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With the NFL Draft in the books and rosters starting to crystallize, we get a preliminary sense of fantasy football roles and value. Here's how the relevant players fit into early rookie fantasy rankings.
Raiders' new safety Treydan Stukes opened up on an ability he already has that can take years for rookies to develop A to Z Sports
If every NFL team could go back in time and only use one draft pick to select a quarterback in their history? Who would it be? Some are obvious, but others are up for a fun debate. With that, let’s dive into a hypothetical re-draft of every NFL team’s best QB ever — with the rule being that they can only take ONE. Which QB will each NFL team choose if they have a chance for a re-draft? Arizona Cardinals: Kurt WarnerNov. 6, 2005; Tempe, AZ, USA; Quarterback (13) Kurt Warner of the Arizona Cardinals against the Seattle Seahawks at Sun Devil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports Copyright © 2005 Mark J. Rebilas Warner spent the final four seasons of his career with Arizona, but he was only their undisputed starter for the last two. What did the two-time MVP and Super Bowl 34 champion do in those two years? Oh, you know, throw for 56 touchdowns, lead Arizona to two NFC West division crowns, four playoff wins, and a trip to Super Bowl 43. Warner tried out for the Green Bay Packers as an undrafted free agent in 1994. It wasn’t until a successful career in the Arena Football League that NFL teams took notice. In this “what-if” exercise, Arizona wastes no time drafting Warner in 1994. Atlanta Falcons: Matt RyanAugust 16, 2008; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) throws a pass against the Indianapolis Colts in the first half at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine USA TODAY Sports No change here. The Falcons used the No. 3 pick of the 2008 NFL Draft on ‘Matty Ice’ and never looked back. He holds every franchise passing record, took them to the playoffs six times, won 2016 MVP honors, and nearly guided the club to its only Super Bowl championship. Of course, there’s that whole 28-3 thing. But it doesn’t take away from the remarkable 15 years he provided Falcons fans. Baltimore Ravens: Lamar JacksonDec 7, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) runs with the ball against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first half at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-Imagn Images Yes, Trent Dilfer and Joe Flacco led the Ravens to Super Bowl championships. But let’s be clear, they were surrounded by legendary defenses. Jackson is far and away the most talented QB this NFL team has ever had, even if rumors about a split-up persist. Baltimore actually had to trade up to snag Jackson 32nd overall in 2018. In a do-over, they would use the No. 25 pick — used on South Carolina tight end Hayden Hurst — to take Jackson. Buffalo Bills: Josh AllenJosh Allen (Image Credits: Imagn) With all due respect to Jim Kelly, Allen is easily the most skilled and well-rounded QB the Bills have ever had. We know, Allen hasn’t taken Buffalo to a single Super Bowl yet, let alone four like Mr. Kelly. But Allen has never played on the star-studded teams that Kelly enjoyed in the ‘90s. And just remember how gloomy things were for this franchise before Allen was drafted seventh overall in 2018. Carolina Panthers: Cam NewtonCarolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton yells “I’m back!” after scoring a rushing touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals in a game in 2021. Easy call here. Newton was considered the ultimate “boom-or-bust” QB prospect entering the 2011 NFL Draft. Carolina took a chance on “Super Cam” and took him first overall in what turned out to be one of the greatest classes in league history. The 2015 league MVP dazzled with his electrifying dual-threat game. He led Carolina to four playoff appearances, including a trip to Super Bowl 50. If injuries didn’t derail him over his final three seasons as a Panther, Newton would have a strong case for the Hall of Fame. Chicago Bears: Sid Luckman If the Bears didn’t draft Luckman second overall in 1939, there’s no telling how bad the franchise’s history would look. But alas, the great George Halas hit the jackpot on this pick. And the rest is history. Luckman led the Bears to four NFL Championships in the 1940s. The 1943 NFL MVP also worked as their vice president and QBs coach after his playing career, making his legacy all the more celebrated in Windy City. Cincinnati Bengals: Joe BurrowJoe Burrow (Photo Via Imagn Images) Ken Anderson, Andy Dalton, and Boomer Esiason all played far more games than Burrow has in a Bengals uniform. But he’s unquestionably the best QB this NFL franchise has ever had. If not for injuries and a competent front office, Burrow would maybe have a ring or two by now. It remains to be seen if he’ll get them to the promised land. But for now, Cincy can’t have a single regret about taking him first overall in 2020. Cleveland Browns: Otto GrahamUnknown date & Location; USA; FILE PHOTO; Cleveland Browns quarterback Otto Graham (60) in a portrait session. Mandatory Credit: Darryl Norenberg-USA TODAY Sports Like the Bears, the undisputed GOAT of Browns QBs played more than a half-century ago. Graham spent his entire 10-year career with the Browns, spanning from 1946 to 1955. The No. 4 pick of 1944 won three MVP awards and led this otherwise sad franchise to NFL championships in 1950, ‘54, and ‘55. Dallas Cowboys: Roger StaubachJan 18, 1976; Miami, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle (64) Steve Furness chases Dallas Cowboys quarterback (12) Roger Staubach during Super Bowl X at the Orange Bowl. The Steelers defeated the Cowboys 21-17 to earn their 2nd consecutive Super Bowl title. Mandatory Credit: Photo By Malcolm Emmons- USA TODAY Sports © Copyright Malcolm Emmons Sorry to Troy Aikman, but Staubach is easily the greatest Cowboy to ever line up behind center. Aikman was great, yes, but a lot of QBs could have won three Super Bowls with his supporting cast. Staubach is the QB who put the Cowboys on the football map in the first place. Joining forces with legendary coach Tom Landry, Staubach — not drafted until the 10th round at 129 overall in 1964 — led the Cowboys to two Super Bowl triumphs in the ‘70s. Unlike Aikman, Staubach was also named to an All-Decades team and the NFL’s 100th Anniversary All-Time Team. Denver Broncos: John ElwayJohn Elway warms up before the Super Bowl against the Atlanta Falcons in Miami on Jan. 31, 1999. Elway was drafted first overall by the Baltimore Colts in 1983. He refused to play for them and was traded to the Broncos. The nine-time Pro Bowler would lead Denver to five AFC titles and two Super Bowl titles in his career. The Colts couldn’t do much. Elway didn’t wanna play there. So in our hypothetical exercise, let’s say the Colts use the No. 1 pick on either Dan Marino or Jim Kelly, allowing Denver to select Elway with the No. 4 pick. Everyone would be happy in this do-over. Detroit Lions: Bobby LayneNov 25, 1962; Cleveland, OH, USA; FILE PHOTO; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback (22) Bobby Layne in action against the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Stadium. The Browns defeated the Steelers 35-14. Mandatory Credit: David Boss-USA TODAY Sports © Copyright David Boss After short stints with the Bears and New York Bulldogs, Layne joined the Lions franchise in 1950. Layne led the Lions to NFL championships in 1950, ‘53, and ‘57. As Detroit fans know all too well, the franchise hasn’t been the same since it traded the Hall of Famer to the Steelers in 1958. Detroit hasn’t been to an NFL championship game since trading Layne – another clear-cut indicator that he’s the best QB they’ve ever had. Green Bay Packers: Bart StarrNov 29,1962; Detroit, MI, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback #15 Bart Starr throws a pass during the Detroit Lions 26-14 win against the Packers at Tiger Stadium. Starr won the NFL most valuable player award in 1966, won the MVP of Super Bowl I and II and only lost one playoff game during his 16-year Hall of Fame career. Mandatory Credit: Photo By Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY Sports It’s the great debate: Starr, Brett Favre, or Aaron Rodgers? We have to go with Starr, because he’s the one who put this franchise on the map with Vince Lombardi. I mean, he’s a five-time NFL champion who led the Packers to victories in Super Bowls 1 and 2. He laid out the Packers’ winning culture. Take Favre and Rodgers away, and the legacy of Starr still lives on. By the way, hard to believe Starr wasn’t drafted until the 17th round at 200 overall in 1956, huh? Houston Texans: C.J. StroudSep 21, 2025; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) reacts after an interception in the 4th quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Travis Register-Imagn Images As the NFL’s youngest franchise, the Texans haven’t been blessed with a whole lot of quality QB play. Matt Schaub and Deshaun Watson didn’t last long in Houston, whereas Stroud has quickly helped the Texans re-emerge as a contender in the AFC. We’re still waiting for him to regain that MVP-like form we saw in his 2023 rookie year. At the very least, he’s efficient enough as a game manager on a team that leans on its lights-out defense to win. Indianapolis Colts: Peyton ManningDec 26, 2010; Oakland, CA, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning (18) gestures during the game against the Oakland Raiders at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum. The Colts defeated the Raiders 31-26. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports Not a single regret for the Colts here. They took Manning first overall in 1998 and never looked back. “The Sheriff” turned them into an NFL powerhouse in the 2000s, leading them to 11 playoff appearances, two AFC Championship wins, and a Super Bowl 41 victory. Jacksonville Jaguars: Trevor Lawrence Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) runs on the field before an NFL football matchup at EverBank Stadium, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025, in Jacksonville, Fla. The Jaguars defeated the Texans 17-10. You can easily argue that Mark Brunell is the best Jags’ QB ever. But he was drafted by the Packers in 1993. The Jaguars didn’t enter the league until 1995, so they couldn’t have drafted him. Lawrence has brought mixed results since going first overall in 2021. But three winning seasons and two playoff appearances in five years are nothing to laugh at, considering how horrible the Jags have been in the 21st century. Kansas City Chiefs: Patrick MahomesKansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images) The Chiefs got heat for trading up to take Mahomes 10th overall in 2017 when they already had Alex Smith. Not sure about you, but we don’t think Mahomes has been too shabby with three rings and two MVP awards, with likely more to follow after his injury. Las Vegas Raiders: Ken StablerDec 4, 1977; Los Angeles, CA, USA: FILE PHOTO; Oakland Raiders quarterback Ken Stabler (12) in action against the Los Angeles Rams at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Long Photography-USA TODAY Sports John Madden coached plenty of Hall of Famers in Oakland, but Stabler proved to be the final piece needed to get Al Davis’ group over the top. The No. 52 pick of 1968 spent his first 10 NFL seasons with the Raiders. The four-time Pro Bowler won MVP honors in 1974, leading the Raiders to a Super Bowl 11 championship triumph. This was their first of three Super Bowls over an eight-year period. Los Angeles Chargers: Dan FoutsSAN DIEGO – NOVEMBER 29: Quarterback Dan Fouts #14 of the San Diego Chargers looks to pass during a game against the Denver Broncos at Jack Murphy Stadium on November 29, 1987 in San Diego, California. Fouts completed 23 out of 48 passes for 322 yards and 2 interceptions. The Broncos won 31-17. (Photo by George Rose/Getty Images) Take your pick between Fouts and Philip Rivers. But Rivers never earned an All-Pro nod. Fouts was a two-time first-team and two-time second-team all-pro. Rivers led the NFL in passing yards once as the lead QB. Fouts did it four times. So yes, it’s hard to go against the No. 63 pick of 1973. The Bolts were a mostly irrelevant franchise before he arrived. Fouts took them to the playoffs four times in his Hall of Fame career — and Rivers may never go to Canton. Los Angeles Rams: Kurt WarnerSep 23, 2001; San Francisco, CA, USA; FILE PHOTO; St. Louis Rams quarterback Kurt Warner (13) and offensive linemen Adam Timmerman (62), Andy McCollum (67) and Tom Nutten (61) at the line of scrimmage against the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park. Mandatory Credit: Peter Brouillet-USA TODAY NETWORK The Rams have had many great QBS in their history, but Warner was the most talented of them all. He was a tremendous late-bloomer success story. But…imagine if the Rams drafted him back in 1994 instead of waiting until ‘98 to give him a chance? Hey, you know how star-studded those Rams teams were. Warner could have easily won multiple rings if he had come aboard much earlier. Miami Dolphins: Dan MarinoNov 13, 1983; Foxboro, MA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Miami Dolphins quarterback Dan Marino (13) in action against the New England Patriots at Foxboro Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY Sports Yes, Bob Griese led the Dolphins to two Super Bowl championships. But we can’t act like he was a better QB than Marino. Miami drafted ‘Dan the Man’ 27th overall in 1983, a legendary QB class that also included Jim Kelly and John Elway. If Marino had more luck in the postseason, he’d be in the conversation for QB GOATS. Rings aside, he’s a top-five most talented QB in NFL history. Just ask those who watched him sling it. Minnesota Vikings: Fran TarkentonOct 3, 1965; Los Angeles, CA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Minnesota Vikings quarterback (10) Fran Tarkenton sets to throw a pass as Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle (75) Deacon Jones pressures him at Memorial Coliseum. The Vikings defeated the Rams 38-35. Mandatory Credit: David Boss-USA TODAY Sports © Copyright David Boss Arguably the greatest draft pick in franchise history, Tarkenton slipped to the Vikings in round three at No. 29 overall in 1961. He won NFL MVP honors in 1975 and led Minnesota to three Super Bowl appearances in his Hall of Fame career. The Vikings have had many “good” QBs in their history in the NFL. But none of them had the longevity, consistency, and all-world production Tarkenton provided over two stints in Minnesota. New England Patriots: Tom BradySep 10, 2023; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots former quarterback Tom Brady speaks during a halftime ceremony in his honor during the game between the Philadelphia Eagles and New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports Shocker! The best to ever do it is the Patriots’ entry. Who’da thought? You all know the story. The No. 199 pick of the 2000 NFL Draft entered the league with no expectations. Fast forward to now, and he’s the undisputed GOAT with seven Super Bowl rings — six as a Patriot — three MVPS and the proud owner of every major passing record. New Orleans Saints: Drew BreesDec 11, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) throws the ball as Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive end Noah Spence (57) pressures during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the New Orleans Saints 16-11. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports The Saints signed Brees as a free agent in 2006 when the Chargers opted to roll with Philip Rivers as their QB. And the rest is history. Brees cemented himself as one of the all-time greats over his 15 years in New Orleans. At the time of his retirement, the Super Bowl 44 champion and MVP winner was the league’s all-time passing yards and TDs leader before Tom Brady surpassed him. New York Giants: Eli ManningNew York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) waves to the fans as he exits the field at MetLife Stadium for possibly the last time in his career. The Eagles defeat the Giants, 34-17, on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019, in East Rutherford. Nyg Vs Phi The Chargers actually drafted Eli first overall in 2004. He refused to play for them and was traded to the Giants, who had selected Philip Rivers fourth overall. In this do-over, the Bolts would just take Rivers first, and the Giants would take Eli at fourth overall. He wasn’t consistent by any means. But flags fly forever. Eli led the Giants to two Super Bowl championships. And he’s the franchise’s all-time passing yards and TDs leader by a healthy margin. New York Jets: Joe NamathUnknown date; Boston, MA, USA: FILE PHOTO; New York Jets quarterback Joe Namath (12) in action against the Boston Patriots. Mandatory Credit: Dick Raphael-USA TODAY Sports Take away Broadway Joe’s career, and the Jets are by far the saddest franchise in North American sports. Fortunately, Namath led this otherwise abhorrent franchise to its lone Super Bowl championship back in the 1968 season — when the Jets notably beat the heavily-favored Colts. The Jets took Namath first overall in 1965, when they were in the AFL. The St. Louis Cardinals took him 12th overall in the ‘65 NFL Draft. Good thing Namath went to the Jets. Otherwise…. Philadelphia Eagles: Donovan McNabbOctober 6, 2002;Jacksonville,FL,USA; #5 Quarterback Donovan McNabb of the Philadelphia Eagles scrambles against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Alltel Stadium. CREDIT: Paul Chapman/ USA TODAY Sports He’s not in the Hall of Fame like Sonny Jurgensen or Norm Van Brocklin. And he didn’t lead them to a Super Bowl like Nick Foles or Jalen Hurts. Still, it’s hard to go against McNabb here. The No. 2 pick of 1999 earned six Pro Bowl nods and helped the Eagles re-emerge as a juggernaut in the 2000s. He and Andy Reid led Philly to five NFC title games and a Super Bowl 39 appearance. McNabb was long gone when Foles led Philly to its first Super Bowl championship in 2017. Still, the former QB was instrumental in helping Philly go from perennial disappointment to perennial NFL contenders. Pittsburgh Steelers: Terry BradshawUnknown date; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Chuck Noll (left) on the sidelines with quarterback Terry Bradshaw (12). Mandatory Credit: Malcolm Emmons- USA TODAY Sports There’s a small crowd of Steelers fans who would prefer Ben Roethlisberger on this list. But Big Ben didn’t win four rings like Bradshaw. He never won an MVP like Bradshaw. He never earned All-Pro honors or All-Decade honors like Brashaw, either. Yeah, the Black and Gold struck gold, alright, by drafting Bradshaw first overall in 1970. Need anything else? San Francisco 49ers: Joe MontanaJan 20,1985; Palo Alto, CA, USA; FILE PHOTO; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Joe Montana (16) on the field against the Miami Dolphins in Super Bowl XIX at Stanford Stadium. Montana was voted the games most valuable player as he completed 24 of 35 passes for a Super Bowl record 331 yards and three touchdowns, and rushed five times for 59 yards including a 6 yard touchdown as the 49ers defeated the Dolphins 38-16 marking their 2nd Super Bowl championship. Mandatory Credit: Malcolm Emmons-US PRESSWIRE If not for Brady, Montana would be the greatest draft steal in NFL history. The 49ers didn’t take him until round three at No. 82 overall. Little did everyone know that this pick would turn the league upside down. Montana led the 49ers to four Super Bowl championships. And let’s be real, would Steve Young have led the 49ers to their fifth Super Bowl if he didn’t get to learn behind ‘Joe Cool’ in the first place? Seattle Seahawks: Russell WilsonDec 21, 2021; Inglewood, California, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) throws the ball during warmups before the game against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports Wilson’s tenure with the Seahawks ended on ugly terms, but there’s no debating who the best QB in franchise history is for this NFL team. Seattle’s legendary 2012 draft class included the jackpot selection of Wilson in round three at No. 75 overall. He took Seattle to the postseason eight times in 10 years. They won two NFC titles and Super Bowl 48 in the 2013 season. Oh, and he has those nine Pro Bowl nods as a Seahawk on his resume. Not bad, even for the now journeyman. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Tom Brady20. Tom Brady, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2021) – 374.7 points He only played three seasons with the Bucs, but the GOAT sure made ‘em memorable. If you’re a Bucs fan, your only complaint is “what if” they drafted TB12 in the first place? As previously noted, he wasn’t taken until round six at No. 199 overall in 2000. He led the Bucs to one Super Bowl title, but it would have been far more if Tampa had landed him 20 years earlier, before 2020 free agency. Tennessee Titans: Warren MoonDec 9, 1984; Anaheim, CA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Houston Oilers quarterback Warren Moon (1) and guard Mike Munchak (63) in action against Los Angeles Rams defensive linemen Reggie Doss (71) and Reggie Doss (77) at Anaheim Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Brouillet-USA TODAY NETWORK Moon is the longest-tenured Titans QB ever. Only one of three Hall of Fame signal-callers to wear this jersey, the others being George Blanda and Ken Stabler. Moon played for the Titans/Houston Oilers franchise from 1984 to ‘93. The nine-time Pro Bowler led them to six playoff appearances and holds every franchise passing record by a country mile. Not bad for a former CFL star who didn’t make it to the NFL until 1984 as an undrafted free agent. Washington Commanders: Sammy BaughUnknown date & Location; USA; FILE PHOTO; Washington Redskins quarterback Sammy Baugh in a portrait session. Mandatory Credit: Darryl Norenberg-USA TODAY Sports Sonny Jurgensen and Joe Theisman deserved shout-outs. But Baugh, who played way-back-when from 1937 to 1952, Baugh led Washington to NFL championships in 1937 and ‘42. The six-time Pro Bowler was the ultimate Swiss Army Knife, also playing punter and safety. Baugh was also named to the NFL’s 75th and 100th Anniversary All-Time teams.
One of the most interesting players for the Las Vegas Raiders this offseason might not even be a rookie, but second-year youngster Laki Tasi.Tasi, 6’6″ 373-lbs, was brought in as the second member of Australia’s 2025 class of International Player Pathway talent last offseason as an undrafted free agent. Originally coming in as a defensive […] The post Raiders’ 6’6″, 373-lb Youngster to Make Position Change Under New Regime appeared first on HEAVY.
An NFL head coach is the true leader of a team, as he sets the vision for how the team should function year in and year out. The head coach calls plays, serves as the communication hub for the team’s assistant coaches, and carries most of the workload in preparing plays and schemes. However, as with all jobs in the national spotlight, there have been some wild and strange scandals that put an NFL coach in the media bubble for all the wrong reasons. Sometimes scandals can occur off the football field, and shady actions can take place during practices, resulting in a toxic organization and ethical violations down the road. These scandals also hurt the reputations these coaches have established over the years coaching in the league, or if they came from college football. Here at TPS, we’re going to explore 10 strange NFL coaching scandals that have occurred over the years and give our take on all of them. Which NFL head coaches were involved in a shady scandal? Mike Vrabel and Dianna Russini spotted at a Sedona, Arizona resortDec 28, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel looks on during the first half against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images Perhaps the most recent NFL scandal that’s still getting a ton of media coverage is New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel, photographed with sports journalist Dianna Russini at the Ambiente Sedona resort in Sedona, Arizona. In the photos, Vrabel and Russini are seen holding hands, hugging, and sitting together in a hot tub on a private bungalow rooftop. Both Russini and Vrabel have denied any romantic involvement with one another, but Russini’s career has taken a bit of a hit. The Athletic, which is owned by the New York Times, launched an investigation into Russini’s personal conduct, which resulted in Russini resigning from her position on April 14, 2026. Both Vrabel and Russini are married to other people, with Vrabel married to his wife, Jen Vrabel, since 1999, while Russini has been married to Kevin Goldschmidt since 2020. Vrabel’s career is still intact for now, but his actions off the field will be questioned moving forward during the 2026 season. Urban Meyer allegedly kicking the kickerJaguars general manager Trent Baalke during Friday afternoon’s press conference at TIAA Bank Field. After his arrival in Jacksonville, Florida Friday morning, April 30, 2021, Jacksonville Jaguars first-round draft pick Trevor Lawrence along with team owner Shad Khan, head coach Urban Meyer and the Jaguars general manager Trent Baalke held a press conference in the afternoon inside TIAA Bank Field. They were also joined by the Jaguars 25th pick in the first round of the draft and former Clemson teammate of Lawrence, running back Travis Etienne. [Bob Self/Florida Times-Union] Jki 043021 Trevorlawrencea 4 We could make a list of just about all of the scandals Urban Meyer had during his short tenure as the Jacksonville Jaguars’ head coach. From dancing with a younger woman at a bar in Cincinnati after the team lost a Thursday Night game against the Cincinnati Bengals, to allegedly calling his assistant coaches losers, and hiring Chris Doyle, who has faced accusations of racism and bullying when he was an assistant coach with the Iowa Hawkeyes. However, one of the worst moments that was the straw that broke the camel’s back in Meyer’s disastrous tenure with the team was when he allegedly kicked placekicker Josh Lambo during a practice. Lambo accused Meyer of kicking him in the leg during warmups before the team’s final preseason game, telling him to “make your f•••ing kicks.” A claim that detailed the 2021 Jaguars as a hostile work environment. The accusation Lambo brought up against Meyer ultimately led to his firing from the team, as the Jaguars also had a 2-11 record under Meyer’s leadership. Lambo also filed a lawsuit against the Jaguars, alleging Meyer created a hostile work environment, and the team did nothing to stop it. Lambo’s lawsuit was dismissed on November 16, 2022. The Napkin ResignationNov 22, 2009; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick watches from the sideline as they take on the New York Jets during the second quarter at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Jets 31-14. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports In 2000, then assistant head coach Bill Belichick was promoted to the head coaching job of the New York Jets after Bill Parcells stepped down and wanted him to take command of the NFL team. However, Belichick’s tenure as the team’s head coach was short-lived, as he was their head coach for one day. Belichick resigned from the job via a note on a napkin that said, “I resign as head coach of the New York Jets.” then gave a half-hour speech on why he chose to resign. The abrupt resignation stemmed from Belichick’s refusal to work under Jets’ owner Woody Johnson. Then, the New England Patriots named Belichick their head coach, even though the Jets and Parcells claimed that Belichick was under contract with the organization. Then, NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue forced the Patriots to give up a first-round pick to the Jets for Belichick’s services, and the rest became history, as he transformed the Patriots into a super dynasty in the 2000s, while the Jets became a laughing stock for most of the 21st century so far. SpygateDec 29, 2019; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick on the sidelines during the second half of their loss to the Miami Dolphins at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports As we mentioned earlier, Belichick transformed the New England Patriots into a winning juggernaut during his tenure, but his time with the Pats did have some dark moments. During the 2007 season, it was revealed to the world that the Patriots were filming opposing teams’ signals during games from the sidelines. Eric Mangini, who was the head coach of the New York Jets and a former assistant coach under Belichick, reported the fact that the Patriots were taping from the sidelines to NFL Security. It was also reported that the Patriots were filming 40 other games from 2000 to 2007. Belichick was fined $500,000 for his role in Spygate, the largest fine issued to an NFL head coach, while the Patriots were fined $250,000 and were stripped of a first-round pick. The Patriots also had to turn over notes, tapes, and other materials related to the incident and threatened further discipline if they didn’t comply. The NFL revealed that it received the requested materials and destroyed them. The destruction of the tapes would be criticized by then-U.S. Senator Arlen Specter, who said to the New York Times, “I am very concerned about the underlying facts on the taping, the reasons for the judgment on the limited penalties, and most of all, on the inexplicable destruction of the tapes,” as he was concerned with the league’s handling of the tapes, the integrity of the game, and the league’s anti-trust exemption. The Patriots ended up going 16-0 in the regular season that year, and lost Super Bowl XLII against the New York Giants, led by Eli Manning and coached by Tom Coughlin. Josh McDaniels’ Walkthrough incidentSep 10, 2023; Denver, Colorado, USA; Las Vegas Raiders head coach Josh McDaniels before the game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports During the 2010 season, then-Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels was involved with a scandal nicknamed “Spygate II” or “the Walkthrough Incident,” as Steve Scarnecchia was caught filming the San Francisco 49ers’ six-minute walkthrough practice. Scaranecchia presented the video to McDaniels, but he refused to watch it and told him that’s not how an organization conducts business. The NFL didn’t take the scandal lightly, as they fined the Broncos and McDaniels $50,000 each. Scaranecchia was also involved with the Spygate scandal, as he worked for the New England Patriots during the 2000s. He would be fired by the Broncos for being a repeat offender of filming opposing teams during his time with the Pats. The NFL later determined that the incident was an isolated act by Scaranecchia, which didn’t have a competitive effect for the Broncos, as it served more as an embarrassment during a losing season. McDaniels never ordered the filming and didn’t watch it, per an NFL investigation. McDaniels would be fired from his position as head coach of the Broncos when they had a 3-9 record, and the team finished the year with a 4-12 record. BountygateAug 8, 2014; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams defensive coordinator Gregg Williams looks on during the game against the New Orleans Saints at Edward Jones Dome. Mandatory Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports “Bountygate” was one of the NFL’s most notorious scandals from the late 2000s to early 2010s, as then-defensive coordinator for the New Orleans Saints, Gregg Williams, paid players to hit opposing players who had bounties on their heads, which is illegal in the NFL. If the player was knocked out of the game, Williams would pay a bonus to the defensive player who caused that hit. Roger Goodell and the NFL found that 22 to 27 defensive players on the Saints were involved with “Bountygate.” Linebacker Jonathan Vilma was alleged to have offered $10,000 in cash to anyone who knocked Brett Favre out of the NFC Championship game. As a result of the scandal, Saints’ head coach Sean Payton was suspended for one full season for not stopping the scandal under his watch. Gregg Williams was suspended indefinitely and fired by the St. Louis Rams after the 2012 season without coaching a single defensive snap for them. Vilma was suspended for the entire 2012 season. Then-Saints General Manager Mickey Loomis was suspended for eight games, the Saints were fined $500,000, and lost second-round draft picks for the 2012 and 2013 NFL Drafts. Payton would be the offensive coordinator of Liberty Christian High School in Texas for the 2012 season and return to coaching the Saints in the 2013 season. Williams would return to coaching in 2013 and had stints with the Tennessee Titans, St. Louis/Los Angeles Rams, Cleveland Browns, New York Jets, DC Defenders of the USFL/UFL, and was recently the defensive coordinator for Tennessee State in 2025. Bobby Petrino’s Midnight DepartureNov 29, 2025; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks interim head coach Bobby Petrino prior to a game against the Missouri Tigers at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images Petrino is renowned as a college coach, coaching teams like the Louisville Cardinals, the Arkansas Razorbacks, and the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers throughout the years. Many of you have probably forgotten that Petrino was briefly the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons for the 2007 season. Petrino’s brief tenure with the Falcons was a disaster, as the team went 3-10 under his watch. His college-style coaching discipline flopped in the NFL, failure to find a true replacement quarterback after the Michael Vick scandal, and he oversaw a ton of dysfunction during his time with the Falcons. Petrino resigned from his duties as the Falcons’ head coach, with just three games left in the regular season, by leaving a 78-word note in the lockers of every player on the team, even though he originally signed a five-year, $24 million contract in the prior offseason. Petrino would take the head coaching job at the University of Arkansas for the 2008 season. Hours before the controversial resignation, Petrino reportedly shook Falcons’ owner Arthur Blank’s hand, saying, “You have a head coach.” His cowardly exit was harshly criticized by players, assistant coaches, and the NFL. Then, Falcons’ defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer called Petrino a “gutless bastard” and a “coward” years later. Petrino’s exit was often referred to as a significant breach of professional ethics, as Blank prevented him from interviewing for the Arkansas Razorbacks head coach job until he resigned to take the college coaching job instead. The Jon Gruden Email LeakFormer NFL Coache Jon Gruden have a laugh while attending an NFL training camp session ten at the Miller Electric Center, Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025, in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union] Gruden’s return to NFL coaching was a mixed bag, as he made questionable moves and had underwhelming results during his time as the Oakland/Las Vegas Raiders’ head coach from 2018 to 2021. During the 2021 season, Gruden was caught up in an email scandal that showed he used homophobic and misogynistic language for seven years before getting the Raiders’ head coaching job in 2018, following an investigation into the Washington Football Team for workplace misconduct. The emails revealed Gruden using homophobic language to insult commissioner Roger Goodell, calling him clueless and anti-football. Gruden mocked Michael Sam, who was the first openly gay player to be drafted by a team in 2014. Gruden also used a racist trope describing DeMaurise Smith’s lips. He resigned as the head coach of the Raiders in 2021, stating he didn’t want to be a distraction. Gruden would later sue Goodell and the league, alleging they were orchestrating a plan to destroy his career. A judge in Nevada denied the NFL’s request to dismiss the case on May 25, 2022. The Nevada Supreme Court upheld a lower court’s ruling allowing Gruden’s case against the NFL to proceed with a trial date set for May 2027. Gruden has worked for Barstool Sports since 2024 and revived his “Gruden’s QB Class,” which has become a huge success with the organization. Lane Kiffin’s firing on the phoneDec 27, 2025; Houston, TX, USA; Louisiana State Tigers head coach Lane Kiffin looks on prior to the game against the Houston Cougars at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images One of the more bizarre scandals the NFL dealt with was how coach Lane Kiffin was fired from the Oakland Raiders in 2008. Kiffin was the youngest head coach hired in the NFL, as he was 31 when he took the Raiders job back in 2007. However, Kiffin’s tenure with the Raiders was a disaster, as the 2007 team finished the year with a 4-12 record. Kiffin was fired by the late Al Davis on September 30, 2008, due to intense power struggles, and having a 5-15 record during his tenure as head coach of the “Silver and Black.” Davis was known for not being patient with coaches, and after Kiffin was fired by Davis, he held a strange 90-minute press conference displaying a three-page letter he sent to Kiffin weeks earlier. During the conference, Davis referred to Kiffin as a “con-man” and a “flat-out liar” and called the firing “for cause” as it was a way to avoid paying the remaining $2.6 million in salary money at the time. Kiffin filed a grievance to recover his unpaid salary in 2010, but an arbitrator ruled in favor of the Raiders. Sal Alosi's sideline trip The Sal Alosi sideline trip scandal took place during the 2010 season when Rex Ryan’s New York Jets squared off against the Miami Dolphins, even though the Jets lost the game 10-6. Alosi, who was the Jets’ strength and conditioning coach, intentionally tripped Nolan Carroll as he ran down the sidelines during a punt return. The act was condemned and regarded as a “competitive violation” and a “dangerous tactic.” The league investigated the incident and found out that Alosi ordered five inactive players to form a wall to impede opposing players. Alosi was suspended indefinitely for the rest of the 2010 season, was fined $25,000, and the Jets were fined $100,000. Alosi also resigned from the Jets in January 2011 and has taken strength and conditioning jobs with Bryant University, UCLA, and UConn from 2011 to 2020, respectively.
Las Vegas made the expected choice with the first overall pick, selecting Fernando Mendoza and giving him the No. 15 jersey, a symbolic link between the franchise’s future and its past. While this part of the offseason was predictable, what follows the draft is often more complicated. For the Raiders, that means evaluating a large […] The post 1 Raiders undrafted free agent who will make 2026 roster appeared first on ClutchPoints.
The Las Vegas Raiders missed out on all of the top wide receivers in the draft, so they'll have to look toward free agency. The post Vet WR Raiders Need to Sign Following Draft Revealed appeared first on HEAVY.
The Las Vegas Raiders decided to sign one of Ashton Jeanty's teammates from his days playing at Boise State. The post Raiders Sign Former Ashton Jeanty Teammate to Contract appeared first on HEAVY.
Former BYU offensive lineman Austin Leausa received a rookie minicamp invitation from the Raiders, and the Cougars celebrated the move.
Former Las Vegas Raiders edge Tyree Wilson didn’t hold back his thoughts on the instability that he experienced with the Silver and Black since being drafted by the team in 2023.During the 2026 NFL Draft, the Raiders decided it was time to cut ties with Wilson. On Day 3 of the draft, Las Vegas dealt Wilson, along […] The post Saints’ Tyree Wilson Doesn’t Hold Back After Raiders Trade appeared first on HEAVY.
The excitement surrounding the 2026 NFL Draft Topps rookie cards is electric. Topps brings full NFL licensing with authentic logos, uniforms, and bold designs. The Topps’ 2026 NFL Rookie Premiere event delivered instant cards: Topps photographed rookies with Commissioner Goodell, printed them in ...
The Las Vegas Raiders kicked off the 2026 NFL Draft with the first overall selection, and they ended it as one of the biggest winners of the draft weekend. They walked away from the draft with potential star talent, tons of depth, players who fill needs, and some high-ceiling flyers. For example, Fernando Mendoza was […] The post Raiders rookie from 2026 NFL Draft class who will make biggest impact in Year 1 appeared first on ClutchPoints.
An unpredictable first round helped the 2026 NFL Draft draw strong viewership, even as the numbers dipped slightly from last year.
The offseason showcase has a surprising dip in its initial audience.
Full 2026 NFL Draft grades for every team's class as we evaluate the best and worst draft hauls teams brought home.
Way too early Las Vegas Raiders 53-man roster projection: John Spytek improved the team significantly for 2026 A to Z Sports
The 2026 NFL Draft has come and gone, and teams have made their selections to fill necessary positions on their respective rosters, while other teams have made some head-scratching picks during the draft. Sure, some of these questionable picks might pay off in the future, but only time will tell. The teams that know what they’re doing will likely see the rookies they’ve drafted flourish into talented superstars for years to come. On the other hand, some teams look silly for missing out on talented players who would make a significant impact on their respective rosters, making them losers of draft weekend. Here at TPS, we’re going to take a look at teams that came out of the 2026 NFL Draft as winners and those that came out of the draft as losers. Who are the biggest winners and losers in the 2026 NFL Draft? Winners: Baltimore RavensJan 11, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; A view of Baltimore Ravens players’ helmets on a heated bench against the Pittsburgh Steelers in an AFC wild card game at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images The Ravens entered the 2026 NFL Draft needing a new interior lineman, and they nailed the pick by drafting Vega Ioane, who gave up zero sacks in his final season with the Penn State Nittany Lions. By addressing the interior offensive line issue, the Ravens found a guy in Ioane, who’ll likely replicate the production Tyler Linderbaum left behind during the upcoming 2026 NFL season, and provide Lamar Jackson with the necessary protection he needs to succeed. The Ravens added some receivers in the third and fourth rounds of the draft with Ja’Kobi Lane out of USC, Elijah Sarratt out of Indiana, and tight end Matthew Hibner out of SMU. The Ravens also drafted Zion Young out of Missouri, who should help make a positive impact on the team’s pass-rush during the 2026 regular season, and drafted Adam Randall out of Clemson, who should be a serviceable backup running back behind Derrick Henry. Despite general manager Eric DeCosta flopping the rumored Maxx Crosby trade, he managed to make some serious home runs on highly graded draft prospects that will likely help the team rebound from 2025 and potentially get them back into the playoffs. With these additions to the roster, the Ravens will be a very exciting team to watch during the 2026 regular season. Losers: Chicago BearsNov 3, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Detailed view of a Chicago Bears helmet at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images Although the Bears drafted Dillon Thieneman in the first round to help bolster their secondary, they neglected to address the pass-rush in the early rounds. The Bears drafted Zavion Thomas in the third round of the draft, even though he was projected to be a sixth- or seventh-round pick, making him a bit of a reach to draft him that high. The Bears also made a questionable pick, drafting tight end Sam Roush in the third round, when they already have Cole Kmet and Colston Loveland on the roster, making Roush an unnecessary luxury. On top of that, they drafted center Logan Jones out of Iowa, even though they already traded for veteran center Garrett Bradbury during the offseason. Stashing a rookie center and having him wait for his opportunity to start behind a seasoned veteran, while the team’s defense is still in need of repairs, is a bit questionable, especially when their 2026 season will be tougher, as they enter the year as defending NFC North Champions. Winners: Dallas CowboysDallas Cowboys helmet (Photo By Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images) The Cowboys may make questionable moves during the offseason and before the regular season, but they had an excellent 2026 NFL Draft. Securing Caleb Downs to bolster the team’s secondary will pay off during the regular season, and he’ll work nicely with cornerback DaRon Bland. The Cowboys also drafted Malachi Lawrence with the 23rd pick of the draft, addressing the pass-rush issue the team had, since they traded away Micah Parsons before the start of the 2025 season. Drafting offensive tackle Drew Shelton will help protect Dak Prescott, as he only allowed one sack during his final season at Penn State. Drafting Jaishawn Barham, Devin Moore, and LT Overton in the third and fourth rounds will also help the defense out in 2026. The Cowboys’ focus on addressing the defense for the upcoming 2026 season should pay dividends, as their defense was miserable to watch in the 2025 season. Downs, Barham, Moore, and Overton should work quite nicely with the Cowboys’ new defensive coordinator, Christian Parker’s system, and his defensive schemes for the upcoming 2026 season. Losers: Pittsburgh SteelersSteelers helmet (Photo via Eric Hartline-Imagn Images) The Steelers had a chaotic first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, making a massive blunder when they were outmaneuvered by their instate rivals, the Philadelphia Eagles, who traded up to draft Makai Lemon with the 20th pick, when they were on the phone with him, hoping to snag him with the 21st pick. Pittsburgh would draft Max Iheanachor with the 21st pick instead, but he’s already being considered a reach when there were many more talented prospects available, as he started playing football in 2021 when he enrolled at East Los Angeles College. The Steelers drafted wide receivers Germie Bernard in the second round and Kaden Wetjen in the fourth round, who aren’t really known as gamechangers, since they weren’t able to draft Lemon. The Steelers also drafted quarterback Drew Allar in the third round, even though they still have Will Howard and Mason Rudolph on the roster, as we still don’t know whether Aaron Rodgers will play in 2026 or not. Pittsburgh might have some problems at quarterback heading into the 2026 season, as drafting a developmental quarterback is not the answer for the position moving forward, especially since Allar is recovering from an ankle injury that ended his 2025 season at Penn State. Though anything can change regarding Aaron Rodgers’ status, things are looking bleak for the Steelers heading into the upcoming regular season. Winners: Las Vegas RaidersAug 23, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; A Las Vegas Raiders Riddell speedflex helmet on the field at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports The Raiders had a nice draft night, drafting Fernando Mendoza, who should establish himself as the team’s franchise quarterback of the future, and snagging some impressive steals in the later rounds. The Raiders drafted Jermond McCoy in the fourth round of the NFL draft, as he is still recovering from a torn ACL from his final season with the Tennessee Volunteers. We hope he recovers well in time for the start of the 2026 season. Safety Treydan Stukes, who was drafted in the second round, should also help the Raiders’ secondary, along with Dalton Johnson, who was taken in the fifth round. Keyron Crawford will serve as a great rotational player who should make things work in the team’s pass-rush. They also drafted Trey Zuhn III in the third round, as he should provide Mendoza or Kirk Cousins with some necessary protection during the upcoming season. The Raiders added some top-tier talent to their roster for the 2026 season. The question is, will this talent help them rebound in the upcoming regular season? Losers: Arizona CardinalsJan 5, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Detailed view of an Arizona Cardinals helmet at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images Although the Cardinals drafted Jeremiyah Love, the move was viewed as controversial, due to the team needing to improve their defensive and offensive lines. The Cardinals failed to find a trading partner and missed out on drafting guys like linebacker Arvell Reese and Fracis Mauigoa, who both went to the New York Giants. Arizona did draft quarterback Carson Beck in the third round of the draft, but critics have argued that he looks like he’ll likely be a developmental quarterback instead of a starter, and passed on drafting guys like Drew Allar and Garrett Nussmeier, who were drafted later on by the Pittsburgh Steelers and Kansas City Chiefs, respectively. The Cardinals addressed some issues on offense by drafting Chase Bisontis in the second round, but neglected to address their issues on defense, having one of the league’s worst defenses in the 2025 season. They drafted two defensive players in the draft: defensive tackle Kaleb Proctor in the fourth round and linebacker Karson Sharar in the sixth round. The Red Birds are likely going to have another rough season ahead of them, as they don’t know what their identity will be heading into the new regular season come September. Winners: Cleveland BrownsAug 17, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Cleveland Browns helmet on the sidelines against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports The Browns had a nice weekend, drafting some much-needed offensive talent from wide receivers and offensive linemen to their roster. Drafting Spencer Fano, Austin Barber, and Parker Brailsford will improve the team’s offensive line for the 2026 season. Drafting wide receivers KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston and tight ends Joe Royer and Carsen Beyer should help the team out in the passing attack, with Boston winning battles on the outside, making for a great addition to the team’s offense. Emmanuel McNeil-Warren should patrol the Browns’ secondary quite nicely and work well with veteran cornerback Denzel Ward, and is considered a draft steal from the second round. The Browns provided their already loaded quarterback room with protection and offensive weapons heading into the 2026 season. Losers: Buffalo BillsBuffalo Bills helmet (Denny Medley-Imagn Images) The Bills made some odd decisions trading out of the first round of the 2026 NFL draft three separate times, and didn’t make a selection until the second round of the draft, drafting T. J. Parker with the 35th pick. Parker is currently viewed as a rotational player, rather than a primary starter, as he saw a dip in production during the 2025 season at Clemson, where he had 37 tackles and five sacks in his final year with the Tigers. The Bills traded away cornerback Taron Johnson to the Las Vegas Raiders to facilitate moves in the second round, but have created a massive hole in their secondary as a result. Sure, they drafted Davison Igbinosun and Toriano Pride Jr. to replace Johnson, but they won’t replicate his production in the secondary immediately in week one of the regular season, and neither of them is considered a starter. The Bills missed out on drafting talented players who include wide receiver KC Concepcion and safety Dillon Thieneman, who would’ve made huge impacts on the roster during the 2026 season. The Bills are still talented on offense with Josh Allen leading the way, but they had too many missed opportunities as a result and didn’t draft any significant gamechangers who will help them in the 2026 season. Winners: Tampa Bay BuccaneersNov 4, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; A general view of Tampa Bay Buccaneers helmets against the Kansas City Chiefs during the first half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images The Bucs addressed their defensive needs at the 2026 NFL Draft by selecting Ruben Bain Jr. with the 15th pick, as he’ll provide the team’s pass-rush with a much-needed boost of strength. Not to mention picking him at 15 is considered a steal. Other defensive talent drafted by the Buccaneers includes linebacker Josiah Trotter in the second round, as he’s viewed as a successor to Lavonte David, cornerback Keionte Scott in the fourth round, and defensive tackle DeMonte Capehart in the fifth round. These defensive picks should work quite nicely under head coach Todd Bowles and defensive pass game coordinator George Edwards in the 2026 season. General manager Jason Licht made some draft-day trades, whether it was trading down for depth and making sure they had offensive insurance, as they wanted to draft wide receiver Ted Hurst in the third round of the draft. The Bucs landed some immediate starters who should hit the ground running instead of focusing on long-term projects, ensuring they stay competitive in the NFC South. The Bucs also drafted offensive guard Billy Schrauth in the fifth round, who should help stabilize the team’s offensive line during the regular season. We look forward to seeing how the Bucs will utilize their nice draft haul during the 2026 regular season. Losers: Los Angeles RamsJan 19, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Los Angeles Rams helmet on the sidelines against the Philadelphia Eagles in a 2025 NFC divisional round game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images The Rams made some odd decisions during the NFL draft, as they traded up into the first round with the Atlanta Falcons and drafted Ty Simpson with the 13th pick, as many believed Simpson was going to be selected in the late first round or early second round, making his selection a significant reach. Picking Simpson with that pick shows they want to have a succession plan for when or if Matthew Stafford retires, but the pick also shows neglect for specific needs the Rams didn’t address, such as getting players who would make a significant impact, such as drafting a high-impact wide receiver. Simpson is also someone who isn’t going to be a starter right away, as he had one year of significant starting experience at Alabama, and he will likely see limited action on the field, as Stafford will start in 2026. Sure, they drafted guys like tight end Max Klare in the second round, offensive tackle Kaegen Trost in the third round, wide receiver CJ Daniels in the sixth round, and defensive tackle Tim Keenan III, but they are not projected to be immediate starters. Not to mention drafting Klare seemed unnecessary, as the Rams already have Tyler Higbee, Terrance Ferguson, Davis Allen, and Colby Parkinson on the roster. On top of that, head coach Sean McVay looked frustrated and baffled during the team’s drafting process, which is never a good sign.
With the 2026 NFL Draft in the books, a total of 257 players were selected and are ready to begin their NFL careers. Less than 4% of those players were quarterbacks — but let’s face it, quarterback is the most important position in sports, so that’s where much of the attention goes. Indiana ...
Earlier this offseason, a bizarre saga occurred in which the Baltimore Ravens appeared to have acquired star pass rusher Maxx Crosby in a trade with the Las Vegas Raiders. However, the trade was then rescinded due to a failed physical, and the Ravens moved on by signing Trey Hendrickson to a deal in free agency, […] The post Trey Hendrickson did video call with Ravens coaches even with Maxx Crosby still in building appeared first on ClutchPoints.
The Baltimore Ravens have had quite the eventful offseason, at one point appearing to have acquired star pass rusher Maxx Crosby from the Las Vegas Raiders before backing out after a failed physical. The Ravens then pivoted by signing fellow star Trey Hendrickson to a lucrative contract in free agency. After the Crosby news was […] The post Ravens GM Eric DeCosta’s NSFW reaction to ‘turning heel’ with Maxx Crosby trade 180 appeared first on ClutchPoints.
The 2026 NFL Draft is officially in the books, and every team snagged as much collegiate talent as they could during the weekend. While some teams managed to hit some major home runs, other teams made some questionable picks and some head-scratching moves during the draft. Here at TPS, we’re going to explore and grade each team’s overall performance during the draft and see whether these picks will help them moving forward. Which teams had the best and worst grades after the 2026 NFL Draft? Arizona Cardinals: D+Jan 5, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Detailed view of an Arizona Cardinals helmet at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images The Cardinals may have drafted Jeremiyah Love with the third pick of the NFL draft, but they made some questionable moves, drafting Carson Beck in the third round, when Drew Allar and Clay Klubnik were still on the board. The Cardinals also didn’t really address key issues like fixing their offensive and defensive lines, which raises some questions about how the team plans to move forward in the 2026 regular season. Atlanta Falcons: DNov 10, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Detailed view of the Atlanta Falcons helmet against the New Orleans Saints during the second half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images The Falcons didn’t make any selections during the second round, but their highest pick was cornerback Avieon Terrell in the second round, who should do some good in the secondary. However, the Falcons’ gamble on James Pearce Jr., who was drafted in 2025, flopped due to his missing time with injuries and legal issues off the field. The Falcons also entered the 2026 draft with five draft picks, making selecting players very difficult throughout the weekend. Baltimore Ravens: A-Jan 11, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; A view of Baltimore Ravens players’ helmets on a heated bench against the Pittsburgh Steelers in an AFC wild card game at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images The Ravens had a very nice draft haul, drafting Vega Ioane to fix the offensive line in the first round and drafting Zion Young in the second round to improve the pass-rush. The Ravens also drafted wide receivers, Ja’Kobi Lane and Elijah Sarratt, for Lamar Jackson to work with, and were able to address key deficiencies in the roster for a stronger 2026 season. Buffalo Bills: D+Buffalo Bills helmet (Denny Medley-Imagn Images) The Bills made some questionable moves, trading out of the first round of the NFL Draft, and made their first selection on T. J. Parker, who is talented, but is more of a role player than a starter. Most of the Bills’ draft picks were defensive-focused, ignoring some offensive needs like the offensive line and wide receiver position, which should’ve been addressed in the earlier rounds. Carolina Panthers: B-Dec 8, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Carolina Panthers helmet rests on the bench against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images The Panthers strengthened their offensive and defensive lines with younger guys, like Monroe Freeling, getting drafted in the first round, and Monroe Hunter, getting drafted in the second round. Zakee Wheatly looks to be a late-round steal, as he provides Bryce Young and the Panthers with a guy who offers strong range and coverage ability in space. The Panthers are looking to make some noise and improve upon their 2025 season. Let’s see how everything plays out during the 2026 season. Chicago Bears: CNov 3, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Detailed view of a Chicago Bears helmet at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images The Bears addressed some key issues in the secondary by drafting Dillon Thieneman with the 25th pick of the NFL draft, but made some questionable decisions afterward. Drafting Sam Roush was unnecessary, as the team has Cole Kmet and Colston Loveland still on the roster. On top of that, the Bears didn’t bother to address the need at pass-rush, which is a big problem heading into a very competitive 2026 season, as they’re betting on Montez Sweat and Austin Booker to stay healthy for the season. Cincinnati Bengals: B+Dec 1, 2024; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; A general view of the helmet of Cincinnati Bengals long snapper Cal Adomitis (48) during warmups before the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images The Bengals traded away their first-round pick to acquire veteran defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence from the Giants, while drafting Cashis Howell in the second round to bolster the pass-rush. The Bengals also found some nice steals in the later rounds, including tight end Brian Parker II and wide receiver Colbie Young for Joe Burrow to work with in the passing game, as the team looks to make large strides during the 2026 season. Cleveland Browns: ANov 17, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Detailed view of the Cleveland Browns helmets on a time out against the New Orleans Saints during the first half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images The Browns had a very nice weekend at the NFL draft, drafting offensive talent like Spencer Fano for the offensive line and KC Concepcion to help bolster the passing attack. General manager Andrew Berry also traded down to accumulate extra picks while also landing his top targets during the draft, especially drafting Denzel Boston, who is looking like a second-round steal. Dallas Cowboys: A-Dallas Cowboys helmet (Kirby Lee-Imagn Images) The Cowboys prioritized defense during the draft and snagged some incredible talent from the likes of Caleb Downs and Malachi Lawrence in the first round. Drafting offensive tackle Drew Shelton is a nice addition to the team’s offensive line, as he’ll provide Dak Prescott with some much-needed protection in the 2026 season. Denver Broncos: C+Oct 12, 2023; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; A general view of a Denver Broncos helmet against the Kansas City Chiefs prior to a game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports The Broncos didn’t make any selections in the 2026 NFL draft until the third round, as they traded their first-round pick to the Miami Dolphins for Jalen Waddle’s services. The team may have found a steal in the fifth round in Justin Joly, who has a high football IQ and strong hands to make excellent catches. The Broncos’ strategy was to draft high-valued skill positioned played in the middle rounds of the draft. We’ll have to see if it’ll pay off for them during the season. Detroit Lions: BHelmet of Detroit Lions place kicker Jake Bates (not in the photo) before the NFC divisional round between Detroit Lions and Washington Commanders] at Ford Field in Detroit on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025. The Lions opened up the 2026 NFL Draft by drafting Blake Miller, who will likely become a day-one starter on the offensive line. On the defensive side, the team drafted Derrick Moore in the second round, as he provides the team with a powerful rusher and an incredible complement to Aidan Hutchinson. These moves should help the Lions potentially make a return to the playoffs after the 2026 regular season. Green Bay Packers: BGreen Bay Packers helmet (Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images) The Packers made six selections in the 2026 draft, only their fewest since the 2004 NFL Draft. General manager Brian Gutekunst made it his priority to focus on adding defensive talent to the team, as he and the Packers found gems in Brandon Cisse and Chris McClellan. Not to mention, Dani Dennis-Sutton should work quite nicely with Micah Parsons during the upcoming season. Houston Texans: BAug 9, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; A Houston Texans helmet sits on the sidelines during the 4th quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-USA TODAY Sports The Texans made some good investments in the trenches by adding Keyland Rutledge to the interior offensive line in the first round and Febechi Nwaiwu in the fourth round, as they look to provide C. J. Stround with some nice protection in 2026. Defensive Tackle Kayden McDonald is a nice steal for the Texans, as he’ll improve throughout the regular season, thanks to how talented the team’s defense is. Indianapolis Colts: B-Nov 2, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; A Pittsburgh Steelers helmet sits on the sideline following a game against the Indianapolis Colts at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images The Colts didn’t make their first selections until the second round of the draft. They did give their defense a boost by drafting CJ Allen and A. J. Haulcy, as they have the potential to become starters. General manager Chris Ballard targeted players from the SEC and the Big Ten with a focus on the defense, as the team struggled defensively and needed to find a replacement for Zaire Franklin. Jacksonville Jaguars: DNov 3, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars helmets on the sidelines against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images The Jaguars entered the 2026 draft by not addressing their need at running back or linebacker, but focused more on pass-rush and in-trench talent. Offensive guard Emmanuel Pregnon should contribute right away on the offensive line, but the Jaguars missed the opportunity to find Travis Etienne’s replacement during draft night, which is going to have a huge impact on the team during the 2026 regular season. Kansas City Chiefs: BFeb 9, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Detailed view of a Kansas City Chiefs helmet in Super Bowl LIX at Ceasars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images The Chiefs addressed their need at the secondary by drafting cornerback Mansoor Delane in the first round and Jadon Canady in the fourth round of the NFL draft, as they will likely flourish under defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo. Peter Woods and Mason Thomas are other great options the Chiefs snagged in the draft, as they’ll also help refresh the team’s defense in the upcoming 2026 season. Las Vegas Raiders: A-Aug 23, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; A Las Vegas Raiders Riddell speedflex helmet on the field at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports We all knew Fernando Mendoza was going to get selected first overall, which is great for their potential long-term solution at quarterback, depending on how Kirk Cousins does in 2026. However, the Raiders also drafted guys like Treydan Stukes and Jermond McCoy in the second and fourth rounds, respectively, who will give the team’s secondary a much-needed boost in 2026. Los Angeles Chargers: BAug 12, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers helmets on the bench at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports The Chargers drafted Akheem Mesidor with their first-round pick, as he provides the team with a potential successor to Khalil Mack for when he hangs up the cleats. The Chargers also drafted Jake Slaughter, Travis Burke, Logan Taylor, and Alex Harkey to strengthen the offensive line, providing Justin Herbert with much-needed protection heading into the 2026 season. Los Angeles Rams: C-Jan 19, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Los Angeles Rams helmet on the sidelines against the Philadelphia Eagles in a 2025 NFC divisional round game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images The Rams made some head-scratching decisions on night one of the draft by selecting Ty Simpson with the 13th pick, which some say was a bit of a reach. The team also didn’t address their need at wide receiver by missing out on talented gamechangers. However, they did draft Keagan Trost, who will strengthen the team’s offensive line heading into the 2026 season, which is necessary if the team wants to make a strong championship run. Miami Dolphins: B-Aug 3, 2022; Miami Gardens, Florida, US; A general view of a Miami Dolphins helmet on the field during training camp at Baptist Health Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports The Dolphins ended up picking 13 players from the 2026 NFL draft, with Kayden Procter being a nice addition to the team’s offensive line heading into the regular season. Newly drafted linebacker Jacob Rodriguez provides the team with a high football IQ and instincts, making him a great find for head coach Jeff Hafley’s system, even though he has to get more physical over time. Minnesota Vikings: C-Jan 13, 2025; Glendale, AZ, USA; Detailed view of a Minnesota Vikings helmet during an NFC wild card game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images The Vikings didn’t find much in the 2026 NFL draft, as they focused on retooling their defense for the upcoming season. Caleb Banks might be a reach, as he suffered a broken foot before the combine, which is a red flag heading into the regular season. The team’s most impactful rookie might be Jakobe Thomas, who has size and physicality, but can be inconsistent and more of a rotational player. New England Patriots: BPatriots Helmet (Photo By Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports) Despite the distractions with head coach Mike Vrabel off the field, the Patriots made some nice moves during the draft. The team drafted Caleb Lomu, who has the potential to become a starter on the offensive line, Gabe Jacas, who has the potential to cause havoc in the team’s pass-rush, and Eli Raridon, who is a nice compliment to Hunter Henry. On top of that, cornerback Karon Prunty should complement Christian Gonzalez quite nicely in the secondary. New Orleans Saints: BDec 23, 2024; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; General view of a New Orleans Saints helmet during the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images The Saints had a nice weekend, drafting Jordyn Tyson and Bryce Lance in the first and fourth rounds, respectively, giving Tyler Shough some new offensive weapons to work with in the 2026 season. Not to mention great passing options to pair up with Chris Olave moving forward. Defensive Tackle Christian Miller and tight end Oscar Delp should also develop into stars for the team right away for the upcoming 2026 season, especially Miller, who can serve as a potential replacement for Cameron Jordan, who was released during the offseason. New York Giants: AOct 28, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; New York Giants helmets on the sidelines against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the third quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images The John Harbaugh era for the Giants started with a bang, drafting Arvell Reese fifth overall and Francis Mauigoa 10th overall (courtesy of the Cincinnati Bengals via trading Dexter Lawrence), which will pay huge dividends for the G-Men in the 2026 season. Not to mention adding Colton Hood, who is a competitive and athletic cornerback, bolsters the Giants’ secondary, making for a more exciting team to watch in the upcoming regular season. New York Jets: AAug 17, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; New York Jets helmets during the second half against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports Gang Green had a very impressive weekend, drafting David Bailey with the second pick, who will immediately make a huge impact in the pass-rush, and tight end Kenyon Sadiq and wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr., who both will help in the passing attack in the 2026 season. The Jets may not be playoff contenders just yet, but these picks should potentially help them get over the hump in their current rebuild ahead of them. Philadelphia Eagles: A-Feb 9, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Detailed view of a Philadelphia Eagles helmet during Super Bowl LIX at Ceasars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images The Eagles traded up to draft Makai Lemon, while he was on the phone with the Steelers, which was grade A genius, as they found their potential replacement for A. J. Brown, who is rumored to be traded out of town before the season begins, and snagging tight end Eli Stowers to pair up with Dallas Goedart will be very intriguing to see in action. The Eagles also gave their offensive line a boost of strength, drafting Markel Bell and Micah Morris in the third and sixth rounds, respectively, providing Jalen Hurts with more protection. Pittsburgh Steelers: C-Steelers helmet (Photo via Eric Hartline-Imagn Images) The Steelers were humiliated by the Eagles in the first round, forcing them to act fast and draft tackle Max Iheanachor with the 21st pick, even though he’s been playing football since 2021. The Steelers also drafted another quarterback in Drew Allar, as they’re preparing for a scenario in case Aaron Rodgers chooses not to return to playing, making for some interesting quarterback competition between him, Will Howard, and Mason Rudolph before the start of the 2026 season. San Francisco 49ers: C+San Francisco 49ers helmet (Photo via Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images) Similar to the Bills, the 49ers also traded out of the first round and made their first selection in the second round with De’Zhaun Stribing, who should develop into a nice game-changer for them despite lacking consistency to create separation, as they hope to find Brandon Aiyuk’s replacement if the team can find a trade partner for him. However, drafting Romello Height in the third round should help the team’s pass-rush, as they’ve dealt with numerous injuries throughout the last couple of years, and he’ll likely develop the strength he needs during the regular season. Seattle Seahawks: BDec 8, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Detailed view of a Seattle Seahawks helmet at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images The Seahawks addressed their biggest need in the draft by drafting Jadarian Price, who should be able to learn and replicate the production Kenneth Walker III left behind in the upcoming NFL season. Not to mention the team bolstered their secondary with Bud Clark, Julian Neal, and Andre Fuller, who’ll make nice additions to the “Dark Side” defense in the regular season. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: B+Nov 4, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; A general view of Tampa Bay Buccaneers helmets against the Kansas City Chiefs during the first half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images Ruben Bain Jr., Josiah Trotter, and Keionte Scott could each become starters on the Bucs’ defense during the 2026 season, especially Bain Jr., who’ll likely become a physical force to be reckoned with for years to come. Drafting Ted Hurst in the third round was a great move, as he has the potential to do some incredible things paired up with Emeka Egbuka and Chris Godwin in the post-Mike Evans era. Tennessee Titans: C+Aug 25, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Detailed view of the Tennessee Titans helmet against the New Orleans Saints during the first half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports The Titans stunned the NFL world by drafting Carnell Tate, who was expected to be drafted later, but the goal for the team is to get Cam Ward some new weapons to work with on offense. Kendric Faulk and Anthony Hill will flourish under head coach Robert Saleh and defensive coordinator Gus Bradley’s system and schemes in the upcoming season. Washington Commanders: B+Sep 29, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Detailed view of a Washington Commanders helmet at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images Drafting Sonny Styles is a great addition to the team’s defense, and he’ll serve as a replacement for Bobby Wagner, who was released this past offseason. However, Antonio Williams, who was drafted in the third round, has the potential to make his way into the starting rotation and make a positive impact in the Commanders’ passing attack. Not to mention, Kaytron Allen provides the team with a guy who can make plays on short yardage during the regular season.
The NFL’s journey of the newly acquired Raiders’ player Jermod McCoy took an unexpected turn when the process began. Initially projected to be a mid-first-round pick, the standout cornerback from Tennessee saw his stock plummet just days before the draft due to a series of medical concerns. Although his ACL had technically healed, reports from Ian […] The post NFL DB coach has concerning intel on Raiders’ Jermod McCoy’s knee appeared first on ClutchPoints.
After a record-setting draft, the league’s focus turns to the schedule release.
