NFL Football 24 Hours

Last updated: April 22, 2026, 5:30 PM ET

NFL Draft Eve Jitters & Final Projections

As the league approaches the draft, final mock projections are circulating, with Peter Schrager predicting 32 first-round selections that include four major trades, while Matt Miller's final mock, informed by Jeremy Fowler's intelligence, attempts to map out the entire opening round projecting every pick. Buzz around the top of the board suggests heavy maneuvering, with teams like the Jets, Cardinals, Titans, and Giants signaling intentions for their top-five slots, and speculation mounting on whether the Rams might play the role of a wild card. Meanwhile, NFL executives are voicing concerns regarding a new insider betting risk, fearing it is only a matter of time before someone parlays non-public draft information into illegal wagers.

Positional Needs & Prospect Updates

In team-specific preparations, the New York Jets face a decision on whether their second first-round pick will target an offensive weapon, likely a wide receiver, following any necessary defensive line upgrades on Thursday. The Las Vegas Raiders are assessing their remaining nine picks after making their initial selection, indicating a focus on filling remaining positional voids. On the prospect front, Florida defensive tackle Caleb Banks, viewed as one of the draft’s elite interior linemen, is reportedly expected to receive full clearance for football activities by early June following offseason foot surgery, according to sources confirming his June timeline.

Team Personnel Moves & Veteran Sentiment

Off the field, a unique family arrangement saw Saints Offensive Coordinator Doug Nussmeier receive permission to spend the entire draft evening with his son, Garrett, an opportunity described as "once in a lifetime." In veteran news, Justin Fields stated that a key motivation for joining the Chiefs was the chance to learn directly from Patrick Mahomes, underscoring the value placed on mentorship in Kansas City. Conversely, the Dallas Cowboys confirmed they will not discuss a long-term deal with wide receiver George Pickens, intending for him to play the upcoming season under the franchise tag.

Player Health & Offseason Energy

Several key offensive players are reporting full health heading into the offseason programs. Rams Coach Sean McVay announced that star receiver Puka Nacua, who required some offseason rehabilitation, will be a "full participant" in all team activities, adding that the receiver "looks great." Separately, Shedeur Sanders commented on the positive shift in Cleveland, noting a "new vibe" and "new energy" pervading the Browns facility under first-year coach Todd Monken's staff praising the Monken system. In a lighter piece of league news, rapper Drake seemingly engaged in some playful trolling of presumptive top pick Caleb Williams by posing with ice blocks while wearing Packers apparel during his recent album rollout.

Mock Draft Quarterback Consensus

The consensus on quarterback valuation appears split heading into the first round, as the latest mock drafts gauge which signal-callers might hear their names called early. While some analysts project a scenario where Fernando Mendoza could be the only quarterback selected in the first round based on team reporters' predictions, other mock drafts feature different early QB possibilities, showing the uncertainty surrounding the second tier of passers available in this cycle.