Arizona State WR Jordyn Tyson’s Workout Draws Major Interest
Today, Arizona State wide receiver Jordyn Tyson held his long-awaited personal workout at which NFL general managers, coaches, and scouts were able to evaluate his health following months of inactivity as he dealt with hamstring issues. According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, the workout was a huge hit, drawing eyes from over 20 NFL teams just six days out from the first day of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Tyson was once viewed as the likely WR1 of the draft class, but frequent injuries have littered his résumé with red flags. The transfer from Colorado tore his ACL, MCL, and PCL during his time with the Buffaloes then suffered a broken collarbone after his 2024 comeback season. He played only nine games this past year due to the hamstring issues that have hampered him throughout the pre-draft process, as well. His draft stock hasn’t fallen out of the first round, but fellow wide receiver prospects Carnell Tate and Makai Lemon have seemingly moved ahead of him in the WR1 conversation.
As anticipation built this morning, ESPN’s Jordan Raanan recirculated a video of his interview with colleague Peter Schrager in which Schrager predicted that a clean workout today could help land Tyson in the No. 5 overall pick, currently owned by the Giants. Supporting that prediction, New York’s general manager, Joe Schoen, flew in himself to be in person at Tyson’s workout, per Mike Garafolo of NFL Network. The Giants have been tied to numerous options with the fifth pick of the draft, almost all of which, Schrager points out, are at positions not usually valued that early in the first round — running back (Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love), off-ball linebacker (Ohio State’s Sonny Styles), and safety (Ohio State’s Caleb Downs).
Similar to how those positions are usually valued, Tyson has not been projected to go that high lately. The Giants have been one of several teams reportedly interested in participating in first-round trades out of the fifth pick, and they may be looking to move back to a point in the first round in which they feel they can still land Tyson. ESPN’s Matt Miller predicted we could see as many as eight trades, at the same time positing that Tyson could go much higher than expected, placing his range from the fifth overall pick to the 16th.
Additionally, the Giants weren’t the only team to send a GM. Peter Thamel of ESPN reported that the Dolphins‘ contingency included new general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan. A source told Thamel, “(Tyson) showed the twitch, explosiveness, and leaping ability we all saw in the fall. He showed he’s healthy and still explosive, which is all he needed to do.”
According to Bleacher Report’s James Palmer, Tyson’s elite talent had attendants abuzz with excitement and curiosity. The 21-year-old reportedly drew comparisons to Odell Beckham Jr. and Justin Jefferson, but concerns of his injury history drove speculation that “a lack of strength” may be the culprit. He went on to assert that there is no real consensus on Tyson at the moment. This was supported by Miller’s assertion that, contrary to Palmer’s reports of concerned speculation, “teams are comfortable with the (injury) history” of the ASU product.
We won’t need to wait long to find out just how concerned teams are or just how high he will go in the draft. He’ll almost certainly be a Day 1 pick, so by next Thursday, we should know whether today’s workout was enough to vault him back to WR1 status.
Broncos Still View TE Evan Engram As Key Piece
The Broncos outflanked the Chargers to sign Evan Engram last March, giving the former Pro Bowler a two-year, $23MM contract. Denver did not see desired results from that deal, as Engram and Bo Nix were not often on the same page.
But the 10th-year veteran remains on the Broncos’ roster. Denver was believed to be in on Dallas Goedert, but he re-signed with the Eagles. David Njoku remains unsigned, potentially needing to wait until the post-compensatory formula free agency wave post-draft. As of now, the Broncos are still planning to have Engram back. The 31-year-old pass catcher remains a key piece for the team, Sean Payton said (via the Denver Gazette’s Chris Tomasson).
Nix found Engram for 50 receptions for 461 yards and a touchdown last season, but he did not become a steady presence for the team. Courtland Sutton ventured to his second Pro Bowl, and second-year receiver Troy Franklin showed growth en route to becoming the Broncos’ No. 2 target. Denver has since acquired Jaylen Waddle in a blockbuster trade. The defending AFC West champs are not planning to deal from their suddenly deep receiving corps, either, planning to retain both Marvin Mims and Pat Bryant. Payton’s pass-catching arsenal is now crowded.
To bring Engram to Denver last year, the Broncos gave him $16.5MM guaranteed at signing. Of the former Giants and Jaguars pass catcher’s $10.99MM 2026 base salary, $5MM is guaranteed. I identified Engram as a possible cut candidate ahead of free agency, but the Broncos did not add any veterans. They have met with a few rookie options, bringing in Vanderbilt’s Eli Stowers, Ohio State’s Max Klare and NC State’s Justin Joly on “30” visits.
The Broncos could jettison Engram after June 1 and save $6.47MM; cutting him now makes little sense, as it would bring $10.33MM in dead cap. Without a young pass-catching option at tight end, the Broncos probably need to come out of the draft with one. Engram will turn 32 in September and is unsigned beyond 2026. Engram staying on as a bridge option of sorts would make sense, as the Broncos still have Nix on a rookie contract. But this will probably be Engram’s last year in Denver, if he indeed is rostered come Week 1.
Dolphins Rumors: Aikman, Draft, OL
Joining Tom Brady on the top tier of NFL announcer salaries, Troy Aikman also followed the fellow Hall of Famer by double-dipping with regards to assisting a team with big-picture decisions. The Dolphins brought in the former Cowboys great-turned-ESPN mainstay during their GM and HC hiring processes, and in March, we learned he would stay involved with the team in “some capacity.” GM Jon-Eric Sullivan has since said (via the Miami Herald’s Barry Jackson) Aikman will be welcome in Miami’s draft room next week. Should Aikman be part of the Dolphins’ draft process, it would be more observational. The longtime broadcaster will not be consulted on selections, Jackson adds. It is still interesting the Dolphins will involve Aikman moving forward. The NFL established a precedent with Brady by allowing him to move forward with an obvious conflict of interest as a part-Raiders owner and FOX’s lead analyst. More broadcasters could be interested in double-dipping soon.
Here is the latest from the draft:
- Going through with a rebuild for the second time in seven years, the Dolphins are drowning in dead money thanks to recent moves — most notably the Tua Tagovailoa release. Miami has already reached $179MM in 2026 dead cap, representing a record-smashing number for any point on an NFL calendar. As the team moves forward, Sullivan said (via NFL.com’s Cameron Wolfe) his first draft is more likely to feature trade-down moves than climbs up the board. This aligns with an early-April report on Miami’s plans. As they look to add long-term roster pieces, the Dolphins have 11 picks in this draft. This includes seven top-100 selections, but they appear interested in gathering plenty of rookie-deal pieces. That would certainly be wise given the dead money reality; Tagovailoa will also count $43.8MM in dead cap in 2027.
- The Dolphins are also planning to target offensive linemen that can play multiple positions, per Sullivan (via ESPN.com’s Marcel Louis-Jacques). Miami has met with Caleb Lomu and is believed to be high on Lomu ex-Utah teammate Spencer Fano, who has been tied to potentially kicking inside to guard. The team also hosted Texas A&M guard Chase Bisontis. Competition is also set for both Dolphins guard spots along with right tackle this offseason.
- Miami added Malik Willis in free agency, signing off on a three-year, $67.5MM deal that came with $45MM guaranteed at signing. That would not preclude the team from drafting another quarterback, but the team does not appear likely to take Ty Simpson. A move on Day 3 may be in play still, and the Dolphins met with former Kansas passer Jalon Daniels this week (per ESPN.com’s Jordan Reid). Daniels saw time in six seasons for the Jayhawks, playing in 49 games. The Big 12 program’s primary starter for this lengthy period — one interrupted by injuries — Daniels impressed at points and struggled with accuracy at others. He also rushed for more than 400 yards in three seasons. ESPN’s Scouts Inc. ranks Daniels 16th among QBs, putting him on the fringe of the draft/UDFA line. Quinn Ewers and fellow second-year player Cam Miller join Willis as rostered Dolphins passers. Daniels also visited the Buccaneers and Patriots, per Reid.
- Although we heard during the coaching carousel the Miami HC job was not viewed favorably — due largely to the Tagovailoa contract’s impact — Louis-Jacques notes ownership’s patience with GMs made that job more appealing. Technically, Chris Grier was GM for 10 years; though, Mike Tannenbaum hovered above him from 2016-18. Grier did last nearly seven full seasons as the top front office decisionmaker following Tannenbaum’s exit. Though, it is worth noting Dennis Hickey only received one season with control (2014) before the Tannenbaum addition. Grier’s GM predecessor parted with the Dolphins after two seasons.
- The Dolphins recently sold a 1% ownership stake to Bin Lin, cofounder and vice chairman of Xiaomi (a tech company headquartered in China). Lin’s stake also covers part of Stephen Ross‘ full portfolio, which includes Hard Rock Stadium, tennis’ Miami Open and Formula 1’s Miami Grand Prix, ESPN’s Adam Schefter tweets. The overall stake is worth $12.5 billion.
Falcons, Jaguars Swap DTs Ruke Orhorhoro, Maason Smith
The Falcons and Jaguars have changed GMs and coaching staffs since the 2024 draft, when the teams respectively chose Ruke Orhorhoro and Maason Smith in the second round. The two defensive tackles are now switching sides.
Atlanta is sending Orhorhoro to Jacksonville for Smith, straight up, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Both D-tackles have two seasons left on their rookie contracts. The trade has since been announced.
This trade involves eerily similar profiles. The Falcons chose Orhorhoro 35th in the 2024 draft, while the Jags added Smith at No. 48. Orhorhoro has made eight career starts; Smith has made seven. Orhorhoro has three career sacks, Smith 3.5.
GM Terry Fontenot traded up for Orhorhoro two drafts ago, sending the Cardinals a third-round pick in exchange for a sixth-rounder and No. 35 — which the NFC South team used on the Clemson product. GM Trent Baalke selected Smith 13 spots later. Neither player has stood out as a pro, and this trade will give each a fresh start. Acquired by GM James Gladstone, Orhorhoro will now play for Jaguars DC Anthony Campanile. The Matt Ryan/Ian Cunningham tandem will plug Smith into Jeff Ulbrich‘s defense.
Pro Football Focus ranked Smith 100th among 127 qualified interior D-linemen last season and slotted Orhorhoro 123rd (due largely to a porous grade in run stoppage). Ulbrich received a decent look at Orhorhoro last season, using him on 54% of Atlanta’s defensive snaps. That evidently was enough to determine he was not a good fit. Smith played 51% of the Jags’ defensive snaps as a rookie but dropped to a 36% snap share last season.
Orhorhoro, 24, combined to make 24 tackles for loss from 2021-23 at Clemson. He tallied nine sacks between the 2022 and ’23 seasons, creating a quality draft profile. Smith, 23, was not as productive at LSU. He tallied 4.5 TFLs and 2.5 sacks as a junior in 2023, but the former five-star recruit saw his college career altered by an ACL tear in the Tigers’ 2022 opener.
Smith is due a $1.1MM 2026 salary guarantee, but no money is locked in for 2027. As second-round picks continue to make guarantee gains, Orhorhoro secured a $1.7MM 2026 guarantee and has $966K locked in for 2027. This move gives the Falcons a bit more flexibility, but both players have work to do at their next destinations if they want to target free agency paydays down the road.
The Falcons have now added Smith, Da’Shawn Hand and Chris Williams to their defensive line this offseason, with Samson Ebukam and Azeez Ojulari joining as edge rushers. Jacksonville has been less active, as Orhorhoro is their only notable D-line addition. That could certainly change via the draft. The Jags return Arik Armstead and DaVon Hamilton, while the Falcons — who lost David Onyemata (to the Jets) in free agency — have part-time 2025 starters Brandon Dorlus and Zach Harrison under contract as interior D-linemen.
Jets Among Teams Which Could Trade Into Top 10
Much of the top-10 order of next week’s draft is unsettled. The possibility of movement near the top of the board has been increasingly discussed in recent days, and a number of teams appear willing to trade down.
The 2026 class is not held in high regard given its relative lack of ‘can’t-miss’ prospects. That factor could lead to a tepid trade-up market, but the Cowboys have been mentioned as a candidate to swing a deal in that regard. Dallas owns a pair of first-round picks, including No. 12.
Moving up the board is something to watch for in that case, but other suitors could be eyeing a top-10 pick. The Jets already have one, but the No. 2 selection may not be the only premium one at general manager Darren Mougey‘s disposal. ESPN’s Matt Miller predicts the opening round will be filled with trades, including up to two swaps in the top-10 order. In addition to the Cowboys, Miller names the Jets as a team to watch in that regard.
Most of the pre-draft chatter in New York’s case has naturally centered on what the team will do with the second overall pick. Taking a defensive prospect remains the expectation at this point, something which would leave Mougey and Co. with options at the receiver position and others with their next Day 1 selection (No. 16). Alternatively, a move toward the latter stages of the top 10 could allow the Jets to pick up multiple top-tier players depending on how the rest of board shakes out.
Coming off a 3-14 campaign, New York could stand to add at several spots. Bringing in immediate contributors would help given the questions surrounding head coach Aaron Glenn‘s job security entering his second season at the helm. The chances of that taking place in 2026 may of course increase with a trade up the board, although sacrificing capital in a draft such as this one would no doubt lead to scrutiny.
It may not be challenging for Mougey to find a trade partner over the coming days given the nature of the first-round order. As such, the Jets will join the Cowboys as a team to monitor closely early on Day 1.
Commanders Open To Trading Down
APRIL 17: Peters said (via Keim) the Commanders are not actively attempting to move down the board at this time. He remains open to a trade agreement, but Washington can be expected to stay in place at No. 7 – a spot which will provide several interesting options – for now.
APRIL 14: The Commanders currently own six picks in the upcoming draft. Only two of those are within the first 146 selections, however, and Washington is a team in need of rookie additions at several spots.
As such, a move down the board on Day 1 could be something to watch for. As ESPN’s John Keim and Jordan Reid write, the Commanders’ preference would be a small trade down the first-round order to add a Day 2 pick. Washington is positioned to select seventh overall in a draft lacking in star power and high-end quarterback prospects. GM Adam Peters has conceded that will likely make it challenging to generate a market with respect to teams moving up into the top 10.
Nevertheless, the Cowboys could be prepared to execute a trade from No. 12 up the order. The possibility of an intra-divisional swap could make for an interesting storyline as the countdown to the draft continues. In any case, Peters and Co. face the challenge of adding impact rookies to one of the league’s oldest rosters with limited draft capital.
To no surprise, Reid adds receiver and cornerback are positions Washington is likely to target early in the draft. Dyami Brown and Van Jefferson have been added in free agency, but Deebo Samuel remains unsigned and little movement has taken place recently on the Brandon Aiyuk front. That could leave the Commanders with the possibility of selecting Carnell Tate if he is still available at No. 7 and no strong trade-up offers emerge.
Washington has added Amik Robertson and Ahkello Witherspoon on the open market at the cornerback spot. Marshon Lattimore is still a free agent, though, while Jonathan Jones and Noah Igbinoghene departed in March. Each of the 2026 class’ top CB prospects are likely to be on the board when the Commanders make their first selection. As a result, drafting Mansoor Delane or Jermod McCoy could receive strong consideration.
The Laremy Tunsil trade deprived Washington of its own selection in the second and fourth rounds in the 2026 draft. The Commanders should still be able to add a few notable rookies to the mix, but efforts on Peters’ part to acquire additional picks are likely to pick up over the coming days.
Chargers Discussing Extensions With Derwin James, Tuli Tuipulotu
Safety Derwin James and edge rusher Tuli Tuipulotu are pending 2027 free agents as things stand. That may not be the case for much longer.
When speaking to reporters during his pre-draft press conference, Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz said (via ESPN’s Kris Rhim) conversations have taken place with the agents of both players. Extension talks are likely to pick up after next week’s draft, to no surprise. Working out a deal in each case would take care of an important piece of offseason business.
James has been a defensive pillar for the Bolts since arriving in 2018. This past season saw him deliver another strong outing, and it yielded a fifth Pro Bowl nod along with a third appearance on the second All-Pro team. James was recently named as a candidate to seek out a new contract ahead of training camp this summer. Based on Hortiz’s comments, there is a mutual interest in working out a third Chargers pact.
Team and player agreed to a $19MM-per-year accord in 2022. The safety market has risen since then, and Kyle Hamilton now leads the way at $25MM annually. Two other safeties are ahead of James in terms of AAV, and a move up the pecking order may be in store. James is approaching his age-30 season, though, so a shorter term may be sought out by the Chargers during negotiations. In any case, a fresh round of guarantees can be expected.
The edge rush spot was a key talking point entering free agency for Los Angeles. Khalil Mack and Odafe Oweh remained on track for the open market until Mack ultimately re-signed; Oweh has since departed. As of February, no extension talks with Tuipulotu’s camp had taken place. Working out a long-term deal would be key in his case, however, with Mack once again a candidate to retire at the end of the year.
Tuipulotu has seen his sack production increase over each of his three NFL seasons. He posted 13 in 2025, earning a Pro Bowl nod along the way and further establishing himself as a core member of the Chargers’ defense. At the age of 23, the USC product profiles as a logical candidate for a big-ticket deal this summer. A major raise will be in store compared to the $5.77MM in base salary Tuipulotu is owed for 2026, but Hortiz has made clear his preference for extending in-house players over spending big on outside free agents.
With that in mind, both James and Tuipulotu could very well have new contracts in hand by the time training camp begins in July. Attention will be focused on the draft over the coming days, but afterwards the Chargers will shift to contract talks in each of these cases.
Cardinals Eyeing First-Round Trade Up For QB Ty Simpson?
The Cardinals currently own one first-round pick in next week’s draft. The No. 3 slot remains the subject of considerable speculation, but in any case Arizona could be a team to watch late in the round as well.
A recent report named the Cardinals a candidate to trade down from the third overall pick. How the Jets operate at No. 2 will be key, since at least one of David Bailey or Arvell Reese will still be available after their selection is made. Arizona could stand to add either of those edge rushers, and Essentially Sports’ Tony Pauline reports the team’s preference would be Bailey. Either way, a trade sending Arizona into the back end of the first-round order will be something to watch for.
Pauline reports the Cardinals will attempt trade back into the Day 1 order to draft quarterback Ty Simpson “if the opportunity arises.” Arizona has previously been mentioned as a logical option with respect to selecting Simpson and by doing so steering clear of the top prospects in the highly-regarded 2027 QB class. Finding a willing trade partner late in the opening round may not be a challenge with this year’s group of prospects lacking in projected stars. GM Monti Ossenfort has left the door open to such a move, while NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport confirms (video link) the Cardinals loom as a feasible Simpson destination.
[Prospect Profile: Ty Simpson]
Arizona owns pick No. 34, so a small move up the board could yield Simpson and a long-term quarterback option to develop over time. The Cardinals have retained Jacoby Brissett, whose deal runs through 2026. Fellow veteran Gardner Minshew was added a one-year free agent contract last month. That will give new head coach Mike LaFleur a pair of experienced stopgap signal-callers to work with for the coming season. It would also allow Simpson time to develop without needing to play right away.
As a one-year starter at the college level, Simpson’s draft range has long been in flux. The Alabama product is generally regarded as the second-best quarterback prospect in the 2026 class, but his lack of experience and poor showings in the second half of the campaign could leave him on the board until Day 2. On the other hand, the draft has a long history of teams being aggressive with respect to acquiring passers via trade.
The Cardinals could be the next suitor in that regard, depending on how the first round shakes out. Other teams will no doubt have Simpson on their radar as well, but Arizona will remain one to monitor closely on this front over the coming days.
Giants DT Dexter Lawrence Wants Out; Latest On Potential Trade
April 17: The Giants have, appropriately, a massive asking price for their hulking nose tackle. Not only are they seeking first- and second-round picks for Lawrence, they want the first-rounder to be in the top 10, per Schwartz. If it is outside of the top 10, New York will ask for additional picks to make up the value. That is an unrealistic asking price, ESPN’s Jordan Raanan notes, which “signifies [that the] Giants aren’t serious about trading Dexter Lawrence.”
April 16: Unhappy with a contract that does not include any more guaranteed money, Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence requested a trade earlier this month. The Giants and Lawrence continued contract talks after he asked out, but those negotiations broke off on Wednesday.
While the Giants trading the disgruntled Lawrence is a possibility, it is not a lock. Lawrence does indeed want out, per reports from CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones and Paul Schwartz of the New York Post. However, the Giants are not giving him away at a discounted rate.
The Giants want at least a first-round pick for the four-time Pro Bowler, according to Jones, who floats the idea of the team demanding a 2027 first- and a 2026 second-rounder for Lawrence. Doing so would give the Giants until Day 2 of this year’s draft to find a trade partner. If Lawrence is still a Giant on Day 3, April 25, it may take a long time for a trade to come together (if it happens at all).
The most recent trade involving a star defensive tackle came last November when the Jets shipped Quinnen Williams to the Cowboys. Dallas parted with the aforementioned 2027 first- and 2026 second-rounder package. The Cowboys also threw in D-tackle Mazi Smith, a 2023 first-rounder who has been a bust. The Giants are probably not in position to receive that strong of an offer, though, considering an acquiring team would have to give Lawrence a raise. Conversely, the Cowboys did not have to make any adjustments to Williams’ contract.
Lawrence is owed $19.5MM in each of the next two seasons, but Jones writes that he “will likely” climb into the upper $20MM range on a new deal. With Lawrence angling for more money, one source told Schwartz the Giants may not even get a first-rounder for the 28-year-old Lawrence, adding that “[he] will be in camp, he’s got nowhere to go.”
A Giant since they chose him 17th overall in the 2019 draft, Lawrence put pen to paper on his current pact – a four-year, $90MM extension with $60MM in guarantees – in May 2023. Joe Schoen, the general manager who authorized the contract, is still in his post. But Lawrence has been frustrated with how the team has been run and “what’s been valued in the locker room” over the past three years, Ryan Dunleavy of the New York Post writes. He has been open to a trade dating to the start of last year, Jordan Raanan of ESPN adds. Schoen has since lost power to new head coach John Harbaugh, but Lawrence’s frustration with the organization has not subsided.
While Dunleavy believes Lawrence would accept a “big raise” from the Giants, they are not not inclined to give him one. A trade does not appear imminent either, though the Giants have have held talks with other teams, per Raanan. With the draft starting a week from tonight, this will remain a fascinating situation to monitor.
Jets Expected To Draft David Bailey Second Overall; Latest On WR Possibilities
The Jets canceled a scheduled “30” visit with David Bailey, but that is hardly an indication they will pass on the Texas Tech edge defender at No. 2 overall in the draft. On the contrary, “most of the league” expects the Jets to use their first pick on Bailey, Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports hears.
The possibility of the Jets taking Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles in the second slot exists, but the popular belief is they will settle on Bailey or Buckeyes LB/edge Arvell Reese. Not even two weeks ago, Reese was reportedly the favorite to end up in New York. The draft is still a week away, leaving enough time for this to swing in a different direction by next Thursday.
Will McDonald and free agent additions Joseph Ossai and Kingsley Enagbare are the Jets’ top edge options heading into the draft. They make for a decent trio, but the Jets are in need of a game-wrecking pass rusher. They may get one in the 22-year-old Bailey, whose production exploded last season. Spending his first three college seasons at Stanford, Bailey combined for 14.5 sacks over 32 games. He matched that sack total in 14 games with the Red Raiders.
After leading his conference in sacks and tackles for loss (19.5) in 2025, Bailey earned a unanimous All-America selection and Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Year honors. The 6-foot-3, 250-pounder further demonstrated his athletic prowess at the Combine, where he paced his position in the 40-yard dash (4.50) and ranked third in the broad jump, seventh in the 10-yard split and tied for 10th in the vertical jump.
Even if Bailey does not end up as their choice, the Jets are likely to take a defender with their initial pick. The Jets also have another first-rounder, No. 16, and may use that selection to bring in a potential impact player on offense. Receiver is a glaring weakness for the Jets, who need a high-end complement to the excellent Garrett Wilson. A recent report indicated the Jets are “extremely high on” Indiana wideout Omar Cooper Jr., but they like him much better as a potential option at No. 33 than at 16, according to Tony Pauline of Essentially Sports.
New York spending a first-rounder on Cooper is not on the table, per Pauline, who reports the team has only given Round 1 grades to three receivers: Carnell Tate (Ohio State), Jordyn Tyson (Arizona State) and Denzel Boston (Washington). Tate should be long gone when the Jets are on the clock again at the midpoint of the first round, but coming away with either Tyson or Boston looks like a realistic outcome.