Browns Not Expected To Draft QB
The Browns seem to enter every draft with a need at quarterback. But this year might be a little different.
Cleveland currently has 2025 draft picks Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel in their quarterback room, along with Deshaun Watson, who is expected to return from his Achilles injuries this year. New head coach Todd Monken has indicated his confidence in that group, though it is unclear who will be the Week 1 starter.
As a result, the Browns are not expected to draft a quarterback this weekend, per ESPN’s Matt Miller. Of course, this was rumored to be the case last year with Cleveland instead looking ahead to the current draft class. Their trade down from the No. 3 pick, which yielded an extra 2026 first-rounder, furthered that belief.
Instead, they drafted Gabriel in the third round and Sanders in the fifth, though the second selection was seen as a value play for a falling prospect. Both started as rookies, but neither made a firm case to carry the job into 2026.
However, this year’s draft class lacks high-end talent, too, after several top prospects elected to stay in college for another year. The Raiders quickly locked onto Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza once they secured the No. 1 pick at the end of the season, and the Browns may understandably prefer to develop their current talent rather than add a second-tier prospect. That will give Gabriel, Sanders, and (theoretically) Watson a chance to prove themselves.
If one emerges as a starter: great! The Browns can focus then their 2027 draft capital on building around him. If not, the 2027 class offers a far richer well of QB talent to draw from that will likely yield better long-term results than this year’s pool of prospects.
Texans Bullish On DT Kayden McDonald
Defensive tackles are not expected to factor in much during the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, but Ohio State’s Kayden McDonald could be an exception. The Texans, owners of the 28th overall pick, may be a team to watch for McDonald. They have a “high” opinion of the 6-foot-2, 326-pounder, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN reports.
McDonald is among 16 prospects who will be in attendance for Thursday’s opening round, but he is not a lock to come off the board in the top 32. If the Texans pass on McDonald at 28, they may have an early enough pick in the second round (No. 38) to have a shot at him then. Both Dane Brugler of The Athletic (No. 32) and Daniel Jeremiah of NFL Network (No. 33) rank McDonald between the Texans’ top two selections.
McDonald, who spent three years at Ohio State, broke out in his lone season as a starter in 2025. He notched 65 tackles, including nine for loss, and three sacks in 14 games. McDonald was named a unanimous All-American. He also took home Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year honors.
While McDonald is considered a work in progress as a pass rusher, his excellence as a run defender gives him a high floor. If he heads to Houston, the 21-year-old would join an already dominant defense. The Texans ended last year first in total defense, second in scoring and fourth against the run, though they have since lost Tim Settle to the Commanders in free agency. The run-stuffing Settle played a key role along the interior D-line in Houston, but McDonald could help replace him.
Poll: What Will Cardinals Do With Third Overall Pick?
We have a good idea of how the first two picks of this year’s NFL draft will go. The Raiders are going to select Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza first overall. Barring something unexpected, the Jets will use the second choice on either Texas Tech edge defender David Bailey or Ohio State linebacker/edge Arvell Reese. There is less certainty at No. 3, where the Cardinals could go a handful of different directions.
Arizona has posted a woeful 15-36 record in Monti Ossenfort‘s three seasons as its general manager, but he will nonetheless run his fourth draft this year. If Ossenfort’s seat isn’t hot yet, it stands to reason his chances of being in this position a year from now will decrease if he misses on his first-rounder tonight. While the Cardinals are entering this draft with glaring needs at right tackle and edge defender, among other spots, Ossenfort could opt for a splashy pick to add more skill to a subpar offense.
Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love, arguably the best prospect at any position in this class, has won over the Cardinals’ new Mike LaFleur-led coaching staff. Love could be the Cardinals’ pick, even though they added former Falcon Tyler Allgeier in free agency and still have James Conner, Trey Benson and Zonovan Knight on their roster.
If the Cardinals pass on Love to upgrade in the trenches, they could be the first team to take an offensive lineman. As a rookie GM in 2023, Ossenfort spent the sixth pick on left tackle Paris Johnson, who has turned into a franchise cornerstone. Ossenfort could land a capable bookend for the right side if he grabs someone like Spencer Fano (Utah) or Francis Mauigoa (Miami).
On the defensive side, Reese or Bailey would provide a much-needed pass-rushing upgrade to a unit that tied for 30th in sacks last year. Reese spent a significant portion of his Buckeyes tenure as an off-ball linebacker, but the Cardinals view him as an edge defender going forward.
While there will be enticing prospects available at No. 3, the Cardinals may move down to collect more draft capital. New Orleans, which owns the eighth pick, is one potential trade partner. If the Cardinals trade with the Saints, they would surely receive the eighth selection as part of the package. The Cardinals would still be in good position to upgrade their roster in that scenario. Perhaps Ossenfort will decide trading down is the best option.
What do you expect the Cardinals to do with the third pick tonight? Vote in PFR’s latest poll and weigh in with your thoughts in the comments section.
What will the Cardinals do with the third overall pick?
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Trade down 44% (270)
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Draft Jeremiyah Love 27% (165)
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Draft an edge defender 21% (127)
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Draft an offensive tackle 7% (45)
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Draft a different position 2% (11)
Total votes: 618
Bills, Panthers Interested In Texas Tech LB Jacob Rodriguez
Ohio State’s Sonny Styles is the top-ranked off-ball linebacker in this year’s class. Styles is a lock to go in the first round on Thursday. Texas Tech’s Jacob Rodriguez could be the second player at the position to come off the board, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN reports. The Bills and Panthers have done “extensive homework” on Rodriguez, per Fowler.
Whether Rodriguez will sneak into the first round is an option question, but fellow LB CJ Allen (Georgia) reportedly has a chance to go in the top 32. If Rodriguez has surpassed Allen in the pecking order, he may hear his name called tonight. The Panthers are set to pick 19th, while the Bills are scheduled for 26th. Unlike the Bills, the Panthers have a second-rounder, though Rodriguez may not fall to their choice (No. 51). Both Dane Brugler of The Athletic (No. 40) and Daniel Jeremiah of NFL.com (No. 42) consider Rodriguez a top-45 prospect.
Rodriguez is coming off an excellent run in the Red Raiders’ defense, but he was initially a quarterback at Virginia in 2021. He transferred to Texas Tech the next year and switched to linebacker. It’s fair to say it was a wise decision.
The 6-foot-1, 231-pound Rodriguez broke out during a 127-tackle 2024 campaign in which he recorded five sacks, forced three fumbles, returned one for a touchdown and intercepted a pass over 14 games. As impressive as Rodriguez’s production was that year, his output last season was downright jaw-dropping. While his sack total fell to one, he put up 128 tackles, forced a whopping seven fumbles and pulled in four interceptions. Rodriguez subsequently garnered major accolades. The unanimous All-American finished fifth in the Heisman Trophy voting, won Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year, and took home the Bronko Nagurski Trophy (nation’s best defender) and the Butkus Award (nation’s top LB), among other honors.
Set to turn 24 years old in September, Rodriguez could start immediately for the team that drafts him. If Buffalo takes him, he could step in alongside either Terrel Bernard or Dorian Williams in the middle of defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard‘s newly installed 3-4 base. The Panthers made a big free agent investment in former Jaguar Devin Lloyd, whom they added on a three-year, $45MM deal, but could attempt to upgrade over Trevin Wallace.
Miami QB Carson Beck’s Stock Soaring
The 2026 draft class is not strong at the quarterback position behind projected No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza.
Alabama’s Ty Simpson is widely seen as the QB2 who could also be drafted on Day 1, but no other passers are expected to hear their name called until Day 2.
However, Miami’s Carson Beck has been a late riser in the pre-draft process. He now seen as a likely second-round pick with the potential to sneak into the first to a quarterback-needy team, perhaps one that is less enamored with Simpson.
“The quarterback who is going to go higher than every projection has had him in the process is Carson Beck,” NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero said this week on the Rich Eisen Show.
“There was a lot that teams had to sort through going back to Georgia,” Pelissero explained, referencing some off-field questions about Beck. But the 24-year-old answered some of those questions during the pre-draft process, raising his stock in the process.
Pelissero believes that Beck would be taken in the second round, but says there is “at least a non-trivial chance” that he is selected in the first.
“I would not 100% rule out the idea of Carson Beck somehow finding his way into the bottom of Round 1,” Pelissero said.
That assessment is shared by CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz, who has spoken to multiple sources that predicted a late first- or early second-round landing spot for Beck. His star has fallen in the public eye since his time at Georgia, but some evaluators believe he brings pro-ready football I.Q. and throwing ability.
Beck was mentioned by ESPN’s Matt Miller as a “potential sleeper” for the Jets in the middle rounds, though his rising stock may preclude that. New York is thought to be targeting the 2027 draft class for their next franchise quarterback, anyway, but they may prefer the certainty of drafting Beck now rather than waiting to see how next year’s class (and their draft slot) work out.
Chiefs High On DE Rueben Bain Jr.
Sinking to 6-11 after the Eagles’ Super Bowl LIX romp nixed a threepeat bid, the Chiefs hold a top-10 pick entering a draft for the first time since 2013. Kansas City famously traded up to No. 10 for Patrick Mahomes in 2017, but the Mahomes era has featured late-first-round investments due to the sustained success he has brought as a starter.
The Chiefs went 6-8 in games Mahomes finished, regressing after historic close-game success over the previous two seasons, and lost their final three without him. That produced the No. 9 overall pick. Clear needs exist for the AFC dynasty, which lost its top two cornerbacks (Trent McDuffie, Jaylen Watson) while having some questions at defensive end and wide receiver.
Ely Allen’s PFR mock draft sent Miami edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. to Kansas City, and ESPN.com’s Jeremy Fowler indicates the Chiefs are “firmly” in on the talented sack artist. The Chiefs have a need opposite George Karlaftis, after the team mustered only 33 sacks last season, and will see future Hall of Fame defensive tackle Chris Jones turn 32 this year. Bain would provide a much-needed reinforcement, as 2023 first-round pick Felix Anudike-Uzomah has not panned out through three seasons.
The Chiefs also released Mike Danna and let Charles Omenihu walk in free agency. Capitalizing on this draft’s bevy of first-round-caliber EDGE options makes sense. Bain’s below-average arm length has clouded his draft stock to a degree, though some uncertainty came out of the D-end’s Combine measurements. The Chiefs are comfortable with Bain’s sub-31-inch arm length, per Fowler colleague Matt Miller.
The Chiefs’ Andy Reid-era history of overlooking character red flags could also factor in here. In 2024, Bain was cited for careless driving in an accident that left a woman — one of four passengers in Bain’s vehicle — in a coma for three months before her eventual passing. According to police crash records, Bain’s vehicle struck another car before colliding with the “concrete barriers on both sides of the highway.” No suspected use of drugs or alcohol emerged; no tests to determine such use were performed at the time.
Although this news became public earlier this month, teams have known about the incident for a while. It has not been expected to dock Bain’s stock much. While the Titans might be out on him, a significant first-round fall is not expected. Teams have been viewed as higher on Bain than draft pundits. The Chiefs met with Bain this month. Bain tallied 9.5 sacks and 15.5 tackles for loss to help Miami to the CFP title game; he totaled 7.5 sacks as a freshman in 2023.
Latest On Giants’ First-Round Plans
The Giants adding the No. 10 overall pick in the Dexter Lawrence trade has complicated the first round for the NFC East franchise. A lot is in play as John Harbaugh finalizes preparations for his first New York draft.
Tied to the likes of Jeremiyah Love, Sonny Styles, Caleb Downs, Jordyn Tyson and also potentially bolstering their O-line, the Giants have several directions they can now go holding two top-10 choices. The Giants are believed to want to help Jaxson Dart in this year’s first round, per ESPN.com’s Matt Miller, and Love links have piled up. But it is quite possible the Notre Dame running back is off the board by No. 5.
How the board falls at 5 may dictate what the Giants do at 10, with CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones expecting Big Blue to draft a player on each side of the ball by night’s end. It would be interesting to see the Giants take Love at 5 and perhaps Tyson or Carnell Tate at 10, but if the team does draft either Love or Tyson at 5, finding a defender at 10 might be difficult.
It is quite possible Styles and Downs will be off the board by No. 10, perhaps ramping up the pressure on New York — presuming it wants at least one of the Ohio State defenders — to go defense then offense. Downs appears more likely than Styles to be available at 10, and before the Bengals and Giants made the above-referenced trade, Ely Allen’s PFR mock draft had the safety falling to Cincinnati in that spot. But it is very possible both go off the board in the top nine, and in a scenario where the Giants end up with Love or Tyson at 5, they might need to look closely at their O-line options due to Styles and Downs potentially being spoken for by 10.
Love may be too difficult to pass on at 5, but Miller adds the Giants do not expect him to be there by then. That said, Miller notes the team would pick the former Fighting Irish star if he is available. That simplifies this process to a degree, but with Love links to the Cardinals and Titans, it is obviously possible the Giants will need to turn to their second choice (at least) at 5.
Tyson may be part of that equation, as the Arizona State wideout has vaulted up the board — with his recent workout showing the skillset that has tantalized teams amid an injury-plagued career. Giants coaches are “very high on” Tyson, Miller colleague Jeremy Fowler adds. No team did more work on Tyson than the Giants, per Miller.
Joe Schoen was at the prospect’s modified pro day in Tempe, Ariz., and that included a dinner with the fast-rising pass catcher. If the Giants do not believe Tyson will be available at 10, adding him early and taking their chances with one of the Ohio State defenders or an O-lineman may be the play (in the event Love is gone by 5).
The team has also been connected to Tate, and Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer mocks the ex-Buckeyes receiver to New York at No. 5. The team likes both players, per Breer, but Tate would give New York a much safer prospect — albeit one with less upside — in this premium draft slot.
Tyson will be a higher-variance prospect, while Tate — Ohio State’s WR2 behind Jeremiah Smith over the past two years — would slot in alongside Malik Nabers. The latter’s recent ACL tear could impact the Giants on Tyson, but if the NFC East team is truly sold on the Arizona State product’s upside, passing for a safer option may not go over too well should Tyson hit elsewhere.
WR KC Concepcion Rising Up Draft Board Despite Maturity Concerns
Texas A&M wide receiver KC Concepcion is “considered a riser” as the 2026 NFL Draft nears, per ESPN’s Matt Miller. Once seen as a borderline first-rounder, he now seems likely to hear his name called on the first night.
Concepcion, 21, was a three-year starter in college with two solid seasons at NC State before taking a sizable leap in 2025 in College Station. He recorded 61 catches for 919 receiving yards (15.0 yards per reception), many of which he picked up after the catch. He is a smooth, athletic separator with grit and toughness at the catch point and in the run game, though his drop rate is worryingly high.
Altogether, Concepcion profiles as a first-round talent at one of the league’s most important (and expensive) positions. Hitting on a rookie receiver offers a ton of surplus value relative to the exploding positional market, and his blend of athleticism, production, and versatility as a gadget weapon on offense and returner on special teams should seal his first-round status.
However, “teams have had to dig through questions about maturity” regarding Concepcion, per Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer. However, Texas A&M head coach Mike Elko has praised his former star wideout’s “tremendous” work ethic (via The Athletic’s Dane Brugler), so the source for these concerns is not clear. Concepcion also spoke at the Combine about overcoming a stutter and the resulting negative treatment he received, demonstrating some resiliency.
If clubs are comfortable with Concepcion’s maturity level, then he should be drafted sometime on Thursday night. A fall out of the first round would indicate more significant issues that have been flagged by multiple teams.
Eagles Still Interested In Jonathan Greenard; Vikings Aiming To Retain OLB
The Eagles pursued Trey Hendrickson in free agency, but their edge rusher haul has not brought clear starters. Philadelphia added Arnold Ebiketie and Joe Tryon-Shoyinka to a group housing Nolan Smith and Jalyx Hunt. It would stand to reason Howie Roseman is looking for more help after the Jaelan Phillips free agency defection.
Believed to be close to a deal to retain the 2025 trade pickup, the Eagles watched Phillips leave for a monster Panthers offer (four years, $120MM). They then discussed Jonathan Greenard with the Vikings, but Minnesota has held onto its two-year edge rusher. The Vikings are still believed to want a “premium” Day 2 pick for Greenard, according to ESPN’s Dan Graziano. Greenard has been seeking a contract update, but nothing has transpired on that front either.
Minnesota is still aiming to hold onto Greenard, but Graziano adds talks could pick up during the draft. Though, discussions on Greenard have “lost steam” recently. With more than 24 hours until Day 2 begins, the NFC teams could continue negotiations surrounding the seventh-year pass rusher. The Eagles hold the Nos. 54, 68 and 96 picks in this year’s draft.
The Vikings will assuredly target the No. 54 selection, and with Greenard having two years left on his deal, that would be reasonable for the NFC North team to target. Still, the Vikings are “really trying” to keep Greenard, per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. That can be partially translated to the Vikes setting a high asking price. Philly does appear open to extending Greenard, who combined for 24.5 sacks from 2023-24 before an injury-shortened 2025 season.
The Bears gave up a second-round pick for Montez Sweat, while the Dolphins surrendered first- and fourth-rounders for Bradley Chubb. Both players were in contract years and required immediate extensions. It is unclear if Greenard will force the issue, but with two years left on his $76MM pact, he does not have considerable leverage. Greenard joins the Steelers’ Alex Highsmith as possibly attainable edge rushers with two years left on upper-middle-class contracts, though Greenard appears more attainable than Highsmith. Like Pittsburgh, Minnesota would have two EDGE starters ready if a trade occurs; the Vikes have Andrew Van Ginkel and 2024 first-rounder Dallas Turner rostered as well.
Philadelphia is looking to make a draft-weekend deal, per Graziano. While this seemingly pertains to a veteran, Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer notes the team has made calls exploring trade-up opportunities. Philly holds the No. 23 overall pick tonight. No A.J. Brown move is expected until at least June 2, with that date making a trade financially realistic (which it presently is not), but it may take longer due to the Eagles and Patriots not being aligned on trade compensation presently.
We heard a bit ago the Eagles would target offense early in this draft. The team has chosen defenders with seven of its past eight first- or second-round picks, with 2022 second-rounder Cam Jurgens the most recent offensive player picked in this range. Specifically, The Athletic’s Zach Berman points to a pass catcher or a tackle to be prioritized early.
The Eagles trading Brown probably means a Day 1 or Day 2 receiver pick will be necessary, even after the team traded for Dontayvion Wicks and signed Marquise Brown. While the team also re-signed Dallas Goedert, he will turn 32 by season’s end and is only on a one-year deal. Philly has seen Lane Johnson run into frequent health trouble, and while the potential Hall of Famer is returning for a 14th season, he will turn 36 this year. Landon Dickerson is only 27, but he also considered retirement this offseason. A first-round O-line investment is on Philly’s radar.
Saints Eyeing EDGE-Based Trade-Up?
APRIL 23: NFL insider Jordan Schultz echoes the idea that New Orleans will be a team to watch regarding a move up the top-10 order. After the Jets make their selection at No. 2, it will be interesting to see how willing teams like the Cardinals are to work out a Saints swap.
APRIL 22: Mickey Loomis has made some memorable moves to climb up draft boards during his 23 years overseeing the Saints’ war room, and the longstanding GM is back on the radar for another such move.
The Saints have been mentioned as a team to monitor with regards to trading up for an edge rusher, according to NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport, who names Arvell Reese as a specific player to watch — should he make it past the Jets. The Cardinals have shown steady interest in trading down from No. 3, and Daniel Jeremiah’s final 2026 mock has Arizona dealing that pick to New Orleans and moving down five spots.
[RELATED: Saints Open To Trading Spencer Rattler?]
New Orleans traded its 2023 first-round pick in a package to move up for Chris Olave in 2022, doing so before making a second trade to climb up the board for Olave. Four years earlier, Loomis and Sean Payton traded their 2019 first-rounder to move back into Round 1 for Marcus Davenport. The team traded up for linebacker Stephone Anthony in the 2015 first round, doing so after already taking Andrus Peat.
The Saints climbed up (via the Cardinals) from No. 27 to No. 20 for Brandin Cooks in 2014. The Saints traded their 2012 first to the Patriots to select Mark Ingram in the 2011 first round, moved up three spots for defensive end Sedrick Ellis in 2008 and climbed up three spots for tackle Jammal Brown in 2005. Loomis’ first draft as GM (2003) involved another trade-up with the Cardinals, who slid down 11 spots to give the Saints access to D-tackle Johnathan Sullivan.
Not all of these moves worked out, certainly, with Sullivan and Anthony becoming busts quickly. But Loomis — who does not appear to be on the hot seat despite a five-year playoff drought — has not traded down in a first round. The Saints have been linked to a wide receiver in Round 1, being previously mentioned as the floor for Ohio State’s Carnell Tate at No. 8. But Olave’s likely extension may be influencing the NFC South club here. The Saints are more likely to address their receiver issue on Day 2, according to EssentiallySports.com’s Tony Pauline.
The team has told agents it did not want to overinvest at receiver this offseason, per Pauline. While a rookie contract would complement a $30MM-plus-AAV Olave accord, the Saints also may be leery of sacrificing other areas to add a No. 2 wideout. The position has long been mentioned as a target in this draft; it just may not happen until Round 2.
One of them may be edge rusher. The team has not re-signed Cameron Jordan and could use help opposite Chase Young, where longtime sidekick option Carl Granderson resides at age 29. Granderson is under contract for two more years, but the Saints’ annual restructure frenzy has his cap number set to climb from $9.47MM this year to $20.92MM in 2027.
Reese might not cost what a quarterback would in a trade-up scenario, but if he makes it past the Jets at No. 2, teams will be calling. That could be an opportunity for the Cardinals to move down, though they have been linked to Jeremiyah Love in recent days. The Jets may also be coming around on Reese at 2, though Jeremiah still has David Bailey going to New York there. It is not known if the Saints view Bailey — a more polished pass-rushing prospect than Reese, a hybrid LB — as worthy of a trade-up, but Loomis’ history advises fans to not rule out a climb up the board early.