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With the 2026 NFL Draft in the rear view mirror, the veteran free agent market could start to heat up in the coming weeks as the Minnesota Vikings appear to be in the market for a player who can fill that WR3 role.After Jalen Nailor left in free agency, the Vikings didn’t draft a wide […] The post Commanders Get Big Stefon Diggs Take Amid Vikings Speculation appeared first on HEAVY.
The Minnesota Vikings need pass-rush depth behind Dallas Turner after trading Jonathan Greenard to the Eagles. The post Vikings Strong Fit for $21 Million Edge as Jonathan Greenard Successor appeared first on HEAVY.
He is joining a young group. The post Vikings Sign 320-Pound Former Colts Defensive Lineman in Free Agency appeared first on HEAVY.
Minnesota Vikings add a veteran player to their roster, and it’s not who you think it is A to Z Sports
The 2026 NFL Draft is now complete, bringing 257 new drafted players and dozens of other undrafted free agents into the league. And we’ll have plenty of time to talk about them in the three months between now and when training camps open. For now, though, it’s never too early to look ahead to next […] The post Way-too-early 2027 NFL Mock Draft appeared first on ClutchPoints.
McCarthy could be done.
Three months after firing Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, and four days after the 2026 NFL Draft concluded, the Minnesota Vikings’ owners announced they will finally begin their search for a new general manager. Since firing Adofo-Mensah, the Vikings have allowed executive president of football operations Rob Brzezinski to call the shots, including leading the team’s 2026 NFL […] The post Vikings owners finally announce GM search after controversial firing appeared first on ClutchPoints.
Minnesota Vikings Depth Chart: Multiple holes still exist after first two waves of free agency A to Z Sports
Minnesota Vikings have a massive need at edge rusher after trading Jonathan Greenard with a simple remedy A to Z Sports
With the 2026 NFL Draft in the books and each team’s roster practically set ahead of training camp, it’s time to see how all 32 clubs stack up against one another. With that, let’s dive into our post-draft 2026 NFL power rankings. Which teams soared in the power rankings after the 2026 NFL Draft? 32. 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 Decide among yourselves if Jeremiyah Love was the right pick for the Cardinals at No. 3 overall. Even if he lives up to his sky-high ceiling, the Cardinals aren’t going anywhere without a quarterback. Looks like they’ll have Jacoby Brissett and Gardner Minshew II duke it out. On the bright side, the Redbirds are already in a good spot to get Arch Manning or Dante Moore next year. 31. 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 used the No. 1 pick on Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, immediately bringing new long-term hope to Sin City. Of course, he’ll likely begin his career on the bench in favor of Kirk Cousins. Vegas also got excellent value in round four at 101, selecting Tennessee corner Jermod McCoy, who slipped because of health concerns. This rebuild is a significant work in progress, but the Raiders actually appear to be on the right track, at least in the NFL power rankings. For once. 30. Miami DolphinsAug 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 Tua Tagovailoa, Jaylen Waddle, and Tyreek Hill are out. Malik Willis, Jalen Tolbert, and Chris Bell are…in? Yeah, it’s a major downgrade for now. The 2026 Dolphins are clearly tanking, and understandably so. Rookie GM Jon-Eric Sullivan reached with both his day-one picks, selecting Alabama offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor and San Diego State corner Chris Johnson. Both are long-term projects and not necessarily plug-and-play Day 1 starters. Brace yourselves, Dolphins fans. It’s shaping up to be a very long year. 29. New York JetsAug 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 The Jets came away with three potential franchise cornerstones in the first round of the draft, snagging Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey, Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq, and Indiana wideout Omar Cooper Jr. Like the Raiders, the rebuild is on a promising track. And as mean as it sounds, having Geno Smith as the QB1 means the Jets are fully planning to tank for a quarterback in next year’s draft. For 2026, the focus is on developing the young guys and seeing if Aaron Glenn really is the right man for the job. 28. Cleveland BrownsNov 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 an excellent draft, coming away with Utah offensive tackle Spencer Fano and a pair of dazzling wide receiver prospects in Texas A&M’s KC Concepcion and Washington’s Denzel Boston. The problem is, the Browns still don’t have a QB solution. We’re not sold on Shedeur Sanders at this time. Dillon Gabriel isn’t it. And we’re as surprised as you that Deshaun Watson is still on the roster. There’s a lot to like about the young core on both sides of the ball. But the Browns will be picking in the top-10 again next year if they don’t figure out this QB conundrum under first-year head coach Todd Monken. As for now, this is where they stand in the NFL power rankings. 27. Tennessee TitansAug 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 achieved their main offseason goal of fixing Cam Ward’s supporting cast. Though Wan’Dale Robinson was an overpay in free agency, the super-speedster can only help a passing game that was non-existent a year ago. Tennessee used the No. 4 pick on Ohio State wideout Carnell Tate, giving Ward a bona fide No. 1 receiver. They also bolstered their front seven with the Keldric Faulk and Anthony Hill Jr. selections. Two great value picks there. Tennessee won’t be a playoff team in 2026, but the group looks a lot stronger now under Robert Saleh compared to a year ago under Brian Callahan. 26. Washington CommandersSep 29, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Detailed view of a Washington Commanders helmet at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images Washington addressed a pressing need by selecting Sonny Styles with its top pick. He headlines a group of newcomers on defense that includes Odafe Oweh, Leo Chenal, Tim Settle, and Amik Robertson. Of course, Washington will only go as far as a healthy Jayden Daniels will take him. If he’s healthy, they’ll compete. If not, it’ll be another lost season in DC. Fingers crossed, Commanders fans. 25. New Orleans SaintsDec 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 made Tyler Shough and Chris Olave very happy men when they took Arizona State wideout Jordyn Tyson with the No. 8 pick. With Travis Etienne Jr. and Alvin Kamara sharing the backfield, Kellen Moore’s offense has sky-high potential. But will the new-look defense be enough to help New Orleans compete in the wide-open NFC South? Or what about their spot in the NFL power rankings? Stay tuned. 24. New York GiantsGeneral view of a New York Giants helmet (Rich Barnes-Imagn Images) On paper, at least, the Giants look like the biggest 2026 offseason winners. They got themselves a future Hall of Famer at head coach in John Harbaugh. They got Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese and Miami offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa with their two first-round picks. More great value was found with the Colton Hood pick at No. 37 overall. New York has fixed up the terrible o-line in front of Jaxson Dart, who welcomes Coach Harbaugh and healthy versions of Malik Nabers and Cam Skattebo for 2026. We don’t wanna get too carried away here, but the G-Men already have the makings of a sleeper playoff contender. 23. Atlanta FalconsAtlanta Falcons helmet (Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images) The trade-up for James Pearce Jr. a year ago left Atlanta without a 2026 first-round pick. But they found good value with Clemso cornerback Aveion Terrell at No. 48, reuniting him with his older brother, AJ Terrell. With the No. 79 selection, Atlanta brought in local Georgia product Zachariah Branch. If new head coach Kevin Stefanski can unlock either Michael Penix Jr. OR newcomer Tua Tagovailoa, the Falcons can totally make a run at the NFC South crown. 22. Minnesota VikingsJan 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’ biggest offseason move was signing Kyler Murray, who could easily unseat JJ McCarthy as the starting quarterback. After releasing veteran defensive tackles Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen, Minny reached big-time for Florida DT Caleb Banks at No. 18. We would have liked more from the Vikings’ brass this offseason, but we suppose they achieved their main objective: bringing in competition for McCarthy. 21. 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 Widely projected to be a top-10 pick, Miami edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. wound up falling to the Bucs at No. 15. They continued adding to the front seven in round two, selecting Missouri linebacker Josiah Trotter. The main question, though, is whether the Bucs can withstand the departure of franchise icon Mike Evans. They’ll need a healthy Chris Godwin and a big second year from Emeka Egbuka. Otherwise, the NFC South will stay out of their hands. 20. Indianapolis ColtsDec 1, 2024; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; An Indianapolis Colts helmet sits on an equipment case during the first half against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images GM Chris Ballard extended Alec Pierce and Daniel Jones, keeping most of the core together. However, veteran wideout Michael Pittman Jr. had to be moved to Pittsburgh to clear cap space. They also lost standout edge rusher Kwity Paye and offensive lineman Braden Smith in free agency. Indy didn’t have a first-round pick this year, but they got a steal in Georgia linebacker CJ Allen at 53. Indy lost more talent than it gained this offseason, thus its low spot in the NFL power rankings. But as we saw last year, they can win the AFC South with a healthy Daniel Jones. They just have to hope last season wasn’t a mirage, and that he’s the latest feel-good QB late bloomer success story. 19. Carolina PanthersCarolina Panthers helmet (Photo By Eric Hartline-Imagn Images) The Panthers had one of the best drafts, assuring their status as the team to beat in the NFC South. Georgia tackle Monroe Freeling fell into their laps at 19. They added another menacing defensive lineman, Texas Tech’s Lee Hunter, at 49. Great value was found with Tennessee wideout Chris Brazzell II at No. 83, too. With a better supporting cast in front of him, it’s time for Bryce Young to reach superstar status. 18. Pittsburgh SteelersSteelers helmet (Photo via Eric Hartline-Imagn Images) Even IF Aaron Rodgers returns to Pittsburgh, it’s hard to see how the Steelers maintain their hold on the AFC North. Yes, the offense added Rico Dowdle, Michael Pittman Jr., and promising Alabama rookie Germie Bernard. But the o-line is still a question mark, and taking Max Ih eanachor at 21 felt like a massive reach. The defense is no longer in the tier of “elite”, which means more pressure on Rodgers or Mason ‘freaking’ Rudolph. Mike Tomlin may be gone, but Mike McCarthy merely inherits a mushy middle team whose ceiling is a one-and-done playoff team. 17. Cincinnati BengalsDec 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 After trading the No. 10 pick for ex-Giants star defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence, the Bengals didn’t have a pick until the top-40. Still, they got day-one value by landing Texas A&M Cashius Howell with the 41st pick. There’s a lot to like about this defense now in the post-Trey Hendrickson era. We know Joe Burrow and the offense will keep Cincy in playoff contention. But can the rebuilt D improve enough to close the gap in the crowded AFC? Or can they improve their standing in the NFL power rankings next season? 16. Los Angeles ChargersAug 12, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers helmets on the bench at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports True to form, Jim Harbaugh’s team prioritized the trenches early. They used their first two picks on Miami linebacker Akheem Mesidor and Florida center Jake Slaughter, with Memphis tackle Travis Burke getting picked up in round four. We know the Bolts are good enough to win in the regular season. Can Justin Herbert get them back to the postseason and finally pick up his first playoff win? That’s the million-dollar question. 15. Dallas CowboysDallas Cowboys helmet (Kirby Lee-Imagn Images) Say what you want about Jerry Jones, but it’s hard to hate his work as the GM this offseason. After adding Jalen Thompson in free agency and Rashan Gary via trade, he nabbed Ohio State safety Caleb Downs with the No. 11 pick. UCF defensive end Malachi Lawrence was a reach at 23, but he at least brings more depth to the position of need. Jones also kept the offense together by retaining Javonte Williams and George Pickens. If it all comes together, Dallas could reclaim the NFC East throne. Bottom line: They’re a lot deeper now than last year. 14. Green Bay PackersJan 12, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Green Bay Packers helmet on the sidelines against the Philadelphia Eagles in an NFC wild card game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images The Micah Parsons trade left the Packers without a first-round pick. They used their first three selections on defense, grabbing South Carolina corner Brandon Cisse, Missouri defensive tackle Chris McLellan, and Penn State edge rusher Dani Dennis-Sutton. Not sure if any of those guys will start, but the Pack needs some contributions from the youngsters. They lost more quality starters in Elgotn Jenkins, Quay Walker, Romeo Doubs, and Rasheed Walker in free agency. Right now, it’s hard to think the Packers are any better than last year’s group that went one-and-done as the No. 7 seed. 13. Detroit LionsHelmet 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. After using the No. 17 pick on Clemson tackle Blake Miller to replace Taylor Decker, the Lions loaded up on D. Their next three picks were Michigan’s defensive end Derrick Moore, Michigan linebacker Jimmy Rolder, and Arizona State corner Keith Abney II. Of course, the Lions’ hopes of returning to the postseason rest on better health luck. If it’s on their side, they will re-enter the Super Bowl contention field. 12. Baltimore RavensBaltimore Ravens helmet (Photo via Geoff Burke-Imagn Images) The Ravens did a good job pivoting away from the nixed Maxx Crosby trade, signing the top free agent pass-rusher in Trey Hendrickson. The pass rush was further bolstered by the selection of Missouri’s Zion Young in round two, keeping in mind that many had him going in the first round. Lamar Jackson had to be happy when the Ravens landed the best interior linemen in this draft, Penn State’s Olaivavega Ioane, at No. 14. Add it all up, and Baltimore is unquestionably the team to beat in the AFC North going into 2026. 11. Philadelphia EaglesFeb 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 Presumably, trading up for Makai Lemon was the first big move for the Eagles at wideout. Now, we wait for the reported looming trade that will send AJ Brown to the Patriots. Eagles GM Howie Roseman hasn’t changed his roster too much, and rightfully so. This team won the Super Bowl 15 months ago. They just have to hope the changes on Nick Sirianni’s staff will net positive results. 10. 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 Defense was the problem last year, so GM Ryan Poles went to work on fixing it. Coby Bryant and Neville Gallimore were added in free agency. Then they used their first-round pick on Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman, who adds more talent to a secondary already featuring Kyler Gordon and Tyrique Stevenson. A top ten spot in the NFL power rankings is just right, for now. 9. Houston TexansAug 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 We all know who the Texans are. Owners of the NFL’s best defense, and a shaky quarterback. Will the real CJ Stroud please stand up? After signing Braden Smith and Wyatt Teller to bolster their o-line, Houston used their first-round pick on Georgia Tech product Keylan Rutledge. It felt like a mega reach, but Houston had an issue there. We’ll see if the o-line makeover finally helps Stroud regain that MVP-like form we saw in 2023. 8. Jacksonville JaguarsNov 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 Because of the Travis Hunter trade, the Jags didn’t pick until the 56th spot this year. That pick was used on Texas A&M tight end Nate Boerkircher, adding another much-needed weapon for Trevor Lawrence. Liam Coen led the Jags to 13 wins and a surprise AFC South division crown in year one. The hard part? Repeating that success. The talent is there. Now he’s gotta show it wasn’t a fluke. 7. San Francisco 49ersSan Francisco 49ers helmet (Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images) After trading out of round one, the 49ers reached big time for Ole Miss wideout De’Zhaun Stribling at No. 33, since they already signed Mike Evans in free agency. But hey, another receiver doesn’t hurt with Brandon Aiyuk on his way out. The 49ers reached the elite eight last year despite an onslaught of injuries, so GM John Lynch didn’t tink with his roster too much. With better health luck, the 49ers figure to be in the Super Bowl race. 6. Kansas City ChiefsFeb 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 Everything that could go wrong did go wrong for Kansas City last year. Sorry haters, but a healthy Patrick Mahomes will be enough to put them back in the mix in 2026. And beyond. After trading Trent McDuffie to the Rams, KC moved up to the No. 6 spot to take LSU’s Mansoor Delane. There’s your replacement. You can relax now, Chiefs fans. Just pray there’s better health luck and your team will be just fine. 5. Buffalo BillsJan 26, 2025; Kansas City, MO, USA; A detailed view of the Buffalo Bills helmet before the AFC Championship game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images Buffalo addressed its main weakness by landing star wideout DJ Moore in a trade with the Bears. They traded out of the first round but still got a quality player at No. 35 in Clemson defensive end TJ Parker. We all know the Bills always have a chance with Josh Allen. The only question is if Joe Brady is the fresh voice this team needed, or if firing Sean McDermott will go down as an all-time mistake. 4. New England PatriotsPatriots Helmet (Photo By Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports) It was hard to focus on the draft from New England’s side because of the Mike Vrabel-Dianna Russini scandal. What can we say? The whole thing is just weird and cringeworthy. In case you missed it, the defending AFC champs got great value with Utah tackle Caleb Lomu falling to them at No. 28. Second-round pick Gabe Jacas from Illinois should solidify the pass rush, too. With practically the same core from 2025 returning, the Pats figure to be in the mix for Super Bowl 60. We just don’t know whether Russini will be cheering from the sidelines. K fine, we’ll stop. 3. Denver BroncosOct 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 only had one pick in the top 100, using the No. 66 selection on Texas A&M defensive tackle Tyler Onyedim. GM George Paton, of course, gave up his first-round pick to land Miami Dolphins star wideout Jaylen Waddle. Not much roster tinkering was needed in Denver. If Bo Nix were healthy, the Broncos would have won the AFC Championship…and potentially Super Bowl 60. This is a championship-caliber roster, and a healthy Nix makes them the team to beat in the AFC. 2. 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 Everyone was surprised when the Rams took Alabama QB Ty Simpson at No. 13 overall. The confusion is warranted, but we suppose it’s a risk the Rams could afford. They shored up their last remaining weakness at cornerback by trading for Trent McDuffie and signing Jaylen Watson. The Rams were this-close to reaching the Super Bowl last season. They’re neck-and-neck with every other NFL heavyweight, especially in the power rankings. It’s just about getting a few extra bounces in the postseason. 1. Seattle SeahawksDec 8, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Detailed view of a Seattle Seahawks helmet at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images Seattle took Jeremiyah Love’s former Notre Dame backup, Jadarian Price, with its first-round pick. After that, they attacked the secondary by taking TCU safety Bud Clark and Arkansas corner Bud Neal. The defending champs hope that they can replace the championship DNA that Kenneth Walker, Coby Bryant, and Riq Woolen left behind. With most of the core from Super Bowl 60 still intact, the ‘Hawks remain No. 1.
Former Minnesota Vikings captain Jack Brewer is voicing support for embattled FBI Director Kash Patel after federal agents seized records and other suspected evidence as part of crackdown.
With the 2026 NFL Draft officially in the books, the countdown is now on for NFL training camp. In the meantime, we can reflect on the 2026 NFL Draft and see which teams reached way too far for certain players, and which ones should go down as big-time steals. Here are the six absolute worst value picks from the 2026 NFL draft, and the six greatest. Who were the best and worst selections in the 2026 NFL Draft? Worst Value Pick: Caleb BanksFeb 25, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Florida defensive lineman Caleb Banks (DL02) speaks during the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images Most expected Banks’ draft stock to fall after suffering a broken bone in his left foot at the NFL Combine. But the Minnesota Vikings weren’t deterred in the slightest, using the No. 18 pick on the Florida defensive tackle. The Vikings needed help at DT after releasing veteran stalwarts Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave in cap-sacing moves. Still, this is a classic case of “they could have traded down and gotten their man” later. Look at the next 10 picks after Banks. Who realistically would have targeted Banks there? Minnesota could have accumulated extra draft picks to move down a few spots and still snag Banks later. Or, they could have even taken a more polished defensive tackle prospect like Clemson’s Peter Woods. Then again, it’s the Vikings. They don’t have the best track record of getting quality talent with their first-round picks these days. Greatest Value Pick: Caleb DownsCaleb Downs (Image Credits: Imagn) Unlike the other defensive prospect named Caleb, who was drafted in round one, Mr. Downs was anything but a bad value pick. If anything, he was the best value pick of day one. Like Baltimore Ravens star Kyle Hamilton back at the 2022 NFL Draft, Downs was a consensus top-five prospect in his class. It’s just that teams rarely value the safety position enough to draft one so early. Not that Jerry Jones and the Dallas Cowboys are complaining, though. They traded up one spot via the Miami Dolphins to select Caleb Downs with the No. 11 pick. For all the heat Jerry Jones gets as the Cowboys’ GM, most of it justified, how about getting a top-five prospect outside the top-10? Dallas’ main weakness coming into the draft was the secondary. They add a Swiss Army Knife who can single-handedly transform a defense the way Kyle Hamilton has in Baltimore. So in the post-Micah Parsons era, Dallas has now added Quinnen Williams, Rashan Gary, Caleb Downs, and Malachi Lawrence on defense. Not bad, Jerry. Worst Value Pick: Ty SimpsonTy Simpson (Image Credits: Imagn) Look, we don’t hate the idea of the Los Angeles Rams finding Matthew Stafford’s successor in the early rounds of the draft. They addressed their last main weakness at the corner by trading for ex-Kansas City Chiefs star Trent McDuffie and signing Jaylen Watson. But taking Simpson at No. 13 overall? What universe are the Rams living in here? Los Angeles could have easily traded down and nabbed Simpson later. Unless the New York Jets wanted him at No. 16, they could have moved down at least five more spots to eventually select him. Or, better yet, the Rams could have drafted a better prospect at No. 13 and waited until day two to get a QB. There’s a good probability that Matthew Stafford plays at least two more years, perhaps even more. Maybe Simpson will prove to be the ideal succession plan to Stafford, but this was too early to take a QB with a limited ceiling. No wonder Sean McVay seemed so angry when the Rams picked Simpson… Greatest Value Pick: Makai LemonMakai Lemon (Image Credit: Imagn) As most expected, Carnell Tate and Jordyn Tyson were the first two receivers taken off the board. Still, Lemon was widely projected to be a top-15 pick. And yet… You all know how this turned out. Pittsburgh Steelers GM Omar Khan got on the phone with Lemon, believing they were about to snag the USC wide receiver with the No. 21 pick. But in a big-time stunner, the Philadelphia Eagles moved up into the No. 20 spot via the Dallas Cowboys to take Lemon in the 2026 NFL Draft. As they say, when life gives you lemons… So, assuming AJ Brown is really done in Philadelphia? The Eagles just got their succession plan with a late first-round pick. Once again, Howie Roseman got excellent value on day one of the draft. When, oh when, will other teams learn their lesson? Worst Value Pick: Max IheanachorMax Iheanachor (Image Credits: Imagn) As if it weren’t maddening enough for the Steelers to watch their inner-state rivals jump ahead to take Makai Lemon? They added more insult to injury by reaching big-time for the Arizona State offensive tackle. For starters, we’re not sure why the Steelers went with an offensive tackle here. They used their 2023 and 2024 first-round picks on Broderick Jones and Troy Fautanu. Jones has yet to put it all together, but it’s not like Pittsburgh is gonna bench him and play Iheanachor right away. Utah offensive tackle Caleb Lomu, who went to the New England Patriots at 28, would have been a much better value pick. But, there were better prospects on the board that could have filled other weaknesses in Pittsburgh, such as safety Dillon Thieneman, defensive end Keldrick Faulk, or a wide receiver like Omar Cooper Jr. or KC Concepcion. Greatest Value Pick: Francis MauigoaFrancis Mauigoa (Image Credits: Imagn) Many thought Mauigoa would go as high as No. 3 overall to the Arizona Cardinals in the 2026 NFL Draft. What about the Cleveland Browns at No. 6 before trading down with the Kansas City Chiefs? Or even the Washington Commanders at No. 7? Fortunately for John Harbaugh’s New York Giants, the teams in front of them didn’t value Mauigoa that high. After taking Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese with the No. 5 pick, the Giants put the cherry on top of their day-one draft performance by snagging the Miami offensive lineman. Mauigoa, surprisingly, was the second offensive lineman taken, one spot after the Browns selected Utah tackle Spencer Fano. Like we said, excellent value for the Giants. Mauigoa can play tackle or guard. Either way, Giants fans should be thrilled about the prospect of him joining forces with Andrew Thomas, who has asserted himself as one of the league’s premier pass-blockers. Throw in Jaxson Dart, Malik Nabers, and Cam Skattebo, and it’s awfully hard not to get excited about the Giants’ long-term outlook on offense. Worst Value Pick: Jadarian PriceJadarian Price (Image Credits: Imagn) We hate critiquing the defending Super Bowl champions, especially given John Schneider’s excellent drafting track record. But…was this really the best they could do in the No. 32 spot in the NFL Draft? Price was Jeremiyah Love’s understudy at Notre Dame. Despite playing second-fiddle to the Heisman Trophy finalist, Price finished with 674 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns in 2025, averaging six yards a carry. We have no doubt that Price can succeed in Seattle’s rush-heavy offense. And yes, running back was important to address after letting Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III leave in free agency. But who would have realistically taken Price in round two? MAYBE the Carolina Panthers at 49? Or the Minnesota Vikings at 51? Seattle used its day-one pick on a backup college running back…when they already have a capable RB1 in Zach Charbonnet. Schneider could have probably traded down AT LEAST 10 spots — maybe even more — to snag Price. Even if he becomes a multi-time 1,000-yard rusher, it doesn’t mean Seattle needed to take him this early. Greatest Value Pick: Cashius HowellNov 15, 2025; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive end Cashius Howell (9) reacts after a defensive play during the first quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images The 2025 SEC Defensive Player of the Year was supposed to be a mid-to-late first-round pick…or at the very worst, a very-early day-two pick. Not much has gone right for the Cincinnati Bengals in their sad history. But man, they may soon owe 31 other teams a nice gift basket for letting Howell inexplicably slip to them in round two at No. 41 overall. The Bengals caught a lot of heat for letting Trey Hendrickson walk to free agency. Now they have Howell, blockbuster trade acquisition Dexter Lawrence, and free agent signings Boye Mafe AND Jonathan Allen to lead the front seven. In other words, they’ll be just fine without Hendrickson. We’ll see how much the Bengals play Howell as a rookie, but don’t be surprised if he goes down as the best value day-two pick of the NFL draft. Worst Value Pick: Keylan RutledgeJan 29, 2026; Mobile, AL, USA; National offensive lineman Keylan Rutledge (77) of Georgia Tech takes a breather during National Senior Bowl practice at Hancock Whitney Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images Nobody was surprised when the Houston Texans used their first-round pick on an offensive lineman. The position had to be addressed. But woof, did they ever misread the board here. Rutledge wasn’t supposed to be a first-round pick. Heck, some analysts and scouts had him going in the third round. Yet it didn’t stop the Texans from wanting the Georgia Tech guard so badly to the point where, gulp, they actually traded up two spots from the Buffalo Bills to take him at No. 26. Rutledge is a decent run-blocker, but his pass-blocking has a lot to be desired. And Houston needs better pass protection for CJ Stroud. Utah’s Caleb Lomu, who went two picks later to the rival New England Patriots, would have been the ideal selection here. Reaching big-time for a player is one thing. Actually, trading up to get him? Big yikes. Greatest Value Pick: C.J. AllenOct 7, 2023; Athens, Georgia, USA; Kentucky Wildcats running back Ray Davis (1) is tackled by Georgia Bulldogs defensive lineman Jonathan Jefferson (94) and linebacker C.J. Allen (33) during the second half at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports Some scouts thought Allen would go late in the first round. So yeah, it was a big win for the Indianapolis Colts when the Georgia linebacker fell into their laps in round two at No. 53 overall. The 2025 consensus All-American had 3.5 sacks, eight tackles for a loss, and four pass breakups in his final college season. Allen, like former Colts standout Shaq Leonard, is a do-it-all playmaker who brings freakish athleticism and speed. He joins a Colts front seven already featuring DeForest Buckner and Laiatu Latu. He’s the perfect fit for Indy’s defense, and could be one of the final pieces needed to help them break through in a crowded AFC South. Worst Value Pick: Malachi LawrenceFeb 26, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; UCF defensive lineman Malachi Lawrence (DL48) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images As much as we love the work Jerry Jones has done when it comes to rebuilding his defense, we really don’t get this pick. You won’t find many NFL Draft analysts who had Lawrence going in the first round, let alone inside the top-25. After trading three spots down to help the rival Eagles take Makai Lemon, Dallas took UCF edge rusher Malachi Lawrence with the No. 23 selection. Lawrence’s production was good-but-not-great at UCF. He had 20 sacks over his four college seasons, never topping 7.5 in a single campaign. With glaring holes in his run defense game, this just felt like a terrible value pick by Jones. This isn’t to say that Lawrence will be a bust. But Dallas could have gotten a more NFL-ready, higher-impact player here. Or, again, at least traded down, get more picks, and select him later. Time will tell how this pick pans out for the Cowboys. But at this time, it’s just hard to comprehend Jerry’s mentality here. Oh well, at least most of his offseason moves have been excellent. Greatest Value Pick: Jermod McCoyTennessee defensive back Jermod McCoy (3) before a college football game between Tennessee and UAB at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn., on Sept. 20, 2025. McCoy was a consensus top-20 prospect entering the 2026 NFL Draft. His 2024 game type at Tennessee was an absolute sight to behold. Of course, McCoy unfortunately had to miss the entire 2025 season recovering from a torn ACL. It’s understandable when injury concerns scare some teams off. But at worst, McCoy should have been a late first or EARLY second-round pick. But someone had to have the role of Shedeur Sanders this year. That role ultimately fell to McCoy. The 2024 second-team All-American fell outside of the top 100 before the Las Vegas Raiders finally snagged him at No. 101 overall. The Raiders actually traded up one spot to take McCoy there. Otherwise, who knows how much more he would have fallen? Anyway, the Raiders aren’t complaining. They won the draft when they selected Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 pick. Then they get another first-round talent in round four, in all places. Hey, even dysfunctional teams like the Raiders have to get lucky eventually. The Raiders have had troubles finding quality cornerbacks since Nnamdi Asomugha infamously left for the Philadelphia Eagles in 2011. Now, he joins a Maxx Crosby-led group that added Kwity Paye, Quay Walker, and Nakobe Dean in free agency. The Raiders aren’t close to contending for the playoffs. But if McCoy stays healthy and hits his ceiling, he could give Vegas that pure shutdown corner they need to combat Patrick Mahomes, Justin Herbert, and Bo Nix in the AFC West.
A TWO-TIME Super Bowl champion is waking up unemployed. The Seattle Seahawks are cutting an $8 million star ahead of the 2026 NFL season. Cam Akers has been released by…
The Minnesota Vikings landed Kyler Murray this offseason, but that doesn't mean their quarterback concerns have diminished. The post Vikings Candidates for 2,800-Yard QB Drawing Mahomes, Stafford Comparisons appeared first on HEAVY.
Minnesota Vikings are hosting talented receiver over two days who's a great fit. Here's how they get it done A to Z Sports
The San Francisco 49ers have had to make a couple of significant decisions inside the wide receiver room this offseason. They made major headlines by signing both future Hall of Famer Mike Evans to a three-year deal and former 1,000-yard receiver Christian Kirk to a one-year deal. In corresponding moves, the organization has had to move […] The post Former 49ers WR Named Top Available Free Agent appeared first on HEAVY.
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.
THE NFL Draft is always full of surprises, and this year was no exception. Everyone knew Fernando Mendoza would go at No. 1 overall, but no one could have expected…
In what might be the single most wide-open division in the league, a great draft class can make all the difference.
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.
The Minnesota Vikings badly need a wide receiver and address other positions which they did not get in the draft. Who should they get in free agency?
Minnesota Vikings have a very bright future thanks to the maneuvering of Rob Brzezinski A to Z Sports
The Minnesota Vikings get getting flak for their 2026 NFL draft picks in a new tally of NFL power rankings after the draft. The post See Where Vikings Land on New NFL Power Rankings — And It’s Not Good appeared first on HEAVY.
With the 2026 NFL Draft now in the books, it’s a good time to peer into the crystal ball and look at which draft selections will go down as disappointments. Whether it’s because of their limited skill set or the team they landed with, a handful of highly-touted 2026 rookies aren’t in a position to reach their potential whatsoever. With that, let’s dive into the ten 2026 NFL Draft picks who are sure to go down as big-time busts. Which players selected in the 2026 NFL Draft end up as a bust? Rueben Bain Jr.Dec 28, 2024; Orlando, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes defensive lineman Rueben Bain Jr. (4) warms up prior to the game against the Iowa State Cyclones at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images For a while, the Miami Hurricanes edge rusher was expected to be a top-five pick. But NFL teams got scared when his arm length was measured at just 30 ⅞ inches. According to ESPN, Bain’s arm length is the shortest for an edge rusher drafted in the first round since 2003. So you already had the concerns about his physicality and build. That was only the start of it. Shortly before the draft began, news emerged that Bain had been involved in a serious car accident in 2024 that killed one of the passengers in his car after he rear-ended another vehicle. His friend, 22-year-old Destiny Betts, spent three months in a coma before tragically dying. Nonetheless, these concerns didn’t stop the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from using the No. 15 pick on Bain. After the selection, Bucs GM Jason Licht emphasized that the Bucs had been aware of the fatal car accident involving Bain for a while. Still, it’s not too early to already think the Bucs will regret this pick. These guys just LOVE using early picks on pass rushers. Can someone tell us how Logan Hall, Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, and Calijah Kancey panned out again? Fair or not, teams like the Kansas City Chiefs and New England Patriots have found success in taking chances on players with off-the-field legal issues or character concerns and turning them into stars. The Buccaneers? Not so much. Bain’s short arm length will be a serious problem for him to work around in the NFL. And given that Tampa already had enough pass-rushers before the draft, this pick is a red flag in every aspect. Good luck with it, Tampa. You’re gonna need it. Kenyon SadiqKenyon Sadiq (Image Credits: Imagn) The Oregon product was the consensus top tight end coming into this year’s draft. But there are only so many great tight ends in the NFL these days, so that’s not really saying much. There were several obvious knocks against Sadiq entering the NFL draft. Among them, he’s considered relatively small for a tight end at 6-foot-3 and 240 pounds. His production at Oregon wasn’t off-the-charts, either. Sadiq had his most productive year in 2025, catching 51 passes for 560 yards and eight touchdowns. Ho hum. Drops were especially alarming for Sadiq at Oregon. So, when the New York Jets drafted him 16th overall? Yeah, the joke just wrote itself. The Jets can’t find a quarterback to save their lives. Now we’re supposed to think that they’ll magically unlock the potential of Sadiq? Good luck with that. Geno Smith isn’t saving this franchise. Also, how many targets can Sadiq expect in an offense featuring Garrett Wilson, Breece Hall, and Omar Cooper Jr.? We were excited about Sadiq’s potential, but quite frankly, the Jets are the worst landing spot for him. Go ahead and chalk him up as one of the latest Jets draft busts. Caleb BanksFeb 25, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Florida defensive lineman Caleb Banks (DL02) speaks during the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images The Minnesota Vikings raised some eyebrows here by using the No. 18 pick on Florida defensive tackle Caleb Banks. It felt like a reach given how much his stock had fallen in the weeks leading up to the draft, due to a serious foot injury that required surgery. One of our other issues here is that Banks is going to a Minnesota Vikings team that’s not exactly renowned for getting the most out of interior defensive linemen. Last year, they signed veteran defensive tackles Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen to big-money deals. Both were released at the start of the offseason. So now you’re talking about a player who had up-and-down production in college, who had a serious foot injury, going to a team that hardly gets the most out of its interior defensive linemen. Plus, yanno, recent Minnesota first-round picks like JJ McCarthy, Dallas Turner, and Jordan Addison haven’t exactly lit it up yet. Banks would have been a better fit on a team with stronger roster development, like the Kansas City Chiefs, Seattle Seahawks, Baltimore Ravens, or Green Bay Packers. The Vikings are sure to thrust him into a starting role come Week 1, something Banks certainly isn’t ready for. Malachi LawrenceFeb 26, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; UCF defensive lineman Malachi Lawrence (DL48) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images The Dallas Cowboys struck gold when they moved up one spot to select Ohio State safety Caleb Downs at No. 11 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft. But their second first-round pick, Malachi Lawrence, certainly leaves a lot to be desired. Dallas’ makeover on defense since the Micah Parsons trade certainly looks a lot better on paper. Quinnen Williams, Rashan Gary, and now Caleb Downs. But Malachi Lawrence? Yeah, about that…. Dallas could have easily traded down and nabbed Lawrence in round two. Instead, they reached from a completely unpolished prospect with limited physical abilities and “meh” production over his tenure at UCF. Remember what happened last time Dallas reached in round one for a defensive lineman? Yeah, Mazi Smith didn’t pan out. So don’t hate on us for already questioning this pick and projecting a disappointing tenure in Dallas. De'Zhaun StriblingJan 8, 2026; Glendale, AZ, USA; Mississippi Rebels wide receiver De’Zhaun Stribling (1) against the Miami Hurricanes during the 2026 Fiesta Bowl and semifinal game of the College Football Playoff at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images The San Francisco 49ers traded down from the No. 27 spot with the Miami Dolphins. The ‘Phins took San Diego State cornerback Chris Johnson. The 49ers obtained the No. 30 pick and then traded it to the New York Jets, who selected Indiana wideout Omar Cooper Jr. Finally, the 49ers opened up round two by selecting De’Zhaun Stribling, the big-bodied wide receiver out of Ole Miss. We’re sure optimistic San Francisco fans love this pick, but it’s truly a head-scratcher for us. Stribling has talent, yes. But what exactly is he going to do on a star-studded 49ers offense headlined by Christian McCaffrey, George Kittle, newcomer Mike Evans, and 2024 first-round pick Ricky Pearsall? This isn’t so much a question about Stribling’s skill set as it is about his fit in the 49ers offense. Kyle Shanahan’s system leans heavily on the ground game and screen passes. Stribling is a serious threat and contested catch specialist who “checks notes” reminds us entirely of Mike Evans. Stribling has the tools to be a star in this league, but the 49ers aren’t the team for him to maximize his ceiling. Just imagine if he landed on another contender with less offensive weaponry, like the Green Bay Packers, Denver Broncos, Buffalo Bills, Kansas City Chiefs, or Seattle Seahawks. Max IheanachorMax Iheanachor (Image Credits: Imagn) Just when the Pittsburgh Steelers were planning to take USC wide receiver Makai Lemon at No. 21 overall? Their Pennsylvania state rivals, the Philadelphia Eagles, jumped up one spot via trade to take Lemon at No. 20 in the NFL Draft. The Steelers, clearly rattled and panicky, reached for Arizona State offensive tackle Max Iheanachor and took him with the No. 21 pick. Taking a lineman was the first shocker here. The second aspect of this shocker? It was such a giant reach, with more polished linemen on the board. The Steelers used 2023 and 2024 first-round picks on offensive linemen Broderick Jones and Troy Fautanu, respectively. O-line was far from a pressing need, and yet they reached for Iheanachor anyway. Make it make sense! Jones hasn’t come as advertised, and the jury’s still out on Fautanu. Pittsburgh’s inability to draft and develop first-round picks in recent years has been well-documented, so don’t blame us for feeling like Iheanachor is a disaster pick waiting to happen. And for all the love he gets as a steady pass-blocker? His run-blocking was lackluster at best, and he committed eight penalties in his final season of college ball, per Pro Football Focus. Chris JohnsonChris Johnson (Image Credits: Imagn) More highly-regarded cornerbacks like Colton Hood and Avieon Terrell were on the board when the Miami Dolphins took Chris Johnson with the No. 27 pick. Not only did we dislike this pick in terms of value, but the fit itself couldn’t be much worse for Johnson. If you go back to 2020 — ahem, Tua Tagovailoa over Justin Herbert — the Dolphins have been horrific when it comes to day-one picks. So pardon us for already thinking Johnson is going to be a bust simply because he’s stuck on a team that clearly doesn’t know how to develop talent. But it was also a big-time reach for the Dolphins. Again, how do you leave Hood and Terrell on the board? Johnson’s knocks included his lack of speed and the fact that he’s undersized at 6-feet-tall and 193 pounds. And since the Dolphins have one of the worst defensive units in the league, we’re skeptical this is the place for him to maximize his potential. Keylan RutledgeJan 29, 2026; Mobile, AL, USA; National offensive lineman Keylan Rutledge (77) of Georgia Tech takes a breather during National Senior Bowl practice at Hancock Whitney Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images Nobody was surprised when the Houston Texans addressed the offensive line in round one. But trading up via the Buffalo Bills to reach for Georgia Tech guard Keylan Rutledge? Yep, that one leaves a lot of raised eyebrows. The Texans had plenty of more polished offensive linemen to choose from. And respectfully, this organization has been abhorrent when it comes to developing offensive linemen. Rutledge struggled with penalty issues in his final season at Georgia Tech. His over-aggression was one of Rutledge’s main issues in college, and he won’t have much support on a lousy Texans squad. Ty SimpsonTy Simpson (Image Credits: Imagn) Simpson entered the 2026 NFL Draft as the consensus No. 2 quarterback in this year’s class…behind only Fernando Mendoza, who went first-overall to the Las Vegas Raiders. The Los Angeles Rams landed the No. 13 pick from the Atlanta Falcons, who had given up their 2026 first-rounder a year earlier to snag James Pearce Jr. With their 2026 first-rounder, the Rams snagged the Alabama quarterback. Rams head coach Sean McVay didn’t seem all too thrilled with the pick from GM Les Snead. And that was telling, because McVay and Snead usually see eye-to-eye and have a tremendously successful coach-GM relationship. As Aaron Rodgers, Patrick Mahomes, and Jordan Love would happily tell you, it’s not the worst idea to find a succession plan in the first round if your starting QB is on borrowed time. But there’s just a lot about this Simpson pick that doesn’t make sense. Yes, Matthew Stafford is about to enter his age-38 season. He also hasn’t displayed any signs of slowing down, as evidenced by his MVP Award-winning 2025 campaign. With the way Stafford is playing, shouldn’t the Rams have prioritized drafting a player who could help them win now? It’s not like Simpson is a sure thing to succeed. He comes from the Alabama QB factory. Weren’t Tua Tagovailoa and Mac Jones supposed to be the real deal? Bryce Young doesn’t look like a superstar now, does he? In his final college season, Simpson threw for 3,567 yards, 28 touchdowns, and five interceptions. Good? Yes. But also, any Alabama starting quarterback should be putting up such numbers. Simpson could be waiting two to three years to succeed Stafford in LA. And with his limited skill set and ceiling? Being a top-15 pick just seems like poor value on the Rams’ end. Add it all up, and it just already feels like he could go down as a mega bust in La La Land. Remember, Stetson Bennett was once viewed as Stafford’s successor in LA. And, well, we know where that went. K.C. ConcepcionKC Concepcion (Image Credits: Imagn) The Texas A&M product was widely projected to be a mid-to-late first-round pick. Sure enough, the Cleveland Browns drafted him at No. 24 overall. For us, this isn’t so much a Concepcion issue as a Cleveland issue. His talent and skill set are undeniable. Unfortunately for Concepcion, he landed on one of the few teams that has no idea how to draft and develop skill position guys. We kept drawing up scenarios of Concepcion landing on an established contender like the Philadelphia Eagles or Buffalo Bills. Instead, Concepcion is stuck on a team that, ahem, has Shedeur Sanders and Dillon ‘freaking’ Gabriel as its quarterbacks. Yay. This guy had to go to an actual contender to maximize his potential, not a consistent bottom-feeder like the Browns. Also, Concepcion will be competing with Jerry Jeudy, Quinshon Judkins, Harold Fannin Jr. and fellow rookie wideout Denzel Boston for targets. Now, try telling us why the Browns are a good fit for him?
