Stadium News

Breaking News from the Bench to the Bleachers

Caleb Banks

Vikings’ Caleb Banks Gets Major Message from Former Coaches

The Minnesota Vikings decided to use their 2026 18th overall selection on Florida defensive lineman Caleb Banks.The selection stirred up some online controversy. Many are worried about Banks’ foot injury history in recent years may linger into his professional career. While time will tell on the injury front, there are other concerns.Banks’ 6’6 frame causes […] The post Vikings’ Caleb Banks Gets Major Message from Former Coaches appeared first on HEAVY.

Read moreVikings’ Caleb Banks Gets Major Message from Former Coaches

The 6 Biggest Reches & 6 Absolute Steals From The 2026 NFL Draft

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.

Read moreThe 6 Biggest Reches & 6 Absolute Steals From The 2026 NFL Draft

10 “Can’t-Miss” 2026 NFL Draft Prospects That Will Be Big Time Busts

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?

Read more10 “Can’t-Miss” 2026 NFL Draft Prospects That Will Be Big Time Busts

Vikings Reveal Clear Vision for Future With 2026 Draft Class

The 2026 NFL Draft has concluded, and we now have a sense of the future for these Minnesota Vikings.This year, they didn’t have a technical full-time general manager at the helm for the event. These duties were given to Rob Brzezinski, who has been with the team since 1999 in behind-the-scenes roles.Have a look at their official 2026 […] The post Vikings Reveal Clear Vision for Future With 2026 Draft Class appeared first on HEAVY.

Read moreVikings Reveal Clear Vision for Future With 2026 Draft Class

Vikings Issued Strong Verdict on Dillon Thieneman Decision

One of the names that was constantly emerging for the Minnesota Vikings in mock drafts heading into the 2026 NFL Draft was former Oregon Ducks safety Dillon Thieneman. Minnesota does have the uncertainty surrounding Harrison Smith, so the expert’s reasoning made sense.Nonetheless, when the time came at No. 18, the Vikings decided to pass on […] The post Vikings Issued Strong Verdict on Dillon Thieneman Decision appeared first on HEAVY.

Read moreVikings Issued Strong Verdict on Dillon Thieneman Decision

NFL Insider Confirms A Harsh Truth About the Vikings Jonathan Greenard Trade

The Minnesota Vikings dealt their star pass rusher Jonathan Greenard to the Philadelphia Eagles during the NFL Draft this weekend. After Minnesota and Greenard were unable to reach an agreement on a revised contract, the two sides felt the best thing forward was to part ways. Ultimately, the Vikings received a third-round pick in 2026 […] The post NFL Insider Confirms A Harsh Truth About the Vikings Jonathan Greenard Trade appeared first on HEAVY.

Read moreNFL Insider Confirms A Harsh Truth About the Vikings Jonathan Greenard Trade

Vikings Face Significant Question After Releasing Fan Favorite

The Minnesota Vikings were a team many had pegged to select Oregon’s Dillon Thieneman in the 2026 draft. The Vikings passed on Thieneman, though, selecting Florida’s Caleb Banks instead, which could point to veteran Harrison Smith’s return.However, that remains an unknown. The Vikings and Smith had a parting of sorts. The six-time Pro Bowler and […] The post Vikings Face Significant Question After Releasing Fan Favorite appeared first on HEAVY.

Read moreVikings Face Significant Question After Releasing Fan Favorite

Vikings Get Torn Apart Over 2026 NFL Draft Class

The 2026 NFL Draft has concluded, and we now have a sense of the future for these Minnesota Vikings.This year, they didn’t have a technical full-time general manager at the helm for the event. These duties were given to Rob Brzezinski, who has been with the team since 1999 in behind-the-scenes roles.Have a look at […] The post Vikings Get Torn Apart Over 2026 NFL Draft Class appeared first on Heavy Sports.

Read moreVikings Get Torn Apart Over 2026 NFL Draft Class

Vikings’ 2026 NFL Draft Grades For Every Pick

The Minnesota Vikings appeared to be at a major disadvantage going into the 2026 NFL Draft. Unlike most teams, the Vikings did not have a general manager in place. They fired Kwesi Adofo-Mensah shortly after the 2025 season ended, and Rob Brzezinski is in the role as the team’s interim general manager. That means the […] The post Vikings’ 2026 NFL Draft Grades For Every Pick appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Read moreVikings’ 2026 NFL Draft Grades For Every Pick

Biggest Losers From Round 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft

The first round of the 2026 NFL draft was one of the more eventful ones in recent memory. Eight trades took place — three of which included the Buffalo Bills — and the New York Jets (3), Tennessee Titans (2), Kansas City Chiefs (2), Cleveland Browns (2), New York Giants (2), Dallas Cowboys (2), and […] The post Biggest Losers From Round 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft appeared first on Heavy Sports.

Read moreBiggest Losers From Round 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft

Vikings HC Shares True Thoughts on Drafting Caleb Banks

The Minnesota Vikings went with defensive tackle Caleb Banks with the No. 18 pick, even with the health concerns that came with selecting the former Florida Gators star. Nonetheless, ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter provided an update on the concern teams likely had about Banks’ foot.“NFL teams received a letter this week stating that, after […] The post Vikings HC Shares True Thoughts on Drafting Caleb Banks appeared first on Heavy Sports.

Read moreVikings HC Shares True Thoughts on Drafting Caleb Banks

Vikings’ No. 18 pick will be cleared from foot surgery this summer

Former Florida defensive tackle Caleb Banks entered the 2026 NFL Draft as one of the most physically imposing yet unpredictable prospects in the class, and the Vikings made a great choice. After suffering a severe foot injury during Combine drills, where he still managed to clock a remarkable 5.05-second 40-yard dash despite the broken bone, […] The post Vikings’ No. 18 pick will be cleared from foot surgery this summer appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Read moreVikings’ No. 18 pick will be cleared from foot surgery this summer

Colts’ 2026 NFL Mock Draft roundup with pre-draft cycle ending

The recent buzz surrounding the Colts hasn’t primarily focused on the draft; Andrew Luck has had to address repeated rumors about his retirement, and the situation with Kenny Moore II’s potential trade has highlighted that the roster continues to evolve even after a Super Bowl run. This ongoing change is part of what makes the […] The post Colts’ 2026 NFL Mock Draft roundup with pre-draft cycle ending appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Read moreColts’ 2026 NFL Mock Draft roundup with pre-draft cycle ending

Raiders’ 2026 NFL Mock Draft roundup with pre-draft cycle ending

As the pre-draft cycle nears its conclusion, the Las Vegas Raiders are one of the easier teams to predict at the top, while their subsequent picks present a bit more uncertainty. Fernando Mendoza is widely regarded as the locked-in first overall pick, and recent reports have only strengthened that expectation. The more intriguing aspect of […] The post Raiders’ 2026 NFL Mock Draft roundup with pre-draft cycle ending appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Read moreRaiders’ 2026 NFL Mock Draft roundup with pre-draft cycle ending

Panthers’ 2026 NFL Mock Draft roundup with pre-draft cycle ending

Even though the Carolina Panthers were aggressive, they didn’t find everything in free agency. But they have plenty of options as they head into the draft. And here is their 2026 NFL Mock Draft roundup with the pre-draft cycle ending. The Panthers have the No. 19 pick in the first round, a little lower than […] The post Panthers’ 2026 NFL Mock Draft roundup with pre-draft cycle ending appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Read morePanthers’ 2026 NFL Mock Draft roundup with pre-draft cycle ending

Caleb Banks Hit With Blunt Reality Check As Ugly Draft Fate Looms

Caleb Banks just got hit with a dose of pre-draft reality. The Florida defensive tackle watched his draft stock fluctuate following foot injuries that culminated in surgery after the NFL Scouting Combine. Evaluators are pessimistic about his chances of hearing his name called during the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh. Things […]

Read moreCaleb Banks Hit With Blunt Reality Check As Ugly Draft Fate Looms

Texans 2026 NFL Draft guide: Number of picks, biggest needs, draft history, and more

The Houston Texans made their free agency moves, but there’s an important step coming. And the Texans’ 2026 NFL Draft guide is here to get you ready for the upcoming annual seven-round selection meeting. Ahead of this crucial week, let’s look at the Texans’ picks, biggest needs, potential targets, and recent draft history. The draft […] The post Texans 2026 NFL Draft guide: Number of picks, biggest needs, draft history, and more appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Read moreTexans 2026 NFL Draft guide: Number of picks, biggest needs, draft history, and more