NFL Football 3 Days

Last updated: April 9, 2026, 8:30 AM ET

NFL Draft Buzz & Quarterback Movement

With the 2026 NFL Draft two weeks away, internal team planning remains the dominant narrative, particularly concerning quarterback prospects; Fernando Mendoza has informed the league he does not intend to attend the draft ceremony, a decision that comes as the Las Vegas Raiders hold the No. 1 overall pick and are strongly linked to the passer, pairing him with first-time head coach Klint Kubiak, a situation reminiscent of the team’s 2007 pairing of a new coach with a rookie QB analysts are examining. Meanwhile, quarterback movement continues off the field, with Kirk Cousins stating he will only remain with the Raiders if he is assured he is the best quarterback option on the roster, a clear acknowledgment of the team's impending draft strategy; across the league, analysts are projecting landing spots for nine draftable passers, including trade scenarios, as teams like the Eagles and Jets evaluate their own draft capital and potential QB needs at picks nine and two, respectively detailed projections are emerging.

Scouting reports are circulating regarding the class's most polarizing talents, even as experts offer comparisons to established stars, such as identifying potential NFL matches for prospects like Mendoza and edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr.; this evaluation process is happening concurrently with teams making front-office selections, as evidenced by the Denver Broncos entering the draft without a first-round selection for the third time in five years after the Jaylen Waddle trade, though the team suggests past drafts without a top pick yielded positive returns. Furthermore, draft experts like Mel Kiper Jr. and Matt Miller released hypothetical 10-man rosters featuring 2026 prospects, indicating a deep talent pool at certain positions that could influence trade decisions across the first round rosters were constructed.

Team Roster Updates & Personnel Moves

Several teams finalized significant offseason maneuvers as workouts commenced; the Atlanta Falcons addressed an immediate depth issue after right tackle Kaleb McGary unexpectedly announced his retirement Wednesday, prompting the team to secure veteran addition Taylor to bolster the line. The New York Giants bolstered their interior protection by agreeing to a one-year contract with former Ravens guard Daniel Faalele, though their draft strategy remains complicated by the potential trade of defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence, a move sources suggest the team cannot afford to make this late in the calendar year retaining Lawrence is prioritized. In Houston, the Texans secured their foundational pieces by exercising the 2027 fifth-year options for quarterback C.J. Stroud and All-Pro defensive end Will Anderson Jr., providing long-term stability for their core players options were picked up.

The atmosphere around the Baltimore Ravens appears positive as quarterback and two-time MVP Lamar Jackson reported to offseason workouts showing renewed energy after working with the new coaching staff, while the Atlanta Falcons face legal distractions; edge rusher James Pearce Jr. failed to report to voluntary workouts due to facing three felony charges, according to coach Kevin Stefanski. Elsewhere, tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. signed his franchise tender and reported to the Falcons' program, signaling his commitment to the team despite the ongoing contract situation. Meanwhile, the San Francisco 49ers are actively weighing options for wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, whose future remains uncertain as he has not played a game since October 2024, making a trade or release increasingly likely before the season begins.

Coaching Stability & League Intel

The league leadership continues to adjust heading into the new season; Kansas City Chiefs coach Andy Reid, the NFL's oldest coach, has used the extended offseason period to implement necessary changes, setting the stage for what will be a critical bounceback year after recent struggles. In contrast to the active roster moves, there were personal milestones: Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold recently got married shortly after securing a Super Bowl victory, adding a personal ring to his professional hardware. Off the field, former 49ers and Bears defensive tackle Steve "Mongo" McMichael, who passed away in 2025 following a battle with ALS, was confirmed to have suffered from CTE after his wife donated his brain to research McMichael's passing.

Pre-draft intelligence suggests various teams are solidifying their big board priorities: the Cleveland Browns hold two first-round selections and are reportedly hosting defensive prospect Concepcion for a visit as they finalize their nine total picks for the draft. Peter Schrager's latest mock draft, compiled using information gathered after the league meetings, projects all 32 first-round selections, providing a snapshot of where primary targets might fall Schrager released projections, while analysts also assessed trade offers for every first-round slot, including hypothetical deals involving established stars like Maxx Crosby 32 trades were proposed. In New Orleans, coach Kellen Moore is reportedly embracing the idea of a deep running back room, believing there will be sufficient usage opportunities to effectively share carries between veterans Alvin Kamara and Travis Etienne Jr. Moore favors loaded backfield.

Off-Field Developments & Player Profiles

Beyond immediate team activities, players are engaging in other ventures; former quarterback Colin Kaepernick announced that his memoir, titled "The Perilous Fight," which details the context surrounding his decision to kneel during the anthem, is slated for publication on September 15th. In terms of player development, the mentorship between veteran cornerback A.J. Terrell Jr. and his brother Avieon is highlighted, as Avieon, projected to be a first-round selection, has consistently looked to his older brother for guidance throughout his career leading up to the draft. Finally, fantasy analysts are already sizing up positional strengths, with Mike Clay providing comprehensive breakdowns and rankings for over 60 wide receivers ahead of the 2026 fantasy football season receiver rankings were published.