NFL Football 3 Days

Last updated: April 24, 2026, 8:30 AM ET

NFL Draft Lead-Up & Prospect Status

As the league braces for the draft, insider chatter intensified, with Matt Miller releasing his final mock predicting all 32 first-round selections, incorporating the latest intelligence from Jeremy Fowler regarding top prospects. Peter Schrager’s projections also feature four major trade scenarios, suggesting significant movement in Round, while a dedicated NFL Nation panel offered team-by-team landing spots for players like potential first-round quarterback Fernando Mendoza. Meanwhile, the immediate future for certain prospects is becoming clearer; Florida defensive tackle Caleb Banks, recovering from offseason foot surgery, is reportedly on schedule for June clearance to resume full football activities, offering a positive outlook for his rookie campaign.

The focus remains heavily weighted on potential top picks, where teams like the Jets, Cardinals, Titans, and Giants are reportedly making final determinations on their top-five selections, while analytical models weigh in on key debates regarding players like Ty Simpson and Jeremiyah Love using proprietary draft predictors. The New York Jets, specifically, face decisions regarding their second first-round pick, with many expecting an offensive selection, potentially at No. 16, after addressing the edge rusher need. Furthermore, the intense pressure surrounding the draft has prompted warnings from former executives about the growing threat of insider betting syndicates attempting to leverage non-public information on draft outcomes.

Team Personnel & Offseason Updates

Several teams received positive physical updates on key offensive players as the offseason program kicks into gear. Los Angeles Rams coach Sean McVay confirmed that wide receiver Puka Nacua, who briefly required rehabilitation earlier in the offseason, will be a “full participant” in team drills and is reportedly looking excellent. In Indianapolis, Colts quarterback Daniel Jones has resumed throwing again after undergoing surgery for a ruptured Achilles tendon sustained just over four months ago, taking significant steps toward a full recovery by dropping back and practicing passes. On the coaching side, former Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin has secured a media role, joining NBC’s "Football Night in America" as a studio analyst on the pregame show, shortly after publicly addressing prior controversies regarding published photographs during his tenure in New England.

In other team news, Saints Offensive Coordinator Doug Nussmeier received special permission from the organization to spend the draft weekend with his son, Garrett, calling it a “once in a lifetime opportunity”, illustrating unique family support within the league structure. Meanwhile, the Raiders are facing a complex draft board with nine remaining selections following their initial pick, necessitating a breakdown of critical positional needs they must address throughout the later rounds. Separately, the Cowboys confirmed they will not enter into long-term contract talks with receiver George Pickens this year, intending instead for him to play the upcoming season under the terms of the franchise tag.

Quarterback Movement & Player Commentary

Quarterback movement and commentary continue to shape narratives around the league’s elite passers. Justin Fields stated that a key motivation for his recent move to the Kansas City Chiefs was the chance to learn directly from Patrick Mahomes, signaling his intent to develop alongside one of the league’s established stars. Meanwhile, the status of pending free agents remains unresolved in Pittsburgh, where the Steelers have indicated to the media that there is currently no internal deadline for Aaron Rodgers to announce whether he intends to return or retire. Off the field, the hype surrounding top prospect Caleb Williams, who took downtime to attend Coachella, shows the Bears QB itching for competitive play following a standout collegiate year.

Elsewhere, a curious cultural moment occurred as Canadian rapper Drake seemingly referenced Caleb Williams during his "Iceman" album rollout, posing in front of ice blocks while wearing a Green Bay Packers team jacket. Player sentiment is also shifting in Cleveland, where running back Shedeur Sanders noted a “new vibe” under new head coach Todd Monken and his staff, suggesting a positive energy infusion for the Browns entering the new season. Finally, Ravens defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike underwent neck surgery last week, though sources indicated that doctors are optimistic he will be able to resume playing this year, providing hope for Baltimore’s defensive line rotation.