2027 NFL Draft: Joel Klatt Reveals Way-Too-Early Big Board Top 10

Let the debate over the top prospects in the 2027 NFL Draft begin. As we put a bow on the 2026 NFL Draft, next year’s draft class is set to be loaded with talent at the top. Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith will be draft eligible, but he isn’t the only wide receiver who could be a top-10 pick next April. There are a pair of edge rushers who have top-10 promise as well. Of course, we can’t look over the quarterback talent in next year’s class, either. Texas’ Arch Manning is the biggest name of the group, but is he the top quarterback prospect? He’s just one of a handful of signal-callers I’m keeping my eye on as potential top-10 picks in the 2027 draft. So, let’s get into my way-too-early top 10 prospects for the 2027 NFL Draft. 10. Trinidad Chambliss, QB, Ole Miss I hope Trinidad Chambliss is able to duplicate what he did last year, specifically what he did in Ole Miss’ College Football Playoff run. He’s so dynamic as a player. He spent last season becoming a leader that I don’t think anyone anticipated he would become. He’s dynamic as a passer. If he had entered this year’s draft, I think there was a chance he would’ve been a first-round pick. But he’s going to be back at Ole Miss after winning his eligibility case. The knock against him will be his size as he’s listed at 6 feet tall. There have been other guys who have succeeded at that size, though, especially if they’ve got that ability to move. 9. CJ Carr, QB, Notre Dame CJ Carr is going into his second season as Notre Dame’s starting quarterback, so he’ll get some more experience this year. He closed his first season by helping the Fighting Irish go on a 10-game win streak after getting thrown into the fire early with games against Miami (Fla.) and Texas A&M. They lost those games, but they were pretty close. Carr had his struggles and threw some interceptions at times. However, he’s got the ability, stature and pedigree. He’s easily a guy who can play himself into becoming a top-10 pick. 8. Cam Coleman, WR, Texas Cam Coleman could have a monster season at Texas, and if the Longhorns are going to be the team some believe they can be, he’s going to need to do that. Texas wasn’t great at wide receiver a year ago, so maybe the 6-foot-3 Coleman can give the Longhorns a boost with his explosiveness. He can really go up there and get it. He was actually right there with Jeremiah Smith as the No. 1 wide receiver recruit out of high school a few years ago. But he was stuck with a bad quarterback situation at Auburn the past two years. Now, he gets to play with Arch Manning in Steve Sarkisian’s offense. Sarkisian knows how to isolate and get a guy like Coleman opportunities and touches. Coleman could have a monster year and be a top-10 pick. 7. Colin Simmons, edge rusher, Texas Colin Simmons is a hell of a player. He has 21 sacks already in just two years. He’s going to be a really good player again in 2026, and he’s clearly a guy who is going to be on the radar for a top-10 selection next year. 6. Dylan Stewart, edge rusher, South Carolina We’re staying at edge rusher here for No. 6. Remember, edge rusher, along with quarterback and wide receiver, is among the positions that are among the most valued in the draft. Dylan Stewart’s listed at 6-5 and 245 pounds as he enters his junior year. He was a freshman All-American in 2024 and backed that up with a huge year as a sophomore in 2025. I view him a bit more as a do-it-all edge player over Simmons. So, that’s why Stewart gets the edge. 5. Jordan Seaton, OT, LSU Jordan Seaton transferred from Colorado to LSU over the offseason. He was a five-star recruit out of high school and started for Coach Prime at Colorado for two seasons, protecting Shedeur Sanders when he was a freshman. Colorado never materialized from an offensive line perspective, but it wasn’t his fault. Now, he goes to LSU and I think he could have a big year for Lane Kiffin. If Seaton does, I think he could be a top-10 pick. 4. Arch Manning, QB, Texas Arch Manning reminds me of a poor man’s Andrew Luck. Maybe not in his production, but in his playing style. He can throw it downfield. He’s big. He’s faster and more mobile than you would anticipate. Now, I know he didn’t have a great year and that first start against Ohio State didn’t go the way he wanted. I don’t know if Manning was fully healthy early in the year, but Texas didn’t run the football as effectively as it needed to. The Longhorns certainly didn’t protect him well enough, either. But Manning can make the throws down the field and, guys, he’s a Manning. Let’s not overthink this. An organization is going to look at him and see him have a better year in 2026 after he turned the corner late last season. He had 20 total touchdowns to two turnovers in his last six games. So, Manning and Texas should be better in 2026. 3. Dante Moore, QB, Oregon I thought Dante Moore would’ve been the No. 2 overall pick in this year’s draft had he declared. However, he opted to remain at Oregon following a good year. He’s got good command, great stature, athleticism, and he throws it well. But he’s also smart, as former Oregon offensive coordinator Will Stein told me that Moore prepares like a pro. Oregon is going to be really good, and the Ducks might be my No. 1 overall team in my top 25 post-spring rankings, thanks to players like Moore. 2. Leonard Moore, CB, Notre Dame I just can’t put Leonard Moore any lower than this. He was a unanimous All-American as a sophomore last season and a freshman All-American a year before that. When Ohio State star wide receiver Jeremiah Smith was asked who was the toughest corner he’s faced, he said Moore. He’s got good length (6-2) and great ability in coverage. NFL teams will be all over Moore because of that. 1. Jeremiah Smith, WR, Ohio State Speaking of Smith, you all know he would be No. 1 on this list. Smith should be the No. 1 prospect on everyone’s board. The only reason he wouldn’t go No. 1 next year, though, is because of quarterback need at the top of the draft. Smith is 6-3 and 220 pounds, lighting up college football since the moment he stepped on the field in Columbus. He’s got over 2,500 yards and 29 total touchdowns in just 29 games. He’s an absolute monster. No wide receiver has gone in the top three of the NFL Draft since Calvin Johnson in 2007. Smith will be the first non-quarterback off the board. You can write that down.

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Best NFL Betting Sites: Top Sportsbook Apps (2026)

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. We’ve assembled a list of the seven best NFL betting sites to target during the offseason and ahead of the upcoming draft. This guide is built to help you find the right NFL sportsbook for your approach — whether you prioritize early draft odds, competitive futures pricing, strong promotional incentives, deep prop menus or a streamlined mobile app. Compare our top picks and choose the platform that aligns with how you like to bet. With offseason storylines driving movement across draft position markets, win totals and long-term futures, sportsbook selection matters more than ever. Having the right NFL betting app can give you an edge year-round, from early offseason betting through kickoff and the Super Bowl. Best NFL Betting Sites & Mobile Apps  - Sportsbook Reviews Here’s a quick overview of our top picks for NFL betting sites and apps and what each platform does best: BetMGM Sportsbook - Best Overall NFL Betting Site Overview:BetMGM is nicknamed "King of Sportsbooks" and backs it up by offering one of the widest selections of NFL betting markets. One area where BetMGM stands out is its unmatched range of player props, offering bets on niche season-wide and single-game player stats. Pros: Cons: BetMGM NFL Betting Features & Promotions: BetMGM NFL Sign-up Bonus: Get a $50 BetMGM Reward Points Bonus + $1500 Back in Bonus Bets, If Your First Bet Doesn't Win with Code ‘FOXSPORTS’ Available States:AZ, CO, CT, DC, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV, WY Why We Recommend it:BetMGM is our top recommended NFL sportsbook app thanks to its deep market selection, innovative features like the Edit My Bet tool, and boosted odds for big games. The variety of props lets you play exactly how you want to. FanDuel Sportsbook – Best NFL Betting Mobile App Overview: The FanDuel app is one of the easiest-to-use platforms. It is optimized for NFL betting and has easy navigation between game lines, props, and parlay options. It is the gold standard for U.S. Sportsbooks. Fast, reliable, well-designed. Biometric login (Face ID / Touch ID), dark mode and geolocation tools for legal state access. Pros: Cons: FanDuel NFL Betting Features & Promotions: Current FanDuel Promo Offer for New Users: Bet $5 and Get $250 If Your Bet Wins Available States:AZ, CO, CT, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, NJ, NY, NC, OH, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV, WY + DC & PR Why We Recommend it:This is the easiest app to use as a new bettor. It couldn't be simpler to use its interface, including learning how to place bets directly from your phone. The access to same-game parlays on the app is quick, and everything you would need is easy to find. bet365 – Best NFL Odds & Early Payout Overview: bet365 is a global heavyweight known for sharp pricing and outstanding in-play options. For NFL bettors, its Early Payout stands out: straight moneyline bets are settled as winners if your team goes 17 points ahead at any time. Pros: Cons: bet365 NFL Betting Features & Promotions: bet365 NFL Sign-up Bonus: Bet $10, Get $200 in Bonus Bets (win or lose) Minimum $10 deposit required. Minimum odds -500 of greater. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. New customers only. T&CS, time limits and exclusions apply. Available States:AZ, CO, IL, IN, IA, KS, KA, KY, LA, MD, MO, NJ, NC, OH, PA, TN, VA Why We Recommend it:If you value sharp NFL odds and a safety buffer against blown leads, bet365’s pricing and Early Payout are hard to beat. DraftKings – Best NFL Sportsbook Promotions Overview:DraftKings pairs a deep NFL menu with fast pricing and one of the most aggressive new-user packages during football season. For 2026, new customers get $100 in bonus bets instantly after a $5 wager. Pros: Cons: DraftKings NFL Betting Features & Promotions: DraftKings NFL Sign-up Bonus: Bet $5 and Get $100 in Bonus Bets Instantly Available States:AZ, CO, CT, DC, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MO,  NH, NJ, NY, NC, OH, OR, PA, TN, VT, VA, WV, WY Why We Recommend it:If you want quick bonus value and football-centric perks, DraftKings’ NFL promo stack is one of the strongest this season. Caesars – Best NFL Betting Rewards Program Overview:Caesars combines a clean NFL menu with Caesars Rewards tier credits on eligible wagers. The current welcome focuses on profit boosts that double your winnings on many small tickets right after you join. Pros: Cons: Caesars NFL Betting Features & Promotions: Caesars NFL Sign-up Bonus: Bet $1, Double Your Winnings Your Next 10 Wagers with Code 'FOXDYW' Available States:AZ, CO, DC, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MD, MI, MO, NV, NJ, NY, NC, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY Why We Recommend it:If you like spreading value across multiple NFL bets and earning hotel/entertainment rewards, Caesars delivers on both. Fanatics Sportsbook – Most Unique Loyalty Rewards Overview:Fanatics leans into FanCash, letting you convert rewards into bonus bets or merchandise. During football season, the book features repeated no-sweat style protections that refund losses in FanCash. Pros: Cons: Fanatics NFL Betting Features & Promotions: Fanatics NFL Sign-up Bonus: Get a 100% bet match up to $100 in FanCash for 10 days Available States:AZ, CO, CT, IN, IL, IA, KS, KY, LA, MD, MA, MI, MO, NJ, NY, NC, OH, PA, TN, VT, VA, WV, WY Why We Recommend it:If you want repeated protection and flexible rewards you can recycle into bets or gear, Fanatics’ FanCash model is uniquely valuable. theScore Bet – Best New NFL Betting Site Overview:theScore Bet offers a clean, content-driven sportsbook experience built directly into theScore app, making it especially appealing for users who already follow live scores, stats, and news. Its streamlined interface and integrated media experience create a seamless transition from consuming sports content to placing NFL bets. Pros: Cons: theScore Bet NFL Betting Features & Promotions: theScore Bet NFL Welcome Bonus: Bet & Get $1,000 Bet Reset Available States:AZ, CO, DC, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MD, MA, MI, MO, NJ, NY, NC, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV Why We Recommend it:theScore Bet stands out for its seamless integration with sports content, making it one of the easiest platforms to use for NFL betting. If you already use theScore app to follow games, it offers one of the most natural and frictionless betting experiences available. NFL Betting App User Reviews NFL Live-Betting Apps Live betting lets you place wagers after kickoff, with odds that update in real time based on the score, clock, drives, and injuries. You’ll see changing lines for moneylines, spreads, totals, player props, and drive or quarter markets. Football’s stop-start rhythm creates frequent pricing pauses, so sportsbooks can refresh odds between plays, drives, and quarters. That gives bettors many decision points throughout the game. Live-betting essentially allows you to double down, hedge bets and capitalize on slow starts. Best Sportsbooks for Live Betting NFL Sportsbook Welcome Bonuses A welcome bonus is a new-customer offer that gives you extra value when you open an account and place an initial wager. Sportsbooks use these bonuses to attract first-time users, help you try the app with lower risk, and encourage you to explore more markets. Below we'll go into the two most common types: "Bet & Get" and "First-Bet Safety Net" bonuses. NFL Bet & Get Bonus In this offer, you make a low-bar qualifying bet, then receive bonus bets regardless of outcome. It’s great if you want instant value without risking a big first wager. Use a quick-settling market to unlock the offer fast, then deploy the bonus bets on lines you actually like—totals, player props, or a small underdog flyer. Remember, a bonus-bet stake usually isn’t returned, only the winnings. For example, let's say you place a $5 qualifying wager on the Eagles moneyline for Week 1. Win or lose, you’re credited $200 in bonus bets (often split into four $50 tokens). If you then use one $50 bonus bet on the Cowboys +120 and it wins, you profit $60 (the $50 bonus stake isn’t returned). Repeat with the remaining tokens before they expire to maximize value. FanDuel, DraftKings, and bet365 all offer this type bonus. NFL First-Bet Safety Net Bonus In this offer, you take one swing. If it wins, great—you keep the profit and the promo is done. If it loses, you get bonus bets back. This can be useful for a plus-money side or a bigger confidence play. Let's say you place your first cash wager for $250 on the 49ers -2.5 (-110). If it loses, you’re refunded $250 in bonus bets (often split into five $50 tokens) that expire in about a week; if it wins, there’s no refund and the promo ends. Say you then use one $50 bonus bet on the Ravens +120 and it wins—you profit $60 (the $50 bonus stake isn’t returned). BetMGM, Caesars, Fanatics, and bet365 all offer this bonus. Popular NFL Betting Markets Here are the most popular NFL betting markets you’ll see every week, from simple picks to deeper player angles. Use this quick overview to decide when to play spreads, moneylines, totals, props, same-game parlays, and futures. Moneyline & Point Spreads A moneyline is a bet on which team wins the game outright. Favorites show negative odds (e.g., -170 means risk $170 to win $100), while underdogs show positive odds (e.g., +150 means risk $100 to win $150). A point spread adds a margin the favorite must cover. The favorite is listed with a minus number (e.g., -3.5), and the underdog with a plus number (e.g., +3.5). If the Dolphins are -3.5 vs. the Jets, Miami must win by 4 or more to cover; the Jets cover by winning outright or losing by 3 or fewer. These are the two most popular NFL bets, and odds are shown in American format (like -110 on spreads and totals). Prices move throughout the week based on injuries, weather, lineup news, and betting trends, so timing your wager can matter. Totals (Over/Under) A total (Over/Under) is a bet on the combined points scored by both teams. Sportsbooks set a number, and you choose Over (more than that total) or Under (less than that total). Example: "Over/Under 47.5" means Over wins at 48+ points, Under wins at 47 or fewer. Totals move with factors like offensive and defensive form, pace of play, quarterback and key injuries, weather for outdoor games (wind, rain, extreme cold), matchups in the trenches, and coaching tendencies. Player Props Player props are bets on individual player outcomes rather than the final score. In the NFL, common examples include anytime touchdown scorer (will a player score a TD), quarterback passing yards Over/Under (e.g., Over 259.5), and receptions for a receiver or tight end (e.g., Over 5.5 catches). Same-Game Parlays (SGPs) A same-game parlay (SGP) lets you combine multiple bets from one NFL matchup into a single ticket. They’re appealing because you can personalize a game script and chase higher payouts than a single bet. For example, an Eagles vs. Cowboys SGP might include Eagles moneyline + Jalen Hurts Over 1.5 passing TDs + A.J. Brown 70+ receiving yards; the parlay wins only if all legs hit. Odds are calculated by combining each leg’s price, so payouts climb quickly. Risk also rises with every added leg, since the probability of winning drops as you stack more outcomes. Futures Futures are bets placed on long-term outcomes that settle later in the season. Popular NFL futures include Super Bowl winner, AFC/NFC champions, and season awards like MVP, Offensive/Defensive Player of the Year, and Rookie of the Year. Odds move all year as teams perform, injuries occur, and markets react. Payouts are made only when the market concludes (for example, after the Super Bowl or when an award is officially announced). NFL Betting Sites & Apps FAQ (2026) What is the best NFL betting site in 2026? The best NFL betting site depends on how you like to bet. BetMGM stands out for overall market depth and player props, FanDuel is the easiest app to use, bet365 offers some of the sharpest odds with Early Payouts, and DraftKings delivers the most aggressive NFL promotions. Which sportsbook has the best Super Bowl betting odds? Sportsbooks like bet365, FanDuel, and DraftKings are known for competitive Super Bowl odds, especially on spreads, totals, and alternate lines. Odds can vary by sportsbook, so comparing lines before placing your bet can help you get the best price. Are NFL betting apps legal in the United States? Yes, NFL betting apps are legal in many U.S. states where online sports betting has been regulated. Availability depends on your location, and you must be physically present in a legal state and meet the minimum age requirement (usually 21). What is the best NFL betting app for beginners? FanDuel is often the best choice for beginners thanks to its clean layout, simple betslip, and easy access to spreads, totals, props, and same-game parlays. Caesars is another good option for new bettors who want a straightforward app with fewer distractions. Which sportsbook is best for NFL same-game parlays? DraftKings and FanDuel are the leaders for NFL same-game parlays. DraftKings’ SGP+ allows you to combine bets across multiple games, while FanDuel offers fast, intuitive SGP building directly from game pages. What is an NFL Bet & Get bonus? An NFL Bet & Get bonus lets you place a small qualifying wager (often $5 or $10), then receive bonus bets regardless of whether that bet wins or loses. The bonus bets can be used on future wagers, but typically only the winnings are withdrawable. What is a first-bet safety net or bet insurance? A first-bet safety net refunds your wager with bonus bets if your first bet loses. If the bet wins, you keep the profit and the promotion ends. This type of bonus is common at BetMGM, Caesars, and Fanatics. Which sportsbook is best for live NFL betting? bet365 is widely considered the best sportsbook for live NFL betting due to fast odds updates, deep in-play markets, and Early Payouts. FanDuel and DraftKings also offer strong live betting hubs with frequent cash-out options. Can I bet on Super Bowl player props and novelty bets? Yes. Major sportsbooks offer extensive Super Bowl player props, including passing yards, touchdowns, receptions, and anytime TD scorers. Many also post novelty bets closer to kickoff, such as halftime performance or game-related specials, depending on state rules. Gambling disclaimer: Only individuals aged 21 and over are permitted to gamble. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER. Gambling is subject to local state regulation and is illegal in some states. Please gamble responsibly – information relating to responsible gambling can be found here.

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2027 Mock Draft: Arch Manning No. 1 Overall? 5 QBs Go in First Round

The ink is barely dry on the 2026 NFL Draft, but we’re already shifting our attention to next year — which is expected to be a bumper crop full of skill-position talent, including quarterback. A year ago at this time, no one forecasted the Seattle Seahawks defeating the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX, so we won’t try to predict the selection order for next spring’s draft. For the purposes of this mock, we’re just taking the inverse order of DraftKings' current Super Bowl odds. 1. Miami Dolphins: Arch Manning, QB, Texas Given that nearly every pass (or run) he’s made in three years at Texas has been put under the microscope, one might guess that Manning’s career numbers (62.3% competition rate with a 35:9 touchdown-to-interception ratio) were much less impressive than they are. Boasting a tall, strong frame, a whip of an arm, excellent straight-line speed and the mental toughness that comes with all the expectations growing up as a Manning, he is the easy favorite to be the No. 1 overall pick next spring. 2. Arizona Cardinals: Dante Moore, QB, Oregon Moore could have entered the 2026 draft and beaten out Ty Simpson to be the second quarterback selected, but I love that he returned to hone his game. He lacks ideal size (6-foot-3, 206 pounds) but is a gifted natural passer with an effortless delivery and excellent accuracy to all levels of the field. 3. New York Jets: Dylan Stewart, Edge, South Carolina With all due respect to the "skill-position" talent expected to be available in the 2027 draft, Stewart is one of the blue-chip prospects that has scouts the most excited. He enters his junior campaign with "just" 11 career sacks to his credit, but his size, twitch and flexibility help him project as a 10-plus sack monster in the NFL with All-Pro upside. If the Jets want a quarterback bad enough, they have the draft picks to move up, including this and two other first-round picks. 4. Cleveland Browns: Sam Leavitt, QB, LSU Leavitt was overshadowed, at times, at Arizona State by former teammate Jordyn Tyson, but he is an exciting NFL prospect in his own right. He possesses the combination of arm talent and athleticism to follow the same path Jayden Daniels took — leaving the desert to win the Heisman Trophy and become a top-five NFL draft selection. Leavitt missed the second half of last season with a Lisfranc injury, but if he can stay healthy, he is going to put up eye-popping numbers in Lane Kiffin’s offense. 5. Las Vegas Raiders: Jeremiah Smith, WR, Ohio State With all due respect to his former Ohio State teammate Carnell Tate — the fourth overall pick this week — Smith would’ve been the first receiver selected had he been eligible for the 2026 draft. One of the few players I’ve ever seen physically capable of competing at the NFL level as a true freshman, Smith has a frame and game that reminds me of a young Julio Jones. 6. Atlanta Falcons: Colin Simmons, LB, Texas Simmons lacks the height and bulk some teams might prefer off the edge, but similar to No. 2 overall pick David Bailey, his quickness and agility makes him a nightmare for would-be blockers. A returning All-American who led the SEC with 12 sacks as a true sophomore, Simmons has the look of a top-10 selection next spring. 7. Tennessee Titans: Trevor Goosby, OT, Texas One of the biggest reasons I expect Arch Manning to take the next step this season at Texas is the stellar blocking he’ll receive from Goosby, another precocious talent with Pro Bowl upside. Goosby stepped in for 2025 first-round pick Kelvin Banks a year ago and Texas had little drop-off on the blindside. His blend of size and easy movement will be highly valued by NFL teams, earning him a first-round selection, as well. 8. Carolina Panthers: Ahmad Hardy, RB, Missouri With all due respect to the backs in this article and even those selected in the first round of the 2026 NFL draft, Hardy was the most impressive runner in the country over the past two seasons. He collected an eye-popping 3,000 yards and 29 touchdowns on the ground over that time, while starring at both Louisiana Monroe and Missouri. Hardy led the Sun Belt in rushing as a true freshman in 2024 and then the mighty SEC this past season with a career-high 1,649 yards (on 6.4 yards per carry). He isn’t the biggest back, but he has excellent vision and acceleration to leave defenders in the dust. 9. New Orleans Saints: Leonard Moore, CB, Notre Dame A Thorpe Award finalist and All-American as a true sophomore, Moore has the size, easy movement skills and instincts NFL teams are looking for at cornerback. Had he been eligible for the 2026 draft, he would have heard his name called in the first round. 10. New York Giants: A’Mauri Washington, DT, Oregon Washington may not have the statistics (33 tackles, including 4.5 for loss and 1.5 sacks in 2026) one normally associates with a first-round selection, but had he entered the 2026 draft, he would’ve joined Caleb Banks and Peter Woods as a top-32 pick. Football is a big-man’s game and Washington has rare quickness for such a massive man. 11. Washington Commanders: Ellis Robinson IV, CB, Georgia Robinson signed with Georgia as the top cornerback prospect in the country, and it isn’t difficult to see why. He possesses lightning-quick feet and loose hips to shadow receivers all over the field, intercepting four passes as a true sophomore last season. 12. New York Jets (from Colts): Julian Sayin, QB, Ohio State Sayin will be a fascinating NFL evaluation because many of the receivers he has thrown to at Ohio State are likely even more talented than the ones he’ll have in the NFL, and it can be difficult to gauge him on his own merits. He showed impressive poise and accuracy in his first season as the Buckeyes starter, however, with scouts excited about his future. 13. Minnesota Vikings: Carter Smith, OT, Indiana Smith was wise to return for one more season at Indiana, recognizing that the 2026 draft was already loaded at offensive tackle with seven players (more than any other position) earning first-round selections. Smith had a chance to sneak into that group this year, but by returning, he should boost his stock, perhaps warranting possible top-20 consideration. 14. Pittsburgh Steelers: LaNorris Sellers, QB, South Carolina Sellers could have entered the 2026 draft and likely earned a Day 2 selection based on his upside, but he wisely returned to iron out his game. His 33:15 TD-INT ratio over his career illustrates his current inconsistency, but he’s a dynamic athlete with excellent size and a cannon for an arm and he has the intangibles teams want at quarterback. 15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Cayden Green, OT, Missouri Green is still only 21 years old yet enters the upcoming season with about three years of starting experience on the offensive line. He starred at left tackle last year after previously starting at left guard for Missouri and beginning his college career at Oklahoma, where he started five games as a true freshman. He is one of the youngest and most gifted blockers in college football, showing impressive initial quickness and agility for someone listed at 6-foot-5, 324 pounds. 16. Chicago Bears: John Henry Daley, DL, Michigan With his blond hair, physical play and motor always running, expect there to be plenty of comparisons to Michigan great Aidan Hutchinson. Daley starred this past season for Kyle Whittingham at Utah before following the legendary head coach to Ann Arbor. He lacks ideal twitch, but he’s powerful and relentless, recording 17.5 tackles for loss and 11.5 sacks in 2025. 17. New York Jets (from Cowboys): Trevor Lauck, OT, Iowa There are fewer sure things in life than death, taxes and Kirk Ferentz churning out NFL-caliber offensive linemen. Lauck has got next, as they say. The prototypical 6-foot-5, 310-pounder started all 13 games at left tackle last year for an offensive line that won the Joe Moore Award as the nation’s top blocking unit. He already possesses an NFL-caliber frame and game, showing good initial quickness and strong hands to snatch and sustain. 18. Jacksonville Jaguars: Justice Haynes, RB, Michigan Similar to QB Sam Leavitt leaving Arizona State for the greener pastures (and Lane Kiffin’s high-octane offense) at LSU, I’m excited to see Haynes as the focal point of Kyle Whittingham’s offense at Michigan. He began his college career at Alabama and has averaged a staggering 6.5 yards per carry over his first three seasons. He ran for 857 yards a year ago before succumbing to a right foot injury which required surgery. If he can remain healthy, he might double those numbers next year and run himself into the first round. 19. Cincinnati Bengals: Jyaire Hill, CB, Michigan A classic press corner with excellent size (listed at 6-foot-2, 190 pounds), arm length and balance to jam receivers at the line and harass them throughout the route, Hill is entering his third year as a starter for the Wolverines and looks the part of a future NFL starter. With only two career interceptions, however, he currently lacks the gaudy turnover numbers teams want in a first-round player. 20. Denver Broncos: Matayo Uiagalelei, Edge, Oregon The younger, bigger brother of NFL and longtime FBS standout quarterback DJ Uiagalelei, this power-packed edge rusher has the frame and game NFL teams are looking for. With 18.5 combined sacks over his first three years of action, Matayo Uiagalelei is already a proven producer and plays with the instincts and technique expected of a coach’s son. 21. Houston Texans: Will Echoles, DT, Mississippi Echoles exploded onto the scene for Ole Miss a year ago, generating 11.5 tackles for loss and five sacks in a breakout sophomore campaign. If he can match that production in 2026, he could join former teammate Walter Nolen as a first-round selection. Like Nolen, Echoles is a classic 3-technique defensive tackle whose quickness and power make him a tough assignment for would-be blockers. 22. Detroit Lions: Keon Sabb, S, Alabama Given all the electric playmakers in today’s NFL, reliable open-field tackling is at a premium. Sabb sports a rocked-up, pro-ready frame, and he’s quick to trigger downhill, blasting ball-carriers with explosive hits. 23. Dallas Cowboys (from Packers): Kewan Lacy, RB, Mississippi It isn’t often that NFL teams are willing to invest a first-round pick on a running back who weighs less than 200 pounds, but if Lacy duplicates the production he enjoyed last year, it might happen. Lacy quieted critics who suggested that he couldn’t handle a heavy workload, leading the SEC with 306 touches and 24 rushing touchdowns. He’s cat-quick with breakaway speed, soft hands out of the backfield and underrated power. 24. Los Angeles Chargers: Cam Coleman, WR, Texas Texas went to the portal to find Arch Manning a No. 1 receiver and I expect Coleman to become a household name this season as a result. He starred at Auburn the past two seasons, leading the Tigers with 708 receiving yards and five touchdowns in 2025. Don’t be surprised if those numbers are doubled this year at Texas, with Coleman showing an ideal blend of size, acceleration, body control and hand-eye coordination. 25. New England Patriots: Ryan Baer, OT, Pittsburgh Similar in some ways to 2026 first-round pick Blake Miller (Detroit Lions), Baer is a proven ironman, entering his fourth year as a starting offensive tackle for Pitt. His last name is appropriate, as the 6-foot-7, 325-pound Baer mauls opponents at the line of scrimmage. 26. Philadelphia Eagles: Teitum Tuioti, Edge, Oregon Overshadowed by all the returning defensive talent in Eugene, Tuioti doesn’t get his fair share of the hype in the media, but scouts are excited about his polished game and physical nature. Violent at the point of attack with a dense, powerful frame, Tuioti sets the edge with the best of them and is a proven sack artist as well, recording 17 QB takedowns in three years of college play. 27. San Francisco 49ers: Xavier Chaplin, OT, Florida State An Auburn transfer who was forged by iron practicing against 2026 draft picks Keldric Faulk and Keyron Crawford each day in practice, Chaplin is a massive left tackle with impressive initial quickness. 28. Kansas City Chiefs: Austin Siereveld, OL, Ohio State Siereveld was the Buckeyes’ starting left tackle a year ago and has enough agility and length to remain outside at the next level. I think he might be even better if moved inside, however. He’s broad and powerful and plays with a brand of aggression that will make him a favorite of NFL offensive line coaches. 29. Baltimore Ravens: Princewill Umanmielen, Edge, LSU The NFL is willing to pay a premium for pass rushers, and Umanmielen has the initial burst and ankle flexion to slip past heavy-footed blockers. He began his college career at Nebraska but exploded onto the NFL radar a year ago at Ole Miss, recording nine sacks. He’s undersized and is currently too reliant on his agility to elude would-be blockers rather than forcibly shedding blocks, but his one-trick is valuable. 30. Los Angeles Rams: Ryan Coleman-Williams, WR, Alabama After taking the SEC by storm in 2024 with 10 total touchdowns as a true freshman, Coleman-Williams suffered through a season-long sophomore slump last year, recording just four touchdown receptions. I’m confident that he can recapture his playmaking ways this season as Coleman-Williams possesses electric stop-start quickness to get open. He must improve the concentration drops that plagued him last year, however. 31. Buffalo Bills: Nyck Harbor, WR, South Carolina A size/speed phenom whose route tree currently only has a few branches, the 6-foot-5, 242-pound Harbor is one of the most intriguing but undeniably raw prospects in this article. Per PFF data, he had nearly as many drops (four) as touchdown receptions (six) last year. Five of those touchdowns traveled at least 47 yards, however. 32. Seattle Seahawks: Damon Wilson II, Edge, Miami Seeking to replace first-round edge rushers Rueben Bain Jr. and Akheem Mesidor, the Hurricanes lured Wilson from Missouri, where he registered a career-high nine sacks a year ago. Originally at Georgia, Wilson is both well-traveled and legitimately talented, boasting terrific burst and bend off the edge.

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NFL Confidential: Execs Make Sense of Rams' Simpson Pick, Draft's Top Steal, More

The 2026 NFL Draft might not have had the juice that some other recent draft classes have had, but there were still several enticing storylines that developed around the league over the three-day event this weekend. No storyline had people around the league buzzing more than what the Los Angeles Rams did with the 13th overall pick, though. After the Rams surprisingly took Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson with their first-round pick, we asked several people around the NFL why the move could've made sense for Los Angeles. We also asked our sources across the league who they think won the draft, which pick was the biggest steal and what might come next this offseason. So, here's what we learned after speaking with executives, scouts and even a player. *** Why Ty Simpson pick makes sense for Rams Eric D. Williams: Sean McVay was not his usual chipper self when addressing reporters after the Los Angeles Rams selected the heir apparent to MVP Matthew Stafford with the surprise pick of the draft. In a much better mood on the second day of the draft, McVay acknowledged he was "grumpy." And for good reason, having to tell Stafford the Rams were taking a quarterback in the opening round instead of an impact player that could help the Rams in their quest to win another Super Bowl as the current betting favorite to win the big game. "Let’s make one thing clear, this is Matthew’s team," a stoic McVay said on Thursday night. While acknowledging that Stafford wasn’t necessarily thrilled by the selection, McVay said the No. 13 pick was essentially an extra pick achieved by trading down last year with the Atlanta Falcons so they could take edge rusher James Pearce Jr. in the 2025 NFL Draft. The Rams moved down to the second round and selected tight end Terrance Ferguson, who McVay said they would have taken in the first round had they stayed and picked. "To move back and to still get the guy that we wanted, and then to basically be able to get an extra pick," McVay said. "And then oh by the way, with your original one, go get a player like [cornerback] Trent McDuffie. … We’re always going to make decisions that we think are best for the short and the long term. We will be excited to be able to get to work with him. That’s where we're at." League sources I spoke with agreed that the move was prudent for the Rams, selecting a potential quarterback of the future in the first round when considering Stafford’s age and injury history. However, those sources also had concerns with how Stafford would react to the situation, similar to a prickly Aaron Rodgers dealing with the Green Bay Packers selecting Jordan Love in the first round, and the opportunity cost lost by not selecting an impact player who can help the Rams chase a Super Bowl now, like USC receiver Makai Lemon. "They gave him a heads up it could happen," an NFL personnel executive who has been in a similar situation told me. "It’s a good roster-building move when you have a 38-year-old quarterback with an unpredictable back." The personnel executive also pointed to the Rams using their original first-round selection, along with third, fifth and sixth-round picks, to secure Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie in a trade before the draft, an obvious need where the Rams struggled in the NFC Championship loss to the Seattle Seahawks. "They got McDuffie," the personnel executive said. "He will help much more right now than a rookie at any position." *** NFL player wonders what Rams' pick of Ty Simpson means for Sean McVay Williams: An NFL player I spoke with not only wondered about the impact the drafting of Simpson will have on Stafford, who still has one year left on his contract at $40 million this year and is currently in negotiations working on extending a new deal, but also for McVay. "The McVay angle is interesting, because if he is not planning on sticking around, this is essentially a pick for the next head coach," the player said. "But maybe this is a way to get him excited about staying and not riding off into the sunset with Matthew." McVay, 40, has publicly flirted with retirement in the past. There were multiple offseasons following the Rams' Super Bowl-winning 2021 season in which his future seemed to be uncertain, but he and general manager Les Snead signed extensions in February. As for the Rams' long-term plan at quarterback, McVay said the 38-year-old Stafford is his quarterback for as long as he wants to play. McVay wanted Jimmy Garoppolo to return as the team’s backup, but he’s mulling retirement. McVay said Simpson will compete with Stetson Bennett for the backup job. While the player I spoke with believes Simpson was a first-round pick, evaluations were mixed on whether he could be a viable, long-term starter in the NFL. The player I spoke with thought No. 13 was a bit rich for Simpson and wondered about the impact the selection would have on Stafford’s long-term relationship with McVay and the rest of the organization. "I’m not surprised he was a first-rounder, but I am surprised they took him at 13," the player said. "Could they have traded down and picked him later? The thing that is clear is this: It’s the best thing that could’ve ever happened to Ty Simpson. He gets to have at least one season with Matthew Stafford and be coached by Sean. "I have to believe Matthew Stafford isn’t that excited about it, though. Nothing against Ty, but it sure would be nice to get a first-rounder that can help you go win a Super Bowl. It reminds me a little bit of how Steve Young probably felt when the 49ers drafted Jim Druckenmiller." Added another league source: "I think he will be a good backup or low-end starter. A lot like Drew Lock or Jacoby Brissett." The Rams also benefit from Stafford’s willingness to take less money than he’s worth. Stafford’s $40 million annual salary is 14th among quarterbacks. Part of the reason Stafford takes less is to allow the Rams to add more talent in their Super Bowl window. But how does Stafford feel great about the franchise using his financial flexibility in adding a backup quarterback in the first round instead of a receiver that can help him move the football on game days, particularly as he negotiates a new deal? "Given his experience in this league, he knows how it works and I think that’s really cool," said Tony Pastoors, the Rams COO and chief contract negotiator, when I asked about the flexibility that Stafford’s contract provides at the annual NFL owners meetings last month. "It does allow us to do some things – add Trent McDuffie and some of those things – because Matthew understands the mechanisms. He’s willing to work with you to help create that flexibility because Matthew wants to win. His goal is no different than ours, and that’s to bring another Lombardi back to L.A." *** Same old Jets? Or can another ‘great’ draft finally lead to some wins? Ralph Vacchiano: The Jets had a strong draft that got good reviews, especially in the first round, where they likely landed three starters and likely impact players. Maybe that’s enough to finally jump-start their rebuilding project and make them competitive. Then again, haven’t we heard all this before? "The problem with the Jets is we say the same thing every few years," one rival NFL executive told me. "They have a transformative draft. They get some serious players. Then, a few years later, they blow it all up and start over again." Case in point: The 2022 Jets draft, which netted them cornerback Sauce Gardner, wide receiver Garrett Wilson and edge rusher Jermaine Johnson in Round 1 and running back Breece Hall in Round 2. That was supposed to be their core of the future. But they’ve gone 22-46 since then, and a new general manager and coach traded Gardner and Johnson away. Will it be any different with the Jets’ Class of 2026, which included three first-rounders — edge David Bailey (at No. 2), tight end Kenyon Sadiq (No. 16) and wide receiver Omar Cooper (No. 31), plus cornerback D’Angelo Ponds in the second round? "It’s hard not to do well when you have high picks, and when you trade away a lot of players for more picks," one scout told me. "But I do like that group. With those four and all the changes they made on defense in free agency, they have the pieces to be competitive. "But they also have the same problem they always have: No quarterback. Until they solve that position, they won’t get anywhere. *** How much did the Giants love Jeremiyah Love? Maybe enough to take him at 5 Vacchiano: The Giants were surprised that edge rusher Arvell Reese was available for them to take with the No. 5 pick in the draft. They expected him to go in the top four, in part because, as GM Joe Schoen revealed, he was the top-rated non-quarterback on their draft board. But not by much. Running back Jeremiyah Love, who was taken by the Cardinals at No. 3, had "basically the same grade" as Reese, a team source told me. So what would’ve happened if both Reese and Love had been available at 5? We may never know, but the internal debate in the run-up to the draft had been fascinating. Love obviously had some strong support in the Giants organization, and Harbaugh was believed to be one of his biggest boosters. The coach had a powerful rushing attack in Baltimore behind Derrick Henry, and he wants to rebuild that kind of offense in New York. But there are others in the organization who believe strongly in "positional value" — particularly Schoen, who was assumed by most to favor Reese. The fifth pick in the draft will get a contract worth a guaranteed $47.8 million. That’s $11.8 million more guaranteed than any running back has ever gotten before. "It’s a terrible use of assets," one general manager told me. "Obviously, you can find 1,000-yard rushers for much less. You have to really believe [Love] is a Hall of Fame talent and can transform your team immediately. Because financially, you’re saying he’s 33% better than [Saquon] Barkley. And he’s not." "I don’t know what the Giants would have done," a scout told me. "But sometimes you just have to take the talent and ignore the cost. He’s a special running back. Forget the finances. It’s about: What can he do for you?" That’s probably the debate the Giants were having for weeks. The Cardinals prevented the world from finding out how it would have turned out. *** Cowboys might have gotten the ‘steal’ of the draft Vacchiano: Jerry Jones called safety Caleb Downs a "prize" that they couldn’t pass up when they saw him falling in the first round. That’s why he traded two fifth-round picks to the Dolphins to move up from 12 to 11 to get him. That was a small price to pay for a player that multiple NFL sources told me was a "steal." "I know he was the top [non-quarterback] on a few boards around the league," one scout told me. "I get that nobody wants to draft a safety high, but this dude is more than a safety. He’s a weapon back there. He’s Kyle Hamilton (the Ravens’ three-time All-Pro), only maybe more explosive." "They got some serious value that far down," a general manager told me. "I know you had to take the edge rushers first, but he’s more of a difference maker than Sonny Styles (the linebacker that went to Washington at 7). He can cover, he can blitz, he can play the run. You can deploy him like a corner or a linebacker. He can do it all. "I’m sure the Commanders and Giants are happy with who they got," an NFL defensive coordinator told me. "But they are going to hate having to play against this guy twice a year." *** Bye-bye A.J. Brown: Eagles draft made it clear they’ll be trading their No. 1 receiver Vacchiano: The A.J. Brown trade to the New England Patriots has been rumored for months, even as the Philadelphia Eagles have tried to downplay the possibility. They were dismissive of it when they signed veteran wide receiver Hollywood Brown. And they brushed it off when they traded for wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks. But after they traded up in the first round to beat the Pittsburgh Steelers to USC wide receiver Makai Lemon, there’s almost no point in denying it now. "I guess the only question is what they’ll get," an NFL assistant general manager told me. "And maybe whether someone else, like the Rams, swoops in at the last minute and offers a better deal. "But I tell you what: It sure would be interesting if they don’t trade him. We know they can run. I’m sure the line will be better than last year. It’s the passing game that they haven’t really been able to work consistently the last few years. Some of that is because they’ve never had a reliable third receiver. It’s been all Brown and [DeVonta] Smith. "Well, now they’ve got Wicks, Lemon, maybe Hollywood to stretch the field. That’s more than enough without Brown. But they sure would be dangerous if they kept him." *** Garrett Nussmeier’s long wait might have a big payoff Vacchiano: Heading into the draft, it looked like LSU's Garrett Nussmeier would be the third or fourth quarterback taken. Some thought he had a chance to go as early as the third round. Instead, nine quarterbacks were taken before him, including Rutgers quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis. He wasn’t picked until the seventh round and with the 249th overall pick. But he may have landed in the perfect spot. He was taken by the Kansas City Chiefs, giving him a chance to learn from Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes. "If he has any ability to play in this league, that’s the place for him," one scout told me. "Nobody’s better than [Reid.] That kid will sit for four years, but he’s going to learn a ton." Nussmeier dropped in the draft mostly because medical tests at the combine reportedly revealed a cyst on his spine, which caused the oblique pain he played through most of last season. He may need a medical procedure, which will keep him out two-to-three weeks, but he’s expected to be ready to go for the start of camp. "I think the medical thing just put it over the top for a lot of teams," one general manager told me. "He had some mechanical issues and I heard some of his interviews weren’t great. Put that with his play last season and then the [cyst] and it gave teams a reason to pass."

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2026 NFL Draft Winners and Losers: Jets, Giants Get to Work Changing Their Cultures

Those in the football world will wait at least two seasons before determining whether a drafted player is truly NFL-caliber. So grading draft classes in the days following the league’s annual player acquisition event often misses the mark. We have not yet seen the players put on the pads for their respective teams or gained insight into how the teams plan to utilize their new players. But one big reason the draft is so popular is because it gives fans hope, and first impressions matter on that front. With that in mind, here are the teams I think helped themselves the most and the teams that helped themselves the least. WINNERS New York Jets After a disappointing debut season, Jets head coach Aaron Glenn is intent on changing the culture by bringing a collection of "winners" into the locker room. With their first four picks, the Jets took College Football Playoff participants from last season: Texas Tech EDGE David Bailey (Round 1), Oregon TE Kenyon Sadiq (Round 1), Indiana WR Omar Cooper Jr. (Round 1) and Indiana CB D’Angelo Ponds (Round 2). These players will raise the standards and expectations around the building as well as fill pressing needs for playmakers at marquee positions. Florida State DT Darrell Jackson Jr. and Clemson QB Cade Klubnik are Day 3 gambles with significant ROI potential. If either prospect outplays his draft status, the Jets could rise up the charts as a competitive squad. With an impressive rookie class teaming with a new and improved veteran corps, the Jets are on their way toward climbing out of the AFC’s cellar. New York Giants There is no disputing new head coach John Harbaugh’s impact on the Giants’ draft philosophy, with the team prioritizing "ballers" in their early-round selections. The drafting of linebacker Arvell Reese and offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa with the team’s first two picks reflects the Giants’ commitment to dominating the trenches with physicality and toughness. While Reese’s role is a bit ambiguous due to the Giants’ deep and talented edge rusher rotation, the Ohio State standout could wreak havoc on opponents in a hybrid role that showcases his talents as an off-ball linebacker with pass-rushing skills. Mauigoa is slated to start his career as a guard before eventually taking over as an edge blocker on a physically imposing frontline. Tennessee CB Carlton Hood and Notre Dame WR Malachi Fields are potential starters with big-play potential in their respective roles. If the Giants also get key contributions from any of their Day 3 selections — Auburn DT Bobby Jamison-Travis, Illinois OT J.C. Davis and BYU LB Jack Kelly — the Harbaugh era will be off to an impressive start. Tampa Bay Buccaneers It is apparent that the Buccaneers look to reclaim their crown as NFC South champs, with the acquisitions aimed at upgrading their toughness and physicality on defense. Miami Edge Rueben Bain, Missouri LB Josiah Trotter and Miami DB Keionte Scott bring energy and edginess whenever they step inside the lines. They not only fill immediate needs at their respective positions, but they will also rekindle the hard-nosed approach that helped the Buccaneers claim four straight division titles before last season. While the team’s offensive selections (Georgia State WR Ted Hurst, Notre Dame OG Billy Schrauth and LSU TE Bauer Sharp) are projected as backups, Hurst could slide into departed veteran Mike Evans’ role as a vertical threat with the potential to hold down the "X" position as an eventual starter. Overall, the Buccaneers opted for an identity draft to help them get back to their rugged, winning ways. LOSERS Los Angeles Rams Time will tell if Les Snead was the smartest guy in the room when he handpicked Ty Simpson to be the Rams’ franchise quarterback of the future in a surprise selection at No. 13 overall. While the Super Bowl-winning general manager deserves credit for his conviction, the Rams’ 2026 class hinges on the success of an undersized, inexperienced quarterback with durability concerns. Despite his polished mechanics and spectacular flashes, Simpson must defy the odds to emerge as an elite quarterback in a league that chews up and spits out novices at the position. With the Rams bypassing a game-changing pass-catcher, pass protector, or pass rusher to select a QB3 for this season, the skeptics will not change their opinions despite the impact of the rest of the class. Although Ohio State TE Max Klare, Missouri OT Keagen Trost and Miami WR CJ Daniels are poised to make their mark as unheralded contributors, Simpson’s performance and production are all that matter in this evaluation. San Francisco 49ers The outrage of the 49ers’ faithful reached a fever pitch when the draft concluded on Saturday night. The puzzling Day 2 selections of Ole Miss WR De’Zhaun Stribling, Texas Tech EDGE Romello Height and Indiana RB Kaelon Black have drawn the ire of couch scouts who wanted brand names at those selections. Although Kyle Shanahan’s track record for coaxing production out of hidden gems should afford more grace from critics, the outrage continues the ongoing debate over the team’s ability to draft and develop effectively over the past decade. Given the heat on the 49ers following their daring decisions in the first two days of the draft, the team needs some of their developmental prospects — Oklahoma DT Gracen Halton, Washington OT Carver Willis, Washington CB Ephesians Prysock, Louisiana LB Jaden Dugger and Kansas OT Enrique Cruz Jr. — to pan out to extinguish the fires raging among 49ers fans. Tennessee Titans The 2026 draft pivoted when the Titans shocked the world with the Carnell Tate pick at No. 4 overall. Although most observers viewed the Ohio State star as the No. 1 wideout in the class, the decision to take a collegiate WR2 over a freakishly athletic pass rusher (Arvell Reese) and off-ball linebacker (Sonny Styles) has put Robert Saleh’s debut class under the microscope. Perhaps Tate will silence the critics by playing at a superstar level, but he will need to adapt to a new role and more responsibility as the WR1 for a team that lacks an elite supporting cast around him. The Titans traded back into the first round to acquire a big-bodied edge rusher, Keldric Faulk, with modest sack production. While there was plenty of love in the scouting community for the Auburn star as a run defender, the Titans are counting on the 21-year-old to transform into an Arik Armstead-type defender with inside-outside versatility. Considering how collegiate sack production typically translates into NFL performance, the Titans will need their second first-rounder to remake his game to match his draft expectations. With second-round pick Anthony Hill slated to be a Day 1 starter at middle linebacker, the Titans are counting on three developmental playmakers to fill voids on a squad looking to climb out of the AFC South cellar. *Jacksonville Jaguars Some of you may question why the Jaguars are not included among the bottom three on this list, even though they selected the most controversial player on the board, Texas A&M tight end Nate Boerkircher, with their first selection (No. 56 overall). It is hard to attach significant expectations to a bottom of the second round pick when the value is that of a key contributor. While the Texas A&M standout was not on many media boards, the Jaguars’ selection pre-empted a Day 2 run on tight ends that might have left the team on the outside looking in when it came to their desired blocking tight ends. With the Jaguars following that selection with a highly-touted guard, Emmanuel Pregnon from Oregon, who earned borderline first-round grades, it is hard for me to trash a draft class that would have been celebrated if the order of selections had been reversed.

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Cowherd: No Team Had a Better 1st-Round Pick Than Cowboys' Selection of Caleb Downs

Not only was Ohio State safety Caleb Downs widely viewed as one of the top prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft, but the Dallas Cowboys clearly agreed. After unexpectedly sliding to No. 11 overall, Downs has quickly become one of the biggest storylines of the draft. Downs has had a wide range of comparisons, but on Friday morning, The Herd’s Colin Cowherd didn’t hold back, viewing the Cowboys as clear winners of the NFL Draft. It’s not just about Downs being a great player, but he believes he’s the steal of the draft. Cowherd didn’t hold back on his show, even drawing a comparison between Downs and former Baltimore Ravens safety and Hall of Famer Ed Reed. "You can not do better than what the Dallas Cowboys did with their first pick," Cowherd said. "I think he’s going to be the best Buckeye in the draft. … I thought last year, he was good enough to be a top-three pick in the draft. I think he’s an incredible Ed Reed-level player." Downs is coming off a strong junior season with the Buckeyes, recording 68 total tackles, 45 of them solo, along with two interceptions. He also forced two fumbles and added a sack, showcasing his versatility all over the field. He didn’t test as athletically as many of his Buckeyes teammates, but Downs has built his reputation on instincts, anticipation, and elite football IQ. Despite playing a position that is often undervalued, he became one of the most versatile defenders in the sport. That production and versatility have only reinforced the belief that he can immediately anchor a secondary at the next level. "He got overshadowed because they [Ohio State] have a couple of freaks in Arvell Reese and Sonny Styles and they’re just physical specimens," Cowherd said. "Best football player is Caleb Downs. He is a great, great player, so Dallas hit an absolute home run." For Cowherd, Downs’ blend of production, instincts and versatility seems to make him a rare defensive addition capable of transforming a secondary from Day 1. In a Cowboys defense that struggled last season without a consistent game-changing presence, Downs could step in as that difference-maker. If he lives up to the billing, Dallas may have landed one of the defining picks of the entire draft. The selection of Downs wasn't the only way the Cowboys addressed their defense in the first round of the NFL Draft. They also selected UCF defensive end Malachi Lawrence with the 23rd overall pick after trading down a few picks with the Philadelphia Eagles. Lawrence had been viewed as a potential second-round pick by most draft analysts. FOX Sports draft analyst Rob Rang actually had Lawrence ranked 50th on his big board. But Cowherd understood why Dallas reached to get him. "Their next pick was a reach, but I'm going to defend the pick," Cowherd said. "[Lawrence] is not for next season. When they traded Micah Parsons, the entire reason they did it was so that they could get four or five guys. Well, they traded Micah Parsons and they now have Rashan Gary, Quinnen Williams and Kenny Clark. They still have DeMarvion Overshown, who I like, but he gets banged up but he's good. This kid is not going to play a ton next season. That's OK. I can live with that." The Cowboys continued to add to their defense through much of the draft as well. They selected Michigan edge rusher Jaishawn Barham in the third round before adding Florida cornerback Devin Moore and Alabama defensive tackle LT Overton with the two fourth-round picks they acquired from the Eagles.

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2026 NFL Draft Undrafted Free Agents: Where the Top Names are Going

The 2026 NFL Draft is over, and 257 players — from first overall pick Fernando Mendoza to "Mr. Irrelevant" Red Murdock — had their names called this weekend. Many other notable prospects did not, though, and will have to find their first professional home through free agency. Shortly after the 2026 NFL Draft ended on Saturday, undrafted prospects began to find NFL homes. While undrafted free agents are typically less heralded, many have been able to have a successful career. There have also been undrafted free agents who've made it to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, like Kurt Warner and Antonio Gates. So, here's a look at where some of the notable undrafted free agents from the 2026 draft are going. Carolina Panthers Chicago Bears Cleveland Browns Detroit Lions Kansas City Chiefs Jacksonville Jaguars Miami Dolphins Tampa Bay Buccaneers

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