Freeman on Giants Job Pitch: Coaching 'Special' Jeremiyah Love 'Intriguing'

Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman addressed the New York Giants' interest in him this offseason, and what he thought of the opportunity to coach Jeremiyah Love in the NFL.

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Will Ohio State Have Four Top-10 Picks in the 2026 NFL Draft?

If you've perused any NFL mock drafts this offseason, you'll see a familiar theme in the first half of many of them: There are a handful of Ohio State Buckeyes — and that is no mistake, according to NFL Network lead draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah. In the latest episode of "The Joel Klatt Show," Jeremiah put Ohio State's recent run of producing top NFL prospects in historical perspective, saying only one other program might have had a comparable stretch. "The only one I can compare it to is the Miami run in the early 2000s. That was a period where, almost every year, we were seeing four first-round guys and then running that depth all the way through," Jeremiah said. "But it's not only that [Ohio State] has dudes … but these guys are having success at the NFL level, too. It's not like it's some overhyped group or a program that's living off their reputation. These guys are getting drafted high, and rightfully so. They're playing really well at the next level." To Jeremiah’s point, nearly all 10 Buckeyes selected in the first round over the last four drafts have found success at the NFL level. Wide receiver Garrett Wilson won Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2022, while Jaxon Smith-Njigba won Offensive Player of the Year this past season. Quarterback C.J. Stroud had one of the best rookie seasons ever for a quarterback in 2023 and has led the Houston Texans in all three seasons he's been with the team. In the 2026 draft, Ohio State will almost certainly add four more players to its ever-growing list of the most first-round picks produced by a program. Edge rusher Arvell Reese, wide receiver Carnell Tate, linebacker Sonny Styles and safety Caleb Downs are not only apparent locks to go in the first round, but all four might also be top-10 picks. FOX Sports lead college football analyst Joel Klatt pointed to Tate as the reason why Ohio State's 2026 draft class has the potential to be historic. "Carnell Tate wasn't even the best receiver on his own team in college and is likely going to be the No. 1 wide receiver taken in this draft," Klatt said. "All of us, me included, and I'm sure you as well, believe that because he's from that lineage and he showed what he did at the college level, he's likely to have a lot of success and be in the top 10 in this draft." While Tate might have been outshined by Jeremiah Smith at wide receiver during his Ohio State tenure, he still had a productive career in Columbus. He logged over 1,500 receiving yards and had 13 receiving touchdowns in his last two seasons, putting up some of those numbers while also playing alongside Tampa Bay Buccaneers standout Emeka Egbuka. Tate, who Klatt has going to the New York Giants at No. 5 in his most recent mock draft, has a chance to become the sixth Ohio State wide receiver to be selected in the first round in five drafts. But can Ohio State's draft class make history? Michigan State was the last program to have four top-10 picks in the same year, doing so in 1967. Reese has been a top-five pick in just about every mock draft, while Tate has been a top-10 pick in the majority of mock drafts, too. Styles and Downs, on the other hand, play positions that typically don't receive top-10 value and seem like toss-ups to be selected in the top 10. Jeremiah made a strong case for both players to be top-10 picks, pointing to two teams picking in the top five (Tennessee Titans and Giants) who should be willing to draft Styles. "If you are [Titans head coach Robert] Saleh and you've seen and coached [San Francisco 49ers linebacker] Fred Warner and know what Fred Warner can do in that scheme and how impactful he can be with what he does, you should have no problem taking him with the fourth overall pick," Jeremiah said. "If you're the New York Giants and you're looking at Sonny Styles, the future of [the NFC East] … is Jayden Daniels. How do you defeat Jayden Daniels? I like to have guys at the second level that can get to him on the perimeter when he decides to go, and then also have the length and range when they try to go RPO and go in the middle of the field. We can clog all of that with all of our size, length and athleticism. He's the perfect player to try and defend someone like that. "Having a player at that level who can do all that stuff and handle all the communication on top of it — I can make a very strong argument for [Styles] in those places." As for Downs, Jeremiah didn't seem as sure that the All-American safety will be a top-10 pick, but he thinks the Cincinnati Bengals could be a good fit for him at No. 10. "When you get to Downs, I tell everybody it's not a lock that he's going to go top 10," Jeremiah said. "We live in a world where Derwin James somehow didn't go in the top 10 or Kyle Hamilton didn't go in the top 10 and we just saw [Nick] Emmanwori go in the second round. In terms of how high he goes, it's a little more difficult to project. "But, when I'm looking at specific teams, and I'm looking at Cincinnati and where they are as a team and I'm thinking, ‘OK, this is the worst rush defense in the NFL.’ Then, you say, ‘Why the heck are they taking a safety.’ I think he can impact the run defense as much as he does the passing game. I think he's that impactful." What could also hurt Downs' case to be a top-10 pick is the relative depth at safety in this draft class. Oregon's Dillon Thieneman and Toledo's Emmanuel McNeil-Warren are also potential first-round picks. But Klatt believes that Downs is at least an echelon above those two players. "His margin [in the pass game] against those guys is kind of like, ‘OK, I like his instincts a bit more,’" Klatt said of Downs. "But then you put their cut-ups against one another and even other safeties against the league, in terms of instincts against the run, playing low and playing in that joker position they had him playing in a lot … he plays like another linebacker, even at his size. The margin he has above those players when it comes to run fits and instinct in the run game grows, at least in my estimation."

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2026 NFL Draft: Inside Ty Simpson’s Rise from Alabama Backup to Likely First-Rounder

How the most polarizing prospect in the draft used his football acumen, patience and a Bama breakout to become a potential first-round pick.

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2026 NFL Draft Comps: Joel Klatt, Daniel Jeremiah Compare Prospects To NFL Players

When it comes to the NFL Draft, few exercises are more telling – or more fun – than player comparisons. FOX Sports lead college football analyst Joel Klatt spoke with NFL Network draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah on the most recent episode of "The Joel Klatt Show." The two discussed the upcoming NFL Draft, which will take place April 23-25 in Pittsburgh, and Klatt challenged Jeremiah to make the case for five prospects by identifying their closest NFL counterparts. Here’s how Jeremiah and Klatt sized them up: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame NFL Comparison: Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Detroit LionsJeremiah: "They have a little different body types, but the ability to make people miss at full speed, the pass game value and just the different gear. Those guys can just tap into a different gear." Klatt: "I have [Fernando] Mendoza as my No. 1 player, but I think [Jeremiyah] Love is probably the best football player in the draft. He and Arvell Reese." Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State NFL Comparison: Chris Olave, WR, New Orleans Saints Jeremiah: "I know [Chris] Olave’s speed is a little better. I think [Carnell] Tate is a little stronger, but in terms of all those Ohio State guys that have rolled through, that was the one that I thought he was the most similar to."Klatt: "It's the fluidity down the field that he [Tate] has, and he’s very smooth in that area. He was great at contested catches, and I think it’s a trait that’s hard to find: a guy that doesn’t panic down the field. He certainly didn’t. He was terrific on the opposite side of Jeremiah Smith, who I think is probably the top pick in the draft a year from now. Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana NFL Comparison: Deebo Samuel, WR, Free AgentJeremiah: "Omar Cooper — he’s just a mini Deebo. He’s not as heavy as Deebo, but there’s the run-after-catch stuff that reminds me so much of Deebo when he was coming out. There are guys that just hate to be tackled. He won’t go down and then he’s able to elevate and play above the rim. We saw that, obviously, with the big one against Penn State. He’s just an athlete and just got a little dog to him. "Deebo wasn’t the most polished route runner when he was coming out. I think he’s a little more advanced, although I think there’s still room for him to grow and develop there. Just get the ball in his hands, and that’s where the fun starts."Klatt: "I think there’s a misconception that everybody that was really good at Indiana was a transfer and that’s not the case with Omar Cooper. He was an Indiana guy. He committed to Tom Allen and came in and stayed there when the JMU crew arrived with Curt Cignetti. He bought in and developed and became just an outstanding player with them in that passing game. "I think his feel for space is incredible. They ran a lot of RPOs — no one threw more last season than Fernando Mendoza, and part of that was because of guys like Cooper and [Elijah] Sarratt on the outside. Cooper was outstanding. I’m a huge fan of him." Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State NFL Compassion: Jerry Jeudy, WR, Cleveland Browns Jeremiah: "Jerry Jeudy had a freeness to him and creativity at the line of scrimmage. He was just so limber and loose and fluid and smooth. That, to me, is what he [Tyson] reminds me of. I think people forget, Jeudy has had some high moments in the NFL. It hasn’t been this consistently great ride, but when all those guys were in that class, he was viewed right up there near the top of that list coming out of college."Klatt: "Jodyn Tyson is phenomenal. … I think my biggest concern is the injury history. When healthy, this guy is an elite player. But there is also a difference between the way he finishes catches between the hash marks versus Makai Lemon, who is just tough as nails. Totally fearless. It doesn’t matter who is around, he is going to attack the football, and that’s a little bit of a difference." Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon NFL Comparison: Vernon Davis, TE, retired Jeremiah: "He’s just so twitchy, explosive and dynamic. I don’t think you’re talking about someone who is going to be a real feel, option-route tight end. I think when you think about [Travis] Kelce and how he plays the game, that’s not going to be him. It's gonna be more about the speed, running away from guys and the strength to break tackles. He needs to be more consistent at catching the ball. He had too many drops last year, but I loved his competitiveness. Vernon Davis, when he wanted to, could drive guys off the field as a blocker." Klatt: "Dan Lanning told me, ‘Everyone is going to rave about the way he [Sadiq] catches the ball — and that’s great. It’s phenomenal, and he’s going to get drafted because of it. But watch a cut-up of the way he blocks.' He can flex and beat you, or line up and help in the run game."

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Sound Smart: 4 Observations as NFL Draft Season Begins to Peak

It's weeks like this that prove the NFL doesn't really have an offseason. NFL free agency may have stalled, with teams waiting for June 1 to manage their compensatory picks. But the draft news is ramping up, with the first round next Thursday. Surely, we'll start to see smokescreens and misdirection. And maybe we'll see a blockbuster trade or two. But let's not get ahead of ourselves. Let's assess what happened around the NFL this past week. This is "Sound Smart," where I try to spin forward, dive deeper and think outside the box. If I do my job, you’ll have a better understanding of what's happening this NFL offseason. 1. IF THERE’S ONE THING YOU SHOULD KNOW, IT’S THAT… You can blame Patrick Mahomes for the lack of fanfare around Fernando Mendoza. Nine years after the Chiefs drafted Patrick Mahomes No. 10 overall, his selection is still changing the landscape of the NFL. It’s a tremendous compliment to how much the Kansas City quarterback has achieved. In a roundabout way, I think Mahomes’ resounding success is the reason why there’s limited hype around Mendoza, the presumptive No. 1 pick this year. Let’s flash back to 2019, when Tom Brady last won a Super Bowl with the Patriots. He was the gold standard. Pocket quarterbacks were the status quo, and mobile QBs seemed to be a trend. At the NFL Combine, players often compared themselves to Brady — admittedly drawing eye rolls in the process. But now? College quarterbacks want to compare themselves to Mahomes, Josh Allen and other mobile QBs. That’s not Mendoza. He’s more of a Brady type — a pocket quarterback. (Mendoza's style is most comparable to Detroit's Jared Goff or former longtime Falcons QB Matt Ryan.) Make no mistake: Mendoza is deserving of that No. 1 spot. But there seems to be a lack of fanfare around him, and I think it’s because everyone is so accustomed to dual-threat QBs (Cam Ward, Caleb Williams, Bryce Young, Trevor Lawrence) going in that top spot. "[Mahomes] definitely inspired a lot of people to find a guy like that," an NFL GM told me. "I think everybody's trying to kind of get away from the stationary quarterback — the traditional pocket quarterback — because of the way these defensive fronts are nowadays. You have to have somebody that can move around the pocket, have feeling around the pocket, and then extend plays and create with their legs if need be. "So, yeah, I would say, in that breath, maybe [Mahomes] did change the mindset of some coaches and some evaluators." 2. MONDAY MORNING CONTROVERSY — AVERTED Lamar Jackson showed up for offseason workouts, which is a sign of good things to come for Baltimore. Finally, the Ravens can enjoy a positive storyline. Seriously, a thing happened in Baltimore that wasn’t controversial. It has been a tumultuous offseason for the Ravens, who fired longtime head coach John Harbaugh and replaced him with first-time head coach Jesse Minter. It could be a great hire, but it is, no doubt, controversial. The Ravens then began the process of trading for superstar edge rusher Maxx Crosby — before backing out. The medical information didn’t check out, they said, so Crosby was returned to the Raiders and Baltimore signed free-agent Trey Hendrickson. Again, it could be a great move, but it is also controversial. Let’s not shy away from highlighting the good items along with the controversy. Two-time NFL MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson showed up for voluntary offseason workouts, which he skipped last year. Jackson is due for a new contract, and he’s still building a relationship with Minter and new offensive coordinator Declan Doyle. So it’s a big deal that he was present for the voluntary portion. Last year, Jackson had his worst regular season since 2021, and just as important, his organization is trying to build something new — and very much around him. He needed to be there. 3. EVERYONE’S AFRAID TO SAY If Kirk Cousins was initially avoiding the Raiders, I’d understand why. Quarterback competitions are rarely fair, if ever. So I can understand why it took so long for Kirk Cousins to land with the Las Vegas Raiders. It was, after all, reported almost immediately after his release by the Falcons on March 11 that he would be a Raider. But the veteran quarterback took his time to be 100 percent sure that Las Vegas was the best place for him. And that difficulty probably has very little to do with anyone currently on the Raiders. It has everything to do with the guy who's about to be a Raider: Mendoza. In fact, Las Vegas might be a good football team in 2026. It would defy what we know about the Raiders, generally speaking, because the organization has won 10 games (or more) just one time since 2017. But if you look simply at their offense — which is often the key to a big turnaround (like what the Patriots and Bears did last year) — then you’ll see reason for optimism. Running back Ashton Jeanty was one of the best prospects in last year's draft, and there's still hope for him. Brock Bowers is the best tight end in the NFL at just 23 years old. New head coach Klint Kubiak was the best offensive coordinator in football last year. Center Tyler Linderbaum was the best offensive lineman on the free agent market. Whether it’s additions or returners, there’s a lot to like about the Raiders. Even while the situation is murky at QB, it’s the good kind of uncertainty. Las Vegas should have a difficult decision to make in September because it has a healthy competition between Cousins and the projected No. 1 overall pick, Mendoza. Which gets me back to my original point: QB competitions are rarely fair. Tom Brady has made it clear that he doesn't want Mendoza to start right away. And Cousins is a legit option to make that plan happen. Together, they can try to do what, historically speaking, hardly ever happens: have the No. 1 pick begin his NFL career as a backup quarterback. But it would be anomalous. Cousins must know that. And so it made sense that he didn't want to jump at being a likely backup for the Raiders. "I honestly don’t want to start unless I’m the best option, and I told Klint that," Cousins told reporters last Wednesday. "The best player should play. As long as that’s the case, I have no qualms about however it plays out. I do think Fernando is going to be a great addition to our team. I think he’s going to have a great future in our league. "I have no problem being a voice in the room to help him to the degree I can. He’s going to have great support around him with the coaching staff. But to be able to watch a veteran quarterback go through his habits and routines and process, that can be a great asset for him." Cousins seems to understand his role for the Raiders in 2026. He might know — well before Las Vegas realizes it — that he is not likely to hold off Mendoza for long. The top pick in the draft is almost always a Week 1 starter. [How a 'Life-Giving' FaceTime with Tom Brady Helped Kirk Cousins Sign with Raiders] 4. PEELING BACK THE CURTAIN Two NFL Draft prospects are trying to allay injury concerns and land in the top 10. There might not be two prospects with more important medical information than receiver Jordyn Tyson and tackle Francis Mauigoa. And that’s why we’re seeing them both make late pushes to get the necessary information in front of NFL teams. In the case of Tyson, he has decided to host a workout for NFL teams on April 17 — just one week before the draft. Last season at Arizona State, Tyson suffered a hamstring injury in mid-October and missed three games. He also sat out of drills at the NFL Combine and ASU Pro Day. It’s rare to see a hamstring injury drag on this long, but Tyson has maintained he’s healthy and will be ready to play. This workout could go a long way in confirming that. And because there’s a lot of parity between the top three receivers in this draft class (from Carnell Tate to Makai Lemon to Tyson), it could go so far as to thrust him into a spot as the top receiver. [Ranking the Top 10 Wide Receivers in the 2026 NFL Draft] With Mauigoa, he did a medical recheck last Friday to address concerns regarding a back injury that gave him issues at the end of last season at Miami. Teams must have come away from the combine feeling like the medicals left them with questions. So Mauigoa’s recheck is an effort to answer those questions — and land in the top 10 on April 23.

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2026 NFL Mock Draft: The Perfect Pick for Each Team

One of the most complicated elements in writing mock drafts is recognizing that every NFL team has a point where they will break away from obvious needs to take the "best player available." The purpose of this mock is to ignore that possibility entirely. It is taking the K.I.S.S. approach — "keep it simple, stupid" — to a mock draft by erasing each team’s biggest hole with their selections. This mock does not take perceived value into account. There will be "reaches" and, perhaps, perceived unrealistic drops, because we aren’t projecting trades here. We're just filling each team’s biggest area of concern with an ideal schematic match. FIRST ROUND 1. Las Vegas RaidersBiggest need: QBPerfect fit: Fernando Mendoza, Indiana Blessed with prototypical size, impressive arm talent and a championship pedigree, Mendoza is as close to a guarantee to go No. 1 overall as we’ve seen in years. He is a clean schematic fit in Klint Kubiak’s version of the West Coast Offense and, just as importantly, is an even cleaner fit for Las Vegas, from an intangible perspective. Signing Kirk Cousins, 37, only lessens the pressure on the rookie to start immediately, providing Las Vegas with a helpful launching pad to help Mendoza rocket to stardom at a manageable pace. 2. New York JetsBiggest need: WRPerfect fit: Carnell Tate, Ohio State Garrett Wilson was the only receiver currently on the Jets roster to catch a touchdown pass in 2025, and make no mistake — the 10th overall pick of the 2022 draft was hardly dominant last year, scoring just four times. Obviously, improved play at quarterback is also required, but there isn’t a QB in the NFL who could be successful with the Jets’ current anemic receiving corps — Geno Smith, included. The Jets should strongly consider peddling some of their picks for the Eagles’ A.J. Brown, but Tate also profiles as a No. 1 target. 3. Arizona CardinalsBiggest need: Front-seven difference-makerPerfect fit: Arvell Reese, Ohio State The Cardinals are complicated. Clearly, the most important position long-term is at quarterback, and no one should view 31-year-old journeyman Elijah Wilkinson as the future at right tackle, either. But unless Zaven Collins suddenly lives up to his first-round selection, the Cardinals’ biggest immediate need is at edge rusher. Josh Sweat was the only defender currently on Arizona’s roster to record more than two sacks a year ago. Reese is arguably the best player in this class. If the Cardinals are going to climb out of the cellar in the NFC West, they need multiple franchise-changers. Reese could be one. 4. Tennessee TitansBiggest need: Interior OLPerfect fit: Vega Ioane, Penn State Look, I told you there were going to be reaches! At No. 4 overall, I think the Titans can’t go wrong if they select an insta-star such as Jeremiyah Love or Sonny Styles. Both plug-and-play options will likely be available and are clear upgrades over Tony Pollard and Cody Barton, respectively. However, I don’t see either RB or MLB as much of a need as added stability on the interior of the offensive line, where the Titans brought in center Austin Schlottman from the Giants in free agency (four career starts) and Cordell Volson, who was cut by the Bengals after he missed 2025 with shoulder surgery. The Titans should be protecting Cam Ward at all costs, and Ioane is viewed by some as the best blocker of this class. 5. New York GiantsBiggest need: RBPerfect fit: Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame Given that the Giants finished last year fifth in rushing yards and tied for fourth in rushing touchdowns, listing running back seems silly. But with all due respect to an already solid Giants RB corps, Love is just a different level of athlete. Placed in a run-heavy offense like the one the Giants will employ again next season again with John Harbaugh now calling the shots, Love offers more immediate impact than any other player in this class. 6. Cleveland BrownsBiggest need: LTPerfect fit: Francis Mauigoa, Miami The Browns prioritized their offensive line during the offseason, signing Elgton Jenkins and Zion Johnson and trading for Tytus Howard. Left tackle, however, remains a concern with current projected starter Dawand Jones missing time in each of his first three seasons. Some think Mauigoa’s best position in the NFL will be at guard. I think in Todd Monken’s offense, he’d stay at left tackle and be a star, with the Browns uniquely suited to maximizing his ceiling with the daily tutoring sessions he’ll be receiving from Myles Garrett in practice. 7. Washington CommandersBiggest need: SecondaryPerfect fit: Caleb Downs, Ohio State The Commanders have adequate players in free-agent signee Nick Cross and Will Harris currently slated to start at safety, but neither has thus far proven to be the kind of difference-maker Dan Quinn enjoyed in previous stops in Seattle, Atlanta and Dallas. Downs is as good as this class gets, showing the instincts and athleticism to be an immediate star. 8. New Orleans SaintsBiggest need: WRPerfect fit: Denzel Boston, Washington No one needs to remind former quarterback Kellen Moore that signal-callers are often only as good as the talent around them. The Saints have a dynamic young receiver in Chris Olave, but little after that. A classic split end with great size, soft hands and impressive agility, Boston is a better version of Devaughn Vele — New Orleans’ current No. 2. Boston's size and ability to contribute as a run blocker and on special teams might make him an especially good fit for the Saints over some of the other, flashier receivers available. 9. Kansas City ChiefsBiggest need: CBPerfect fit: Mansoor Delane, LSU Given the quarterback talent in the AFC West, the Chiefs cannot afford to get too cute at cornerback with last year’s starters Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson now playing for the Los Angeles Rams. Delane is the top prospect at the position this year, combining smooth athleticism and terrific route anticipation. 10. Cincinnati BengalsBiggest need: EdgePerfect fit: Rueben Bain Jr., Miami The Bengals have a much more impressive roster than their recent records indicate, no thanks to injuries to Joe Burrow in 2023 (wrist) and 2025 (turf toe). There is a lot of talent here but few proven dudes — at least on defense — who leave rival playcallers nervous. From a violence perspective, Bain just might be the dude of this class. His aggressive playing style and leadership could spark what, at least thus far, has been an underperforming group of highly drafted prospects along Cincinnati's defensive line. 11. Miami DolphinsBiggest need: WRPerfect fit: Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State Someone should check on Malik Willis. A few weeks after he signed a three-year, $67.5 million deal with Miami, the team traded away Jaylen Waddle and the club apparently has no interest in bringing back Tyreek Hill. Tyson has missed action each of the past three years and could slip on draft day as a result. When healthy, however, he’s arguably the best pass-catcher of this class. The Fins, meanwhile, need a No. 1 receiver, not just a complementary threat. 12. Dallas CowboysBiggest need: Inside LBPerfect fit: Sonny Styles, Ohio State This exercise shows the lack of value teams place on ILBs in today’s era, with many teams already possessing at least an average starter at the position amid bigger needs, dropping Styles a bit further than his talent warrants. The Cowboys would be a big winner in this case, adding a top-10 talent to push the gifted but injury-prone DeMarvion Overshown. Each of Dallas’ first-round picks should be spent overhauling a defense that allowed an NFL-worst 30.1 points per game. 13. Los Angeles RamsBiggest need: WRPerfect fit: KC Concepcion, Texas A&M Let me be clear: Any receiving corps that includes Puka Nacua and Davante Adams is not actually in need. Inside linebacker and right tackle qualify better in the traditional sense of "need." But Les Snead has attacked this offseason with a Super Bowl-or-bust mentality. Concepcion scored 28 touchdowns in 38 college games. He drops the ball more than he should, but the ones he holds onto have a way of making it into the end zone, whether as a receiver, runner or returner. I think he could give the Rams a similar jolt to the one Rashid Shaheed provided the Seahawks last year. 14. Baltimore RavensBiggest need: CPerfect fit: Connor Lew, Auburn The loss of three-time Pro Bowl center Tyler Linderbaum to the Raiders in free agency leaves a gaping hole in the middle for a franchise that has always prioritized the line of scrimmage. GM Eric DeCosta spent a first-round pick on Linderbaum back in 2022, and he may be willing to do the same with Lew, this year’s consensus top center. 15. Tampa Bay BuccaneersBiggest need: EdgePerfect fit: David Bailey, Texas Tech YaYa Diaby led the Bucs with seven sacks a year ago and looks ready to jump into double-digits in 2026. Perhaps free-agent signee Al-Quadin Muhammad will be able to duplicate last year’s stunning breakout in Detroit, as well. But with limited depth beyond that and both players free agents after this season, GM Jason Licht should find reinforcements now. Bailey's lack of ideal size and power makes him a liability against the run and could lead to a drop on draft day. It shouldn't — Bailey is proven difference-maker — and Licht would be right to boost the Bucs' aging defensive line should the opportunity present itself. 16. New York JetsBiggest need: DL Perfect fit: T.J. Parker, Clemson Trading away Quinnen Williams and allowing Jermaine Johnson to leave via free agency has left the Jets seeking new answers along the defensive line. Parker offers an ideal combination of pro-ready power and production, yet he’s still just 21 years old. His long-term upside would make a lot of sense for the Jets. 17. Detroit LionsBiggest need: OTPerfect fit: Blake Miller, Clemson At the NFL Annual League Meeting, Dan Campbell suggested that the Lions were "ready" to move their All-Pro right tackle Penei Sewell back to the blindside role he played in college, if necessary. Doing that would put Larry Borom in position to start on the right side, but I think there are several candidates in this class who would be better. Miller hasn’t generated as much buzz as some of the other offensive tackles of this class, but he’s a relatively sure thing with 54 career starts and an ideal combination of size, athleticism and technique. 18. Minnesota VikingsBiggest need: FSPerfect fit: Dillon Thieneman, Oregon One could argue that running back is an even greater position of concern for the Vikings, but Thieneman seems like such a clean replacement for longtime Vikings star safety Harrison Smith that new GM Rob Brzeznski shouldn’t overthink things. Thieneman is one of the safest prospects of this class, pairing instincts, ball skills and reliable open-field tackling with top-notch athleticism. 19. Carolina PanthersBiggest need: WRPerfect fit: Makai Lemon, USC It wasn’t surprising to see Bryce Young take major strides in his third NFL season with Tetairoa McMillan emerging as the team’s unquestioned No. 1 target, earning Offensive Rookie of the Year honors. But if Young, McMillan and the Panthers as a franchise are going to continue their ascent, more consistency is needed opposite T-Mac. A savvy route-runner and one of the best after-the-catch weapons in this draft due to his RB-like frame and physicality, Lemon could feast on the one-on-one opportunities he’d receive in this offense. 20. Dallas CowboysBiggest need: CBPerfect fit: Jermod McCoy, Tennessee The Cowboys already boast a true ballhawk in DaRon Bland, while Shavon Revel Jr. flashed as a rookie. But with free agents Cobie Durant and Derion Kendrick only signed to one-year deals, Dallas will be drafting a cornerback in 2026 — quite possibly with one of their two first-round picks. Dallas has shown a willingness to draft players coming off of injuries in the past (including Revel), and McCoy has top-20 talent. 21. Pittsburgh SteelersBiggest need: OGPerfect fit: Emmanuel Pregnon, Oregon For many, it may feel like a foregone conclusion that Aaron Rodgers will be starting for the Steelers this year, but regardless of who is taking the snaps, the replacement for Isaac Seumalo at left guard is going to have a lot to do with their success, or lack thereof. Pregnon — a four-year starter — would be a plug-and-play fit whose presence might entice Rodgers to return. 22. Los Angeles ChargersBiggest need: DLPerfect fit: Akheem Mesidor, Miami No one prioritizes the line of scrimmage like Jim Harbaugh, and this is the perfect draft to add reinforcements up front. Mesidor gets dinged by some because of his advanced age — he just turned 25 — but remember, this is a Chargers squad that just re-signed 35-year-old Khalil Mack. Clearly, the Chargers understand that age is not as important as production. Mesidor certainly offers that, generating 52.5 tackles for loss and 32.5 sacks over his college career — most among this year's top-rated defensive linemen, including his more celebrated former Miami teammate Rueben Bain. 23. Philadelphia EaglesBiggest need: A.J. Brown insurancePerfect fit: Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon If the Eagles are able to unruffle AJ Brown’s "feathers," perhaps GM Howie Roseman can prioritize a non-pass-catcher with this selection. However, even if Brown remains with Philadelphia this year, adding Sadiq would make a lot of sense with veteran TE Dallas Goedert only being brought back the past two seasons on consecutive one-year contracts. Sadiq’s tenacity and explosiveness as a blocker might re-ignite Philadelphia’s tush push, and he’s a bowling ball after the catch, as well. 24. Cleveland BrownsBiggest need: OLPerfect fit: Spencer Fano, Utah The Browns have rebuilt their offensive line this offseason, bringing in three veterans in Zion Johnson, Elgton Jenkins and Tytus Howard. But left tackle remains a concern as Dawand Jones has struggled with durability to this point in his career. One of the most athletic blockers of this class, Fano shouldn’t be available this late, but questions about his best fit in the NFL could push him down the board. 25. Chicago BearsBiggest need: MLBPerfect fit: Anthony Hill Jr., Texas With all due respect, the Bears haven’t really been the "Monsters of the Midway" on defense for quite some time. The last Chicago linebacker selected to the Pro Bowl was both Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs back in 2011, with the former also being the last to make first-team All-Pro 20 years ago. Hill has the range and rush skills to compete for those honors and would give the Bears defense some much-needed teeth. 26. Buffalo BillsBiggest need: ILBPerfect fit: Jacob Rodriguez, Texas Tech The Bills were buffaloed at the point of attack last season, with not one but two safeties (Cole Bishop and Jordan Poyer) finishing with more tackles than any of the club’s linebackers. It would be a surprise to see Rodriguez go in the first round, but his instincts and playmaking ability would add an immediate jolt to the Bills' defense, and he won't be available when their turn comes around again at No. 91 overall. 27. San Francisco 49ersBiggest need: OL Perfect fit: Kadyn Proctor, Alabama Even if Trent Williams returns, the 49ers should be looking for a developmental plan behind him. An upgrade to Colton McKivitz at right tackle wouldn’t be a bad idea, either. Some see Proctor’s ideal spot at guard, and with the 49ers losing Spencer Burford in free agency, the Alabama product could also help there, if Kyle Shanahan preferred. 28. Houston TexansBiggest need: OLPerfect fit: Max Iheanachor, Arizona State Like the Cleveland Browns a few picks earlier, the Texans added three veteran blockers (Wyatt Teller, Braden Smith and Evan Brown) during the offseason. Yet no one should bat an eye if GM Nick Caserio adds even more OL talent in this draft. A relative late-comer to football after spending his high school days focusing on basketball, Iheanachor needs to iron out the wrinkles in his game, but he possesses the size and athleticism to project as a longtime starting tackle in the NFL. 29. Kansas City ChiefsBiggest need: SPerfect fit: Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Toledo Kansas City’s rebuild of the secondary started at No. 9 overall with the draft’s top cornerback and continues here with McNeil-Warren, whose combination of size and range could be the ideal counter to the running quarterbacks and versatile pass-catchers at tight end and running back throughout the AFC West. 30. Miami DolphinsBiggest need: CBPerfect fit: Colton Hood, Tennessee With their need for a playmaking receiver addressed with the previous Jordyn Tyson selection at No. 11 overall, GM Jon-Eric Sullivan can focus on the Dolphins’ "other" significant need: cornerback. Like Tyson, Hood possesses the athletic skill set to ultimately rank as the best from his position in the 2026 draft. 31. New England PatriotsBiggest need: EdgePerfect fit: Zion Young, Missouri The Patriots won the AFC despite having only two defenders with more than four sacks (Harold Landry III and K’Lavon Chaisson), and the club lost one of them (Chaisson, as well as underrated run defender Anfernee Jennings) in free agency. New England replaced Chaisson’s speed with a more reliable run defender in Dre’Mont Jones, but reinforcements are still needed. Young’s length, strength and temperament would seem to be a good fit with new coach Mike Vrabel. 32. Seattle SeahawksBiggest need: RBPerfect fit: Jadarian Price, Notre Dame While adding depth at edge rusher and cornerback is also important, replacing Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III should be the Seahawks’ top priority in this draft. Unfortunately, this isn’t a deep class at the position, perhaps forcing John Schneider to invest early. Price isn’t as explosive as former Notre Dame teammate Jeremiyah Love, but his instincts and intangibles make him an excellent fit for Seattle. SECOND ROUND (*first pick for teams without a first-round selection) 47. Indianapolis ColtsBiggest need: SPerfect fit: A.J. Haulcy, LSU With a league-low two picks among the first 100, GM Chris Ballard can’t afford a miss early, so nabbing one of the most instinctive players in this class would make sense. The Colts addressed safety in free agency by adding Juanyeh Thomas and Jonathan Owens and also have 2025 seventh-round pick Hunter Wohler, but each has the feel of a depth piece rather than a future high-end starter. Haulcy is a thunderous hitter with a knack for making big plays. 48. Atlanta FalconsBiggest need: WRPerfect fit: Omar Cooper Jr., Indiana It won’t matter much whether it is Michael Penix Jr. or Tua Tagovailoa taking the snaps for the Falcons if an adequate No. 2 wide receiver isn’t brought in to support Drake London. New head coach Kevin Stefanski was ousted in Cleveland in part because of the Browns’ struggles with the passing game. 52. Green Bay PackersBiggest need: DTPerfect fit: Christen Miller, Georgia The Packers boast one of the NFL’s most complete rosters for 2026, but the club should be looking to the future at defensive tackle. Free-agent addition Javon Hargrave looked past his prime last year in Minnesota and former first-round pick Devonte Wyatt has shown more flash than consistency thus far. Without improved play, the Packers will likely pivot from both after this season. Brian Gutekunst has historically prioritized the defensive line on draft day, and he may see another Georgia product in Miller as the perfect complement (and push) to get the most out of a front that surrendered 2,001 rushing yards in 2025. 56. Jacksonville JaguarsBiggest need: DTPerfect fit: Zxavian Harris, Mississippi The Jaguars boast three former top-10 picks on their defensive line in Travon Walker, Josh Hines-Allen and Arik Armstead and yet still ranked just 27th last year in sacks. At a massive 6-foot-8, 330 pounds, Harris won’t be running down many quarterbacks himself, but he can collapse the pocket, cloud passing lanes and block kicks, drawing multiple blockers and freeing up teammates to make splashy plays. With their first pick of the 2026 draft not coming until No. 56 overall, the Jaguars should be looking for potential difference-makers, and Harris could be precisely that. 62. Denver BroncosBiggest need: TEPerfect fit: Max Klare, Ohio State Sean Payton heavily featured the tight end position while head coach of the New Orleans Saints, with players like Jimmy Graham, Taysom Hill and Jared Cook. Last year, the Broncos got a combined three scores from their tight ends. The athletic Klare is a catch-first tight end and would represent an immediate upgrade for Denver.

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2026-27 NFL Odds: 'It's a Good Time to Buy Low on Detroit'

The NFL regular season doesn’t kick off for five months, but that doesn’t mean you can’t fire any football-related wagers right now. Wise guys aren’t necessarily spraying future bets in April, but if there’s a good price available on a certain player or team, people will pounce. I like to lean on betting buddies who do this for a living to gauge their temperature. This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports. Professional bettor Rob Pizzola has the Detroit Lions circled. "I think the Lions are a good team to back this season," Pizzola told me. "The average person thinks their window has closed, but last season they had the most adjusted games lost due to injury ever. At one point, they were without their entire starting secondary for multiple weeks. "And the offense is still very good even though the offensive line isn’t what it once was. Chicago and Green Bay are way overrated in the division. "It’s a good time to buy low on Detroit." There you have it. Here are three other bets wise guys are eyeing: Tennessee Titans Over/Under 6.5 wins The first win total posted on Tennessee was O/U 6, and it didn’t last long. Sharps knocked it to 6.5 almost immediately, and it’s starting to get expensive at some shops. BetMGM has 6.5 ov-125 and DraftKings is dealing 6.5 ov-140, but if you do your diligence, there’s a +105 at FanDuel. Save yourself the 45 cents if you’re going to join the betting blitz on Cam Ward and new head coach Robert Saleh. One wise guy bet the Titans to make the playoffs at +325. PICK: Titans (+105) Over 6.5 wins Chicago Bears Under 9.5 wins Bears apologists will say this number is disrespectful after Caleb Williams and Ben Johnson led the team to 11 wins and a postseason victory over the Packers a year ago, but 9.5 is actually high for Chicago. It feels like the franchise has been lined at 8 or 8.5 forever. It’s highly unlikely the Bears can duplicate all the comeback victories from last season and a much tougher schedule and natural regression don’t help the case, either. PICK: Bears (-115) Under 9.5 wins Carolina Panthers win NFC South "They should not have the longest odds to win the division," my buddy Vegas Rick said over the phone. "It doesn’t make any sense." There’s a lot to like about Carolina’s progression from a two-win team to a five-win team to an eight-win team over the last three years. If Bryce Young takes another step forward, there’s no reason the Panthers can’t contend. They have a wide range, with +320, +350, +370 and +425 all available in the market. Make sure you get the best price. PICK: Panthers (+425) to win NFC South

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