The 2026 NFL Draft is coming into focus, and team needs have shifted after the initial wave of NFL free agency. Post-free agency needs for every NFC team Dallas still needs defensive reinforcements: The Cowboys are making gradual progress on improving the league’s fifth-lowest-graded defense, but they should be able to add at least one premier talent in the secondary with two of the draft’s first 20 selections in tow. The Rams’ roster is strong on paper: Although Los Angeles may have the fewest weaknesses of any team, the wide receiver corps could stand to improve beyond Puka Nacua and Davante Adams. 2026 NFL Draft season is here: Try the best-in-class PFF Mock Draft Simulator and learn about 2026’s top prospects while trading and drafting for your favorite NFL team. The NFL free-agency frenzy has passed, and while there are still notable names on the market, teams will begin shifting their focus to filling needs through the NFL draft. As such, it’s time to reassess the remaining needs for every NFC team with the draft just over a month away. For AFC team needs, click here. Jump to Team Arizona Cardinals: QB, OL, LB The Cardinals appear content to move into the regular season with veterans Jacoby Brissett and Gardner Minshew headlining their quarterback room. Neither represents a clear long-term solution at the position, which could put the Cardinals in the quarterback spotlight on the second night of the draft, or possibly late in the first round. Otherwise, Arizona has major needs on the right side of its offensive line and within its defensive front. The Cardinals are far more likely to use their third overall pick to select a right tackle, such as Miami’s Francis Mauigoa (87.0 PFF pass-blocking grade in 2025, eighth best in FBS), or one of Ohio State’s linebackers, Arvell Reese or Sonny Styles (88.6 PFF overall grade in 2025, seventh best in FBS). Atlanta Falcons: WR, LB, CB Drake London is one of the best wide receivers in the NFL, but Atlanta is sorely lacking depth on the outside. The Falcons currently don’t possess another qualified wide receiver who earned at least a 60.0 PFF receiving grade last season. That includes veteran free-agent additions Olamide Zaccheaus and Jahan Dotson. The Falcons could also use upgrades on defense. Linebacker Kaden Elliss departed for the division rival New Orleans Saints. Furthermore, none of their starting cornerbacks earned a 60.0-plus PFF coverage grade last season. Expect Atlanta to dip into the broad depth of this defensive draft class. Carolina Panthers: LB, S, C The Panthers made a splashy addition at linebacker in ex-Jaguar Devin Lloyd, but the team could continue to improve the middle of its defense. Any decision on another linebacker addition will depend on the coaching staff’s trust in Trevin Wallace. Carolina could also bring in more competition at safety after that unit ranked 22nd in the NFL in PFF coverage grade in 2025. Things are coming together on the offensive line, but the Panthers could stand to add more young talent. Their left tackle problem, stemming from Ikem Ekwonu’s knee injury, has been temporarily patched with the signing of Rasheed Walker. Former Saint Luke Fortner was brought in to take over at center, but he has yet to prove he can play starting-caliber football for 17 games. Chicago Bears: DL, S, C Chicago’s chances to compete for a championship rest on its ability to improve its defense, particularly down the middle. The Bears are off to a good start with the signings of linebacker Devin Bush and safety Coby Bryant, but they will need to bring in additional depth at those two positions, as well as on the defensive line. Drew Dalman’s sudden retirement removes 2025’s eighth-highest-graded center (72.6) from the Bears’ line and leaves the team without a long-term solution at center. Chicago added ex-Patriot Garrett Bradbury via trade, but he has rarely played far above a replacement level. The team could select its future center on Day 2 of the draft while Bradbury serves as a bridge player in 2026. Try the PFF Mock Draft Simulator — trade picks and players and mock for your favorite NFL team. Dallas Cowboys: DB, LB, DI The Cowboys are making gradual progress on improving the league’s fifth-lowest-graded defense. Their trade for edge rusher Rashan Gary and their signings of defensive backs Jalen Thompson and Cobie Durant at least raise the floor of that unit. Two of the draft’s first 20 selections belong to the Cowboys, so they should be able to add at least one premier talent in the secondary. Linebacker and defensive tackle should also be areas of focus for Dallas. The front office will need to find a reliable starter alongside DeMarvion Overshown, and it will have the chance to do so, given the deep linebacker class. Additional interior pass-rush help will be needed following the departure of Osa Odighizuwa, as well. Detroit Lions: OT, EDGE, LB The biggest question remaining for Detroit is who will protect Jared Goff’s blind side after the release of left tackle Taylor Decker. The Lions have yet to sign a starting-caliber option to play that spot, so they are expected to address it in the draft. They have the luxury of Penei Sewell’s versatility to play there in case they decide to draft a natural right tackle. The Lions could also add trench help on defense. Aidan Hutchinson is currently their only returning player who recorded at least 25 pressures last season. A dive into a deep edge defender class would help solve that problem. Depth at linebacker could be needed, as well, particularly a coverage complement to Derrick Barnes. Green Bay Packers: DL, CB, G Green Bay’s pass rush collapsed down the stretch in 2025 after Micah Parsons suffered his season-ending injury. Since then, they traded Rashan Gary to the Cowboys while adding interior defender Javon Hargrave, who isn’t quite what he used to be. The Packers may need to improve upon Lukas Van Ness, who has tallied just 69 pressures
Post-free agency needs for every NFC team
Jaylen Waddle trade shakes up Rams’ draft plans
The Los Angeles Rams’ first-round draft plans were thrown for a loop after the Dolphins traded wideout Jaylen Waddle to the Broncos. Instead of going with a top offensive playmaker, the Rams might be forced to go in another direction in the 2026 NFL draft. To show how the trade changes things, Mel Kiper’s original […] The Los Angeles Rams’ first-round draft plans were thrown for a loop after the Dolphins traded wideout Jaylen Waddle to the Broncos. Instead of going with a top offensive playmaker, the Rams might be forced to go in another direction in the 2026 NFL draft. To show how the trade changes things, Mel Kiper’s original March 17 mock draft, had Arizona State WR Jordyn Tyson going to Hollywood to pair with Puka Nacua and Davante Adams. Instead, he pivoted to the Rams taking Miami offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa at 13: “The dominoes of the Jaylen Waddle trade impacted the Rams’ pick. I had Jordyn Tyson here as their new WR3 behind Puka Nacua and Davante Adams, but there’s no way Miami would let the top-tier receiver slip past No. 11. Instead, I’m pivoting the Rams’ selection to the right tackle position. Mauigoa started 42 games in college, over which time he put together some really good tape. He uses his strength to dominate pass rushers, and he can clear out running lanes. Warren McClendon Jr. is under contract for only one more season, and run blocking is so important in the Rams’ offense.” L.A. had two first-rounders in this year’s draft until trading one to the Chiefs as part of the Trent McDuffie trade. Following the Waddle trade, Miami also has two first-round picks, having acquired the Broncos’ No. 30 selection in the trade. With the Dolphins picking two spots ahead of the Rams in round one, wide receiver will be a necessity for them. Miami has parted ways with Waddle and Tyreek Hill this offseason. The cupboard is quite bare for incoming quarterback Malik Willis, who is probably regretting the move to South Florida with each passing day. Los Angeles had a prime opportunity to go with one of the top wide receivers on the board at No. 13. Thanks to the trade, what could’ve been a luxury addition to the offense to give Matthew Stafford another playmaker to work with, more than likely will not happen now. Draft plans can change in an instant after a blockbuster trade. The Waddle deal will not be the last move to shake up the top of the first round, but it has put Los Angeles in a tricky spot. With a top wide receiver target now likely unavailable, the Rams might be forced to pivot and reshape their first round strategy. See More: Los Angeles Rams Draft
Cincinnati Bengals NFL Draft 2026: Top 300 prospects, ranked
1. Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State Downs was an All-American at safety for the Buckeyes. He is considered a coach on the field. He is a tape grinder, which allows him to always be in the right spot, at the right time. He is a reliable tackler on the back end of a defense. He […] 1. Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State Downs was an All-American at safety for the Buckeyes. He is considered a coach on the field. He is a tape grinder, which allows him to always be in the right spot, at the right time. He is a reliable tackler on the back end of a defense. He can line up in the box, in single high, or in the slot. He isn’t going to be an elite tester, but the tape speaks for itself. Safeties are not typically selected in the top ten due to perceived positional value; Downs should be an exception this year. 2. Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame Love put up over 1,100 yards rushing and over 200 yards receiving during the 2024 season. He surpassed those numbers in 2025. He rushed for over 1,300 yards with 18 rushing touchdowns. He added another 280 receiving yards with 3 touchdowns on the season. He is elusive with the ball in his hands, rarely fumbles, and is a legit weapon in the receiving game. His burst through the line and top-end speed allow him to be a threat to take it to the house on any given play. 3. Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State Styles is a converted safety from the Buckeyes. Still just 21 years old, Styles has already played over 2,100 career snaps for Ohio State. He has looked comfortable in coverage, had just a 2.2% missed tackle rate, and has elite athleticism for the position. While Arvell Reese has burst on the scene, people should not forget just how talented of a prospect that Styles is. 4. Rueben Bain Jr., DE, Miami Bain put pressure on opposing quarterbacks at a high rate all season long in 2025. He had a 30.3% win-rate on true pass sets this season. He is a sawed-off powerhouse at 6’3”, 275 pounds. He possesses knock-back power in his hands, is stout against the run, and had over 80 pressures during the 2025 season. His play during the playoffs should have helped solidify him as a top 10 draft selection, regardless of the fact he has shorter arm length. 5. Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana Mendoza led Indiana to the National Championship this year. The California transfer won the Heisman Trophy for his play during the regular season. Some of his best attributes include his accuracy, mobility, and ball placement. Mendoza has a ridiculous 41 touchdowns to just 6 interceptions ratio on the season. It would be a surprise if anyone besides Mendoza is the first overall draft pick this year. 6. Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State Reese can play off-ball linebacker or up on the line of scrimmage. He amassed 6.5 sacks on the season for the Buckeyes. Reese is heavy-handed, physical, and an athletic marvel. Regardless of where teams view him playing at the next level, he played his way into top-five consideration this year. 7. David Bailey, DE, Texas Tech Bailey transferred to Texas Tech from Stanford ahead of the 2025 season. He was one of the premier pass rushers in all of college football. He had 81 pressures and 14.5 sacks on the season. He has shown some improvement as a run defender, but that will never be his biggest strength. His explosiveness off the snap, pass rush arsenal, and ability to get after the quarterback are his calling card. That ability to be a havoc creator off the edge is what should make him a top 10 draft pick in April. 8. Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia Freeling has a basketball background, which shows up immediately when watching his film. He is quick to get up to the second level, has great lateral agility, and knows how to use his body to wall off pass rushers. Freeling has ideal size for a left tackle at 6’7” and 315 pounds. He doesn’t have as much experience as some of the other top lineman in this class, but he might have the most upside. His ability to play on either the left or right side at tackle is one of a few reasons he comes in as my top offensive tackle in this class. 9. Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State Tate runs sharp routes, has an elite contested catch rate, and averaged a fantastic 3.03 yards per route ran on the season. Even after missing a couple of games, Tate had 875 receiving yards with 9 touchdown receptions on the season. Ohio State continues producing first round wide receivers; Tate is the next in line. 10. Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami The former five-star recruit played his third season with Miami in 2025. He was the starting right tackle for all three of those seasons. He allowed just 15 pressures during 16 games played in 2025. He blocks well on the move, is a mauler in the run game, and has improved his consistency in pass protection this year. Mauigoa should be able to stick at right tackle at the next level, but if not, he could slide inside and likely be a Pro-Bowl caliber guard. 11. Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU Delane transferred to LSU from Virginia Tech this past year. He was the best cornerback in college football. He allowed only a 37.1% completion rate against him on the season. He will bring experience, physicality as a tackler, and a player with good ball skills to whatever team drafts him. That team could very well end up being in the Cincinnati Bengals this year. 12. Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona Tyson is a player I have zero questions about for his on-field ability. He is a dominant receiver when healthy. The problem has been staying healthy. He
2026 NFL mock draft: Daniel Jeremiah projects Miami Dolphins two first round picks
The Miami Dolphins agreed to a massive trade on Tuesday, sending wide receiver Jaylen Waddle to the Denver Broncos in a move that kick-starts the South Florida franchise’s rebuild under new general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and new head coach Jeff Hafley. Along with Waddle, the Dolphins sent a fourth-round draft pick to the Broncos in […] The Miami Dolphins agreed to a massive trade on Tuesday, sending wide receiver Jaylen Waddle to the Denver Broncos in a move that kick-starts the South Florida franchise’s rebuild under new general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and new head coach Jeff Hafley. Along with Waddle, the Dolphins sent a fourth-round draft pick to the Broncos in exchange for a first-round pick (30th overall), a third-round pick (94th), and a fourth-round pick (130th overall). The Dolphins are now set to make two picks in the first round, with Denver’s 30th-overall pick adding to Miami’s 11th selection. There are a lot of needs on Miami’s roster as the team sheds salary cap space this offseason. What could they do with those first two of 11 picks the team now holds? NFL Media’s Daniel Jeremiah updated his 2026 NFL Mock Draft on Tuesday to reflect the Dolphins-Broncos trade. 11th overall pick Jeremiah sees the Dolphins using their first selection to add LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane. Miami has a definite need at cornerback, despite the team signing several free agents over the past week, and Delane would give Miami an immediate starter to work on one side of the defensive secondary. Of the pick, Jeremiah explains: There are still a lot of holes to fill on Miami’s roster. The Dolphins solve a corner spot with Delane, one of the draft’s most consistent players on tape. Delane is a press-coverage cornerback who brings good size to the position, but has the speed to keep up with quicker receivers. He could be the perfect pick for Miami at 11. 30th overall pick After addressing a major need on defense, Jeremiah keeps the Dolphins there for their second first-round pick. Hafley, coming to the Dolphins after being the defensive coordinator for the Green Bay Packers for two year, will enjoy adding pieces to the defense. Jeremiah projects Miami to add Auburn edge rusher Keldric Faulk with the 30th pick. He explains: The Dolphins will need to address wide receiver after dealing away Jaylen Waddle, but they are armed with a lot of Day 2 picks to find value at that spot in a year with a deep class at the position. Miami fills another major need with Faulk, who has the versatility and athleticism to fit well in Jeff Hafley’s defense. Faulk is not a finished product yet, probably needing some time at the NFL level to fully reach his potential, but there is plenty of potential there. He can be moved around the defense, working inside and outside as a pass rusher – though he may need to add some muscle if the Dolphins plan for him to be working regularly inside. He is coming off a seven-sack season, and he does well in chasing quarterbacks when they scramble. What do you think of a Delane-Faulk duo of picks for the Dolphins? Is this the right direction the team needs to take? Head to the comments to let us know. See More:
NY Giants news: Wyatt Teller to Texans, Giants re-sign former third-round pick
The New York Giants missed out on veteran guard Wyatt Teller in NFL free agency, as the three-time Pro Bowler signed with the Houston Texans. The Giants did, though, make another surprising move on the offensive line as they re-signed Josh Ezeudu. Per ESPN’s Jordan Ranaan, Ezeudu will get a one-year deal. What this means for the Giants East Rutherford, N.J., or at least the little corner of it at 1925 Giants Drive, might need to be renamed ‘Clean Slate City’. Ezeudu joins 2022 No. 7 overall pick Evan Neal as the second failed offensive lineman from GM Joe Schoen’s first draft class to get a second chance under new head coach John Harbaugh. Drafted 67th overall out of North Carolina as a guard, the Giants tried to make him a tackle in 2023 and 2024 after he failed to win a starting job. That, as Giants fans know, failed miserably. Ezeudu suffered a calf injury during training camp last season. Despite returning to practice and seeming healthy, he was never activated. If the new Giants regime with Harbaugh as head coach and Mike Bloomgren as offensive line coach allows Ezeudu to focus on guard, the position he was drafted for, perhaps they can get something from him. At least as a depth player. See More:
Hollywood Brown, Eagles reportedly agree to one-year contract
The Philadelphia Eagles are signing free agent wide receiver Marquise “Hollywood” Brown to a one-year contract worth “up to” $6.5 million, according to a report from NFL insider Jordan Schultz. Brown, who turns 29 in June, was often thought to be an Eagles target leading up to the 2019 NFL Draft. The Birds traded up […] The Philadelphia Eagles are signing free agent wide receiver Marquise “Hollywood” Brown to a one-year contract worth “up to” $6.5 million, according to a report from NFL insider Jordan Schultz. Brown, who turns 29 in June, was often thought to be an Eagles target leading up to the 2019 NFL Draft. The Birds traded up to No. 22 to select Andre Dillard (whoops), however, and the Baltimore Ravens ended up taking Brown with Philly’s original first-round slot at No. 25. The 5’9”, 166 pound Brown spent three seasons in Baltimore before asking out due to being unhappy with the Ravens’ run-heavy offense (hmm …). He was traded to the Arizona Cardinals and spent two years there before signing with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2024. Brown missed most of that season due to injury but played 16 games in 2025, logging 74 targets for 49 receptions, 587 yards (12.0 average), and five touchdowns. Brown drew a 101.6 passer rating when targeted last season. He ranked 46th out of 91 wide receivers in yards per route run (for context: A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith were 19th and 20th, respectively). With Jahan Dotson leaving in free agency after mostly being ineffective in Philly, the Eagles needed a new third receiver. They reportedly had interest in Darnell Mooney before he chose the New York Giants instead. Now they have a new speedy veteran receiver in Brown. Of course, it remains to be seen if Hollywood will actually be WR3 or if what seems like an inevitable A.J. Brown trade will bump him up to WR2, which would be less ideal. How would you grade this signing? Vote in the poll below and then scroll down to the comments to weigh in! See More: Philadelphia Eagles News
Jaylen Waddle trade affirms Eagles’ asking price for A.J. Brown
The Denver Broncos and the Miami Dolphins made a trade on Tuesday morning that holds relevance for the Philadelphia Eagles. The deal: BRONCOS RECEIVE — WR Jaylen Waddle, 2026 Dolphins fourth-round pick DOLPHINS RECEIVE — 2026 Broncos first-round pick (No. 30 overall), 2026 Broncos third-round pick, 2026 Broncos fourth-round pick The relevance to the Eagles: […] The Denver Broncos and the Miami Dolphins made a trade on Tuesday morning that holds relevance for the Philadelphia Eagles. The deal: BRONCOS RECEIVE — WR Jaylen Waddle, 2026 Dolphins fourth-round pick DOLPHINS RECEIVE — 2026 Broncos first-round pick (No. 30 overall), 2026 Broncos third-round pick, 2026 Broncos fourth-round pick The relevance to the Eagles: There was some buzz about the Broncos being interested in A.J. Brown. They clearly won’t be trading for him now. One fewer suitor for Brown doesn’t necessarily help the Eagles’ leverage. However … The Eagles’ reported asking price for Brown in a trade is further legitimatized with the Waddle trade. Though Waddle is about 1.5 years younger, Brown is a superior player. Here’s a look at their stats since 2021, which is when Waddle entered the NFL. It remains to be seen if a team (likely the New England Patriots) actually steps up and meets the Eagles’ asking price. But Howie Roseman is only looking more justified to hold firm and demand that a certain threshold must be met in order for him to trade Brown. See More: Philadelphia Eagles News
Jaylen Waddle trade could help the NY Giants in the 2026 NFL Draft
The blockbuster Jaylen Waddle trade does not involve the New York Giants. The star wide receiver’s move from the Miami Dolphins to the Denver Broncos, though, could be a draft day gift to the Giants. The Dolphins are reportedly receiving first-, third- and fourth-round picks in the upcoming draft in exchange for Waddle. Miami, which has the No. 11 selection in the first round, now has 11 picks in the 2026 NFL Draft. Four of those picks are in Round 3 — Nos., 75, 87, 90, and 94. The Giants have the No. 5 overall pick in the first round, and many have speculated that New York could be in a position to trade down a few spots in Round 1. After last season’s move back into Round 1 to draft quarterback Jaxson Dart, the Giants do not have a third-round selection in next month’s draft. That makes the Giants and Dolphins convenient, and natural, draft trade partners. Here is how the various trade charts see a hastily put together proposal I thought might work between the Giants and Dolphins. Miami gets the No. 5 pick. The Giants get Nos. 11 and 75, and a 2027 third-round pick. Quibble with the package if you want. Adjust it. If the Giants were to move to No. 11 they would likely miss out on safety Caleb Downs, linebacker Sonny Styles, running back Jeremiyah Love, and wide receiver Carnell Tate. Some of the players they might have available to choose from could be: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU; Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee; Olaivavega Ioane, G Penn State; Makai Lemon, WR, USC; Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State; Francis Mauigoa, OT Miami (FL); Spencer Fano, OT, Utah. The Giants, in my proposal, also get an early third-round pick in this draft and one that is likely to land early in the third round next season. Is that a move you would make, Giants fans? See More: New York Giants Draft
2026 NFL Draft: Best late-round option for every offensive role
The late rounds of the draft are often where teams find the hidden contributors who help complete a roster. Here are the best Day 3 options at every offensive role in the 2026 class. 2026 NFL Draft: Best late-round option for every offensive role North Dakota State quarterback Cole Payton has the athletic upside to risk a late-round pick on: Payton’s 94.6 PFF passing grade led the nation, and he brings dangerous rushing ability as well. Iowa wide receiver Kaden Wetjen is worth drafting on Day 3: Wetjen can impact a team in multiple ways. He scored three punt return touchdowns, two rushing touchdowns, one kick return touchdown and one receiving touchdown in 2025. 2026 NFL Draft season is here: Try the best-in-class PFF Mock Draft Simulator and learn about 2026’s top prospects while trading and drafting for your favorite NFL team. Every draft class produces its share of late-round gems — players who outplay their draft slot and carve out meaningful NFL careers. While the early rounds get most of the attention, teams that draft well on Day 3 often gain a critical roster-building edge. With that in mind, here’s a look at the best late-round option for every offensive role in the 2026 NFL Draft. QB with Starter Potential: Cole Payton, North Dakota State The key phrase here is starter potential, because Payton simply lacks the experience to be an effective first-year NFL starter. The No. 234 prospect on the PFF Big Board started just 15 games during his career at North Dakota State. However, if a team is going to bet on an inexperienced quarterback, it might as well be on one with Payton’s athletic upside. Payton showcased that upside at the combine, running a 4.56-second 40-yard dash and posting a 40-inch vertical at 232 pounds. The left-hander also led all college quarterbacks in PFF passing grade (94.6) in 2025. He completed 161 of his 226 passes for 16 touchdowns and four interceptions while recording an impressive 78.3% adjusted completion rate. Payton also proved to be highly productive as a runner, earning a 90.0 PFF rushing grade and compiling 894 rushing yards, 13 touchdowns and 39 forced missed tackles. While his one season as a starter leaves questions about readiness, his athletic profile and production make him an intriguing late-round quarterback gamble. Subscribe For Full Access Subscribe For Full Access Early-Down Back: Kaytron Allen, Penn State At 5-foot-11 and 216 pounds, Kaytron Allen has the low center of gravity and build that teams look for in an early-down NFL running back. Over his four-year career at Penn State, he demonstrated durability and handled a heavy workload, logging 768 carries for 4,167 rushing yards. In 2025, Allen carried the ball 210 times for 1,303 yards and 15 touchdowns. He consistently created yards on his own, averaging 6.2 yards per carry, including 3.77 yards after contact per attempt. He finished the season with a 91.3 PFF rushing grade — second in the class behind Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love — and currently ranks as the No. 152 prospect on the PFF Big Board. Third-Down Back: Nicholas Singleton, Penn State In Penn State’s backfield, Nicholas Singleton played the Robin (359 snaps) to Kaytron Allen’s Batman (441 snaps), but he still played an important role. Singleton was the more active option in the passing game, finishing the 2025 season with 24 receptions on 29 targets for 219 yards and one touchdown. Singleton earned a 75.5 PFF receiving grade in 2025, seventh in the draft class among running backs with at least 25 targets, and he dropped just one pass. Over his four-year career at Penn State, he recorded 102 receptions for 986 yards and nine touchdowns. At 6-foot and 219 pounds, Singleton also has the size to hold up in pass protection. Across 35 pass-blocking snaps in 2025, he allowed just one sack and three hurries. The lone sack came against a 265-pound edge defender who had a free run at him while the offensive line executed a full-slide protection away from the running back. Singleton currently ranks as the No. 139 prospect on the PFF Big Board and projects as a capable third-down option who can contribute as both a receiver and pass protector out of the backfield. Vertical Threat: Bryce Lance, North Dakota State Lance currently ranks as the No. 103 prospect on the PFF Big Board, but he could be drafted even higher after showcasing an impressive combination of size and speed at the NFL Combine to pair with his college production. While Lance played at the FCS level, his deep-ball production stands out. His 641 receiving yards on deep passes led the draft class, and he added three touchdowns on those throws. Lance also posted a 99.9 PFF receiving grade on deep targets, tied for the best mark in the class. At the combine, Lance measured 6-foot-3 ⅜ and 204 pounds with 32 ⅛-inch arms. He also demonstrated elite lower-body explosiveness with a 41.5-inch vertical and an 11-foot-1 broad jump. That size and leaping ability allow him to win contested deep balls against smaller defensive backs. Lance also showed he has the speed to threaten defenses vertically, running a 4.34-second 40-yard dash with a 1.49-second 10-yard split. NFL teams will be betting that this combination of athleticism and deep-ball production translates into a productive vertical threat at the next level. Possession Receiver: Ted Hurst, Georgia State Ted Hurst brings an intriguing blend of size and speed for a possession receiver with vertical ability. At 6-foot-3 ⅞ and 206 pounds, he lined up wide on 83.7% of his offensive snaps. Hurst consistently moved the chains, with 49 of his receptions going for first downs. He also excelled at the intermediate level — a key area for possession receivers — as he earned a 92.9 PFF receiving grade on targets 10-19 yards downfield. He showcased his speed at the combine with a 4.42-second 40-yard dash and a 1.55-second 10-yard split. Hurst currently ranks as the No. 104 prospect on the PFF Big Board. Big Slot: Tanner
What are the best backup QB options for Rams?
The Los Angeles Rams are sitting in a pretty good spot so far in the offseason when one of the biggest questions on the roster is who will be the backup quarterback. As it stands, the Rams haven’t brought back Jimmy Garoppolo, and it would be difficult to trust Stetson Bennett as the lone quarterback […] The Los Angeles Rams are sitting in a pretty good spot so far in the offseason when one of the biggest questions on the roster is who will be the backup quarterback. As it stands, the Rams haven’t brought back Jimmy Garoppolo, and it would be difficult to trust Stetson Bennett as the lone quarterback behind Stafford. Despite the Rams having a need at quarterback behind Stafford, they do have plenty of options. 1. Trade for Anthony Richardson or JJ McCarthy While Anthony Richardson may not fit the prototypical Shanahan-McVay style quarterback, he would certainly be an option and there is interest. Last October, it was reported that Richardson would be open to a fresh start with a ‘premier playcaller such as Sean McVay.’ The Rams are also among the teams that have checked in on Richardson with the Colts with his value believed to be a late Day 3 pick. The question here becomes whether or not the Rams believe they can develop Richardson and if he provides more than a rookie. It’s possible that the Rams could be interested in players such as Drew Allar or Cade Klubnik who may go on Day 3 of the draft. Richardson has always had the talent, but he’s lacked consistency and his play style hasn’t allowed him to stay healthy. There have been several quarterbacks that have rediscovered themselves in a new situation in recent years. Sam Darnold and Geno Smith are just two recent examples. However, both came from bad situations in the New York Jets. It’s hard to say that the Colts were a bad situation. Richardson makes sense as a potential bridge quarterback post-Stafford if McVay can work around a different play style at the position. However, they may simply be better off going with a rookie and starting fresh on their own. Another option could be JJ McCarthy. The Minnesota Vikings just signed Kyler Murray and don’t seem sold on McCarthy. With that said, Kevin O’Connell has gotten the most out of Kirk Cousins and Sam Darnold. If McCarthy isn’t having success with O’Connell, that is a red flag. 2. Draft Ty Simpson in First Round This is an option that many fans wouldn’t want. Still, with how the Rams are approaching the offseason, it is one that makes sense. The Rams haven’t brought back Garoppolo and already addressed their biggest need in the draft when they traded the 29th overall pick for Trent McDuffie. In a sense, the 13th overall pick is a luxury. If the Rams like Simpson and see him as the potential future, taking him in the first round and getting that fifth-year option is the best path. An issue with Simpson is the lack of experience. There is a widespread agreement that Simpson isn’t a quarterback that can or should start on day one. With the Rams, he wouldn’t need to. Simpson would be able to sit behind Stafford and develop while learning more of the nuances of the position. It’s the perfect situation for Simpson as a lot wouldn’t be asked of him right away. The Rams may not be drafting 13th overall for a while. This would be an opportunity for the Rams to draft a quarterback in the first round and get somebody in place behind Stafford. 3. Sign Cousins, Garoppolo, or Tua It wouldn’t be surprising if the Rams are also waiting out Kirk Cousins’ market. Heading into the offseason, it was thought that Cousins may be able to land a starting quarterback job after spending much of last season as the backup in Atlanta. However, that hasn’t come to fruition as the Jets traded for Geno Smith and the Vikings signed Kyler Murray. The Cardinals also signed Gardner Minshew and the Raiders are set to draft Fernando Mendoza. Cousins’ best option right now may be to take a backup quarterback role. The issue with teams like the Cardinals and Browns is they will be trying to lose to position themselves well for the 2027 quarterback class. Cousins gives both of those teams a strong baseline when it comes to winning football games. Where Cousins plays may be contingent on what Aaron Rodgers decides to do. If Rodgers returns, Cousins could settle for a backup role with the Rams. However, if Rodgers retires, the Steelers could look to bring in Cousins to start and make a push for the playoffs. McVay and Cousins have a history going back to their time in Washington. The fact that the Rams haven’t brought back Garoppolo yet is telling. Tua Tagovailoa is also someone to watch here as a player who has experience in the system. If the Rams go the veteran backup route, this is the option to watch. 4. Draft Mid-Round Quarterback In most years, drafting a quarterback in the middle rounds is a waste of time. While there are always exceptions such as Brock Purdy or Russell Wilson, the hit rate at the position significantly drops off after the top 15 picks. However, if there is a year in which a quarterback in the middle rounds hits, this may be it. With this quarterback class, there are a lot of players in the middle rounds who have developmental tools. Drew Allar has a great arm to go with some athleticism. He simply needs to work on accuracy and some of the fundamentals in the pocket. Cade Klubnik has the makings of a good quarterback in a Shanahan-McVay style offense. However, Klubnik needs to improve some of his processing and decision-making. Cole Payton has some intriguing tools and athleticism, but his elongated motion might be too reminiscent of Tim Tebow. Garrett Nussmeier may