The defending Super Bowl champion Seahawks entered the draft with just four picks, with Schneider saying in the days leading up to the draft that the team would “be looking to move back.” With no deal in place, the Seahawks went out and addressed a glaring need at running back with the selection of Notre Dame’s Jadarian Price with the No. 32 overall pick. Price figures to see an early workload as a rookie with Zach Charbonnet (Achilles) likely to miss a good portion of the season and Kenneth Walker now with the Chiefs. Standing in his way, at least for now, is Emanuel Wilson, who rushed for 125-496-3 with the Packers last season, but Price feels like a fairly safe bet to at least open the 2026 season in a committee with Wilson, but with only 15 career receptions to his name he could be at risk of sitting on most third downs. With two Day 2 picks at their disposal (No. 64 and No. 96), it’s possible Schneider still finds a way to acquire more picks later in the draft to give the Seahawks more options beyond the fourth-round pick they currently hold on Day 3.
This comes after Lynch said he was surprised no teams made a trade offer for Jones during Day 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft. While Lynch may be surprised, the rest of the league may not be, as it was reported back in March that teams around the league believed the 49ers’ asking price for Jones was “astronomical” for the 27-year-old signal-caller. While anything remains possible, all signs seem to point to the Niners preferring to retain Jones for next season after he threw for 2,151-13-6 in just 11 games last season. Jones’ contract expires at the end of next season. It’s possible a few strong outings in 2026 could help generate a decent market for him in free agency during the 2027 offseason.
Rodrigue, during an NFL Daily podcast discussion about the Rams taking QB Ty Simpson with the 13th pick in the first round of the 2026 draft, said the Rams have traditionally operated with a level of hubris uncommon in pro football. “I don’t say that as an insult,” Rodrigue said. “Because they have job security and continuity they have built a reputation of going and trying things, of shooting their shot.” Rodrigue described the Rams’ first-round selection of Simpson as “really surprising” considering the offensive line and defensive holes the team has to fill for 2026 and beyond. Rams head coach Sean McVay has said the starting quarterback job belongs to Matthew Stafford going into 2026, and that Simpson will compete with Stetson Bennett for backup duties. Simpson has almost no chance of playing this season unless Stafford, 38, goes down with injury.
The versatile lineman will join Robert Saleh’s defense in Tennessee. Faulk (6’6/285) delivered a strong and versatile season off the edge for Auburn, posting 44 tackles, 6.5 TFLs, 2 sacks, and 11 run stops across 12 games while playing with laudable technique against the run. His 91.7% tackle efficiency and a 70.5% run tackle share, metrics that aligned with an 85.5 PFF run defense grade, made him Auburn’s most reliable edge setter. As a pass rusher he was more of a steady compressor than a pure closer, generating 29 pressures on 294 rushes (9.9% pressure rate) with 27 first pressures and a 66.0 PFF pass-rush grade, but only finishing with two sacks. Faulk ran a promising 90th-percentile 4.67s 40-yard dash with a 35” vertical (85th%), but his 17 bench reps was a disappointing 24th% mark. Still just 20 years old, Faulk is a bonafide trench stabilizer who projects to carry a high run-defense valuation with pass rushing upside at the next level if he can harness his natural physical gifts.
Price (5’11/203) missed his freshman season after suffering a torn Achilles during summer workouts. Though he only played a backup role as a sophomore, his kick return production — highlighted by a touchdown versus USC — proved the Achilles issue was behind him. Price unfortunately never got his chance to truly shine at Notre Dame as he would play behind Jeremiyah Love over the next two seasons. He racked up 233 carries for 1,420 yards and 18 scores during that time. In 2025, Price easily led the country in kickoff return yards per attempt (37.5) and tied the FBS-high in return touchdowns at two. Price is a one-cut sprinter, but his 4.49 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine isn’t overwhelmingly fast. He’s also severely limited as a pass-catcher, having brought down a total of 15 balls over three seasons. Price’s limitations may put a ceiling on his fantasy value, but he fits the boom/bust archetype that has worked out for players like Ken Walker and DeVon Achane in recent years. Price should immediately slot in as the RB1 for the Seahawks with Kenneth Walker now in Kansas City and Zach Charbonnet recovering from an Achilles injury.
Per Rapoport, the Steelers were actually on the phone with Lemon when the Eagles traded up with the Cowboys to acquire the No. 20 overall pick. The Eagles then tried calling Lemon, but could not get hold of him because he was on the line with the Steelers. Ultimately, the Eagles submitted the card anyway and came away with a new wide receiver. The Steelers instead drafted Arizona State OT Max Iheanachor one pick later. We expect the Steelers to be in the market for a new wide receiver on Day 2.
The giant Freeling will be blocking for the diminutive Bryce Young in Carolina. The Panthers offensive line in 2025 were graded by PFF as the league’s 17th best pass blocking unit. Freeling (6’7/315) enters the 2026 NFL Draft as one of the most physically gifted offensive linemen in the class, boasting rare movement skills and length for the position. The Bulldogs tackle brings a prototype frame at roughly 6-7, 315 pounds with nearly 35-inch arms, pairing that length with elite athletic traits highlighted by a freakish 9.99 Relative Athletic Score, including a 4.93s forty, 33.5-inch vertical and 9’7” broad jump. Freeling’s athleticism shows up consistently on tape, showing advanced movement capabilities in space, executing reach blocks, lead assignments and screen duties while displaying the quick feet to mirror edge rushers in pass protection. After a developmental sophomore season, Freeling made a major leap in 2025, posting an 86.1 PFF pass-blocking grade while allowing just two sacks and eight total pressures across 469 pass-blocking snaps. His length, quick redirect ability and fluidity passing off twists make him particularly effective against speed rushers and stunts. However, Freeling can struggle to maintain leverage and hand placement at times, with inconsistent run-blocking landmarks and occasional balance issues when he leans into contact.
The Eagles gave Dallas picks No. 23, No. 114, and No. 137 to move up and select Lemon (5'11"/192). A slow but steady riser in Lincoln Riley’s ever-prolific Trojans offense, Lemon broke out as USC’s most reliable chain-mover in 2025, posting a sterling 79/1,156/11 receiving line to go along with a 71.8 percent catch rate and top-tier 53.3 percent success rate. His usage reflected a true all-levels profile, with 46 percent of his targets coming short, 25 percent intermediate, and 30 percent deep. He nevertheless primarily operated from the slot (62 percent slot vs. 34 percent wide), where he moved the chains 63.3 percent of the time. Although Lemon’s best work came in the short areas, he makes plays at all three levels thanks to truly elite ball skills and tracking ability. He creates reliable separation. Ridiculously strong at the catch point, Lemon is also comfortable in traffic. That’s good since he’s not a true blazer, but Lemon’s overall play speed and polish hint at Amon-Ra St. Brown-level upside. Productive and efficient with a history of power four production, Lemon should hit the ground running for both the (insert team) and fantasy players. The Eagles’ decision to draft Lemon further cements the likelihood that A.J. Brown will depart Philly in the coming months, but puts another good receiver in the way of a DeVonta Smith breakout.
A high school basketball player from Nigeria who didn’t begin playing football until junior college, Iheanachor (6’6/321) still shows the raw edges of a late convert, but his natural movement skills and rapid improvement have made him a legitimate NFL prospect. In 2025, he logged 860 offensive snaps at right tackle, earning a 72.5 PFF overall grade with a 78.3 pass-blocking mark, while allowing pressure on 2.7% of his pass-protection snaps with four sacks. The athletic upside is obvious: Iheanachor posted a 9.86 Relative Athletic Score, highlighted by a 4.91s forty-yard dash, 1.74s ten-yard split, 30.5-inch vertical and 9’7” broad jump at 321 pounds. Those explosive numbers show up on tape through his lateral quickness, range in outside-zone concepts and ability to mirror speed rushers with the “basketball feet” that stem from his hoops background. With elite testing numbers, rare movement ability and limited football mileage, Iheanachor projects as a high-upside tackle prospect whose best football is still ahead of him if his pass-protection mechanics continue to catch up with his athletic gifts.
Mesidor (6’3/259) is a six-year, grizzled vet who finally put it all together in 2025, posting a dominant 92.5 overall PFF grade with a matching 92.5 pass-rush mark while generating 67 total pressures, 13 sacks and 50 hurries across 445 pass-rush snaps. One of only two FBS defenders to eclipse 17.5 TFL, 12.5 sacks and four forced fumbles last season, Mesidor’s 167 career pressures and 35.5 sacks underscore a rare blend of consistency and high-end production. He wins with urgent first-step quickness, violent hands and a deep, well-schemed rush arsenal that allows him to create advantageous angles and stress tackles despite lacking elite length. Mesidor’s play style is relentless. He’s a “hair on fire” defender who can snatch blockers off balance, diagnose screens and generate chaos both off the edge and when reduced inside on passing downs. However, his 6’3”, sub-ideal length profile and only adequate explosiveness by NFL standards show up when he gets stuck on blocks or overruns plays, while his 20.0 percent missed tackle rate in 2025 highlights issues with control and balance at the finish. Mesidor projects as a high-motor, three-down edge with interior subpackage versatility whose pass-rush production and play temperament give him starter upside despite measurable limitations. Mesidor will be tasked with replacing Odafe Oweh, who left in free agency, as a rookie.
Defense is clearly a focal point for the Cowboys on the first night of the draft, and for good reason. Dallas took S Caleb Downs with the 11th overall pick. Lawrence brings a rare blend of explosiveness and production, with 18.0 havoc plays, 14.0 TFL and 7.0 sacks while posting a sparkling 14.1% pressure rate on 220 pass-rush reps. His 31 pressures, 8 sacks created and 2 forced fumbles reflect a disruptive presence who consistently converts speed-to-power and length into backfield chaos. Lawrence’s 79.5% run-stop share and 81.3% tackle rate show functional early-down utility, though his play strength and anchor can waver against bigger tackles. He blew away the Combine with 99th-percentile marks in the forty, vertical and broad jumps for an eye-popping 9.94 RAS. He wins with twitch off the snap, long-arm leverage and violent hand usage, flashing the ability to open inside lanes or corner when timing is synced. However, his linear rush style and lack of ideal bend show up when tackles get hands on him, often stalling his path at the apex of the rush.
Concepcion (5’11/196) got his start as a three-star recruit for NC State in 2023. He immediately stepped up as an all-purpose weapon, leading the Wolfpack with 839 yards plus 10 touchdowns through the air with another 320 yards on the ground. Concepcion ran for more yards than any of the team’s running backs while also operating as their top wideout. His role dissipated in 2024, and he went for just 460 yards before transferring to Texas A&M. A change in scenery was exactly what Concepcion needed. He rebounded with 919 yards and nine scores on 61 receptions in 2025. Concepcion also scored three additional touchdowns, two on punt returns and one via rushing. He averaged over seven YAC per reception and won the Paul Hornung Award, given to the nation’s most versatile player. Despite being an undersized player with a designed-touch skill set, Concepcion was primarily a boundary receiver throughout his collegiate days and he had no issues beating corners in man coverage. While he may ultimately play more out of the slot in the pros, Concepcion’s five-tool skill set could earn him a WR1 role down the line.
Thieneman (6’0/201) is a highly productive, instinctive and ultra-athletic deep safety who has stacked 235 tackles, 59 stops and 11 total pressures across 2,417 career snaps, averaging nearly 8 tackles per start with consistent downhill production. In coverage, he’s been targeted just 68 times over three seasons, allowing 44 receptions (64.7%) for 494 yards with improved efficiency in 2025 (8.1 Y/R, 62.1% allowed) after giving up chunk plays earlier in his Purdue tenure. Thieneman’s range shows up in his ability to limit explosives late in his career, trimming his yards per reception allowed from 17.2 in 2023 to 8.1 in 2025 while maintaining ball production (2 career INTs, multiple PBUs in key moments). His 9.71 RAS underscores elite straight-line speed (4.35s forty, 99th%) and explosion (41” vertical, 98th%), aligning with the sideline-to-sideline range he flashes while patrolling the deep half. While his tackling consistency (11.5% career miss rate) and average transition quickness can lead to inefficiencies in space, his processing speed and angles help mitigate those limitations. Thieneman projects as a full-service starting free safety, capable of functioning in split-safety shells while offering enough physicality to rotate into the box when needed.
Houston moved up two spots. They gave up picks 69 and 167 but returned pick No. 91. A 2025 first-team All-American for a Georgia Tech rush offense that ranked third nationally with a 52 percent rushing success rate, Rutledge (6’4/316) is a burly interior mauler whose combination of power and movement skills makes him one of the more intriguing guard prospects in the 2026 class. He brings a 9.54 Relative Athletic Score, backed by a 5.05s forty, 4.54s shuttle and 7.54s three-cone, translating to surprising fluidity and range when climbing to the second level or working in space. Rutledge thrives as a drive and combo blocker, generating consistent displacement with heavy, purposeful hands while showing the timing and body control to stay connected through contact. He plays with a nasty demeanor and strong finishing mentality, pairing core strength and balance with enough athleticism to execute across multiple run schemes. Tight hips and heavy feet can limit his recovery ability once beaten, particularly against quicker interior rushers who win early in the rep. With high-end athleticism, brutish physicality and positional versatility, Rutledge projects as a potential long-term starter at guard whose toughness and movement skills give him scheme flexibility.
Johnson will join a Miami secondary that struggled mightily through most of the 2025 season. Only four teams allowed a higher EPA per drop back than the Dolphins last season, and three teams gave up a higher adjusted yards per attempt. Johnson (6’0/193) is a high-end coverage artist whose elite 9.84 RAS (4.40 speed, 38” vertical) translates directly to sticky man/zone versatility and game-altering ball production. He allowed just 11 completions on 36 targets (30.6%) for 132 yards, pairing a masterful 6.8 passer rating allowed with a 33.3% forced incompletion rate and 0.41 yards per coverage snap. Johnson’s ball skills pop with 4 interceptions and 9 PBUs, including two defensive touchdowns, consistently converting tight-window contests into turnovers. While he can be out-muscled by bigger receivers and occasionally loses pace locating the ball downfield, his recovery burst and route anticipation mitigate those concerns. Johnson projects as an immediate starting-caliber outside corner in a multiple coverage scheme with Pro Bowl upside driven by elite ball production and athletic traits.
The Bills received the 28th pick, among others, from the Texans in exchange for the 26th and 91st overall picks. They then traded the 28th pick to the Patriots in exchange for the 31st and 125th overall picks to put the Pats in position to draft Lomu (6'6"/308), who proved to be a reliable protector, logging 769 snaps at LT without surrendering a sack and a 1.7 percent pressure rate on 362 pass-blocking snaps this year. His consistency showed up in the data as well, where he posted an 82.1 PFF pass-block grade and modest 62.0 PFF run-block grade, reflecting a scheme that leaned heavily on gap concepts (70 percent of run snaps) behind his lead blocking. He recorded 428 run-block snaps with only a 1.2 percent blown-run-block rate, so he was competent assignment-wise. Even in true pass sets, Lomu remained sturdy, helping Utah finish with zero sacks allowed, an 98.9 pass-pro efficiency, and a clean 100% pass block win rate on true pass sets. He dazzled at the Combine running a 4.99s 40 (94th%) with a pair of 95th-percentile jumps for a masterful 9.89 RAS score. Penalties (4) were a noticeable blemish, but overall Lomu’s 2025 film and metrics reflected a slightly raw but athletic and potential starting tackle profile.
Peter Woods (6’3/310) anchored Clemson’s interior defensive line with a high-floor, snap-eating role, logging 562 total snaps across 12 games. He posted 33 total tackles (13 solo), 5.0 havoc plays, 2.5 TFL, 2.0 sacks and 6 run stops, showcasing steady run-fit discipline despite modest splash-play volume. His pass-rush production was limited on the stat sheet (11 pressures, 3.2% pressure rate), but his PFF pass-rush grade (65.5) reflects more pocket-influence than raw numbers. Woods’ strongest area remained run defense, with a 74.2 PFF run-defense grade and 90.9% run-tackle rate, fitting Clemson’s interior spill/anchor structure and enabling edge creators like Will Heldt and T.J. Parker to finish plays. His athletic profile is somewhat underwhelming, with 31 ¼” arms and middling jump marks combining for a respectable 7.59 RAS. The biggest area for continued refinement is his tackling acumen, as he displays inconsistency when finishing plays. Woods profiles as a rugged gap plugger and run game disruptor whose NFL role will likely be tied to block-destruction and early-down reliability.
Cooper Jr. (6’/199) redshirted as a freshman and filled a backup role as a sophomore. He made a name for himself in 2024 by leading the BIG 10 in yards per catch (21.2) while playing exclusively on the outside. He was a prototypical field-stretching WR2, running over 90 percent of his routes from out wide with an average target depth of 16 yards. Curt Cignetti then moved him into the slot for his senior season and everything clicked. Cooper racked up 937 yards and 13 touchdowns on 69 grabs. He also ran in a touchdown for the second year in a row. Cooper averaged over seven yards after the catch per reception in each of his two final seasons at Indiana. As a senior, he forced more missed tackles (27) on receptions than all but three FBS players. He isn’t quite as dynamic as Deebo Samuel. No one is. But he is the closest a first-round prospect has come to Samuel in a while. Cooper’s strong YAC numbers make him a great complement to Garrett Wilson, who is a phenomenal target-earner but has never added much after the catch.
The Browns shore up their line after sliding back three picks via their trade with the Chiefs. Fano (6’5/311) is one of the most decorated offensive linemen in the class after winning the Outland Trophy and earning unanimous All-American honors following a dominant 2025. The three-year starter logged 2,204 career snaps with experience at both tackle spots, showcasing steady development highlighted by an 84.0 overall PFF grade in 2025 with 81.5 pass-blocking and 80.0 run-blocking marks. Across his final season he allowed zero sacks and just five total pressures on 358 pass-blocking snaps, demonstrating elite efficiency protecting the edge. Athletically, Fano tested as one of the most explosive linemen in the class with a 9.76 Relative Athletic Score, highlighted by a scorching 4.91s 40-yard dash, 32-inch vertical, 9’3” broad jump and a 97th percentile 7.34s 3-Cone, validating the quick feet visible on film. He excels in space and in movement-based run schemes, firing out of his stance with quick hands and fluid footwork that allow him to mirror rushers and stay attached on reach and angle blocks. Fano’s quickness and technical feel allow him to redirect edge rushers around the pocket, though his leaner build can lead to occasional displacement against heavy-handed power rushers. Overall, Fano projects as a ready-made NFL starting tackle with Pro Bowl upside, blending elite athletic traits, high-level production and rare collegiate accolades.
Despite still being just 20 years old, Mauigoa (6’6/335) is one of the most experienced offensive linemen in the class, starting 42 games across three seasons while anchoring the Hurricanes’ right tackle spot. The massive blocker steadily improved his performance each season, culminating in an 82.6 overall PFF grade in 2025 with an elite 87.0 pass-blocking mark and 77.1 run-blocking grade, showcasing a well-rounded skillset. Mauigoa allowed just 3 sacks and five hits on 1,948 pass-blocking opportunities over the last two years. His testing backs up his standout play with an 8.75 RAS with a 5.13s forty (82nd-percentile), 4.59s shuttle (88th-percentile), and solid explosion numbers (29" vertical, 8’10” broad), rare movement skills for a 335-pound tackle. He possesses heavy hands and a sturdy anchor that neutralizes bull rushers while keeping the pocket stable for his quarterback. In the run game, he flashes a finisher’s mentality, generating movement at the point of attack and using his mass and leg drive to collapse edges. While Mauigoa’s size and power profile fit conceptually at right tackle, John Harbaugh said after the pick that he will start his career at right guard. Given the draft capital spent to acquire him, Mauigoa will likely get a shot at right tackle sooner rather than later.
Downs will join one of the NFL’s worst coverage units in Dallas. The Cowboys in 2025 allowed the league’s third highest drop back EPA and the second highest drop back success rate, regularly getting carved up by opposing quarterbacks. Caleb Downs (6’0/206) enters the 2026 NFL Draft cycle with one of the most bankable defensive résumés in the class, pairing elite coverage metrics with high-level run support and professional tackling technique. He allowed just 9 completions on 20 targets (45.0%) for 72 yards with 0 TDs allowed, 2 INT, and a staggering 7.0 passer rating allowed, making him one of the most efficient safeties in college football. His versatility is reflected in his 365 coverage snaps, where he aligned deep, rotated into the slot, and triggered downhill against the run, posting 6 run stops, 11 havoc plays and an 83.7 run defense grade. Downs’ diagnostic skills show up in the tape and the data (89.6 cover grade) as he consistently undercuts intermediate routes and rarely bites on play-action, allowing only 0.22 yards per coverage snap. Physically, he’s not a height/length outlier, but his short-area burst, clean feet, and immediate trigger allow him to win both in space and in traffic. Downs’ value comes from certainty, he’s a plug-and-play NFL starter with Pro Bowl floor traits and one of the safest defensive evaluations this class has to offer.
In addition to the No. 12 overall pick, the Dolphins also acquired the No. 177 and No. 180 overall picks from the Cowboys. Proctor (6’6"/352) anchored Alabama’s offensive line at left tackle in 2025, logging 901 snaps with 882 of them coming on the blindside and turning in his busiest collegiate season to date. He was notably sturdy in pass protection, allowing 21 pressures on 584 pass-block snaps with only 2 sacks attributed, translating to an 84.2 PFF pass-block grade and a solid 98.0 efficiency rating on traditional protections and 97.5 on true pass sets where Alabama asked him to win one-on-one. In the run game, Proctor paired that pass-proficiency with a mauling mentality, earning an 81.1 PFF run-block grade. Across all phases he was disciplined, committing just 2 penalties on the year and a modest 2.3% blown-block rate, helping stabilize an Alabama unit that had trouble running the ball. He checked out well athletically at the Combine with a 32.5” vertical (94th%) and 9.26 overall RAS score. The mammoth Proctor is rugged in the run game (0.6% blown run block rate), effective in pass pro, and the kind of reliable, high-volume anchor who has the traits to become a long term contributor, whether it is at guard or tackle.
We’re used to being surprised, but this is one of the most stunning drat picks of the 21st century. Simpson (6’1/211) was actually connected to the Rams earlier on Thursday, but we assumed it was for either a trade-in or Day 2 pick. Simpson spent the first three years of his career as a backup at Alabama but was finally given a chance to start in 2025. The former five-star prospect displayed immediate potential, throwing for 2,934 yards and a 22:4 TD:INT total through his first 11 games while leading Bama to a 9-2 record. He played well on the road against a good Georgia team (276/2) on his way to a win, and also pulled off road wins against Missouri and Auburn. Unfortunately, he struggled down the stretch, throwing for 633/6 in his final four games while completing just 57.1 percent of his passes and taking 10 sacks. A one-year sample size makes Simpson a tough evaluation, but when he was at his best, he displayed mostly good decision-making while making NFL-caliber throws against some of the top teams in the nation. Much like another former one-year starter at Alabama (Mac Jones), Simpson is a mechanically sound quarterback who doesn’t possess an elite arm. His 6.2 ADOT on completed passes is below average for recent QB prospects, but his career 42.9 completion percent on deep passes suggests he can air it out a bit when needed. With only one year of starting experience under his belt, Simpson has plenty to learn while developing at the next level. Time will tell if he’s a franchise-changing player or another Alabama quarterback who eventually falls by the wayside. The Rams, clearly, believe it’s the former, though we fully expect Matthew Stafford to remain the starter for 2026.
Ioane (6’4/320) is a powerful interior blocker who delivered one of the cleanest pass-protection seasons among Big Ten linemen in 2025. The 6-4, 328-pound guard allowed zero sacks and just a 0.7 percent pressure rate across 294 pass-blocking snaps, posting a 99.7 percent pass-block efficiency and an outstanding 87.1 PFF pass-blocking grade while committing only one penalty. Ioane also logged 306 run-blocking snaps with a 78.6 PFF run-block grade, finishing the year with only a 1.6 percent blown-block rate on run plays, illustrating his consistent execution in Penn State’s physical rushing attack. Built like a prototypical power-scheme guard, Ioane wins with thick limbs, core strength and excellent contact balance, using strong hands and hip roll to generate displacement on base blocks and double teams. His firm punch and sturdy anchor allow him to absorb power rushers effectively, while his vice-like grip strength helps him stay connected through the rep. With elite pass-protection acumen and the most complete resume of any interior lineman in the class, Ioane projects as a high-floor guard who can step into a starting role on day one.
Reports from earlier today indicated the Rams might be interested in drafting Simpson, and general manager Les Snead reportedly told Simpson’s parents that the former Alabama quarterback was worthy of being a first-round pick. We figured they could bring him aboard via a late-first-round pick, but evidently, the team was set on snagging him as soon as possible. Simpson spent three seasons as a college backup before earning the starting role last year. He now heads back to the QB2 spot until Stafford, 38, is ready to retire.