BRONCOS CUT S TAYLOR RAPP, BUT HINT AT BRINGING HIM BACK
Less than a week after signing Taylor Rapp, the Denver Broncos on Wednesday cut the safety, but later in the day, head coach Sean Payton indicated the reason wasn’t football-related and that Rapp could be back with the team.
“He needs a little time at home,” Payton told reporters, before adding, “I know how he felt being here and so I think sooner than later (Rapp will be back with the team). This obviously took precedence.”
The 28-year-old Rapp signed a reported one-year deal last week, practiced Monday but missed practice Tuesday.
The seven-year veteran spent the past three seasons in Buffalo after playing his first four seasons in Los Angeles with the Rams, who drafted him in the second round out of Washington in 2019.
In 93 career games (72 starts), Rapp has 12 interceptions, four fumble recoveries and 488 tackles (314 solo). He won a Super Bowl with the Rams in 2021.
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NFL ENDS PRO BOWL, SELECTION OF ‘BEST OF THE BEST’ TO CONTINUE
The NFL is ending the Pro Bowl Games after repeated format changes to its annual all-star event.
Beginning with the 2026 season, 88 Pro Bowlers will be selected but the NFL no longer plans to stage an AFC-NFC game, a flag-football matchup or an accompanying series of competitions. The players chosen will instead be invited to next year’s Super Bowl site in Los Angeles for an in-person celebration in February.
The biggest change beyond eliminating the event itself involves alternates. Only the original 88 selections will be named Pro Bowlers and no alternates will be added, ending a system that expanded the list when players withdrew because of injuries, Super Bowl commitments or other reasons.
Voting remains split with fans, players and coaches accounting for one-third of the selection process.
“The Pro Bowl has always been about recognizing the players who distinguish themselves as the very best in the NFL,” NFL executive vice president Peter O’Reilly said Wednesday. “A Pro Bowl selection will return to its original purpose, honoring the best of the best. We want that distinction to carry even greater meaning for the players, their families, their clubs and our fans.”
The NFL reworked the event through multiple iterations in recent years as interest in the traditional tackle all-star game declined. The AFC-NFC format was temporarily replaced by a fantasy football style draft in 2014 before later returning in 2017. The Pro Bowl moved away from longtime host Hawaii after the 2016 edition.
A tackle football game was last played in 2022, and rebranded as the Pro Bowl Games for a 2023 debut with skills competitions and flag football. This past season, the Pro Bowl Games were moved to the Tuesday before the Super Bowl in San Francisco.
League officials said discussions with players helped drive the latest change, citing concerns that repeated selections for replacement had diluted an honor that can have contractual and legacy implications.
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NFL, NFLPA SET NEW PENALTIES FOR REPEAT PLAYER SAFETY VIOLATIONS
NFL owners and the league players’ association finalized a new system for enforcing penalties for violations of on-field safety rules of emphasis in 2026.
Beginning this season, players who commit three violations among five emphasized player health and safety categories will be suspended for one game. Teams with “excessive violations of health and safety rules” will face “increased financial penalties” starting this season.
Players who are fined for any single violation can reclaim half of the fine amount by avoiding additional infractions.
“The goal is simple: make the game safer by focusing discipline on the techniques most likely to result in player injury rather than players who make isolated mistakes during competition,” the NFL and NFLPA said in a joint statement issued Wednesday from the league’s annual meeting in Atlanta. “Beginning this season, we will place greater emphasis on five player health and safety rules violations: Hip Drop Tackle; Horse Collar Tackle; Launching; Hit on a Defenseless Player and Blindside Block.
“Players who commit three offenses in any of these categories during a season will be suspended for one game. Players who commit only one violation will receive 50% of their fine back at the end of the season.”
All players will start with a clean slate in 2026, but violations in the five categories will carry over into future seasons.
Coaches must attend meetings with the NFL when players on their roster near suspension thresholds. The league announced that Ron Rivera, a former NFL head coach who played linebacker nine seasons in the league before coaching, will join the pool of former players who will oversee on-field player discipline appeals hearings.
In meetings during the offseason, both sides agreed on the importance of distinguishing between “isolated mistakes and repeated conduct that jeopardizes the health and safety of players.”
In their statement Wednesday, the NFL and NFLPA underscored a shared responsibility for player safety.
“These changes focus on the techniques that create the greatest risk while ensuring player, coach, and club accountability. Together, we believe this approach will continue to make the game safer for all players,” the statement read.
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REPORT: NFL PLAYERS RETURNING TO COLLEGE CAN’T PLAY IN LEAGUE THIS SEASON
The NFL plans to tell its clubs that players returning to play in college will be prohibited from signing this season with a league team, ESPN reported on Wednesday.
The report said the NFL will clarify at some point during a special league meeting on Wednesday the rules that remain unaltered while the NCAA and its conferences grapple almost daily with a fast-changing landscape on student-athletes’ fifth year of college eligibility.
Any player signed to an NFL contract who is then cut becomes a free agent, free to sign with another league team, the Canadian Football League or return to college. A player who is cut and returns to college this year is considered a free agent and not subject to a future draft, per the report.
Landing spots for such players may become limited — barring potential future litigation and other legal maneuvers. The Big Ten and Southeastern conferences announced rule changes Tuesday that prevent players who have previously been with an NFL team from returning to play college football at one of their schools.
In the wake of a court order in Louisiana granting several undrafted free agents an unexpected fifth year of NCAA eligibility, the Big Ten’s athletic directors unanimously adopted a new rule Tuesday. Hours later, the SEC followed suit.
The SEC’s decision is especially notable because LSU and head coach Lane Kiffin added — or intended to add — multiple players waived by their NFL teams in training camp.
The Big Ten’s rule prohibits football players specifically from “maintaining eligibility for athletic competition at a conference institution” if they were ever on a professional roster or “declared for the NFL draft as an underclassman without withdrawing.”
According to CBS Sports, Big Ten coaches and schools can be punished if they ignore the new rule.
The SEC later announced its rule, a result of meetings with “the presidents, chancellors and athletic directors” of the conference.
That league’s rule covers not only players with any NFL ties but also basketball players who declared early for the NBA or WNBA draft, signed a contract in those leagues or the G League or other affiliates, or were ever listed on a professional roster.
Prior to the Big Ten revealing its rule change, the SEC’s presidents and chancellors released a joint statement saying athletes who have signed pro contracts “should not then be permitted” to return to college sports.
Kiffin, in particular, sought to take advantage of a judge’s ruling that granted a small pool of players another year of eligibility.
Tight end Dae’Quan Wright, who played for Kiffin at Ole Miss over the past two seasons, planned to join LSU once he cleared NFL waivers. Wright spent time with the Philadelphia Eagles and Cleveland Browns this summer.
On Monday, former Ole Miss defensive lineman Zxavian Harris, who had been waived by the New Orleans Saints, revealed on his Instagram account that he intended to join Kiffin at LSU, labeling it a “business decision.”
Wright, Harris and 14 other players gained one additional year of NCAA eligibility thanks to a Louisiana court that granted them a temporary restraining order last week, allowing them to enter the transfer portal to keep their options open. The order is related to the NCAA’s new age-based eligibility model, which allows five seasons within a five-year window and did not cover players from the high school Class of 2022 who had already exhausted their eligibility.
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GIANTS RECEIVER CALVIN AUSTIN IS OUT FOR THE SEASON WITH A TORN ACL, AP SOURCE SAYS
New York Giants wide receiver Calvin Austin has a torn ACL in his right knee and is expected to miss the season, according to a person with knowledge of the injury.
The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Wednesday because the team had not revealed the extent of the injury.
Austin went down without contact during a 1-on-1 drill at training camp on Tuesday and was carted off the field. Offensive coordinator Matt Nagy said after practice that he feared the worst.
The 27-year-old Austin was having a strong camp and preseason and looked to be carving out a substantial role for himself in the Giants’ offense. He made two catches for 24 yards in exhibition play last week at Miami and had been one of quarterback Jaxson Dart’s most popular targets during team periods of practice.
Austin’s absence opens the door for a handful of players to earn a spot on the 53-man roster at a crowded position behind Malik Nabers, who is coming off his own ACL injury and is trending toward playing Sept. 13 against Dallas. Darnell Mooney, Braxton Berrios and Odell Beckham Jr. are among the free agents brought in at receiver, and rookie Malachi Fields has shown flashes that he can already contribute in the NFL.
Signed to a $1.5 million contract for this season, Austin had 89 catches for 1,140 yards and nine touchdowns in 51 games, counting the playoffs, over his first three seasons in the league, all with Pittsburgh.
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REPORT: BUCS ROOKIE LB RUEBEN BAIN JR. HAS AC SPRAIN
Buccaneers rookie linebacker Rueben Bain Jr. is dealing with a shoulder injury but is expected to play in Week 1, ESPN reported Wednesday.
The first-round draft pick (15th overall) out of Miami sustained an AC sprain during Tampa Bay’s joint practice with the Jaguars on Tuesday, per the report.
The Bucs finish their preseason slate at Jacksonville on Friday and open the regular season at Cincinnati on Sept. 13.
Bain was named the ACC Defensive Player of the Year in 2025 after racking up 9.5 sacks and helping the Hurricanes reach the national championship game.
Bain, 21, is projected to start at linebacker alongside Alex Anzalone and Christian Rozeboom. He notched 20.5 sacks, 33.5 tackles for loss, 121 tackles, four forced fumbles and one interception in 38 games at Miami.
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TEXANS RT BRADEN SMITH, DE ALI GAYE CARTED OFF THE FIELD DURING JOINT PRACTICE WITH THE PANTHERS
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Houston Texans starting right tackle Braden Smith and reserve defensive end Ali Gaye were carted off the field together on Wednesday early in a joint practice with the Carolina Panthers.
The nature of the injuries were not immediately known. Texans coach DeMeco Ryans offered no update on the nature of the injuries after practice or if they might miss any time.
The injuries occurred on a separate practice fields almost simultaneously and action was halted as the players were initially helped onto different carts. The carts then converged and both players were taken to the locker room on one cart.
Smith signed a two-year, $25 million contract as an unrestricted free agent earlier this offseason. He started 105 games during his eight seasons with the Indianapolis Colts, including 13 in 2025.
Gaye came into the league as an undrafted free agent in 2023 and has nine tackles and one sack during his career.
The Texans and Panthers play Friday night at Bank of America Stadium in the preseason finale for both teams.
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NFL PREDICTIONS: PREVIEWING ALL 16 AFC TEAMS & PREDICTING EVERY RECORD IN 2026
BUFFALO BILLS
The Bills remain the safest bet in this division. Josh Allen is still the centerpiece, but the biggest change comes with Joe Brady taking over as head coach and Jim Leonhard running the defense. Buffalo also added DJ Moore to a receiving corps that desperately needed another difference-maker. The Bills won 12 games last season, and I expect them to remain near the top of the AFC. Prediction: 11-6, AFC East champions.
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
It’s difficult to bet against the reigning AFC champions after what they accomplished last season. Drake Maye has another year of experience, and New England added A.J. Brown to an offense that already averaged 28.8 points per game in 2025. The Patriots will have enormous expectations, but I expect them to remain a serious contender. Prediction: 11-6, playoff team.
NEW YORK JETS
The Jets are better than the Dolphins, but that’s not saying much. Geno Smith returns after leading the NFL in interceptions last season, while New York has completely reshaped its roster and enters 2026 with three first-round picks. There is enough talent here to surprise people, but the quarterback play has to improve dramatically. Prediction: 6-11.
MIAMI DOLPHINS
Miami feels like a rebuilding team after moving on from Tua Tagovailoa and Tyreek Hill. Malik Willis now has an enormous opportunity, but expecting everything to click immediately is asking a lot. The Dolphins could be competitive in stretches, but this looks like the toughest roster in the division. Prediction: 5-12.
Division winner: Buffalo Bills
AFC NORTH
BALTIMORE RAVENS
The Ravens are my pick to bounce back after an ugly 8-9 season. John Harbaugh is gone, and Jesse Minter takes over, while Lamar Jackson gets a new offensive coordinator in Declan Doyle. Baltimore also added Trey Hendrickson and could get Nnamdi Madubuike back, potentially transforming a defense that struggled badly last year. Prediction: 11-6, AFC North champions.
CINCINNATI BENGALS
Joe Burrow’s health remains the biggest variable, but Cincinnati finally appears serious about fixing its defense. The Bengals added Jonathan Allen, Boye Mafe, Bryan Cook and Kyle Dugger before acquiring Dexter Lawrence. If Burrow stays healthy, this could be a dangerous team. Prediction: 10-7, playoff team.
PITTSBURGH STEELERS
The Steelers are fascinating because Mike McCarthy and Aaron Rodgers could either make this look like a brilliant move or a desperate one. Pittsburgh also added Michael Pittman Jr., giving Rodgers another legitimate target. The defense has to improve, though, after ranking 26th in total defense last season. Prediction: 9-8.
CLEVELAND BROWNS
The Browns are still rebuilding. Todd Monken takes over as head coach, the quarterback situation remains unsettled, and Cleveland traded Myles Garrett after his record-setting 2025 season. Jared Verse gives the defense a new centerpiece, but I don’t expect the Browns to contend yet. Prediction: 5-12.
DIVISION WINNER: BALTIMORE RAVENS
AFC SOUTH
HOUSTON TEXANS
The Texans are one of the most difficult teams to project. They went 12-5 last season and have an outstanding defense, but C.J. Stroud needs to rediscover his rookie form. Houston also completely revamped its offensive line and added David Montgomery to improve the running game. If the line finally stabilizes, the Texans could be a Super Bowl contender. Prediction: 11-6, AFC South champions.
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
Jacksonville won 13 games last season and remains one of the AFC’s most intriguing teams. Travis Etienne is gone, leaving Bhayshul Tuten and others to replace his production, while Travis Hunter’s two-way role will be fascinating to watch. If Brian Thomas Jr. takes a step forward, and Parker Washington continues his ascent, this offense could be dangerous. Prediction: 10-7, playoff team.
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
The Colts’ entire season may depend on Daniel Jones staying healthy. Indianapolis saw its offense fall apart when Jones was injured last year, and the team is also dealing with major health questions involving Jonathan Taylor and DeForest Buckner. There’s talent here, but too much uncertainty for me to trust them as a playoff team. Prediction: 8-9.
TENNESSEE TITANS
Everything revolves around Cam Ward. Tennessee brought in Robert Saleh and Brian Daboll to help develop its young quarterback and added veteran receiver Wan’Dale Robinson along with first-round pick Carnell Tate. I expect improvement, but the Titans are still a year away from seriously competing. Prediction: 6-11.
DIVISION WINNER: HOUSTON TEXANS
AFC WEST
DENVER BRONCOS
Denver is my pick to win the AFC West. The Broncos went 14-3 last season, largely kept their roster intact, and added Jaylen Waddle to give Bo Nix another elite weapon. The biggest question is Nix’s health after his ankle injury, but if he’s healthy, Denver has the most complete roster in the division. Prediction: 12-5, AFC West champions.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs are coming off a stunning 6-11 season, so there’s nowhere to go but up. Patrick Mahomes remains the ultimate reason for optimism, but Kansas City has more questions than we’ve seen in years. I expect a bounce-back season, just not another dominant run through the division. Prediction: 10-7, playoff team.
LOS ANGELES CHARGERS
The Chargers should once again be competitive with Justin Herbert and Jim Harbaugh, but their offensive line health remains a concern. The addition of tight end David Njoku gives Herbert more options, and the defense should keep them in games. Still, I don’t see them winning this division. Prediction: 9-8.
LAS VEGAS RAIDERS
The Raiders may be the AFC’s most intriguing long-term project. No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza is behind veteran Kirk Cousins for now, while Las Vegas also made significant offensive-line upgrades. If Cousins struggles, the pressure to unleash Mendoza will become enormous. Prediction: 6-11.
DIVISION WINNER: DENVER BRONCOS
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2027 NFL MOCK DRAFT
1. Cleveland Browns (via projected trade with MIA)
Dante Moore, QB, Oregon*
I had the Dolphins trade out because they recently invested in Malik Willis. While a lot depends on Willis’ performance this season, Miami does already have a promising young quarterback. Unless Shedeur Sanders makes a massive leap in Year 2 (which seems unlikely), the Browns do not. Deshaun Watson’s contract ends after this season, as well, making this a perfect time for Cleveland to take another swing at that elusive franchise QB to join the young talent it has accumulated in the past couple drafts.
Moore has squeaky-clean mechanics, and his accuracy shined in his first year as a starter. This would be a good situation for him, with young players he can grow alongside. If he brings his stellar college play to the NFL, the Browns could turn things around quickly.
2. Arizona Cardinals
Arch Manning, QB, Texas*
Even though Carson Beck, Arizona’s third-round pick in April, has looked good this preseason, his presence wouldn’t prevent the Cardinals from looking at a QB here — especially with veteran Jacoby Brissett’s contract expiring after the season. Manning recovered from a slow start to 2025, with his development taking a big leap in mid-October. If he can build on that momentum and improve his accuracy on underneath throws, he has the physical tools to be picked at this spot and join 2026 first-round running back Jeremiyah Love to form Arizona’s backfield of the future.
3. New York Jets
CJ Carr, QB, Notre Dame*
The Jets’ drafts in the past five years have seen them bring in bookend offensive tackles (Olu Fashanu and Armand Membou), a true WR1 (Garrett Wilson), a franchise RB (Breece Hall) and two talented tight ends (Mason Taylor and Kenyon Sadiq). Seems like an ideal base for a young quarterback to join. Carr’s sample size is small (12 career starts), but he thrived last season in his first year as a starter. He’s a capable passer who can distribute the ball and does a great job of syncing his feet, eyes and throwing motion. Notre Dame is a prime national title contender in 2026, and if Carr excels on that quest, it’s easy to see him rise to this spot of the draft.
4. Miami Dolphins (via projected trade with CLE)
Jeremiah Smith, WR, Ohio State*
The Dolphins fell three spots via our mock trade and would still be able to get my top-ranked player at a severe position of need. Smith grew up down the road from Hard Rock Stadium and would immediately become Miami’s go-to receiver. At 6-foot-3, 225 pounds, he is a physically imposing wideout who glides past defenders and is capable of winning with speed or power. He’s the best of Ohio State’s recent run of first-round receivers. Not only would he be a massive upgrade from Malik Washington and Jalen Tolbert, but he would also allow Miami to correctly evaluate QB Malik Willis.
5. Las Vegas Raiders
Cam Coleman, WR, Texas*
The Raiders got their QB1 in April when they picked Fernando Mendoza; now they get their true WR1. Coleman is a sleek-built pass catcher who can make acrobatic receptions look routine with his outstanding catch radius. He transferred from Auburn to Texas, and this upcoming season could see his production explode as Arch Manning’s featured option. Coleman can run every route on the route tree, so having him join 2024 first-rounder Brock Bowers and 2025 first-rounder Ashton Jeanty would give Las Vegas a formidable core around Mendoza.
6. Tennessee Titans
Dylan Stewart, Edge, South Carolina*
Even though they picked Keldric Faulk in Round 1 in April, the Titans could use more edge-rush help, especially with Jermaine Johnson II entering the final year of his contract. Few edge-rush prospects have ever possessed Stewart’s blend of upfield acceleration, bend and closing speed. The production has yet to match the potential, as Stewart had only 4.5 sacks last season, but the 6-foot-5, 250-pounder has rare tools and already has teams giddy about what he could develop into at the NFL level.
7. Carolina Panthers
Leonard Moore, CB, Notre Dame*
With Mike Jackson set to be a free agent who could cash in elsewhere if he repeats his 2025 performance, the Panthers might have a vacancy at cornerback opposite Jaycee Horn. Adding Moore would give Carolina a dynamic coverage duo, as Moore is one of the best corners I’ve scouted in some time. He has been exceptional at Notre Dame and had five interceptions last season. His length (6-foot-2, 197 pounds) and fluidity give him potential to be a shutdown cover guy.
8. New Orleans Saints
Colin Simmons, Edge, Texas*
The Saints need edge help in both the short term and long term, as Chase Young and Carl Granderson will be free agents in 2028. Simmons would be a major boost to New Orleans’ defensive front as the most productive edge rusher in this class. He led the SEC with 12 sacks last season, and the 6-foot-3, 245-pounder is a terror with an unpredictable assortment of pass-rush moves. His combination of power and upfield quickness has him in the argument with Dylan Stewart as the top edge in this draft.
9. New York Giants
Will Echoles, DT, Ole Miss*
The Giants traded away star defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II this offseason, creating a gaping hole in their defensive interior. Echoles is the best of a deep defensive tackle crop, as his power and pass-rush push give him a well-rounded skill set. The 6-foot-3, 315-pound Echoles is a stout run defender who is difficult to move off the spot, allowing him to maintain gap control and generate negative plays. He just turned 20 years old earlier this month, giving him tremendous room for growth.
10. Washington Commanders
Charlie Becker, WR, Indiana*
Even though Stefon Diggs just signed with Washington, he’ll be 33 years old and it’s unclear if he’ll be the Commanders’ WR2 past this season. There’s still a need for help opposite Terry McLaurin, and the 6-foot-4, 207-pound Becker was the player I enjoyed studying the most this offseason. He exploded on the scene last November and was the X factor in Indiana’s run to the national title, averaging 19.9 yards per reception (seventh in the FBS). Becker combines deep speed with elite ball tracking and excellent hand-eye coordination. His skill set would perfectly complement Jayden Daniels’ deep-ball proficiency.
11. Atlanta Falcons
Trevor Goosby, OT, Texas*
Offensive tackle is a looming question for the Falcons, with right tackle Kaleb McGary retiring this offseason and his replacement, Jawaan Taylor, signing a one-year deal. Left tackle Jake Matthews will be 35 next season, too. The long and agile Goosby is capable of playing both tackle spots but could slide in right away at right tackle, which is important since the Falcons have two left-handed quarterbacks. Assuming his recent knee injury isn’t serious, the 6-foot-7, 325-pounder could enter the top-10 discussion with another successful season.
12. New York Jets (via IND)
Ellis Robinson IV, CB, Georgia*
Considering the Jets didn’t record a single interception last season, becoming the first team in NFL history to accomplish that feat, they desperately need playmakers in the secondary. New York also allowed 36 touchdown passes. Robinson is an excellent athlete who is capable of making plays on the ball, finishing with four interceptions in 2025. He still needs to sharpen his technique, but Robinson will be a top-15 pick if he’s able to take the next step.
13. Minnesota Vikings
Trey’Dez Green, TE, LSU*
With the jury still out on Kyler Murray, who is on a one-year deal, this could turn into a spot for a quarterback. But if Murray plays well, Minnesota might be looking for a dynamic playmaker such as Green. Built like an NBA small forward, the 6-foot-7, 237-pound Green is one of the most unique players in the class. He is a mismatch for defenders — he’s basically a supersized wide receiver — and his production could explode in Lane Kiffin’s uptempo offense. And he would be an eventual replacement for T.J. Hockenson, who’s entering the final year of his contract.
14. Pittsburgh Steelers
Brauntae Johnson, S, Notre Dame*
The Steelers are another team that could be in the quarterback mix with Aaron Rodgers set to retire after the season. But with the top three QBs off the board, the Steelers could instead look to get a youth infusion at safety, especially considering that Jaquan Brisker is on a one-year deal. Johnson is my highest-ranked safety entering the season despite being relatively inexperienced. His combination of instincts, ball skills and enthusiasm crashing downhill in run support makes him a high-upside prospect.
15. New York Jets (via DAL)
David Stone, DT, Oklahoma*
Stone is the best run defender in this stacked defensive tackle class, and his high-end play strength is coupled with excellent ability to shed blockers at the point of attack. The Jets could use help in the defensive front after dealing Quinnen Williams at the trade deadline last season, and Stone is a scheme-versatile defender capable of playing multiple spots. With only 1.5 sacks last season, Stone needs to expand his menu of pass-rush moves, as he’s more of a pocket collapser than true penetrator.
16. Chicago Bears
Jordan Seaton, OT, LSU*
Ozzy Trapilo has recovered remarkably quickly from a torn patellar tendon, but there will still be questions about how long that injury will linger and his overall upside at left tackle. Until we know how well Trapilo will play, left tackle should be viewed as a huge question mark in Chicago. Seaton is an easy-moving pass protector who plays with excellent balance. He still needs to work on his hand placement, but his raw tools could eventually make him the top offensive tackle in next year’s class if he performs well against an SEC schedule.
17. Jacksonville Jaguars
A’Mauri Washington, DT, Oregon
Arik Armstead and DaVon Hamilton are entering the final year of their contracts, which leaves a potential void in the middle of the Jaguars’ defense. The 6-foot-3, 330-pound Washington would have been a top-40 prospect in the 2026 class had he declared. He is a massive interior defender who has shown flashes of being a true disruptor at the first level. Washington does need to show a bit more consistency anchoring against the run, as he tends to lose ground against double-teams.
18. Denver Broncos
Jamari Johnson, TE, Oregon*
Sean Payton has used tight ends heavily in the past, as they often fill his “Joker” position, but he hasn’t found that guy yet in Denver. With Evan Engram a pending free agent and Adam Trautman primarily a blocker, the Broncos are looking for a more well-rounded player at the position. Johnson would fulfill that, having the alignment versatility to play inline or in the slot. He has solid hands and is a good-enough run blocker. Denver spent two Day 3 picks on tight ends in April, but that wouldn’t stop them from taking Johnson here.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Ashton Hampton, CB, Clemson*
The Bucs have been reloading their defense with younger players, but cornerback is a position that could be worth addressing in 2027. Benjamin Morrison was inconsistent as a rookie last season after being drafted in the second round, and Zyon McCollum had a disappointing injury-filled campaign. If McCollum struggles to regain his pre-injury form, then Hampton could take his place. He’s a big, physical corner at 6-foot-2, 205 pounds who thrives in man coverage.
20. Houston Texans
Kewan Lacy, RB, Ole Miss*
The Texans have a deep roster, but they could use some reinforcements at running back. Houston finished 22nd in the league in rushing in 2025 and its lead back, David Montgomery, will be 30 next season. Lacy is a long-striding slasher who easily makes defenders miss, and his 24 touchdowns last season were third most in SEC history. He would provide quarterback C.J. Stroud with a potent threat in the backfield who can create yards on the ground or when involved in the passing game.
21. New England Patriots
Yhonzae Pierre, Edge, Alabama
Pierre is an energetic and powerful pass rusher who primarily operates as a standup outside linebacker. He has average bend but plays with high effort. He had eight sacks last season, so double digits are on the table if he can make another leap. Both of the Patriots’ starting edges (Harold Landry III and Dre’Mont Jones) will be 30 or older next season, so Pierre could be selected as future successor to join Gabe Jacas, New England’s second-round pick in April.
22. Philadelphia Eagles
Kelley Jones, CB, Mississippi State*
Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean are in line for big paydays, so the Eagles could use some cost-affordable secondary options. With Riq Woolen set to be a free agent, the 6-foot-4, 195-pound Jones could slot in as a player with a similar frame and skill set. Jones allowed an FBS-low seven receptions last season but has feast-or-famine tendencies, with five of those catches going for 20 or more yards and two resulting in touchdowns. Eliminating big plays would cement Jones into Round 1.
23. Cincinnati Bengals
KJ Bolden, S, Georgia*
The Bengals are facing a secondary conundrum, with Dax Hill, DJ Turner II and Jordan Battle each entering the final year of their contracts. It’s fair to assume at least one of them will be elsewhere next season, so defensive back could be the play. Bolden is a jack-of-all-trades for Georgia, but his best NFL outlook is as a center-field safety who can roam the back end. He has a slight frame (6 feet, 180 pounds), but he is still a willing downhill player and physical tackler.
24. Dallas Cowboys (via GB)
Chris Cole, LB, Georgia*
The Cowboys expect to have an improved defense this season, but they still need more youthful reinforcements on that side of the ball. Cole is set to be the next of the long line of quality linebackers that Georgia has produced under Kirby Smart. At 6-foot-3, 235 pounds, he has the size, range and physicality that teams covet. Cole needs to improve his take-on strength in the box and coverage awareness but would be a nice fit in Dallas, especially with Dee Winters set to be a free agent after the season.
25. Los Angeles Chargers
Kade Pieper, C, Iowa
The Chargers’ interior offensive line options were underwhelming even before center Tyler Biadasz had a season-ending ACL injury in camp. While hopes are high for recent second-round pick Jake Slaughter, Los Angeles should continue to devote resources to the interior line. Pieper is my top-rated interior lineman. While he has played guard exclusively in college, he’s transitioning to center this season. That positional flexibility will boost his stock, and Pieper’s excellent lateral movement makes him a picture-perfect fit in Mike McDaniel’s scheme.
26. Kansas City Chiefs
Trevor Lauck, OT, Iowa
We’ll continue the Hawkeyes’ offensive line run with Lauck, who is a steady tackle who simply finds ways to piece together wins in games. While he doesn’t have the same physical traits or movement skills of other top tackles in this class, he’s a consistent presence. Lauck plays left tackle at Iowa, but I believe he will transition to the right side in the NFL. Kansas City is searching for a long-term solution at that position after the Jawaan Taylor signing didn’t work out, so Lauck could be a great fit.
27. Detroit Lions
Greg Johnson, G, Minnesota
The Lions’ front office has been consistent in its quest for tough, rugged and consistent players. Johnson easily checks all three boxes as arguably the top guard in this class. Johnson has experience at all five offensive line spots but projects as an interior blocker in the NFL. Detroit is in the process of remaking its offensive line, and Johnson could be the team’s next early pick on the O-line, joining guard Tate Ratledge (second round, 2025) and right tackle Blake Miller (first round, 2026).
28. San Francisco 49ers
Niki Prongos, OT, Stanford
Prongos has been one of the more pleasant surprises in my summer film study, and I wanted to make sure he was in this mock. There’s a bit of projection with this pick, as Prongos is still a work in progress. But the 6-foot-7, 315-pound former walk-on has good foundational tools, and I really like his upward trajectory. Future Hall of Famer Trent Williams will be 39 before next season, so the 49ers eventually have to find his successor. While Prongos has to work on his depth in pass sets and hand violence, he could rise and fill that need for San Francisco.
29. Seattle Seahawks
Justin Scott, DT, Miami*
Defense was the driver of the Seahawks’ Super Bowl LX championship last season, and Seattle GM John Schneider is never shy about fortifying the defensive front. And with 32-year-old Leonard Williams set to be a free agent and Jarran Reed turning 34 in December, Scott would provide much-needed youth. He needs to add moves to his pass-rush arsenal, but scouts I’ve talked to believe Scott has potential to be a top-20 pick if he builds on what he showed on tape last season.
30. Baltimore Ravens
Ahmad Moten Sr., DT, Miami
Back-to-back Miami defensive linemen! Moten is one of my favorite players in this draft and would fit in seamlessly in new Ravens coach Jesse Minter’s defense. Moten is already first-round-worthy as an interior pass rusher, as his first-step quickness and penetration abilities are top-notch. He’ll have to take a major step as a run defender to cement a place in Round 1, as he sometimes gets dislodged from his gaps. But with Calais Campbell turning 40 next week and Nnamdi Madubuike’s long-term status up in the air, Moten would be a good fit.
31. Buffalo Bills
Nick Marsh, WR, Indiana*
This makes two first-round receivers for the Hoosiers, as Marsh is a physical wideout who is a chiseled 6-foot-3, 213 pounds. The Michigan State transfer is powerful on short-to-intermediate patterns and is not afraid to do the dirty work in the offense. He’s competitive in gaining yards after the catch, which would be useful in Buffalo’s offense. Considering that 2024 second-rounder Keon Coleman hasn’t worked out, Marsh could combine with DJ Moore and Khalil Shakir to increase Josh Allen’s receiving options.
32. Miami Dolphins (via LAR through projected trade with CLE)
Will Heldt, Edge, Clemson
The 6-foot-6, 260-pound Heldt is a long, linearly built player who understands how to use his length, as evidenced by his team-high 7.5 sacks a year ago. Despite being a limited athlete, Heldt’s get-off from a two-point stance is above average. He needs to add more mass to his frame, but he already has the effort and nuances to perform as an NFL pass rusher. The Dolphins need plenty of help on the edge to join 2024 first-rounder Chop Robinson, and Heldt could be an asset there.
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