be Glenn’s, too. 5. Reigning Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III joins Chiefs Ben Arthur: The Chiefs drew a line in the sand at the start of free agency with this message: We can no longer neglect the running back position. Kansas City agreed to terms with former Seahawks tailback Kenneth Walker III on a reported three-year deal worth $43.05 million that includes $28.7 fully guaranteed. The Super Bowl LX MVP, Walker gives Kansas City a dynamic RB1 in the backfield alongside quarterback Patrick Mahomes. For years, the Chiefs have been content with lower-tier options at running back. Mahomes’ scrambling ability has helped whatever lack of production (and efficiency) the team has gotten at the position, with the pass game being the ultimate focus. That could no longer slide after this past season, during which Kansas City ranked 25th in rushing offense (108.9 rushing yards per game). Running backs Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt, both of whom are unrestricted free agents, combined for just 1,073 rushing yards and nine rushing touchdowns. The Chiefs ranked in the top 12 in rushing yards before contact (1.51) but sat 28th in rushing yards after contact, according to Next Gen Stats, which spoke to the lack of playmaking in the backfield in 2025. That’s where Walker comes in. The former second-round pick forced 77 missed tackles last season, including playoffs, which ranked second among running backs, per Pro Football Focus. Walker also had 739 rushing yards after contact in 2025, which ranked in the top 20 of 48 qualified RBs, according to NGS. Mahomes, coming off a torn ACL, could also impact the two-time MVP’s scrambling ability, emphasizing the importance of Walker’s addition. The reigning Super Bowl MVP could open up the entire offense, which returns Eric Bieniemy as offensive coordinator. The Chiefs need more reliable, dynamic weapons on offense to get back to AFC dominance. Walker marks a big step in the right direction.

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Tua Tagovailoa Quickly Finds New Home, Will Reportedly Sign With Falcons

Just hours after Tua Tagovailoa was informed by the Miami Dolphins of his release, the quarterback has found a new home. Tagovailoa has agreed to a one-year, veteran's minimum deal to join the Atlanta Falcons, NFL Media reported Monday. Atlanta had been reported as a potential landing spot for Tagovailoa not long after he was cut by Miami. The Falcons were in need of a backup quarterback following their recent decision to cut Kirk Cousins. Starter Michael Penix Jr. is rehabbing from an ACL tear he suffered in November, putting his status to be ready for the start of the 2026 season in question. The Dolphins, meanwhile, confirmed that they were releasing Tagovailoa on Monday. The move will result in an NFL-record $99 million dead cap hit. "I recently informed Tua and his representation that we are going to move in a new direction at the quarterback position and will be releasing him after the start of the new league year," Dolphins general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan said in remarks released through the team. Not long after, the Dolphins agreed to terms on a three-year deal with Green Bay Packers quarterback Malik Willis. Willis was ranked in the top 10 of our top 100 free agents list, while Tagovailoa checked in at No. 30. Tagovailoa went 44-32 as Miami’s starter, dealt with concussions on multiple occasions and at times was a lightning rod for critics. Over the last five seasons — not counting his first year when he wasn’t the full-time starter yet — Tagovailoa completed 68.6% of his passes, second only to Joe Burrow over that span, while ranking 11th leaguewide in passing yards and passing touchdowns. At times, it was good. In the end, it just wasn’t always good enough. Tagovailoa reacted to Monday’s announcement on social media, thanking the Dolphins "for six unbelievable years." "From the moment I arrived, you believed in me, supported me, and embraced my family as your own," Tagovailoa wrote. "I was able to marry my wife and welcome both my kids to this world. ... Wearing this jersey and representing this city has been one of the greatest joys of my life." He also expressed disappointment that he couldn’t deliver that long-awaited playoff breakthrough for the team and its fans. "I also carry deep regret that I couldn’t get the job done and bring a championship home to this city," Tagovailoa said. "Miami deserves that, and I’ll always wish I could have delivered it for you." A trade or release had been somewhat expected after Tagovailoa, drafted fifth overall in 2020, was benched by former Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel toward the end of last season because of poor play. Tagovailoa at the time said he wasn’t happy with the decision and wasn’t sure what his future with the team would look like. Tagovailoa was demoted for rookie Quinn Ewers with three games remaining last season, a clear signal that his six-year run with the Dolphins might be coming to an end. Tagovailoa, who turned 28 earlier this month, led the league in passing yards in 2023 with a career-best 29 passing touchdowns, but he never quite replicated that form. He threw a career-high 15 interceptions last season. "I would say the biggest thing, and it’s being honest with myself as well, had been my performance," Tagovailoa said after being benched. "I haven’t been performing up to the level and the capabilities that I have in the past." The dead cap hit tops the previous record of $85 million that the Denver Broncos took for releasing Russell Wilson in 2024. But the quarterback struggled on the field his first two seasons under former Miami coach Brian Flores and was benched several times as a rookie, resulting in a constant cycle of rumors on whether the Dolphins — who have the NFL’s longest playoff win drought, at a quarter-century and counting — would stick with Tagovailoa. "As I prepare for the next chapter, I move forward with gratitude, faith, and memories I’ll cherish for a lifetime," Tagovailoa wrote. "South Florida will always hold a special place in my heart." Tagovailoa joins a Falcons team that could potentially set him up for success. New Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski is highly regarded as one of the top offensive minds in the league. Drake London had a breakout 2025 campaign at wide receiver, and Bijan Robinson was one of the top running backs in football this past season. The team also placed the franchise tag on Kyle Pitts. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Cowboys, Packers Make Another Trade; Dallas Will Reportedly Land Rashan Gary

Just over six months after the Dallas Cowboys traded Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers, it's Dallas' turn to get an edge rusher from Green Bay. The Packers are trading Rashan Gary to the Cowboys for a fourth-round pick in the 2027 NFL Draft, NFL Media reported Monday. Gary, 28, had been a consistent force for the Packers' defense over the past five seasons. He had 7.5 sacks in 2025, giving him 39.5 since 2021. Green Bay's 2019 first-round pick had 54 pressures in the regular season as well, per Pro Football Focus. That ranked 18th among edge rushers and was the third-best mark in Gary's seven-year career. Following the trade of Parsons last August, the Cowboys desperately sought pass-rushing help. Their 35 sacks last season were tied for the eighth-fewest in the NFL, while the team's defensive unit ranked last in passing yards allowed. Dallas was reportedly in the mix for Maxx Crosby before the Las Vegas Raiders traded him to the Baltimore Ravens on Friday. The Cowboys have also been linked to a handful of the top edge rushers set to hit the open market on Monday, including Trey Hendrickson and Jaelan Phillips. As for the Packers, it seemed likely that they would part ways with Gary this offseason due to his $28.02 million cap hit for 2026. In fact, Gary posted a farewell message to the Packers on his Instagram on Friday, indicating that he would be released. However, that post was removed shortly after. With the trade, Green Bay saves nearly $11 million in cap space this season.

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Rams Reportedly Make Trent McDuffie NFL's Highest-Paid CB Days After Trade

It didn't take long for star cornerback Trent McDuffie and the Los Angeles Rams to come to terms on an extension agreement. Just four days after agreeing to a trade for McDuffie, the Rams and the cornerback have agreed to a four-year, $124 million extension with $100 million guaranteed, ESPN reported Sunday. The deal will make McDuffie the highest-paid cornerback in NFL history, setting the records for total value, guaranteed money and average annual value for a cornerback contract. The $31 million average annual value of McDuffie's contract eclipses the $30.1 million average annual value of Indianapolis Colts star Sauce Gardner's contract. Gardner also previously had the richest contract for a cornerback in terms of total value ($120.4 million), while Houston Texans star Derek Stingley Jr. previously had the most guaranteed money for a cornerback ($89.02 million). [Trent McDuffie Trade Grades: F Them Picks 2.0? Rams Rightly Bring Back Mantra] The Rams agreed to trade for McDuffie from the Kansas City Chiefs on Wednesday, giving up four draft picks in order to get the deal done. One of those picks was Los Angeles' first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft (No. 29 overall). It also gave up its third-round pick in the 2027 NFL Draft. However, the Rams still hold a first-round selection in the 2026 draft, owning the 13th overall pick, thanks to a trade they made with the Atlanta Falcons last offseason. McDuffie, 25, has been one of the NFL's top cornerbacks since the Chiefs selected him in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft. He helped Kansas City win back-to-back Super Bowls in his first two seasons and is a two-time All-Pro. However, McDuffie was entering the final season of his rookie contract and hadn't signed an extension. As a result, some speculated that he would be a trade candidate this offseason, especially as Kansas City looks to reshape its roster following its disappointing 6-11 season. McDuffie was among those impacted in the Chiefs' down season. He missed five games due to a knee injury. He was still productive, though, allowing 37 receptions on 55 targets for just 342 yards and three touchdowns this past season, per Pro Football Focus. McDuffie has allowed just 6.6 yards per attempt when targeted in coverage over his career as well, per PFF. McDuffie should be a major boost to a Rams secondary that was largely mediocre in 2025, and arguably the biggest reason why they fell short of winning a Super Bowl. The Rams ranked 19th in passing defense, and allowed Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold to throw for 346 yards in the NFC Championship Game. Even though the Rams and McDuffie agreed to an extension on Sunday, the trade still can't be made official until the start of the new league year on Wednesday.

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Cowboys Reportedly Devastated on Not Landing Maxx Crosby, Targeting Top Edge Rushers

The Dallas Cowboys fell short in the Maxx Crosby sweepstakes. Now, they're turning their eyes toward other top edge rushers available this offseason, but there are some hurt feelings in missing out on Crosby. Following the Las Vegas Raiders' decision to ship Crosby to the Baltimore Ravens on Friday, the Cowboys are feeling "devastated" about missing out on the five-time Pro Bowler, ESPN reported Sunday. Dallas reportedly offered a first-round pick and a second-round pick for Crosby, who was ultimately traded to Baltimore for two first-round selections. Now, Dallas is expected to have interest in Trey Hendrickson (Cincinnati Bengals), Jaelan Phillips (Philadelphia Eagles), Boye Mafe (Seattle Seahawks) and other top edge rushers on the free-agent market, according to ESPN. Hendrickson headlines that list ahead of the start of Monday's legal tampering period. The four-time Pro Bowler logged 35 sacks total between the 2023 and 2024 seasons, leading the league in sacks in the latter of those two years. Hendrickson, 31, only had four sacks this past season because he missed 10 games due to a core injury. However, Hendrickson is expected to receive a major payday, as he ranks fourth on FOX Sports' top 100 free agents list. Dallas has also previously expressed interest in Hendrickson. The Cowboys pursued the Bengals' star edge rusher at the trade deadline this past season, with Cincinnati turning them down on multiple occasions, FOX Sports NFL insider Jay Glazer reported at the time. Phillips is also in the top 10 of FOX Sports' top 100 free agents list. The Eagles' standout pass rusher only had five sacks last season, beginning the year with the Miami Dolphins before getting traded in November. But he had an impressive 73 pressures, which ranked ninth among all edge rushers, per Pro Football Focus. Mafe is also ranked highly on our top 100 free agents list, checking in at No. 39. Odafe Oweh of the Los Angeles Chargers ranks even higher, though, checking in at No. 7. Oweh put up better production than Mafe in 2025, logging 7.5 sacks in 12 games with Los Angeles after getting traded by Baltimore. But Mafe was a part of the Seahawks' rotation on the defensive front that was one of the catalysts for their victory in Super Bowl LX. There are several other standout pass rushers also set to hit the open market on Monday. Joey Bosa is a free agent again after leading the league in forced fumbles (five) with the Buffalo Bills this past season. K'Lavon Chaisson will also become a free agent following his breakout year with the New England Patriots, in which he recorded 10.5 sacks (regular season and postseason combined). Bradley Chubb is already a free agent after the Miami Dolphins released him in February. Dallas currently has roughly $200,000 in cap space, per Over The Cap. So, it'll need to clear some cap room as it seeks to find its Micah Parsons successor.

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Saints CB Alontae Taylor: 'I'm Definitely Best' NFL Free Agent Cornerback

Wondering who the best cornerback on the NFL free agent market will be this offseason? New Orleans Saints defensive back Alontae Taylor has the answer: himself! "I feel like I'm one of the best free-agent players coming out [this offseason]. I definitely feel like I'm the best free-agent corner coming out," Taylor said about his upcoming free agency in an interview with SiriusXM NFL Radio on Friday. "Just that versatility. Being able to play inside, play outside, and be able to help any team at whatever they need. Feeling like I could possibly be that CB1 guy for a team, and if I ever have to go into the slot to guard your best receiver who you move into the slot, I've shown that I can go in there and play comfortably. "I feel like I bring a lot of attributes to the table. Like I said before, I do feel like I'm one of those best guys available, and I feel like a lot of teams out there feel the same way." Taylor said that he's "appreciative" of the Saints but is also "super excited" about being a free agent. Last season, Taylor — who's 47th on FOX Sports NFL Reporter Greg Auman's top-100 NFL free agents this offseason — totaled two interceptions for the second time in his four-year NFL career, while also logging two sacks, 11 passes defended and 83 combined tackles. He ranked first among cornerbacks with 33 stops, second with 71 solo tackles, fifth with 62 receptions allowed and sixth with seven total pressures, according to Pro Football Focus. [NFL FREE AGENCY: 1 Ideal Signing for All 32 NFL Teams] Taylor, who hasn't missed a game since his 2022 rookie campaign, has totaled double-digit passes defended in each of his four seasons in the sport (2022-25) and racked up four sacks in 2024. New Orleans selected Taylor with the No. 49 pick in the 2022 NFL Draft out of Tennessee. Outside of Taylor, Jamel Dean, Taron Johnson, Nahshon Wright, Marshon Lattimore and Jaylen Watson are among the top cornerbacks set to hit the open market. NFL teams can begin negotiating with agents of free agents at noon ET on March 9, while NFL free agency officially begins at 4 p.m. ET on March 11.

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2026 All-NFL Scouting Combine Team: Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love Wows

The NFL Scouting Combine is the premier showcase event for top prospects hoping to solidify their spots on draft boards around the league. Although scouts proclaim to place greater emphasis on film evaluation, a jaw-dropping performance at the Combine can force evaluators to move an intriguing prospect up the charts. After taking some time to review the numbers and video of the 2026 Combine, here are the players who opened eyes and earned a coveted spot on my All-Combine Team ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft: OFFENSE Quarterback: Taylen Green, Arkansas The dual-threat playmaker might have secured a Day 3 spot with his spectacular display of athleticism and explosion. Measuring 6-foot-6, 227 pounds, Green blazed the turf with a 4.37-second time in the 40-yard dash, while popping a 43.5-inch vertical jump and an 11-foot, 2-inch broad jump. With a resume that features 9,662 passing yards and 94 total touchdowns, the Arkansas standout will draw interest as a developmental/change of pace quarterback, with a creative coaching staff and front office envisioning a potential "slash" role (quarterback/wide receiver) or full-time position switch down the road. Running Back: Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame The best player in the 2026 draft cemented his spot as the No. 1 prospect on the board with his impressive showing at Indianapolis. The Notre Dame standout ran an eye-popping 4.37-second 40-yard dash before dazzling evaluators with a flawless positional workout that showcased his rare combination of speed, quickness, balance, and body control. Given his production as a dynamic runner with a highlight reel loaded with big plays, explosive runs, and touchdowns, Love is a top-five prospect regardless of positional value. Wide Receiver: Zachariah Branch, Georgia The shifty slot receiver might have changed the narrative in the scouting community after his jaw-dropping performance. Despite being typecast as a slot receiver/punt returner with a future as a gadget player, Branch’s speed (4.35-second forty-yard dash), explosiveness and route-running ability could prompt creative play-callers to carve out a role for the former Bulldogs as a WR2/WR3 in an offense that prominently features "catch-and-run" concepts on the call sheet. As a speedster with electric running skills and breakaway speed, Branch could develop into a game-changer as a pro. Wide Receiver: Ted Hurst, Georgia State The long, rangy pass catcher might have locked up a Day 2 spot as a potential "X" receiver on most draft boards. Hurst followed a strong Senior Bowl performance with an excellent showing at the Combine, where he ran a 4.42-second 40-yard dash and posted impressive measurements in the vertical jump (36.5 inches) and broad jump (11-feet, 3 inches). With Hurst flashing acrobatic body control and ball skills during the route-running drills, the Georgia State standout is a top-100 prospect in the 2026 draft. Wide Receiver: Omar Cooper, Indiana The Indiana product has been viewed as a borderline Day 1 prospect by evaluators who rave about his route-running precision and strong hands. Cooper cemented his status with a strong performance at Indianapolis, where he posted a 4.42-second 40-yard dash and a 37-inch vertical jump. He followed the impressive athletic testing with a spectacular route-running and pass-catching exhibition, showcasing his potential as a WR2. Considering how teams love "plug-and-play" playmakers who can impact their teams from Day 1, Cooper continues to move up the charts as a prospect. Tight End: Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon It is no surprise to see Sadiq dominate athletic drills, given his reputation as an athletic freak with rare physical tools. Measuring 6-foot-3, 241 pounds with 4.40 speed (40-yard dash) and NBA-caliber "bounce" (43.5-inch vertical jump; 11-foot-1-inch broad jump), the Oregon standout is a matchup nightmare on the perimeter. As play designers contemplate various ways to put opposing defenses in binds, Sadiq’s combination of athleticism and skill will make him a hot commodity on draft night. Offensive Tackle: Monroe Freeling, Georgia Experience matters, but it is hard to bypass a 6-foot-7, 315-pound offensive tackle with elite athletic traits and impressive shadowboxing skills. Freeling was already on the radar as one of the top offensive tackle prospects despite his limited experience as a one-year starter and an unrefined game, but his agility, movement skills and high-end athleticism (4.93 40-yard dash; 33.5-inch vertical jump and 9-foot-7-inch broad jump) make him a desirable prospect in a pass-happy league. Given the lack of true left tackles in the 2026 class, the Georgia standout could parlay his dazzling Combine workout into a top-20 selection. Offensive Guard: Chase Bisonitis, Texas A&M Despite concerns over his short arms (31 3/4 inches), the former Aggie earned rave reviews for his work in Indianapolis. The 6-foot-5, 315-pounder dazzled in drills, displaying outstanding balance, body control and agility working in space. Bisontis’ textbook technique matched the near-perfect form he consistently displays on tape. With strong athletic marks (5.03 in the 40-yard dash; 32-inch vertical jump) and a highlight reel full of "plus" plays, Bisontis is squarely in the mix as OG2 of the class. Center: Logan Jones, Iowa The next Iowa product to flourish as a pro showed the football world he is an A-plus athlete with his jaw-dropping performance in Indianapolis. Jones not only ripped off a 4.94-second in the 40-yard dash with a 1.74-second 10-yard split, but his movements match the short-area dominance that he displays on tape. With his quick hands and nimble feet shining in pass protection and on zone blocks, the 6-foot-3, 299-pounder moves to the top of the list of pivots in the 2026 class. Offensive Guard: Keylan Rutledge, Georgia Tech The "Bully Ball" specialist might have surprised some evaluators with his sensational athletic performance at the Combine. Rutlege ran a 5.05-second 40-yard dash to complement his 32.5-inch vertical jump and impressive work in on-field drills. The Georgia Tech product is more than a mauler/brawler, and his solid workout suggests he could be a scheme-friendly prospect capable of thriving in a zone or gap-based scheme. Offensive Tackle: Spencer Fano, Utah The rugged right tackle earned high marks for his performance in Indianapolis, including a little work at center to showcase his versatility. Fano measured in at 6-foot-5, 311 pounds, but impressed most with his 4.91-second 40-yard dash and above-average jumps (32-inch vertical jump and 9-foot-3-inch broad jump), which confirmed his explosiveness. With his tape matching his athletic performance, Fano is an easy evaluation for teams looking for a high-end offensive lineman prospect. DEFENSE EDGE: David Bailey, Texas Tech Elite pass rushers often possess a combination of speed and skill that overwhelms blockers on the edge. Bailey’s Combine performance simply confirmed his blue-chip traits as a speed rusher with outstanding first-step quickness and dynamic "bend and burst" abilities. With a 4.50-second 40-yard dash time and elite jump measurements (35-inch vertical and 10-foot-9-inch broad jump) to match the explosive pass rush feats that show up on tape, it is easy to sell the Texas Tech standout as a top-five talent in this draft. Defensive Tackle: Caleb Banks, Florida Some have cast the Florida product as a "boom or bust" candidate due to his injuries and inconsistent flashes as a player, but it is hard to find a 6-foot-6, 327-pound defensive tackle with fluid movement skills and heavy hands. Despite prematurely ending his workout due to a minor issue with his cleats, Banks showed out with a 5.04-second 40-yard dash time and eye-popping jumps (32-inch vertical jump and 9-foot-6-inch broad jump) that showcased his athleticism and explosiveness. After impressing at the Senior Bowl and Combine, the big-bodied interior defender has scouts scouring his 2024 tape to see if his potential as an athletic freak warrants first-round consideration. Defensive Tackle: Zane Durant, Penn State As an undersized interior defender who wins with speed and quickness, Durant needed a dominant performance at the Combine to convince evaluators that he was worthy of Day 2 consideration. With a 4.75-second 40-yard dash to complement his 33.5-inch vertical jump and 9-foot-4-inch broad jump, Durant not only confirmed his elite athletic traits, but he followed it with a dazzling exhibition in drills. After reviewing his game tape and studying his workout numbers, it is hard to imagine a team with an attack-style defense, bypassing an ultra-athletic defender who plays with urgency and violence. EDGE: Malachi Lawrence, UCF As a "junkyard dog" edge rusher with a non-stop motor and relentless approach, Lawrence had put together a resume worthy of Day 2 consideration after a solid effort at the East-West Shrine Bowl. While he was not a lock to come off the board within the first three rounds of the 2026 draft, Lawrence’s explosive traits (4.52-second 40-yard dash; 40-inch vertical and 10-foot, 10-inch broad jump) push him to the top of the developmental group that rounds out the top 100 selections on most boards. Given his consistency as a pass rusher (20 career sacks and three forced fumbles) and his athletic traits as a potential rotational player/special teams standout, Lawrence is back on the radar as a "red star" (prospect who will make an impact regardless of role) candidate on the draft board. Off-Ball Linebacker: Arvell Reese, Ohio State The freakishly athletic defender put on a show at the Combine that has defensive coordinators salivating over his potential. Reese has teased evaluators with his talent as an off-ball linebacker with pass-rush potential, but his sensational showing in drills has defensive coordinators’ imaginations spinning out of control. As a potential hybrid with off-the-charts playmaking potential, the Ohio State star’s elite athletic measurements (4.46-second 40-yard dash with 1.53-second 10-yard split) have cemented his spot as a top-five pick. Off-Ball Linebacker: Sonny Styles, Ohio State The super-sized off-ball linebacker made his case to be a top-five pick with an eye-popping performance that has evaluators reviewing their notes from the 2024 and 2025 seasons. The former safety-turned-linebacker is the ultimate "hit, run, and cover" player with a 4.46-second 40-yard dash and a pair of explosive jumps (43.5-inch vertical jump and 11-foot-2-inch broad jump) that will make it hard for quarterbacks to throw into his zone. With the Ohio State product flashing effective pass-rushing skills on tape, Styles has teams contemplating breaking traditional norms by placing an off-ball linebacker at the top of the charts. "Star" Linebacker: Kyle Louis, Pittsburgh After opening eyes at the Senior Bowl with his spectacular flashes in drills, Louis shows the football world that his athleticism matches the tape with an impressive performance at the Combine. The Pitt product blazed the 40-yard dash in 4.53 seconds, while popping a 39.5-inch and 10-foot-9-inch broad jump. As coaches and scouts dive deeper into his game film and discover a versatile playmaker with natural skills as a hybrid (linebacker/safety), the 6-foot, 220-pounder could shoot up the charts as a Day 2 prospect. Cornerback: Chris Johnson, San Diego State Scouts reviewing Johnson’s tape were smitten with his potential as a talented technician suited for a long-term role as a CB1/CB2. However, questions about his recovery clouded the evaluation after seeing a few struggles on deep routes. Those concerns were silenced after Johnson popped an impressive 4.40-second 40-yard dash with complementary jumps (38-inch vertical jump and 10-foot-6-inch broad jump) that confirmed his explosiveness as an athlete. Additionally, Johnson’s flawless technique makes it easy to sell him as a top-40 selection on draft weekend. Safety: Dillon Thieneman, Oregon The explosive ball hawk from Oregon has vaulted into top-20 consideration following a strong workout that showcased his speed and agility. Thieneman impressed his evaluators with a 4.35-second 40-yard dash and 41-inch vertical jump. The measurements not only confirmed his elite explosiveness but also matched the outstanding displays of range and ball skills that had pushed him into Day 1 status ahead of the event. With multiple teams looking for a high-IQ safety with MLB centerfielder range and ball skills, Thieneman is a lock to come off the board as a first-round pick. Safety: Bud Clark, TCU Dynamic playmakers are always coveted by scouts and coaches, particularly at a time when the turnover obsession is running rampant throughout the league. Clark’s ball skills and takeaway prowess have earned rave reviews, but scouts are more smitten with the TCU standout after watching him shine in an impressive workout at the Combine. The explosion and agility displayed on the turf make it easy to envision the 6-foot, 188-pounder thriving in a role that enables him to tap into his strengths as a "see ball, get ball" defender. Cornerback: Colton Hood, Tennessee It might be hard for the Tennessee standout to climb to the top of the charts, but Hood’s outstanding workout at the Combine will have defensive coordinators and defensive back coaches around the league clamoring for his services as a future CB1. The 6-foot, 193-pounder is an athletic freak (4.44-second 40-yard dash time; 40.5-inch vertical jump and 10-foot-5-inch broad jump) with a silky smooth game that jumps off the tape. Additionally, Hood is a high-IQ defender with a knack for diagnosing routes and making plays on the ball, utilizing various techniques. As a "plug-and-play" starter with an impressive resume that makes him a late first-round prospect, Hood’s impressive performance at the NFL’s premier showcase event could seal his spot as a Day 1 pick. Bucky Brooks is an NFL analyst for FOX Sports. He also breaks down the game for NFL Network and as a cohost of the "Moving the Sticks" podcast. Follow him on Twitter @BuckyBrooks.

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