The Miami Dolphins will meet with USC wide receiver Makai Lemon on a Top-30 visit, as per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Lemon has already with the Kansas City Chiefs, and will also meet with the New York Giants, New York Jets, and Washington Commanders. Lemon is one of the top WR prospects in this […] The Miami Dolphins will meet with USC wide receiver Makai Lemon on a Top-30 visit, as per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Lemon has already with the Kansas City Chiefs, and will also meet with the New York Giants, New York Jets, and Washington Commanders. Lemon is one of the top WR prospects in this year’s draft, and has drawn comparisons to Amon-Ra St. Brown of the Detroit Lions. At 5’11, 192 pounds, Lemon is on the smaller side, but has outstanding speed, route running and ball skills. NFL Network draft expert Lance Zierlein describes Lemon has “quarterback friendly” and an “exceptional ball-tracker with Pro Bowl upside”. Other reports from around the league describe Lemon as “supremely confident” and “plug-and-play slot receiver”. Lemon is projected to go in the first round of this year’s draft, most likely in the Top-15. However, Lemon is not the only receiver that the Dolphins are interested in this year’s draft. The organization has also held a Top-30 visit with Kevin “KC” Concepcion, wide receiver for Texas A&M. Concepcion is a slightly bigger receiver than Lemon (6’0, 196 pounds), with great speed and run-after-catch ability. He also has an innate ability to get open, as per scouting reports around the league. The North Carolina native caught 61 balls for 919 yards and nine touchdowns for the Aggies last year, in the brutal SEC. Concepcion is projected to go much later than Lemon, in the late first round or early second round. In all likelihood, he may be there at pick No.30 for the Dolphins. With Jaylen Waddle’s exit, the Dolphins are in desperate need of a true No. 1 option. So, whether they decide to take a big swing in the first round of the draft with Lemon or Conception, or wait until much later, remains to be seen. The Dolphins have also met with Georgia State’s Ted Hurst, a true “Z” receiver at 6’4, 206 pounds. Hurst is projected to go in the late 2nd or early 3rd round of this year’s draft. One name that’s been thrown around recently is Carnell Tate, who comes from a long line of productive NFL receivers at Ohio State. However, the Dolphins have not yet scheduled an official visit with Tate. Would you draft Lemon, Concepcion, Hurst, or Tate? Let us know in the comments below! See More:
Dolphins to meet with Makai Lemon, other top WR prospects
2026 NFL mock draft: Dallas Cowboys select CB Mansoor Delane
The Dallas Cowboys are on the clock in our Pride of Detroit Community Mock Draft. Please, please, hold your boos. Selecting for the Cowboys in this mock draft is commenter 1951LION. That’s very appropriate, because 1951 was the last year the Cowboys made an NFC Championship Game.* *Blatantly untrue Before we get to the 12th […] The Dallas Cowboys are on the clock in our Pride of Detroit Community Mock Draft. Please, please, hold your boos. Selecting for the Cowboys in this mock draft is commenter 1951LION. That’s very appropriate, because 1951 was the last year the Cowboys made an NFC Championship Game.* *Blatantly untrue Before we get to the 12th overall pick, head to our 2026 Pride of Detroit Community Mock Draft tracker. There you’ll find the previous 11 picks, along with links to each article and a grade for each pick, as decided by you, the readers. Don’t forget to cast your vote for each pick with the poll at the bottom of the articles. Now, onto this pick: With the 12th pick in the 2026 Pride of Detroit Community Mock Draft, the Dallas Cowboys select Mansoor Delane, cornerback out of LSU. Here’s 1951LION explaining the pick: The Dallas Cowboys’ cornerback room looked like swiss cheese with all the holes it had. DaRon Bland remains a solid piece when healthy, but the other young CBs—Shavon Revel Jr. and Caelen Carson—have yet to take a step up to the podium. Bringing in veteran Cobie Durant on a one-year deal to patch some holes helps but the real help will come with drafting a top prospect at the CB position. Mansoor Delane has coverage instincts that seem almost pre-cognitive. He reads route concepts with the ease of a veteran, often arriving at the catch point before the receiver realizes the ball is even there. At 6-foot, 190 pound, 4.44 40-yard dash speed, he has the tools to ply his trade. In over 350 pass coverage snaps, he only allowed 13 receptions for 147 yards. Most impressively, he didn’t allow a single passing touchdown all season and held opponents to a 37.1 percent completion rate. Delane could use some strength and weight training, to stay to top of his game on go routes and bumps. But he’s the CB to start first on the outside, then anywhere they need him. His comps are Kool-Aid-McKinstry, Trent McDuffie, and Devon Witherspoon. He posted zero penalties showing the discipline to compete without drawing flags. The other needy position on the Cowboys roster is EDGE. The fact that Averill Reese, David Bailey and Rueben Bain had already been drafted, opened the door to draft the best CB of the class. Time to grade the pick. Vote in the poll below and share your expanded thoughts in the comment section: See More:
Bengals News (4/4): Lining up the Backers
Bengals News 2026 NFL Draft Prospect Primer: Linebackers The calendar has officially turned to April, meaning all eyes are set on Pittsburgh and the 2026 NFL Draft. Are the Bengals OK with Joe Burrow playing flag football? When Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow decided to play in the Fanatics Flag Football Classic in Los Angeles on […] Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Sonny Styles (0) pressures Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) during the Big Ten Conference championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Dec. 6, 2025. Ohio State lost 13-10. | Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images Bengals News 2026 NFL Draft Prospect Primer: Linebackers The calendar has officially turned to April, meaning all eyes are set on Pittsburgh and the 2026 NFL Draft. Are the Bengals OK with Joe Burrow playing flag football? When Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow decided to play in the Fanatics Flag Football Classic in Los Angeles on March 21 not many could have predicted it to play out how it did. Bengals are at least feigning interest in can’t-miss 2026 NFL Draft target Due diligence is cool and all. However… Bengals announce when new free agent signings and eventual 2026 NFL Draft picks will first suit up in team colors this year The Cincinnati Bengals have revealed their 2026 offseason workout schedule, including important dates for rookie minicamp, OTAs, and mandatory minicamp over the next few months. Scouting Concerns Surface For Possible Bengals Top Pick Option in 2026 NFL Draft Cincinnati could take him at Pick 10. Mel Kiper saves day for Bengals in new 3-round NFL mock draft Maybe the Cincinnati Bengals should consult with Mel Kiper before the draft each year. NFL News 3-Round 2026 NFL Mock Draft: The Cowboys make a massive splash to shake up the top-10, Chiefs get greedy with an early trade The rumor mill has the Cowboys contemplating a monster splash trade in the 2026 NFL Draft. What if they pull off the blockbuster? We explore in this 3-round 2026 NFL mock draft. Lance Zierlein 2026 NFL mock draft 3.0: Cowboys hit the jackpot at No. 12, plus two trades With free agency signings and trades clarifying the roster-building picture for many teams, let’s take another spin at projecting Round 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft. NFL says Rashee Rice will not be disciplined over ex-girlfriend’s assault allegations The NFL said Friday that it would not discipline Rashee Rice after a former girlfriend posted images of bruises and wounds on social media earlier this year and alleged that they were caused by the Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver. Kirk Cousins getting paid by Raiders: How QB has cashed in to become one of NFL’s richest players Only two players in NFL history have made more money than Cousins, who has just one playoff victory in his 14-year career Jalen Hurts apparently has gotten the message Wednesday’s curiously timed report regarding the role of quarterback Jalen Hurts in the Eagles’ offensive dysfunction seemed to be a message. And the message reportedly has been received.
The Colts hold responsibility for the soft Richardson trade market
Cue the SpongeBob meme in which he is holding a paper clip and a string because that is just about all the Indianapolis Colts sound like they will be getting in return for Anthony Richardson if they can find a trade partner. Gone are the days of the Vikings being rumored to offer four first-round […] Cue the SpongeBob meme in which he is holding a paper clip and a string because that is just about all the Indianapolis Colts sound like they will be getting in return for Anthony Richardson if they can find a trade partner. Gone are the days of the Vikings being rumored to offer four first-round picks to trade up in the draft. Gone are the white hot rumors of teams lining up for his services when he first requested a trade. The market is stone cold, and the Colts have no one to blame but themselves. Richardson wasn’t ready for the NFL, or at least not right away. His collegiate experience was far from robust. Less than 400 passing attempts and a slew of injuries including one in which he was dancing at the team hotel was the first set of red flags in an ominous football odyssey. The whole idea was that he was a raw talent. His incredible RAS looked good on paper and even in person, but it didn’t mean it would translate to the NFL immediately. Richardson should have been eased in, with an old hat veteran to guide him, but he was thrust into action immediately. Look, I get it. When you get a new toy, you want to play with it immediately. Richardson was shiny and had all the physical traits and looks of an NFL quarterback, but where were Chris Ballard and Shane Steichen to pull back on the reins? Why not retain Matt Ryan to be a mentor? Gardner Minshew was more competition than assistant and was young and relatively inexperienced himself. Ryan had a wealth of knowledge and would have posed no threat while teaching Richardson how to be a professional. So, of course he struggled. The injuries are one thing, but when he was deployed, how he was used, and how little time he got have made his trade value close to nothing. When his maturity came into question, he was benched immediately. He is one of the most inaccurate quarterbacks ever. Instead of working through that, the Colts replaced him. It’s a tough league but the Colts provided a rough environment to grow and an unyielding hand to develop Richardson. The quarterback they produced and displayed was well below standards. Expecting there to be a trade market is ridiculous. Every coin has two sides. Anthony Richardson is not without blame but to put all of that on a 22-year old is tough. The Colts organization could have done a much better job at preparing him for life in the NFL and easing him in. Would things be drastically different? Maybe, maybe not, but we would have a better understanding and acceptance of the situation. The Colts barely know what they have because they didn’t give him much of a chance while at the same time, providing the league with enough data to know to stay away. See More: Indianapolis Colts Analysis
Fernando Mendoza’s Top 30 NFL draft visit same day as start of Las Vegas Raiders’ offseason program
Two significant dates for the Las Vegas Raiders were announced at the end of this week, and both are on the same day… The NFL released the offseason workout program schedule for each team on Friday morning, and the Raiders will begin on Tuesday, April 7. “Conicidentally”, as ESPN’s Ryan McFadden pointed out on X/Twitter, […] Two significant dates for the Las Vegas Raiders were announced at the end of this week, and both are on the same day… The NFL released the offseason workout program schedule for each team on Friday morning, and the Raiders will begin on Tuesday, April 7. “Conicidentally”, as ESPN’s Ryan McFadden pointed out on X/Twitter, that coincides with expected No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft, Fernando Mendoza’s Top 30 draft visit in Las Vegas. What are the odds! Having these dates line up is completely within the league’s rules, and the Raiders are, wisely, taking advantage of the situation they’re in. Since Klint Kubiak is a new head coach, Las Vegas can start its offseason program as soon as next Tuesday (the seventh) rather than having to wait until April 21, as teams that retained their head coach from last season do, according to the NFLPA’s website. Meanwhile, Top 30 draft visits have to be wrapped up by the Wednesday before the draft, which is April 15. So, had Pete Carroll gotten one more year, having these two dates line up wouldn’t have been an option. Of course, there are limitations on what Mendoza can do during his time in Sin City. The Raiders can’t put him through a workout or have him participate in practice with the rest of the team. It’s really just an opportunity to get to know the quarterback more, maybe get some medical questions answered, introduce him to people in the facility, and talk some ball. So, Mendoza will get an opportunity to meet some of his new teammates, assuming the Raiders don’t throw us a Barry Zito-like curveball during the draft, and will be in the building on the first day that Kubiak starts installing his offense with the rest of the team. This comes on the heels of last week’s news, where NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah said the Heisman Trophy winner is already taking steps to learn Las Vegas’ playbook. Combining these pieces of information, it seems like the organization is already doing a lot to make sure the young quarterback can hit the ground running. In Other Raiders’ Links: Tristin McCollum officially returning: The backup safety signed his exclusive rights tender on Friday, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported. Keep tabs on Stanford’s Sam Roush: “So while Bowers and Mayer do provide a quality 1-2 punch for Kubiak’s Raiders, the third spot exponentially rises in importance,” S&BP’s Ray Aspuria wrote. “…The general consensus seems to be the Stanford product going in Day 3 (rounds four through seven) and if that holds true, that’ll suit Las Vegas quite well as the team has three fourth-round picks (No. 102, 117, and 134) currently at its disposal.” Top 5 free safety draft options: “[A.J. Haulcy] fits the ballhawk description well, recording eight interceptions over the last two seasons combined. He led the Big 12 with five picks at Houston in 2024,” via S&BP. Mike Mayock likes Kirk Cousins signing: “I know Klint Kubiak and their guys believe in playing a rookie quarterback when he’s ready, not necessarily Week 1,” Mayock said, via Betway. “…This now gives the Raiders the opportunity to start with a veteran. They spent a lot of money, intelligently, in free agency, and they’ve got a chance to develop Fernando Mendoza behind Kirk Cousins. So I love the fact that they don’t necessarily have to start the kid Week 1.” See More:
Eagles Mailbag: Would they draft a quarterback on Day 2?
Another Eagles mailbag is here! Thanks to our loyal BGN readers for shooting some questions my way over in The Feed. I also had mailbags published on Tuesday and Thursday this week, so be sure to give those a read as well. Anyway, let’s get on with it… Jarvin Driftwood: What do you think the […] Another Eagles mailbag is here! Thanks to our loyal BGN readers for shooting some questions my way over in The Feed. I also had mailbags published on Tuesday and Thursday this week, so be sure to give those a read as well. Anyway, let’s get on with it… Jarvin Driftwood: What do you think the odds are that the Eagles take a QB on Day 2? My gut take is that there’s a pretty good chance of that. This isn’t an immediate overreaction to the ESPN story from Jeremy Fowler and Tim McManus this week about Jalen Hurts. It’s more so taking a step back and looking at how the franchise has operated for a couple decades now. The “quarterback factory” bit was eye roll-worthy when it was first uttered, but it’s continued to prove true in the years since. I was still a huge Carson Wentz proponent after the 2019 season and was among the many, many Eagles fans out there shocked and angered when the Birds drafted Jalen Hurts in the second round in 2020. It worked itself out! The hit rate of Day 2 quarterbacks isn’t nearly as good as it is for first-round picks, but there’s nothing more valuable in the sport than a good, young QB on a cheap rookie-scale contract. If the Eagles view a given player as a legitimate pro quarterback who’s sliding down draft boards, they’re going to have a legitimate discussion about it regardless of Hurts’ standing as Super Bowl MVP just a year ago. With the 54th-overall pick in the second round? I’d be a bit nervous of them doing that as a team that still has the talent to compete in 2026. Going for a quarterback with one of their two third-round picks at No. 68 and N0. 98, would be much more palatable. I don’t necessarily love any of the likely Day 2 guys like LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier or Penn State’s Drew Allar. If, say, Alabama’s Ty Simpson doesn’t go in the first round though, which is not a given, maybe the Eagles have a more difficult decision on their hands. I like this question! I’d have to say the entire offensive line outside of Jordan Mailata at left tackle. Lane Johnson’s successor isn’t on the roster, at least not yet ahead of the draft in a few weeks. Landon Dickerson and Cam Jurgens would normally still be in their prime in a couple of years, but the injuries that have mounted for the two of them are highly concerning. They both gutted it out during the 2024 playoffs on the way to the Eagles hoisting the Lombardi Trophy. That’s hero stuff. They shouldn’t have any regrets about it, nor should the Eagles. The organization used Day 2 picks on both of them and they helped anchor an elite offensive line that was the foundation of one of the best rushing attacks in NFL history, if not the best, winning the Super Bowl along the way. If one or both of them stepped away from the game following the 2026 campaign, would you really be surprised? I wouldn’t be. Tyler Steen was “OK” at best in 2025, I’d say, and has he enters the final year of his rookie contract, there’s no guarantee he’s in Philadelphia beyond this season. Well, I’m more concerned about the future of the 0-line now than I was when I started writing this story! chmclark14: Currently, the Eagles have nine picks in the 2026 draft. Two part question: 1) Do you think the Eagles will make all nine picks? 2) Do you have any players in this draft that the Eagles should trade up for if available? Maybe they still end up with nine new players total ultimately, but I’m sure Howie Roseman will do at least some wheeling and dealing so that they don’t stay with all of their original selections. As for players who could be worth maneuvering up for, two guys stick out on Day 2 of the draft for me. One is Indiana cornerback D’Angelo Ponds, who I think Birds fans are pretty familiar with given the run the Hooisers went on while winning the National Championship. He’s undersized, but how could you not love the demeanor when it comes to the personality that cornerbacks need in the NFL? Riq Woolen is in the picture for 2026 as the starting outside cornerback opposite Quinyon Mitchell, but depth is never a bad thing. The secondary is about to get mighty expensive sooner rather than later with the contract extensions that will eventually come for both Mitchell and Cooper DeJean as well. The other is Illinois EDGE rusher Gabe Jacas. He had 11 sacks for the Fighting Illini in 2025. The Eagles need to fortify that position in the years to come and the team, obviously, values that position immensely. If you want to overreact to a single practice rep, watch him take on potential first-round pick offensive tackle Max Iheanachor out of Arizona State: I’ll throw out a little comparison for him that, naturally, is loaded for Eagles fans. Jacas at the 2026 NFL Combine (via Mockdraftable): Height: 6’4” Weight: 260 lbs Arm Length: 33” Hand Size: 10” Bench Press: 30 reps Brandon Graham at the 2010 NFL Combine (via Mockdraftable): Height: 6’2” Weight: 268 lbs Arm Length: 32.25” Hand Size: 9.88” Bench Press: 33 reps I’m just saying! See More: Philadelphia Eagles analysis
L.A. Rams News: The roster is getting ready to change
With the NFL Draft fast approaching, the Los Angeles Rams are preparing to add new players and potentially say goodbye to older ones. It should be an interesting training camp with a tough wide receiver room and cornerback room to go with it. Which players will rise to the top of the depth chart and […] With the NFL Draft fast approaching, the Los Angeles Rams are preparing to add new players and potentially say goodbye to older ones. It should be an interesting training camp with a tough wide receiver room and cornerback room to go with it. Which players will rise to the top of the depth chart and or (maybe more interestingly) which players will fill out the roster? We know some players like Stetson Bennett and Jarquez Hunter are likely going to have to prove themselves, but they aren’t the only ones. It’s April, the draft is coming, and football is getting closer every day. Time flies (usually). Please comment on whatever you want and thank you for checking out Turf Show Times! 3 Players Who Need Strong Showings at Rams OTAs (si.com) “WOODLAND HILLS, Ca. The Los Angeles Rams have announced their offseason schedule, and while OTAs or offseason training activities are not typically a period used for evaluation, it can often set up big-time showings in training camp. These three players are fighting for their futures and need a strong OTAs to springboard them into productive roles come fall.“ Potential WR target for Rams at No. 13 could slide into back half of Round 1 (ramswire) “Unfortunately for Tyson, his stock seems to be slipping a bit. He often dealt with injuries in college and he still hasn’t recovered from the hamstring issue that ailed him late in the 2025 season. Tyson didn’t participate in drills at the combine and also skipped working out at Arizona State’s pro day, which is giving some teams pause. ESPN’s Matt Miller spoke to scouts who believe his injury history and “lack of predraft workouts could cause him to slide to the back half of the first round.” Rams Face Tough Draft Decisions After Puka Nacua Incident (nationaltoday) “The Los Angeles Rams have had a strong offseason, trading for cornerback Trent McDuffie and signing Jaylen Watson. However, the biggest story has been wide receiver Puka Nacua’s offseason, which has included allegations of an antisemitic statement and biting a woman’s shoulder. Nacua’s attorney has denied the allegations and revealed that Nacua has been checked into rehab, but his status for OTAs is uncertain. This development has created a dilemma for the Rams, who hold the 13th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft and could be in the market for a receiver.” See More: Los Angeles Rams News
Minnesota Vikings News and Links: Which Position Will The Vikings Take In Round One?
When looking forward to the draft it is hard to tell which direction (i.e., position the Vikings will take at 18). The consensus is Safety Dillon Thieneman which would be an excellent pick for sure. I am just not there yet. We still do not know if Harrison Smith is going to retire as he […] When looking forward to the draft it is hard to tell which direction (i.e., position the Vikings will take at 18). The consensus is Safety Dillon Thieneman which would be an excellent pick for sure. I am just not there yet. We still do not know if Harrison Smith is going to retire as he has not made a public announcement like Ham and Thielen. If he returns, a safety could be a wise choice because it is likely, for sure, his last year and Jay Ward will be a free agent in 2027 as well. Still, how many snaps would Thieneman get? You could argue he would surpass Joseph which would not be unreasonable. The overall question remains though. Does Flores really care about the safety role enough to use a first round pick on one? ai question for informational purposes only (and it gathers that info super quick) The vikings have byron murphy jr, isaiah rodgers, and james pierre at corner. They still might bring back fabian moreau. they really like jay ward and theo jackson plus they have metellus. I am not sure secondary is as big of a need as the consensus wants to believe. Plus, harrison smith still might come back and last year, flores only had 4 corners on the final 53. You’re right—the “consensus” often defaults to draft needs based on pure numbers, but the way Brian Flores uses his personnel tells a different story. If you look at the Vikings’ defensive identity heading into the 2026 season, the secondary might actually be their most stable unit, even with “Hitman” Harrison Smith’s future still unconfirmed. The “Flores Reality” Check You hit on a key point: Brian Flores prioritizes versatility and safety-heavy looks over traditional cornerback depth. Minimal Corners: As you noted, Flores has shown he is comfortable carrying only four true cornerbacks on the active roster. By relying on Josh Metellus as a hybrid “Big Nickel” and leveraging the development of Jay Ward and Theo Jackson, the team essentially replaces the need for a 5th or 6th corner with players who can blitz, cover tight ends, and play the run. The Metellus Factor: Metellus is the engine of this defense. Because he plays everywhere, he masks potential “needs” at both slot corner and linebacker. The Veteran Presence: With Byron Murphy Jr. as the anchor and the addition of Isaiah Rodgers and James Pierre, the Vikings have a baseline of NFL-caliber experience. If they do bring back Fabian Moreau, they would have a veteran group that fits the “press-man” and “aggressive zone” mix Flores favors. another ai question (and something I brought up before without ai) the issues with this current 2026 draft class defensive tackles are not to be dismissed in the first round. caleb banks has had surgery now for the second time on the same foot. peter woods has historically short arms. kayden mcdonald is more of a two down run stopper at this point. You’re highlighting the exact reason why the mid-first round is such a minefield for the Vikings this year. The “blue-chip” defensive tackle prospects all have red flags that make taking them at #18 a massive gamble. The “Red Flag” DT ReportCaleb Banks (Florida): The foot injury at the Combine was a nightmare. This is his second major foot surgery in as many years (4th metatarsal), and having that kind of recurring issue on a 327-pound frame is a huge longevity risk. Peter Woods (Clemson): He’s a “leverage monster” and arguably the closest thing to Jalen Carter in terms of play style, but his arm length is a legitimate concern. In a Brian Flores scheme that requires defensive linemen to stack and shed blocks, those “alligator arms” could make him a liability against the NFL’s longer offensive tackles. Kayden McDonald (Ohio State): You’re spot on—he is a pure 0/1-tech run stuffer. While he’s elite at eating space, he provides almost zero interior pass-rush juice, which is a tough sell for a top-20 pick in today’s NFL. another ai question obviously a top safety would be nice but what position could the vikings take in the first round that the player would be an immediate starter. I could argue none. That’s a fair and frankly realistic take. When you look at the current roster construction and Brian Flores’ defensive philosophy, the “Day 1 starter” path in the first round is extremely narrow for the Vikings. The Case for “No Immediate Starters” You could argue the Vikings are in a rare position where their most significant needs are either for rotational depth or future-proofing, rather than filling a literal empty spot on the depth chart: Secondary: As you noted, with Murphy Jr., Rodgers, Pierre, and potentially Moreau, the “starting” boundary roles are technically filled. Flores’ heavy use of Josh Metellus and the comfort level with Jay Ward and Theo Jackson means a rookie safety or corner would likely begin as a “specialty sub-package” player rather than a 100% snap-count starter. Offensive Line: With O’Connell confirming Blake Brandel as the starting center and Michael Jurgens as the primary backup, any rookie lineman drafted at #18 would essentially be an “insurance policy” for the aging Brian O’Neill or the injury-prone Christian Darrisaw. Defensive Interior: Even a first-round DT would likely enter a heavy rotation with Jalen Redmond and other veterans. Given the “red flags” (short arms, injury history) of this year’s DT class, a rookie might not even beat out a veteran “bridge” player for the starting 0-tech or 3-tech spot on Day 1. The Only “True” Starting Contenders If you forced the “immediate starter” argument, there are only two scenarios where a rookie
NY Giants 2026 NFL Draft scouting report: Jeff Caldwell, WR, Cincinnati
Every so often, a prospect seizes their opportunity in the draft process and forces scouts and evaluators back to the tape. You can be excused for not knowing about Cincinnati wide receiver Jeff Caldwell when the 2025 season started. He had just transferred to the Bearcats after spending the first three years of his college career in the FCS at Lindenwood. Caldwell had a dominant 2024 season and took the opportunity to make the jump to the FBS and try to prove to the NFL that he belongs. He had a modest season, and was Cincy’s second-leading receiver with 478 yards and 6 touchdowns in a season where the leading receiver had only had 674 yards. It was still enough for Caldwell to earn an invitation to the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, and that was where he forced scouts to go back to their tape. Caldwell put on an absolute show, with a workout that can only be compared to the likes of Christian Watson and Julio Jones. Caldwell isn’t on Watson’s level, and certainly not Jones’, at least not yet. However a closer look at his tape reveals intriguing flashes if a team that can coach him up. Could the New York Giants be the team to take a flier on Caldwell and try to polish the diamond in the rough? Prospect: Jeff Caldwell (9)Games Watched: vs. UCF (2025), vs. Arizona (2025), vs. TCU (2025) Measurables Strengths Best traits Size Length Speed Explosiveness Short-area quickness Strength Competitive Toughness Run after catch Jeff Caldwell possesses an elite combination of size and athleticism for the wide receiver position. He has a prototypical frame for a wide receiver at 6-foot 4 ¾ inches, 216 pounds, with 32 ⅝ inch arms and 9 ¾ inch hands. He combines that with rare speed and explosiveness, and not just for his size. Caldwell’s absurd 42-inch vertical and 1.48-second 10-yard split show up on tape, as he’s able to accelerate hard and fast off the line of scrimmage against off-coverage. He rapidly eats up cushions against zone coverage and is easily able to run past cornerbacks who don’t respect his 4.31 speed. His size and raw speed make him a true vertical threat, as well as a dangerous ball carrier in the open field. Caldwell flashes solid ball skills in the intermediate and deep areas of the field. He locates the ball quickly in the air and does a good job of tracking it over his shoulder on vertical routes. He typically makes good adjustments to the ball and is a hands catcher who extends to pluck the ball out of the air and away from his frame. He also has a surprising amount of twitch and agility despite his big frame. Caldwell flashes impressive change of direction skills, either quickly turning to haul in back-shoulder passes or juking defenders in a phone booth on wide receiver screens. Finally, Caldwell plays with good toughness. He runs his routes convincingly away from the ball, either serving as traffic to slow down defenders or eye-candy as a misdirection piece. Likewise, Caldwell is a competitive blocker for his teammates. He doesn’t yet have polished technique, but his size, strength, and explosiveness are enough to deal with most defensive backs on the perimeter. What’s more, Caldwell shows something of a mean streak, stepping up and getting after defenders when he’s asked to block on the play side. Weaknesses Worst traits Route running Release Technique Contested catch Each of Caldwell’s weaknesses are easily traced back to poor technique. He has always been the biggest, strongest, fastest, and most explosive athlete on the field, and that has always been enough. However, he will need to put in real work to hone his craft as a technician if he wants to reach his ceiling as a wide receiver. As things stand now, Caldwell is sloppy in his execution. He trusts his size and explosiveness to beat tight or press-man coverage, which can lead to the timing of routes being disrupted early in the play. And even when he releases cleanly, there’s no hint of route savvy or misdirection in his route-running. He doesn’t (yet) show an understanding of how to tempo or manipulate his route stems to create opportunities for separation down the field. And while Caldwell runs a relatively varied route tree, his routes are unrefined and imprecise. His breaks tend to be rounded, despite his surprising twitch and agility, which can make it easy for defenders to stay with him through his routes despite his elite athleticism. All of that comes to a head at the catch point. Despite his obvious size and strength, Caldwell has a poor 8.6 percent drop rate and 38.5 percent contested catch rate. His inability to use his routes as weapons to generate separation or to position himself to maximize receiving windows and box out defensive backs. That, in turn, leads to too many plays on the ball in an area in which he should dominate. Game Tape (Caldwell is the Cincinnati wide receiver wearing number 9 and a black sleeve on his right arm.) Projection Jeff Caldwell projects as a developmental wide receiver and special teams player, at least to start his career. Caldwell’s tape is at once incredibly frustrating and exciting. It’s frustrating due to the sloppiness in his execution, which leads to struggles in areas in which he should excel. However, the flashes of what he can become are incredibly exciting. He has all the traits and tools to be a very good wide receiver at the NFL level – if he can learn how to use those tools as a professional. He’ll need to land in a situation with a good offensive coaching staff and locker room to help him reach his potential, as well as actually be afforded the time to develop. Right now, however, Caldwell is a big puppy of a receiver. He’s all long legs and big paws, letting you know what he can become, but he isn’t
Las Vegas Raiders Top 5 free safety options in 2026 NFL draft
Free safety remains one of the biggest weak spots on the Las Vegas Raiders’ roster, hence why the position is widely considered one of the Raiders’ top needs heading into the 2026 NFL draft. The defense struggled to create turnovers last season and currently lacks a true ballhawk to patrol the backend of the secondary. […] Free safety remains one of the biggest weak spots on the Las Vegas Raiders’ roster, hence why the position is widely considered one of the Raiders’ top needs heading into the 2026 NFL draft. The defense struggled to create turnovers last season and currently lacks a true ballhawk to patrol the backend of the secondary. That puts adding a safety on the table with the 36th overall selection, and it wouldn’t be surprising if John Spytek traded back into the first round to get one. With that in mind, let’s take a look at the Raiders’ top five options in the draft at free safety. All draft projections below are via NFL Mock Draft Database’s consensus big board and as of March 31. In full disclosure, Ohio State’s Caleb Downs is omitted from the list below since Downs will likely be a top 10 pick. While trading up was mentioned above, realistically, Las Vegas would make a deal to get into the late teens or the 20s, not high enough to land the former Buckeye. 1. Dillon Thieneman, Oregon Draft projection: 18th overall 2025 Stats: 96 tackles, 2 INTs, 5 PDs Thieneman tore up the NFL Combine by running a 4.35-second 40-yard dash and recording a 41-inch vertical jump to help post a 9.81 RAS. Unfortunately for the Raiders, that seems to have cemented the former Duck as a first-rounder, so they’ll have to trade up to get him. But the Purdue transfer might be worth it with eight interceptions, 14 passes defended and just 494 receiving yards allowed when targeted, per Pro Football Focus, over the last three seasons. 2. Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Toledo Draft projection: 26th overall 2025 Stats: 77 tackles, 2 INTs (1 TD), 5 PDs Sitting on the fringe of being a first- or second-rounder, there’s a chance McNeil-Warren falls into the Raiders’ laps at No. 36. The former Rocket would add a hard-hitting safety who has the versatility to line up in the box or as the deep defender to the defensive backfield. However, he doesn’t quite fit the “ballhawk” description and is more of a strong safety who can play on the backend in two-high coverages, lacking the range to be a true free safety. So, McNeil-Warren’s “fit” would depend on what Spytek, Klint Kubiak and Rob Leonard are looking for at the position. 3. A.J. Haulcy, LSU Draft projection: 57th overall 2025 Stats: 88 tackles, 3 INTs, 4 PDs Haulcy could fall into the same category as EMW; a safety who doesn’t quite have the range and speed to be consistently trusted in single-high coverages. However, the former fits the ballhawk description well, recording eight interceptions over the last two seasons combined. He led the Big 12 with five picks at Houston in 2024. The LSU product can also provide run support and is a thumper when coming downhill, though that comes at the expense of his tackling technique. Haulcy missed 16 tackles at a 15.8 percent rate last season and 13 at 14.4 percent the year before, per PFF. 4. Bud Clark, TCU Draft projection: 89th 2025 Stats: 56 tackles, 4 INTs, 7 PDs After diving into this year’s safety class, Clark has become “my guy” at the position. His combination of instincts, speed and overall athleticism makes him a ballhawk on the backend of the secondary, recording 15 interceptions over the last four years to meet the Raiders’ need. The former Horned Frog isn’t afraid to mix it up and provide run support from depth, either, recording an 83.1 PFF run defense grade that ranked ninth among Big 12 safeties last season. 5. Genesis Smith, Arizona Draft projection: 84th 2025 Stats: 77 tackles, 1 INT, 8 PDs While the stat line above may not suggest it, Smith is cut from a similar cloth as Clark. The Arizona product hauled in just one pick in 2025, but he had three the year before and tied for the most dropped interceptions (three) among FBS safeties this past season, according to PFF. In other words, Smith’s hands need some work, but he’s constantly around the ball to be in a position to create turnovers. Honorable mentions: Kamari Ramsey, USC; Zakee Wheatley, Penn State; Jakobe Thomas, Miami See More: