NFL Football 24 Hours

Last updated: April 22, 2026, 2:30 PM ET

NFL Draft Speculation Heats Up

As the draft approaches, detailed projections dominate league conversations, with insider Peter Schrager predicting four massive trades in Round, including potential movement for top prospects like Jeremiyah Love and Sonny Styles within the top five. Meanwhile, team reporters are finalizing their own mock drafts, though only one quarterback, Fernando Mendoza, is widely projected to go in the first round, leaving questions about the Raiders' strategy for their remaining nine selections following any early moves to fill positional needs. Media attention is also focused on top-five maneuvering, with speculation surrounding the intentions of the Jets, Cardinals, Titans, and Giants, while the Rams are considered a major wild card capable of disrupting established big boards. Beyond the picks, former league executives are warning that the risk of insider information being leveraged for betting purposes is increasing, calling it "only a matter of time" before someone parlays confidential draft knowledge.

Team Personnel & Offseason Updates

In Dallas, executive Stephen Jones confirmed Wednesday that the Cowboys will not engage in long-term contract talks with wide receiver George Pickens, intending instead to keep him on the franchise tag for the current season. Conversely, Los Angeles coach Sean McVay stated that receiver Puka Nacua, who required some offseason rehabilitation, is cleared to be a "full participant" in team activities and "looks great" heading into the spring sessions following his record-setting rookie year. In Cleveland, quarterback Shedeur Sanders indicated a palpable shift in the organization, reporting a "new vibe" and "new energy" under first-year offensive coordinator Todd Monken and his staff since taking over the offense.

Quarterback Movements & Status Checks

The futures of several high-profile quarterbacks remain in flux or under observation as teams prepare for the draft. In Pittsburgh, the Steelers are maintaining patience, with GM Omar Khan and Coach Mike McCarthy indicating they have set no deadline for Aaron Rodgers to announce his decision regarding retirement or return this season as the draft looms. Elsewhere, Justin Fields justified his trade to Kansas City, stating his primary motivation was the opportunity to develop under the tutelage of Patrick Mahomes. On the injury front, Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones has resumed throwing and dropping back, marking a positive step in his recovery from the ruptured Achilles tendon he sustained just over four months ago which required intensive rehabilitation.

League Culture & Celebrity Input

Amid the intense focus on player evaluation, peripheral league activity provided a distraction, as Canadian rapper Drake seemingly taunted presumptive top pick Caleb Williams during the rollout of his new music. Drake was photographed wearing a Green Bay Packers jacket while posing in front of large blocks of ice during the promotional push for his album, dubbed "Iceman" an apparent jab at the USC star.