A Freshman All-American who attended Texas A&M by way of New Jersey, Bisontis (6’5/315) posted a 70.7 PFF grade in 2025, allowing just 1 sack and 12 total pressures on 441 pass-blocking snaps with a strong 98.4 pass-blocking efficiency despite committing 16 penalties over the last two seasons. Bisontis pairs heavy hands with excellent core strength and balance, consistently creating displacement on double teams while using tight hand placement and hip roll to generate leverage. His athletic profile jumps off the page with a 9.85 RAS, fueled by a 5.02 forty, 1.76 ten-yard split, 32” vertical and notable agility numbers (7.53 three-cone), translating to functional quickness climbing to the second level and redirecting in pass protection. Bisontis shows advanced technical nuance with independent hand usage and the ability to reset, though his 31.75-inch arms and occasional high/wide punch placement can allow defenders into his chest and create anchor inconsistencies. With 35 career starts, scheme versatility and a high-end athletic profile for the position, Bisontis projects as a first-year NFL starter.
This comes moments after the team selected wide receiver De’Zhaun Stribling with the No. 33 overall pick in the second round and reinforces previous reports that the team could look to hold onto the beleaguered receiver in the hopes of getting something in return. Aiyuk last took the field in 2024 and had one of the more head-scratching seasons in recent memory last year, seemingly doing his best to sour any relations with the organization. It remains to be seen if the franchise will be able to extract any value from a former cornerstone, but it at least appears as if they plan to continue to give it the old college try.
Parker will join a Buffalo defense that struggled with injuries through much of 2025 and allowed the league’s second highest rush EPA. Parker (6’3/260) delivered back-to-back impact seasons off the edge for Clemson, posting 51 pressures in 2024 followed by 11.0 Havoc Plays, 11.0 TFL and 5.0 sacks in 2025, consistently pairing disruptive penetration with assignment discipline. Across both seasons he generated high-volume disruption with 92 pressures combined, equating to elevated pressure rates of 14.1% in 2025 and 12.5% in 2024. Parker’s temperament as an edge setter took a year-over-year hit, logging 22 run stops in 2025 vs. 35 in 2024, while improving from a 17.6% missed tackle rate to 11.1%. He ran a solid 4.68s 40-yard dash (90th%) with a 1.61s 10-yard split (91st%), but stayed away from the rest of the Combine tests resulting in an incomplete athletic profile.
Kayden McDonald (6’3/326) was a consistently disruptive interior anchor for Ohio State in 2025, posting 67 tackles (28 solo) with a dominant 95.5% tackle efficiency against the run and a strong 91.2 Run Defense grade from PFF. He piled up 13 Havoc Plays, including 9.5 TFL, 3 sacks, and 17 run stops, pairing stout gap control with backfield penetration to help stabilize OSU’s front. As a pass rusher, McDonald wasn’t volume-driven (196 rushes) but still produced value with 7 pressures, 3 sacks created, and a blistering 2.50s Time-to-First-Pressure, earning a modest 62.8 Pass Rush grade from PFF for his interior push. His 86.5 overall defensive grade rounded out a well-balanced profile that rewarded his play strength, leverage, and run-fit awareness more than splashy sack totals. In total, McDonald was OSU’s best run defender on the roster and one of the Big Ten’s most dominant trench enforcers. He should carve out a long and productive career as a dependable early down run stopper with upside as an interior rusher.
A transfer from Colorado in the offseason, Hood (6’0/195) delivered a Second Team All-SEC campaign as Tennessee’s top boundary corner, pairing physical press play with disciplined eyes in off-coverage. He was targeted on 10.8% of his coverage snaps yet still excelled at ball production, allowing just 21 completions on 45 attempts (46.7%) for 295 yards with one interception and 10 PBUs, holding opposing passers to a stellar 40.1 defensive QBR. He earned a 79.0 defensive grade which was reinforced with 50 total tackles, a 6.7% miss rate and 20 defensive stops. Hood also flashed in the disruption department, stacking 15 havoc plays including 2.5 TFLs and two forced fumbles, showing he wasn’t just a coverage specialist but a full-service perimeter defender. The Vols standout ran a respectable 4.44s 40-yard dash with a superb 40.5” vertical (97th%) for a sterling 9.66 RAS. Hood excelled defending vertical routes and consistently competed at the catch point, resulting in one of the SEC’s cleaner season-long performances at corner. He should settle in as a dependable CB2, with eventual to-corner upside.
Stukes (6’1/190) is one of the more productive nickel defenders in the 2026 class, allowing just seven catches on 24 targets for 103 yards and zero touchdowns while piling up four picks and six PBUs across 266 coverage snaps. That works out to a ridiculous 29.2 percent completion rate allowed, 33.3 percent forced incompletion rate, 0.39 yards per coverage snap and a microscopic 6.8 passer rating against. All of that while adding 52 tackles, 12 havoc plays and an 88.1 percent tackle rate as an every-down tone-setter in the slot. The athletic profile matches the disruption, with Stukes posting a sensational 9.95 RAS fueled by 4.33 speed (99th percentile), elite explosion numbers and the kind of closing burst that shows up when he drives downhill on underneath throws. He is an instinctive, highly competitive nickel with legitimate ball production and inside-outside versatility, though the tape still shows some reactionary reps and occasional wasted movement at the top of routes. Stukes’ best NFL home is in the slot, where his speed, ball skills and physicality can translate quickly into sub-package value and eventual starting upside.
Boston (6’4/212) spent the first two years of his collegiate career as a backup, waiting in the wings behind Rome Odunze, Jalen McMillan, and Ja’Lynn Polk. Studying behind a trio of NFL receivers proved fruitful for Boston as he racked up 834 yards and nine scores in 2024. Boston was productive as a junior, but his route-running left a lot to be desired. With another offseason under his belt, Boston looked more sudden in his final campaign, making it far easier for him to leverage his massive frame over opposing corners. In 2024, nearly a quarter of his targets were contested. That rate fell to 14 percent in 2025, but he also drastically improved his contested catch rate, bringing in a stunning 76.9 percent of his contested looks as a senior. Boston’s physical, downfield brand of football is going out of style in the modern game, and he didn’t do himself any favors at the NFL Combine. After skipping the 40-yard dash, Boston recorded an underwhelming 35” vertical jump. Without elite straight-line speed or explosion metrics, Boston will look more like a possession WR2 than a true No. 1 in the pros. He joins first-round pick KC Concepcion in what has quickly become a crowded Cleveland receiver room. Given the dreadful state of quarterback play on this roster, our hopes aren’t high for either rookie wideout this year.
He will join a KC defense that struggled to pressure the passer for much of the 2025 season, thanks mostly to injuries. Thomas (6’2/241) is an undersized, but high-velocity, pass rusher who posted 13.0 havoc plays, 10.5 TFL and 6.5 sacks in just 10 games, flashing disruptive efficiency off the edge. He generated 23 pressures on 173 rushes (13.3% pressure rate) with 9 sacks created, reinforcing his ability to convert pressure into finishing production. Thomas’ 2.48 time-to-first-pressure and 15.8% 3rd-down pressure rate highlight his explosive get-off and situational pass-rush value. His 77.4% run-tackle share and 84.2% tackle rate show adequate finishing, though his 8 run stops reflect more of a penetration-based profile than a stout edge setter. Thomas can stress protections with speed-to-power flashes but lacks ideal length and anchor, leading to issues holding the point versus stronger tackles.
Cashius Howell (6’2/248) emerged as Texas A&M’s premier pressure maven in 2025, pairing volume with efficiency while stacking up elite havoc totals. Across 591 snaps, he posted a strong 81.2 PFF defensive grade supported by well-rounded marks in run defense (73.6), tackling (79.6) and pass rush (90.3), the latter cementing his identity as a finisher. Howell led the Aggies with 23 total havoc plays, including 16.5 TFLs and 11.5 sacks, and his 40 total pressures on 265 rushes (15.1% pressure rate) yielded 9 sacks created and 1 strip-sack. His disruptive profile translated into backfield consistency, notching 29 hits + hurries to go with a brisk 2.68s time-to-first-pressure and a commendable 15.9% 3rd-down pressure rate that showed reliability in money downs. He ran a blistering 4.59s 40-yard dash (97th%) and recorded a solid 8.11 RAS, but his surprisingly short 30 ¼” arms could be a major problem against the mammoth NFL tackles he’ll be battling. Howell has the toolbox and motor to be a valued sub-package rusher on passing downs if he can overcome the length concerns.
Miller (6’4/321) is a quick-trigger interior disruptor whose game is built on leverage, hand violence and lateral range, logging 1,076 snaps with an 84.5 overall grade and 90.2 run defense grade in 2025. Miller generated 17 QB hurries and 19 total pressures last season, but his pass-rush profile is more flash than finish, converting just 2 career sacks despite 40 total pressures. He wins early in reps with aggressive club-rip and arm-over moves, using his quickness to cross faces and create penetration, while his ability to cover ground shows up in pursuit and gap control. Against the run, Miller is a tone-setter who can stack, shed and create knockback when he maintains pad level, though double teams can displace him when his anchor wanes. His biggest concern is consistency, as he can be late off the ball or lose cohesion in his rush plan, leading to missed opportunities once he reaches the backfield. Miller profiles as a high-floor early-down defender whose impact will vary by scheme, projecting best as a one-gap nose/3-tech hybrid in a four-man front.
Rodriguez (6’1/231) is a hyper-productive tackling machine who piled up 128 stops in 2025 after posting 127 the year prior. He pairs prodigious volume with consistent disruption (11 TFL, seven forced fumbles across his final two years). He consistently finds the football with sharp key-and-diagnose ability, reflected in 70 run stops in 2025 and 141 over his career, while his 225 total tackles and 15.1 percent missed tackle rate underscore both his range and occasional over-aggression. Rodriguez adds impact in coverage with four interceptions and six PBUs in 2025, limiting explosive damage and flashing playmaking ball skills. As a blitzer, Rodriguez generated 22 pressures in 2024 and remained a situational disruptor in 2025, using timing and urgency rather than pure twitch to affect the pocket. His 9.61 RAS highlights a rare athletic profile for the position, with 4.57 speed and outstanding agility testing (6.90 three-cone) translating to sideline-to-sideline range and fluid coverage mobility. Rodriguez projects as a high-volume, instinct-driven MIKE linebacker whose production, takeaways and leadership traits should offset occasional false steps and play-strength concerns versus NFL size, giving him clear three-down starter upside.
San Francisco managed a fifth-round pick in return for Winters, a move that makes sense for both sides following the return of Dre Greenlaw earlier this offseason. Winters led the linebacking corps with 1,038 defensive snaps in 2025 while playing in all but the team’s Wild Card win after injuring his ankle in Week 18. He’ll bolster a new-look Dallas linebacker unit that also added Rashan Gary.
The Lions paid pick No. 128 to move up six spots. Moore (6’4/255) profiles as a high-end disruptor after posting 16.0 havoc plays, 10.5 TFL and 10.0 sacks across 212 pass-rush reps, pairing that production with a superb 17.5 percent pressure rate. His 37 total pressures and 13 sacks created highlight a finisher’s mentality, while his 2.57 time-to-first-pressure reflects explosive get-off and early-rep wins. Moore’s 92.3 percent tackle rate and 77.1 percent run-stop share show dependable play finishing, though his 4 run stops suggest more of a penetration-based defender than a stack-and-shed anchor. He wins with burst, bend and urgency, consistently stressing tackles with speed-to-power conversion and a relentless motor that shows up in his 19.7 percent 3rd-down pressure rate. Moore flashes disruptive hand usage and closing acceleration, forcing 2 fumbles while regularly collapsing the pocket from wide alignments. However, his play strength can be challenged against longer tackles, and he can be displaced when forced to play through contact in the run game. Moore has eventual starting upside in an attacking front, where his explosiveness and pass-rush efficiency can be maximized.
Quite the development. Just last night, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the Giants do not intend to trade Thibodeaux. The 25-year-old pass rusher was rumored to be available via trade earlier this offseason. After the Giants traded away DT Dexter Lawrence, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that the Giants were “considered less likely” to trade him away, though. The Saints’ edge rush was viewed as a position of need entering the 2026 NFL Draft. New Orleans Football’s Nick Underhill adds that the Saints inquired about trading for Thibodeaux and believes that “the price might have to dip a little to make it happen.”
Raanan posted the note in response to his own social media post from earlier today, where he said the Giants looked into moving back into the end of Round 1. He believes they “could be aggressive early here at the beginning of the second round.” The front office wants to “add a weapon” for QB Jaxson Dart.
Reed’s deal includes $20 million in financial guarantees. His 2025 season was disrupted by a foot injury and a broken clavicle. Reed has not yet cracked the PPR WR2 ranks in season-long finishes, but he averages 2.01 yards per route run over the course of his three-year career. Reed turns 26 next week. It will be interesting to see whether the Packers bring aboard a rookie wide receiver later today. As things currently stand, Reed is set to man the slot and may be allowed to compete with second-year WR Matthew Golden for snaps out wide.
Per Fowler, Jets TE Kenyon Sadiq “was also believed to be part of the Rams’ first-round conversation at some point,” along with Cowboys S Caleb Downs. Both the former USC wide receiver and the former Oregon tight end were available when the Rams were on the clock. The former Ohio State safety was taken two picks earlier. The Rams are slated to pick 29th in Rounds 2 and 3 today. Given their interest in Lemon, a slot/Z-receiver, and Sadiq, a receiving tight end, it would be unsurprising to see them draft a pass catcher today.
The Rams drafted former Alabama QB Ty Simpson with the 13th overall pick last night, and were quick to assure fans that Stafford is their starting quarterback “of the present and the future.” Getting a multi-year deal done as soon as possible should quiet concerns about his status with the team. Stafford is currently under contract for only the 2026 season.
Two days ago, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport also reported that Bell is ahead of schedule. Bell tore his ACL on November 22nd, 2025. On December 10th, 2025, ESPN reported that he was set to undergo ACL reconstruction later that week. Returning by late July would be roughly seven months post-op. Players often return from ACL reconstruction 9-12 months post-op. We don’t know what to make of the return projection, but we are happy to hear his rehab program is going well. Schultz adds that Bell is a player to watch on Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Schultz celebrated Branch’s “combination of elite speed/quickness, return ability and electric playing style,” noting he heard Branch received “potential upside” comparisons to Ravens WR Zay Flowers. The two are built similarly. Branch stands 5'9/177 while Flowers stands 5'9/183. Succeeding despite such a diminutive stature is not easy in the NFL. Time will tell if NFL teams believe Branch can pull it off. Stay tuned.
It’s an interesting list of teams. Just a few hours ago, Rapoport’s colleague, Tom Pelissero, reported that the Dolphins and Browns, among other teams, were calling around about trade-up opportunities. Per Rapoport, the potential candidates to be drafted are Miami QB Carson Beck, Penn State QB Drew Allar and LSU QB Garrett Nussmeier.
Pelissero echoed NFL insider Jordan Schultz’s phrasing from a report issued earlier today, saying it sounds like the 49ers are “very open” to fielding trade offers for the No. 33 overall pick. Pelissero mentions Ohio State DT Kayden McDonald, Washington WR Denzel Boston, Miami QB Carson Beck and Tennessee CBs Colton Hood and Jermod McCoy as possible targets.
Pelissero does not think the Steelers would be targeting a quarterback in a trade-up scenario, saying instead that the move “could make some sense” for a wide receiver. Steelers hearts broke last night when the Eagles traded up to draft former USC WR Makai Lemon with the 20th overall pick. The Steelers got so far as to call Lemon to tell him their intentions when the Cowboys were on the clock with pick No. 20. Unfortunately, the Eagles made their move at the exact same moment, swapping picks with the Cowboys so they could leapfrog the Steelers and draft Lemon before Pittsburgh could. It appears as though the Steelers are still in the market for a rookie wide receiver, though. Stay tuned.
It’s hard to ignore how disenchanted McVay looked at the press conference following the team’s decision to draft the heir apparent to Matthew Stafford in the first-round of the draft on Thursday night. McVay, was quick to point out that “this is Matthew’s team” when asked about the pick, and didn’t appear too interested in discussing the selection when pressed. Despite these things, Fowler said sources familiar with the situation believed McVay was “absolutely” on board with GM Les Snead’s decision to make the selection, with another adding that the two were “in lockstep” the entire way. Only time will tell how things unfold from here, but given the overall shock of he pick and McVay’s first reaction after, it’s understandable that people have questions about where things stand between McVay and Snead, who have made a handful of “win now” moves this offseason after falling just short of appearing in the Super Bowl last year. Simpson is unlikely to see the field much in 2026 barring an injury to Stafford and could be stuck for multiple years behind Stafford should he opt to play beyond next season.
Schultz also reports that the Cardinals and Bills have “received calls about potential trades at the top of Round 2.” The Niners currently hold the first pick of the second round and enter the day with a total of eight picks left to make. They traded out of the first round on Thursday with the Jets, who used the 30th overall pick to select Indiana WR Omar Cooper Jr. In a draft that seems to lack notable talent after the first round, sliding back to acquire more picks could be a common theme on Day 2.