NFL Football 3 Days

Last updated: April 8, 2026, 2:30 AM ET

Pre-Draft Maneuvering & Player Status Updates

As the NFL Draft approaches, teams are solidifying final plans while some high-profile players make moves regarding their contract status. Defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II formally requested a trade after seven years with the Giants, though sources indicate honoring that request remains unlikely given the current calendar stage, suggesting the team is resistant to trading him. Meanwhile, wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk's tenure with the 49ers appears strained, as he has not played since October 20, 2024, leading to speculation about whether the team will opt to trade or release the pass-catcher. In less contentious news, tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. signed his franchise tender and immediately reported to the Falcons' offseason workouts, signaling commitment despite the tag designation. Furthermore, quarterback prospect Fernando Mendoza has informed the league he does not intend to be present for the draft proceedings in person, a detail emerging as experts offer comparisons for top prospects like Mendoza.

Draft Intel & Prospect Profiling

League buzz is intensifying as analysts issue final evaluations ahead of Round 1 projections. Peter Schrager released a new mock draft detailing all 32 projected first-round selections based on intelligence gathered from the recent league meetings, providing a current snapshot of potential draft order. Beyond mock drafts, advanced metrics are being applied to the incoming talent pool; the SackSEER model projects future sack totals for the top edge rushers available in the 2026 class, offering a five-season outlook on production. On the offensive side, analysts are already profiling receivers for the next fantasy season, with Mike Clay offering detailed breakdowns for over 60 players. The draft class also features compelling storylines, such as cornerback Avieon Terrell, who is set to join the pros as a likely first-rounder, following the path and mentorship of his older brother, A.J. Terrell Jr..

Team Building Philosophies & Off-Field Developments

Coaching staffs are establishing early roster construction goals for the coming year. New Saints coach Kellen Moore expressed enthusiasm for cultivating a "loaded" running back room, believing there will be sufficient usage opportunities to accommodate both Alvin Kamara and Travis Etienne Jr. sharing the load. On the historical front, the football community received somber news regarding a Hall of Famer's post-mortem diagnosis; the brain of late Bears defensive tackle Steve "Mongo" McMichael, who passed away in 2025 at age 67 after battling ALS, was donated for research by his wife, Misty. In other league-adjacent news, former quarterback Colin Kaepernick announced his upcoming memoir, titled "The Perilous Fight," slated for a September 15 release, which he stated will provide comprehensive context regarding the events that led to his famous protest action. Separately, Dallas is reportedly hosting a visit with Texas A&M running back E.J. Smith, son of Cowboys legend Emmitt Smith, while also monitoring quarterback competition and Donovan Ezeiruaku's recovery progress.

Trade Market Simulations

To gauge the potential volatility of the first round, various scenarios involving significant player movement are being simulated across the league. One exercise involved proposing 32 distinct trades to shake up Round 1 entirely, including hypothetical deals centered around high-value assets like quarterback J.J. McCarthy and star defensive end Maxx Crosby. These simulations test team valuations and willingness to move draft capital for established talent or move down the board to acquire multiple picks.