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
2026 NFL Draft: Best late-round option for every offensive role
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
Bengals News (3/17): let’s go Cornerback the likely choice at pick No. 10?
Bengals News: Bengals’ pick at 10th overall appears clearer after first week of free agency With two contracts expiring soon, could the Bengals target this position at 10th overall? Trey Hendrickson contract with Ravens looks weird for Bengals Structure, structure, structure… Bengals look into 8604-yard QB as long-term depth chart possibility An intriguing prospect to […] INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – FEBRUARY 26: Mansoor Delane of LSU poses for a portrait during the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 26, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Logan Bowles/Getty Images) | Getty Images Bengals News: Bengals’ pick at 10th overall appears clearer after first week of free agency With two contracts expiring soon, could the Bengals target this position at 10th overall? Trey Hendrickson contract with Ravens looks weird for Bengals Structure, structure, structure… Bengals look into 8604-yard QB as long-term depth chart possibility An intriguing prospect to watch as the NFL Draft draws near. Jonathan Allen: Young players, defensive additions really have Bengals going somewhere The veteran sees the vision with his new team. Cincinnati Bengals Free Agency: 3 Takeaways From What They Did, Didn’t Do in Week 1 The first wave of free agency has come and gone. The Bengals were active, but were they active enough? NFL News: Jets to trade QB Justin Fields to Chiefs for 2027 pick Kansas City has their new backup after Gardner Minshew moved on. Darius Slay retires after 13 NFL seasons A nice career comes to an end for the Super Bowl champ. 49ers reach 1-year deal with WR Christian Kirk San Fransisco continues to give Brock Purdy weapons. Steelers legend, Hall of Famer Rod Woodson ‘tired’ of Aaron Rodgers waiting game Well, that was straight to the point… The Ravens Fan Who Shaved His Head After the Maxx Crosby Trade Has No Regrets, Actually You have to respect the dedication. Build Your Winning Bracket! SB Nation’s CBB expert Mike Rutherford and resident bracketologist Chris Dobbertean will answer all your questions this week and help guide you to bracket glory! Drop in SB Nation’s March Madness Feed all week long and we’ll have both on hand! (All times ET) Sun 7-10pm: Chris Dobbertean Mon-Wed 10am-1pm: Mike Rutherford Mon-Wed 5-8pm: Chris Dobbertean Thursday 9am-12pm: Chris Dobbertean and Mike Rutherford
Colts are hoping the luck of the Irish comes through
It’s Saint Patrick’s Day! Today is celebrated by many by enjoying a pint, wearing green, or preparing a heaping plate of corned beef and cabbage. While all of those are associated with the day and the Irish themselves, stereotypes or not, one of the biggest associations is luck. As the 2026 offseason comes into full […] It’s Saint Patrick’s Day! Today is celebrated by many by enjoying a pint, wearing green, or preparing a heaping plate of corned beef and cabbage. While all of those are associated with the day and the Irish themselves, stereotypes or not, one of the biggest associations is luck. As the 2026 offseason comes into full view, the Indianapolis Colts are hoping their fair share comes shining through to make this season a success. The Colts have experienced plenty of luck, from Manning to Mr. Luck himself. The current state of things can make fans forget how fortunate we all were, but the Colts might need luck more than ever for this year to be successful. Free agency has been less than stellar from many fans’ perspective. After securing Daniel Jones and Alec Pierce, the excitement level significantly dropped off. A lack of splash signings and improvements for a team that lost its last seven games leaves one feeling less than encouraged. Luck has so much to do with it though. Think about the Super Bowl champs. If the Vikings had chosen to keep Sam Darnold, do the Seahawks win it all? Maybe, but most likely not. If the Patriots didn’t face a team in the AFC Championship with a quarterback that hadn’t thrown a pass in 2025, do they make it to the big game? Fortunate bounces, well-timed schedules, health, player leaps, and unexpected contributors all go into a winning team. Some of that is based on skill for sure, but a lot is based on luck; things beyond one’s control that dictate how a season goes. On paper, the Colts have had better offseasons, but the game isn’t played on paper. While that may be true, the Colts will need plenty of luck this year to make it all work. A “run it back” roster that dissolved down the stretch doesn’t invoke the highest level of confidence, but as some say, “I’d rather be lucky than good.” If that’s what the Colts are banking on, they better be on the hunt for a four leaf clover now because the luck of the Irish won’t be around forever. See More: Indianapolis Colts Analysis
Jordan Meredith potential to rebound in 2026
The Jordan Raiders issued offensive lineman Jordan Meredith a right of first refusal RFA tender early last week, and the 28 year old is set to return to Las Vegas in 2026 after a rough 2025 season. Meredith, a former UDFA from Western Kentucky has been with the team since 2022 where Las Vegas signed […] The Jordan Raiders issued offensive lineman Jordan Meredith a right of first refusal RFA tender early last week, and the 28 year old is set to return to Las Vegas in 2026 after a rough 2025 season. Meredith, a former UDFA from Western Kentucky has been with the team since 2022 where Las Vegas signed him as a futures contract. Meredith has spent time between the practice squad and 53 man roster till in 2024 he earned the chance to start down the stretch. Through his eight games, Meredith allowed just 10 pressures and a QB hit, while also ranking among the top of the NFL in ypc lead blocking with 4.4 yards per carry. Las Vegas transitioned Meredith to center in 2025, and he struggled allowing four sacks, three hits, and 21 pressures while also having only 3.1 yards per carry as a lead blocker. Like most of the teams offensive lineman, he saw immediate regression under former offensive line coach Brennan Carroll, with the Raiders also transitioning away from a traditional zone blocking system that was ran in 2024 under Luke Getsy. The Raiders and Chip Kelly transitioned to a mix of gap and zone till Kelly was fired in week 11. Meredith was injured in week 12 vs the Browns, and placed on IR which ended his season. The Raiders replaced Meredith with 2025 third round selection Caleb Rogers, who finished the season allowing four sacks and 12 pressures, though two sacks came in his final week vs the Chiefs. Additionally, Rogers did perform well as a run blocker with 4 yards per carry as a lead blocker, and the former Texas Tech product could figure into the teams mix for the 2026 season. Las Vegas signed Tyler Linderbaum to anchor their center role, which shifts Meredith back to guard, a position he’s played naturally over his career, unlike never playing center till last season. In addition, Rogers showed success in his limited snaps, though the Raiders can’t bank on him being the plug and play starter. Additionally to Rogers, 2024 third rounder DJ Glaze who struggled at tackle largely due to a lack of athleticism, poor foot speed, and other factors could see a kick into guard. Glaze allowed 10 sacks and 51 pressures in 2025, a steep decline from the three sacks and 54 pressures allowed in 2024 which like other Raiders lineman was consistent under Brennan Carroll. Glaze, notably during predraft process had been discussed as potentially shifting into guard and Las Vegas could move their former 77th overall selection into guard, where he’d likely succeed as it limits his athleticism concerns, and utilizes his run blocking and power to his advantage. Glaze seems a natural fit for Las Vegas to keep on their offensive line in some form due to his experience, strength, and run blocking status where he’s averaged 4.3 yards per carry lead blocking throughout his first two seasons. Additionally, at just 23 years old Glaze has good size and he’s young enough to bank on developing into his frame at guard. Meredith is going to have a tough path towards pushing for a clear cut starting role, with Jackson Powers-Johnson lined up at left guard leaving just two spots open for competition. The benefit for Meredith, comes with the transition back to a zone blocking system that he excelled at early in his career under Josh McDaniels, albeit during pre-season, but also during his time with Luke Getsy. Meredith has a track record of success with showing standout performances during preseason along with the end of his 2024 season leading to a good belief that he should at least go back to an average guard under new coaching and a similar system. The former UDFA will very likely be on the Raiders roster in some format, as he’s played near 1400 career snaps split between all three interior spots, which is crucial for a team to have as versatile depth. Meredith is only 28 years old, showed previous quality plus traits as a blocker, and does have the experience in a system similar to what Las Vegas will run in 2026 which points towards him potentially returning to form, and also potentially taking over the teams right guard spot early in the season.
Vikings FA Fallout: LB #1 + Greenard Talk
Vikings stay quiet in free agency, signing only Kyler Murray and James Pierre for $9.8 million total. On the latest episode of The Real Forno Show, Tyler Forness and Dave Stefano examine what this conservative approach means for Minnesota moving forward, including salary cap updates, long-term roster needs, Jonathan Greenard trade talk, and an updated […] Vikings stay quiet in free agency, signing only Kyler Murray and James Pierre for $9.8 million total. On the latest episode of The Real Forno Show, Tyler Forness and Dave Stefano examine what this conservative approach means for Minnesota moving forward, including salary cap updates, long-term roster needs, Jonathan Greenard trade talk, and an updated 7-round Vikings mock draft. The hosts break down Minnesota’s strategy after a slow free agency period. Tyler Forness explains the limited spending and focuses on future planning. “They only made two outside moves,” Forness notes, referring to the additions of quarterback Kyler Murray and cornerback James Pierre. He ranks linebacker as the top long-term need because “the only linebacker committed past 2026 is Eric Wilson,” stressing its premium role in Brian Flores’ defense despite Eric Wilson’s recent contract structure. Defensive tackle jumps to second after the releases of Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen, with Forness highlighting 2027 cap credits but questioning if young rotational players can handle full starter snaps. Cornerback ranks third for the pressure-based scheme, while running back is flagged for future depth. The duo debates Jonathan Greenard’s future, with Forness pushing hard against a trade: “I love Greenard. I think he’s a great football player and overall I just think it would be an abomination to trade him,” instead suggesting a two-year $34 million extension. Key points covered: • Linebacker depth and future planning as priority one • Defensive tackle holes after major releases • Cornerback additions for the pressure scheme • Jonathan Greenard contract and trade rumors • Full 7-round mock draft simulation targeting multiple needs Round-by-Round Breakdown Round 1, Pick 18: ED Keldric Faulk (Auburn) — PFF Big Board #22, Grade B- Faulk, a 6’6”, 276-lb edge rusher, tops Tyler’s board here over other options. Seen as a high-upside disruptor with size, athleticism, and combine buzz (top edge prospect in some rankings). Addresses pass-rush needs in Brian Flores’ aggressive scheme, potentially replacing or complementing Jonathan Greenard long-term. Round 2, Pick 49: CB Keith Abney II (Arizona State) — PFF Big Board #50, Grade B- Aggressive, ball-skilled corner (strong in digs/breakups) fits Flores’ man-heavy pressure defense. Adds boundary depth and complements James Pierre’s recent signing. Round 3, Pick 82: S Kamari Ramsey (USC) — PFF Big Board #82, Grade A- Versatile safety with solid size and box/nickel experience. Complements Josh Metellus; provides depth if Harrison Smith returns short-term but eyes future starting role. Round 3, Pick 97 (Compensatory): DI Kaleb Proctor (Southeastern Louisiana) — PFF Big Board #111, Grade B- Quick, violent-handed interior DL from FCS ranks. Gap-shooter type for rotational upside; helps fill voids left by Hargrave/Allen releases, focusing on pass-rush traits. Round 5, Pick 161: HB Nicholas Singleton (Penn State) — PFF Big Board #146, Grade A Explosive, home-run hitter RB (track speed, multi-tool). High-risk/high-reward swing after a down year; adds big-play potential behind Jordan Mason. Round 6, Pick 195: LB Owen Heinecke (Oklahoma) — PFF Big Board #191, Grade B Developmental linebacker to build long-term depth—Tyler’s #1 future need due to limited commitments past 2026 beyond Eric Wilson/Blake Cashman. Round 7, Pick 234: C Parker Brailsford (Alabama) — PFF Big Board #226, Grade A- Athletic center project from big programs (Alabama/Washington); risk on size but high-upside anchor for the line. Round 7, Pick 235: LB Eric Gentry (USC) — PFF Big Board #250, Grade C Lengthy (6’6”+ wingspan), versatile LB/safety hybrid. Elite special teamer potential with dime/slot upside. Round 7, Pick 244: WR Kaden Wetjen (Iowa) — PFF Big Board #237, Grade B- Dynamic return specialist from low-volume Iowa offense; prioritizes special teams impact late. This mock prioritizes defense (five early picks) for Flores’ scheme, adds RB/OL depth, and targets special teams value late. Tyler calls it “pretty good” overall—not elite, but balanced with opportunities across positions. What do you think of Faulk at 18—home run or reach? Listen: Or on your favorite podcast aggregator. Watch: Minnesota Vikings fans searching for honest breakdowns of Vikings free agency and draft strategy will love this episode. The Real Forno Show, a Vikings 1st & SKOL production partnered with Fans First Sports Network, delivers sharp analysis every week. Make sure to subscribe and join the conversation. Fan With Us!!! Tyler Forness @TheRealForno of Vikings 1st & SKOL @Vikings1stSKOL and A to Z Sports @AtoZSportsNFL, with Dave Stefano @Luft_Krigare producing this Vikings 1st & SKOL production, the @RealFornoShow. Podcasts partnered with Fans First Sports Network @FansFirstSN. Question: What position do you think the Vikings should target first in the draft after this quiet free agency period? See More:
BREAKING: Dolphins trade Jaylen Waddle to Broncos
The Miami Dolphins are trading Jaylen Waddle to the Denver Broncos, as per Dianna Russini of The Athletic. The Dolphins drafted Jaylen Waddle in the first round of the 2021 NFL draft, after trading down from the No. 3 pick to No.11, before trading back up to No.6 to select Waddle. He leaves Miami with […] The Miami Dolphins are trading Jaylen Waddle to the Denver Broncos, as per Dianna Russini of The Athletic. The Dolphins drafted Jaylen Waddle in the first round of the 2021 NFL draft, after trading down from the No. 3 pick to No.11, before trading back up to No.6 to select Waddle. He leaves Miami with 373 catches, 5,039 yards, and 26 touchdowns across five seasons. What did the Dolphins receive? In exchange for Waddle and a 2026 4th-rounder, the Dolphins are receiving the Broncos’ 2026 1st, 3rd, and 4th round picks. All three of Denver’s picks are 30th overall in each round. Essentially, the teams swapped 4th-round picks, while the Dolphins received picks No. 30 and No. 94 in exchange for Waddle. Though Waddle is a great player, this is certainly a huge haul for his services. What does this mean for the Dolphins future? With Waddle gone, the Dolphins will almost certainly draft a receiver in this year’s draft. Armed with seven picks in the Top-100, general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan has the freedom to move forward in a multitude of ways. The team also recently added wide receivers Jalen Tolbert and Tutu Atwell in free agency, though neither can be considered a true No.1 receiver. As it relates to the overall landscape of the team, the move almost certainly signals that a complete rebuild is coming, if not already here. See More:
Detroit Lions host former D3 standout guard for free agent visit
The Detroit Lions continue to look for help on the offensive line in NFL free agency. On Monday, the team hosted free agent guard Ben Bartch for a visit to the facility. Bartch is a fascinating player. In college, he played at a D3 school, St. John’s—the one in Minnesota, not the better-known one in […] The Detroit Lions continue to look for help on the offensive line in NFL free agency. On Monday, the team hosted free agent guard Ben Bartch for a visit to the facility. Bartch is a fascinating player. In college, he played at a D3 school, St. John’s—the one in Minnesota, not the better-known one in New York. At first, he started out as a tight end for his first two collegiate years. Then he bulked up (eating an absolutely disgusting shake to help) and shifted to left tackle, where he eventually earned Offensive Lineman of the Year honors within the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC). Despite playing at such a low level of competition, Bartch garnered a ton of pre-draft attention. He earned an invitation to the Senior Bowl, where he stood out as a winner, and parlayed that into an NFL Combine invite. Eventually, he landed with the Jacksonville Jaguars, becoming the first player from the MIAC to be drafted since 2003, and the first from St. John’s since 1974. Unfortunately, his NFL career hasn’t taken off as he’d likely hoped. Injuries have been the primary impediment to Bartch’s career. As expected, his first year was mostly spent in development, but in Year 2, he started 11 games for the Jaguars—all at right guard. He earned the starting left guard spot entering Year 3. But five games in, he suffered a dislocated knee, ending his season. The next year, he was the presumed starting guard again, but was benched and waived after poor play. Since midway though the 2023 season, he has been with the San Francisco 49ers. He spent most of the 2024 season on the practice squad, while he ended up making the 53-man roster last season. But he missed all but six games last year with an ankle sprain (seven games missed) and a foot sprain (four). Overall, Bartch has started 24 games, including at least one every season. Of those 24 starts, 11 came at right guard (all during the 2021 season), and the other 13 came at left guard. Undoubtedly, the Lions are looking into his current health, considering he missed four regular-season and the 49ers’ two playoff games with his late foot sprain. But if healthy, Bartch offers experienced depth, high upside, and a strong athletic profile to compete for a spot on an NFL 53-man roster. If the Lions decide to sign him, he’ll compete with the likes of Christian Mahogany, Miles Frazier, Juice Scruggs, Michael Niese, Mason Miller, Colby Sorsdal, and Seth McLaughlin for a reserve spot along the Lions’ offensive line. See More:
One of top NFL Draft prospects suffered broken foot at Scouting Combine
Caleb Banks, considered one of the top two defensive tackles in the 2026 NFL Draft class, reportedly suffered a broken foot at the NFL Scouting Combine. Dane Brugler of The Athletic reported that downs suffered the injury the night before on-field testing in Indianapolis. Banks ran the 40-yard dash and did the vertical jump, but declined to do the remainder of the drills saying his shoe was bothering him. Obviously, it wasn’t the shoe. Per Brugler, Banks had a fracture of the fourth metatarsal surgically repaired by Dr. Norman Waldrop on March 9. He is expected to be sidelined until June. Banks, who might be considered a target for the defensive line-needy New York Giants at No. 37, also dealt with a foot injury that cost him most of the 2025 season. He played in only three games. Will the injury take the 6-foot-6, 327-pound Banks out of consideration for the Giants at 37? See More: New York Giants Draft
NY Giants 2026 NFL Draft scouting report: Ja’Kobi Lane, WR, USC
The 2026 draft class wasn’t predicted to be a particularly strong one at the wide receiver position. Then, however, analysts stepped back and counted just how many receivers could become starters in the NFL and revised their opinion. USC’s Ja’Kobi Lane is one of those receivers who wasn’t quite getting national recognition — in his case he was living in the shadow of Biletnikoff winner Makai Lemon. The dynamic between the two is to how Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr. were viewed at LSU. The New York Giants were active in adding pass catchers this off-season, but still don’t have a dependable 1b across from Nabers. Could Lane blossom in the NFL and be that guy? Prospect: Ja’Kobi Lane (8)Games Watched: vs. Illinois (2025), vs. Michigan (2025), vs. Notre Dame (2025), vs. Oregon (2025)Red Flags: Foot (fracture, suffered May 2025) Measurables Strengths Best traits Length Catch radius Ball skills Body control Quickness Agility Blocking Ja’Kobi Lane is a big, long receiving prospect with great ball skills and the ability to be productive at all three levels. Lane has excellent length at 6-foot-4, 200 pounds, with 32 ⅝ inch arms, as well as big 10 ½ inch hands. He does a great job of consistently extending to attack the ball at the highest point, giving him a massive catch radius. Lane also catches the ball with “late” hands, extending at the very last instant to give defenders as little time to react as possible. He’s easily able to locate the ball in the air on both shallow and deep passes, and is likewise able to track it. He generally makes good adjustments to expand the receiving window and is able to put himself in a good position to make the catch. Lane typically positions himself well and is able to find the soft spots in zone coverages as well as make himself available on scramble drills. Lane has better quickness and agility than expected given his lanky frame, and is capable of running a full route tree. He’s able to cut sharply and has good stop-start quickness when he isn’t running full speed. That allows Lane to uncover well on quick passes, which, along with his size, makes him a useful piece along the sideline in short-yardage situations. Lane is a tough, competitive receiver who’s willing to fight through contact early in the route and at the catch point. Likewise, he is a tough blocker once engaged and is willing to do the dirty work to help his teammates. Weaknesses Worst traits Concentration drops Contested catch rate Explosiveness and burst There are a couple issues in Lane’s game that keep him out of the top tier of prospects in this year’s class. The most notable is an elevated drop rate at 7.5 percent. While drops weren’t a consistent issue in the tape viewed, there were a few concentration drops on routine catches. Likewise, Lane has a just a 43.5 percent contested catch rate (per Pro Football Focus), which is low for a player who will likely be looked at as a possession and red zone receiver. Outside of that, Lane has good speed, but it’s definitely “build up” speed. He doesn’t have great acceleration and needs some open field to lengthen his stride to hit his top speed. That not only limits Lane’s ability as a ball carrier in YAC situations, but also his burst out of breaks on short timing routes. And while he’s generally competitive as a blocker, there were a few instances where he was a bit passing in stepping up to engage with defenders. That led to plays being blown up when he could have sprung them for nice gains. Finally, teams will want to do their due diligence on the foot fracture that Lane suffered in May of 2025. The injury limited him throughout the off-season, and teams will want to make sure it’s healed well and isn’t an issue going froward. Game Tape (Lane is the USC wide receiver wearing number 8.) Projection Ja’Kobi Lane projects as a starting wide receiver at the NFL level. He should be able to execute most passing schemes in the NFL, though he might be best used in an offense that allows him to get vertical as often as possible. While Lane is capable of picking up yardage as a ball carrier in YAC situations or on screens, he won’t make something out of nothing in the short to intermediate area of the field. So while he doesn’t have blazing speed, his long strides eat up yardage and offenses wouldn’t be sacrificing YAC potential with deeper targets. Likewise, Lane is big target down the field and his ball skills should increase quarterbacks’ margins for error. Lane will need to clean up the concentration drops, and his contested catch rate is concerning for a player who should be a Red Zone and Contested Catch specialist. However, more practice and different coaching could unlock those areas of his game. Lane may never be a Pro Bowl or All Pro receiver, but the potential is there to be a reliable piece that emerges as a valuable contributor. Does he fit the Giants? Potentially, depending on value and scheme Final Word: A mid Day 2 value See More: New York Giants Draft