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NFL Nation
A number of Authors
The 2026 NFL draft started Thursday evening in Pittsburgh (on ESPN/ABC/ESPN App).
We’re monitoring all 257 picks for Rounds 1-7, and you can also try all of the best available draft prospects.
The draft continues with Rounds 2 and three on Friday (7 p.m. ET) and concludes with Rounds 4-7 on Saturday (midday ET).
ESPN’s workforce of reporters will submit professionals and cons under for every of the 32 gamers chosen in Thursday’s first spherical.
Extra NFL draft protection:
Kiper’s Round 1 winners, losers, value picks
Top prospects at every position
Kiper’s position rankings
Spherical 1 picks / order
Why they picked him: With the Raiders within the midst of a rebuild, they wanted a long-term reply at quarterback, and Mendoza has the potential to fill this want. His talent set is a pure match for brand spanking new coach Klint Kubiak’s offense, and the 2 can turn into a robust pairing for years to return. Just like most quarterbacks popping out of school, Mendoza must alter to enjoying beneath middle. However his decision-making and accuracy ought to carry him a good distance.
Largest query: Regardless that basic supervisor John Spytek and Kubiak want letting a younger quarterback sit till prepared, the most effective gamers will in the end play. The Raiders signed Kirk Cousins forward of the draft, giving the group insurance coverage on the place. The perfect-case situation is that Cousins begins the season because the starter earlier than Mendoza takes over for the remainder of the way in which, just like Russell Wilson and Jaxson Dart with the New York Giants final yr. — Ryan McFadden
Why they picked him: Did you see what opposing quarterbacks did to the Jets final season? We’re speaking 36 landing passes and nil interceptions. The Jets’ go rush was so benign (26 sacks) that the most secure place within the stadium was the pocket behind middle. Bailey ought to change that. In 2025, he led the FBS in sacks (14.5) and quarterback stress share (20.4%). His outdoors pace is actual and may appeal to double-teams, creating one-on-ones for the inside rushers. The Jets have not had a constant, double-digit sack risk in a decade. Bailey must be that man.
Largest query: Did they blow it by passing on Arvell Reese? Most expertise evaluators consider Reese has the next ceiling than Bailey. One other query shall be about Bailey’s legal responsibility in opposition to the run. By his personal admission, that is an space wherein he wants to enhance. He had solely eight run stops (tackles at or behind the road of scrimmage) in 14 video games. The Jets will depart themselves susceptible in opposition to the run in the event that they roll with Bailey (251 kilos) and Will McDonald IV (245) as their two edge defenders. — Wealthy Cimini
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David Bailey’s ‘able to work’ after being drafted No. 2 to Jets
David Bailey says he desires to be a sponge and he is “able to work” after being drafted No. 2 to the New York Jets.
Why they picked him: Love provides the Cardinals much more offensive talent expertise for first-year head coach Mike LaFleur to make the most of. Love is a dynamic again, who will slide into the RB1 function instantly. Arizona has a number of different wants that can assist the Cardinals win in 2026, however it could possibly construct round Love and he’ll complement the likes of Marvin Harrison Jr., Michael Wilson and Trey McBride.
Largest query: Having a expertise reminiscent of Love within the backfield might result in offensive fireworks, if Arizona can each shield the quarterback — whomever it would — and block for Love. Arizona has a serious want at proper sort out, so addressing the offense from the skin in is a serious danger for a basic supervisor on the recent seat with a first-year head coach. — Josh Weinfuss
Why they picked him: The Titans took Tate so as to add playmakers for quarterback Cam Ward. Tate is a whole receiver who developed right into a downfield risk final season. He averaged 32.5 yards per landing final season with 5 scores of 40 or extra yards. It is a comparatively protected decide for the Titans, who’re banking on his continued improvement as a go catcher. He’ll get to work with large receivers coach Greg Lewis and figures to settle in on the No. 1 receiver for Ward. Tate can also be a keen blocker.
Largest query: How will Tate alter to being the No. 1 receiver? Because the draft’s fourth decide, Tate shall be requested to right away be the Titans’ lead receiver. That is new territory for him after serving because the No. 2 wideout at Ohio State alongside Jeremiah Smith. The protection goes to be rolled towards Tate now. He’ll additionally face the opposing workforce’s prime cowl nook after they play in opposition to man protection. How Tate adjusts to the brand new defensive deal with him would be the key to his success. The great factor is he’ll have an achieved playcaller in Brian Daboll and veteran receivers Wan’Dale Robinson and Calvin Ridley to point out him the way in which. — Turron Davenport
Why they picked him: Fairly merely, he is top-of-the-line prospects on this draft. The Giants did not anticipate him to be obtainable. Reese initiatives primarily as an edge rusher but additionally has performed inside linebacker at Ohio State. He can transfer across the subject and is a singular athlete, having run the 40-yard sprint in 4.46 seconds at 241 kilos. As basic supervisor Joe Schoen mentioned on the NFL mix: “You may’t have sufficient go rushers.” That applies right here.
Largest query: How do the Giants match Reese into the combination? They have already got edge rushers Brian Burns, Abdul Carter and Kayvon Thibodeaux on the roster. This would appear to place Thibodeaux’s future in additional doubt. Thibodeaux is about to play this season on his fifth-year choice. A commerce might be on the horizon. Even with Burns, Carter and Reese, it will likely be a problem for brand spanking new defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson to get the proficient rookie on the sphere sufficient to justify this excessive decide. — Jordan Raanan
Why they picked him: After buying and selling All-Professional cornerback Trent McDuffie to the Los Angeles Rams seven weeks in the past, the Chiefs have discovered their new starter in Delane, who has the potential to be a star. One among Delane’s greatest traits is his protection means, particularly in press, man-to-man protection. In 11 video games final season, he recorded two interceptions and 13 go breakups. Delane can also be not afraid to be a bodily sort out within the open house. With the Chiefs, Delane shall be a starter who will help change the misplaced manufacturing of McDuffie and Jaylen Watson, who’re each with the Rams.
Largest query: Did the Chiefs really want to make this commerce? By buying and selling three picks, the Chiefs made positive they took the highest cornerback within the draft, changing into the primary workforce to execute a commerce to maneuver forward of the Washington Commanders and New Orleans Saints in draft order. However have been the Chiefs frightened that a kind of groups would choose Delane? By executing this commerce, the Chiefs went from 9 picks to solely seven. The commerce shall be profitable if Delane seems to be invaluable sufficient to give up the Nos. 9, 74 and 148 picks. — Nate Taylor
Why they picked him: Kinds affords terrific size, pace, management and flexibility at linebacker. Kinds ran a 4.46 within the 40-yard sprint on the mix and would give the Commanders the pace they’ve lacked on the place, pairing with Leo Chenal (4.53) to kind a quick tandem alongside Frankie Luvu. One other potential starter, Jordan Magee (4.55) additionally affords pace and flexibility. In new coordinator Daronte Jones’ protection, Kinds would supply flexibility in protection — at 6-foot-5, he covers floor — they usually can use him as a blitzer, one thing Chenal can even do. Additionally, Kinds missed solely two tackles final season and is taken into account a robust on-field communicator and chief.
Largest query: Does he preserve ascending and may he affect the quarterback? Kinds made an enormous leap in his second season at linebacker for Ohio State after transitioning from security. The latter place has helped in some route recognitions, however he’ll additionally need to show he can deal with one-on-one protection in opposition to backs or tight ends. Additionally, can he turn into an efficient blitzer? OSU linebackers coach James Laurinaitis mentioned they’d have used him equally to Arvell Reese this yr — in the event that they did not have Reese. In different phrases, sure they assume he can blitz. — John Keim
Why they picked him: The Saints wanted large receivers on the finish of the 2025 season, and after they did not signal one in free company, the hypothesis about including a go catcher intensified. The Saints have a younger quarterback in Tyler Shough and must encompass him with offensive gamers. The large receiver room, which does not have a lot depth proper now, will get a right away improve with Tyson, who had 18 landing receptions the previous two seasons. He can turn into a right away starter subsequent to Chris Olave.
Largest query: Tyson’s harm historical past is in depth, which might be a priority. Olave, the Saints’ No. 1 wideout, suffered well being problems with his personal when he had a number of concussions in 2024. Tyson has had hamstring points, knee points, an ankle harm and a damaged collarbone. Protecting him wholesome shall be a prime precedence for the Saints, who’ve acknowledged they’re extra risk-averse when drafting than they could have been previously. — Katherine Terrell
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How Jordyn Tyson matches with the Saints
Katherine Terrell reacts to the Saints’ collection of Arizona State large receiver Jordyn Tyson at No. 8.
Why they picked him: The Browns’ dedication to the trenches this offseason continues. After bringing in three outdoors offensive linemen in free company, Cleveland provides its attainable left sort out of the longer term. Fano performed the previous two seasons at proper sort out however started his faculty profession at left sort out. The Browns nonetheless have an enormous void at left sort out, a place group that gave up a league-worst 16.2% stress fee and 36 fast pressures final season, in keeping with NFL Subsequent Gen Stats. Dawand Jones, a 2023 fourth-round decide, has suffered season-ending leg accidents in three straight seasons.
Largest query: Is Fano’s future truly at left sort out? All through the draft course of, there was hypothesis that Fano might transfer inside to protect or sort out due to his sub-33-inch arm size. Cleveland has added a pair of inside linemen this offseason (Elgton Jenkins and Zion Johnson) however just one offensive sort out (Tytus Howard) — Daniel Oyefusi
Why they picked him: He was thought-about by many to be the highest offensive lineman on this draft. He can begin on the vacant proper guard spot and probably slide out to sort out in future years if Andrew Thomas struggles with accidents or when Jermaine Eluemunor‘s contract expires. Mauigoa had solely 11 snaps as a guard at Miami and was a consensus All-American this previous season at proper sort out. His 1.1% stress share allowed was third greatest in FBS. Mauigoa performs with the scale and energy that ought to transition properly to protect. Some NFL evaluators assume his greatest match is definitely as a guard.
Largest query: He has a herniated disc in his again. It is attainable that Mauigoa might finally want surgical procedure. That left questions on how excessive a workforce would take him within the draft as a result of it might have an effect on his rookie season. After which who is aware of how it will reply long run. There was by no means any doubt that Mauigoa would nonetheless be a excessive decide, however would a workforce take the chance within the prime 10? — Jordan Raanan
Why they picked him: Some folks take into account Downs the most effective participant within the draft. Others have known as him the most secure decide within the draft. The Cowboys’ protection wants all types of assist, and Downs can fill spots at security, however he almost definitely would be the nickel defender, which is of giant significance for brand spanking new coordinator Christian Parker. Downs can diagnose issues rapidly and is unafraid.
Largest query: There have been rumblings of a knee situation within the lead-up to the draft, however he by no means sat out a recreation in faculty. He did not do testing on the mix or at his professional day, so there is no such thing as a 40-yard sprint time, however on movie, there is not a lot query about his pace. — Todd Archer
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Cowboys land go rusher Malachi Lawrence at No. 23
Todd Archer stories on the Cowboys buying and selling down to pick UCF edge Malachi Lawrence at No. 23, including a 20-sack go rusher to spice up their protection.
Why they picked him: Proctor brings huge dimension to the sphere at 6-foot-7, 352 kilos, and provides Miami two of the most important tackles within the league alongside Patrick Paul. The Dolphins need to run the ball and Proctor is a mauler who will help them accomplish that. With no set starter at proper guard, and Austin Jackson‘s expiring contract at proper sort out, Proctor might play each positions over the following two years.
Largest query: The place will he play? Proctor performed left sort out for the Crimson Tide, nevertheless it’s unlikely he takes Paul’s job in Miami. Jackson has struggled to remain wholesome over the previous few seasons however is productive when he is on the sphere — so proper guard may be Proctor’s clearest path to early enjoying time. — Marcel Louis-Jacques
Why they picked him: Final month, when requested whether or not the Rams are fascinated with life after quarterback Matthew Stafford, head coach Sean McVay mentioned the workforce was making ready for the short- and long-term outlook on the place. They took an enormous step towards organising the longer term at quarterback by drafting Simpson, who was broadly thought-about the second-best QB within the draft behind No. 1 decide Fernando Mendoza. Final season at Alabama, Simpson accomplished 64.5% of his passes for 3,567 yards and 28 touchdowns. He’ll sit behind Stafford and have the possibility to study from the reigning NFL MVP so long as the veteran quarterback desires to play.
Largest query: What went into the choice to consider the longer term at quarterback as a substitute of fixing a right away want on a workforce thought-about a Tremendous Bowl contender in 2026? Finally, basic supervisor Les Snead and the Rams hope they are not choosing this excessive within the first spherical of the draft within the foreseeable future, as that is the decide they’ve after buying and selling out of the primary spherical a yr in the past. Snead has been clear that the Rams need to maximize the roster for so long as Stafford is enjoying, however by going into the draft with no main voids on the roster, it allowed them to take a participant who they hope will help preserve their Tremendous Bowl window open after Stafford’s retirement. — Sarah Barshop
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Rams GM Les Snead praises Ty Simpson
Les Snead expands on Ty Simpsons perseverance and journey from Alabama to the Rams.
Why they picked him: Baltimore addresses one in all its largest wants with Ioane, who is taken into account the most effective guard on this draft class. By taking Ioane over Miami edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. and Oregon tight finish Kenyon Sadiq, the Ravens are displaying their dedication to upgrading the go safety for quarterback Lamar Jackson.
Final season, Baltimore’s quarterbacks have been sacked on 8.9% of their dropbacks, which was the worst fee in franchise historical past. Ioane is thought for being dominant within the run recreation, however he has been equally sturdy in shutting down go rushers. He did not surrender a sack in his previous two seasons at Penn State. Ravens basic supervisor Eric DeCosta described the 6-foot-4, 330-pound Ioane as coming “straight from central casting for what you need your guards to appear like.”
Largest query: Will Baltimore remorse utilizing such a excessive decide on a non-premium place? Groups are sometimes taking quarterbacks, large receivers, offensive tackles, cornerbacks and edge rushers within the prime half of the primary spherical — not inside offensive linemen. Over the previous decade, solely 5 guards have been chosen within the prime half of the primary spherical: Quenton Nelson (sixth), Chris Lindstrom (14th), Alijah Vera-Tucker (14th), Kenyon Green (fifteenth) and Tyler Booker (twelfth). There have been blended outcomes with as many Professional Bowl gamers (Nelson and Lindstrom) as gamers not with their unique groups (Vera-Tucker and Inexperienced). — Jamison Hensley
Why they picked him: The Bucs have sought edgier and extra bodily imposing gamers on protection this offseason. Bain provides them that at 6-foot-3 and 275 kilos, together with manufacturing: He had 9.5 sacks, 15.5 tackles for a loss, an interception and a pressured fumble this previous yr en path to successful ACC Defensive Participant of the Yr. He additionally had 5 sacks within the postseason, displaying up for the Hurricanes when it mattered most.
Largest query: Bain was concerned in a 2024 motorcar accident that resulted within the demise of a passenger. He was cited for careless driving, however the cost was dismissed. There have been issues about his shorter arms at 30⅞ inches and his pace, working a 4.69 40-yard sprint on the mix. However the Bucs have a high-character locker room to soak up a participant who would possibly want help, and the workforce has at all times believed in tape over testing occasions. — Jenna Laine
Why they picked him: The Jets wanted an explosive go catcher, whether or not it was a large receiver or a decent finish. Sadiq is a large receiver in a decent finish’s physique. At 6-foot-3, 241 kilos, he ran the 40-yard sprint in a scorching 4.39 seconds on the mix. He performed as much as his pace in his solely season as a starter, producing 13 receptions of at the very least 20 yards. His general stats have been comparatively modest — 51 catches for 560 yards and eight touchdowns, as some felt he was underutilized by Oregon. The knock in opposition to him? Six drops final season.
Largest query: Ought to they’ve picked a large receiver as a substitute of Sadiq? There have been some good ones nonetheless on the board, together with Makai Lemon and Omar Cooper Jr. The Jets used a second-round decide final season on Mason Taylor, who nonetheless figures prominently of their plans. They are going to be utilizing numerous two-tight-end packages, deploying Sadiq because the flex and Taylor as the standard in-line tight finish. This does not bode properly for veteran Jeremy Ruckert, who signed a contract extension late final season — Wealthy Cimini
Why they picked him: The Lions’ offensive line wasn’t as much as par final season, ending with the second-worst go block win fee within the NFL (56%), in keeping with ESPN Analytics/NFL Subsequent Gen Stats. After lacking the playoffs in 2025, Detroit continues to retool its offensive line by including Miller, with an emphasis on enhancing the go safety round veteran quarterback Jared Goff. His expertise is primarily at proper sort out for Clemson, and he has a prototypical body for an offensive sort out — at 6-foot-6, 315 kilos — to assist instantly.
Largest query: Was Miller the most suitable choice amongst obtainable offensive tackles to assist immediately? Followers needs to be cautious about questioning Lions GM Brad Holmes’ selections based mostly on his monitor file within the NFL draft, nevertheless it’s nonetheless a good query. Both means, the Lions addressed one in all their prime positional wants with an elite prospect on the offensive line. That is one other foundational building-block decide and a strong participant who began all 54 video games of his faculty profession. Miller is the primary offensive lineman chosen by the Lions within the first spherical since they took Penei Sewell at No. 7 in 2021. — Eric Woodyard
Why they picked him: At the start, there was a large want on the place. The Vikings spent massive at defensive sort out final season, signing veterans Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave, however neither made a huge impact and have been launched after the season. That left a promising however inexperienced group of incumbents, together with Jalen Redmond, Levi Drake Rodriguez and Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins, a fifth-round decide in 2025, and Elijah Williams. They didn’t signal a free agent on the place, so there’s a right away alternative for Banks to play. That’s, in fact, if he’s wholesome.
Largest query: Banks is a large prospect at 6-foot-6 and 330 kilos, however he has had a sequence of accidents to his left foot. He lately underwent surgical procedure to restore a damaged bone within the foot, which he suffered on the NFL mix, and performed in solely three video games final season due to an harm to the identical foot. NFL groups acquired a letter final week concerning the situation of his foot and have been advised that Banks hopes to be again on the sphere for June minicamp. He is a probably dominant participant when wholesome, however the harm historical past is worrisome. — Kevin Seifert
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How Vikings are reacting after taking Caleb Banks with decide No. 18
Kevin Seifert explains the place the Vikings stand after drafting Caleb Banks with the 18th general decide.
Why they picked him: The Panthers’ offensive line wanted to be upgraded after a disappointing 2025. Carolina ranked twenty third in go block win fee (59.4%), twenty eighth in run block win fee (69.7%), and twenty ninth in stress fee allowed (36.1%), per ESPN Analysis. Left sort out Ikem Ekwonu ruptured his patella tendon in a playoff loss to the Los Angeles Rams and two different starters (middle Cade Mays and guard Austin Corbett) left in free company. Freeling has performed each proper and left sort out, and he gave up solely seven pressures and two sacks final season.
Largest query: Freeling was a second-team All-SEC choice final season, however has solely 18 begins — all coming in 2025. That makes him one of many extra inexperienced tackles, however he confirmed enchancment through the season. However any concern about his inexperience might be offset by his athleticism: He had the fourth-fastest 40-yard sprint (4.93 seconds) and had the agility rating of 90 (100), tied for the second greatest by any offensive lineman. — Mike DiRocco
Why they picked him: The Eagles transfer up and make a serious addition at receiver prematurely of A.J. Brown‘s anticipated departure. The 2025 Biletnikoff Award winner because the nation’s prime receiver, Lemon posted 150-plus receiving yards in 4 video games this previous season — probably the most by a USC participant since Drake London in 2021. He emerged as one of many nation’s prime slot targets, posting 1,281 yards out of the slot since 2024. “[Lemon] is pretty much as good as I’ve seen,” Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz mentioned after Lemon went for 153 yards on 10 catches in opposition to his workforce. “Going again 20-plus years, I do not know if anyone’s impacted the sport extra.”
Largest query: How quickly will they handle the offensive line? The entrance was a vulnerability for Philadelphia for the primary time in a very long time final season. With proper sort out Lane Johnson and left guard Landon Dickerson each pondering retirement this offseason, there’s urgency so as to add to the group. There was some thought that the Eagles would possibly go O-line within the first spherical, and Georgia’s Monroe Freeling acquired inside vary earlier than being chosen by the Panthers at 19. As an alternative, they get good worth with Lemon, who wasn’t anticipated to be obtainable this late within the draft. — Tim McManus
Why they picked him: With expertise at left and proper sort out, Iheanachor affords the Steelers coveted place flexibility, one thing each coach Mike McCarthy and basic supervisor Omar Khan emphasised Thursday evening after making the choice. Iheanachor, who moved to the US from Nigeria at 13, performed basketball and soccer earlier than switching to soccer later, and that background gave him a robust basis to develop his soccer footwork. In choosing Iheanachor, the Steelers spurned including a top-tier large receiver and are as a substitute betting on their means to develop and mildew one of many extra uncooked prospects and assist him hit a excessive ceiling.
Largest query: What does this imply for offensive sort out Broderick Jones? The Steelers’ 2023 first-round decide sustained a season-ending neck harm and had surgical procedure quickly after, and his timeline to return continues to be murky. Although the Steelers preserve he’s on an anticipated timeline to return following the surgical procedure, it stays unclear if he’ll have the ability to play by coaching camp or the beginning of the season as he works to regain his energy. Khan on Thursday evening acknowledged there was some concern with Jones, however Iheanachor’s place flexibility made him the fitting decide no matter Jones’ well being. — Brooke Pryor
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What Max Iheanachor brings to the Steelers
What Max Iheanachor brings to the Steelers
Why they picked him: After dropping edge Odafe Oweh in free company, edge was one of many Chargers’ most distinguished wants heading into the draft. The Chargers have traditionally rotated their edge rushers — together with enjoying three in pass-rush eventualities — and Mesidor permits them to proceed doing so beneath first-year coordinator Chris O’Leary. Mesidor additionally provides the Chargers a possible cornerstone for the way forward for this room, as 35-year-old Khalil Mack might be enjoying his last season in Los Angeles.
Largest query: Why did not the Chargers go offensive line? Justin Herbert was the league’s most-hit and pressured quarterback final season, making the necessity apparent. With Professional Bowl tackles Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater set to return from accidents, the offensive line shall be a lot improved, however the Chargers nonetheless have holes at guard. However this decide falls in step with GM Joe Hortiz’s strategy of taking the most effective participant obtainable and fills a necessity for the Chargers. The expectation is that L.A. can get a proficient guard on Day 2. — Kris Rhim
Why they picked him: A protection can by no means have sufficient go rushers. The Cowboys traded for Rashan Gary firstly of the offseason. Now, they add Lawrence with at No. 23. He had 20 sacks in his profession at UCF and was an All-Massive 12 choice in 2025 when he had seven sacks and 11 tackles for loss. He’s thought-about a high-energy run defender with the power to chase down performs, whereas additionally impacting the quarterback. The final time the Cowboys used two first-round picks on defensive gamers was in 2005 with DeMarcus Ware and Marcus Spears.
Largest query: Is he prepared for the NFL recreation? The Cowboys have Gary, Donovan Ezeiruaku (their second-round decide final yr), Sam Williams and James Houston as their go rushers to pair with Lawrence. Ezeiruaku is coming off hip surgical procedure and had two sacks final season. Williams, who re-signed as a free agent within the offseason, had one. Houston had 5.5. However for Christian Parker, the brand new DC, Lawrence is energetic and matches the profile of what he desires on the sting. — Todd Archer
Why they picked him: The Browns wanted to improve the large receiver room, which has been the NFL’s least productive for the reason that 2025 season. Cleveland’s receivers accounted for the fewest receptions, yards and touchdowns final season. KC Concepcion was some of the dynamic large receivers in faculty soccer and in addition a risk as a returner.
Largest query: Can Concepcion repair his points with drops? His 6.7% drop fee ranked 285th out of qualifying go catchers. — Daniel Oyefusi
Why they picked him: The Bears’ prime three defensive backs in snaps final season all left in free company, together with safeties Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker. Whereas assistant GM Jeff King mentioned the workforce can be assured beginning Elijah Hicks and Cam Lewis, who boast a mixed 29 begins, Thieneman provides Chicago a high-end day one starter reverse marquee free agent signing Coby Bryant. From Bryant to Lewis and now Thieneman, Chicago has centered closely on replenishing its secondary over the previous two months after its protection gave up 61 completions of 20-plus yards (tied for second most) and 13 passing touchdowns of 20-plus yards (tied for probably the most with Dallas).
Largest query: How does Thieneman match with Bryant? The primary trait that Bears faculty scouting director Breck Ackley mentioned drew the workforce to Thieneman is the protection’s versatility and the way that can permit defensive coordinator Dennis Allen to carve out roles for each the rookie and Bryant. “That is what’s so thrilling,” Ackley mentioned. “While you have a look at the way you need your protection to play, you need to have the ability to play with two guys that may each play excessive and low, each subject the run on either side. So there’s actually not a weak point as a result of they will each do every thing.” — Courtney Cronin
Why they picked him: The Texans wanted so as to add younger expertise on the inside of their offensive line, and this decide does that. Houston has perceived starters in guard Wyatt Teller and Ed Ingram, with Jake Andrews at middle. This at the very least provides Houston a possible starter at a place of want, who, if he turns into efficient, would permit the Texans to have a cheap participant on the inside for the following 4 to 5 years. Houston additionally is not in a rush to play him both, so the Texans can take their time growing him.
Largest query: Will Rutledge turn into a starter in Yr 1? The Texans traded the Nos. 28, 69 and 167 general picks to get Rutledge, in order that they’re clearly enthusiastic about what he can turn into in Houston. The previous All-American succeeds at combo blocks whereas transferring as much as the second stage. That works in Houston as a result of Texans offensive coordinator Nick Caley likes to run hole schemes on the inside the place double-teams are known as from the guard-and-center combo. — DJ Bien-Aime
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What Keylan Rutledge brings to the Texans
What Keylan Rutledge brings to the Texans
Why they picked him: There isn’t any beginning cornerback on the Dolphins’ roster, and Johnson might take the job from Day 1. He has good dimension on the place (6-foot, 193 kilos) and ran a 4.4 40-yard sprint — so he can sustain with basically any receiver he faces. He examined via the roof on the mix and possesses the footwork to match his athletic traits. First-year coach Jeff Hafley focuses on teaching defensive backs and now has his potential CB1.
Largest query: Will his recreation translate on the subsequent stage? It is low-hanging fruit for any prospect popping out of a Group of 5 convention, however Johnson had restricted reps in opposition to NFL-caliber competitors. Sauce Gardner and Quinyon Mitchell each made the transition easily, and the Dolphins hope they’ve discovered the following nice Group of 5 cornerback. — Marcel Louis-Jacques
Why they picked him: The Patriots traded as much as No. 28, giving the Payments their No. 31 decide in addition to a fourth-rounder (No. 125) to make sure they landed their probably new swing sort out behind Will Campbell (left) and Morgan Moses (proper). With the 35-year-old Moses coming into his thirteenth NFL season, Lomu might be a future starter on the fitting aspect, whereas additionally including insurance coverage ought to Campbell — final yr’s first-rounder — battle in his improvement. Lomu additionally has the flexibleness to play guard if wanted. Constructing extra infrastructure round QB Drake Maye is rarely a nasty thought, and the 21-year-old Lomu, who began 22 video games over the previous two seasons at left sort out, provides a promising developmental prospect.
Largest query: Lomu is not thought-about a robust run blocker, and as ESPN draft analyst Area Yates famous, he nonetheless must construct out his core energy on the NFL stage. — Mike Reiss
Why they picked him: The Chiefs flip the centerpiece of the Trent McDuffie commerce into an athletic defensive sort out in Woods, who needs to be a rotational contributor as a rookie. The Chiefs want depth behind go rusher Chris Jones and Omarr Norman-Lott, final yr’s second-round decide who sustained a season-ending torn ACL in his proper knee in October. Woods is an intriguing athlete. Final week, basic supervisor Brett Veach acknowledged that the Chiefs wanted so as to add two gamers on the inside place.
How rapidly can Woods assist ease the burden on Jones? With spectacular quickness, Woods can study so much from Jones, the Chiefs’ greatest defensive participant. The Chiefs hope that Woods will develop in Kansas Metropolis after an up-and-down faculty profession. If that occurs, sooner quite than later, Woods might assist Jones keep away from being on the sphere for 80% of the snaps, as he has executed. With a necessity on the place, Woods ought to have loads of alternative to earn snaps. — Nate Taylor
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What Peter Woods brings to the Chiefs
What Peter Woods brings to the Chiefs
Why they picked him: Extensive receiver was a serious want, and the consensus top-three receivers have been off the board (Jordyn Tyson, Carnell Tate and Makai Lemon). Cooper joins Garrett Wilson and Adonai Mitchell to present the Jets a probably formidable receiving trio. The previous Indiana star offers a yards-after-catch dimension, one thing the Jets lacked in 2025 (4.5 YAC per reception, thirtieth). Robust and bodily with the ball, he produced 30 performs of 20-plus yards over the previous two seasons. The Jets want a few of that — desperately.
Largest query: Did the Jets surrender an excessive amount of to get Cooper? They traded up three spots, giving a second-round decide (33) and a fifth-rounder (179) to the 49ers to maneuver up three spots. That second-round decide was invaluable as a result of, on the prime of the spherical, it will’ve attracted suitors for a possible commerce. The Jets did not need to take an opportunity on dropping Cooper to another person, they usually additionally wished that fifth-year choice for a first-rounder. That is why they moved up, giving them a three-player haul within the first spherical. — Wealthy Cimini
Why they picked him: Faulk has the prototypical dimension to play defensive finish for Saleh. His versatility is a plus for the Titans, permitting him to set the sting as a defensive finish on early downs and probably bump inside to defensive sort out to supply a special look as an inside go rusher. Saleh likes to make use of a rotation on the entrance 4 and needs gamers who can line up at a number of spots alongside the defensive position. This decide is one wherein the Titans are banking on Faulk’s upside and their means to maximise a prospect with good measurables who’s solely 20 years previous.
Largest query:: Why so little manufacturing at Auburn? Faulk accounted for under 10 sacks in 37 video games at Auburn, together with solely two final season. Nonetheless, he did accumulate 30 quarterback pressures, which reveals he can get to the quarterback. Turning extra of the quarterback pressures into sacks would be the final job for Saleh and Co. Faulk admitted to enjoying along with his pad stage too excessive as one of many causes he hasn’t been in a position to end the deal and truly sack the quarterback. At worst, Faulk shall be a plus run defender. Mockingly, that is an space the place he mentioned his pad stage is appropriate as a result of he has fired out of a three-point stance and was requested to occupy two gaps in faculty. — Turron Davenport
Why they picked him: Their backfield cabinet wasn’t naked, nevertheless it was simply the Seahawks’ largest want. In a weak draft for working backs, a major dropoff to the next-best choice and an unimpressive record of accessible free brokers, this was Seattle’s greatest shot at discovering a alternative for Kenneth Walker III. Value did not run a blazing 40-yard sprint on the mix (4.49), however he has loads of explosive runs on his résumé in addition to three touchdowns on kickoff returns over his profession, so he will help fill the necessity for pace in Seattle’s backfield with Walker gone. Past that, Value, who stayed at Notre Dame as Love’s backup regardless of affords to switch, looks like the Seahawks’ sort of particular person.
Largest query: Value was a backup in faculty — albeit behind the third decide on this yr’s draft — and can now be requested to fill a pseudo beginning function, with Walker gone and Zach Charbonnet probably out for a lot of the season after knee surgical procedure. Seattle additionally signed Emanuel Wilson to be an influence runner and has George Holani within the combine. One other query about Value pertains to his means to contribute within the passing recreation. He caught solely 15 passes over three seasons, although that was partially a perform of Love’s versatility. — Brady Henderson
