NFL 2026: Season Discussion Thread NFL

[Steve]

Houston Texans B

R1 (26)	Keylan Rutledge -- IOL, Georgia	A-
R2 (36)	Kayden McDonald -- DT, Ohio State	A+
R2 (59)	Marlin Klein -- TE, Michigan	D-
R4 (106)	Febechi Nwaiwu -- G, Oklahoma	C-
R4 (123)	Wade Woodaz -- LB, Clemson	B
R5 (141)	Kamari Ramsey -- S, USC	B+
R6 (204)	Lewis Bond -- WR, Boston College	B
R7 (243)	Aiden Fisher -- LB, Indiana	B+

Indianapolis Colts A-

R2 (53)	CJ Allen -- LB, Georgia	A
R3 (78)	A.J. Haulcy -- S, LSU	A
R4 (113)	Jalen Farmer -- G, Kentucky	B+
R4 (135)	Bryce Boettcher -- LB, Oregon	A-
R5 (156)	George Gumbs Jr. -- EDGE, Florida	B
R6 (214)	Caden Curry -- EDGE, Ohio State	B
R7 (237)	Seth McGowan -- RB, Kentucky	B
R7 (254)	Deion Burks -- WR, Oklahoma	A-

Jacksonville Jaguars B-

R2 (56)	Nate Boerkircher -- TE, Texas A&M	C
R3 (81)	Albert Regis -- DT, Texas A&M	C+
R3 (88)	Emmanuel Pregnon -- G, Oregon	A
R3 (100)	Jalen Huskey -- S, Maryland	C+
R4 (119)	Wesley Williams -- EDGE, Duke	C
R5 (164)	Tanner Koziol -- TE, Houston	B+
R5 (191)	Josh Cameron -- WR, Baylor	B
R6 (203)	CJ Williams -- WR, Stanford	C
R7 (233)	Zach Durfee -- EDGE, Washington	B
R7 (240)	Parker Hughes -- LB, Middle Tennessee State	C

Kansas City Chiefs B+

R1 (6)	Mansoor Delane -- CB, LSU	B-
R1 (29)	Peter Woods -- DT, Clemson	A+
R2 (40)	R Mason Thomas -- EDGE, Oklahoma	A
R4 (109)	Jadon Canady -- CB, Oregon	B-
R5 (161)	Emmett Johnson -- RB, Nebraska	B
R5 (176)	Cyrus Allen -- WR, Cincinnati	B-
R7 (249)	Garrett Nussmeier -- QB, LSU	A+

 

[Steve]

Las Vegas Raiders A

R1 (1)	Fernando Mendoza -- QB, Indiana	A
R2 (38)	Treydan Stukes -- S, Arizona	A
R3 (67)	Keyron Crawford -- EDGE, Auburn	A
R3 (91)	Trey Zuhn III -- C, Texas A&M	A+
R4 (101)	Jermod McCoy -- CB, Tennessee	A+
R4 (122)	Mike Washington Jr. -- RB, Arkansas	A
R5 (150)	Dalton Johnson -- S, Arizona	C+
R5 (175)	Hezekiah Masses -- CB, California	B+
R6 (195)	Malik Benson -- WR, Oregon	B
R7 (229)	Brandon Cleveland -- DL, NC State	A-

Los Angeles Chargers B

R1 (22)	Akheem Mesidor -- EDGE, Miami	B+
R2 (63)	Jake Slaughter -- C, Florida	C+
R4 (105)	Brenen Thompson -- WR, Mississippi State	C+
R4 (117)	Travis Burke -- OT, Memphis	B
R4 (131)	Genesis Smith -- S, Arizona	B
R5 (145)	Nick Barnett -- DL, South Carolina	A
R6 (202)	Logan Taylor -- IOL, Boston College	A-
R6 (206)	Alex Harkey -- IOL, Oregon	B

Los Angeles Rams A-

R1 (13)	Ty Simpson -- QB, Alabama	A
R2 (61)	Max Klare -- TE, Ohio State	B+
R3 (93)	Keagen Trost -- OT, Missouri	A
R6 (197)	CJ Daniels -- WR, Miami	B-
R7 (232)	Tim Keenan II -- DL, Alabama	B+

Miami Dolphins B+

R1 (12)	Kadyn Proctor -- OT, Alabama	A+
R1 (27)	Chris Johnson -- CB, San Diego State	A
R2 (43)	Jacob Rodriguez -- LB, Texas Tech	A
R3 (75)	Caleb Douglas -- WR, Texas Tech	D+
R3 (87)	Will Kacmarek -- TE, Ohio State	B
R3 (94)	Chris Bell -- WR, Louisville	A-
R4 (130)	Trey Moore -- EDGE, Texas	B
R4 (138)	Kyle Louis -- LB, Pittsburgh	B-
R5 (158)	Michael Taaffe -- S, Texas	B
R5 (177)	Kevin Coleman Jr. -- WR, Missouri	B
R5 (180)	Seydou Traore -- TE, Mississippi State	B-
R6 (200)	DJ Campbell -- IOL, Texas	B-
R7 (238)	Max Llewellyn -- EDGE, Iowa	A-

 

[Steve]

Minnesota Vikings B-

R1 (18)	Caleb Banks -- DL, Florida	D
R2 (51)	Jake Golday -- LB, Cincinnati	A
R3 (82)	Domonique Orange -- DT, Iowa State	B+
R3 (97)	Caleb Tiernan -- OT, Northwestern	A
R3 (98)	Jakobe Thomas -- S, Miami	C+
R5 (159)	Max Bredeson -- TE, Michigan	C+
R5 (163)	Charles Demmings -- CB, Stephen F. Austin	B-
R6 (198)	Demond Claiborne -- RB, Wake Forest	A-
R7 (235)	Gavin Gerhardt -- IOL, Cincinnati	C+

New England Patriots A-

R1 (28)	Caleb Lomu -- OT, Utah	A+
R2 (55)	Gabe Jacas -- EDGE, Illinois	A
R3 (95)	Eli Raridon -- TE, Notre Dame	B
R5 (171)	Karon Prunty -- CB, Wake Forest	C-
R6 (196)	Dametrious Crownover -- OT, Texas A&M	A
R6 (212)	Nambi Obiazor -- LB, TCU	B-
R7 (234)	Behren Morton -- QB, Texas Tech	B
R7 (245)	Jam Miller -- RB, Alabama	B+
R7 (247)	Quintayvious Hutchins -- EDGE, Boston College	B+

New Orleans Saints B+

R1 (8)	Jordyn Tyson -- WR, Arizona State	B+
R2 (42)	Christen Miller -- DT, Georgia	B+
R3 (73)	Oscar Delp -- TE, Georgia	B+
R4 (132)	Jeremiah Wright -- G, Auburn	C+
R4 (136)	Bryce Lance -- WR, North Dakota State	A-
R5 (172)	Lorenzo Styles Jr. -- S, Ohio State	B
R6 (190)	Barion Brown -- WR, LSU	C+
R7 (219)	TJ Hall -- CB, Iowa	B+

New York Giants A-

R1 (5)	Arvell Reese -- EDGE, Ohio State	A+
R1 (10)	Francis Mauigoa -- OT, Miami	A-
R2 (37)	Colton Hood -- CB, Tennessee	B+
R3 (74)	Malachi Fields -- WR, Notre Dame	A
R6 (186)	Bobby Jamison-Travis -- DT, Auburn	C+
R6 (192)	J.C. Davis -- OT, Illinois	B
R6 (193)	Jack Kelly -- LB, BYU	B

 

[Steve]

New York Jets B+

R1 (2)	David Bailey -- EDGE, Texas Tech	C-
R1 (16)	Kenyon Sadiq -- TE, Oregon	B+
R1 (30)	Omar Cooper Jr. -- WR, Indiana	A+
R2 (50)	D'Angelo Ponds -- CB, Indiana	A+
R4 (103)	Darrell Jackson Jr. -- DT, Florida State	B
R4 (110)	Cade Klubnik -- QB, Clemson	B+
R6 (188)	Anez Cooper -- IOL, Miami	B-
R7 (228)	VJ Payne -- S, Kansas State	B-

Philadelphia Eagles B+

R1 (20)	Makai Lemon -- WR, USC	A
R2 (54)	Eli Stowers -- TE, Vanderbilt	B
R3 (68)	Markel Bell -- OT, Miami	B+
R5 (178)	Cole Payton -- QB, North Dakota State	A-
R6 (207)	Micah Morris -- IOL, Georgia	A-
R7 (244)	Cole Wisniewski -- S, Texas Tech	B-
R7 (251)	Uar Bernard -- DT, Nigeria	B
R7 (252)	Keyshawn James-Newby -- EDGE, New Mexico	B-

Pittsburgh Steelers B+

R1 (21)	Max Iheanachor -- OT, Arizona State	B+
R2 (47)	Germie Bernard -- WR, Alabama	A+
R3 (76)	Drew Allar -- QB, Penn State	B
R3 (85)	Daylen Everette -- CB, Georgia	A
R3 (96)	Gennings Dunker -- IOL, Iowa	B-
R4 (121)	Kaden Wetjen -- WR, Iowa	C
R5 (169)	Riley Nowakowski -- TE, Indiana	B
R6 (210)	Gabriel Rubio -- DL, Notre Dame	C+
R7 (224)	Robert Spears-Jennings -- S, Oklahoma	B+
R7 (230)	Eli Heidenreich -- RB, Navy	B+

San Francisco 49ers B-

R2 (33)	De'Zhaun Stribling -- WR, Ole Miss	C+
R3 (70)	Romello Height -- EDGE, Texas Tech	A
R3 (90)	Kaelon Black -- RB, Indiana	D+
R4 (107)	Gracen Halton -- DT, Oklahoma	C+
R4 (127)	Carver Willis -- G, Washington	B-
R4 (139)	Ephesians Prysock -- CB, Washington	B-
R5 (154)	Jaden Dugger -- LB, Louisiana	C+
R5 (179)	Enrique Cruz Jr. -- OT, Kansas	B-

 

[Steve]

Seattle Seahawks B

R1 (32)	Jadarian Price -- RB, Notre Dame	B-
R2 (64)	Bud Clark -- S, TCU	A
R3 (99)	Julian Neal -- CB, Arkansas	B+
R5 (148)	Beau Stephens -- IOL, Iowa	B-
R6 (199)	Emmanuel Henderson -- WR, Kansas	B-
R7 (236)	Andre Fuller -- CB, Toledo	B
R7 (242)	Deven Eastern -- DL, Minnesota	C+
R7 (255)	Michael Dansby -- CB, Arizona	C

Tampa Bay Buccaneers A-

R1 (15)	Rueben Bain Jr. -- EDGE, Miami	A+
R2 (46)	Josiah Trotter -- LB, Missouri	A
R3 (84)	Ted Hurst -- WR, Georgia State	B-
R4 (116)	Keionte Scott -- CB, Miami	B
R5 (155)	DeMonte Capehart -- DL, Clemson	B
R5 (160)	Billy Schrauth -- IOL, Notre Dame	A
R6 (185)	Bauer Sharp -- TE, LSU	B-

Tennessee Titans B

R1 (4)	Carnell Tate -- WR, Ohio State	B
R1 (31)	Keldric Faulk -- EDGE, Auburn	B+
R3 (60)	Anthony Hill Jr. -- LB, Texas	A-
R5 (142)	Fernando Carmona -- IOL, Arkansas	C
R5 (165)	Nicholas Singleton -- RB, Penn State	A
R6 (184)	Jackie Marshall -- DL, Baylor	B+
R6 (194)	Pat Coogan -- C, Indiana	B-
R7 (225)	Jaren Kanak -- TE, Oklahoma	C+

Washington Commanders A-

R1 (7)	Sonny Styles -- LB, Ohio State	A
R3 (71)	Antonio Williams -- WR, Clemson	A+
R5 (147)	Joshua Josephs -- EDGE, Tennessee	B+
R6 (187)	Kaytron Allen -- RB, Penn State	B+
R6 (209)	Matt Gulbin -- IOL, Michigan State	A-
R7 (223)	Athan Kaliakmanis -- QB, Rutgers	B-

 

[Steve]

A brief recap on the "winners and losers" from the 2026 draft.

The NFL Draft is always an exhilarating time, bringing hope and anticipation for teams and fans alike. As we reflect on the 2026 draft, let's delve into the winners and losers this year, focusing on some key teams and their strategies.

The Cleveland Browns seem to be on a positive trajectory after the draft. With smart selections that bolster their roster on both sides of the ball, there is a growing sense of optimism among the fan base. This season might just mark a turning point for the franchise.

Turning our attention to the Baltimore Ravens, they also had a noteworthy draft. With their strategic picks, they appear ready to enhance their competitive edge in the upcoming season. Their choices reflect a clear focus on strengthening their lineup, which could pay dividends as they aim to reclaim their position in the league.

The Philadelphia Eagles showed impressive foresight in their selections, adding depth and talent that could make a significant impact. Their approach demonstrates a commitment to building a solid foundation for future success, and fans should be excited about the potential these new additions bring.

On the other hand, the Carolina Panthers and San Francisco 49ers faced challenges during the draft. The Panthers, while making some moves, may not have addressed their most pressing needs, leaving fans wondering about the direction of the team. Similarly, the 49ers appeared to reach for some of their picks, which could lead to questions about their overall strategy moving forward.

The 2026 NFL Draft has left us with a mix of excitement and uncertainty. Teams like the Browns, Ravens, and Eagles are looking to capitalise on their successful drafts, while the Panthers and 49ers will need to regroup and reassess their plans.

Key Takeaways:

• Winners: Browns, Ravens, and Eagles improved their rosters effectively.
• Losers: Panthers and 49ers faced challenges and made questionable picks.
• Overall Outlook: A mix of optimism for some teams and uncertainty for others.

 

[Steve]

And some Dallas Cowboys news that was missed before the Draft.

They have finalised a remarkable contract with kicker Brandon Aubrey, ensuring he will remain with the team through the 2030 season. This deal, which is valued at $28 million, positions Aubrey as the highest-paid kicker in the league, a testament to his impressive performance and growing importance within the organisation.

The Cowboys' decision to invest in Aubrey underscores their commitment to maintaining a strong kicking game, and it reflects the confidence they have in his abilities on the field. The contract not only secures Aubrey's future with the team but also highlights the evolving nature of the kicker position in the NFL, where specialised talent is increasingly recognised and rewarded.

And, the Cowboys have made it clear that they do not plan to offer George Pickens a long-term contract for the upcoming 2026 season. Instead, the team intends for Pickens to play under the franchise tag.

The franchise tag is a mechanism that allows teams to retain key players by offering them a one-year contract at a predetermined salary, which is usually higher than the average salary of the top players in that position. While this ensures that the player remains with the team for at least one more season, it also leaves them with limited long-term security.

This situation raises important questions about player relations and team strategy. With other players having previously opted to skip training camp while under the franchise tag, it remains to be seen if Pickens will follow suit. Such decisions can impact team chemistry and preparation, making this a critical period for both Pickens and the Cowboys.

The Cowboys' approach suggests a focus on short-term results rather than long-term commitments, which could influence their roster dynamics in the future.

 

[Steve]

The Baltimore Ravens have made an interesting move by signing two undrafted rookie quarterbacks, Joe Fagnano and Diego Pavia, to three-year contracts. Both players showed promise during their college careers at UConn and Vanderbilt, respectively, and they will now have the opportunity to showcase their skills at the Ravens' rookie minicamp.

Fagnano and Pavia received invites to join the team after not being selected in the recent NFL Draft, a situation that many talented players find themselves in. The Ravens clearly see potential in these quarterbacks, and it will be exciting to see how they compete for a spot on the roster.

 

[Birdman]

The Detroit Lions have made some significant decisions regarding their roster for the upcoming seasons, particularly concerning the fifth-year options for players Jahmyr Gibbs and Jack Campbell. According to recent reports, the Lions have chosen not to pick up the option for Campbell, which complicates his future with the team given his position.

The fifth-year option allows teams to extend the rookie contracts of first-round picks for an additional year. This is particularly crucial as it provides teams with more flexibility and options regarding player contracts.

In Campbell's case, the decision not to exercise this option could indicate a shift in the Lions' strategy or a reassessment of his role within the team. The linebacker position often sees varying degrees of value, which may have influenced this decision. On the other hand, Gibbs appears to be in a different boat, with his option likely being picked up, reflecting his importance to the team's plans moving forward.

 

[Birdman]

Breece Hall has officially agreed to a three-year contract extension worth $45.75 million. This move comes after the Jets initially placed the franchise tag on Hall earlier this offseason but ultimately decided to secure him for the long term.

This extension not only highlights Hall's value to the team but also demonstrates the Jets' commitment to their star running back as they look to strengthen their roster for the upcoming seasons.

The decision to shift from using the franchise tag to signing a substantial extension shows both sides' willingness to invest in a promising future. Hall has showcased his talent and potential, making this agreement a significant step for both the player and the organisation.