NFL Football 3 Days

Last updated: April 24, 2026, 5:30 AM ET

NFL Draft Final Preparations & Prospect Updates

As the league approaches the draft, insider chatter surrounding the top picks has intensified, with Peter Schrager projecting four major trades that could dramatically reshape the first round, including potential moves involving the top five selections where prospects like Jeremiyah Love and Sonny Styles are rumored to land early. Matt Miller released his final mock, incorporating intelligence from Jeremy Fowler, while a separate NFL Nation effort saw team reporters predicting landing spots, raising questions over whether Fernando Mendoza remains the consensus first-round quarterback. Meanwhile, on the injury front, Florida defensive tackle Caleb Banks, viewed as a top-tier prospect, is expected to receive full medical clearance for football activities by early June following offseason foot surgery, according to sources.

Team Strategy & Roster Management

The New York Jets are heavily signaling an offensive selection with the 16th overall pick, focusing attention on a wide receiver should they stay put, following their earlier moves to address the edge rusher position. Jets GM Darren Mougey attempted to quell speculation regarding a nixed predraft visit with defensive end David Bailey, cautioning against over-interpreting the cancellation. Across the league, the Dallas Cowboys confirmed they will not engage in long-term contract talks with George Pickens before the season, intending instead to utilize the franchise tag this year. Further east, the Saints organization provided Offensive Coordinator Doug Nussmeier permission to spend draft night with his son, Garrett, calling it a "once in a lifetime opportunity".

Quarterback & Veteran Movement

Justin Fields revealed his desire to join the Kansas City Chiefs specifically to gain mentorship under Patrick Mahomes, explaining his preference for that destination. In injury recovery news, Colts quarterback Daniel Jones has already resumed dropping back and throwing after suffering a ruptured Achilles tendon just over four months ago, marking a positive step in his rehabilitation. The Pittsburgh Steelers are adopting a patient approach with Aaron Rodgers, indicating no immediate deadline for the veteran quarterback to announce whether he will return to play or choose retirement this year.

Coaching Transitions & Media Moves

Former Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin is securing a new role in media, joining NBC’s "Football Night in America" as a studio analyst, sources confirmed. Separately, former Titans coach Mike Vrabel addressed recent off-field scrutiny, stating that Patriots fans will receive "the best version of me " following the circulation of photographs that emerged last week. On the player side, running back Kareem Sanders praised the "new vibe" and elevated energy surrounding the Cleveland Browns under first-year offensive coordinator Todd Monken and his staff.

Offseason Status & League Intrigue

Rams star wide receiver Puka Nacua is cleared to be a "full participant" in the team's offseason programming after spending time in rehab, as Coach Sean McVay stated the receiver "looks great". In a lighter league moment, rapper Drake appeared to playfully taunt presumptive No. 1 pick Caleb Williams during his "Iceman" album rollout by posing in Packers gear near blocks of ice. While the focus remains on the immediate draft, analytics models are already dissecting the potential value of the 2026 class, identifying a specific, yet unnamed, prospect labeled as the "brightest diamond in the rough". Furthermore, analytics tools are settling current debates, suggesting how specific teams should deploy their first-round capital to maximize returns on prospects like Ty Simpson and Jeremiyah Love.

Post-Draft Contingencies & Risk Assessment

Even with the draft looming, the Las Vegas Raiders face significant roster holes, requiring a breakdown of how they might utilize their remaining nine picks after their initial selection. Concerns are also surfacing regarding the integrity of the draft process itself, as former NFL executives suggest it is inevitable that someone will attempt to profit by using inside information to place parlays related to draft outcomes. Meanwhile, Ravens defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike underwent neck surgery last week; however, sources indicate doctors are optimistic he will be able to resume playing later this season.