NFL Football 3 Days

Last updated: April 23, 2026, 2:30 AM ET

NFL Draft Projections & Insider Buzz

As the draft approaches, speculation around top prospects intensified, with analysts releasing final mock drafts reflecting last-minute intelligence. Peter Schrager's projections featured four major trades shaking up Round, while Matt Miller's final mock, incorporating intel from Jeremy Fowler, laid out all 32 predicted first-round selections. Analytics models are also weighing in, as the Draft Day Predictor settled debates concerning players like Ty Simpson and Jeremiyah Love, whose potential landing spots remain fluid; reports also suggest Love could be drafted surprisingly early. Meanwhile, the Seahawks signaled their keenness to trade down, even exploring deals within their own division, seeking to accumulate more assets before making their initial selection on Thursday.

The focus on certain positional battles remains sharp, particularly at quarterback, where the unprecedented rise of Fernando Mendoza suggests he could be the sole QB taken in the first round according to some team reporters making their predictions. For teams picking near the top, like the Jets who hold Pick 16, the consensus leans toward an offensive selection if they remain put, likely targeting a wide receiver after addressing their edge rusher needs earlier. On the defensive front, there is positive medical news for Florida tackle Caleb Banks, as sources indicate Banks is targeting a June clearance to resume full football activities following offseason foot surgery, meaning he should be ready well before training camp begins.

Team Personnel Moves & Player Updates

Several established players are dealing with contract situations or medical recoveries as the offseason program ramps up. The 49ers officially settled their contract drama with Trent Williams, agreeing to a significant two-year, $50 million extension that solidifies their offensive line. Conversely, the Cowboys confirmed they will not discuss long-term deals with George Pickens, intending for the receiver to play out the upcoming season under the franchise tag. In injury recovery news, Colts quarterback Daniel Jones has resumed throwing just over four months after rupturing his Achilles tendon, though fellow Colt Alec Pierce will miss offseason workouts while recovering from his own ankle surgery.

In Los Angeles, Rams coach Sean McVay stated that star wide receiver Puka Nacua will be a "full participant" in the offseason program, noting that Nacua looks great following his rehab stint, similar positive news for San Francisco's Fred Warner, who is reporting "no restrictions" after his season-ending ankle injury last fall as the team begins workouts. On the coaching front, former Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin is officially joining the media, taking a studio analyst role with NBC for "Football Night in America," while his predecessor in Pittsburgh, Mike Vrabel, addressed recent public scrutiny, stating he had "difficult talks" regarding published photos and promising the best version of himself.

Quarterback & Veteran Status

Quarterback movement and decisions continue to dominate veteran headlines heading into the draft. Justin Fields explained his decision to join the Chiefs, stating his primary motivation was the chance to learn directly from Patrick Mahomes, while in Minnesota, Justin Jefferson expressed excitement about the acquisition of Kyler Murray, being blunt about J.J. McCarthy's immediate prospects in the Vikings' new quarterback room following the trade activity. Meanwhile, free agent signal-caller Jimmy Garoppolo is reportedly seriously considering retirement, according to league sources.

Off the field, the atmosphere around some teams appears to be shifting; Shedeur Sanders praised the new vibe and energy under Browns coach Todd Monken, suggesting a fresh start in Cleveland. In a peculiar bit of cross-sport promotion, rapper Drake seemingly trolled Caleb Williams during his "Iceman" album release by posing in Packers gear near blocks of ice, a nod to the presumptive No. 1 pick. Furthermore, Saints Offensive Coordinator Doug Nussmeier was granted permission by the team to spend draft night with his son, Garrett, calling it a "once in a lifetime opportunity" for the family.

Financial & League Integrity

Financial restructuring continues across the league, highlighted by the Cowboys making Brandon Aubrey the NFL's highest-paid kicker after reaching an agreement on Monday. This massive deal for a specialist comes as the league grapples with broader integrity concerns regarding insider information; former executives are warning that it is only a matter of time before someone successfully parlays confidential draft information into illegal betting activity. As teams finalize their draft boards, the Raiders are left assessing their remaining nine picks after their first selection, while the league also awaits word from Aaron Rodgers, as the Steelers have set no firm deadline for the quarterback to announce his return or retirement plans. Defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike of the Ravens underwent successful neck surgery last week, with doctors expressing optimism that he will be able to resume playing later this season.