2026 NFL Draft Rumors: Ty Simpson Status, Dexter Lawrence Trade Price, More

The NFL Draft is a beast. Rumors flying all over the place. Trade talk concerning players across the sport, which could involve draft picks in the coming draft. We need a place to store this buzz. And with that, here's a tracker for the latest 2026 NFL Draft rumors: Dexter Lawrence trade price The New York Giants are seeking a top-10 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft or a first-round pick plus more draft compensation in any trade for the star defensive lineman, according to the New York Post. Lawrence, who reportedly requested a trade earlier this month in hopes of signing a new contract, totaled career-lows in sacks (0.5), combined tackles (31) and quarterback hits (eight) in 2025. Still, the 28-year-old is a three-time Pro Bowler who logged nine sacks across 12 games in 2024. Lawrence has two seasons remaining on a four-year, $90 million contract. Ty Simpson a first-rounder? The Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback is gaining traction to be selected in the first round, according to CBS Sports. After serving as a backup quarterback for three seasons (2022-24), Simpson was Alabama's starter for the 2025 season. In said year, he totaled 3,567 passing yards, 28 passing touchdowns, five interceptions and a 145.2 passer rating, while completing 64.5% of his passes. Simpson and the Crimson Tide reached the quarterfinal round of the College Football Playoff before losing to the Indiana Hoosiers. Most likely New York Jets pick The Jets, who own the No. 2 and 16 picks in the first round, are expected to select either Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Arvell Reese or Texas Tech Red Raiders linebacker David Bailey with the second pick, per CBS Sports. Last season, Reese logged 6.5 sacks, two passes defended and 69 combined tackles, while earning All-American honors; Bailey, who spent the first three seasons of his collegiate career playing for the Stanford Cardinal, racked up a Big 12-high 14.5 sacks and 19.5 tackles for loss, three forced fumbles, three passes defended and 52 combined tackles in 2025. Jeremiyah Love to the desert? There has been "significant buzz" surrounding the Arizona Cardinals selecting the Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back with the No. 3 pick, per SNY. Love, who finished third in the voting for the 2025 Heisman Trophy Award, rushed for 1,372 yards and 18 touchdowns on 6.9 yards per carry last season, while tallying 280 receiving yards and three receiving scores. He rushed for 17.5 touchdowns per season from 2024-25 on a combined 6.9 yards per carry.

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Houston Texans Reportedly Sign Will Anderson Jr. to Record-Breaking NFL Contract

Want proof that the Houston Texans value star defensive end Will Anderson Jr.? Anderson and the Texans have agreed to a three-year, $150 million extension, NFL Media reported on Friday. The contract includes $134 million guaranteed and a no-trade clause, with the $50 million average annual value an NFL record for a non-quarterback. Green Bay Packers superstar defensive lineman Micah Parsons held the previous record for the highest-paid non-quarterback in league history, signing a four-year, $186 million deal last summer ($46.5 million average annual value). Anderson, a two-time Pro Bowler who was the 2023 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, earned his first All-Pro honor in 2025, racking up 12.0 sacks, three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, three passes defended and 54 combined tackles; all five totals were career highs. Then, he racked up 3.5 sacks over Houston's two postseason games, marking the second consecutive year that he did so. Moreover, Anderson ranked first among edge defenders with 70 hurries and third with 93 total pressures in 2025, according to Pro Football Focus. Anderson has averaged 11.5 sacks per year over the last two seasons (2024-25). The Texans traded up to select Anderson with the No. 3 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft after a decorated collegiate career playing for the Alabama Crimson Tide, with whom he was a two-time SEC Defensive Player of the Year and a two-time All-American. Anderson and the Texans are coming off a 12-5 season that saw them win the AFC South for a third consecutive year but also be eliminated in the AFC divisional round for a third consecutive season.

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2026 NFL Draft: A Look Inside the Strangest Job Interview Process in Sports

Getting a job playing in the NFL is nothing like getting an entry-level job in any other field. At the NFL Combine, Texas A&M receiver KC Concepcion was headed into a formal interview with the Philadelphia Eagles. And Philly hit the draft prospect with an exercise he'd never seen before. The Eagles had a machine that dropped three different-colored foam batons. As the batons fell, a coach called out the color that Concepcion needed to catch — and the hand he needed to use to catch it. Left hand blue, right hand red. Good thing he's an All-American receiver. Concepcion managed to catch four of five pairings. "That right there was fun," he told me at the Adidas "Pro Day" in Portland last month. Such is the unique, demanding and sometimes bizarre nature of the NFL draft process, which includes workouts, medical checks and lots of interviews. When it comes to the interviews, which come one after another, Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson and Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza have the perfect type of mind for the pre-draft process. The same is true of Ohio State safety Caleb Downs, whose interview with one team "was kind of boring with how easy it was for him," per a scout in the room. Of course, no matter who it is, these prospects are nervous stepping into a room with NFL evaluators, particularly for the first time. "The first one — a little nervous, a little anxious. But after that one, it was just rolling," Ohio State edge Arvell Reese told me in Portland. Often, prospects can get into a groove. There’s a routine from one team’s interview to the next. And the prospects will answer many of the same questions during their Top 30 meetings. (Each NFL team can invite up to 30 prospects to their facility to conduct interviews, medical checks and on-field workouts.) "It kind of gets kind of repetitive — just answering the same questions," Arizona State receiver Jordyn Tyson told me in Portland. "Shoot, you're talking about yourself, so nobody knows you better than yourself. But, yeah, I'd say it's going pretty good. Just trying not to shoot myself in the foot and trying to just leave it all on their end." For the on-field portion, there are the freak athletes whose measurables are perfect, whether it's at the combine in Indianapolis or at pro day or any of the other venues where players meet with teams. Count Downs and Reese in that category. Let’s also throw in Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq and Ducks safety Dillon Thieneman, who absolutely crushed the workout portion of the combine. Not everyone has it so easy. "It’s all mental," a former NFL first-round pick told me. "[You're in Indianapolis] for days, then you don’t get on field until the end. … I graded out higher because some guys just couldn’t handle all the days stacked on each other." Every measurement matters — even, as it turns out, the things you can’t exactly measure. The experience is a microcosm of what can be so terrible and so thrilling about these liminal months when football players are "prospects" — not college football players or NFL players. They get measured. They get interviewed without end by teams, by media members and by marketing reps. The invasive probing transcends the average job interview. "They're doing background checks on your childhood stuff, so at this point, your whole life is sort of a job interview," Downs told me. "So I can't say this three-month process is my job interview. Your whole life is pretty much a job interview." Here’s what we learned about the process while speaking with several of the draft’s top prospects — and some of the people who are preparing and evaluating them. Getting the body right for the workouts Excel Sports Management has a gym in Southern California where Washington receiver Denzel Boson spent weeks training for the combine and his pro day, with consultant coaches on-site to provide comprehensive preparation. Almost all the likely first-rounders spend their time training at their agency's facility. After that, the draft process is about doing everything except playing football: watching it, drilling it, discussing it. There's a clear dichotomy between the offseason drills that NFL veterans are doing and the ones that the incoming rookies are doing. Look at Instagram, where you can see current NFL players running functional drills to help them improve at their position. And then look at the combine, where you see a set of drills that have rightfully earned the event the nickname "the Underwear Olympics." As antiquated as these general drills might seem, they measure a certain kind of athleticism, which draft prospects can and should hone prior to showing up in Indianapolis. So that's where their attention shifts: learning proper form for the 40-yard dash, the broad jump and the three-cone drill. Downs, however, pushed back on that idea. "I'm trying to get ready to go play football, so that's what my workouts are tailored to," he told me in March. "Just try to make sure that when I get to camp I'm ready to play ball. That's the most important thing, so that's really what I'm focused on." But Downs is an anomaly, a surefire top-10 pick. Not everyone can get away with that mentality. Carnell Tate, the consensus top receiver in the draft and Downs' college teammate, said he might be doing new drills, but he's keeping the same routine he had at Ohio State. "It is basically my college routine," Tate told me. "It’s just, I'm not in college no more at Ohio State." For many players, draft prep extends beyond their training routine. Miami All-American edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. said he is cutting out fried foods and excess sugar from his diet. And he’s more regimented about when he eats — changing his meal schedule. It helps that he’s hired a private chef. "It's more consistent," Bain told me in Portland in March. "It’s something I kind of tighten up on, and being a little bit more serious about my approach, rather than just doing it here and there and kind of slacking off." Getting the mind right for the interviews The most universal elements of the interviews are the film study and install. NFL teams will put up film from a player’s college career and quiz him on what went right or wrong. And then the players will often need to learn a series of plays: the install. Sometimes, they get these plays onsite. Sometimes, they’ll get a small playbook ahead of a meeting. The players will have to prove they’ve retained the information, as best they can. "This process is all about me," Tate told me. "Teams watch your film and see what you retain from your previous school and see what you could have done better. And then they just pick out like, ‘Why did this work? Why didn't this work?’ I've just been watching my film and making sure I know my play in and out — knowing why I messed up here or knowing why I did something good here. "And then they just install a play for me — or a couple plays — and see what I can retain from that meeting, and then go put it on the field or go put on the board." Players lean on different resources to prepare themselves for their interviews. There are formal interviews at the NFL Combine and Top-30 visits. But informal interviews happen throughout the process, with evaluators striking up a conversation with a prospect at an all-star game (like the Senior Bowl), at the combine and at their pro day. Players might even get a random phone call from time to time. Teams may contact an unlimited number of incoming rookies up to three times per week, for up to one hour at a time, per NFL rules. Teams are not allowed to contact college players until they have declared for the draft — or are no longer eligible to keep playing in college. When teams can finally speak with players, any morsel of information could prove important. That means an interview is lurking behind every corner. "I think you’ve just got to be yourself," Arvell Reese told me. "It's hard to put on the act and it's hard to lie. So I feel like being yourself is the easiest thing to do. So when I'm meeting with all the teams, I just be myself." As best they can, prospects prepare thoroughly. Take Boston, for example. He spent time with Excel consultant Ricky Proehl, who played receiver in the NFL for 17 years and is now the head coach of the UFL's St. Louis Battlehawks. Proehl worked with Boston on and off the field to make sure he had the tools to take on the rigors of the draft process. That includes interview prep, drill prep and pro day design. "Teams bring you in for an official visit," Proehl told me by phone. "They want to see how much you can retain. They'll give their offense, they'll give formations, concepts or routes, different things, and then they want to see how much you can retain. So we'll go over different scenarios." Boston said he and Proehl can’t go over every NFL system. But they can work to build fundamental skills and concepts around receiver positions, offensive formations and defensive coverages. The receiver studied on his iPad with a magic pencil to work through the defenses. He and Proehl made a cheat sheet of all the defenses to review. "You can't expect every team to be the same or have the same terminology, but you can get the rules kind of down in your head when it comes to the O's and the X’s and all those different things," Boston told me. In the case of some of the top Ohio State prospects, they might work with an agency consultant. But they also have easy access to a former NFL head coach. Matt Patricia, who served as the Lions' head coach from 2018 to 2020, is now the Buckeyes' defensive coordinator. "Coach Patricia did a great job giving us the time we needed to make sure that we're ready to go out and articulate the way that we need to. So a lot of appreciation for him for finding the time to do that," Downs told me. "Mock interviews. Zooms about the film they’re going to show and the questions they’re going to ask. Trying to get those opportunities to answer the questions on the test before they’re asked." [2026 NFL Draft: Top 150 Overall Prospects] The interviews will extend beyond football. When it comes to getting to know a prospect as a person, teams have different philosophies and methodologies, particularly when addressing sensitive issues or legal matters. One scout told me he’d save the difficult questions for when he felt like he knew a prospect, in large part because he didn’t think he’d get an honest answer prior to that point. That scout said: "[A prospect will say] way more if he knows you care. … You’ll get everything you want by establishing relationships." Another scout told me he’d ask the difficult questions to see if players would lie — and, sometimes, they would, which the scout knew from his research. For the most-prepared prospects, the chalk talk is actually the highlight of the draft experience. They get to meet some of the smartest minds in football and pick their brains. "It's been awesome," Downs told me. "Honestly, I feel like my mind is what separates me, and just being able to share that and have conversations about things. And also just learning is always such a huge thing for me, just putting myself in positions to learn. And there's no higher football than the NFL, so it's a great opportunity to learn from the coaches that are there and try to expand my mind." For prospects, there's no better feeling than nailing an interview. "I just feel like knowing you crushed a meeting," Washington running back Jonah Coleman told me at Adidas Pro Day. "After you come out of a meeting or after you get off the Zoom, just knowing that you crushed it — that has been the best part." [Inside Adidas Rookie Pro Day with Fernando Mendoza, Other Top Prospects] Expect the unexpected. The draft process is infamous for producing absurdity and even inappropriate behavior. Thankfully, that practice has grown less pervasive. But there is still plenty of silliness. It was one thing for people to debate over whether Joe Burrow’s hand size mattered. (Which happened!) It’s another thing for evaluators to ask about sexual orientation, murder weapons or … whether a player finds his mother attractive. One former NFL player said that, when he interviewed with the Cleveland Browns, they took the tape from his junior season rather than his senior year — and only asked about his worst plays. It was a painful and unnecessarily contentious meeting. What was that scout's intention? Unclear. But on the plus side — after the pro day and combine — a draft prospect might never have to run the 40-yard dash again. Or catch foam batons dropped from a machine. "The pro day’s over, combine’s over, you're not gonna have to train for that anymore. Now it’s back to football," Denzel Boston told me. That'll come after the draft — when prospects finally become players again.

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2026 NFL Draft: Ranking and Evaluating the Top 10 Quarterbacks

The 2026 NFL Draft lacks multiple QB1 candidates, but the league's desperation for franchise quarterbacks could lead to some early-round gambles. With a collection of wild cards in this draft, some of those gambles could pay off, with teams transforming a few hidden gems into starters down the road. After taking some time to analyze the 2026 quarterback class, here are my top 10 prospects: 10. Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt The 5-foot-10, 207-pound Pavia lacks the prototypical dimensions and tools to merit serious consideration as a QB1, but his production and big-game performance make him a worthwhile gamble as a late-round draft pick or undrafted free agent. The mobile playmaker puts immense pressure on the defense with his improvisational skills, leading to splash plays that will make him a fan favorite in the preseason. Given how Pavia’s competitiveness transformed the Vanderbilt program, do not dismiss his chances of beating the odds as an outlier in the quarterback room. 9. Cade Klubnik, Clemson Despite his individual and team struggles last season, Klubnik will get a chance to make amends in the NFL as a Day 3 prospect. The 6-foot-2, 210-pounder has shown QB1 potential in the past (3,639 passing yards with 36 touchdowns and six interceptions in 2024), but he's coming off a disappointing campaign that leads to questions about his readiness for a starter’s role at the next level. While his previous success, arm talent and athleticism will likely lead a team to roll the dice on his potential, the Clemson product must show more consistency to carve out a long-term role as a QB2. 8. Luke Altmyer, Illinois Teams looking for a long-term QB2 candidate could value the three-year Illinois starter. Altmyer’s instincts, intelligence and awareness show in the way he manages the game like a seasoned field general. As a quick-rhythm passer with a keen understanding of the passing game, he excels at connecting the dots at intermediate range. Considering the importance of operating the offense efficiently as a backup, Altmyer has a chance to make his mark as a Day 3 prospect. 7. Cole Payton, North Dakota State Despite the rugged lefty entering the league as a one-year starter, the football world is buzzing about his potential as a developmental prospect. Payton impressed scouts with his toughness and intangibles at the Senior Bowl, with the 6-foot-3, 233-pounder steadily improving throughout the practice week. With his inexperience and inconsistency as a passer limiting his immediate impact, Payton should be on the radar for scouts as a Day 3 consideration with QB2/QB3 potential. 6. Taylen Green, Arkansas As a dynamic athlete who shattered records at the NFL Scouting Combine, Green is an intriguing prospect for teams looking for a developmental quarterback to add to the roster. As a four-year starter at Boise State and Arkansas, the 6-foot-6, 227-pound dual-threat QB passed for 9,662 yards with 59 touchdowns and 35 interceptions, while also amassing 2,403 rushing yards and 35 scores. Although his dazzling athleticism would make him a potential "slash" candidate (quarterback/wide receiver) as a pro, Green’s preference to only play quarterback could force coaches to weigh the pros and cons of taking on a QB with several fundamental flaws as a passer. 5. Drew Allar, Penn State The maddeningly inconsistent passer possesses all the traits old-school coaches covet in a franchise quarterback. From his size (6-foot-5, 228 pounds) and arm talent to his intangibles and leadership skills, Allar is the traditional prototype at the position. While questions persist about his clutch performance, the Penn State product’s traits and tools could entice a team to make him a Day 2/Day 3 gamble. 4. Garrett Nussmeier, LSU The son of veteran NFL offensive wizard Doug Nussmeier, the LSU product plays the game like a 10-year veteran playing in slow motion. Although his slender frame (6-foot-1, 205 pounds) and a disappointing, injury-marred 2025 campaign have diminished his draft stock, Nussmeier flashes the kind of command that would make an offensive coordinator comfortable handing him the keys to the offense. While Nussmeier's substandard measurements could ding his draft status, his high-quality play in 2024 — 4,052 passing yards with 29 touchdowns and 12 interceptions — makes it easy to envision him thriving as a pro. 3. Carson Beck, Miami Beck's toughness and tenacity make it easy for scouts to fall in love with his potential as a game manager-plus for a winning team. While his limitations as a passer (arm strength) could shrink the field for the offense, his winning pedigree from guiding championship-caliber teams at Miami and Georgia could help him lead a competitive squad to wins as a substitute QB1. Given the recent success of experienced young quarterbacks, the 23-year-old Beck is an intriguing Day 2 prospect in the 2026 class. [2026 NFL Draft Confidential: Unfiltered Scouting Takes On Top 5 QBs] 2. Ty Simpson, Alabama As an undersized quarterback with only 15 career starts on his résumé, the 6-foot-1, 211-pound Simpson is attempting to defy the odds as a potential first-round pick. Despite his flawless footwork and picture-perfect mechanics, the Alabama standout has not played enough to quickly transition into a QB1 role. While teams with a veteran starter or "bridge" quarterback in place could patiently develop Simpson, the uncertainty over his NFL readiness makes him the biggest boom-or-bust prospect on the list. [Inside Ty Simpson’s Rise from Alabama Backup to Likely First-Round Pick] 1. Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana The presumptive No. 1 overall pick impressed evaluators with his toughness, intangibles and clutch performance as the leader of the national champs. With Mendoza also displaying pinpoint accuracy on intermediate and vertical throws, the playbook is wide open for a play designer building around the Heisman Trophy winner’s talents. Although some scouts will suggest his skills do not match up with previous No. 1 overall picks, Mendoza’s intangibles and intelligence separate him from the rest of the class.

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2026 NFL Mock Draft: Caleb Downs Not a Top 15 Pick? Chiefs, Cowboys Double Up on D

As we rapidly approach the 2026 NFL Draft, are the top five picks starting to feel chalky? I certainly think so. In my latest mock draft, my first five picks remain unchanged from my first mock draft. Sure, some might say that's a boring way to approach doing a mock draft. And while I've shifted my position on where a few players will land, some things just make perfect sense. Of course, the Las Vegas Raiders are going to take Fernando Mendoza. But there's also a perfect edge rusher for the New York Jets waiting for them with the No. 2 pick. Don't worry, though, there are plenty of other changes in my mock draft. So, let's take a look at how I've shuffled the deck in my most recent mock draft. Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook. 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. 1. Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana Super Bowl Odds: +15000 (bet $10 to win $1,510 total) Mendoza is the best quarterback in this class and he will be drafted first overall by the Raiders, who have a chance to build around him. 2. New York Jets: David Bailey, edge rusher, Texas Tech Super Bowl Odds: +20000 (bet $10 to win $2,010 total) I don’t think Bailey is the best edge prospect in this draft, but the Jets need a pure pass rusher, so they will opt for him over Arvell Reese. That makes Bailey the best draft pick for the Jets. He’s super twitchy and has elite finishing skills near the quarterback. He also has the potential to be a superstar. 3. Arizona Cardinals: Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State Super Bowl Odds: +40000 (bet $10 to win $4,010 total) Arizona will select the best defensive player in the draft and can figure out where to use him once he’s in the building. Reese can play off the ball or rush the passer. I do believe he will follow the path of Micah Parsons and eventually end up as a full-time pass rusher. 4. Tennessee Titans: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame Super Bowl Odds: +11000 (bet $10 to win $1,110 total) The Titans will grab the best offensive player in this draft. Love is a dynamic running back with outstanding breakaway ability. He’s a three-down back who will help young QB Cam Ward. Less pressure on Ward, more on the run game. 5. New York Giants: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami Super Bowl Odds: +7000 (bet $10 to win $710 total) Tough decision for the Giants at No. 5. Do they draft an offensive tackle who might project as a guard in the NFL, or do they draft an off-the-ball linebacker with the fifth pick? I think the Giants will take the player who can help Jaxson Dart immediately. Mauigoa may end up inside at guard, but he’s going to be excellent wherever he plays. 6. Cleveland Browns: Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia Super Bowl Odds: +15000 (bet $10 to win $1,510 total) Freeling needs work, but the Browns will draft him because he's probably the most pure left tackle in this class. He’s got the traits, movement skills and technique base to improve quickly. 7. Washington Commanders: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State Super Bowl Odds: +6500 (bet $10 to win $660 total) Washington needs to improve its defense, which was third-worst in yards per play last season. Styles is an off-the-ball linebacker who Dan Quinn can mold into a franchise player for his defensive unit. 8. New Orleans Saints: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State Super Bowl Odds: +9000 (bet $10 to win $910 total) This is a chance for New Orleans to draft another weapon for young quarterback Tyler Shough. The fit is perfect. 9. Kansas City Chiefs: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU Super Bowl Odds: +1400 (bet $10 to win $150 total) I wish Rueben Bain had longer arms and could be in Kansas City, but I don’t see the Chiefs — who are in need of a pass rusher — drafting Bain with his measurables. They will opt to start replacing their depleted secondary with Delane. 10. Cincinnati Bengals: Rueben Bain Jr., edge rusher, Miami Super Bowl Odds: +3000 (bet $10 to win $310 total) The Bengals will end up drafting the best pass rusher on the board with the 10th pick. Bain has questions about arm length, but there’s no question about his college film. He's a skilled pass rusher with high effort. 11. Miami Dolphins: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah Super Bowl Odds: +30000 (bet $10 to win $3,010 total) The Outland Trophy winner is an outstanding fit for the Dolphins at No. 11. He can play a variety of positions along the offensive line. He also brings a toughness and physical style of football that’s helpful for a new coach trying to remake his team. 12. Dallas Cowboys: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee Super Bowl Odds: +3000 (bet $10 to win $310 total) Dallas will address a position of need with McCoy. He’s coming off an ACL injury in 2025, but looked the part in 2024. He's excellent in man coverage with instincts and athleticism. 13. Los Angeles Rams (via Atlanta Falcons): Makai Lemon, WR, USC Super Bowl Odds: +750 (bet $10 to win $85 total) The USC receiver will stay in Los Angeles. The Rams have a need for a receiver with Adams aging and Puka Nukua needing to mature to stay on the roster. 14. Baltimore Ravens: Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State Super Bowl Odds: +1000 (bet $10 to win $110 total) Vega is the most ready offensive lineman in this class. He’s big, thick and plays with a mean streak. He’s improved each season as a pass protector who understands how to use his size and strength to his advantage. He has the potential to be a plus-starter in Year 1 for the Ravens. 15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Akheem Mesidor, edge rusher, Miami Super Bowl Odds: +4500 (bet $10 to win $460 total) If Mesidor was 22 years old, he’d be a top-10 pick. But his age (25) does give you some worry. He’s going to hit his second contract at almost 30 and that’s historically been the age where we start seeing some decline. However, the Bucs need a pass rusher, and Mesidor is a fit for their scheme. 16. New York Jets (via Indianapolis Colts): Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama Super Bowl Odds: +20000 (bet $10 to win $2,010 total) I wouldn’t draft Ty Simpson in the first round, but I’m not the Jets. The long history of NFL failure for players who started only one year in college would concern me. But it appears the Jets seem unbothered by this. They get their franchise quarterback here. 17. Detroit Lions: Kadyn Proctor, OL, Alabama Super Bowl Odds: +1700 (bet $10 to win $180 total) What a fit for Dan Campbell, a massive human for his offensive line. Proctor is what the Lions need to help replenish an offensive line that’s lost some pieces over the years. He can play tackle or guard, so the Lions can work to get their best five. 18. Minnesota Vikings: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State Super Bowl Odds: +4500 (bet $10 to win $460 total) Caleb Downs is going to grade as one of the better players in this draft, so the Vikings will hit a home run with their Harrison Smith replacement. I tried to find a place for Downs earlier in this draft, but it just didn’t happen. 19. Carolina Panthers: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon Super Bowl Odds: +9000 (bet $10 to win $910 total) Carolina continues to add weapons for Bryce Young. Sadiq is a mismatch for anyone guarding him while being a willing blocker in the run game. 20. Dallas Cowboys (via Green Bay Packers): CJ Allen, LB, Georgia Super Bowl Odds: +3000 (bet $10 to win $310 total) The Cowboys will take a linebacker from a college defense that puts reliable starters in the NFL. He’s smart, instinctive and will be the leader of the Cowboys' defense. 21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana Super Bowl Odds: +4500 (bet $10 to win $460 total) I have the Steelers drafting an outside receiver with reliable hands and a large catch radius. 22. Los Angeles Chargers: Caleb Banks, DT, Florida Super Bowl Odds: +1600 (bet $10 to win $170 total) The Chargers have their pick of the best defensive tackle or they can take any of the available defensive ends. They will take Banks with his elite skill set. 23. Philadelphia Eagles: Blake Miller, OT, Clemson Super Bowl Odds: +1700 (bet $10 to win $180 total) With this pick, the Eagles will find their eventual Lane Johnson replacement. Miller is tough and has an excellent football IQ, but there's still room for growth. 24. Cleveland Browns (via Jacksonville Jaguars): KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M Super Bowl Odds: +15000 (bet $10 to win $1,510 total) I wouldn’t put it past the Browns to draft another offensive lineman at 24. Instead, they will take the speedy Concepcion, with his high upside. Feels like an Andrew Berry pick. 25. Chicago Bears: Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon Super Bowl Odds: +2500 (bet $10 to win $260 total) Thieneman's a dual-threat safety who’s willing to play in the box to tackle, which means the Bears can use him in different roles. 26. Buffalo Bills: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State Super Bowl Odds: +1000 (bet $10 to win $110 total) The Bills will select the receiver with the highest potential to be special in this draft. Tyson has elite catching ability, but injuries push him down the board. 27. San Francisco 49ers: Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah Super Bowl Odds: +1500 (bet $10 to win $160 total) When I first watched Utah’s film, Lomu stood out immediately with his size and movement skills. He will need a redshirt year to get stronger before replacing Trent Williams. 28. Houston Texans: Chase Bisontis, OG, Texas A&M Super Bowl Odds: +1800 (bet $10 to win $190 total) Draft experts are hinting that a second offensive guard will be taken in the first round, and this feels like the logical spot for a team that needs long-term answers for their offensive line. 29. Kansas City Chiefs (via Los Angeles Rams): Keldric Faulk, edge rusher, Auburn Super Bowl Odds: +1400 (bet $10 to win $150 total) The Chiefs have tended to favor bigger defensive ends early in the draft and there's no one bigger in this draft than Faulk. Faulk is young and needs to work on his entire game, but the necessary traits are there. 30. Miami Dolphins (via Denver Broncos): T.J. Parker, edge rusher, Clemson Super Bowl Odds: +30000 (bet $10 to win $3,010 total) The Dolphins will get another trench player in Parker as they continue their rebuild of the roster. 31. New England Patriots: Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State Super Bowl Odds: +1900 (bet $10 to win $200 total) There is huge upside with Iheanachor. He's new to the position but has incredible physical gifts. He will sit behind Morgan Moses before taking over at right tackle in 2027 in this scenario. 32. Seattle Seahawks: Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson Super Bowl Odds: +950 (bet $10 to win $105 total) His versatility and playmaking (eight forced fumbles) are a fit for this Seattle defense.

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2026-27 NFL Odds: Only One Division Winner Favored to Repeat

Let the odds tell it, the Philadelphia Eagles are the only reigning division winner you can trust. The upcoming NFL season won't begin until September, but of course, odds regarding that season are already out. And included in that slate are division winner odds. So last year's division winners have to get some love when it comes to repeating, right? Think again. 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. The only division winner from last season favored to win their division again is the Eagles in the NFC East. Ironically, last year was the first time the NFC East saw a back-to-back division winner in 21 years. Now, that division is favored to have a three-peat winner. Moving on to the other divisions, consider this: Last season, the Patriots won the AFC East, the Steelers won the AFC North, the Jaguars won the AFC South, the Broncos won the AFC West, the Bears won the NFC North, the Panthers won the NFC South and the Seahawks won the NFC West. However, at FanDuel Sportsbook (as of April 15), the Bills (-135) are favored to win the AFC East, the Ravens (-130) are favored to win the AFC North, the Texans (+150) are favored to win the AFC South, the Chiefs (+175) are favored to win the AFC West, the Lions (+160) are favored to win the NFC North, the Buccaneers (+165) are favored to win the NFC South and the Rams (+130) are favored to win the NFC West. Go figure. Taking it a step further, Buffalo, Baltimore, Houston, Tampa Bay and the Rams all finished second in their divisions last season, and none by more than two games, meaning each was at least in the running. But the Chiefs and Lions finished third and fourth in their divisions, respectively. In the case of the Chiefs, they finished 6-11, missed the playoffs by a country mile, and their superstar quarterback, Patrick Mahomes, suffered a torn ACL in Week 15. Going back to last year's division winners, going into next season (as of now), New England is second on the AFC East oddsboard (+140), Pittsburgh is third on the AFC North oddsboard (+550), Jacksonville is second on the AFC South oddsboard (+185), Denver is third on the AFC West oddsboard (+210), Chicago is third on the NFC North oddsboard (+310), Carolina is fourth on the NFC South oddsboard (+360) and Seattle is second on the NFC West oddsboard (+170).

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Cowboys 7-Round Mock Draft: How Dallas Can Be a Title Contender Again

The Dallas Cowboys' draft strategy isn’t much of a secret, or at least it shouldn’t be. They had one of the very best offenses in the NFL last season and a defense that was dead last in points allowed. So yeah, they need to draft defensive players. Lots of them. As many as they can. In fact, every time they’re about to draft an offensive player, someone in their room should ask, "Isn’t there a defensive player we can take instead?" Plugging that big, black hole has to be their priority next week. It’s also their only path back to title contention. So with that in mind, here’s a seven-round mock of how their draft should go, with a focus on … well, you get the idea. RELATED: 2026 NFL Draft Big Board: The Top 150 Overall Prospects Round 1 (No. 12 overall): CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee The Cowboys’ pass defense was ranked 31st last season, and their coverage was as bad as their pass rush. DaRon Bland hasn’t lived up to the promise he showed in 2023 as an All-Pro corner with nine interceptions (he has one pick in 19 games since). And he’s the only one with a lock on a starting spot in the secondary. So assuming the top edge rushers are gone (which will be the case, unless Rueben Bain starts to fall), drafting the 6-1, 188-pound McCoy is a no-brainer. Yes, he missed all of last season with a torn ACL, but he had four picks as a sophomore the year before and NFL teams seem convinced that he’s fully healthy. He may need some patience as he continues his recovery, but he’s the ball-hawk with top coverage skills that the Dallas defense desperately needs. Round 1 (No. 20): Edge Akheem Mesidor, Miami The Cowboys have been searching for anyone who can rush the pass rusher since they traded away Micah Parsons, and the situation is even more dire since they chose not to re-sign Jadaveon Clowney (8.5 sacks). Their trade for Rashan Gary helps, but he’s one man (and an inconsistent one). And with two first-round picks, they better come out with at least one player off the edge. Mesidor is a 6-3, 259-yard pass-rush machine who had 12.5 sacks for the Hurricanes last season and 26 in his three years and three games in Miami. He has shown an ability to rush from the interior and off the edge, and is decent against the run, too. He does have a history of foot injuries and will be 25 as a rookie, which is why he should still be available here. But the Cowboys certainly shouldn’t worry about his age, since their window to be a contender again is small. Round 3 (No. 92): CB Davison Igbinosun, Ohio State Yes, another corner. That’s how big the need is there. He’s a strong, 6-2, 189-pounder with good speed and strong coverage skills, and he can be fearless as a run defender. The one big issue that might limit his upside is that he commits an inordinate amount of penalties. The coaching staff will need to tame his handsy tendencies so he doesn’t become a liability. But skills-wise, he can be an immediate third corner and eventually a No. 2, which is big for a team that really only has one. He’s another prospect who will require some patience because the penalty count could be high as a rookie, which will limit the nature of how and when he can be used. But that’s correctable and coachable. If he fixes that, he can be a fixture on the defense for a while. Round 4 (No. 112): LB Kaleb Elarms-Orr, TCU He has always been a sure tackler with blazing speed (4.47 40) that makes him a true sideline-to-sideline threat. He had 92 tackles at Cal in 2023 and increased that to 130 with 11 for loss (and four sacks) for TCU last season. Elarms-Orr is probably a bit undersized (6-2, 234), but his speed makes up for that. The bigger problem is scouts don’t see him as very instinctive, mostly because he didn’t play football until high school and wasn’t an inside linebacker until 2023. So there’s a learning curve, for sure. But put a man his size with that speed on the field and he’ll run down a lot of ballcarriers for the Cowboys. Round 5 (No. 152): OL Keagen Trost, Missouri The Cowboys have a good offensive line, but certainly could use some depth and some more young players to develop at the position. Trost, at 6-5, 311 pounds, has the size to go earlier than this, especially since he was an all-SEC blocker last season. But he’s another older prospect who’ll be a 25-year-old rookie after seven collegiate seasons. Add in some inconsistent mechanics, questions about whether he should play tackle or guard in the NFL, and the fact that he didn’t really hit the NFL’s radar until this past season, and not every team will want to invest the time to develop him, especially at his age. But again, the Cowboys’ window is closing. They can take a shot and see if he can give them at least a few good years. Round 5 (No. 177): WR Kevin Coleman, Missouri He’s a speedy and elusive slot receiver, not unlike Kavonte Turpin, and no, this isn’t a big position of need. But the 5-10, 179-pounder not only gives them a backup receiver and returner for Turpin, but it also gives them future insurance considering Turpin is about to turn 30. He is a playmaker who can be a danger on inside passes, but also has the speed and hands to be a downfield threat. If he’s used in the right way, he can be a threat any time he touches the ball. Round 5 (No. 180): Edge Max Llewellyn, Iowa The 6-5, 258-pounder led the Hawkeyes last season with 45 pressures, and he had 12 sacks over the past two seasons. He plays hard and can be a handful for slower tackles when he comes off the edge. But on Day One, he’s probably a situational pass-rusher who needs to improve against the run. He did have 17.5 tackles for loss in 2025, but scouts think that reflects more on his ability to read plays and find gaps than his explosiveness and strength. It won’t be nearly as easy for him to do that in the pros. Round 7 (No. 218): DT Tim Keenan, Alabama The Cowboys are top-heavy at defensive tackle with Kenny Clark and Quinnen Williams, but they were comfortable enough with their situation to trade away Osa Odighizuwa. What they do need at this spot is depth and some young talent, and Keenan could fill both. He’s a 6-1, 327-pounder who can clog lanes in the rushing defense. He won’t do a lot more than that at first, but there’s an upside to him, and he’s known as a team-leader and a hard worker. That’s worth a shot in the seventh round.

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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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Notre Dame HC Marcus Freeman Praises RB Jeremiyah Love: 'He's a Unicorn'

"Great players like Jeremiyah Love make coaches look really good." That’s how Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman broadly summed up the talent of the star running back prospect while stopping by "The Herd" on Friday. Freeman offered high praise for Love, who has emerged as one of the most dynamic playmakers and sought-after running backs heading into the 2026 NFL Draft, which begins later this month. "He is a unicorn," Freeman said boldly, "and he is as talented and gifted an athlete as I’ve ever been around." Freeman went on to highlight his former player's rare versatility and athleticism, which he believes sets Love apart from other prospects in this draft class. "I think he could be an elite wide receiver," Freeman added. "He could be an elite [defensive back]. He’s just gifted with a unique skill set." The 6-foot, 212-pound Love is the total package at the position and was Notre Dame's starting running back for the past two seasons. During that span, he recorded 362 carries for 2,497 yards and 35 touchdowns, establishing himself as one of the most productive backs in the country. Love also showcased his versatility, adding 55 receptions for 517 yards and five touchdowns over that same stretch. This past season alone, he rushed for 1,372 yards on 6.9 yards per carry and 18 touchdowns in 12 games, ranking in the top 10 in the nation in all of those stats. He also had 27 receptions for 280 yards and three touchdowns. Love posted back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons with 40 combined scores, exhibiting the potential offensive coordinators covet in a feature back with RB1/WR2 skills. [2026 NFL Draft: Why Jeremiyah Love's Talent Transcends Value of RB Position] "The balance, the ability to jump over you and the ability to run through you … some of his most impressive runs aren’t the ones you just see on TV," Freeman said. "They’re the ones that, when you watch the film, you’re like, ‘He made that play for a four-yard gain that should have been a two-yard loss?’ "He’s just a really special and unique talent." The expectation is that Love, who's widely regarded as the most electric running back to enter the league since Saquon Barkley, won’t have to wait long to hear his name called on draft night. The added praise from one of college football’s top coaches only further highlights just how special Love could be once he joins the NFL.

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Jaguars Reportedly Making Two-Way Star Travis Hunter 'Full-Time' Cornerback

The Travis Hunter two-way experiment with the Jacksonville Jaguars may be winding down before it ever fully gets off the ground. While Hunter is recovering "exceptionally well" from his season-ending knee injury — which he suffered in October of last season — the Jaguars plan to have Hunter be a "full-time" cornerback who contributes as a part-time wide receiver next season, NFL Network reported on Thursday night. Jacksonville selected Hunter with the No. 2 pick in the 2025 NFL draft after the Jaguars traded the No. 5, 36 and 126 picks in the 2025 draft and a 2026 first-round pick to the Cleveland Browns to move up three spots. The expectation was that Hunter would play both ways in the NFL, just as he did in college with the Colorado Buffaloes (2023-24). Even while splitting time at receiver and cornerback, Hunter delivered a Heisman Trophy season and established himself as one of college football’s most dynamic players. Hunter played in only seven games for the Jaguars last season before suffering a season-ending torn LCL during a late October practice. Prior to his injury, Hunter saw little production at cornerback, recording 15 combined tackles and three pass deflections. He made a bigger impact on offense, finishing with 28 receptions for 298 yards and one touchdown. Following the injury to Hunter, first-year Jaguars general manager James Gladstone traded with the Las Vegas Raiders for veteran wide receiver Jakobi Meyers at the NFL trade deadline. Meyers went on to play well alongside receivers Brian Thomas Jr. and Parker Washington down the stretch, totaling 42 receptions for 483 yards and three touchdowns across nine regular-season games in Jacksonville.

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2026 NFL Mock Draft: Colin Cowherd Predicts Patrick Mahomes, Lamar Jackson Get Big Help

Can Colin Cowherd correctly predict the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft? He isn't sure, but he's hopeful that he can guess five of the first 15 picks right based on what he's hearing in his discussions with people around the league. Cowherd unveiled how he thinks the top 15 picks will go in his most recent mock draft as we're two weeks away from Round 1. While his top-four picks might be what you've seen in other mock drafts, he has the New York Giants making a move that might not seem to be too popular. He also has Patrick Mahomes, Matthew Stafford and Lamar Jackson getting some reinforcements around them on offense. So, let's take a look at how Cowherd thinks the first 15 picks of the 2026 NFL Draft will go down, based on what he's hearing. 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. Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook. 1.  Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana Cowherd's thoughts: "That's the easy one. I'm going to go one-for-one. He threw 49 touchdowns and no interceptions the last two years in the red zone. Hyper smart, ball placement and toughness [are good]. I wouldn't be surprised if the Raiders at the top of the second [round] go get [Indiana wide receiver] Omar Cooper, who might be available at the top of Round 2." Odds to be No. 1 pick: -20000 2.  New York Jets: Arvell Reese, edge rusher, Ohio State Cowherd's thoughts: "I think the Jets take a big swing on Arvell Reese, who I think is the youngest prospect in the draft. He's only 20 and he doesn't have a clear, defined position yet. That's what the Jets do. I think they need six or seven good players before they take a swing. With the coaching staff and head coach they have, I just don't trust them. I would rather get a plug-and-play guy who has a defined, already-made position. Reese is a fascinating player. The Jets had the second-fewest sacks in the NFL, so it's a position of need, but that's why I like [David] Bailey [more for New York]. You can drop Reese into coverage. So, I think he's a great talent, but I worry about the Jets and Aaron Glenn being able to bake this and make it work quickly." Odds to be No. 2 pick: -105 3.  Arizona Cardinals: David Bailey, edge rusher, Texas Tech Cowherd's thoughts: "They have a pass rush issue. The Cardinals ranked 28th in sacks last year. So, this will be a bit of a break, in my opinion, for the Arizona Cardinals. They'll get my favorite pass rusher in college football. I think Rueben Bain is very good as well, but [Bailey] led college football in sacks and pressure rate and he's getting better. He's a much better player now than he was at Stanford." Odds to be No. 3 pick: +235 4.  Tennessee Titans: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame Cowherd's thoughts: "First of all, Robert Saleh knows the value of a star running back for a young quarterback. He watched [Christian] McCaffrey with Brock Purdy. Saleh's got a better offensive feel than most defensive coaches. He actually does, I've texted with Robert on that. He likes offense, and he knows the value. [Love] is a home-run hitter. I'm telling you, the drop-off between Love and the second-best running back in this draft, it might be greater than Fernando Mendoza and the second-best quarterback. He's an absolute Jahmyr Gibbs[-type]." Odds to be No. 4 pick: +150 5.  New York Giants: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State Cowherd's thoughts: "I think the Giants get maybe the cleanest player in the draft, Sonny Styles. He's going to come in and play. Linebacker, freak athlete, 182 combined tackles over the last two years. John Harbaugh's been talking about toughness and attitude. That's Sonny Styles. People can say, ‘Linebacker? I don’t know.' The Giants have spent a lot of money at corner in the last couple of years. They could go corner, maybe. This kid's going to come in, play and get a lot of tackles." Odds to be No. 5 pick: +175 6.  Cleveland Browns: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State Cowherd's thoughts: "The best receiver in this draft is Carnell Tate, and Cleveland's gotten an egregiously bad wide receiver corps. The Browns had the fewest receiving yards and receiving touchdowns. [Tate] just walks in and stars. I think he's great. He's strong. He's got speed. I don't know if he has the route tree of [Jaxon Smith-Njigba], but I'll tell you this: catching radius, toughness and speed are really good." Odds to be No. 6 pick: +150 7.  Washington Commanders: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami (Fla.) Cowherd's thoughts: "Well, Jayden Daniels needs protection. Laremy Tunsil, meet Francis Mauigoa. Many people think he could interior and play guard. He's not a left tackle. he's more of a right tackle. I don't think he has elite foot quickness, so maybe you move him inside. But I've got Jayden Daniels. Daniels is getting banged up in this league." Odds to be No. 7 pick: +2200 8.  New Orleans Saints: Rueben Bain Jr., edge rusher, Miami (Fla.) Cowherd's thoughts: "The Saints have a lot of needs, but this kid lives in the backfield. I care a little bit about arm length. He's a perfect replacement for Cam Jordan, who is a free agent and getting up there [in age]. So, you replace him with a dog — a guy that's going to come in and pressure the quarterback. Everybody I talk to in the league loves Bain. Because of the measurements, he's not going to be a No. 1 or No. 2 pick. But I haven't talked to anyone in the NFL that doesn't respect him as a player." Odds to be No. 8 pick: +350 9.  Kansas City Chiefs: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah Cowherd's thoughts: "This seems obvious. … The Chiefs have struggled to protect Mahomes the last two years — eighth most sacked quarterback in two seasons and now Mahomes is coming off an ACL injury. They solved their running back in free agency, getting Kenneth Walker from Seattle. Do they need an edge rusher? They do, but Bailey will be gone, Reese will be gone and Rueben Bain will be gone. So this is an easy one. I think it's a smart one. "They got Josh Simmons at left tackle. When he played, he was excellent in terms of the frequency and scarcity of playing concerns. But by the way, you get Fano in. [If] Josh Simmons gets banged up or doesn't play, this is what they did with the Chargers in Joe Alt. Move him to the other side. I think he goes nine to Kansas City." Odds to be No. 9 pick: +700 10. Cincinnati Bengals: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State Cowherd's thoughts: "I think he could be the steal of the draft. I think he walks in and starts Day 1. He's just a great football player, really smart, very instinctive. He's not huge. I don't get too caught up on that. People said Troy Polamalu wasn't huge. He's just a great player. He's in-state and Buckeye fans will love it. Just toughness, urgency, playmaking and the defense for now, that Trey Hendrickson is gone, you thought the defense was bad for Cincinnati last year? Could get worse." Odds to be No. 10 pick: +300 11. Miami Dolphins: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU Cowherd's thoughts: "Did not allow a single touchdown or commit a single penalty last year at LSU. Number one cornerback in the draft and again, here comes Jeff Hafley, the defensive guy from Green Bay. So with one of his two first-round picks, he's taking a defensive player, either with one of the picks or two of the picks. Yes, they need a wide receiver. Yes, they need some offensive line. You can get that in the second, third or fifth round. You can't get the best corner in those rounds." Odds to be first cornerback drafted: -240 12. Dallas Cowboys: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee Cowherd's thoughts: "You've got to cheapen up that defense because you're spending a lot of money on offense and now you're spending a lot of money on your defensive front. They get Jermod McCoy from Tennessee. He can play zone. He can play man-to-man. Opposing quarterbacks last year on the Dallas Cowboys 69% completion percentage and a passer rating at 109. So they have upgraded their defensive front. Now they've got to go get some dexterity and versatility on the back end. He's a great player." Odds to be second cornerback drafted: -195 13. Los Angeles Rams (via Atlanta Falcons): Makai Lemon, WR, USC Cowherd's thoughts: "Davante Adams is 34 and got banged up. Puka Nacua has just entered rehab and got some off-field stuff. Maturity issues. This kid does not let the ball hit the ground; 2.8% of balls thrown to him hit the ground. Tremendous kid. He's got a lot of Amon-Ra St. Brown and will be productive Day 1. … Matt Stafford doesn't want to teach somebody how to play football. Makai Lemon walks in Day 1. He'll figure the playbook out in three practices." Odds to be second wide receiver drafted: +155 14. Baltimore Ravens: Monroe Freeling, OT, Ravens Cowherd's thoughts: "Lamar Jackson last year pressured on 26% of his throws, a career high. They go get Monroe Freeling, Georgia tackle. He's a little raw, but has had, in 18 starts, one holding penalty. Listen, if you're going to pay Lamar Jackson, what you keep reading, they're going to pay him, you better protect him. This is another player that everybody thinks is going to be really good. Nobody's quite sure if he's going to be good as a rookie. Get him in [the] house." Odds Ravens use first pick on an offensive lineman: +140 15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo Cowherd's thoughts: "Local kid. Played [high school football] in Tampa. Bucs were 27th against the pass. They had the worst red zone defense. Now Mike Evans is gone. They need a receiver. There are some great receivers in the second, third and fourth round. He's a hometown kid. He is rangy. He runs good enough. Again, another one of these small school [defensive backs] that we don’t watch enough of. Remember when Sauce Gardner came out? Could have been the No. 1 player and defensive player in that draft." Odds to be second safety drafted: +290

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