🏈 Happy draft week! You all ready for the 2026 NFL Draft starting with Round 1 on Thursday night?
⭐️ Status of stars
The Bengals pulled off a blockbuster move before the draft, trading the No. 10 overall pick straight up to the Giants for star DL Dexter Lawrence.
Lawrence firmly wanted out of New York, with reports that he and his agent did not want to talk to Giants GM Joe Schoen (the reputation Schoen has accumulated over his handful of years in control of one of the NFL’s top franchises has frankly been shocking).
The No. 10 slot for the Bengals felt like one where they wouldn’t get a great value for their roster—and Lawrence should make a much bigger impact for a team looking to compete with QB Joe Burrow and company.
The All-Pro defender signed a one-year, $28 million extension with Cincy after the trade.
The Giants now have two top-10 picks, with new HC John Harbaugh taking over and set to leave his mark for a front office that’s struggled mightily in recent years.
A.J. Brown to be traded? According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Eagles are set to trade the superstar WR—likely to the Patriots—after June 1.
This saga has obviously been dragging on for a while, and the answer now seems to be leaning firmly toward the Super Bowl champion leaving Philly.
Brown would be reunited with HC Mike Vrabel, who clearly wasn’t thrilled when the Titans traded Brown away during the 2022 NFL Draft.
It’s a bit crazy Brown and the Eagles couldn’t get past whatever issues they’ve been having, but the fresh start could work for both sides.
DeVonta Smith would step up as the unquestioned WR1 for Philadelphia if Brown is traded, and we’d be anxious to see him in the role (fantasy owners take note).
Our reading of the tea leaves might change before our final 2026 NFL mock draft publishes on Thursday morning, but this is our latest guess at how things might play out early in an unpredictable Round 1.
1. LV: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
We can at least write this one in permanent marker, as the Raiders will be making Mendoza as their hopeful franchise quarterback—which is sorely needed in a division with Patrick Mahomes, Bo Nix, and Justin Herbert.
2. NYJ: Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State
The choice for New York is still a mystery, but we haven’t wavered off Reese as the guy with David Bailey generating a ton of smoke over the past couple of weeks. In a new 3-4 scheme, the best usage of Reese should be as a versatile off-ball linebacker who can also be used on the edge based on his rare skillset.
3. ARI: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
It’s sure sounding like Love will be drafted either No. 3 or No. 4 on Thursday night, and although Arizona has James Conner and Tyler Allgeier, the former Notre Dame standout is an ideal scheme fit in Mike LaFluer’s offense—which uses plenty of outside-zone runs.
4. TEN: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
David Bailey might be the choice here, and perhaps GM Mike Borgonzi will make a deal with his former employer in the Chiefs. But if the Titans stay at No. 4, there is reason to believe Robert Saleh—who apparently loved Tremaine Edmunds coming out back in 2018—will want another monster in Styles at the second level of his defense.
5. NYG: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
Rumors are flying all over the place about the Giants now that they have two selections in the top 10, but Downs is our top overall prospect—and it might be too risky to hope he’s there with their next pick. Plus, the most logical trade candidate for David Bailey being the Cowboys might lead to a) New York not wanting to deal with them, and b) Dallas already having parameters in place with the Browns at No. 6
💰 Record-breaking contract
The Texans signed Will Anderson Jr. to the biggest contract for a non-QB in NFL history (on a per-year basis) via a three-year, $150 million extension. Set to turn just 25 years old to start the 2026 season, Anderson’s three-year deal figures to allow him to cash-in big in a major way in a few years.
All-Pro OT Trent Williams is staying in San Francisco, agreeing to a two-year, $50 million deal with the 49ers—making him the first non-QB in league history to reach $400 million in career contracts.
The Rams are nearing an extension with QB Matthew Stafford, which will push his contract past the 2026 campaign.
Cowboys K Brandon Aubrey also set a record, becoming the highest-paid player at his position with a four-year, $28 million extension.
Fifth-year options exercised: Bears OT Darnell Wright, Cardinals OT Paris Johnson Jr., and G Peter Skoronski.
👀 Additional player news
Aaron Rodgers has yet to make a decision about his playing future, and he’s not expected to until after the draft.
QB Jimmy Garoppolo is also uncertain about continuing his career, as he’s reportedly considering retirement.
Reunion? Free agent WR Odell Beckham Jr. was in the Giants building yesterday for a physical.
DL swap: The Falcons traded DL Ruke Orhorhoro to the Jaguars for DL Maason Smith.
Veteran S Nasir Adderley signed with the Colts, making a comeback after retiring in 2023.
Player statuses to track:
Steelers OT Broderick Jones suffered a setback to his neck injury and is uncertain for the start of training camp and Week 1.
Colts WR Alec Pierce had an ankle procedure and won’t participate in OTAs.
Rams WR Puka Nacua was in attendance for the start of offseason training following his time in rehab.
Players to watch: Cardinals current starting QB Jacoby Brissett wants a new contract; Dolphins star RB De’Von Achane reported to the team after initially not attending voluntary workouts while seeking an extension.
📰 More NFL news and notes
New uniforms were revealed by the Commanders, the Rams, and the Ravens last week, with Baltimore’s new look being seen by many as one of the NFL’s best.
Sonic & Knuckles: Despite no longer being teammates with the Lions, RBs Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery got prominent back tattoos of their former nickname as a dynamic duo.
Other Sports Updates
🏒 The Stanley Cup Playoffs are underway. Best playoffs in sports? Worth a watch if you haven’t!
🏁 Tyler Reddick won at Kansas to make it five wins already for Michael Jordan’s NASCAR team this season.
🏀 UConn star Solo Ball will miss all of next basketball season due to wrist surgery.
