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Check out our latest mock draft here.

It’s officially rumors season as the draft approaches. Is the latest intel legit, or just another smokescreen? Let’s let’s dive into the newest draft rumors and see what feels real, and what could be propaganda.

What happens after Fernando Mendoza?

Based on what we know right now, the 2026 NFL Draft begins with the second pick.

The Las Vegas Raiders are unofficially on the clock, and are expected to make Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza the first-overall selection. That means that the draft, as far as we know, truly begins with the New York Jets at No. 2.

So let’s look at the rest of the top five and what those teams are thinking, thanks to this meaty piece from ESPN’s roster of beat reporters as well as some other sources.

Jets leaning toward David Bailey?

For the past few months, Arvell Reese was the name linked to the New York Jets at No. 2.

But could another defender be in play for New York at that spot?

On ESPN’s “The Schrager Hour” podcast, both Peter Schrager and Daniel Jeremiah noted that the Jets might be leaning toward Texas Tech pass rusher David Bailey instead. While Reese is an enticing prospect, moving him fulltime to the edge after he spent time as both a pass rusher and an off-ball linebacker at Ohio State will require some development.

As for Bailey, while he might not offer the pure upside that Reese does, he is viewed as the more “pro-ready” pass rusher off the edge. And with the Jets needing to turn their defense around overnight, that might carry some weight.

It is worth noting that Schrager sent Bailey to the Jets in his first mock draft.

What does Arizona do at 3?

So what do the Arizona Cardinals do at No. 3?

Many, myself included, believe the Cardinals need to address their offensive line at that spot. Spencer Fano and Francis Mauigoa have been frequently linked to Arizona in mock drafts over the past few months. While the Cardinals did add Isaac Seumalo and Elijah Wilkinson in free agency, it is still believed that they need to do more up front.

But could they address their defense instead?

ESPN’s Matt Miller believes so, especially since either Bailey or Reese will be available at that spot. One league source told Miller that the Cardinals “should stick and pick” either one of those players, depending on which defender the Jets pick at No. 2.

Cardinals beat writer Josh Weinfuss noted that Arizona trading back into the first round to draft Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson is “not out of the realm of possibility.” But another path for Arizona could be moving down from No. 2 — as one league source suggested to Miller — in a deal with a team that wants to come up for a pass rusher.

From there, Arizona could slide back, pick up additional draft capital in the first round, and perhaps add Simpson later on that night.

Is Jeremiyah Love now headed to Tennessee?

A prospect enjoying something of a pre-draft rise is Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love. Believe the hype: Love is really the rare running back worth a top-5 pick.

Early in the process, it seemed the RB was heading to Kansas City when the Chiefs went on the clock at No. 9. But with Kenneth Walker III now on his way to KC, finding a different home for Love in mock drafts has required some thinking.

But instead of sliding him down boards, we have moved him up, settling on Tennessee at No. 4.

Part of that is due to what the Titans have done in free agency. Pass rush was a need for Tennessee ahead of the spring, but the Titans have added multiple defenders to their front seven. While Tennessee could still add another pass rusher to their defensive rotation, Turron Davenport believes drafting Love is “very possible” for the Titans.

It’s very possible. The idea of adding a playmaker who can help Cam Ward and the offense score more points is intriguing, especially with Love being a three down-back who the Titans feel fits the mold of Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs,“ wrote Davenport.

The beat writer also noted that Robert Saleh’s defensive background could see Tennessee ultimately look at defense, potentially Ohio State’s Sonny Styles, but this might be the clearest sign yet that Love is in play at No. 4.

What do the Giants do at No. 5?

The New York Giants have needs at several positions, including wide receiver, interior offensive line, linebacker, cornerback, and safety.

Which do they address with the fifth selection in the 2026 NFL Draft?

Their biggest need might be right guard, but as much as I personally love Olaivavega Ioane from Penn State, it is hard to see an interior offensive lineman coming off the board at No. 2, even if he is the best IOL prospect since Quenton Nelson, who went sixth overall back in 2018.

A popular pick in recent mock drafts has been Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles, and that could be where the Giants go at No. 5. “Talking to league sources, the Giants wouldn’t be shy about drafting an off-ball linebacker at No. 5, making Styles a real possibility at that spot as Jordan alluded to above. New coach John Harbaugh has always considered the middle linebacker spot to be important, and Styles fits the mold of what Harbaugh has loved in players such as Roquan Smith,” wrote Jordan Reid.

“The Giants’ biggest need is right guard, where they’re without a starter unless they have full confidence in Daniel Faalele and/or Evan Neal, which seems nearly impossible right now,“ added ESPN Giants beat writer Jordan Raanan. “But would they really draft a right guard at No. 5, even if that player could later slide out to tackle? Instead, the Giants could go the best-player-available route … but who would be the best player at that spot, Ohio State safety Caleb Downs or Buckeyes linebacker Sonny Styles? If those are the choices, linebacker it is.”

Could the Cowboys trade up?

This happens every year ahead of the draft, and that process is beginning right now.

A discussion of trades inside the first round.

NFL insider Jordan Schultz kicked that into gear on Wednesday with this post on social media:

One team apparently thinking about moving up? The Dallas Cowboys. Jerry Jones needs to get a defensive playmaker or two out of this draft class, and the team has a pair of first-round selections to work with. But as ESPN’s Reid notes, they could move up if there is a defender they like.

“Trading up continues to be a possibility, especially if there’s a player they have high on their board who backslides a tad,“ wrote Reid. ”Safety Caleb Downs (Ohio State) and edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. (Miami) are believed to be players whom the Cowboys would maneuver for, as Dallas reportedly sees both as instant-impact game changers on defense.“

Having just spun through the first round above, it looks like both Downs and Bain could slide out of the top five … to the Cleveland Browns at No. 6.

Is that a spot the Cowboys would be willing to move up to?

Speaking of teams that want to move up in the 2026 NFL Draft, you can add the New England Patriots to that list.

New England has eight picks on the third day of the draft, tied with the Baltimore Ravens for the most in the league. But according to ESPN’s Mike Reiss, expect the Patriots to at least try and move up into Day 2, or even into the first round again, with some of those selections.

“True. Or at least they will try to make this statement true. The Patriots have two fourth-rounders and four sixth-rounders and, according to some scouts, this year’s draft is not considered as strong on Day 3 as it was in 2025. So, the Patriots are expected to explore the possibility of using some of those Day 3 picks as chips in trades to better position themselves for players they are targeting earlier in the draft,“ wrote Reiss.

As for what the Patriots might move up for, expect some work in the trenches.

“It’s essential for the Patriots to attack the offensive and defensive lines in this draft. Don’t rule out a defensive tackle for New England in the first two rounds, as it wants to continue to strengthen its rotation at that spot. Kayden McDonald (Ohio State) is someone to watch early, and Nick Barrett (South Carolina) is an interior defender to keep an eye on in later rounds,“ added Reid.

#NFL #Draft #rumors #Cowboys #trade #spots #Jets #intel #Giants"> NFL Draft rumors on Cowboys trade up spots, Jets’ intel at No. 2, Giants at No. 5, and more The 2026 NFL Draft begins exactly two weeks from tonight. Check out our latest mock draft here.It’s officially rumors season as the draft approaches. Is the latest intel legit, or just another smokescreen? Let’s let’s dive into the newest draft rumors and see what feels real, and what could be propaganda.What happens after Fernando Mendoza?Based on what we know right now, the 2026 NFL Draft begins with the second pick.The Las Vegas Raiders are unofficially on the clock, and are expected to make Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza the first-overall selection. That means that the draft, as far as we know, truly begins with the New York Jets at No. 2.So let’s look at the rest of the top five and what those teams are thinking, thanks to this meaty piece from ESPN’s roster of beat reporters as well as some other sources.Jets leaning toward David Bailey?For the past few months, Arvell Reese was the name linked to the New York Jets at No. 2.But could another defender be in play for New York at that spot?On ESPN’s “The Schrager Hour” podcast, both Peter Schrager and Daniel Jeremiah noted that the Jets might be leaning toward Texas Tech pass rusher David Bailey instead. While Reese is an enticing prospect, moving him fulltime to the edge after he spent time as both a pass rusher and an off-ball linebacker at Ohio State will require some development.As for Bailey, while he might not offer the pure upside that Reese does, he is viewed as the more “pro-ready” pass rusher off the edge. And with the Jets needing to turn their defense around overnight, that might carry some weight.It is worth noting that Schrager sent Bailey to the Jets in his first mock draft.What does Arizona do at 3?So what do the Arizona Cardinals do at No. 3?Many, myself included, believe the Cardinals need to address their offensive line at that spot. Spencer Fano and Francis Mauigoa have been frequently linked to Arizona in mock drafts over the past few months. While the Cardinals did add Isaac Seumalo and Elijah Wilkinson in free agency, it is still believed that they need to do more up front.But could they address their defense instead?ESPN’s Matt Miller believes so, especially since either Bailey or Reese will be available at that spot. One league source told Miller that the Cardinals “should stick and pick” either one of those players, depending on which defender the Jets pick at No. 2.Cardinals beat writer Josh Weinfuss noted that Arizona trading back into the first round to draft Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson is “not out of the realm of possibility.” But another path for Arizona could be moving down from No. 2 — as one league source suggested to Miller — in a deal with a team that wants to come up for a pass rusher.From there, Arizona could slide back, pick up additional draft capital in the first round, and perhaps add Simpson later on that night.Is Jeremiyah Love now headed to Tennessee?A prospect enjoying something of a pre-draft rise is Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love. Believe the hype: Love is really the rare running back worth a top-5 pick.Early in the process, it seemed the RB was heading to Kansas City when the Chiefs went on the clock at No. 9. But with Kenneth Walker III now on his way to KC, finding a different home for Love in mock drafts has required some thinking.But instead of sliding him down boards, we have moved him up, settling on Tennessee at No. 4.Part of that is due to what the Titans have done in free agency. Pass rush was a need for Tennessee ahead of the spring, but the Titans have added multiple defenders to their front seven. While Tennessee could still add another pass rusher to their defensive rotation, Turron Davenport believes drafting Love is “very possible” for the Titans.It’s very possible. The idea of adding a playmaker who can help Cam Ward and the offense score more points is intriguing, especially with Love being a three down-back who the Titans feel fits the mold of Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs,“ wrote Davenport.The beat writer also noted that Robert Saleh’s defensive background could see Tennessee ultimately look at defense, potentially Ohio State’s Sonny Styles, but this might be the clearest sign yet that Love is in play at No. 4.What do the Giants do at No. 5?The New York Giants have needs at several positions, including wide receiver, interior offensive line, linebacker, cornerback, and safety.Which do they address with the fifth selection in the 2026 NFL Draft?Their biggest need might be right guard, but as much as I personally love Olaivavega Ioane from Penn State, it is hard to see an interior offensive lineman coming off the board at No. 2, even if he is the best IOL prospect since Quenton Nelson, who went sixth overall back in 2018.A popular pick in recent mock drafts has been Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles, and that could be where the Giants go at No. 5. “Talking to league sources, the Giants wouldn’t be shy about drafting an off-ball linebacker at No. 5, making Styles a real possibility at that spot as Jordan alluded to above. New coach John Harbaugh has always considered the middle linebacker spot to be important, and Styles fits the mold of what Harbaugh has loved in players such as Roquan Smith,” wrote Jordan Reid.“The Giants’ biggest need is right guard, where they’re without a starter unless they have full confidence in Daniel Faalele and/or Evan Neal, which seems nearly impossible right now,“ added ESPN Giants beat writer Jordan Raanan. “But would they really draft a right guard at No. 5, even if that player could later slide out to tackle? Instead, the Giants could go the best-player-available route … but who would be the best player at that spot, Ohio State safety Caleb Downs or Buckeyes linebacker Sonny Styles? If those are the choices, linebacker it is.”Could the Cowboys trade up?This happens every year ahead of the draft, and that process is beginning right now.A discussion of trades inside the first round.NFL insider Jordan Schultz kicked that into gear on Wednesday with this post on social media:One team apparently thinking about moving up? The Dallas Cowboys. Jerry Jones needs to get a defensive playmaker or two out of this draft class, and the team has a pair of first-round selections to work with. But as ESPN’s Reid notes, they could move up if there is a defender they like.“Trading up continues to be a possibility, especially if there’s a player they have high on their board who backslides a tad,“ wrote Reid. ”Safety Caleb Downs (Ohio State) and edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. (Miami) are believed to be players whom the Cowboys would maneuver for, as Dallas reportedly sees both as instant-impact game changers on defense.“Having just spun through the first round above, it looks like both Downs and Bain could slide out of the top five … to the Cleveland Browns at No. 6.Is that a spot the Cowboys would be willing to move up to?Speaking of teams that want to move up in the 2026 NFL Draft, you can add the New England Patriots to that list.New England has eight picks on the third day of the draft, tied with the Baltimore Ravens for the most in the league. But according to ESPN’s Mike Reiss, expect the Patriots to at least try and move up into Day 2, or even into the first round again, with some of those selections.“True. Or at least they will try to make this statement true. The Patriots have two fourth-rounders and four sixth-rounders and, according to some scouts, this year’s draft is not considered as strong on Day 3 as it was in 2025. So, the Patriots are expected to explore the possibility of using some of those Day 3 picks as chips in trades to better position themselves for players they are targeting earlier in the draft,“ wrote Reiss.As for what the Patriots might move up for, expect some work in the trenches.“It’s essential for the Patriots to attack the offensive and defensive lines in this draft. Don’t rule out a defensive tackle for New England in the first two rounds, as it wants to continue to strengthen its rotation at that spot. Kayden McDonald (Ohio State) is someone to watch early, and Nick Barrett (South Carolina) is an interior defender to keep an eye on in later rounds,“ added Reid. #NFL #Draft #rumors #Cowboys #trade #spots #Jets #intel #Giants
Sports news

Check out our latest mock draft here.

It’s officially rumors season as the draft approaches. Is the latest intel legit, or just another smokescreen? Let’s let’s dive into the newest draft rumors and see what feels real, and what could be propaganda.

What happens after Fernando Mendoza?

Based on what we know right now, the 2026 NFL Draft begins with the second pick.

The Las Vegas Raiders are unofficially on the clock, and are expected to make Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza the first-overall selection. That means that the draft, as far as we know, truly begins with the New York Jets at No. 2.

So let’s look at the rest of the top five and what those teams are thinking, thanks to this meaty piece from ESPN’s roster of beat reporters as well as some other sources.

Jets leaning toward David Bailey?

For the past few months, Arvell Reese was the name linked to the New York Jets at No. 2.

But could another defender be in play for New York at that spot?

On ESPN’s “The Schrager Hour” podcast, both Peter Schrager and Daniel Jeremiah noted that the Jets might be leaning toward Texas Tech pass rusher David Bailey instead. While Reese is an enticing prospect, moving him fulltime to the edge after he spent time as both a pass rusher and an off-ball linebacker at Ohio State will require some development.

As for Bailey, while he might not offer the pure upside that Reese does, he is viewed as the more “pro-ready” pass rusher off the edge. And with the Jets needing to turn their defense around overnight, that might carry some weight.

It is worth noting that Schrager sent Bailey to the Jets in his first mock draft.

What does Arizona do at 3?

So what do the Arizona Cardinals do at No. 3?

Many, myself included, believe the Cardinals need to address their offensive line at that spot. Spencer Fano and Francis Mauigoa have been frequently linked to Arizona in mock drafts over the past few months. While the Cardinals did add Isaac Seumalo and Elijah Wilkinson in free agency, it is still believed that they need to do more up front.

But could they address their defense instead?

ESPN’s Matt Miller believes so, especially since either Bailey or Reese will be available at that spot. One league source told Miller that the Cardinals “should stick and pick” either one of those players, depending on which defender the Jets pick at No. 2.

Cardinals beat writer Josh Weinfuss noted that Arizona trading back into the first round to draft Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson is “not out of the realm of possibility.” But another path for Arizona could be moving down from No. 2 — as one league source suggested to Miller — in a deal with a team that wants to come up for a pass rusher.

From there, Arizona could slide back, pick up additional draft capital in the first round, and perhaps add Simpson later on that night.

Is Jeremiyah Love now headed to Tennessee?

A prospect enjoying something of a pre-draft rise is Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love. Believe the hype: Love is really the rare running back worth a top-5 pick.

Early in the process, it seemed the RB was heading to Kansas City when the Chiefs went on the clock at No. 9. But with Kenneth Walker III now on his way to KC, finding a different home for Love in mock drafts has required some thinking.

But instead of sliding him down boards, we have moved him up, settling on Tennessee at No. 4.

Part of that is due to what the Titans have done in free agency. Pass rush was a need for Tennessee ahead of the spring, but the Titans have added multiple defenders to their front seven. While Tennessee could still add another pass rusher to their defensive rotation, Turron Davenport believes drafting Love is “very possible” for the Titans.

It’s very possible. The idea of adding a playmaker who can help Cam Ward and the offense score more points is intriguing, especially with Love being a three down-back who the Titans feel fits the mold of Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs,“ wrote Davenport.

The beat writer also noted that Robert Saleh’s defensive background could see Tennessee ultimately look at defense, potentially Ohio State’s Sonny Styles, but this might be the clearest sign yet that Love is in play at No. 4.

What do the Giants do at No. 5?

The New York Giants have needs at several positions, including wide receiver, interior offensive line, linebacker, cornerback, and safety.

Which do they address with the fifth selection in the 2026 NFL Draft?

Their biggest need might be right guard, but as much as I personally love Olaivavega Ioane from Penn State, it is hard to see an interior offensive lineman coming off the board at No. 2, even if he is the best IOL prospect since Quenton Nelson, who went sixth overall back in 2018.

A popular pick in recent mock drafts has been Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles, and that could be where the Giants go at No. 5. “Talking to league sources, the Giants wouldn’t be shy about drafting an off-ball linebacker at No. 5, making Styles a real possibility at that spot as Jordan alluded to above. New coach John Harbaugh has always considered the middle linebacker spot to be important, and Styles fits the mold of what Harbaugh has loved in players such as Roquan Smith,” wrote Jordan Reid.

“The Giants’ biggest need is right guard, where they’re without a starter unless they have full confidence in Daniel Faalele and/or Evan Neal, which seems nearly impossible right now,“ added ESPN Giants beat writer Jordan Raanan. “But would they really draft a right guard at No. 5, even if that player could later slide out to tackle? Instead, the Giants could go the best-player-available route … but who would be the best player at that spot, Ohio State safety Caleb Downs or Buckeyes linebacker Sonny Styles? If those are the choices, linebacker it is.”

Could the Cowboys trade up?

This happens every year ahead of the draft, and that process is beginning right now.

A discussion of trades inside the first round.

NFL insider Jordan Schultz kicked that into gear on Wednesday with this post on social media:

One team apparently thinking about moving up? The Dallas Cowboys. Jerry Jones needs to get a defensive playmaker or two out of this draft class, and the team has a pair of first-round selections to work with. But as ESPN’s Reid notes, they could move up if there is a defender they like.

“Trading up continues to be a possibility, especially if there’s a player they have high on their board who backslides a tad,“ wrote Reid. ”Safety Caleb Downs (Ohio State) and edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. (Miami) are believed to be players whom the Cowboys would maneuver for, as Dallas reportedly sees both as instant-impact game changers on defense.“

Having just spun through the first round above, it looks like both Downs and Bain could slide out of the top five … to the Cleveland Browns at No. 6.

Is that a spot the Cowboys would be willing to move up to?

Speaking of teams that want to move up in the 2026 NFL Draft, you can add the New England Patriots to that list.

New England has eight picks on the third day of the draft, tied with the Baltimore Ravens for the most in the league. But according to ESPN’s Mike Reiss, expect the Patriots to at least try and move up into Day 2, or even into the first round again, with some of those selections.

“True. Or at least they will try to make this statement true. The Patriots have two fourth-rounders and four sixth-rounders and, according to some scouts, this year’s draft is not considered as strong on Day 3 as it was in 2025. So, the Patriots are expected to explore the possibility of using some of those Day 3 picks as chips in trades to better position themselves for players they are targeting earlier in the draft,“ wrote Reiss.

As for what the Patriots might move up for, expect some work in the trenches.

“It’s essential for the Patriots to attack the offensive and defensive lines in this draft. Don’t rule out a defensive tackle for New England in the first two rounds, as it wants to continue to strengthen its rotation at that spot. Kayden McDonald (Ohio State) is someone to watch early, and Nick Barrett (South Carolina) is an interior defender to keep an eye on in later rounds,“ added Reid.

#NFL #Draft #rumors #Cowboys #trade #spots #Jets #intel #Giants">NFL Draft rumors on Cowboys trade up spots, Jets’ intel at No. 2, Giants at No. 5, and more

The 2026 NFL Draft begins exactly two weeks from tonight. Check out our latest mock draft here.

It’s officially rumors season as the draft approaches. Is the latest intel legit, or just another smokescreen? Let’s let’s dive into the newest draft rumors and see what feels real, and what could be propaganda.

What happens after Fernando Mendoza?

Based on what we know right now, the 2026 NFL Draft begins with the second pick.

The Las Vegas Raiders are unofficially on the clock, and are expected to make Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza the first-overall selection. That means that the draft, as far as we know, truly begins with the New York Jets at No. 2.

So let’s look at the rest of the top five and what those teams are thinking, thanks to this meaty piece from ESPN’s roster of beat reporters as well as some other sources.

Jets leaning toward David Bailey?

For the past few months, Arvell Reese was the name linked to the New York Jets at No. 2.

But could another defender be in play for New York at that spot?

On ESPN’s “The Schrager Hour” podcast, both Peter Schrager and Daniel Jeremiah noted that the Jets might be leaning toward Texas Tech pass rusher David Bailey instead. While Reese is an enticing prospect, moving him fulltime to the edge after he spent time as both a pass rusher and an off-ball linebacker at Ohio State will require some development.

As for Bailey, while he might not offer the pure upside that Reese does, he is viewed as the more “pro-ready” pass rusher off the edge. And with the Jets needing to turn their defense around overnight, that might carry some weight.

It is worth noting that Schrager sent Bailey to the Jets in his first mock draft.

What does Arizona do at 3?

So what do the Arizona Cardinals do at No. 3?

Many, myself included, believe the Cardinals need to address their offensive line at that spot. Spencer Fano and Francis Mauigoa have been frequently linked to Arizona in mock drafts over the past few months. While the Cardinals did add Isaac Seumalo and Elijah Wilkinson in free agency, it is still believed that they need to do more up front.

But could they address their defense instead?

ESPN’s Matt Miller believes so, especially since either Bailey or Reese will be available at that spot. One league source told Miller that the Cardinals “should stick and pick” either one of those players, depending on which defender the Jets pick at No. 2.

Cardinals beat writer Josh Weinfuss noted that Arizona trading back into the first round to draft Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson is “not out of the realm of possibility.” But another path for Arizona could be moving down from No. 2 — as one league source suggested to Miller — in a deal with a team that wants to come up for a pass rusher.

From there, Arizona could slide back, pick up additional draft capital in the first round, and perhaps add Simpson later on that night.

Is Jeremiyah Love now headed to Tennessee?

A prospect enjoying something of a pre-draft rise is Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love. Believe the hype: Love is really the rare running back worth a top-5 pick.

Early in the process, it seemed the RB was heading to Kansas City when the Chiefs went on the clock at No. 9. But with Kenneth Walker III now on his way to KC, finding a different home for Love in mock drafts has required some thinking.

But instead of sliding him down boards, we have moved him up, settling on Tennessee at No. 4.

Part of that is due to what the Titans have done in free agency. Pass rush was a need for Tennessee ahead of the spring, but the Titans have added multiple defenders to their front seven. While Tennessee could still add another pass rusher to their defensive rotation, Turron Davenport believes drafting Love is “very possible” for the Titans.

It’s very possible. The idea of adding a playmaker who can help Cam Ward and the offense score more points is intriguing, especially with Love being a three down-back who the Titans feel fits the mold of Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs,“ wrote Davenport.

The beat writer also noted that Robert Saleh’s defensive background could see Tennessee ultimately look at defense, potentially Ohio State’s Sonny Styles, but this might be the clearest sign yet that Love is in play at No. 4.

What do the Giants do at No. 5?

The New York Giants have needs at several positions, including wide receiver, interior offensive line, linebacker, cornerback, and safety.

Which do they address with the fifth selection in the 2026 NFL Draft?

Their biggest need might be right guard, but as much as I personally love Olaivavega Ioane from Penn State, it is hard to see an interior offensive lineman coming off the board at No. 2, even if he is the best IOL prospect since Quenton Nelson, who went sixth overall back in 2018.

A popular pick in recent mock drafts has been Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles, and that could be where the Giants go at No. 5. “Talking to league sources, the Giants wouldn’t be shy about drafting an off-ball linebacker at No. 5, making Styles a real possibility at that spot as Jordan alluded to above. New coach John Harbaugh has always considered the middle linebacker spot to be important, and Styles fits the mold of what Harbaugh has loved in players such as Roquan Smith,” wrote Jordan Reid.

“The Giants’ biggest need is right guard, where they’re without a starter unless they have full confidence in Daniel Faalele and/or Evan Neal, which seems nearly impossible right now,“ added ESPN Giants beat writer Jordan Raanan. “But would they really draft a right guard at No. 5, even if that player could later slide out to tackle? Instead, the Giants could go the best-player-available route … but who would be the best player at that spot, Ohio State safety Caleb Downs or Buckeyes linebacker Sonny Styles? If those are the choices, linebacker it is.”

Could the Cowboys trade up?

This happens every year ahead of the draft, and that process is beginning right now.

A discussion of trades inside the first round.

NFL insider Jordan Schultz kicked that into gear on Wednesday with this post on social media:

One team apparently thinking about moving up? The Dallas Cowboys. Jerry Jones needs to get a defensive playmaker or two out of this draft class, and the team has a pair of first-round selections to work with. But as ESPN’s Reid notes, they could move up if there is a defender they like.

“Trading up continues to be a possibility, especially if there’s a player they have high on their board who backslides a tad,“ wrote Reid. ”Safety Caleb Downs (Ohio State) and edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. (Miami) are believed to be players whom the Cowboys would maneuver for, as Dallas reportedly sees both as instant-impact game changers on defense.“

Having just spun through the first round above, it looks like both Downs and Bain could slide out of the top five … to the Cleveland Browns at No. 6.

Is that a spot the Cowboys would be willing to move up to?

Speaking of teams that want to move up in the 2026 NFL Draft, you can add the New England Patriots to that list.

New England has eight picks on the third day of the draft, tied with the Baltimore Ravens for the most in the league. But according to ESPN’s Mike Reiss, expect the Patriots to at least try and move up into Day 2, or even into the first round again, with some of those selections.

“True. Or at least they will try to make this statement true. The Patriots have two fourth-rounders and four sixth-rounders and, according to some scouts, this year’s draft is not considered as strong on Day 3 as it was in 2025. So, the Patriots are expected to explore the possibility of using some of those Day 3 picks as chips in trades to better position themselves for players they are targeting earlier in the draft,“ wrote Reiss.

As for what the Patriots might move up for, expect some work in the trenches.

“It’s essential for the Patriots to attack the offensive and defensive lines in this draft. Don’t rule out a defensive tackle for New England in the first two rounds, as it wants to continue to strengthen its rotation at that spot. Kayden McDonald (Ohio State) is someone to watch early, and Nick Barrett (South Carolina) is an interior defender to keep an eye on in later rounds,“ added Reid.

#NFL #Draft #rumors #Cowboys #trade #spots #Jets #intel #Giants

The 2026 NFL Draft begins exactly two weeks from tonight. Check out our latest mock…

Sports news

Texas Texh Edge Davis BaileyThe Arizona Cardinals wanted to try and make a move down…

are trying to use the “Nathan Fielder Defense,” claiming that they were each at the resort with separate groups of friends and just so happened to run into each other.

The coach told Page Six Tuesday, “These photos show a completely innocent interaction and any suggestion otherwise is laughable. This doesn’t deserve any further response.”

And Russini told us, “The photos don’t represent the group of six people who were hanging out during the day. Like most journalists in the NFL, reporters interact with sources away from stadiums and other venues.”

I don’t pretend to know what other friend groups do with their bonding time, especially given the kind of wealth Mike Vrabel has, but I can promise you “hang out at a couples’ resort” has never once come up in discussion, not even as a quickly shot-down micro-suggestion.

Ambiente, the adults-only resort in question, doesn’t have a golf course, or a bar, or any activities you’d typically ascribe to a group of guys hanging out. They do however, have a “saddle and sip” wine and horseback tour, romantic stargazing, and in-room canvas painting. Meanwhile the branding for Ambiente is extremely geared towards one particular group of clientele, and see if you can guess from the cover photo for the on-site restaurant.

Never has there been a better location for athletic, goateed dads to enjoy a meal with their blonde girlfriends than at Ambiente, Sedona. Let’s just say it makes the notion that Vrabel and his buds were psyched to have a guys’ weekend there a little more questionable.

It’s impossible to discuss this whole debacle without shaming Vrabel and Russini, and there should absolutely be shame involved here. Not because of the fact they’re both married to different people, because it’s impossible to know the relationship dynamics at play here inside the two marriages — but because these two dumbasses intermingled a professional and personal relationship in such a way that it became a public spectacle.

And yeah, it’s extremely icky knowing that Russini has a three-year-old and five-year-old son (both of Vrabel’s children are grown). Nobody in their right mind is buying that this is some platonic get-together at a resort that markets itself on romance, especially when they were photographed on the roof of the most exclusive two-person bungalows on the property. The least they could do is have the decency to own it.

Russini and Vrabel should be independently ashamed of their roles in this. While Russini is catching the majority of the flak on social media as people dig through her social media history and find a frankly staggering amount of evidence that she didn’t really like her husband, Vrabel clearly owned the power imbalance in this relationship. When you get down to brass tacks, he was the football coach at the center of many of her reports, and he had the ability to turn off the information faucet at any time, impacting her career as a result.

Where Russini should be independently ashamed is by turning into the trope that every internet misogynist has about female reporters, or really any women in a position of prominence at all. Guys like Adam Schefter and Shams Charania are praised for their “grind” while whoring themselves out to sports agents, but if a woman makes it on TV or gets too many bylines in sports there’s a predictable refrain of “who is she sleeping with?” echoed by pathetic, jealous men who assume there’s no possible way a woman could have a high-profile sports job without sleeping their way to the top.

Instead, she’s trying to double down on this being source maintenance, which is a very normal journalistic practice. Yes, you absolutely cultivate personal relationships with people behind the scenes, and you do spend time with them — but normally that’s resigned to having a steak and a drink together, not canoodling at a couples resort and saying you were there with friends. Friends who have about the same level of visibility as Aaron Rodgers’ wife, who absolutely exists; just ask Aaron Rodgers.

It takes two to tango, or in this case, interlock hands. Both became examples of the most harmful tropes in our society: The man with power leveraging it into a relationship, and the woman willing to do anything to further her career. It’s a two-way conflict of interest, because as recently as a month ago Russini was reporting on the Patriots’ interest in A.J. Brown, and this raises serious questions about how the information was gathered, or if there was any alternate motivation behind the reporting.

Russini’s boss, Steven Ginsburg, is echoing the line about this all being a gross misrepresentation, doubling down that The Athletic, and New York Times by extension, support their employee.

“These photos are misleading and lack essential context. These were public interactions in front of many people. Dianna is a premier journalist covering the NFL and we’re proud to have her at the Athletic.”

I’m sorry y’all got got, but you absolutely deserve the scrutiny.

#Ive #locked #hands #NFL #coach #stared #eyes #Mike #Vrabel #Dianna #Russini"> I’ve never locked hands with an NFL coach and stared into his eyes like Mike Vrabel and Dianna Russini New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel and Dianna Russini, senior NFL reporter for The Athletic, really want you to believe that it’s extremely normal for platonic friends to hang out around the pool at a known honeymoon retreat, have a sunset embrace, and lock fingers while staring wistfully into each other’s eyes.It’s enough to make me jealous that I didn’t get to make pottery with Ron Rivera Ghost style during the five-straight 100-degree Panthers training camps I endured in Spartanburg, South Carolina in the early 2010s. I had no idea that’s how the media was supposed to act with NFL head coaches.Maybe we have it all wrong? It’s all just a big old misunderstanding, according to the duo, who bless their hearts, are trying to use the “Nathan Fielder Defense,” claiming that they were each at the resort with separate groups of friends and just so happened to run into each other.The coach told Page Six Tuesday, “These photos show a completely innocent interaction and any suggestion otherwise is laughable. This doesn’t deserve any further response.”And Russini told us, “The photos don’t represent the group of six people who were hanging out during the day. Like most journalists in the NFL, reporters interact with sources away from stadiums and other venues.”I don’t pretend to know what other friend groups do with their bonding time, especially given the kind of wealth Mike Vrabel has, but I can promise you “hang out at a couples’ resort” has never once come up in discussion, not even as a quickly shot-down micro-suggestion.Ambiente, the adults-only resort in question, doesn’t have a golf course, or a bar, or any activities you’d typically ascribe to a group of guys hanging out. They do however, have a “saddle and sip” wine and horseback tour, romantic stargazing, and in-room canvas painting. Meanwhile the branding for Ambiente is extremely geared towards one particular group of clientele, and see if you can guess from the cover photo for the on-site restaurant.Never has there been a better location for athletic, goateed dads to enjoy a meal with their blonde girlfriends than at Ambiente, Sedona. Let’s just say it makes the notion that Vrabel and his buds were psyched to have a guys’ weekend there a little more questionable.It’s impossible to discuss this whole debacle without shaming Vrabel and Russini, and there should absolutely be shame involved here. Not because of the fact they’re both married to different people, because it’s impossible to know the relationship dynamics at play here inside the two marriages — but because these two dumbasses intermingled a professional and personal relationship in such a way that it became a public spectacle.And yeah, it’s extremely icky knowing that Russini has a three-year-old and five-year-old son (both of Vrabel’s children are grown). Nobody in their right mind is buying that this is some platonic get-together at a resort that markets itself on romance, especially when they were photographed on the roof of the most exclusive two-person bungalows on the property. The least they could do is have the decency to own it.Russini and Vrabel should be independently ashamed of their roles in this. While Russini is catching the majority of the flak on social media as people dig through her social media history and find a frankly staggering amount of evidence that she didn’t really like her husband, Vrabel clearly owned the power imbalance in this relationship. When you get down to brass tacks, he was the football coach at the center of many of her reports, and he had the ability to turn off the information faucet at any time, impacting her career as a result.Where Russini should be independently ashamed is by turning into the trope that every internet misogynist has about female reporters, or really any women in a position of prominence at all. Guys like Adam Schefter and Shams Charania are praised for their “grind” while whoring themselves out to sports agents, but if a woman makes it on TV or gets too many bylines in sports there’s a predictable refrain of “who is she sleeping with?” echoed by pathetic, jealous men who assume there’s no possible way a woman could have a high-profile sports job without sleeping their way to the top.Instead, she’s trying to double down on this being source maintenance, which is a very normal journalistic practice. Yes, you absolutely cultivate personal relationships with people behind the scenes, and you do spend time with them — but normally that’s resigned to having a steak and a drink together, not canoodling at a couples resort and saying you were there with friends. Friends who have about the same level of visibility as Aaron Rodgers’ wife, who absolutely exists; just ask Aaron Rodgers.It takes two to tango, or in this case, interlock hands. Both became examples of the most harmful tropes in our society: The man with power leveraging it into a relationship, and the woman willing to do anything to further her career. It’s a two-way conflict of interest, because as recently as a month ago Russini was reporting on the Patriots’ interest in A.J. Brown, and this raises serious questions about how the information was gathered, or if there was any alternate motivation behind the reporting.Russini’s boss, Steven Ginsburg, is echoing the line about this all being a gross misrepresentation, doubling down that The Athletic, and New York Times by extension, support their employee.“These photos are misleading and lack essential context. These were public interactions in front of many people. Dianna is a premier journalist covering the NFL and we’re proud to have her at the Athletic.”I’m sorry y’all got got, but you absolutely deserve the scrutiny. #Ive #locked #hands #NFL #coach #stared #eyes #Mike #Vrabel #Dianna #Russini
Sports news

are trying to use the “Nathan Fielder Defense,” claiming that they were each at the resort with separate groups of friends and just so happened to run into each other.

The coach told Page Six Tuesday, “These photos show a completely innocent interaction and any suggestion otherwise is laughable. This doesn’t deserve any further response.”

And Russini told us, “The photos don’t represent the group of six people who were hanging out during the day. Like most journalists in the NFL, reporters interact with sources away from stadiums and other venues.”

I don’t pretend to know what other friend groups do with their bonding time, especially given the kind of wealth Mike Vrabel has, but I can promise you “hang out at a couples’ resort” has never once come up in discussion, not even as a quickly shot-down micro-suggestion.

Ambiente, the adults-only resort in question, doesn’t have a golf course, or a bar, or any activities you’d typically ascribe to a group of guys hanging out. They do however, have a “saddle and sip” wine and horseback tour, romantic stargazing, and in-room canvas painting. Meanwhile the branding for Ambiente is extremely geared towards one particular group of clientele, and see if you can guess from the cover photo for the on-site restaurant.

Never has there been a better location for athletic, goateed dads to enjoy a meal with their blonde girlfriends than at Ambiente, Sedona. Let’s just say it makes the notion that Vrabel and his buds were psyched to have a guys’ weekend there a little more questionable.

It’s impossible to discuss this whole debacle without shaming Vrabel and Russini, and there should absolutely be shame involved here. Not because of the fact they’re both married to different people, because it’s impossible to know the relationship dynamics at play here inside the two marriages — but because these two dumbasses intermingled a professional and personal relationship in such a way that it became a public spectacle.

And yeah, it’s extremely icky knowing that Russini has a three-year-old and five-year-old son (both of Vrabel’s children are grown). Nobody in their right mind is buying that this is some platonic get-together at a resort that markets itself on romance, especially when they were photographed on the roof of the most exclusive two-person bungalows on the property. The least they could do is have the decency to own it.

Russini and Vrabel should be independently ashamed of their roles in this. While Russini is catching the majority of the flak on social media as people dig through her social media history and find a frankly staggering amount of evidence that she didn’t really like her husband, Vrabel clearly owned the power imbalance in this relationship. When you get down to brass tacks, he was the football coach at the center of many of her reports, and he had the ability to turn off the information faucet at any time, impacting her career as a result.

Where Russini should be independently ashamed is by turning into the trope that every internet misogynist has about female reporters, or really any women in a position of prominence at all. Guys like Adam Schefter and Shams Charania are praised for their “grind” while whoring themselves out to sports agents, but if a woman makes it on TV or gets too many bylines in sports there’s a predictable refrain of “who is she sleeping with?” echoed by pathetic, jealous men who assume there’s no possible way a woman could have a high-profile sports job without sleeping their way to the top.

Instead, she’s trying to double down on this being source maintenance, which is a very normal journalistic practice. Yes, you absolutely cultivate personal relationships with people behind the scenes, and you do spend time with them — but normally that’s resigned to having a steak and a drink together, not canoodling at a couples resort and saying you were there with friends. Friends who have about the same level of visibility as Aaron Rodgers’ wife, who absolutely exists; just ask Aaron Rodgers.

It takes two to tango, or in this case, interlock hands. Both became examples of the most harmful tropes in our society: The man with power leveraging it into a relationship, and the woman willing to do anything to further her career. It’s a two-way conflict of interest, because as recently as a month ago Russini was reporting on the Patriots’ interest in A.J. Brown, and this raises serious questions about how the information was gathered, or if there was any alternate motivation behind the reporting.

Russini’s boss, Steven Ginsburg, is echoing the line about this all being a gross misrepresentation, doubling down that The Athletic, and New York Times by extension, support their employee.

“These photos are misleading and lack essential context. These were public interactions in front of many people. Dianna is a premier journalist covering the NFL and we’re proud to have her at the Athletic.”

I’m sorry y’all got got, but you absolutely deserve the scrutiny.

#Ive #locked #hands #NFL #coach #stared #eyes #Mike #Vrabel #Dianna #Russini">I’ve never locked hands with an NFL coach and stared into his eyes like Mike Vrabel and Dianna Russini

New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel and Dianna Russini, senior NFL reporter for The Athletic, really want you to believe that it’s extremely normal for platonic friends to hang out around the pool at a known honeymoon retreat, have a sunset embrace, and lock fingers while staring wistfully into each other’s eyes.

It’s enough to make me jealous that I didn’t get to make pottery with Ron Rivera Ghost style during the five-straight 100-degree Panthers training camps I endured in Spartanburg, South Carolina in the early 2010s. I had no idea that’s how the media was supposed to act with NFL head coaches.

Maybe we have it all wrong? It’s all just a big old misunderstanding, according to the duo, who bless their hearts, are trying to use the “Nathan Fielder Defense,” claiming that they were each at the resort with separate groups of friends and just so happened to run into each other.

The coach told Page Six Tuesday, “These photos show a completely innocent interaction and any suggestion otherwise is laughable. This doesn’t deserve any further response.”

And Russini told us, “The photos don’t represent the group of six people who were hanging out during the day. Like most journalists in the NFL, reporters interact with sources away from stadiums and other venues.”

I don’t pretend to know what other friend groups do with their bonding time, especially given the kind of wealth Mike Vrabel has, but I can promise you “hang out at a couples’ resort” has never once come up in discussion, not even as a quickly shot-down micro-suggestion.

Ambiente, the adults-only resort in question, doesn’t have a golf course, or a bar, or any activities you’d typically ascribe to a group of guys hanging out. They do however, have a “saddle and sip” wine and horseback tour, romantic stargazing, and in-room canvas painting. Meanwhile the branding for Ambiente is extremely geared towards one particular group of clientele, and see if you can guess from the cover photo for the on-site restaurant.

Never has there been a better location for athletic, goateed dads to enjoy a meal with their blonde girlfriends than at Ambiente, Sedona. Let’s just say it makes the notion that Vrabel and his buds were psyched to have a guys’ weekend there a little more questionable.

It’s impossible to discuss this whole debacle without shaming Vrabel and Russini, and there should absolutely be shame involved here. Not because of the fact they’re both married to different people, because it’s impossible to know the relationship dynamics at play here inside the two marriages — but because these two dumbasses intermingled a professional and personal relationship in such a way that it became a public spectacle.

And yeah, it’s extremely icky knowing that Russini has a three-year-old and five-year-old son (both of Vrabel’s children are grown). Nobody in their right mind is buying that this is some platonic get-together at a resort that markets itself on romance, especially when they were photographed on the roof of the most exclusive two-person bungalows on the property. The least they could do is have the decency to own it.

Russini and Vrabel should be independently ashamed of their roles in this. While Russini is catching the majority of the flak on social media as people dig through her social media history and find a frankly staggering amount of evidence that she didn’t really like her husband, Vrabel clearly owned the power imbalance in this relationship. When you get down to brass tacks, he was the football coach at the center of many of her reports, and he had the ability to turn off the information faucet at any time, impacting her career as a result.

Where Russini should be independently ashamed is by turning into the trope that every internet misogynist has about female reporters, or really any women in a position of prominence at all. Guys like Adam Schefter and Shams Charania are praised for their “grind” while whoring themselves out to sports agents, but if a woman makes it on TV or gets too many bylines in sports there’s a predictable refrain of “who is she sleeping with?” echoed by pathetic, jealous men who assume there’s no possible way a woman could have a high-profile sports job without sleeping their way to the top.

Instead, she’s trying to double down on this being source maintenance, which is a very normal journalistic practice. Yes, you absolutely cultivate personal relationships with people behind the scenes, and you do spend time with them — but normally that’s resigned to having a steak and a drink together, not canoodling at a couples resort and saying you were there with friends. Friends who have about the same level of visibility as Aaron Rodgers’ wife, who absolutely exists; just ask Aaron Rodgers.

It takes two to tango, or in this case, interlock hands. Both became examples of the most harmful tropes in our society: The man with power leveraging it into a relationship, and the woman willing to do anything to further her career. It’s a two-way conflict of interest, because as recently as a month ago Russini was reporting on the Patriots’ interest in A.J. Brown, and this raises serious questions about how the information was gathered, or if there was any alternate motivation behind the reporting.

Russini’s boss, Steven Ginsburg, is echoing the line about this all being a gross misrepresentation, doubling down that The Athletic, and New York Times by extension, support their employee.

“These photos are misleading and lack essential context. These were public interactions in front of many people. Dianna is a premier journalist covering the NFL and we’re proud to have her at the Athletic.”

I’m sorry y’all got got, but you absolutely deserve the scrutiny.

#Ive #locked #hands #NFL #coach #stared #eyes #Mike #Vrabel #Dianna #Russini

New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel and Dianna Russini, senior NFL reporter for The…

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Ohio State EDGE Arvell ReeseThere's nothing the Jets would like more than to finally get…

already learning Kubiak’s playbook.

#NFL #mock #draft #Raiders #select #Fernando #Mendoza #Quarterback #Indiana"> NFL mock draft 2026: Raiders select Fernando Mendoza, Quarterback, Indiana Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza (surprise!)Since moving on from Derek Carr at the end of the 2022 season, the Raiders have had a different Week 1 starting quarterback every year. A big reason is that they haven’t been in a position to draft the next future of the franchise. Now that Las Vegas owns the No. 1 overall pick, there’s no need to overthink the selection or even entertain any trade offers. Plus, Mendoza’s decision-making and accuracy make him a great fit in Klint Kubiak’s offense, and the Heisman Trophy winner is already learning Kubiak’s playbook. #NFL #mock #draft #Raiders #select #Fernando #Mendoza #Quarterback #Indiana
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already learning Kubiak’s playbook.

#NFL #mock #draft #Raiders #select #Fernando #Mendoza #Quarterback #Indiana">NFL mock draft 2026: Raiders select Fernando Mendoza, Quarterback, Indiana

Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza (surprise!)

Since moving on from Derek Carr at the end of the 2022 season, the Raiders have had a different Week 1 starting quarterback every year. A big reason is that they haven’t been in a position to draft the next future of the franchise. Now that Las Vegas owns the No. 1 overall pick, there’s no need to overthink the selection or even entertain any trade offers. Plus, Mendoza’s decision-making and accuracy make him a great fit in Klint Kubiak’s offense, and the Heisman Trophy winner is already learning Kubiak’s playbook.

#NFL #mock #draft #Raiders #select #Fernando #Mendoza #Quarterback #Indiana

Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza (surprise!)Since moving on from Derek Carr at the end of the…

running game may be coming back into vogue. The NFL world just saw the Seattle Seahawks win the Super Bowl featuring a surging run game down the stretch, and while the league is still dominated by the passing game, the influx of two-high defenses have seen offenses turn to the run game as at least a powerful complement to their passing attacks.

But timing is just one aspect of Love’s evaluation that has seen his draft stock rise as the real thing approaches, as the Notre Dame RB has gone from a potential top-ten pick in mock drafts to now a player viewed in the top five. There is something else.

Love is pure speed at the running back position, a trait that showed up on the field this fall and translated to his workout in Indianapolis at the NFL Scouting Combine, where he laid down a 4.36-second 40-yard dash. And what makes Love’s evaluation all the more impressive is how that trait shows up regardless of scheme, and even in the passing game.

Take this touchdown against Syracuse, coming on a zone design:

This is an outside zone design flowing to the right, but first Love has the vision to identify the inside lane that develops. From there, this is pure speed from the running back, who explodes into the second level before the Syracuse defense has a chance to react. Then keep an eye on the free safety. This is an example of a running back not just erasing an angle, but obliterating it.

And yes, safeties in the NFL will take better angles, but the thing about Love’s game is that even if you think you have a shot at him, you often do not. His contact balance and spin move are elite traits, traits that turn potential tackles into even bigger gains. Like on this run against Pittsburgh which comes on a gap/power design:

Several things stand out about this one play. First is the scheme, a gap/power design in contrast to the previous example. Love is a schematically-diverse running back, who can hit home runs regardless of the play design.

Second is again the speed, as well as the awareness. After cutting upfield and behind the two pulling blockers, Love rockets into the second level. But this time, the safety has a much better angle on him, with a chance to cut him down for a minimal gain.

Instead, Love anticipates the angle and unleashes his almost-violent spin move, blowing by the safety en route to a 56-yard touchdown. That spin move shows up throughout his film, and will be a weapon for him at the next level.

Here’s another example of this trait, coming on a counter design against USC. Keep an eye on No. 7 in the Trojans’ secondary:

While the safety has a decent angle on Love, the RB’s pure speed erases that on this 63-yard run.

Love might not be a pure power back, but that does not mean he gets cut down at the initial sign of contact. What he might lack in pure lower-body power he more than makes up for with contact balance. Would-be tacklers need to be sure at the contact point, and technically sound.

Otherwise, things like this happen:

On the first play against Stanford, you see Love run through several tackle attempts, erasing angles not with his speed, but with his contact balance. The moment a defender mistimes a tackle attempt, or fails to hit the perfect strike point, Love runs through contact, keeping his legs moving and showing enough power to extend plays with balance and strength.

And on that second example against Pittsburgh, you again see that angle-erasing speed. After making the first defender miss behind the line of scrimmage, Love simply outruns the second defender to the edge, turning what could have been — or should have been — a loss into another explosive run.

As noted at the outset, while the running game may be slowly coming back into style, the NFL remains a passing-dominated league.

So when any running back is discussed as an early pick, the question over what they can contribute in the passing game rises to the top of the evaluation. Can that player be a “three-down” back? Can they offer something as a receiver out of the backfield?

There may even be some untapped potential in what Love can do as a pass catcher, but when he comes off the board early in the first round, you can expect to see these two plays. First, a wheel route against Texas A&M where the defense loses him in coverage, but you see what he can do with his hands as he extends for this catch, and then get another look at that game-breaking ability to erase angles:

And then there is this play, a corner route run from a slot alignment:

Love is working against a linebacker on this play, but it illustrates what he can do as a route-runner when aligned outside. The Notre Dame RB uses two different gears off the line, including a second gear that erases the cushion and stresses the linebacker’s leverage. From there he simply loses the linebacker, leaving him crashing to the turf as Love makes his cut towards the sideline.

Again, expect to see this play highlighted when Love comes off the board on draft night.

When it comes down to it, Love is the complete package as a running back. A schematically-diverse player who can deliver explosive plays in the running game regardless of scheme, and whose speed and route-running could make him an even more explosive player in the NFL in the passing game.

When you think about positional value, that sounds pretty valuable to me.

#Jeremiyah #Love #brings #top5 #NFL #Draft"> Why Jeremiyah Love brings top-5 value to NFL Draft as a RB The 2026 NFL Draft class is replete with fascinating evaluations.Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love might be at the top of that list.While Love is a running back, a fact that carries all sorts of questions about positional value, he is entering a league at a time when the running game may be coming back into vogue. The NFL world just saw the Seattle Seahawks win the Super Bowl featuring a surging run game down the stretch, and while the league is still dominated by the passing game, the influx of two-high defenses have seen offenses turn to the run game as at least a powerful complement to their passing attacks.But timing is just one aspect of Love’s evaluation that has seen his draft stock rise as the real thing approaches, as the Notre Dame RB has gone from a potential top-ten pick in mock drafts to now a player viewed in the top five. There is something else.Love is pure speed at the running back position, a trait that showed up on the field this fall and translated to his workout in Indianapolis at the NFL Scouting Combine, where he laid down a 4.36-second 40-yard dash. And what makes Love’s evaluation all the more impressive is how that trait shows up regardless of scheme, and even in the passing game.Take this touchdown against Syracuse, coming on a zone design:This is an outside zone design flowing to the right, but first Love has the vision to identify the inside lane that develops. From there, this is pure speed from the running back, who explodes into the second level before the Syracuse defense has a chance to react. Then keep an eye on the free safety. This is an example of a running back not just erasing an angle, but obliterating it.And yes, safeties in the NFL will take better angles, but the thing about Love’s game is that even if you think you have a shot at him, you often do not. His contact balance and spin move are elite traits, traits that turn potential tackles into even bigger gains. Like on this run against Pittsburgh which comes on a gap/power design:Several things stand out about this one play. First is the scheme, a gap/power design in contrast to the previous example. Love is a schematically-diverse running back, who can hit home runs regardless of the play design.Second is again the speed, as well as the awareness. After cutting upfield and behind the two pulling blockers, Love rockets into the second level. But this time, the safety has a much better angle on him, with a chance to cut him down for a minimal gain.Instead, Love anticipates the angle and unleashes his almost-violent spin move, blowing by the safety en route to a 56-yard touchdown. That spin move shows up throughout his film, and will be a weapon for him at the next level.Here’s another example of this trait, coming on a counter design against USC. Keep an eye on No. 7 in the Trojans’ secondary:While the safety has a decent angle on Love, the RB’s pure speed erases that on this 63-yard run.Love might not be a pure power back, but that does not mean he gets cut down at the initial sign of contact. What he might lack in pure lower-body power he more than makes up for with contact balance. Would-be tacklers need to be sure at the contact point, and technically sound.Otherwise, things like this happen:On the first play against Stanford, you see Love run through several tackle attempts, erasing angles not with his speed, but with his contact balance. The moment a defender mistimes a tackle attempt, or fails to hit the perfect strike point, Love runs through contact, keeping his legs moving and showing enough power to extend plays with balance and strength.And on that second example against Pittsburgh, you again see that angle-erasing speed. After making the first defender miss behind the line of scrimmage, Love simply outruns the second defender to the edge, turning what could have been — or should have been — a loss into another explosive run.As noted at the outset, while the running game may be slowly coming back into style, the NFL remains a passing-dominated league.So when any running back is discussed as an early pick, the question over what they can contribute in the passing game rises to the top of the evaluation. Can that player be a “three-down” back? Can they offer something as a receiver out of the backfield?There may even be some untapped potential in what Love can do as a pass catcher, but when he comes off the board early in the first round, you can expect to see these two plays. First, a wheel route against Texas A&M where the defense loses him in coverage, but you see what he can do with his hands as he extends for this catch, and then get another look at that game-breaking ability to erase angles:And then there is this play, a corner route run from a slot alignment:Love is working against a linebacker on this play, but it illustrates what he can do as a route-runner when aligned outside. The Notre Dame RB uses two different gears off the line, including a second gear that erases the cushion and stresses the linebacker’s leverage. From there he simply loses the linebacker, leaving him crashing to the turf as Love makes his cut towards the sideline.Again, expect to see this play highlighted when Love comes off the board on draft night.When it comes down to it, Love is the complete package as a running back. A schematically-diverse player who can deliver explosive plays in the running game regardless of scheme, and whose speed and route-running could make him an even more explosive player in the NFL in the passing game.When you think about positional value, that sounds pretty valuable to me. #Jeremiyah #Love #brings #top5 #NFL #Draft
Sports news

running game may be coming back into vogue. The NFL world just saw the Seattle Seahawks win the Super Bowl featuring a surging run game down the stretch, and while the league is still dominated by the passing game, the influx of two-high defenses have seen offenses turn to the run game as at least a powerful complement to their passing attacks.

But timing is just one aspect of Love’s evaluation that has seen his draft stock rise as the real thing approaches, as the Notre Dame RB has gone from a potential top-ten pick in mock drafts to now a player viewed in the top five. There is something else.

Love is pure speed at the running back position, a trait that showed up on the field this fall and translated to his workout in Indianapolis at the NFL Scouting Combine, where he laid down a 4.36-second 40-yard dash. And what makes Love’s evaluation all the more impressive is how that trait shows up regardless of scheme, and even in the passing game.

Take this touchdown against Syracuse, coming on a zone design:

This is an outside zone design flowing to the right, but first Love has the vision to identify the inside lane that develops. From there, this is pure speed from the running back, who explodes into the second level before the Syracuse defense has a chance to react. Then keep an eye on the free safety. This is an example of a running back not just erasing an angle, but obliterating it.

And yes, safeties in the NFL will take better angles, but the thing about Love’s game is that even if you think you have a shot at him, you often do not. His contact balance and spin move are elite traits, traits that turn potential tackles into even bigger gains. Like on this run against Pittsburgh which comes on a gap/power design:

Several things stand out about this one play. First is the scheme, a gap/power design in contrast to the previous example. Love is a schematically-diverse running back, who can hit home runs regardless of the play design.

Second is again the speed, as well as the awareness. After cutting upfield and behind the two pulling blockers, Love rockets into the second level. But this time, the safety has a much better angle on him, with a chance to cut him down for a minimal gain.

Instead, Love anticipates the angle and unleashes his almost-violent spin move, blowing by the safety en route to a 56-yard touchdown. That spin move shows up throughout his film, and will be a weapon for him at the next level.

Here’s another example of this trait, coming on a counter design against USC. Keep an eye on No. 7 in the Trojans’ secondary:

While the safety has a decent angle on Love, the RB’s pure speed erases that on this 63-yard run.

Love might not be a pure power back, but that does not mean he gets cut down at the initial sign of contact. What he might lack in pure lower-body power he more than makes up for with contact balance. Would-be tacklers need to be sure at the contact point, and technically sound.

Otherwise, things like this happen:

On the first play against Stanford, you see Love run through several tackle attempts, erasing angles not with his speed, but with his contact balance. The moment a defender mistimes a tackle attempt, or fails to hit the perfect strike point, Love runs through contact, keeping his legs moving and showing enough power to extend plays with balance and strength.

And on that second example against Pittsburgh, you again see that angle-erasing speed. After making the first defender miss behind the line of scrimmage, Love simply outruns the second defender to the edge, turning what could have been — or should have been — a loss into another explosive run.

As noted at the outset, while the running game may be slowly coming back into style, the NFL remains a passing-dominated league.

So when any running back is discussed as an early pick, the question over what they can contribute in the passing game rises to the top of the evaluation. Can that player be a “three-down” back? Can they offer something as a receiver out of the backfield?

There may even be some untapped potential in what Love can do as a pass catcher, but when he comes off the board early in the first round, you can expect to see these two plays. First, a wheel route against Texas A&M where the defense loses him in coverage, but you see what he can do with his hands as he extends for this catch, and then get another look at that game-breaking ability to erase angles:

And then there is this play, a corner route run from a slot alignment:

Love is working against a linebacker on this play, but it illustrates what he can do as a route-runner when aligned outside. The Notre Dame RB uses two different gears off the line, including a second gear that erases the cushion and stresses the linebacker’s leverage. From there he simply loses the linebacker, leaving him crashing to the turf as Love makes his cut towards the sideline.

Again, expect to see this play highlighted when Love comes off the board on draft night.

When it comes down to it, Love is the complete package as a running back. A schematically-diverse player who can deliver explosive plays in the running game regardless of scheme, and whose speed and route-running could make him an even more explosive player in the NFL in the passing game.

When you think about positional value, that sounds pretty valuable to me.

#Jeremiyah #Love #brings #top5 #NFL #Draft">Why Jeremiyah Love brings top-5 value to NFL Draft as a RB

The 2026 NFL Draft class is replete with fascinating evaluations.

Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love might be at the top of that list.

While Love is a running back, a fact that carries all sorts of questions about positional value, he is entering a league at a time when the running game may be coming back into vogue. The NFL world just saw the Seattle Seahawks win the Super Bowl featuring a surging run game down the stretch, and while the league is still dominated by the passing game, the influx of two-high defenses have seen offenses turn to the run game as at least a powerful complement to their passing attacks.

But timing is just one aspect of Love’s evaluation that has seen his draft stock rise as the real thing approaches, as the Notre Dame RB has gone from a potential top-ten pick in mock drafts to now a player viewed in the top five. There is something else.

Love is pure speed at the running back position, a trait that showed up on the field this fall and translated to his workout in Indianapolis at the NFL Scouting Combine, where he laid down a 4.36-second 40-yard dash. And what makes Love’s evaluation all the more impressive is how that trait shows up regardless of scheme, and even in the passing game.

Take this touchdown against Syracuse, coming on a zone design:

This is an outside zone design flowing to the right, but first Love has the vision to identify the inside lane that develops. From there, this is pure speed from the running back, who explodes into the second level before the Syracuse defense has a chance to react. Then keep an eye on the free safety. This is an example of a running back not just erasing an angle, but obliterating it.

And yes, safeties in the NFL will take better angles, but the thing about Love’s game is that even if you think you have a shot at him, you often do not. His contact balance and spin move are elite traits, traits that turn potential tackles into even bigger gains. Like on this run against Pittsburgh which comes on a gap/power design:

Several things stand out about this one play. First is the scheme, a gap/power design in contrast to the previous example. Love is a schematically-diverse running back, who can hit home runs regardless of the play design.

Second is again the speed, as well as the awareness. After cutting upfield and behind the two pulling blockers, Love rockets into the second level. But this time, the safety has a much better angle on him, with a chance to cut him down for a minimal gain.

Instead, Love anticipates the angle and unleashes his almost-violent spin move, blowing by the safety en route to a 56-yard touchdown. That spin move shows up throughout his film, and will be a weapon for him at the next level.

Here’s another example of this trait, coming on a counter design against USC. Keep an eye on No. 7 in the Trojans’ secondary:

While the safety has a decent angle on Love, the RB’s pure speed erases that on this 63-yard run.

Love might not be a pure power back, but that does not mean he gets cut down at the initial sign of contact. What he might lack in pure lower-body power he more than makes up for with contact balance. Would-be tacklers need to be sure at the contact point, and technically sound.

Otherwise, things like this happen:

On the first play against Stanford, you see Love run through several tackle attempts, erasing angles not with his speed, but with his contact balance. The moment a defender mistimes a tackle attempt, or fails to hit the perfect strike point, Love runs through contact, keeping his legs moving and showing enough power to extend plays with balance and strength.

And on that second example against Pittsburgh, you again see that angle-erasing speed. After making the first defender miss behind the line of scrimmage, Love simply outruns the second defender to the edge, turning what could have been — or should have been — a loss into another explosive run.

As noted at the outset, while the running game may be slowly coming back into style, the NFL remains a passing-dominated league.

So when any running back is discussed as an early pick, the question over what they can contribute in the passing game rises to the top of the evaluation. Can that player be a “three-down” back? Can they offer something as a receiver out of the backfield?

There may even be some untapped potential in what Love can do as a pass catcher, but when he comes off the board early in the first round, you can expect to see these two plays. First, a wheel route against Texas A&M where the defense loses him in coverage, but you see what he can do with his hands as he extends for this catch, and then get another look at that game-breaking ability to erase angles:

And then there is this play, a corner route run from a slot alignment:

Love is working against a linebacker on this play, but it illustrates what he can do as a route-runner when aligned outside. The Notre Dame RB uses two different gears off the line, including a second gear that erases the cushion and stresses the linebacker’s leverage. From there he simply loses the linebacker, leaving him crashing to the turf as Love makes his cut towards the sideline.

Again, expect to see this play highlighted when Love comes off the board on draft night.

When it comes down to it, Love is the complete package as a running back. A schematically-diverse player who can deliver explosive plays in the running game regardless of scheme, and whose speed and route-running could make him an even more explosive player in the NFL in the passing game.

When you think about positional value, that sounds pretty valuable to me.

#Jeremiyah #Love #brings #top5 #NFL #Draft

The 2026 NFL Draft class is replete with fascinating evaluations.Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love…

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It’s not wholly surprising that Lawrence is demanding a trade, but the timing is bizarre. This is the first time Lawrence has had a competitive team that could actually win — and now with John Harbaugh at coach, the Giants look actually poised to do something. However, this could be attributed to Lawrence routinely being in trade discussions with contenders, only to see them fall apart at the deadline, coupled with the sides not being able to agree on a new contract.

Lawrence is currently on a rookie extension he signed in 2023, which is set to run through 2027. He has a cap hit of $27M this season, though it’s probable he would sign a contract extension with a new team, which could reduce his cap number. Let’s look at the teams who could afford this move, and who needs an All-Pro defensive tackle.

From one Harbaugh to another, Dexter Lawrence would be an ideal fit to anchor the Chargers defensive line in their 3-4. Right now the team is hoping that short-term free agent pickup Dalvin Tomlinson can hold the middle, and he was atrocious in 2025, rating as one of the worst tackles in the league at the position.

The Chargers have the cap space and the need to add some superstar talent, which is where Lawrence fits in. He can open up pass rush lanes on the edge for Khalil Mack and Tuli Tuipulotu, while adding a much-needed veteran presence.

The Pats showed how talented they were last season, but we saw in the Super Bowl how a lack of interior pressure hurt them when everything mattered the most. Lawrence would give Mike Vrabel the interior force he needs, and a critical veteran to bring up some of New England’s younger talent.

There’s a very good chance that the Pats could be holding their cap space for a potential A.J. Brown trade to bolster the offense, but they might actually be better suited by trying to get Lawrence to complement the already excellent Patriots pass defense.

Let’s make 31 other teams groan. There aren’t a lot of weaknesses on the Seahawks, but one of them is nose tackle. Jarran Reed is fine, but there’s nothing really impressive about him and adding a pop in the middle like Lawrence would make an already terrifying Seahawks’ defense into an all-consuming black hole.

They won a Super Bowl, so now it’s time to try and turn this into a dynasty by giving them one of the best 3-4 nose tackles in the NFL.

#Dexter #Lawrence #requesting #trade #teams #interested"> Dexter Lawrence is requesting a trade and these 3 teams should be interested To say that Dexter Lawrence’s career has been wasted up to this point would be a massive understatement. The three-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro has been with the New York Giants since 2019, languishing for seven long years in an organization that has been constantly rebuilding, now on its fourth coach since Lawrence was drafted.It’s not wholly surprising that Lawrence is demanding a trade, but the timing is bizarre. This is the first time Lawrence has had a competitive team that could actually win — and now with John Harbaugh at coach, the Giants look actually poised to do something. However, this could be attributed to Lawrence routinely being in trade discussions with contenders, only to see them fall apart at the deadline, coupled with the sides not being able to agree on a new contract.Lawrence is currently on a rookie extension he signed in 2023, which is set to run through 2027. He has a cap hit of M this season, though it’s probable he would sign a contract extension with a new team, which could reduce his cap number. Let’s look at the teams who could afford this move, and who needs an All-Pro defensive tackle.From one Harbaugh to another, Dexter Lawrence would be an ideal fit to anchor the Chargers defensive line in their 3-4. Right now the team is hoping that short-term free agent pickup Dalvin Tomlinson can hold the middle, and he was atrocious in 2025, rating as one of the worst tackles in the league at the position.The Chargers have the cap space and the need to add some superstar talent, which is where Lawrence fits in. He can open up pass rush lanes on the edge for Khalil Mack and Tuli Tuipulotu, while adding a much-needed veteran presence.The Pats showed how talented they were last season, but we saw in the Super Bowl how a lack of interior pressure hurt them when everything mattered the most. Lawrence would give Mike Vrabel the interior force he needs, and a critical veteran to bring up some of New England’s younger talent.There’s a very good chance that the Pats could be holding their cap space for a potential A.J. Brown trade to bolster the offense, but they might actually be better suited by trying to get Lawrence to complement the already excellent Patriots pass defense.Let’s make 31 other teams groan. There aren’t a lot of weaknesses on the Seahawks, but one of them is nose tackle. Jarran Reed is fine, but there’s nothing really impressive about him and adding a pop in the middle like Lawrence would make an already terrifying Seahawks’ defense into an all-consuming black hole.They won a Super Bowl, so now it’s time to try and turn this into a dynasty by giving them one of the best 3-4 nose tackles in the NFL. #Dexter #Lawrence #requesting #trade #teams #interested
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It’s not wholly surprising that Lawrence is demanding a trade, but the timing is bizarre. This is the first time Lawrence has had a competitive team that could actually win — and now with John Harbaugh at coach, the Giants look actually poised to do something. However, this could be attributed to Lawrence routinely being in trade discussions with contenders, only to see them fall apart at the deadline, coupled with the sides not being able to agree on a new contract.

Lawrence is currently on a rookie extension he signed in 2023, which is set to run through 2027. He has a cap hit of $27M this season, though it’s probable he would sign a contract extension with a new team, which could reduce his cap number. Let’s look at the teams who could afford this move, and who needs an All-Pro defensive tackle.

From one Harbaugh to another, Dexter Lawrence would be an ideal fit to anchor the Chargers defensive line in their 3-4. Right now the team is hoping that short-term free agent pickup Dalvin Tomlinson can hold the middle, and he was atrocious in 2025, rating as one of the worst tackles in the league at the position.

The Chargers have the cap space and the need to add some superstar talent, which is where Lawrence fits in. He can open up pass rush lanes on the edge for Khalil Mack and Tuli Tuipulotu, while adding a much-needed veteran presence.

The Pats showed how talented they were last season, but we saw in the Super Bowl how a lack of interior pressure hurt them when everything mattered the most. Lawrence would give Mike Vrabel the interior force he needs, and a critical veteran to bring up some of New England’s younger talent.

There’s a very good chance that the Pats could be holding their cap space for a potential A.J. Brown trade to bolster the offense, but they might actually be better suited by trying to get Lawrence to complement the already excellent Patriots pass defense.

Let’s make 31 other teams groan. There aren’t a lot of weaknesses on the Seahawks, but one of them is nose tackle. Jarran Reed is fine, but there’s nothing really impressive about him and adding a pop in the middle like Lawrence would make an already terrifying Seahawks’ defense into an all-consuming black hole.

They won a Super Bowl, so now it’s time to try and turn this into a dynasty by giving them one of the best 3-4 nose tackles in the NFL.

#Dexter #Lawrence #requesting #trade #teams #interested">Dexter Lawrence is requesting a trade and these 3 teams should be interested

To say that Dexter Lawrence’s career has been wasted up to this point would be a massive understatement. The three-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro has been with the New York Giants since 2019, languishing for seven long years in an organization that has been constantly rebuilding, now on its fourth coach since Lawrence was drafted.

It’s not wholly surprising that Lawrence is demanding a trade, but the timing is bizarre. This is the first time Lawrence has had a competitive team that could actually win — and now with John Harbaugh at coach, the Giants look actually poised to do something. However, this could be attributed to Lawrence routinely being in trade discussions with contenders, only to see them fall apart at the deadline, coupled with the sides not being able to agree on a new contract.

Lawrence is currently on a rookie extension he signed in 2023, which is set to run through 2027. He has a cap hit of $27M this season, though it’s probable he would sign a contract extension with a new team, which could reduce his cap number. Let’s look at the teams who could afford this move, and who needs an All-Pro defensive tackle.

From one Harbaugh to another, Dexter Lawrence would be an ideal fit to anchor the Chargers defensive line in their 3-4. Right now the team is hoping that short-term free agent pickup Dalvin Tomlinson can hold the middle, and he was atrocious in 2025, rating as one of the worst tackles in the league at the position.

The Chargers have the cap space and the need to add some superstar talent, which is where Lawrence fits in. He can open up pass rush lanes on the edge for Khalil Mack and Tuli Tuipulotu, while adding a much-needed veteran presence.

The Pats showed how talented they were last season, but we saw in the Super Bowl how a lack of interior pressure hurt them when everything mattered the most. Lawrence would give Mike Vrabel the interior force he needs, and a critical veteran to bring up some of New England’s younger talent.

There’s a very good chance that the Pats could be holding their cap space for a potential A.J. Brown trade to bolster the offense, but they might actually be better suited by trying to get Lawrence to complement the already excellent Patriots pass defense.

Let’s make 31 other teams groan. There aren’t a lot of weaknesses on the Seahawks, but one of them is nose tackle. Jarran Reed is fine, but there’s nothing really impressive about him and adding a pop in the middle like Lawrence would make an already terrifying Seahawks’ defense into an all-consuming black hole.

They won a Super Bowl, so now it’s time to try and turn this into a dynasty by giving them one of the best 3-4 nose tackles in the NFL.

#Dexter #Lawrence #requesting #trade #teams #interested

To say that Dexter Lawrence’s career has been wasted up to this point would be…

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JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA - JANUARY 11: Trevor Lawrence #16 of the Jacksonville Jaguars runs out prior…