T Caleb Lomu Completes 10-Visit Itinerary
Wednesday marks the final opportunity for teams to conduct “30” visits, and the 49ers received the latest meeting with Utah’s Caleb Lomu. While San Francisco met with the Utah tackle Tuesday night, many other teams brought in the first-round talent during the pre-draft process.
We covered Lomu’s Browns and Eagles meetings, and NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport confirms the college LT also met with the Bears, Chiefs, Dolphins, Lions, Panthers, Rams and Texans. One of several tackles viewed as first-round options, Lomu checks in as a blindside option (well, for everyone but the Falcons) compared to some of this class’ other top targets — who have played right tackle and been linked to potential guard shifts.
A two-year LT starter at Utah, Lomu earned first-team All-Big 12 honors in 2025. He did not allow a sack last year, per Dane Brugler of The Athletic. The 6-foot-6 blocker joins Spencer Fano as ex-Utes projected to be first-round picks. Lomu did not dabble in RT work, making all 24 of his collegiate starts on the left side while Fano manned the RT post. Lomu checks in 26th on Daniel Jeremiah’s NFL.com big board, sitting behind Francis Mauigoa (10th), Fano (13th), Blake Miller (19th), Monroe Freeling (20th) and Kadyn Proctor (22nd) among tackles.
The Chiefs continue to be connected to tackles — on both sides, as their Trent Williams ties remind — and the team is at least considering using a high draft choice to replace the since-released Jawaan Taylor (now a Falcon). Jaylon Moore remains an option in K.C., which has 2025 first-round pick Josh Simmons tentatively slated to continue starting at LT. Kansas City holds the Nos. 9 and 29 overall picks.
The Rams, who traded No. 29 to the Chiefs, sit at No. 13. They have Alaric Jackson at LT and Warren McClendon slated to succeed Rob Havenstein at RT. The Lions (No. 17) are in need — most likely at right tackle — after Taylor Decker‘s release, a move likely set to precede Penei Sewell sliding to LT. The Panthers (No. 19) signed Rasheed Walker as an Ikem Ekwonu stopgap; RT Taylor Moton‘s 2025 extension runs through 2027. Ozzy Trapilo is expected to miss most of the 2026 season following a patellar tendon tear, though the Bears re-signed Braxton Jones to compete with Theo Benedet — as of now, at least — at LT.
Miami (No. 11) rosters Patrick Paul but has Austin Jackson in a contract year; the veteran RT accepted a pay cut last month. Houston has struggled up front for a bit and has been connected to further bolstering its group via the draft. The Texans traded up for Aireontae Ersery last year and signed Braden Smith at right tackle (as 2024 second-rounder Blake Fisher has been unable to commandeer that gig).
Lastly, the 49ers are at least in need of a possible long-term LT solution. They continue to negotiate with Williams, who is heading into an age-38 season and the final year of his reworked contract. Colton McKivitz is going into a fourth season as San Francisco’s right tackle.
Chiefs, Jets, Raiders, Seahawks, Texans Meet With CB Colton Hood
Today represents the final opportunity for teams to conduct “30” visits with players, and several updates on this front have emerged. A couple involve Tennessee cornerback Colton Hood.
Expected to go off the board in Round 1, Hood’s visit itinerary became clear this afternoon. The Chiefs brought in Hood for a meeting this week, NFL.com’s Tom Pelissero notes. Hood had met with the Cowboys previously, and Pelissero adds the Jets, Raiders, Seahawks and Texans conducted “30” visits with the Tennessee corner.
Hood transferred to Tennessee last year but did not team with Jermod McCoy in what would have been a standout CB duo, with McCoy missing all of the 2025 season due to an ACL tear. The 6-foot cover man played at three schools in three years, transferring from Auburn to Colorado to Tennessee. Hood checks in 25th on Daniel Jeremiah’s NFL.com big board — behind Mansoor Delane (No. 8) and McCoy (No. 15) among corners.
The 2025 SEC second-teamer forwent his final two seasons of eligibility to declare for the draft, and he should hear his name called on Day 1 (Hood certainly expects this, as he is attending the draft). The Chiefs hold the Nos. 9, 29 and 40 overall picks and should be expected to take a corner at one of those spots. Kansas City has developed a tried-and-true method of developing quality corners but not paying them, with Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson the latest one-contract cogs at this position. The team needs help after losing its top two options last month.
Trading Sauce Gardner last year, the Jets have a need here too. They signed Nahshon Wright to a low-cost deal following a 2025 breakthrough but have needs here ahead of a draft that sees them holding three picks in the top 33. The Raiders used a third-round pick on Darien Porter last year and re-signed Eric Stokes last month, but the rebuilding team could use more aid here as well. Las Vegas, however, has been tied to the wide receiver and right tackle positions with its No. 36 overall pick. The Texans are set at corner, identifying Kamari Lassiter as a solid No. 2 option alongside Derek Stingley Jr., but the Seahawks lost Riq Woolen in free agency. Seattle, however, rosters All-Pro Devon Witherspoon and re-signed Josh Jobe last month.
Chiefs To Host DE Rueben Bain
To no surprise, Rueben Bain remains one of the prospects taking several visits leading up to the NFL draft. The Miami edge rusher will meet with another interested team on Thursday.
Bain has a top 30 visit lined up with the Chiefs for today, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports. That represents another team near the top of the first-round order which will meet in person with the 2025 ACC Defensive Player of the Year. Bain has previously taken visits with the Dolphins and Titans. Kansas City owns pick No. 9, which falls in between the Titans’ and Dolphins’ top selections.
The Chiefs have taken a look at some of the top receiver prospects in the 2026 class. Taking one would help an offense in need of a stronger showing in the passing game, but as expected Kansas City has looked into of number of pass rushers as well in recent days. The team has met with Ohio State’s Arvell Reese and Texas Tech’s David Bailey. Those two are expected to be the top edge rushers to come off the board, leaving Kansas City with the possibility of looking elsewhere at the position. That could very well result in Bain being selected.
During his three-year tenure with the Hurricanes, Bain amassed 20.5 sacks and 33.5 tackles for loss. He earned first-team All-American honors for his play in 2025, a year in which he and teammate Akheem Mesidor helped lead Miami to the national championship game. The team’s pass rush shone during the College Football Playoff, and Mesidor is also seen as a first-round prospect. Despite the fact he will enter the NFL as a 25-year-old rookie, Mesidor was recently reported to be viewed by some teams as a better player than Bain.
In any event, bringing in a notable pass rush presence early in the draft could be key for the Chiefs. The team released Mike Danna earlier this offseason, and Charles Omenihu departed in free agency. George Karlaftis is on the books through 2030 and former first-rounder Felix Anudike-Uzomah is still in the fold. Adding a starting-caliber edge rusher would nevertheless be impactful for Kansas City’s defense, a unit which ranked just 23rd in sacks last season.
Bain has been the subject of questions regarding his arm length, although that may not be a major concern amongst NFL evaluators. Especially if that remains the case, he will not need to wait long to hear his name called on the opening night of the draft.
Chiefs Still Monitoring Trent Williams; Taylor Decker On Radar?
The Chiefs aimed to stop their post-Eric Fisher revolving door at left tackle by drafting Josh Simmons in last year’s first round. Simmons impressed during training camp to win the Week 1 LT gig, but multiple issues intervened for the rookie talent.
Simmons left the Chiefs to address an undisclosed matter midway through the season; that hiatus forced the Chiefs to get by without him for four games. Simmons then suffered a season-ending wrist injury that required surgery, knocking him out for the season on Thanksgiving. While players chosen in Round 1 certainly receive their fair share of chances, the Chiefs continue to be linked to a player who would supplant Simmons as a starter.
Trent Williams remains on Kansas City’s radar, according to Casino.com’s Jason La Canfora, who hears the Chiefs would be “ready to pounce” in a trade should the future Hall of Famer’s latest talks with the 49ers go south. This follows a link that surfaced on Day 1 of free agency, but the 49ers remain intent on working another deal out with their six-year LT.
Williams, 38 in July, has been embroiled in another wave of contract talks for several weeks. Two years after the 49ers reworked Williams’ deal to provide a guarantee influx, the sides are negotiating again ahead of the decorated LT’s contract year. While talks appear to be picking up once again, no resolution looks imminent.
Kansas City finished second for Williams in 2021, seeing San Francisco win out with a six-year deal worth $138.1MM. The Chiefs pivoted to Orlando Brown Jr., and while that required a first-round pick and more in a trade with the Ravens, the mammoth blocker — a converted right tackle — was a plus option with the Chiefs for two seasons. But Brown turned down a Williams-like six-year extension while on the franchise tag in 2022 and signed with the Bengals in 2023. The Chiefs got by with stopgap Donovan Smith in their Super Bowl LVIII-winning season but did not re-sign him in 2024, instead turning to four starters — including converted guard Joe Thuney — in a season in which this position became a flashpoint concern.
Simmons’ rookie contract runs through 2028, and it would be odd if the Chiefs brought in a veteran to essentially replace him. But an anonymous GM informed La Canfora Andy Reid would “prefer a veteran” here. The Chiefs have Jaylon Moore as an option, having given him a two-year deal worth $30MM in 2025, but he could also be needed at right tackle. Kansas City cut three-year starter Jawaan Taylor for cap savings and has not replaced him. Moving parts exist for a Chiefs team that saw would-be 2024 LT answer Kingsley Suamataia successfully kick inside to LG last season.
Williams might not be the only Chiefs option if, in fact, a veteran is to be acquired at left tackle. La Canfora also mentions Taylor Decker as a potential solution, though it does not appear the Chiefs are as high on him as they are Williams. Decker, 33 in August, requested a Lions release after rework talks did not progress. The 10-year Lions LT starter has not been connected to a team yet, but after considering retirement this winter, the Ohio State alum is on track to play an 11th season.
Decker (140 career starts) missed 2025 time with a shoulder injury that ended up hampering him upon return. A healthy version of the Pro Bowl tackle would stand to be an upgrade on Simmons, but it is certainly worth wondering if the Chiefs would go as far as to bench a player they drafted 32nd overall last year.
That would be a notable development for a team that has not used the same LT starter in three straight seasons since Fisher’s eight-year tenure wrapped after the 2020 season. For now, Simmons and Moore are the Chiefs’ starters at tackle. But that could certainly change in the coming weeks and months.
Makai Lemon Sets Up Four More Visits
As one of the best wide receivers in this year’s draft class, USC’s Makai Lemon has a chance to come off the board in the top half of the first round. Several teams with high picks have met or will meet with Lemon, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. In addition to the previously reported Titans (No. 4), Commanders (seventh) and Saints (eighth), the Jets (second and 16th), Giants (fifth), Chiefs (ninth) and Dolphins (11th and 30th) are on the list.
The 5-foot-11, 192-pound Lemon lined up in the slot over 75% of the time during his three-year run in college. He got off to a quiet start with the Trojans in 2023, quarterback Caleb Williams‘ last season at the helm. Lemon caught just six passes in nine games, but he made significant progress in his final two seasons at USC.
After hauling in 52 passes for 754 yards and three touchdowns in 12 games in 2024, those numbers soared to 79-1,156-six in a dozen contests last year. Lemon earned the Fred Biletnikoff Award, which is given to the best receiver in college football, and finished his USC tenure with just four drops in 33 games.
Whether Lemon is the best receiver in this year’s class is up for debate, especially with Ohio State’s Carnell Tate in the mix. But Lemon at least appears to be a surefire first-rounder. In ranking Lemon as the No. 12 prospect available, Daniel Jeremiah of NFL.com writes that comparisons to Lions superstar and fellow USC product Amon-Ra St. Brown are “warranted.” Considering St. Brown has amassed a record 547 receptions in his first five seasons, that’s lofty praise.
Expecting a St. Brown-like impact may be unrealistic, but Lemon should provide an upgrade to his next team’s receiving corps. He is probably not a candidate for the Jets at No. 2 overall, but if Lemon is still on the board for their second pick, they could grab him as a much-needed Garrett Wilson complement. In heading to the Giants, Lemon would replace departed slot target Wan’Dale Robinson and partner with No. 1 receiver Malik Nabers.
We learned Friday that Chiefs receiver Rashee Rice will not face a suspension for domestic violence allegations, but off-field issues and injuries have held him out of 23 games in his three-year career. Rice also has just one year left on his rookie contract. Regardless of whether he is part of the Chiefs’ long-term plans, their receiving corps could stand to improve around Rice and 2024 first-rounder Xavier Worthy.
Meanwhile, having traded Jaylen Waddle to the Broncos, the Dolphins clearly have the least talented cast of receivers in this bunch. Adding Lemon would give newly signed starting quarterback Malik Willis a second exciting weapon to pair with running back De’Von Achane.
Florida DT Caleb Banks Up To Eight Pre-Draft Visits
Florida defensive tackle Caleb Banks has already completed pre-draft visits with the Chiefs, Ravens, and Cardinals, per Zach Goodall of 247 Sports. Remaining on the docket are the Lions, Titans, Broncos, Falcons, and Chargers.
The 23-year-old flew up draft boards after an impressive performance at the Combine, which featured a 5.04-second 40-yard dash and a 9-foot-6 broad jump at 327 pounds. The hype around Banks cooled after a pre-draft visit revealed a foot fracture suffered the night before he took the field in Indianapolis. Testing well on a broken foot is impressive, but after Banks missed most of the 2025 season due to a foot injury, teams are understandably wary of using a top pick on him. Banks underwent surgery in mid-March and is expected to miss some of his first NFL offseason program.
Medical concerns are almost certainly the driver behind his busy schedule. Teams will need to be comfortable with the state of his foot, especially given the multiple injuries.
But as far as talent and long-term upside goes, Banks is up there with the top defensive prospects in the draft. He checks every physical box with a 6-foot-6, 327-pound frame with 35-inch arms. His power and athleticism overwhelmed most college offensive linemen and led to constant disruption in the trenches. Banks will need to shore up his technique in the NFL, where he will not be as much of a size outlier, but he has all the tools to succeed.
It remains to be seen if Banks’ injury will drop him out of the first round. Teams are certainly interested, and it only takes one to be comfortable enough with his foot to lock him down as early as possible.
Chiefs’ Rashee Rice Will Not Face NFL Suspension
Following Rashee Rice‘s six-game 2025 suspension in connection with felony charges from a hit-and-run incident, the Chiefs wide receiver faced ugly allegations of domestic violence made by his ex-girlfriend.
The alleged victim, Dacoda Jones, filed a civil suit accusing Rice of repeatedly assaulting her between December 2023 and July 2025. In January, she displayed photos of injuries that Rice allegedly inflicted on her. Jones, who has two children with Rice, claims most of the alleged abuse occurred when she was pregnant.
On Friday, however, the NFL concluded Rice “has not engaged in conduct that violates the personal conduct policy,” ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports. No suspension is coming at this time, per Schefter. This will be welcome news for Rice and the Chiefs, who have certainly run into a few high-profile off-field issues over the past several years. One season remains on Rice’s rookie contract.
Given the timing of this report, it certainly qualifies as a Friday news dump. Although the 25-year-old receiver was never charged with a crime, the NFL’s personal conduct policy has brought suspensions for players not charged criminally in the past. In this case, though, Rice will not enter a second straight season with a suspension.
Jones’ civil suit indicated “Rice has grabbed, choked, strangled, pushed, thrown, scratched, hit, and headbutted Ms. Jones, as well as hit her with inanimate objects.” Rice’s attorney, however, released a statement indicating that on October 9, 2025, “Ms. Jones stated under penalty of perjury in a sworn Affidavit for a Non-Prosecution that ‘Mr. Rice and I had a verbal argument, but he did not punch me.'”
Jones had alleged Rice physical abuse taking place for years; it is unclear if any cooperation issues interfered with this NFL investigation. That was the case when the league opted not to suspend then-Chiefs wide receiver Tyreek Hill in 2019, after a second wave of domestic violence allegations surfaced against the All-Pro. Hill’s ugly college domestic violence incident preceding the 2019 accusations allowed the Chiefs to construct a team-friendly extension with the star receiver. Kansas City signed Hill to a three-year, $54MM extension with a favorable (for the club) guarantee structure. Rice is now extension-eligible, and because he was a second-round pick, no fifth-year option exists on his rookie contract.
The Chiefs drafted Rice a year after trading Hill to the Dolphins, and Rice helped make up for Skyy Moore‘s failed development as a second-rounder. Rice made a big impact for the Chiefs’ Super Bowl LVIII-winning team in 2023, totaling 938 yards and seven touchdowns. An LCL tear sustained in Week 4 of the 2024 season derailed the SMU product, who was down for over a year thanks to the six-game ban taking place to start the 2025 campaign. While the possession receiver returned and played well last season, he was active for just eight games; the Chiefs placed him on IR after a concussion. Though, the team parked a few key players on IR — including Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson — late in a lost season.
Had Rice been suspended under the personal conduct policy a second time, he would have been looking at an absence that covered more than half his contract year. Kansas City’s top receiver not being banned represents a break for the team, though off-field troubles that extend back to his time at SMU may still influence the Chiefs in this draft. Kansas City holds two first-round picks this year, the second obtained from the Rams in the McDuffie trade, and has seen Rice run into frequent trouble.
In May 2024, weeks after the street-racing accident, Rice was the subject of an investigation for alleged assault on a photographer. The accuser did not press charges, but it continued a trend of off-field problems dating to Rice’s time in college. During the 2023 pre-draft process, NFL teams became aware of an alleged incident in which Rice or a member of his party fired multiple shots into an empty car belonging to a member of SMU’s basketball team.
Rice faces a pivotal 2026 season, as he may be auditioning — based on how the Chiefs proceed early in the draft — for other teams as a prospective 2027 free agent. But the Chiefs have shown a high tolerance for off-field issues under Andy Reid. Rice being cleared today points to him being available to open the season and craft an extension case. The Chiefs hold exclusive negotiating rights with the wideout until March 2027.
David Bailey Visits Cardinals, Chiefs, Cowboys, Jets
6:35pm: Bailey also visited the Jets, Rapoport adds. They are looking for a young edge rusher to pair with 2023 first-rounder Will McDonald after trading Jermaine Johnson to the Titans. New York holds the No. 2 pick, which is the earliest Bailey could be drafted with the Raiders all but certain to select Fernando Mendoza first overall.
5:03pm: Texas Tech edge rusher and projected first-round pick David Bailey has made his rounds around the NFL during the pre-draft process. He first visited the Cardinals in early March with trips to the Chiefs and the Cowboys this week, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
Bailey, 22, is widely expected to be selected in the first 10 picks of April’s draft. He began his college career at Stanford with solid production from 2022 to 2024. In 2025, he transferred to Texas Tech and mounted an All-American campaign in Lubbock with an FBS-high 14.5 sacks and a Big 12-high 19.5 tackles for loss.
That production, combined with an excellent performance at the Combine, vaulted Bailey to the top of a strong draft class at his position. Among edge rushers, his 4.50-second 40-yard dash trailed only fellow projected top-10 pick Arvell Reese, and his 10-foot-9 broad jump ranked third.
With BJ Ojulari and Baron Browning in the last year of their contracts, the Cardinals could use a foundational edge rusher to build their defense around. Bailey is arguably the best one available, and the shorter-than-average arms of his primary competition, Rueben Bain, might scare Arizona away from using the No. 3 pick on him. Bailey brings no such length concerns, though his slim frame and lack of elite power are knocks on his game.
The Chiefs, who hold the ninth overall pick, could also use another high-upside edge rusher opposite 2022 first-rounder George Karlaftis. Bailey’s speed-rushing capabilities could complement Karlaftis’ power and ensure that Kansas City’s pass rush continues to thrive even if Chris Jones retires in the next few years.
The Cowboys traded Micah Parsons to the Packers just before the 2025 regular season, and his absence loomed large all year long. Dallas has built some depth off the edge with Rashan Gary joining Sam Williams and 2025 second-rounder Donovan Ezeiruaku, but none can match Bailey’s long-term upside. No one player can truly replace Parsons, but adding an explosive pass rusher like Bailey would be a good start.
Cardinals, Titans, Chiefs Meet With LB Arvell Reese
The lack of quarterback depth in this year’s draft class has minimized potential trade-up talk, as the Raiders are all set to select Fernando Mendoza to open the draft. But some interesting pass-rushing prospects check in behind the Heisman winner in this year’s prospect pool.
While others are more accomplished rushers, Arvell Reese carries perhaps the biggest upside. That has led the Ohio State hybrid performer to be mocked to the Jets at No. 2 overall frequently. If the Jets are to determine Reese’s developmental track is not for them, other teams in the top 10 would await. A few are doing research on the standout linebacker.
We already heard of Reese meetings with the Jets, Giants, Saints and Cowboys. He has now also met with the Cardinals, Titans and Chiefs, according to NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo. Reese would fill needs in Arizona, Tennessee and Kansas City. The three-year Buckeyes cog is far from the only high-end pass-rushing prospect available, but he is probably the most unique player among this group.
As our Ben Levine noted in January, Reese mostly played linebacker last season at Ohio State. He only logged 97 snaps at the EDGE position in 2025 but still ranked seventh in Division I-FBS pressure rate (18.5%). Reese, who joins linebacker mate Sonny Styles (an ex-safety) in having some positional versatility, has expressed a preference to work as a pass rusher in the NFL. Considering his limited reps there, teams will need a clear plan to develop a high-ceiling prospect. But Micah Parsons‘ ascent will undoubtedly be on teams’ minds when evaluating Reese; Abdul Carter also turned a linebacker background into a No. 3 overall draft selection after moving to an EDGE role.
The Cardinals have been regularly given Miami tackle Francis Mauigoa in mock drafts. The recent national championship game starter would fill a glaring right tackle need opposite Paris Johnson Jr., but the Cards could also use help opposite Josh Sweat on the edge. Arizona has a history of selecting hybrid linebacker types, though those choices came under previous GM Steve Keim. Still, the Cardinals drafted the likes of Deone Bucannon, Haason Reddick, Isaiah Simmons and Zaven Collins and used each at multiple positions.
A veteran evaluator recently informed SportsBoom.com’s Jason La Canfora that Reese will be at his best in a 3-4 EDGE role. Neither the Chiefs nor Titans use that scheme, creating some questions about his fit. Though, any team that drafts Reese — thanks to the proliferation of nickel and dime sets — will regularly use him as an edge rusher in a four-man front. The Chiefs and Titans will just use that as their base defense.
Kansas City finished with just 25 sacks last season and has Chris Jones going into an age-32 season. The team, which has not seen 2023 first-round defensive end Felix Anudike-Uzomah show much, needs help opposite D-end George Karlaftis. The Titans hired Robert Saleh as HC and have seen him bring in four former Jets defensive linemen this offseason. Tennessee may still need a rusher opposite trade pickup Jermaine Johnson, however.
Chiefs Sign CB Kaiir Elam
The Chiefs traded away Trent McDuffie and lost Jaylen Warren in free agency. With both cornerbacks now in Los Angeles, the team finds itself in need of additions.
Kansas City has lined up a low-cost move to provide depth in the secondary. Kaiir Elam has agreed to terms with the Chiefs, as first reported by Mike Garafolo and Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. This will be the fourth career team for the former first-rounder, and his Kansas City deal has since been confirmed by a team announcement.
Elam entered the league with high expectations, although his Bills tenure did not go according to plan. Elam totaled 29 appearances in Buffalo, but he was unable to establish himself as a regular defensive presence. A trade was worked out last March which sent Elam to the Cowboys.
That change of scenery allowed Elam to make seven starts and play in 10 games. He was part of one of the league’s worst secondaries, however, and the Cowboys struggled mightily on defense in 2025. The team elected to move on by waiving Elam in November. That led to a deal with the Titans to close out the campaign. Upon arrival in Tennessee, Elam played a part-time defensive role.
The Florida alum has struggled so far during his NFL tenure with respect to coverage statistics. A full-time starting role will certainly not be expected for Elam provided the Chiefs continue to prioritize the cornerback spot through the draft. Entering his age-25 season, though, he could be viewed as a depth addition carrying a degree of upside. Elam will join Kader Kohou as a free agent pickup at the CB position for Kansas City.
Kristian Fulton remains in place for the Chiefs, a team which is known to reset at the cornerback spot without making major financial commitments. That made it no surprise when McDuffie was dealt in advance of his market-setting extension being signed, and when Warren landed a big-money deal of his own with the Rams. Fulton, Elam and Kohou will no doubt be joined by at least one notable draft addition made later this month as the team looks to once again restock the secondary.
Kansas City entered Thursday near the bottom of the league in terms of cap space ($6.72MM). That figure is not likely to change very much, with Elam presumably taking a deal at or near the league minimum.