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Apr 15, 2026; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves designated hitter Dominic Smith (8) hits a…

(found here) to quantify a player’s impact over the course of their career. From there, we can also look critically at drafted AV, which is the value added to the team that took the player. That’s how we avoid cases like Sam Darnold or Baker Mayfield, who were busts for the teams that drafted them — but had success elsewhere. In this way we can measure the draft fit.

The final elements are the Mean AV, which removes the highest 5% and lowest 5% of players to ensure that guys like Patrick Mahomes or Josh Allen don’t skew the values too much, and finally the Pro Bowl Threshold AV — which averages out what a typical Pro Bowler at the position has as their AV. This is used as a yardstick because by nature AV isn’t designed to be a 1-to-1 comparison between positions.

Position

No. of picks

Total AV

Average AV

Mean AV

Pro Bowl Threshold

Linebacker2378834.2633.0435
Quarterback49187838.332.7270
Offensive Tackle64187829.328.4360
Defensive Tackle41125430.627.9450
Running Back2058323.227.6155
Offensive Guard1849227.326.4350
Cornerback5410832025.3435
Center827534.424.535
Tight End1330023.123.4540
Safety2147822.821.7840
Edge Rusher82200124.420.8845
Wide Receiver65145622.42065

There are really two factors you want to look at to determine the risk of a pick: Firstly, the Mean AV, which this table is sorted by. This is the average approximate value a position has given the team taking him over the last 15 years, and the second is comparing that to the Pro Bowl Threshold for the position. This gives a picture of the chance you’ll get a bust, as well as the chance you’ll get a Pro Bowl caliber talent.

For example, the average linebacker selected in the first round is almost at the threshold to become a Pro Bowler. This position represents an exceptionally safe pick. We can debate the upside of box linebackers in the modern NFL, but the numbers bear out that if you take a first-round linebacker you’ll likely see success.

Conversely, wide receiver is a minefield. Not only does the position rank lowest in terms of finding long-term success, but on average, less than a third of drafted 1st round receivers go on to become Pro Bowl-caliber talents. Quarterback and edge rushers are also risky positions to draft, with fewer than 50% of drafted 1st round talents going on to be Pro Bowl quality players.

Perhaps the most fascinating position to look at here is cornerback. The hit rate in terms of finding Pro Bowl talent at corner is relatively high in terms of first-round success, but overall, the position grades lower than many others in career value. This could indicate that corners tend to have a smaller window of effective high-level play, which is an area to explore next — but this data didn’t look into the career length of different positions.

There’s one large inference we can make from this data, and it seems to bear out when we look at NFL teams anecdotally: If you are trying to build a team from the ground up its best to invest picks in the trenches first. These have higher relative hit rates to build the foundation of a team. Meanwhile it’s incredibly risky for a bad team in need of a lot of help to roll the dice on a receiver or quarterback without the other pieces in place, because that does open the organization up to more busts — thereby setting them back further.

When the dust settles, the NFL Draft remains an imprecise science. This data shows what has happened across the league over the years, but ultimately a talented front office and scouting department can buck league-wide trends to consistently find the effective players and build winning organizations.

#NFL #Draft #position #highest #hit #rate"> Which NFL Draft position has the highest hit rate? Nobody wants to be a fan of a team that walks away from the NFL Draft with a bust. The NFL is dictated by teams that consistently draft successfully, both by finding Pro Bowl talent in the first round, then adding valuable starters or contributors throughout the rest of the rounds. Miss on those picks and you squander opportunity, make too many of them and your team tumbles down the standings.“Bust” is a universal, albeit subjective phrase that’s too often applied to skill position players and rarely anybody else. Everyone knows the name “JaMarcus Russell,” but what about defensive tackle Justin Harrell who went No. 16 in the same class? Harrell managed to only start two games in his career and register 27 total tackles in three years before being out of the NFL. Harrell was an objectively worse player than Russell, but he wasn’t as damaging to the Green Bay Packers because of his position. Make no mistake, the man was still a bust.That’s what prompted me to dive into the last 15 years of NFL Draft data from the first round to look at the hits, busts, and everything in between at every position that has been selected. The goal was to find out which positions are safer, routinely netting more long-serving, consistent talent — and those which have had a tendency to fail more often.There’s no perfect metric to evaluate a player’s entire career, but perhaps the best we have is “Approximate Value (AV)” from Pro Football Reference. This uses a complex formula (found here) to quantify a player’s impact over the course of their career. From there, we can also look critically at drafted AV, which is the value added to the team that took the player. That’s how we avoid cases like Sam Darnold or Baker Mayfield, who were busts for the teams that drafted them — but had success elsewhere. In this way we can measure the draft fit.The final elements are the Mean AV, which removes the highest 5% and lowest 5% of players to ensure that guys like Patrick Mahomes or Josh Allen don’t skew the values too much, and finally the Pro Bowl Threshold AV — which averages out what a typical Pro Bowler at the position has as their AV. This is used as a yardstick because by nature AV isn’t designed to be a 1-to-1 comparison between positions.PositionNo. of picksTotal AVAverage AVMean AVPro Bowl ThresholdLinebacker2378834.2633.0435Quarterback49187838.332.7270Offensive Tackle64187829.328.4360Defensive Tackle41125430.627.9450Running Back2058323.227.6155Offensive Guard1849227.326.4350Cornerback5410832025.3435Center827534.424.535Tight End1330023.123.4540Safety2147822.821.7840Edge Rusher82200124.420.8845Wide Receiver65145622.42065There are really two factors you want to look at to determine the risk of a pick: Firstly, the Mean AV, which this table is sorted by. This is the average approximate value a position has given the team taking him over the last 15 years, and the second is comparing that to the Pro Bowl Threshold for the position. This gives a picture of the chance you’ll get a bust, as well as the chance you’ll get a Pro Bowl caliber talent.For example, the average linebacker selected in the first round is almost at the threshold to become a Pro Bowler. This position represents an exceptionally safe pick. We can debate the upside of box linebackers in the modern NFL, but the numbers bear out that if you take a first-round linebacker you’ll likely see success.Conversely, wide receiver is a minefield. Not only does the position rank lowest in terms of finding long-term success, but on average, less than a third of drafted 1st round receivers go on to become Pro Bowl-caliber talents. Quarterback and edge rushers are also risky positions to draft, with fewer than 50% of drafted 1st round talents going on to be Pro Bowl quality players.Perhaps the most fascinating position to look at here is cornerback. The hit rate in terms of finding Pro Bowl talent at corner is relatively high in terms of first-round success, but overall, the position grades lower than many others in career value. This could indicate that corners tend to have a smaller window of effective high-level play, which is an area to explore next — but this data didn’t look into the career length of different positions.There’s one large inference we can make from this data, and it seems to bear out when we look at NFL teams anecdotally: If you are trying to build a team from the ground up its best to invest picks in the trenches first. These have higher relative hit rates to build the foundation of a team. Meanwhile it’s incredibly risky for a bad team in need of a lot of help to roll the dice on a receiver or quarterback without the other pieces in place, because that does open the organization up to more busts — thereby setting them back further.When the dust settles, the NFL Draft remains an imprecise science. This data shows what has happened across the league over the years, but ultimately a talented front office and scouting department can buck league-wide trends to consistently find the effective players and build winning organizations. #NFL #Draft #position #highest #hit #rate
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(found here) to quantify a player’s impact over the course of their career. From there, we can also look critically at drafted AV, which is the value added to the team that took the player. That’s how we avoid cases like Sam Darnold or Baker Mayfield, who were busts for the teams that drafted them — but had success elsewhere. In this way we can measure the draft fit.

The final elements are the Mean AV, which removes the highest 5% and lowest 5% of players to ensure that guys like Patrick Mahomes or Josh Allen don’t skew the values too much, and finally the Pro Bowl Threshold AV — which averages out what a typical Pro Bowler at the position has as their AV. This is used as a yardstick because by nature AV isn’t designed to be a 1-to-1 comparison between positions.

Position

No. of picks

Total AV

Average AV

Mean AV

Pro Bowl Threshold

Linebacker2378834.2633.0435
Quarterback49187838.332.7270
Offensive Tackle64187829.328.4360
Defensive Tackle41125430.627.9450
Running Back2058323.227.6155
Offensive Guard1849227.326.4350
Cornerback5410832025.3435
Center827534.424.535
Tight End1330023.123.4540
Safety2147822.821.7840
Edge Rusher82200124.420.8845
Wide Receiver65145622.42065

There are really two factors you want to look at to determine the risk of a pick: Firstly, the Mean AV, which this table is sorted by. This is the average approximate value a position has given the team taking him over the last 15 years, and the second is comparing that to the Pro Bowl Threshold for the position. This gives a picture of the chance you’ll get a bust, as well as the chance you’ll get a Pro Bowl caliber talent.

For example, the average linebacker selected in the first round is almost at the threshold to become a Pro Bowler. This position represents an exceptionally safe pick. We can debate the upside of box linebackers in the modern NFL, but the numbers bear out that if you take a first-round linebacker you’ll likely see success.

Conversely, wide receiver is a minefield. Not only does the position rank lowest in terms of finding long-term success, but on average, less than a third of drafted 1st round receivers go on to become Pro Bowl-caliber talents. Quarterback and edge rushers are also risky positions to draft, with fewer than 50% of drafted 1st round talents going on to be Pro Bowl quality players.

Perhaps the most fascinating position to look at here is cornerback. The hit rate in terms of finding Pro Bowl talent at corner is relatively high in terms of first-round success, but overall, the position grades lower than many others in career value. This could indicate that corners tend to have a smaller window of effective high-level play, which is an area to explore next — but this data didn’t look into the career length of different positions.

There’s one large inference we can make from this data, and it seems to bear out when we look at NFL teams anecdotally: If you are trying to build a team from the ground up its best to invest picks in the trenches first. These have higher relative hit rates to build the foundation of a team. Meanwhile it’s incredibly risky for a bad team in need of a lot of help to roll the dice on a receiver or quarterback without the other pieces in place, because that does open the organization up to more busts — thereby setting them back further.

When the dust settles, the NFL Draft remains an imprecise science. This data shows what has happened across the league over the years, but ultimately a talented front office and scouting department can buck league-wide trends to consistently find the effective players and build winning organizations.

#NFL #Draft #position #highest #hit #rate">Which NFL Draft position has the highest hit rate?

Nobody wants to be a fan of a team that walks away from the NFL Draft with a bust. The NFL is dictated by teams that consistently draft successfully, both by finding Pro Bowl talent in the first round, then adding valuable starters or contributors throughout the rest of the rounds. Miss on those picks and you squander opportunity, make too many of them and your team tumbles down the standings.

“Bust” is a universal, albeit subjective phrase that’s too often applied to skill position players and rarely anybody else. Everyone knows the name “JaMarcus Russell,” but what about defensive tackle Justin Harrell who went No. 16 in the same class? Harrell managed to only start two games in his career and register 27 total tackles in three years before being out of the NFL. Harrell was an objectively worse player than Russell, but he wasn’t as damaging to the Green Bay Packers because of his position. Make no mistake, the man was still a bust.

That’s what prompted me to dive into the last 15 years of NFL Draft data from the first round to look at the hits, busts, and everything in between at every position that has been selected. The goal was to find out which positions are safer, routinely netting more long-serving, consistent talent — and those which have had a tendency to fail more often.

There’s no perfect metric to evaluate a player’s entire career, but perhaps the best we have is “Approximate Value (AV)” from Pro Football Reference. This uses a complex formula (found here) to quantify a player’s impact over the course of their career. From there, we can also look critically at drafted AV, which is the value added to the team that took the player. That’s how we avoid cases like Sam Darnold or Baker Mayfield, who were busts for the teams that drafted them — but had success elsewhere. In this way we can measure the draft fit.

The final elements are the Mean AV, which removes the highest 5% and lowest 5% of players to ensure that guys like Patrick Mahomes or Josh Allen don’t skew the values too much, and finally the Pro Bowl Threshold AV — which averages out what a typical Pro Bowler at the position has as their AV. This is used as a yardstick because by nature AV isn’t designed to be a 1-to-1 comparison between positions.

Position

No. of picks

Total AV

Average AV

Mean AV

Pro Bowl Threshold

Linebacker2378834.2633.0435
Quarterback49187838.332.7270
Offensive Tackle64187829.328.4360
Defensive Tackle41125430.627.9450
Running Back2058323.227.6155
Offensive Guard1849227.326.4350
Cornerback5410832025.3435
Center827534.424.535
Tight End1330023.123.4540
Safety2147822.821.7840
Edge Rusher82200124.420.8845
Wide Receiver65145622.42065

There are really two factors you want to look at to determine the risk of a pick: Firstly, the Mean AV, which this table is sorted by. This is the average approximate value a position has given the team taking him over the last 15 years, and the second is comparing that to the Pro Bowl Threshold for the position. This gives a picture of the chance you’ll get a bust, as well as the chance you’ll get a Pro Bowl caliber talent.

For example, the average linebacker selected in the first round is almost at the threshold to become a Pro Bowler. This position represents an exceptionally safe pick. We can debate the upside of box linebackers in the modern NFL, but the numbers bear out that if you take a first-round linebacker you’ll likely see success.

Conversely, wide receiver is a minefield. Not only does the position rank lowest in terms of finding long-term success, but on average, less than a third of drafted 1st round receivers go on to become Pro Bowl-caliber talents. Quarterback and edge rushers are also risky positions to draft, with fewer than 50% of drafted 1st round talents going on to be Pro Bowl quality players.

Perhaps the most fascinating position to look at here is cornerback. The hit rate in terms of finding Pro Bowl talent at corner is relatively high in terms of first-round success, but overall, the position grades lower than many others in career value. This could indicate that corners tend to have a smaller window of effective high-level play, which is an area to explore next — but this data didn’t look into the career length of different positions.

There’s one large inference we can make from this data, and it seems to bear out when we look at NFL teams anecdotally: If you are trying to build a team from the ground up its best to invest picks in the trenches first. These have higher relative hit rates to build the foundation of a team. Meanwhile it’s incredibly risky for a bad team in need of a lot of help to roll the dice on a receiver or quarterback without the other pieces in place, because that does open the organization up to more busts — thereby setting them back further.

When the dust settles, the NFL Draft remains an imprecise science. This data shows what has happened across the league over the years, but ultimately a talented front office and scouting department can buck league-wide trends to consistently find the effective players and build winning organizations.

#NFL #Draft #position #highest #hit #rate

Nobody wants to be a fan of a team that walks away from the NFL…

IND-W vs SA-W T20Is: A series that arrives with context attached

“These matches are important to ensure all players get equal opportunities so that we are fully ready as a unit going into the World Cup. At the same time, we are here to win,” she noted.

“After the ODI World Cup, the team is quite confident. Wherever we are going, we are going with full confidence. The team is in good shape and this series is very important for us before the World Cup.” On the opposition, Harmanpreet described South Africa as a “balanced side” with strong all-round options, noting its consistency in reaching the latter stages of ICC events.

“They have very good players and quality all-rounders, which is very important in T20 cricket. They have been playing competitive cricket over the last few years and reaching finals regularly,” she said.

“Playing against a strong team like South Africa always gives you confidence if you do well. That’s why we wanted to face them before the World Cup.”

Speaking about conditions in Durban, Harmanpreet said the team had a productive training session and found the weather comparable to Indian conditions, though pitches would pose a different challenge.

“The weather is quite similar to India. The only difference is the pitch, but we are getting used to it and hopefully will give our best,” she said.

Important to ensure all players get equal opportunities: India captain Harmanpreet before South Africa series Emphasising the need to give all players adequate opportunities ahead of the T20 World Cup, India captain Harmanpreet Kaur on Thursday said her side is confident and keen to make the most of the five-match T20I series against South Africa, starting in Durban on Friday.Harmanpreet also said that her side is brimming with confidence following its ODI World Cup triumph. India recently registered T20I series wins over Australia and Sri Lanka.The skipper stressed that the matches against South Africa would offer a valuable opportunity to fine-tune combinations and build momentum ahead of the global event to be held in England and Wales from June 12 to July 5.“We want to take this opportunity very seriously and play our best cricket here. It’s a great chance for us to come together and prepare well before the World Cup,” Harmanpreet said at the pre-series press conference.India features in Group A alongside Australia, Bangladesh, Pakistan, South Africa and The Netherlands.Harmanpreet underlined that giving opportunities to all players in the five-match series would be a priority.READ PREVIEW | IND-W vs SA-W T20Is: A series that arrives with context attached“These matches are important to ensure all players get equal opportunities so that we are fully ready as a unit going into the World Cup. At the same time, we are here to win,” she noted.“After the ODI World Cup, the team is quite confident. Wherever we are going, we are going with full confidence. The team is in good shape and this series is very important for us before the World Cup.” On the opposition, Harmanpreet described South Africa as a “balanced side” with strong all-round options, noting its consistency in reaching the latter stages of ICC events.“They have very good players and quality all-rounders, which is very important in T20 cricket. They have been playing competitive cricket over the last few years and reaching finals regularly,” she said.“Playing against a strong team like South Africa always gives you confidence if you do well. That’s why we wanted to face them before the World Cup.”Speaking about conditions in Durban, Harmanpreet said the team had a productive training session and found the weather comparable to Indian conditions, though pitches would pose a different challenge.“The weather is quite similar to India. The only difference is the pitch, but we are getting used to it and hopefully will give our best,” she said. India recently registered T20I series wins over Australia and Sri Lanka. | Photo Credit: Getty Images India recently registered T20I series wins over Australia and Sri Lanka. | Photo Credit: Getty Images Harmanpreet also expressed excitement about young all-rounder Anushka Sharma, who has impressed in domestic cricket and the Women’s Premier League. The 22-year-old is an off-spin bowling all-rounder.“She is a great talent and has done well whenever she has got the opportunity. Bringing her here is about giving her exposure and experience before the World Cup,” she said.Reflecting on recent mixed results across formats, Harmanpreet said the team remains focused on the bigger picture.“Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, but it’s important to focus on what lies ahead. Our main target is the T20 World Cup, and we want to play good cricket leading into it to regain full confidence,” she said.On team combinations, she indicated that selections have been guided by South African conditions, particularly the need for multiple pace options, while maintaining faith in the spin attack led by experienced players like Deepti Sharma.She also confirmed that the team management has backed continuity in the wicket-keeping department, while keeping options open based on fitness and domestic performances.Published on Apr 16, 2026 #Important #ensure #players #equal #opportunities #India #captain #Harmanpreet #South #Africa #series

India recently registered T20I series wins over Australia and Sri Lanka. | Photo Credit: Getty Images

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India recently registered T20I series wins over Australia and Sri Lanka. | Photo Credit: Getty Images

Harmanpreet also expressed excitement about young all-rounder Anushka Sharma, who has impressed in domestic cricket and the Women’s Premier League. The 22-year-old is an off-spin bowling all-rounder.

“She is a great talent and has done well whenever she has got the opportunity. Bringing her here is about giving her exposure and experience before the World Cup,” she said.

Reflecting on recent mixed results across formats, Harmanpreet said the team remains focused on the bigger picture.

“Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, but it’s important to focus on what lies ahead. Our main target is the T20 World Cup, and we want to play good cricket leading into it to regain full confidence,” she said.

On team combinations, she indicated that selections have been guided by South African conditions, particularly the need for multiple pace options, while maintaining faith in the spin attack led by experienced players like Deepti Sharma.

She also confirmed that the team management has backed continuity in the wicket-keeping department, while keeping options open based on fitness and domestic performances.

Published on Apr 16, 2026

#Important #ensure #players #equal #opportunities #India #captain #Harmanpreet #South #Africa #series"> Important to ensure all players get equal opportunities: India captain Harmanpreet before South Africa series Emphasising the need to give all players adequate opportunities ahead of the T20 World Cup, India captain Harmanpreet Kaur on Thursday said her side is confident and keen to make the most of the five-match T20I series against South Africa, starting in Durban on Friday.Harmanpreet also said that her side is brimming with confidence following its ODI World Cup triumph. India recently registered T20I series wins over Australia and Sri Lanka.The skipper stressed that the matches against South Africa would offer a valuable opportunity to fine-tune combinations and build momentum ahead of the global event to be held in England and Wales from June 12 to July 5.“We want to take this opportunity very seriously and play our best cricket here. It’s a great chance for us to come together and prepare well before the World Cup,” Harmanpreet said at the pre-series press conference.India features in Group A alongside Australia, Bangladesh, Pakistan, South Africa and The Netherlands.Harmanpreet underlined that giving opportunities to all players in the five-match series would be a priority.READ PREVIEW | IND-W vs SA-W T20Is: A series that arrives with context attached“These matches are important to ensure all players get equal opportunities so that we are fully ready as a unit going into the World Cup. At the same time, we are here to win,” she noted.“After the ODI World Cup, the team is quite confident. Wherever we are going, we are going with full confidence. The team is in good shape and this series is very important for us before the World Cup.” On the opposition, Harmanpreet described South Africa as a “balanced side” with strong all-round options, noting its consistency in reaching the latter stages of ICC events.“They have very good players and quality all-rounders, which is very important in T20 cricket. They have been playing competitive cricket over the last few years and reaching finals regularly,” she said.“Playing against a strong team like South Africa always gives you confidence if you do well. That’s why we wanted to face them before the World Cup.”Speaking about conditions in Durban, Harmanpreet said the team had a productive training session and found the weather comparable to Indian conditions, though pitches would pose a different challenge.“The weather is quite similar to India. The only difference is the pitch, but we are getting used to it and hopefully will give our best,” she said. India recently registered T20I series wins over Australia and Sri Lanka. | Photo Credit: Getty Images India recently registered T20I series wins over Australia and Sri Lanka. | Photo Credit: Getty Images Harmanpreet also expressed excitement about young all-rounder Anushka Sharma, who has impressed in domestic cricket and the Women’s Premier League. The 22-year-old is an off-spin bowling all-rounder.“She is a great talent and has done well whenever she has got the opportunity. Bringing her here is about giving her exposure and experience before the World Cup,” she said.Reflecting on recent mixed results across formats, Harmanpreet said the team remains focused on the bigger picture.“Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, but it’s important to focus on what lies ahead. Our main target is the T20 World Cup, and we want to play good cricket leading into it to regain full confidence,” she said.On team combinations, she indicated that selections have been guided by South African conditions, particularly the need for multiple pace options, while maintaining faith in the spin attack led by experienced players like Deepti Sharma.She also confirmed that the team management has backed continuity in the wicket-keeping department, while keeping options open based on fitness and domestic performances.Published on Apr 16, 2026 #Important #ensure #players #equal #opportunities #India #captain #Harmanpreet #South #Africa #series
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IND-W vs SA-W T20Is: A series that arrives with context attached

“These matches are important to ensure all players get equal opportunities so that we are fully ready as a unit going into the World Cup. At the same time, we are here to win,” she noted.

“After the ODI World Cup, the team is quite confident. Wherever we are going, we are going with full confidence. The team is in good shape and this series is very important for us before the World Cup.” On the opposition, Harmanpreet described South Africa as a “balanced side” with strong all-round options, noting its consistency in reaching the latter stages of ICC events.

“They have very good players and quality all-rounders, which is very important in T20 cricket. They have been playing competitive cricket over the last few years and reaching finals regularly,” she said.

“Playing against a strong team like South Africa always gives you confidence if you do well. That’s why we wanted to face them before the World Cup.”

Speaking about conditions in Durban, Harmanpreet said the team had a productive training session and found the weather comparable to Indian conditions, though pitches would pose a different challenge.

“The weather is quite similar to India. The only difference is the pitch, but we are getting used to it and hopefully will give our best,” she said.

Important to ensure all players get equal opportunities: India captain Harmanpreet before South Africa series Emphasising the need to give all players adequate opportunities ahead of the T20 World Cup, India captain Harmanpreet Kaur on Thursday said her side is confident and keen to make the most of the five-match T20I series against South Africa, starting in Durban on Friday.Harmanpreet also said that her side is brimming with confidence following its ODI World Cup triumph. India recently registered T20I series wins over Australia and Sri Lanka.The skipper stressed that the matches against South Africa would offer a valuable opportunity to fine-tune combinations and build momentum ahead of the global event to be held in England and Wales from June 12 to July 5.“We want to take this opportunity very seriously and play our best cricket here. It’s a great chance for us to come together and prepare well before the World Cup,” Harmanpreet said at the pre-series press conference.India features in Group A alongside Australia, Bangladesh, Pakistan, South Africa and The Netherlands.Harmanpreet underlined that giving opportunities to all players in the five-match series would be a priority.READ PREVIEW | IND-W vs SA-W T20Is: A series that arrives with context attached“These matches are important to ensure all players get equal opportunities so that we are fully ready as a unit going into the World Cup. At the same time, we are here to win,” she noted.“After the ODI World Cup, the team is quite confident. Wherever we are going, we are going with full confidence. The team is in good shape and this series is very important for us before the World Cup.” On the opposition, Harmanpreet described South Africa as a “balanced side” with strong all-round options, noting its consistency in reaching the latter stages of ICC events.“They have very good players and quality all-rounders, which is very important in T20 cricket. They have been playing competitive cricket over the last few years and reaching finals regularly,” she said.“Playing against a strong team like South Africa always gives you confidence if you do well. That’s why we wanted to face them before the World Cup.”Speaking about conditions in Durban, Harmanpreet said the team had a productive training session and found the weather comparable to Indian conditions, though pitches would pose a different challenge.“The weather is quite similar to India. The only difference is the pitch, but we are getting used to it and hopefully will give our best,” she said. India recently registered T20I series wins over Australia and Sri Lanka. | Photo Credit: Getty Images India recently registered T20I series wins over Australia and Sri Lanka. | Photo Credit: Getty Images Harmanpreet also expressed excitement about young all-rounder Anushka Sharma, who has impressed in domestic cricket and the Women’s Premier League. The 22-year-old is an off-spin bowling all-rounder.“She is a great talent and has done well whenever she has got the opportunity. Bringing her here is about giving her exposure and experience before the World Cup,” she said.Reflecting on recent mixed results across formats, Harmanpreet said the team remains focused on the bigger picture.“Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, but it’s important to focus on what lies ahead. Our main target is the T20 World Cup, and we want to play good cricket leading into it to regain full confidence,” she said.On team combinations, she indicated that selections have been guided by South African conditions, particularly the need for multiple pace options, while maintaining faith in the spin attack led by experienced players like Deepti Sharma.She also confirmed that the team management has backed continuity in the wicket-keeping department, while keeping options open based on fitness and domestic performances.Published on Apr 16, 2026 #Important #ensure #players #equal #opportunities #India #captain #Harmanpreet #South #Africa #series

India recently registered T20I series wins over Australia and Sri Lanka. | Photo Credit: Getty Images

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India recently registered T20I series wins over Australia and Sri Lanka. | Photo Credit: Getty Images

Harmanpreet also expressed excitement about young all-rounder Anushka Sharma, who has impressed in domestic cricket and the Women’s Premier League. The 22-year-old is an off-spin bowling all-rounder.

“She is a great talent and has done well whenever she has got the opportunity. Bringing her here is about giving her exposure and experience before the World Cup,” she said.

Reflecting on recent mixed results across formats, Harmanpreet said the team remains focused on the bigger picture.

“Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, but it’s important to focus on what lies ahead. Our main target is the T20 World Cup, and we want to play good cricket leading into it to regain full confidence,” she said.

On team combinations, she indicated that selections have been guided by South African conditions, particularly the need for multiple pace options, while maintaining faith in the spin attack led by experienced players like Deepti Sharma.

She also confirmed that the team management has backed continuity in the wicket-keeping department, while keeping options open based on fitness and domestic performances.

Published on Apr 16, 2026

#Important #ensure #players #equal #opportunities #India #captain #Harmanpreet #South #Africa #series">Important to ensure all players get equal opportunities: India captain Harmanpreet before South Africa series

Emphasising the need to give all players adequate opportunities ahead of the T20 World Cup, India captain Harmanpreet Kaur on Thursday said her side is confident and keen to make the most of the five-match T20I series against South Africa, starting in Durban on Friday.

Harmanpreet also said that her side is brimming with confidence following its ODI World Cup triumph. India recently registered T20I series wins over Australia and Sri Lanka.

The skipper stressed that the matches against South Africa would offer a valuable opportunity to fine-tune combinations and build momentum ahead of the global event to be held in England and Wales from June 12 to July 5.

“We want to take this opportunity very seriously and play our best cricket here. It’s a great chance for us to come together and prepare well before the World Cup,” Harmanpreet said at the pre-series press conference.

India features in Group A alongside Australia, Bangladesh, Pakistan, South Africa and The Netherlands.

Harmanpreet underlined that giving opportunities to all players in the five-match series would be a priority.

READ PREVIEW | IND-W vs SA-W T20Is: A series that arrives with context attached

“These matches are important to ensure all players get equal opportunities so that we are fully ready as a unit going into the World Cup. At the same time, we are here to win,” she noted.

“After the ODI World Cup, the team is quite confident. Wherever we are going, we are going with full confidence. The team is in good shape and this series is very important for us before the World Cup.” On the opposition, Harmanpreet described South Africa as a “balanced side” with strong all-round options, noting its consistency in reaching the latter stages of ICC events.

“They have very good players and quality all-rounders, which is very important in T20 cricket. They have been playing competitive cricket over the last few years and reaching finals regularly,” she said.

“Playing against a strong team like South Africa always gives you confidence if you do well. That’s why we wanted to face them before the World Cup.”

Speaking about conditions in Durban, Harmanpreet said the team had a productive training session and found the weather comparable to Indian conditions, though pitches would pose a different challenge.

“The weather is quite similar to India. The only difference is the pitch, but we are getting used to it and hopefully will give our best,” she said.

Important to ensure all players get equal opportunities: India captain Harmanpreet before South Africa series Emphasising the need to give all players adequate opportunities ahead of the T20 World Cup, India captain Harmanpreet Kaur on Thursday said her side is confident and keen to make the most of the five-match T20I series against South Africa, starting in Durban on Friday.Harmanpreet also said that her side is brimming with confidence following its ODI World Cup triumph. India recently registered T20I series wins over Australia and Sri Lanka.The skipper stressed that the matches against South Africa would offer a valuable opportunity to fine-tune combinations and build momentum ahead of the global event to be held in England and Wales from June 12 to July 5.“We want to take this opportunity very seriously and play our best cricket here. It’s a great chance for us to come together and prepare well before the World Cup,” Harmanpreet said at the pre-series press conference.India features in Group A alongside Australia, Bangladesh, Pakistan, South Africa and The Netherlands.Harmanpreet underlined that giving opportunities to all players in the five-match series would be a priority.READ PREVIEW | IND-W vs SA-W T20Is: A series that arrives with context attached“These matches are important to ensure all players get equal opportunities so that we are fully ready as a unit going into the World Cup. At the same time, we are here to win,” she noted.“After the ODI World Cup, the team is quite confident. Wherever we are going, we are going with full confidence. The team is in good shape and this series is very important for us before the World Cup.” On the opposition, Harmanpreet described South Africa as a “balanced side” with strong all-round options, noting its consistency in reaching the latter stages of ICC events.“They have very good players and quality all-rounders, which is very important in T20 cricket. They have been playing competitive cricket over the last few years and reaching finals regularly,” she said.“Playing against a strong team like South Africa always gives you confidence if you do well. That’s why we wanted to face them before the World Cup.”Speaking about conditions in Durban, Harmanpreet said the team had a productive training session and found the weather comparable to Indian conditions, though pitches would pose a different challenge.“The weather is quite similar to India. The only difference is the pitch, but we are getting used to it and hopefully will give our best,” she said. India recently registered T20I series wins over Australia and Sri Lanka. | Photo Credit: Getty Images India recently registered T20I series wins over Australia and Sri Lanka. | Photo Credit: Getty Images Harmanpreet also expressed excitement about young all-rounder Anushka Sharma, who has impressed in domestic cricket and the Women’s Premier League. The 22-year-old is an off-spin bowling all-rounder.“She is a great talent and has done well whenever she has got the opportunity. Bringing her here is about giving her exposure and experience before the World Cup,” she said.Reflecting on recent mixed results across formats, Harmanpreet said the team remains focused on the bigger picture.“Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, but it’s important to focus on what lies ahead. Our main target is the T20 World Cup, and we want to play good cricket leading into it to regain full confidence,” she said.On team combinations, she indicated that selections have been guided by South African conditions, particularly the need for multiple pace options, while maintaining faith in the spin attack led by experienced players like Deepti Sharma.She also confirmed that the team management has backed continuity in the wicket-keeping department, while keeping options open based on fitness and domestic performances.Published on Apr 16, 2026 #Important #ensure #players #equal #opportunities #India #captain #Harmanpreet #South #Africa #series

India recently registered T20I series wins over Australia and Sri Lanka. | Photo Credit: Getty Images

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India recently registered T20I series wins over Australia and Sri Lanka. | Photo Credit: Getty Images

Harmanpreet also expressed excitement about young all-rounder Anushka Sharma, who has impressed in domestic cricket and the Women’s Premier League. The 22-year-old is an off-spin bowling all-rounder.

“She is a great talent and has done well whenever she has got the opportunity. Bringing her here is about giving her exposure and experience before the World Cup,” she said.

Reflecting on recent mixed results across formats, Harmanpreet said the team remains focused on the bigger picture.

“Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, but it’s important to focus on what lies ahead. Our main target is the T20 World Cup, and we want to play good cricket leading into it to regain full confidence,” she said.

On team combinations, she indicated that selections have been guided by South African conditions, particularly the need for multiple pace options, while maintaining faith in the spin attack led by experienced players like Deepti Sharma.

She also confirmed that the team management has backed continuity in the wicket-keeping department, while keeping options open based on fitness and domestic performances.

Published on Apr 16, 2026

#Important #ensure #players #equal #opportunities #India #captain #Harmanpreet #South #Africa #series

Emphasising the need to give all players adequate opportunities ahead of the T20 World Cup,…

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Apr 15, 2026; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Carter Hart (79) celebrates…

convinced that Texas A&M’s KC Concepcion is going to be an absolute stud in the NFL – and I think teams will come to the same conclusion.

Carnell Tate will be the No. 1 receiver off the board without question, but when you hit that second bracket of Jordyn Tyson and Makai Lemon neither of them are locks to be great pros. Neither has the ideal route fluidity you really want from a future X receiver, nor do they have size that mitigates those shortcomings.

It’s here where Concepcion enters the picture. He doesn’t have X receiver size either, but he is DRIPPING with everything you want from a Y/Z hybrid player. Concepcion has quick feet, amazing ability to shake press defenders, and a knack for finding open space on the field. A team who takes him in the draft will need to understand he slots in best as a secondary option – but that is fine if it means you’re getting an elite second receiver talent, which I think Concepcion can be.

This slots nicely into the draft. The Saints at No. 8 are a team who need a complimentary piece to Chris Olave, Kansas City at No. 9 is a place where he could land too, taking pressure off Rashee Rice – while the Rams at No. 13 could be looking for someone to add to their room (potentially even replace Puka Nacua down the road).

Three offensive-minded coaches run these teams, all need receiving help to varying degrees, and with Tate off the board I think there’s a lot more upside with someone like Concepcion to come in and help immediately, rather than hoping Tyson or Lemon could become primary threats.

Three quarterbacks will be drafted in the first round – James

There’s a pattern that keeps emerging in the NFL Draft: Take the number of QBs you expect to go in the first round, then add one.

In 2025 Jaxson Dart snuck into the first round. In 2024 it was Bo Nix. This year we know Fernando Mendoza is going to go No. 1 overall, and that Ty Simpson could likely be drafted in the 20s – but I think one more guy is going to sneak into the round, and I think it’s going to be Arkansas’ Taylen Green. Hear me out.

Green is undoubtedly a project, but one that isn’t dissimilar in size and athleticism to Anthony Richardson who went No. 5 overall in 2023. That might not be a glowing endorsement, but someone is going to fall in love with the dual-threat upside he brings to the table. If you’re looking at a QB who needs some seasoning before being ready to play then it’s absolutely imperative you get the guy in the first round to secure the 5th year option.

This is why I think either the Jets or Cardinals could get froggy and move up from the top of the 2nd round to the end of the 1st and take someone like Green. There’s also a possibility they like someone like Carson Beck for the same reasons the Saints like Tyler Shough a year ago, in that they think he can help them win immediately. At this point though I see the upside of Green as as 6’6 QB with a 4.36 in the forty.

Want a wild card? Todd Monken is the new coach of the Browns and his entire offense in Baltimore was predicated around a dual threat QB. I don’t care that they took Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders a year ago, they can’t do what Green does.

There’s just this nagging feeling in the back of my head that the athleticism is going to make someone fall in love.

Jacob Rodriguez goes in the first round – Mark

Before diving into my two bold predictions, I want to start with this little tidbit:

Food for thought, indeed.

I think there are three factors at play here. First, the lack of elite talent in this quarterback class. James is right in that we might still see some quarterbacks move up boards, but I’m still not sure that we see that many come off the board in the first round. We might see players slide up to Day 2 from Day 3, or to Day 3 from being priority UDFA-type players, but I’m not sure we see a ton of movement into the first round. Maybe I’m wronte.

Second, the expectations around the 2027 QB class are starting to take hold. Albert Breer wrote this earlier this week:

The 2027 class affects that, too. The list is long: Oregon’s Dante Moore, Texas’s Arch Manning, Notre Dame’s CJ Carr, Ohio State’s Julian Sayin, USC’s Jayden Maiava, South Carolina’s LaNorris Sellers, LSU’s Sam Leavitt, Texas Tech’s Brendan Sorsby, Ole Miss’s Trinidad Chambliss, Oklahoma’s John Mateer, Miami’s Darian Mensah and UCLA’s Nico Iamaleava.

You get the picture. Throw in dark-horse transfers such as DJ Lagway at Baylor and Drew Mestemaker at Oklahoma State, and you have 14 quarterbacks who at least have a chance of being taken high in 2027.

I really think teams are going to kick the QB decision to next spring.

The final factor? The strength in this class comes from positions like safety, offensive and defensive lines and yes, linebacker.

That leads me to Jacob Rodriguez.

The NFL does seem to be coming back around to the running game. Maybe not to a massive extent, but look at the Seattle Seahawks last season, and look at this from Yahoo analyst Nate Tice:

Defending the run might matter again.

That leads us to Rodriguez, who parlayed a stunning season into Heisman Trophy buzz a year ago, where he ultimately finished fifth in voting, one of the highest finishes from a pure defensive player in history.

His draft stock has slowly increased even since the end of the season, thanks to a strong performance at the NFL Scouting Combine. If positional value is truly out the window this year, his production at the college level will push him into the first round.

More safeties than quarterback go in the first — Mark

As a card-carrying member of the quarterback union, I might get kicked out after this one.

While my dear friend James thinks three quarterbacks go into the first round, I remain unconvinced. I think at most we see Fernando Mendoza at 1, and Ty Simpson at some point late on Thursday night, perhapse to the Arizona Cardinals via a trade back into the first round.

Assuming two quarterbacks go in the first round, I think we see three safeties come off the board.

First is Caleb Downs, who was one of my favorite players to study this entire cycle. His profile fits as more of a box safety in the NFL — which is the only reason stopping me from having him at the top of our soon-to-be-released big board — but I think he comes off the board inside the top five.

I think Oregon’s Dillon Thieneman comes off the board next, either to Minnesota at 18 or Carolina at 19.

Then there are the New England Patriots, who could be a landing spot for Toledo’s Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, as could be the Chicago Bears.

In all, I think we see two quarterbacks in the first, and three safeties.

#NFL #Draft #bold #predictions #class #QBs #sleepers"> 4 NFL Draft bold predictions for 2026 class on QBs, sleepers, and more The 2026 NFL Draft is just over one week away.Let’s start getting spicy.Mark Schofield and James Dator sat down to make their bold predictions for the 2026 NFL Draft, and as you will see, they are not exactly on the same page when it comes to one position in particular.And where they land might surprise you.KC Concepcion is the second WR off the board – JamesThis flies in the face of every draft projection, but the more tape I watch the more I’m convinced that Texas A&M’s KC Concepcion is going to be an absolute stud in the NFL – and I think teams will come to the same conclusion.Carnell Tate will be the No. 1 receiver off the board without question, but when you hit that second bracket of Jordyn Tyson and Makai Lemon neither of them are locks to be great pros. Neither has the ideal route fluidity you really want from a future X receiver, nor do they have size that mitigates those shortcomings.It’s here where Concepcion enters the picture. He doesn’t have X receiver size either, but he is DRIPPING with everything you want from a Y/Z hybrid player. Concepcion has quick feet, amazing ability to shake press defenders, and a knack for finding open space on the field. A team who takes him in the draft will need to understand he slots in best as a secondary option – but that is fine if it means you’re getting an elite second receiver talent, which I think Concepcion can be.This slots nicely into the draft. The Saints at No. 8 are a team who need a complimentary piece to Chris Olave, Kansas City at No. 9 is a place where he could land too, taking pressure off Rashee Rice – while the Rams at No. 13 could be looking for someone to add to their room (potentially even replace Puka Nacua down the road).Three offensive-minded coaches run these teams, all need receiving help to varying degrees, and with Tate off the board I think there’s a lot more upside with someone like Concepcion to come in and help immediately, rather than hoping Tyson or Lemon could become primary threats.Three quarterbacks will be drafted in the first round – JamesThere’s a pattern that keeps emerging in the NFL Draft: Take the number of QBs you expect to go in the first round, then add one.In 2025 Jaxson Dart snuck into the first round. In 2024 it was Bo Nix. This year we know Fernando Mendoza is going to go No. 1 overall, and that Ty Simpson could likely be drafted in the 20s – but I think one more guy is going to sneak into the round, and I think it’s going to be Arkansas’ Taylen Green. Hear me out.Green is undoubtedly a project, but one that isn’t dissimilar in size and athleticism to Anthony Richardson who went No. 5 overall in 2023. That might not be a glowing endorsement, but someone is going to fall in love with the dual-threat upside he brings to the table. If you’re looking at a QB who needs some seasoning before being ready to play then it’s absolutely imperative you get the guy in the first round to secure the 5th year option.This is why I think either the Jets or Cardinals could get froggy and move up from the top of the 2nd round to the end of the 1st and take someone like Green. There’s also a possibility they like someone like Carson Beck for the same reasons the Saints like Tyler Shough a year ago, in that they think he can help them win immediately. At this point though I see the upside of Green as as 6’6 QB with a 4.36 in the forty.Want a wild card? Todd Monken is the new coach of the Browns and his entire offense in Baltimore was predicated around a dual threat QB. I don’t care that they took Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders a year ago, they can’t do what Green does.There’s just this nagging feeling in the back of my head that the athleticism is going to make someone fall in love.Jacob Rodriguez goes in the first round – MarkBefore diving into my two bold predictions, I want to start with this little tidbit:Food for thought, indeed.I think there are three factors at play here. First, the lack of elite talent in this quarterback class. James is right in that we might still see some quarterbacks move up boards, but I’m still not sure that we see that many come off the board in the first round. We might see players slide up to Day 2 from Day 3, or to Day 3 from being priority UDFA-type players, but I’m not sure we see a ton of movement into the first round. Maybe I’m wronte.Second, the expectations around the 2027 QB class are starting to take hold. Albert Breer wrote this earlier this week:The 2027 class affects that, too. The list is long: Oregon’s Dante Moore, Texas’s Arch Manning, Notre Dame’s CJ Carr, Ohio State’s Julian Sayin, USC’s Jayden Maiava, South Carolina’s LaNorris Sellers, LSU’s Sam Leavitt, Texas Tech’s Brendan Sorsby, Ole Miss’s Trinidad Chambliss, Oklahoma’s John Mateer, Miami’s Darian Mensah and UCLA’s Nico Iamaleava.You get the picture. Throw in dark-horse transfers such as DJ Lagway at Baylor and Drew Mestemaker at Oklahoma State, and you have 14 quarterbacks who at least have a chance of being taken high in 2027.I really think teams are going to kick the QB decision to next spring.The final factor? The strength in this class comes from positions like safety, offensive and defensive lines and yes, linebacker.That leads me to Jacob Rodriguez.The NFL does seem to be coming back around to the running game. Maybe not to a massive extent, but look at the Seattle Seahawks last season, and look at this from Yahoo analyst Nate Tice:Defending the run might matter again.That leads us to Rodriguez, who parlayed a stunning season into Heisman Trophy buzz a year ago, where he ultimately finished fifth in voting, one of the highest finishes from a pure defensive player in history.His draft stock has slowly increased even since the end of the season, thanks to a strong performance at the NFL Scouting Combine. If positional value is truly out the window this year, his production at the college level will push him into the first round.More safeties than quarterback go in the first — MarkAs a card-carrying member of the quarterback union, I might get kicked out after this one.While my dear friend James thinks three quarterbacks go into the first round, I remain unconvinced. I think at most we see Fernando Mendoza at 1, and Ty Simpson at some point late on Thursday night, perhapse to the Arizona Cardinals via a trade back into the first round.Assuming two quarterbacks go in the first round, I think we see three safeties come off the board.First is Caleb Downs, who was one of my favorite players to study this entire cycle. His profile fits as more of a box safety in the NFL — which is the only reason stopping me from having him at the top of our soon-to-be-released big board — but I think he comes off the board inside the top five.I think Oregon’s Dillon Thieneman comes off the board next, either to Minnesota at 18 or Carolina at 19.Then there are the New England Patriots, who could be a landing spot for Toledo’s Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, as could be the Chicago Bears.In all, I think we see two quarterbacks in the first, and three safeties. #NFL #Draft #bold #predictions #class #QBs #sleepers
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convinced that Texas A&M’s KC Concepcion is going to be an absolute stud in the NFL – and I think teams will come to the same conclusion.

Carnell Tate will be the No. 1 receiver off the board without question, but when you hit that second bracket of Jordyn Tyson and Makai Lemon neither of them are locks to be great pros. Neither has the ideal route fluidity you really want from a future X receiver, nor do they have size that mitigates those shortcomings.

It’s here where Concepcion enters the picture. He doesn’t have X receiver size either, but he is DRIPPING with everything you want from a Y/Z hybrid player. Concepcion has quick feet, amazing ability to shake press defenders, and a knack for finding open space on the field. A team who takes him in the draft will need to understand he slots in best as a secondary option – but that is fine if it means you’re getting an elite second receiver talent, which I think Concepcion can be.

This slots nicely into the draft. The Saints at No. 8 are a team who need a complimentary piece to Chris Olave, Kansas City at No. 9 is a place where he could land too, taking pressure off Rashee Rice – while the Rams at No. 13 could be looking for someone to add to their room (potentially even replace Puka Nacua down the road).

Three offensive-minded coaches run these teams, all need receiving help to varying degrees, and with Tate off the board I think there’s a lot more upside with someone like Concepcion to come in and help immediately, rather than hoping Tyson or Lemon could become primary threats.

Three quarterbacks will be drafted in the first round – James

There’s a pattern that keeps emerging in the NFL Draft: Take the number of QBs you expect to go in the first round, then add one.

In 2025 Jaxson Dart snuck into the first round. In 2024 it was Bo Nix. This year we know Fernando Mendoza is going to go No. 1 overall, and that Ty Simpson could likely be drafted in the 20s – but I think one more guy is going to sneak into the round, and I think it’s going to be Arkansas’ Taylen Green. Hear me out.

Green is undoubtedly a project, but one that isn’t dissimilar in size and athleticism to Anthony Richardson who went No. 5 overall in 2023. That might not be a glowing endorsement, but someone is going to fall in love with the dual-threat upside he brings to the table. If you’re looking at a QB who needs some seasoning before being ready to play then it’s absolutely imperative you get the guy in the first round to secure the 5th year option.

This is why I think either the Jets or Cardinals could get froggy and move up from the top of the 2nd round to the end of the 1st and take someone like Green. There’s also a possibility they like someone like Carson Beck for the same reasons the Saints like Tyler Shough a year ago, in that they think he can help them win immediately. At this point though I see the upside of Green as as 6’6 QB with a 4.36 in the forty.

Want a wild card? Todd Monken is the new coach of the Browns and his entire offense in Baltimore was predicated around a dual threat QB. I don’t care that they took Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders a year ago, they can’t do what Green does.

There’s just this nagging feeling in the back of my head that the athleticism is going to make someone fall in love.

Jacob Rodriguez goes in the first round – Mark

Before diving into my two bold predictions, I want to start with this little tidbit:

Food for thought, indeed.

I think there are three factors at play here. First, the lack of elite talent in this quarterback class. James is right in that we might still see some quarterbacks move up boards, but I’m still not sure that we see that many come off the board in the first round. We might see players slide up to Day 2 from Day 3, or to Day 3 from being priority UDFA-type players, but I’m not sure we see a ton of movement into the first round. Maybe I’m wronte.

Second, the expectations around the 2027 QB class are starting to take hold. Albert Breer wrote this earlier this week:

The 2027 class affects that, too. The list is long: Oregon’s Dante Moore, Texas’s Arch Manning, Notre Dame’s CJ Carr, Ohio State’s Julian Sayin, USC’s Jayden Maiava, South Carolina’s LaNorris Sellers, LSU’s Sam Leavitt, Texas Tech’s Brendan Sorsby, Ole Miss’s Trinidad Chambliss, Oklahoma’s John Mateer, Miami’s Darian Mensah and UCLA’s Nico Iamaleava.

You get the picture. Throw in dark-horse transfers such as DJ Lagway at Baylor and Drew Mestemaker at Oklahoma State, and you have 14 quarterbacks who at least have a chance of being taken high in 2027.

I really think teams are going to kick the QB decision to next spring.

The final factor? The strength in this class comes from positions like safety, offensive and defensive lines and yes, linebacker.

That leads me to Jacob Rodriguez.

The NFL does seem to be coming back around to the running game. Maybe not to a massive extent, but look at the Seattle Seahawks last season, and look at this from Yahoo analyst Nate Tice:

Defending the run might matter again.

That leads us to Rodriguez, who parlayed a stunning season into Heisman Trophy buzz a year ago, where he ultimately finished fifth in voting, one of the highest finishes from a pure defensive player in history.

His draft stock has slowly increased even since the end of the season, thanks to a strong performance at the NFL Scouting Combine. If positional value is truly out the window this year, his production at the college level will push him into the first round.

More safeties than quarterback go in the first — Mark

As a card-carrying member of the quarterback union, I might get kicked out after this one.

While my dear friend James thinks three quarterbacks go into the first round, I remain unconvinced. I think at most we see Fernando Mendoza at 1, and Ty Simpson at some point late on Thursday night, perhapse to the Arizona Cardinals via a trade back into the first round.

Assuming two quarterbacks go in the first round, I think we see three safeties come off the board.

First is Caleb Downs, who was one of my favorite players to study this entire cycle. His profile fits as more of a box safety in the NFL — which is the only reason stopping me from having him at the top of our soon-to-be-released big board — but I think he comes off the board inside the top five.

I think Oregon’s Dillon Thieneman comes off the board next, either to Minnesota at 18 or Carolina at 19.

Then there are the New England Patriots, who could be a landing spot for Toledo’s Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, as could be the Chicago Bears.

In all, I think we see two quarterbacks in the first, and three safeties.

#NFL #Draft #bold #predictions #class #QBs #sleepers">4 NFL Draft bold predictions for 2026 class on QBs, sleepers, and more

The 2026 NFL Draft is just over one week away.

Let’s start getting spicy.

Mark Schofield and James Dator sat down to make their bold predictions for the 2026 NFL Draft, and as you will see, they are not exactly on the same page when it comes to one position in particular.

And where they land might surprise you.

KC Concepcion is the second WR off the board – James

This flies in the face of every draft projection, but the more tape I watch the more I’m convinced that Texas A&M’s KC Concepcion is going to be an absolute stud in the NFL – and I think teams will come to the same conclusion.

Carnell Tate will be the No. 1 receiver off the board without question, but when you hit that second bracket of Jordyn Tyson and Makai Lemon neither of them are locks to be great pros. Neither has the ideal route fluidity you really want from a future X receiver, nor do they have size that mitigates those shortcomings.

It’s here where Concepcion enters the picture. He doesn’t have X receiver size either, but he is DRIPPING with everything you want from a Y/Z hybrid player. Concepcion has quick feet, amazing ability to shake press defenders, and a knack for finding open space on the field. A team who takes him in the draft will need to understand he slots in best as a secondary option – but that is fine if it means you’re getting an elite second receiver talent, which I think Concepcion can be.

This slots nicely into the draft. The Saints at No. 8 are a team who need a complimentary piece to Chris Olave, Kansas City at No. 9 is a place where he could land too, taking pressure off Rashee Rice – while the Rams at No. 13 could be looking for someone to add to their room (potentially even replace Puka Nacua down the road).

Three offensive-minded coaches run these teams, all need receiving help to varying degrees, and with Tate off the board I think there’s a lot more upside with someone like Concepcion to come in and help immediately, rather than hoping Tyson or Lemon could become primary threats.

Three quarterbacks will be drafted in the first round – James

There’s a pattern that keeps emerging in the NFL Draft: Take the number of QBs you expect to go in the first round, then add one.

In 2025 Jaxson Dart snuck into the first round. In 2024 it was Bo Nix. This year we know Fernando Mendoza is going to go No. 1 overall, and that Ty Simpson could likely be drafted in the 20s – but I think one more guy is going to sneak into the round, and I think it’s going to be Arkansas’ Taylen Green. Hear me out.

Green is undoubtedly a project, but one that isn’t dissimilar in size and athleticism to Anthony Richardson who went No. 5 overall in 2023. That might not be a glowing endorsement, but someone is going to fall in love with the dual-threat upside he brings to the table. If you’re looking at a QB who needs some seasoning before being ready to play then it’s absolutely imperative you get the guy in the first round to secure the 5th year option.

This is why I think either the Jets or Cardinals could get froggy and move up from the top of the 2nd round to the end of the 1st and take someone like Green. There’s also a possibility they like someone like Carson Beck for the same reasons the Saints like Tyler Shough a year ago, in that they think he can help them win immediately. At this point though I see the upside of Green as as 6’6 QB with a 4.36 in the forty.

Want a wild card? Todd Monken is the new coach of the Browns and his entire offense in Baltimore was predicated around a dual threat QB. I don’t care that they took Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders a year ago, they can’t do what Green does.

There’s just this nagging feeling in the back of my head that the athleticism is going to make someone fall in love.

Jacob Rodriguez goes in the first round – Mark

Before diving into my two bold predictions, I want to start with this little tidbit:

Food for thought, indeed.

I think there are three factors at play here. First, the lack of elite talent in this quarterback class. James is right in that we might still see some quarterbacks move up boards, but I’m still not sure that we see that many come off the board in the first round. We might see players slide up to Day 2 from Day 3, or to Day 3 from being priority UDFA-type players, but I’m not sure we see a ton of movement into the first round. Maybe I’m wronte.

Second, the expectations around the 2027 QB class are starting to take hold. Albert Breer wrote this earlier this week:

The 2027 class affects that, too. The list is long: Oregon’s Dante Moore, Texas’s Arch Manning, Notre Dame’s CJ Carr, Ohio State’s Julian Sayin, USC’s Jayden Maiava, South Carolina’s LaNorris Sellers, LSU’s Sam Leavitt, Texas Tech’s Brendan Sorsby, Ole Miss’s Trinidad Chambliss, Oklahoma’s John Mateer, Miami’s Darian Mensah and UCLA’s Nico Iamaleava.

You get the picture. Throw in dark-horse transfers such as DJ Lagway at Baylor and Drew Mestemaker at Oklahoma State, and you have 14 quarterbacks who at least have a chance of being taken high in 2027.

I really think teams are going to kick the QB decision to next spring.

The final factor? The strength in this class comes from positions like safety, offensive and defensive lines and yes, linebacker.

That leads me to Jacob Rodriguez.

The NFL does seem to be coming back around to the running game. Maybe not to a massive extent, but look at the Seattle Seahawks last season, and look at this from Yahoo analyst Nate Tice:

Defending the run might matter again.

That leads us to Rodriguez, who parlayed a stunning season into Heisman Trophy buzz a year ago, where he ultimately finished fifth in voting, one of the highest finishes from a pure defensive player in history.

His draft stock has slowly increased even since the end of the season, thanks to a strong performance at the NFL Scouting Combine. If positional value is truly out the window this year, his production at the college level will push him into the first round.

More safeties than quarterback go in the first — Mark

As a card-carrying member of the quarterback union, I might get kicked out after this one.

While my dear friend James thinks three quarterbacks go into the first round, I remain unconvinced. I think at most we see Fernando Mendoza at 1, and Ty Simpson at some point late on Thursday night, perhapse to the Arizona Cardinals via a trade back into the first round.

Assuming two quarterbacks go in the first round, I think we see three safeties come off the board.

First is Caleb Downs, who was one of my favorite players to study this entire cycle. His profile fits as more of a box safety in the NFL — which is the only reason stopping me from having him at the top of our soon-to-be-released big board — but I think he comes off the board inside the top five.

I think Oregon’s Dillon Thieneman comes off the board next, either to Minnesota at 18 or Carolina at 19.

Then there are the New England Patriots, who could be a landing spot for Toledo’s Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, as could be the Chicago Bears.

In all, I think we see two quarterbacks in the first, and three safeties.

#NFL #Draft #bold #predictions #class #QBs #sleepers

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