Category: Sports Fox

For a prospect like Ty Simpson, the NFL Combine was one of the busiest weeks of his life. It is, after all, the world’s most intense job fair, where NFL teams line up prospects to take MRIs and X-rays — of everything — before grilling them with questions about the good, bad and most scrutinized plays from their college careers. But at its core, the combine is a football convention, and that seemed to suit Simpson. One day at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, he walked from a podium, where he had addressed a gaggle of 20-something reporters, to a one-on-one interview with a national outlet. In between those two obligations, multiple reporters tried to get their own one-on-one, if only for a question or two. Because if you’re a quarterback who might land in Round 1 of the NFL Draft, everyone wants a moment of your time. I asked: What’s your favorite throw of your career? “It would have been to win the Iron Bowl,” Simpson told me. “So the play call was, ‘Three echo right limbo rocker stick return X-step.’ They played drop-eight [coverage]. I hit Zay [Isaiah Horton] on the cross down the middle, because he split them against man. It was cool because, one, it was against Auburn in the Iron Bowl — something that was very cool, and something that I dreamed about. And then two, it was to send us to the SEC Championship.” Tell me you’re a coach’s son without telling me you’re a coach’s son. Jason Simpson, Ty’s father, is the head coach at the University of Tennessee at Martin and has been since 2006. That’s why football jargon might be the language that’s most comfortable for the former Alabama QB. It’s right there alongside English as Ty’s first language. Despite Simpson’s lineage, there are a lot of reasons for NFL teams not to select him in the first round of the 2026 draft. He’s 6-foot-1 and 210 pounds, which is on the smaller side for a QB, especially one who last season fractured a rib and also dealt with a severe case of gastritis, a bulging disc in his back and elbow bursitis. And that was his only full season as a starter during his four years at Alabama. Fifteen starts is too few to get a real sense of who he can be in the pros. And though he had a deeply impressive eight-game run in the heart of his season, he posted a 57% completion rate over his final four games — against Auburn, Georgia, Oklahoma and Indiana. Any team that drafts Simpson is likely thinking he could be their starter in 2027 — not 2026. Any team that drafts Simpson is likely thinking he’s an excellent developmental prospect, in part because of his acumen for the game — driven by the fact that he grew up a coach’s son. As Simpson’s draft-day projection has become a lightning rod of discussion, he and his family maintain a steady confidence in what’s to come. Ty had more college eligibility and could have made millions in the transfer portal. But Jason told me that, even before the draft process began to unfold, he had “multiple conversations” with Ty about life after college. “I joked with Ty: ‘You’ve already graduated. You’ve got your master’s [degree], so at some point, you got to go to work and get a job. And if it looks like you got a chance to go in the first round, maybe this is something that you do. You come out,'” Jason told me. Simpson declared for the draft in January. He will be in Pittsburgh on April 23. But even now, no one seems to agree where he’ll land. No one except maybe Simpson himself. Appearing on “Jon Gruden’s QB Class,” Simpson was asked who the Raiders should take at No. 1 overall, Fernando Mendoza or him. Simpson replied: “You know the answer.” *** Always, there was what the Simpson family called a “greaseboard” attached to the refrigerator. Until there wasn’t. Anytime Ty and Jason were in the kitchen, that whiteboard didn’t stay attached to the refrigerator for long. They plucked it from its place, and one of them would begin to draw up plays. Dad tested son. Then son tested dad. “He would challenge me to draw formations, and then I’d ask him questions of, ‘Draw up a 4-2 defense. Draw up a 4-3 defense. Draw up a quarters coverage,’” Jason told me. “And he would draw them up when he was a little kid, and so that’s just how he’s been wired as a person.” Jason told me he didn’t plan for his sons Ty or Graham, a highly-ranked 2028 recruit, to become quarterbacks. It just happened. And maybe that’s so. But there’s no doubt that Jason had something to do with Ty’s acumen for the game. In fact, Ty’s high school coach, Jarod Neal, played QB for Jason at UT Martin. Because of that cycle of coaching, Simpson’s high school ran the same system and used the same verbiage as Jason’s program at UT Martin. As a result, the father-son chalk-talk conversations were seamless. All the way up until Alabama. That’s when the continuity broke. That’s when Simpson had to become his own man. “My dad wasn’t in the building. My dad wasn’t there,” Simpson said at the combine podium in March. “I talked to him and asked him for guidance, and he gave me his two cents, but it was all on me. So everything that I had dealt with in my career, it was all based off what I did, and based off how I reacted, and that’s life in general.” As a recruit, Simpson had been thrilled at the idea of playing for Nick Saban, who landed the QB despite offers from in-state Tennessee and Clemson, among others. Any time Saban called, Ty would drop what he was doing and give the legendary Bama coach his full attention and professionalism. They were a natural match for each other, Ty’s mother, Julie Simpson, told me. Which was why it must have been hard for Simpson to say goodbye to Saban, who retired from coaching after the 2023 season. Former Washington coach Kalen DeBoer took over. Simpson stayed. And in his fourth college season (after three different offensive coordinators and three different QB coaches), Simpson finally got his opportunity to play. “It’s easy to root for him,” DeBoer told me. “First of all, just with how he stayed the course here, and competed, but waited for his time, and kept improving during the first three years he was here. And so he’s easy to root for in that way.” It was in his season as a starter that DeBoer learned what Simpson was made of. “There’s understanding of the situation, and Ty’s a coach’s kid and has been around a lot of football, and so I think he can process that,” DeBoer told me. “There’s got to be a lot of belief and confidence, and there’s experiences that he’s either seen or went through himself, that probably allow him to be able to just focus on the moment and not let it be too big.” Like against Auburn — for Simpson’s favorite throw. Or against Oklahoma — for DeBoer’s favorite throw by Simpson. There was a go-ahead, 30-yard touchdown pass to receiver Lotzeir Brooks at the beginning of the second half. Simpson hit Brooks on the shoulder in a spot where the defender fell over backward trying (and failing) to make a play. Alabama would go on to upset Oklahoma. Or Simpson’s entire game against Georgia back in September. “It’s been great to see that growth, but not surprising,” said Nick Sheridan, former Alabama co-offensive coordinator and current Michigan State OC. “As a coach, you see this fairly regularly. You see an 18-year-old kid turn into a 22-year-old man, and what that looks like, and certainly the growth that occurred for him at Alabama, a lot of people deserve a lot of credit for that — certainly nobody more than Ty.” It’s easy to forget that Simpson’s first start was a disappointment. In the 2025 season opener, he went 23-of-43 (53.5%) for 254 yards and two touchdowns in a 31-17 loss to unranked Florida State. It caught the Alabama world off guard. Frankly, it didn’t make any sense — not even in hindsight. And it led to a tremendous amount of criticism at the outset of Simpson’s season. Following that loss, he started exceeding expectations — and people kept moving the goal posts. But when Simpson and the Crimson Tide upset Georgia (then No. 5 in the country) in Week 4, it was hard to deny that he had arrived. “He’s going to get the criticism that he gets just because of the position. And so then you think, well, he’s going to redeem himself,” Julie told me. “Waiting on him to come out of the locker room after the Georgia game, and him coming out and just looking at me with that grin. It was like, ‘There! Now I showed them what I can do.’ That’s probably my favorite memory [of his college career].” Jason couldn’t be there for that game. (He missed most of his son’s games, because both their teams play on Saturday.) But there was a tent on the UT Martin field that had a TV, which showed the Georgia-Alabama game. And though Jason was calling offensive plays for his team, he did what he could to keep an eye on the Bama score. “Kinda distracting, right?” Jason said, with a chuckle. But on Oct. 18, Jason didn’t have to worry about that distraction. UT Martin had a 1:30 p.m. ET kickoff against Gardner-Webb in North Carolina. And Alabama hosted Tennessee at 6:30 p.m. CT. It was feasible that Jason could complete his game — and make it to Bryant-Denny Stadium in time for kickoff. UT Martin throttled Gardner-Webb 37-7. And by 5:37 p.m. CT, he was on the field in Tuscaloosa. “He and I embraced before the game. For me to win, professionally, my game, but get to go be a dad and watch him, that was a really cool day,” Jason told me. “That was a good day for the Simpson family.” There’s a real significance to that win that goes beyond the family moment. You have to go way back — so far that Jason didn’t even make the connection at the time. Ty was almost 3 years old when Jason took the job at UT Martin. And so that meant that all of Simpson’s childhood memories came from his time around that football team. “Ty grew up in Hardy Graham Stadium. He grew up in that locker room, and he went to every one of the UT Martin games,” Jason said. “He didn’t know there was a difference between FCS and FBS, right? UT Martin was his Alabama.” But UT Martin was not Alabama. Simpson learned that the hard way. “We played UT Knoxville [University of Tennessee] and, actually, [Ty] got to meet Peyton Manning before the game,” Jason told me. “He was just a little kid. I think they beat us pretty good. I think that was the first time he realized, ‘Oh, their players are a little bigger and stronger and faster than ours.’” There’s still a photo in the Simpson household of Ty crying after that game. “I think that’s when he started realizing, ‘Oh, that’s why their stadiums are bigger than ours,’” Jason said. If only Jason could’ve told Ty he’d be playing in one of those stadiums one day, where he’d get revenge against UT. If only he could tell him that he’s likely to be playing in even bigger stadiums in the NFL. Then again, knowing how much Ty loves his dad and his dad’s team, maybe it wouldn’t have made it any better. That love for the game is one of the many qualities that is sure to help him in the NFL. [2026 NFL Draft Confidential: Unfiltered Scouting Takes On Top 5 QBs] Simpson will attend Day 1 of the draft, and the family remains confident he’ll land in the top 32 picks. “We feel pretty good about the situation that he’s in right now with the teams that we’re having conversations with, and so I’m excited for him,” Jason told me. An NFL team is going to pick him to become its franchise quarterback — down the line, probably keeping him off the field at the start of his pro career. And given that he stuck it out at Alabama and developed patiently behind Bryce Young and Jalen Milroe, there’s no question, at least with the people who know him best, that Simpson can replicate his rise at Alabama. “I think you have to observe guys ahead of you that do it at a high level and then make it your own,” Sheridan told me. “And I think that’s what he’s done [with the Crimson Tide], and I know he’ll continue to do that, because he’s got a love for football. He wants to be as good as he possibly can be. And so he loves to play.” And Simpson proved in 2025 that when the time comes for him to play, he can and will put it all together.​Latest Sports News from FOX Sports

Matt Crocker is leaving his position as U.S. Soccer’s sporting director with immediate effect to take a similar role with Saudi Arabia, multiple sources told me on Monday. Assistant sporting director Oguchi Onyewu, head of women’s development Tracey Kevins and Dan Helfrich, the organization’s COO, will assume Crocker’s duties in the lead-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico this summer. Crocker arrived from then-English Premier League club Southampton in 2023. He successfully recruited U.S. women’s national team coach Emma Hayes and men’s coach Mauricio Pochettino during his almost three years as the U.S. Soccer Federation’s chief on-field executive. Hayes promptly led the women’s team to its fifth gold medal at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. Crocker also landed Pochettino, considered one of the top managers in the global game following stints at Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain, in September 2024. The U.S. men kick off their World Cup campaign on June 12 against Paraguay in Los Angeles. “I anticipate zero impact on World Cup preparation as a result of Matt’s decision,” Helfrich said Monday in an exclusive interview. “Mauricio and his staff have full control of the preparations for this summer’s tournament, and we have full confidence in them. This transition in no way impacts those plans, which have been long-established.” Helfrich added that U.S. Soccer has already embarked on “a thoughtful and comprehensive search for a successor” for Crocker. “I anticipate we will look both domestically and globally in that process,” he said. Former USA defender Onyewu, who represented the Stars and Stripes at the 2006 and 2010 World Cups, was a candidate for the job that ultimately went to Crocker three years ago. In April 2023, Crocker was hired after Earnie Stewart, a three-time World Cup participant and National Soccer Hall of Fame inductee, left to take over Dutch club PSV Eindhoven. Crocker, a native of Cardiff, Wales, then hit the ground running. The U.S. men’s squad was without a coach at the time, with World Cup 2022 boss Gregg Berhalter in limbo following a soap opera-worthy drama involving the parents of young attacker Gio Reyna. Crocker eventually rehired Berhalter but fired him a year later, in July 2024, days after the Americans became the first Copa América host nation not to survive the first round. Crocker landed Hayes the previous autumn, following the U.S. women’s premature exit from the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. She put the Americans back at the top of the women’s game almost immediately, securing a victory over Brazil in the Olympic final in Paris in just her 10th match at the USWNT’s helm. Crocker’s experience leading U.S. Soccer in the years before the 2026 World Cup no doubt made him attractive to suitors across planet fútbol. The deep-pocketed Saudis will host the men’s tournament for the first time in 2034. Crocker, whose résumé also includes a stint as head of development for England’s Football Association, was heavily involved in the planning and design of the new Arthur M. Blank U.S. Soccer National Training Center near Atlanta. The sparkling $228 million facility opens next month and will be the home base for the U.S. men prior to their final two World Cup tuneups, against Senegal on May 31 and four-time champion Germany on June 6. Moroccan Nasser Larguet, who has served as Saudi Arabia’s technical director since 2002, is expected to leave his position this month, per multiple reports. “If you’re going to compete at the highest levels in the sporting world, you expect that team members will have other opportunities,” said Helfrich. “Soccer in our country and the federation overall are in a better place than several years ago when Matt joined, and we’re grateful to him for those contributions.” World Cup Tiers: Stacking All 48 Teams, From First-Timers to Favorites Several different scenarios would see the USA and Saudi Arabia meet at this summer’s World Cup. If Pochettino’s team tops Group D and then advances to the round of 16, the Saudis could be its opponent in Seattle on July 6. If both finish second in their respective groups and win knockout games in the new round of 32, they’d play each other on July 7 in Atlanta. If they both advance as third-place finishers in group play and then win their first elimination match, the countries will clash on July 4 in Philadelphia. And if both win their groups, they’d be on a collision course for the July 10 quarterfinal in Los Angeles. In theory, the 16th-ranked U.S. and No. 61 Saudi Arabia could also face off in the semis or in the July 19 final in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Green Falcons have reached the knockout rounds just once in six previous World Cup trips, when the United States last hosted the event in 1994. 2026 FIFA World Cup: How To Watch The World Cup will run from June 11–July 19, 2026. Spread across three countries, the tournament will culminate with the final on July 19 at New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. All 104 tournament matches will air live across FOX (70) and FS1 (34) with every match streaming live and on-demand within both the FOX One and the FOX Sports apps. A record 40 matches, more than one-third of the tournament, will air in prime time across FOX (21) and FS1 (19).​Latest Sports News from FOX Sports

There is always a place in the NFL for a high-motor pass rusher with cat-like quickness and an exceptional closing burst. Given the importance of disrupting the quarterback’s rhythm and timing in a passing league, it is easy to understand why teams are buzzing about Texas Tech’s David Bailey as the premier edge rusher in the 2026 draft class. The 6-foot-4, 251-pound Bailey terrorized opponents in the Big 12, displaying a freakish array of pass-rush maneuvers that showcased his ability to “bend and burst” around the corner. Additionally, his ability to elude and evade blockers with various “dip-and-rip” maneuvers and spin moves kept opponents guessing about how to neutralize the sack machine on the edge. The All-American finished the 2025 season with 14.5 sacks, 19.5 tackles for loss and 52 total tackles for the Red Raiders, all career bests. Bailey recorded at least a share of a sack in 11 of the team’s 14 games. Plus, he amassed 8.5 tackles for loss and five sacks in the five games the Red Raiders played against teams that finished the season ranked in the AP Top 25. In his lone season at Texas Tech, Bailey notched 81 total pressures, nearly eclipsing his production as a three-year player at Stanford (91 total pressures, 14.5 sacks, 22.5 tackles for loss). While his significant increase in production with the Red Raiders will prompt scouts to dig deeper into his development at Stanford, Bailey’s consistent dominance will pique the interest of coaches and scouts looking for a disruptive defender. Bailey has surged into top-five consideration and there are rumors that the New York Jets are interested in him at No. 2 overall. Given the buzz surrounding Bailey’s rapid rise up the charts, it is the perfect time to break down his game. The Upside Flat out, Bailey scares offensive coordinators and quarterbacks. He can win with power (bull rush) or pizzazz (dip-and-rip move, spin move, speed rush) to track down the QB from the front or backside. As a spectacular athlete with an elite combination of speed, explosiveness and agility, Bailey terrorized Big 12 opponents off the edges. He displays exceptional balance and body control, turning the corner like a Formula 1 race car, hugging the curve. With few offensive linemen possessing the kick-step quickness to match his first step or the agility and anchor to snuff out his power moves, Bailey flashes “take over the game” potential off the edges. In addition, he shows a keen sense of timing and sequencing as the designated playmaker on stunts. Bailey’s athleticism enables him to shoot through cracks and creases to wreak havoc in the backfield. Whether he records tackles for losses, sacks or forced fumbles, his splash-play potential will impact how NFL opponents prepare to face him and his supporting cast. The Downside Despite Bailey’s success as a destructive force at Texas Tech, the pass-rushing specialist is more one-dimensional than most top-five edge prospects. He operates extensively in “hunt” mode, with his sack obsession and freakish athletic traits producing splash plays at key moments. However, his aggressive, speed rush-centric approach will enable top offensive tackles to sit heavy on his “blow by” move while also anticipating any counter-tactics Bailey uses. Although his nonstop motor and relentlessness led to some pressure and sacks late in the down, Bailey is unable to disrupt the flow and rhythm of the passing game when his speed rush is neutralized. As a run defender, his limitations show up when he is unable to run around or through blockers on the way to the ball. He struggles to disengage from blockers when he is locked up at the line. In addition, Bailey’s size and lack of length make it easier for opponents to attack him at the line and move him off his designed maneuvers. With some opponents opting to take him into the phone booth, Bailey must develop better disengagement techniques to avoid being viewed as the weak link of the run defense. The Verdict Coaches and scouts looking for a designated pass rusher will acknowledge Bailey’s potential as a disruptive player. Although his unorthodox game is built on a simple three-item menu featuring the speed, dip-and-rip and spin moves, Bailey is nearly unstoppable when he correctly times the snap and races around the corner to harass the quarterback. As a speed-rushing demon with explosive quickness and exceptional body control, he reminds me of three-time Pro Bowler Brian Burns, who has amassed 71.0 sacks over seven seasons, including 16.5 in 2025 for the New York Giants. While Bailey must refine his game to make his simplistic approach consistently successful against elite offensive tackles, he possesses the tools to develop into an annual double-digit sack artist in a system that accentuates his playmaking potential.​Latest Sports News from FOX Sports

There will be 32 players selected in the opening round of the 2026 NFL Draft, of course, but frankly, only a fraction of those truly deserve a first-round grade. While it is true that every year has several prospects selected in the first round that aren’t universally graded as top-round talents, the Class of 2026 is especially thin at the top. I stamped only 12 prospects this year with first-round grades and of those, only the first three are what I would call “blue-chip” talents who would warrant top-10 consideration in every NFL Draft. That said, while this class may lack headliners, smart teams will find starters along the line of scrimmage and in the secondary well into Day 3. As such, we’ve ranked the top 150 prospects available. Jump to: 100 | 50 | 25 150. Dalton Johnson, S, ArizonaProjection: Round 5The smallest (but cleanest tackler) of three draftable Arizona defensive backs this year, Johnson is being slept on by far too many in the draft community. 149. Anez Cooper, OG, MiamiProjection: Round 5A four-year starter and three-time All-ACC selection, the prototypically-built Cooper has the frame and game of a future NFL starter. 148. Max Llewellyn, Edge, IowaProjection: Round 5A better football player than athlete who wins with instincts, physicality and technique, don’t be surprised when Llewellyn outplays his draft slot. 147. Keyshaun Elliott, LB, Arizona StateProjection: Round 5A New Mexico State transfer who exploded for a career-high 14 tackles for loss and seven sacks in 2025, Elliott is a 6-foot-2, 231-pound pile-driving run-stuffer. 146. Cade Klubnik, QB, ClemsonProjection: Round 5A victim of his own previous success (and all the expectations that come with it), Klubnik is a fantastic athlete for the quarterback position with enough arm talent to develop — especially for a team deploying the classic West Coast Offense. 145. Bryce Boettcher, LB, Oregon Projection: Round 5A Gold-Glove center fielder for Oregon (drafted by the Houston Astros) as well as its star middle linebacker, Boettcher’s offers an underrated combination of agility, instincts and physicality. 144. Devin Moore, CB, FloridaProjection: Round 5Injuries kept Moore out of the starting lineup for much of his four seasons at Florida, but teams love to gamble on traits in the later rounds and the 6-foot-3, 198-pound Moore certainly offers those. 143. Jeremiah Wright, OG, AuburnProjection: Round 5A former DT who started all 24 games the past two seasons at guard for Auburn, Wright remains a work in progress. But the 6-foot-5, 331-pounder (with 33 1/8-inch arms) has the mass and power to project as a future starter in a gap scheme. 142. Justin Joly, TE, North Carolina StateProjection: Round 5In a draft class full of twitchy tight ends, Joly quietly ranked behind only Oregon’s first-round cinch, Kenyon Sadiq, in touchdown receptions this season (seven), showing the maneuverability and improved hands to project as a Joker/H-back in the NFL. 141. Will Lee III, CB, Texas A&MProjection: Round 5With just four combined interceptions over three seasons of action, Lee lacks the ball-skills teams prefer, but he offers plenty of everything else, including a prototypical blend of size and explosiveness. 140. Trey Moore, Edge, TexasProjection: Round 5The polar opposite of the aforementioned Lee, Moore enters the NFL with better production (50 tackles for loss and 30.5 sacks over his career) than traits. 139. Ja’Kobi Lane, WR, USCProjection: Round 5Not (yet?) the sum of his parts, Lane offers an exciting blend of size and speed, projecting best as a vertical threat and red zone target. 138. Billy Schrauth, OG, Notre DameProjection: Round 5A team captain with the broad frame, physicality and technique needed to “surprise” in the NFL, Schrauth would rank higher if he hadn’t missed multiple games to injury each of the past two seasons. 137. Jeff Caldwell, WR, CincinnatiProjection: Round 5Perhaps this year’s biggest Combine winner, the 6-foot-5, 216-pound Caldwell posted eye-popping numbers in the 40-yard dash (4.31), vertical jump (42″) and broad jump (11’2″) that virtually scream upside. 136. Domani Jackson, CB, Alabama Projection: Round 5A former 5-star recruit who began his college career at USC and started 39 games over the past three seasons with the Trojans and Crimson Tide, Jackson looks the part of an NFL starter. But thus far, he’s proven to be faster than quick or physical. 135. Markel Bell, OT, MiamiProjection: Round 4-5At 6-foot-9, 346 pounds, with the longest arms (36 3/8″) of this draft class, Bell will have OL coaches throughout the league pounding the table for him on Day 3. 134. Demond Claiborne, RB, Wake ForestProjection: Round 4-5One of few speed backs of this class, Claiborne is a proven playmaker with a nose for the end zone, scoring 30 times (26 as a rusher, two as a receiver and two as a kick returner) over four years at Wake Forest. 133. Kaleb Elarms-Orr, LB, TCUProjection: Round 4-5Among the twitchiest athletes in a class loaded with explosive linebackers, Elarms-Orr stood out at both Cal and TCU — and may only need a bit of refining to surprise as an NFL starter. 132. Elijah Sarratt, WR, IndianaProjection: Round 4-5A classic possession receiver with good size, body control and sticky hands, Sarratt may lack upside, but few pass-catchers in this class offer as high of a floor. 131. Jakobe Thomas, S, MiamiProjection: Round 4-5Overshadowed by all the talent at Miami this year, Thomas quietly finished second in the ACC with five interceptions, showing the aggression and closing speed to project as a future NFL starter and special teams ace. 130. Darrell Jackson Jr., DT, Florida StateProjection: Round 4-5Among the most imposing players in this draft, the 6-foot-6, 315-pound Jackson offers intriguing potential as a two-gapper, using his girth and especially long arms (34 3/4″) to stack and shed would-be blockers at the point of attack. 129. Adam Randall, RB, ClemsonProjection: Round 4-5The 6-foot-3, 232-pounder spent his first three years at Clemson as a receiver, but flourished in 2025 at tailback, showing impressive vision and toughness between the tackles, as well as power and surprising slipperiness to create yards after contact. 128. Jalen Farmer, OG, KentuckyProjection: Round 4-5Guards don’t typically come with highlight reels, but Farmer is an exception — he just needs to play with greater awareness (and lighter feet) in pass protection to emerge as an NFL starter. 127. Jake Slaughter, C, FloridaProjection: Round 4A center-only prospect due to his relatively narrow shoulders and wide hips, Slaughter won’t be a fit for everyone. But his naturally low center of gravity, quality technique and proven effectiveness against quality competition suggest he’ll outperform his draft selection. 126. Chandler Rivers, CB, Duke Projection: Round 4He’s a four-year standout at cornerback who lacks ideal size but possesses the instincts and quickness to handle slot duties. 125. Travis Burke, OT, MemphisProjection: Round 4Football is a big man’s game, and they simply don’t come much bigger than the 6-foot-9, 325-pound Burke, who uses his girth, long arms (34 inches) and leg drive to maul opponents. 124. Gracen Halton, DT, OklahomaProjection: Round 4Halton may never be a full-time starter, but I like his fit as a quick-twitch interior disruptor in an NFL rotation. 123. Caden Curry, Edge, Ohio StateProjection: Round 4One of this year’s real breakout stars, Curry added spice to the Buckeyes’ pass rush in 2025. He jumped from 2.5 sacks as a junior to 11 as a senior, but he’s more strong than sudden and might have benefited from his supporting cast. 122. Eli Raridon, TE. Notre DameProjection: Round 4Similar in some ways to Georgia’s Oscar Delp, Raridon lacks eye-popping stats. But he offers an exciting blend of size and athleticism and comes from a program well known for developing NFL talent at tight end. 121. Drew Allar, QB, Penn StateProjection: Round 4A classic dropback passer with an ideal frame and arm, Allar offers the basic building blocks worthy of developing. 120. Michael Trigg, TE, Baylor Projection: Round 4A loose and fluid athlete with long arms, Trigg boasts intoxicating upside, but he’s sushi-raw as a route-runner and blocker with a lot of concentration drops on tape. 119. Brenen Thompson, WR. Mississippi StateProjection: Round 4Scouts already knew Thompson would be among the fastest players in this draft — seven of his 10 career receiving TDs went for 40-plus yards — and he proved it at the Combine in a blistering 4.26 seconds. 118. Daylen Everette, CB, Georgia Projection: Round 4Scouts can check off a lot of boxes with Everette, a 41-game starter with an exceptional blend of size (6-1, 196 pounds, 32-inch arms) and speed (4.38). 117. Cole Payton, QB, North Dakota StateProjection: Round 4With only one year as a starter, Payton is as raw as it gets. But the 6-foot-3, 232-pound southpaw has plenty of arm and is a powerful and instinctive runner. 116. Caleb Tiernan, OL, Northwestern Projection: Round 4A 6-foot-8, 323-pounder with stubby arms (32 1/4″), Tiernan likely will slide inside to guard after starting the past four years at tackle. 115. Mason Reiger, Edge, WisconsinProjection: Round 4Long and lean for the position but highly physical and a more nuanced rusher than his 13 career sacks might suggest, I think Reiger’s best football is still ahead of him. 114. Taylen Green, QB, ArkansasProjection: Round 4He’s easily the biggest and most athletic of this QB class yet lacks his counterparts’ accuracy. It thus begs the question: If a team is looking to develop a signal-caller, why not gamble on the one with the highest upside? 113. Alex Harkey, OG, OregonProjection: Round 4Harkey spent time at four different colleges (Tyler JC, Colorado and Texas State) and could be on the move again in the NFL — sliding inside after playing 2025 at right tackle. But he shows the initial quickness, girth and tenacity to handle the switch. 112. Jude Bowry, OT, Boston CollegeProjection: Round 4The drop-off in talent is steep at OT, but Bowry is my favorite of the second-tier prospects at the position, struggling a bit with injury and inconsistency yet flashing the raw talent to suggest that he may be better in the NFL than he was in college. 111. Chris McClellan, DT, Missouri Projection: Round 4Overshadowed by edge rushers during his time at Missouri (and Florida), McClellan’s combination of bulk, power and surprising quickness translate well to the next level. 110. Kaleb Proctor, DT, Southeastern Louisiana Projection: Round 4Proctor may not look the part of a full-time DT in the NFL, but few in this class can match his initial quickness and lateral agility — traits that should help him generate plenty of disruption. 109. Keyshawn James-Newby, Edge, New MexicoProjection: Round 4Among this year’s quickest rushers off the ball, James-Newby led the Mountain West in both sacks (9) and forced fumbles (3), while finishing second in the conference with 15 tackles for loss. 108. Carson Beck, QB, MiamiProjection: Round 4In some circles, Beck might be better known for his mistakes than his successes, but he’s battle-tested, a gifted natural passer and offers prototypical size. He is one of the few QBs in this class with a realistic shot of eventually being an NFL starter. 107. Keagen Trost, OG, MissouriProjection: Round 4Broad as a barn door, Trost (who turned 25 this month) was literally a man among boys in the SEC last year, showing off the bulk and strong hands that I think will suit the longtime collegiate tackle best inside at guard in the NFL. 106. Le’Veon Moss, RB, Texas A&M Projection: Round 4If not for durability issues, Moss might warrant second-round consideration due to his vision, initial burst and an attacking mentality which drives him through would-be tacklers. 105. Kage Casey, OG, Boise StateProjection: Round 4Stopwatches at the Combine suggest that Casey is sluggish, but his tape shows good initial quickness and serious pop on contact — traits that I think will suit the college left tackle best inside at guard. 104. Romello Height, Edge, Texas TechProjection: Round 4At 6-foot-3, 239 pounds, Height lacks ideal size for the edge, but he’s sudden and slippery, winning with a variety of dips and spins to efficiently get past would-be blockers and quickly close on the quarterback. 103. Jimmy Rolder, ILB, MichiganProjection: Round 3-4Showing Jedi-like instincts and picture-perfect tackling technique, Rolder jumped from 26 tackles as a reserve in 2024 to leading the team in stops in 2025. Run-stuffers like Rolder aren’t as valued in today’s pass-happy NFL, so it’s possible he slips into Day 3, but I see a future starter who will ultimately outplay his draft slot. 102. Trey Zuhn III, C, Texas A&M Projection: Round 3-4A classic tweener who lacks the mobility and arm length to remain outside at tackle (where he started four years for the Aggies), Zuhn possesses the short area quickness and pop on contact to move inside. But few teams want 6-foot-7 guards or centers. 101. Treydan Stukes, DB, Arizona Projection: Round 3-4He’s a former walk-on turned star who capped off a stellar 2025 season with a terrific Combine workout. Stukes’ instincts, athleticism and ball-skills make up for his average size and open-field tackling. 100. Ted Hurst, WR, Georgia State Projection: Round 3-4He’s sushi-raw as a route-runner, but that can be taught. Hurst offers a 6-foot-4, 205-pound frame with proven 4.4 speed that is well worth a mid-round gamble. 99. Tacario Davis, CB, WashingtonProjection: Round 3-4An injury-plagued 2025 campaign may have kept Davis off the media radar, but he’s well-known by NFL scouts. The uniquely-built 6-foot-4 corner offers the speed (4.41) and hand-eye coordination to corral receivers off the line and at the catch-point. 98. Skyler Bell, WR, ConnecticutProjection: Round 3-4A true speed demon, Bell caught five touchdowns as a redshirt freshman at Wisconsin. But it wasn’t until a breakout 2025 at UConn that he really caught scouts’ attention, showing greater concentration and improved hands. 97. Bryce Lance, WR, North Dakota StateProjection: Round 3The NDSU-to-NFL pipeline continues this year with Lance — the younger, faster brother of Trey Lance. Given how rarely the Bison throw the ball, Lance is surprisingly savvy as a route-runner with a legitimate chance to prove a mid-round steal. 96. Oscar Delp, TE, Georgia Projection: Round 3One of this year’s biggest Pro Day risers after clocking in at 4.49 seconds at 6-foot-5, 245 pounds, Delp has a chance to be more productive in the NFL than he was over 55 games (34 starts) with the Bulldogs. 95. De’Zhaun Stribling, WR, MississippiProjection: Round 3A three-time transfer who produced at Washington State and Oklahoma State as well as Ole Miss, Stribling looks the part with a broad 6-foot-2, 207-pound frame and impressive speed, but he’s faster than quick and may struggle to get open versus NFL competition. 94. Wesley Williams, Edge, Duke Projection: Round 3Stubby arms (31 7/8″), average speed (4.89 40) and meager sack production in 2025 (two sacks) could cause some to overlook Williams. But he plays with the anticipation, intensity and violence that could keep him in the NFL for a long time. 93. Chris Bell, WR, LouisvilleProjection: Round 3An ACL tear in December will push Bell well into Day 2, but the 6-foot-2, 222-pounder possesses the bulk, body control and soft hands to project as a future NFL starter. 92. Jadon Canady, CB, Oregon Projection: Round 3Teams willing to sacrifice bulk for quickness, will be intrigued by the thinly-built Canady (5-foot-11, 181 pounds) whose route awareness and quickness closing downhill allow him to disrupt receivers. 91. Max Klare, TE, Ohio StateProjection: Round 3More of an H-back than a traditional sixth lineman, Klare offers quickness, soft hands and body control to make tough contested grabs. 90. VJ Payne, S, Kansas StateProjection: Round 3Scouts can check a lot of boxes with Payne, a team captain and 42-game starter who boasts an exceptional size/speed combination and proven track record for generating turnovers. 89. Sam Roush, TE, StanfordProjection: Round 3In a class full of pass-catching specialists at tight end, Roush is a legitimate “Y” with the size (6-6, 267), strength, smarts and athletic bloodlines to project as a quick contributor. 88. Jonah Coleman, RB, Washington Projection: Round 3A pinball runner whose low center of gravity and leg drive help him break tackles, Coleman is an effective inside runner who might lack top speed but projects well to the NFL because of his commitment to pass protection and soft hands as a receiver. 87. Brian Parker II, OL/C, DukeProjection: Round 3My favorite of this year’s projected position switchers, Parker is a three-year starting right tackle whose burly frame, core strength and underrated athleticism project best inside at the next level. 86. Domonique Orange, DT, Iowa StateProjection: Round 3Appropriately nicknamed “Big Citrus,” Orange uses his round frame and long (33 3/8″) arms to stack and shed opponents at the line of scrimmage. Unfortunately, he provides little “juice” as a rusher, recording just one sack in 50 college games. 85. Zakee Wheatley, S, Penn StateProjection: Round 3He boasts prototypical size (6-2, 200) and excellent ball skills (six INTs among 12 career PBUs), but Wheatley must improve his open-field tackling. 84. Deion Burks, WR, OklahomaProjection: Round 3Topping out at 629 receiving yards (and that was at Purdue in 2023), Burks never dominated in college like his timed speed (4.30 in the 40-yard dash) and strength (his 26 reps tied for the most among receivers) would suggest. But it is hard to imagine some NFL team not gambling a Day 2 pick on his upside. 83. Tyler Onyedim, DT, Texas A&MProjection: Round 3Don’t let the fact that Onyedim generated just 5.5 sacks in 53 games at Texas A&M (and Iowa State) fool you, his first-step quickness, core flexibility and long arms make him one of this year’s most disruptive defensive tackles. 82. Sam Hecht, C, Kansas State Projection: Round 3Quick as a hiccup with the low center of gravity well-suiting to his position, Hecht isn’t overpowering. But his agility and play-through-the-whistle mentality suggest a long NFL career. 81. Malachi Fields, WR, Notre DameProjection: Round 3Clocking at a sluggish 4.61 seconds in the 40-yard dash and corralling just 36 catches for 630 yards and five touchdowns last year for Notre Dame, Fields won’t be for everyone. But the imposing 6-foot-4, 219-pounder offers the physicality, sure hands and surprisingly sharp route-running that project well as a traditional X receiver. 80. Jaishawn Barham, Edge, MichiganProjection: Round 3Barham spent much of his career at Michigan (and previously at Maryland) as an off-ball linebacker, but he possesses projectable twitch and core flexibility to attack off the edge. 79. Logan Jones, C, IowaProjection: Round 3An athletic technician who overcomes middling size and strength, Jones pounces out of his stance to stalemate DTs, projecting as a longtime NFL starter in a zone scheme. 78. Emmett Johnson, RB, NebraskaProjection: Round 3Johnson may lack the top-end speed to consistently beat NFL defenders to the edge, but he earns high marks in some of the traits I think are even more important for success at the next level: lateral agility to make defenders miss in tight spaces, as well as both the vision and burst to attack cutback lanes. 77. Josh Cameron, WR, BaylorProjection: Round 3While Cameron is a couple inches taller, it is easy to see some shades of Deebo Samuel in the Baylor product’s game, as both are essentially running backs in a receiver’s body, bullying opponents with their long arms, strong hands and ultra-physical style. 76. Davison Igbinosun, CB, Ohio StateProjection: Round 3A four-year starter at Ohio State (and Mississippi), the 6-foot-2, 189-pounder has a high-cut frame that leaves him vulnerable to shifty route-runners. Still, he closes quickly and confidently against both the pass and run, projecting best as a press corner in the NFL. 75. Joshua Josephs, Edge, TennesseeProjection: Round 3Josephs is currently a one-trick pony speed rusher, but he’s so sudden off the snap and has some of the longest arms (34 1/4″) in this class, which have helped him generate nearly as many pass breakups (nine) and forced fumbles (six) as sacks (9.5). 74. Zxavian Harris, DT, MississippiProjection: Round 2-3The massive 6-foot-8, 330-pound Harris is a polarizing prospect among scouts, as he loses leverage at the snap with too much of his production coming downfield. But his ability to play up and down the line of scrimmage and block kicks (six over his career) will have some team gambling on him with a Day 2 pick. 73. Dani Dennis-Sutton, Edge, Penn StateProjection: Round 2-3He is among the handful of prospects to surge on my latest board, proving at the Combine that his stellar production in college was due not only to refined technique but underrated athleticism. Consider Dennis-Sutton one of this year’s biggest winners at Lucas Oil Stadium. 72. Zachariah Branch, WR, GeorgiaProjection: Round 2-3Branch is likely going to generate some Tyreek Hill comparisons during the pre-draft process, powered by the 4.35 speed he demonstrated at the Combine. Like Hill, Branch is at his best as a vertical threat or in the quick game, offering the kind of instant spark to a passing attack that only elite speed can provide. 71. Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSUProjection: Round 2-3A propensity for risky throws and an injury-marred senior campaign are clear red flags, but Nussmeier has the grit, smarts and arm talent required for NFL success. He may never prove to be a frontline starter in the NFL, but he should carve out a long career, justifying a Day 2 selection. 70. Bud Clark, S, TCUProjection: Round 2-3Teams will have to weigh the pros (elite ball skills) versus the cons (spindly 6-foot-1, 188-pound frame) with Clark. His awareness, agility and soft hands he showcased at the Senior Bowl suggest he’ll soon be starting in the NFL. 69. Antonio Williams, WR, ClemsonProjection: Round 2-3With 25 combined touchdowns (21 as a pass-catcher, two as a runner, two as a passer) in 43 career games at Clemson, Williams has a proven big-play knack, showing impressive spatial awareness, body control and soft hands to make difficult plays look routine. 68. Gennings Dunker, OL, IowaProjection: Round 2-3With his long red hair, Dunker enjoyed more airtime during the Combine than some quarterbacks, but his game is built more on power and nastiness than athleticism, which is why the career right tackle might be pinched inside in the NFL. 67. Jalon Kilgore, S, South CarolinaProjection: Round 2-3The team that invests a Day 2 selection on Kilgore is banking on upside — and he offers plenty of that given his prototypical size and athleticism — but there are more lapses in coverage and missed tackles than his flashy highlight reels would suggest. 66. Mike Washington Jr., RB, ArkansasProjection: Round 2-3Few boosted their stock at the Combine more than the burly Washington, whose 4.33-second 40-yard dash time not only was the fastest among all running backs, it was the fastest among any player weighing over 220 pounds. In a relatively weak year for running backs, Washington’s elite size-speed combination warrants top-50 consideration. 65. Chris Brazzell II, WR, TennesseeProjection: Round 2-3Brazzell reminds me a lot of Bengals star Tee Higgins in size and style, towering over cornerbacks with an imposing 6-foot-4 frame. But it’s his rare burst off the snap that separates him from most taller vertical threats. 64. Kyle Louis, OLB, PittsburghProjection: Round 2-3At just 5-foot-11, 224 pounds, Louis won’t be a fit for everyone. But, frankly, I think that’s a mistake. Louis is highly instinctive with lightning-quick closing speed. He is a proven big-play magnet with 24 tackles for loss, 10 sacks and six interceptions over the past two seasons. 63. Derrick Moore, Edge, MichiganProjection: Round 2-3In a class full of Swiss Army knife rushers, the 6-foot-4, 255-pound Moore is the hammer, utilizing a pro-caliber bull rush to bully would-be blockers on his way to the quarterback, generating 10 sacks in 12 games for Michigan in 2025. 62. Jake Golday, ILB, CincinnatiProjection: Round 2A moveable chess piece at nearly 6-foot-5, 239 pounds, Golday is a former edge rusher whose agility and speed have allowed him to excel at off-ball linebacker. He’s raw yet fast and physical. 61. Malik Muhammad, CB, TexasProjection: Round 2The 6-0, 182-pound Muhammad might have a slight frame, but his long arms (32 3/8″), light feet and route anticipation make up for it — as does his experience playing against top competition. 60. Lee Hunter, DT, TexasProjection: Round 2Disappointing workout results might have highlighted some of Hunter’s athletic limitations, but the big man dominated in the trenches during Texas Tech’s playoff run, as well as at the Senior Bowl, winning with a stunning combination of explosive first step quickness and overwhelming brute strength. 59. Germie Bernard, WR, AlabamaProjection: Round 2Bernard isn’t the biggest or fastest receiver in this class, but he shifts gears well to create separation and possesses soft, strong hands to pluck outside his frame, offering a nuanced skill set that projects nicely to the NFL. 58. Eli Stowers, TE, VanderbiltProjection: Round 2A former quarterback who is built more like a receiver than a traditional tight end, Stowers’ tape is full of highlight reel plays and his Combine workout was one of this year’s best. He needs to get stronger, but Stowers projects as a matchup monster out of the slot and wing in the NFL, warranting top-50 consideration. 57. Keith Abney II, CB, Arizona StateProjection: Round 2Everything about the 5-foot-10, 187-pound Abney looks average except his tape — he’s among the most tenacious and competitive players in this class. 56. Connor Lew, C, AuburnProjection: Round 2A baby-faced 20-year-old who opted for the 2026 NFL Draft despite tearing his ACL in October, Lew nevertheless looks the part of a decade-long NFL starting center, offering an ideal blend of size, balance, agility and already grown-man strength. 55. Keyron Crawford, Edge, AuburnProjection: Round 2A late comer to the game who only switched from basketball to football as a senior in high school, Crawford needs to locate the ball quicker and learn to use his hands better to fend off blockers. But few in this class offer his zip and efficient change of direction off the edge. 54. Josiah Trotter, ILB, MissouriProjection: Round 2A downhill thumper with a unique frame, closing speed and NFL bloodlines, Trotter — who won’t turn 21 until April — has the look and energy of a longtime starting middle linebacker. 53. Avieon Terrell, CB, ClemsonProjection: Round 2Nickel cornerbacks have never been more in demand, and Terrell is my favorite among them in this class. The NFL legacy plays significantly above his weight class (180 pounds), averaging 50 tackles over the past two seasons and generating eight forced fumbles during that span, including an ACC-best five this past year. 52. Jacob Rodriguez, ILB, Texas TechProjection: Round 2More decorated than a wedding cake after winning the Nagurski, Bednarik and Butkus awards, Rodriguez arguably should’ve been on my original list even before a terrific showing at the Combine. But I certainly won’t make the mistake of excluding him after he erased any doubts about his pure athleticism in Indy. 51. Emmanuel Pregnon, OG, OregonProjection: Round 2A classic mauler whose square-ish 6-foot-4, 314-pound frame is seemingly all shoulders and thighs, Pregnon is one of the few true guards who projects as an immediate NFL starter. 50. Malachi Lawrence, Edge, UCFProjection: Round 2With five-plus sacks each of the past three seasons, Lawrence pairs production with exciting traits, including an explosive get-off, long arms and rare closing burst. 49. Keionte Scott, DB, MiamiProjection: Round 2If he weren’t such an instinctive, passionate football player, Scott could make it as a travel guide, starring at Snow Junior College, Auburn and Miami, where he’s played safety, linebacker, nickel, cornerback and punt returner. I like him best at big nickel, where his instincts and physicality should shine brightest. 48. Keylan Rutledge, OG, Georgia TechProjection: Round 2Teams prioritizing finishers up front will love Rutledge, a three-year All-ACC selection and bar-room brawler of a right guard with good athleticism and cinder blocks for hands. 47. R Mason Thomas, Edge, OklahomaProjection: Round 2Reminiscent of another former Sooner — Broncos star Nik Bonitto — Thomas personifies the often-used scouting expression of “converting speed to power.” He routinely forces would-be blockers onto their heels and off-balance with an explosive burst and then bull-rushes them through the chest on a direct route to the ballcarrier. 46. A.J. Haulcy, S, LSUProjection: Round 2Feast or famine personified, Haulcy promises to be one of the more polarizing defenders of this class as he’s decisive and a heavy hitter but also hyper aggressive and prone to missed tackles. 45. D’Angelo Ponds, CB, IndianaProjection: Round 2I’m less confident that undersized defenders such as Ponds will be among the first 50 players drafted than I am about him ultimately proving he should’ve been. At just 5-foot-9, 173 pounds, Ponds has obvious limitations, but he’s pound-for-pound the most physical and instinctive DB in this class with 33 pass breakups — including seven interceptions — in three standout seasons at the collegiate level. 44. Christen Miller, DT, GeorgiaProjection: Round 2Miller elected not to participate in the timed drills at the Combine, but he’s just too good of a player to not include on this list. I don’t see a flashy athlete, but he has prototypical size (6-foot-4, 321 pounds) for blue collar run-stuffing duties. Miller’s length, strength and grit suggest that he’ll stick around in the NFL for a decade or more. 43. Caleb Lomu, OT, UtahProjection: Round 2Quick and coordinated, it was Lomu — and not his more celebrated teammate Spencer Fano — who started the past two seasons at the critical left tackle position for the Utes. Just a redshirt sophomore still growing into his frame, Lomu is currently a better pass protector than run blocker, but he has a bright future if he commits to the weight room. 42. Chase Bisontis, OG, Texas A&MProjection: Round 2An athletic 6-foot-5, 315-pounder, Bisontis looks and moves like a tackle — he even earned freshman All-American honors at right tackle back in 2023. He played even better inside at left guard the past two years, showing the initial quickness and agility to fit best in a zone-blocking scheme. 41. Anthony Hill Jr., ILB, Texas Projection: Round 2Hill was asked to play many roles during his three years at Texas, spanning from edge rusher to inside linebacker to even nickel cornerback. That fact speaks to Hill’s football IQ. The tape shows uncommon agility for a 6-foot-3, 240-pound linebacker, as well reliable open-field tackling skills. 40. Omar Cooper Jr., WR, IndianaProjection: Round 2A talented pass-catcher in a running back’s body, Cooper is at his best out of the slot, where he can bully undersized nickel cornerbacks, generating consistent yardage after the catch. 39. Peter Woods, DT, ClemsonProjection: Round 2Similar in some ways to Auburn’s Keldric Faulk, Woods is young (he turned 21 in March), powerful and athletic, with his best football still ahead of him. He pairs his hands and feet well for such a young player, offering more to affect the quarterback than his five sacks in 35 college games might suggest. 38. Jadarian Price, RB, Notre DameProjection: Round 2As demonstrated with his 4.49 time in the 40-yard dash, Price isn’t the athletic phenom that will earn fellow Notre Dame product Jeremiyah Love a top-10 pick. But he’s actually the more fundamentally sound running back, showing a future NFL bell cow’s blend of vision, burst and contact balance. He’s also one of this year’s most dynamic returners, taking back three kickoffs for touchdowns in just 22 opportunities. 37. Zion Young, Edge, MissouriProjection: Round 1-2Among the most physical players in the entire class, Young pairs violent hands with ideal size (6-foot-6, 262 pounds) and strength to bully opponents at the line of scrimmage. He lacks the burst and bend around the corner, however, to expect much more in the NFL than the career-high 6.5 sacks he posted in 2025. 36. CJ Allen, ILB, GeorgiaProjection: Round 1-2Many of the top off-ball linebackers in this class are hybrid-types with limited experience taking on and shedding blockers in the hole. Allen isn’t flashy, but he’s as close to a Day 1 starting middle linebacker as this class has to offer. He’s smart, stout and just scratching the surface of his potential at just 20 years old. 35. Akheem Mesidor, Edge, MiamiProjection: Round 1-2As a sixth-year collegiate athlete, Mesidor (24) was literally a man amongst boys for Miami a year ago, leading the ACC with 10.5 sacks and forcing four fumbles. He wins in more ways than perhaps any rusher in this class, pairing impressive physical traits such as burst, bend and power with refined hand play and nuanced counter moves. 34. Brandon Cisse, CB, South CarolinaProjection: Round 1-2Cisse has all the traits to become a quality NFL starter — including a prototypical blend of size, speed and physicality in run support. His occasional mistakes on tape seemed coachable, and with Cisse not turning 21 until July, the expectation is that he’s just scratching the surface. 33. Ty Simpson, QB, AlabamaProjection: Round 1-2Simpson, a former 5-star recruit, torched the SEC for 28 touchdowns and a conference-leading 3,567 yards in his lone season as a starter in Tuscaloosa, showing the pro-caliber accuracy to project as a future NFL starter. The traits were obvious during the throwing session at the Combine, all but cementing his position as the No. 2 quarterback in this class. Simpson has a quick release, plenty of zip and excellent touch to make every NFL throw — but there were some “deer in the headlights” moments on his game tape. Moreover, the track record of quarterbacks selected in the first round with 20 or fewer starts (Simpson has 15) is a bright red flag. 32. Gabe Jacas, Edge, IllinoisProjection: Round 1-2Using a blend of physicality and instincts that translates well to the pro game, Jacas led the Big Ten with 11 sacks and three forced fumbles in 2025 before delivering a stellar performance at the Senior Bowl. Jacas may lack the twitch of some of this year’s top pass-rushers, but I see shades of a young DeMarcus Lawrence in Jacas’ game. 31. Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona StateProjection: Round 1-2A native Nigerian who grew up playing soccer and basketball, Iheanachor is a 6-foot-5, 325-pound investment for the future who seemingly just needs time to master the nuances of the position. His easy movement skills and natural power turned heads at both the Senior Bowl and the Combine. 30. Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, ToledoProjection: Round 1-2The ability to create turnovers is like catnip to football scouts, and few in this class offer a more tantalizing track record of that than the lanky, hard-hitting McNeil-Warren, who enters the NFL with nine forced fumbles and five interceptions in his career. 29. Kayden McDonald, NG, Ohio StateProjection: Round 1-2At 6-foot-3, 326 pounds, McDonald is every bit the run-plugger his frame suggests, complementing his dense, powerful frame with excellent balance and spatial awareness. He isn’t going to ever lead the NFL in sacks, but he’s no slug against the pass, either, showing effort, power and surprisingly quick feet to play all three downs. 28. Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego StateProjection: Round 1-2Johnson was named the Mountain West Conference’s Defensive Player of the Year in 2025, taking two of his four interceptions back for scores. A technician with excellent route awareness, he erased any doubts about his pure athleticism in precisely 4.40 seconds at the Combine. 27. T.J. Parker, Edge, ClemsonProjection: Round 1-2Like several of his former Clemson teammates, Parker was the victim of his own success, struggling to live up to expectations in 2025 after a dominant 2024 campaign that included 19.5 tackles for loss, 11 sacks and an FBS-leading six forced fumbles. He’s a functional, rugged edge defender whose game is built more on torque than twitch. 26. Denzel Boston, WR, WashingtonProjection: Round 1-2The whole point of playing receiver is to catch touchdowns, and with 20 TDs over the past two seasons, Boston is the most prolific scorer of this year’s top wideouts. He should be able to continue this red zone mastery in the NFL, using his 6-foot-4, 209-pound frame, timing, body control and strong hands to win above the rim. 25. Cashius Howell, Edge, Texas A&MProjection: Round 1-2Stubby (30 1/4-inch arms) and less explosive (32.5-inch vertical jump) than expected, Howell slips down my board a bit after a disappointing Combine. But he remains one of my favorite prospects in this class because of his slipperiness off the edge and ability to drop into coverage. If Howell falls to the latter portion of the first round, some playoff contending club is going get a steal. 24. Caleb Banks, DT, FloridaProjection: Round 1-2Pardon the pun, but Banks has made a lot of money in the past two months, dominating at the Senior Bowl after missing seven games this year due to a fractured foot that required surgery. Standing a massive 6-foot-6, 335 pounds, with 35-inch arms and 10 3/4-inch hands, Banks is simply bigger than most trying to block him, and he can simply rag-doll blockers at times. 23. Dillon Thieneman, S, OregonProjection: Round 1-2Typecast as a highly instinctive player who played fast, Thieneman proved at the Combine that he possesses elite athleticism to go with his diagnostic skills and soft hands, running the 40-yard dash in 4.35 seconds (with a 1.52 10-yard split) and generating an explosive 41-inch vertical jump. Thieneman has the look of an “easy” first-round pick at this point and a decade-long NFL starter. 22. Blake Miller, OT, ClemsonProjection: Round 1-2Miller isn’t as agile or powerful as some of the top-rated tackles higher on my board, but as a rare four-year starter who faced elite competition every day in practice, he’s as safe as a Subaru. Miller has a somewhat gangly frame and upright stance that isn’t always the most aesthetically pleasing, but he’s quick, smart and has excellent hands to steer and sustain. 21. Colton Hood, CB, TennesseeProjection: Round 1-2Hood travels as well in the hip pocket of receivers as he does in the transfer portal, bouncing from Auburn to Colorado to Tennessee over the past three years before entering the draft at just 20 years old. He is an easy mover with impressive awareness of the ball and in run support, as well as a legitimate playmaker with touchdowns scored via interception and fumble recoveries. 20. KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&MProjection: Round 1-2With 28 combined rushing and receiving scores in 38 career games at Texas A&M and North Carolina State, Concepcion is easily the top point producer of this year’s standout receiver class. Concepcion’s given name is Kevin, but KC is his preferred nickname and it better describes the silky-smooth athleticism he uses to consistently create space. 19. Kadyn Proctor, OL, AlabamaProjection: Round 1-2It isn’t often that a man listed at 366 pounds can be described as muscular, but Proctor boasts as power-packed of a frame as you’ll see. What you see is what you get with Proctor, a bar-room brawler whose girth and power could ultimately push him inside to guard. 18. Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona StateProjection: Round 1-2Simply put, Tyson has the best tape of this year’s receiver crop. It isn’t often that receivers of his size, twitch and tracking skills come around. Tyson is a case of “buyer beware,” however, as he has missed multiple games because of injuries in each of the past three seasons. 17. Kenyon Sadiq, TE, OregonProjection: Round 1-2As demonstrated with one of the greatest workouts from a tight end in Combine history, Sadiq is cut from a different cloth than most players at his position, possessing a squatty 6-foot-3, 240-pound frame and a rare combination of explosive athleticism and physicality. There are bright flashes on his tape as a pass-catcher, but he’s already an NFL-caliber blocker, showing excellent leg drive and grip strength to control opponents. 16. Makai Lemon, WR, USCProjection: Round 1-2Lemon reminds me a lot of Golden Tate, a dynamic run-after-the-catch weapon who played 11 years in the NFL. Like the 5-foot-11, 197-pound Tate, Lemon is a difficult matchup for cornerbacks because of a compact, almost RB-like frame to go with dynamic speed and top-notch ball skills. 15. Keldric Faulk, DL, AuburnProjection: Round 1-2If scouts were asked to draw up the ideal defensive lineman for today’s NFL, it might look a lot like the long-armed 6-foot-6, 285-pound ball of clay that is Faulk, whose size, strength and smooth athleticism offer great positional and schematic flexibility. As one of the youngest players in this class (he won’t turn 21 until September), Faulk is still growing into his frame and will need to get stronger to fulfill his potential, but he possesses the physical traits and intangibles to become one of the best players in this draft. 14. Jermod McCoy, CB, TennesseeProjection: Round 1-2McCoy’s first two college seasons (at Oregon State and Tennessee, respectively) were so impressive that he maintained a first-round grade on my board even after missing the entire 2025 season with an ACL injury. When healthy, McCoy is a smooth cover corner with terrific ball skills, breaking up 16 passes (with six interceptions) over that span. 13. Monroe Freeling, OT, GeorgiaProjection: Round 1-2With a steady stream of NFL blockers ahead of him on Georgia’s depth chart, Freeling had to wait his turn before seeing the field in Athens, starting just 16 games before heading early to the NFL. But there isn’t a blocker in this class who looks the part of an NFL left tackle more than the loose and long 6-foot-7, 315-pound Freeling. 12. Olaivavega Ioane, OG, Penn StateProjection: Round 1At a dense 6-foot-4, 328 pounds, Ioane is perfectly built for the battles in the trenches, absorbing would-be rushers with his broad frame and heavy hands. While possible tackle converts could ultimately be drafted earlier, Ioane is the consensus top-rated “pure” interior offensive lineman of this class. 11. Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio StateProjection: Round 1Receiver is one of the better positional groups of this year’s draft class, and Tate tops it because of his ability to win in multiple ways. The 6-foot-3, 195-pounder has excellent body control, hand-eye coordination and grit to pull in contested passes, and he’s surprisingly slippery as a route-runner with excellent tracking skills. 10. Mansoor Delane, CB, LSUProjection: Round 1Cornerback may just be the strongest positional group of this draft, and Delane tops it by a wide margin for me. He is a terrific man-to-man cover corner, showing easy change of direction and smooth acceleration to shadow receivers all over the field. He didn’t allow a single touchdown pass in 2025. 9. Spencer Fano, OT, UtahProjection: Round 1A dancing bear at 6-foot-6, 310 pounds, Fano looks and moves more like a tight end than a traditional offensive lineman, excelling in pass protection because of his initial quickness, lateral agility and balance. I thought his positional workout at the Combine was one of the best of any player, regardless of position. 8. Sonny Styles, OLB, Ohio StateProjection: Round 1A former safety-turned-linebacker who might evolve into an edge rusher, Styles is the ultimate ball of clay from this draft class. He was arguably the biggest star of the Combine, posting a remarkable 43.5-inch vertical jump and 4.46-second time in the 40-yard dash at 6-foot-5, 246 pounds. His rare size and agility could allow his future defensive coordinator to move Styles around similarly to how the Seattle Seahawks employed star rookie Nick Emmanwori in their Super Bowl run. 7. Rueben Bain Jr., Edge, MiamiProjection: Round 1It is appropriate that Bain rhymes with pain, as there isn’t a prospect in this class who plays with more violence than the three-year Miami standout. He enters the NFL with 33.5 tackles for loss generated in 38 collegiate games. Bain’s relatively stubby 6-foot-3, 270-pound frame will be a talking point in every NFL war room, but teams shouldn’t make the mistake of overthinking his fit. 6. Francis Mauigoa, OT, MiamiProjection: Round 1Arguably the most powerful and pro-ready prospect in this draft class, Mauigoa simply engulfs opponents with his sheer size and iron grip, reminding me of another Mario Cristobal pupil, Detroit Lions All-Pro Penei Sewell. Facing a vaunted Miami pass rush every day in practice, Mauigoa has the look of a decade-long anchor at right tackle. 5. David Bailey, Edge, Texas TechProjection: Round 1Simply put, Bailey is the best pass-rusher in this class, boasting a terrific blend of burst, lateral agility and core flexibility to force whiffs from would-be pass protectors. The concern some will have is that at 6-foot-3, 250 pounds, Bailey lacks the size and power to be as effective in the running game, but that shouldn’t keep one of the few true matchup nightmares in this class from earning a top-10 selection. 4. Fernando Mendoza, QB, IndianaProjection: Round 1Mendoza doesn’t possess the strongest arm of this class, nor is he the most dynamic running threat. He is, however, the consensus top quarterback, offering an exceptional blend of anticipation, accuracy and poise to project as a longtime, high-level NFL starter. 3. Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre DameProjection: Round 1With all due respect to Heisman Trophy winner and likely No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza, Love is the best offensive prospect in this class — and frankly, I don’t think it’s particularly close. Love isn’t just the best back in this class; he’s among a select handful of the elite runners to enter the NFL since I began scouting a quarter-century ago, offering a blend of size, quick feet and breakaway speed reminiscent of recent blue-chip backs Saquon Barkley and Bijan Robinson. 2. Arvell Reese, OLB, Ohio StateProjection: Round 1A blue-chip talent who starred mostly as an off-ball linebacker at Ohio State but possesses the twitch to attack off the edge, Reese is arguably the best prospect in this class. In terms of sheer athleticism, versatility and career trajectory, I see an awful lot of similarities between Reese and another former Big Ten star you might have heard of: Micah Parsons. 1. Caleb Downs, S, Ohio StateProjection: Round 1Sometimes scouting is easy. Whether at Alabama or Ohio State, Downs’ instincts, closing speed and reliable open-field tackling consistently shined, forecasting for years that his pathway to the NFL would come as a first-round pick. Downs won’t be the first player selected this year — safeties just aren’t valuable enough. But make no mistake, Downs comes with the highest floor, projecting as an immediate starter and foundational piece for one fortunate franchise.​Latest Sports News from FOX Sports

When it comes to the NFL Draft, few exercises are more telling – or more fun – than player comparisons. FOX Sports lead college football analyst Joel Klatt spoke with NFL Network draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah on the most recent episode of “The Joel Klatt Show.” The two discussed the upcoming NFL Draft, which will take place April 23-25 in Pittsburgh, and Klatt challenged Jeremiah to make the case for five prospects by identifying their closest NFL counterparts. Here’s how Jeremiah and Klatt sized them up: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame NFL Comparison: Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Detroit LionsJeremiah: “They have a little different body types, but the ability to make people miss at full speed, the pass game value and just the different gear. Those guys can just tap into a different gear.” Klatt: “I have [Fernando] Mendoza as my No. 1 player, but I think [Jeremiyah] Love is probably the best football player in the draft. He and Arvell Reese.” Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State NFL Comparison: Chris Olave, WR, New Orleans Saints Jeremiah: “I know [Chris] Olave’s speed is a little better. I think [Carnell] Tate is a little stronger, but in terms of all those Ohio State guys that have rolled through, that was the one that I thought he was the most similar to.”Klatt: “It’s the fluidity down the field that he [Tate] has, and he’s very smooth in that area. He was great at contested catches, and I think it’s a trait that’s hard to find: a guy that doesn’t panic down the field. He certainly didn’t. He was terrific on the opposite side of Jeremiah Smith, who I think is probably the top pick in the draft a year from now. Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana NFL Comparison: Deebo Samuel, WR, Free AgentJeremiah: “Omar Cooper — he’s just a mini Deebo. He’s not as heavy as Deebo, but there’s the run-after-catch stuff that reminds me so much of Deebo when he was coming out. There are guys that just hate to be tackled. He won’t go down and then he’s able to elevate and play above the rim. We saw that, obviously, with the big one against Penn State. He’s just an athlete and just got a little dog to him. “Deebo wasn’t the most polished route runner when he was coming out. I think he’s a little more advanced, although I think there’s still room for him to grow and develop there. Just get the ball in his hands, and that’s where the fun starts.”Klatt: “I think there’s a misconception that everybody that was really good at Indiana was a transfer and that’s not the case with Omar Cooper. He was an Indiana guy. He committed to Tom Allen and came in and stayed there when the JMU crew arrived with Curt Cignetti. He bought in and developed and became just an outstanding player with them in that passing game. “I think his feel for space is incredible. They ran a lot of RPOs — no one threw more last season than Fernando Mendoza, and part of that was because of guys like Cooper and [Elijah] Sarratt on the outside. Cooper was outstanding. I’m a huge fan of him.” Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State NFL Compassion: Jerry Jeudy, WR, Cleveland Browns Jeremiah: “Jerry Jeudy had a freeness to him and creativity at the line of scrimmage. He was just so limber and loose and fluid and smooth. That, to me, is what he [Tyson] reminds me of. I think people forget, Jeudy has had some high moments in the NFL. It hasn’t been this consistently great ride, but when all those guys were in that class, he was viewed right up there near the top of that list coming out of college.”Klatt: “Jodyn Tyson is phenomenal. … I think my biggest concern is the injury history. When healthy, this guy is an elite player. But there is also a difference between the way he finishes catches between the hash marks versus Makai Lemon, who is just tough as nails. Totally fearless. It doesn’t matter who is around, he is going to attack the football, and that’s a little bit of a difference.” Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon NFL Comparison: Vernon Davis, TE, retired Jeremiah: “He’s just so twitchy, explosive and dynamic. I don’t think you’re talking about someone who is going to be a real feel, option-route tight end. I think when you think about [Travis] Kelce and how he plays the game, that’s not going to be him. It’s gonna be more about the speed, running away from guys and the strength to break tackles. He needs to be more consistent at catching the ball. He had too many drops last year, but I loved his competitiveness. Vernon Davis, when he wanted to, could drive guys off the field as a blocker.” Klatt: “Dan Lanning told me, ‘Everyone is going to rave about the way he [Sadiq] catches the ball — and that’s great. It’s phenomenal, and he’s going to get drafted because of it. But watch a cut-up of the way he blocks.’ He can flex and beat you, or line up and help in the run game.”​Latest Sports News from FOX Sports

When do MLB’s many mercurial contenders want to reveal their true form? We’re only about 10% into the 2026 season, but only the two-time defending World Series champions Dodgers (11-4), Braves (10-6) and Padres (10-6) have double-digit wins, while 20 teams are within two games of .500. But numerous teams projected to be among the best in baseball have also, at times, looked like some of the worst. Both the Yankees and Brewers started 8-2 … and then lost five straight games. The story’s similar for the Mets, who began 7-4 before dropping five in a row. The defending AL champion Blue Jays haven’t fared any better, starting 4-1 before losing eight of their last 10 games. The Astros were 6-3 before losing seven straight — a skid that’s still ongoing as they’ve fallen into last place in the AL West. The Mets (7-9) and Cubs (7-8) are also in last place in their respective divisions, while the Blue Jays (6-9) and Red Sox (6-9) are in a share for last in the AL East with the same number of wins as the Rockies (6-10) and White Sox (6-10). For many of these teams, injuries can help explain the unexpected volatility. This week’s power rankings include some of the latest injuries to monitor around the league. Top pitching prospect Noah Schultz is expected to debut this week, so that’s a reason to be excited. He can’t, however, fix the team’s offensive woes: The White Sox are slashing .193/.278/.306 with the fewest runs scored in MLB, and hamstring injuries to Kyle Teel and Austin Hays haven’t helped. The Rockies have a sweep of the Astros already under their belt, and their bullpen has held up well so far. But their rotation ranks 25th in ERA. They should get another veteran arm back to help with Jose Quintana expected to return from a hamstring strain this week. The Nationals can hit. They’re fourth in runs scored and OPS. The pitching, however, is another story. It would still be a problem at full strength, but setbacks for 2023 All-Star Josiah Gray in his return from Tommy John surgery — he’s now on the 60-day IL with a flexor strain — have provided fewer options. Health is not the reason for the Giants’ early-season spiral: Their best players just aren’t performing. Logan Webb has a 5.25 ERA, while Rafael Devers and Jung Hoo Lee are both hitting well below league average. To make matters worse, Luis Arraez, who’s hitting a team-high .304 to start the year, left Saturday’s game with a wrist contusion. Reclamation projects Grayson Rodriguez and Alek Manoah are both on the shelf. But the most important thing is Mike Trout is on the field, despite some hold-your-breath moments lately. He’s only hitting .208, but he has a .400 on-base percentage. Led by Xavier Edwards (.350 batting average) and Otto Lopez (.327), Miami’s offense had been a pleasant surprise to start the year until a trip this weekend to Detroit, where the Marlins plated three runs total over a three-game sweep. Getting 2025 All-Star Kyle Stowers back from a hamstring strain sometime this month will provide a lift. Masyn Winn was hit by a pitch on his leg Friday and missed the rest of the weekend series against the Red Sox, though for now it doesn’t seem serious. The Cardinals are one of the healthier teams in the sport, and you should take a look at what 23-year-old Jordan Walker is doing. It looks like it’s all coming together for the 2020 first-round pick, who leads the majors with seven home runs. Cole Ragans left his last start early after taking a comebacker off the hand, but he’s still slated to make his next start. For now, it’s just something to keep an eye on. So is the progress of Carlos Estévez, who’s sidelined with a foot contusion and might need to use the time off to get right again mechanically after allowing six runs and dealing with diminished velocity in his first outing of the year. Another year, another laundry list of injuries. They’ve lost seven straight games, and the rotation is in shambles. Ace Hunter Brown and Cristian Javier are both dealing with shoulder strains, and Houston’s starting pitchers have an MLB-worst 6.20 ERA. Now, Tatsuya Imai is also experiencing arm fatigue while 2025 All-Star shortstop Jeremy Peña exited Saturday’s game with knee tightness. Is this the time to mention Houston’s relievers also have the worst ERA in MLB, and Josh Hader is still out? It’s bleak right now in Houston. Royce Lewis is hurt again, though his knee sprain appears to be relatively minor, so it isn’t as big of a blow as Pablo López’s season-ending elbow injury. Taj Bradley, however, is helping keep the rotation afloat. The former top Tampa Bay pitching prospect is 3-0 with a 1.25 ERA through four starts and ranks third in MLB with 29 strikeouts. The reigning American League champs have lost eight of their last 10 games, own the second-worst run differential in MLB and continue to be ravaged by injuries. The pitching staff is depleted, the offense is missing Alejandro Kirk and Addison Barger, and now George Springer is the latest to be sidelined after fracturing his toe. Hey, progress! After an abysmal start to the year, the Red Sox won series against the Brewers and Cardinals with the pitching staff performing more like Boston expected. Johan Oviedo is sidelined with a flexor strain, but Boston still has depth in the rotation and should get more in the coming weeks with Kutter Crawford and Patrick Sandoval both on rehab assignments. The rotation is producing even with Ryan Pepiot starting the year on the IL, but the staff took another hit with Joe Boyle getting sidelined with an elbow strain. The more surprising issue is a bullpen that has a 6.35 ERA. The Rays could get needed reinforcements soon, however, in Garrett Cleavinger and Edwin Uceta. After a 2-6 start, the A’s are suddenly in a share of first place in the AL West following a New York trip that saw them go 5-1 against the Yankees and Mets. The offense has yet to reach its potential, though, and now Brent Rooker is on the shelf with an oblique strain. Thank goodness for the Edward Cabrera trade. This month has brought brutal pitching news for the Cubs, who will be without 2025 Rookie of the Year runner-up Cade Horton for the rest of the year following season-ending elbow surgery. Starter Matthew Boyd and relievers Hunter Henry and Phil Maton also went on the injured list, though Boyd isn’t expected out long. It was a scary sight last week when Parker Meadows collided with Riley Greene and needed to be carted off the field after suffering a concussion and fractured arm. In the rotation, Justin Verlander has been out with hip inflammation since his first start back in Detroit, but he’s not expected to be sidelined for long. Rookie Rhett Lowder and 23-year-old Chase Burns have given the Reds’ rotation vital innings following Hunter Greene’s elbow surgery, but the Reds could use Nick Lodolo. The left-hander, who had a 3.33 ERA in 29 appearances last year, has yet to make his 2026 debut after dealing with a blister issue late in spring. Getting Zack Wheeler potentially before month’s end should provide a significant lift, though he won’t be able to fix Philadelphia’s uninspiring offense. The Phillies lost back-to-back series against the Giants and Diamondbacks while averaging fewer than three runs per game. Their offense ranks in the bottom 10 in both batting average and on-base percentage. Juan Soto had a hit in each of his first eight games before being sidelined with a calf strain. The Mets are missing his bat. Since losing Soto on April 3, the Mets’ offense ranks 28th in wRC+. Starter Bryce Miller is still out with an oblique strain, and outfielder Victor Robles was placed on the IL last week with a pec strain, but it’s been the offensive stars’ lack of production — not injuries — that explain Seattle’s slow start. Julio Rodriguez, Cal Raleigh and Josh Naylor all have batting averages that start with a “1.” The injuries are starting to pile up in Baltimore. Already starting the season with Jackson Holliday and Jordan Westburg sidelined, they added Adley Rutschman (ankle inflammation), Ryan Mountcastle (broken foot) and Tyler O’Neill (concussion) to the injured list last week. Meanwhile, starter Zach Eflin underwent Tommy John surgery. The team, however, has won five of its last six games. Wyatt Langford is day-to-day with a quad issue, but the Rangers are mostly healthy. They swept the Mariners and salvaged their series at Dodger Stadium behind a Jacob deGrom gem, and the Texas pitching staff ranks seventh in ERA. The Snakes are suddenly streaking. Since getting swept by the Dodgers to start the year, they’ve swept the Tigers, split with the Braves, then won back-to-back series in Queens and Philadelphia, despite a growing list of injuries that now includes Jordan Lawlar (wrist fracture), Carlos Santana (adductor strain) and Gabriel Moreno (back tightness). However, Merrill Kelly is slated to return from injury to make his 2026 debut this week. The Pirates are a healthy group getting a big boost from their offseason additions. Newcomers Ryan O’Hearn and Brandon Lowe both rank in the top 30 among qualified hitters in wRC+, while Oneil Cruz is slashing .339/.400/.644 with five homers and five steals. The Pirates have won eight of their last 11 games and also boast a pitching staff with a top-five ERA. They deserve their due. The Guardians have a winning record despite a tough schedule to start the year, and now Hunter Gaddis is on the precipice of returning to help a Cleveland bullpen that sports an uncharacteristic 4.98 ERA. It was not a good injury weekend for the Brewers. Kyle Harrison banged up his left knee when Gary Sanchez whipped a fastball toward his legs as he went to cover first base. Harrison appears to have avoided any serious damage. More concerning is Christian Yelich’s hamstring issue and the Brewers’ five straight losses after jumping out to an 8-2 record. The Yankees have had the best rotation in MLB despite missing Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodón to start the year. The issue has been a healthy offense that nonetheless ranks 25th in OPS. The Yankees have averaged fewer than three runs per game over a five-game losing skid. The Padres are surging. They’ve now won eight of their last nine games, but Nick Pivetta left his start Sunday with elbow stiffness. That’s a potentially significant development, considering the team’s lack of starting pitching depth. An elite bullpen helps, though. Mason Miller’s on an absurd run to start the year, striking out 19 of the 24 batters he has faced. Spencer Schwellenbach and Hurston Waldrep had elbow surgery. Spencer Strider strained his oblique. Ha-Seong Kim slipped on ice and needed surgery to repair a torn tendon in his middle finger. Jurickson Profar failed another PED test and is out for the year. Despite another year of injury chaos, though, the Braves have looked like one of the best teams in baseball with a pitching staff that has banded together to produce the lowest ERA in MLB and an offense that trails only the Dodgers in home runs. Was there any question? The favorites are still piling up wins after losing Mookie Betts to an oblique injury, but it’s worth keeping an eye on Edwin Díaz. The Dodgers and their new closer have insisted he feels fine physically, but his velocity has been down lately, and Dave Roberts wouldn’t reveal if he was available Sunday. Something to monitor.​Latest Sports News from FOX Sports

St. Louis Battlehawks backup quarterback Harrison Frost’s UFL debut started with a thud. His first two passes were interceptions, including one returned for a score that provided an early lead for the visiting Birmingham Stallions. However, Frost stayed strong and rebounded by throwing three touchdown passes in the fourth quarter, guiding the Battlehawks to a 34-30 comeback victory at The Dome at America’s Center on Sunday. “Obviously, you start doubting yourself when things don’t go your way,” Frost said postgame, “but if you keep believing and keep throwing punches, hopefully one will land. And luckily, it did.” Frost replaced an ineffective Brandon Silvers in the first half, as Battlehawks head coach Ricky Prohl elected to make a change at quarterback. Frost finished 9-for-15 for 148 yards and three touchdown passes, along with the two early interceptions. His favorite target, Hakeem Butler, finished with four receptions for 146 yards and a score. The loss ruined the return to St. Louis (2-1) for AJ McCarron, who served as the starting quarterback for the Battlehawks for two seasons. Now the head coach in Birmingham, McCarron’s squad dropped to 1-2 this season. Elsewhere, the Orlando Storm (3-0) remained unbeaten, escaping with a controversial overtime victory on the road against the Louisville Kings (0-3). The Dallas Renegades (3-0) also remained undefeated, narrowly outlasting the Columbus Aviators on only five days rest after a short week. Columbus played without head coach Ted Ginn Jr., with offensive coordinator Todd Haley serving as the team’s interim head coach. Finally, the defending champion DC Defenders (2-1) pummeled the Houston Gamblers (1-2) in record-breaking fashion, spoiling the debut of Maryland product Taulia Tagovailoa, the younger brother of NFL QB Tua Tagovailoa. Here are my takeaways from Week 3 of the UFL: 1. Tyler Vaughns making early case for UFL Offensive Player of the Year In his fourth season with the Renegades, Vaughns is off to his best start as a pro. The USC product leads the league in receptions (23), receiving yards (331) and receiving touchdowns (four) through three games, and he’s one of the primary reasons Dallas head coach Rick Neuheisel’s team has started the year undefeated. An All-UFL performer last season, Vaughns is one of the frontrunners for the UFL Offensive Player of the Year award. The Renegades lead the UFL in points scored (95) and total yards per game (326.3). Vaughns had his lowest output of the season in the Renegades’ victory over the Aviators in Week 3, finishing with five catches for 41 yards. Along with a high-powered offense, the Renegades also have an opportunistic defense, leading the UFL with six interceptions. Dallas cornerback Shaun Wade tops the UFL with three picks. 2. Is Matt McCrane destined for the NFL? Brandon Aubrey, Jake Bates, Andre Szmyt and Harrison Mevis are all kickers that turned success in the UFL into successful NFL careers. McCrane is putting himself in position to become the next in line to make an NFL team. McCrane made his second, 60-yard field goal last week in the Defenders’ dominant victory over the Gamblers this weekend, taking advantage of the new UFL rule that awards four points for any field goal over 60 yards. McCrane is 7 of 8 for the season, with his only miss from 55 yards. Battlehawks kicker Tucker McCann has the second-longest field goal this season from 58 yards, while the Storm’s Michael Lantz made a 57-yard field goal. 3. QB Matt Corral searching for better command of offense Considered one of the players to compete for league MVP honors this season, Corral has struggled with turnovers thus far, which is one of the main reasons the Stallions have started the year a surprising 1-2. Corral is tied with Defenders QB Jordan Ta’amu for the league lead with four interceptions on the year. It’s a continuation of a trend for Corral, who finished tied for second with four turnovers last season, even though he started just two games. McCarron, a former quarterback, was blunt in his assessment of what his expectations are for Corral moving forward. “Matt’s got to play with confidence,” he said. “I thought he was very hesitant early on, and my biggest thing to him is you can’t have bad turnovers. You can’t just throw the ball up. But you’ve also got to have a mentality of, ‘Forget it, on to the next play,’ and go out and throw the ball with conviction and not just try and guide it.” [2026 UFL Title Odds: Renegades Favored; Defenders, Storm Closing Gap] 4. Aviators, Kings still looking for first win While the Aviators dropped to 0-3 this year, they did hold a lead against one of the best teams in the league in the second quarter. Columbus leaned on the experience of interim head coach Todd Haley, who served as head coach of the legacy Memphis Showboats in 2023 and has been a longtime offensive coordinator and former head coach for the NFL’s Kansas City Chiefs. However, the Aviators get another opportunity to face the Renegades at home on Friday. The Aviators have lost to Dallas and Orlando — both undefeated in UFL action — by a combined 12 points. The UFL has not announced if Ginn will be available to coach in Week 4. Like the Aviators, the Kings have been competitive in their first three games, losing by an average of five points a contest — including twice to the Storm. The Kings can take solace in quarterback Jason Bean playing well, as he finished with 352 passing yards and three touchdowns. 4 ½: What’s Next In Week 4, things kick off Thursday evening with the Kings facing the Gamblers. There’s one game on Friday night, per usual, this time with the Renegades battling the Aviators. We’ve also got another doubleheader on Saturday, with the Battlehawks taking on the Defenders in the afternoon, followed by the Stallions hosting the Storm later on.​Latest Sports News from FOX Sports

Following the news that the UFL will expand to at least nine teams by 2028 with a new franchise in Oklahoma City, fans from the Sooner State gave more than a passing glance to the league over the weekend. I live in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where college football is the “professional” sport most folks enjoy in the fall when the Oklahoma City Thunder isn’t bulldozing through the rest of the NBA. At a local restaurant I frequent, I caught sight of a man in a Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Thunder jersey watching the Dallas Renegades play the Columbus Aviators on Sunday afternoon. I asked him why he was watching the game. “I heard Oklahoma’s getting one of these [UFL] teams,” he said. So it is. Here’s a look at my third UFL power rankings list of the season: #8. Columbus Aviators (0-3) Week 3 results: Lost to Renegades, 28-23Current odds to win 2026 title: +3500 Without head coach Ted Ginn Jr. for the first time this season, the Aviators looked to acting head coach Todd Haley to lead them against an undefeated foe in the Renegades. They fell a possession short in a game where a pick-six by quarterback Jalan McClendon proved to be the difference. Still, the Aviators should take pride in knowing they scored in every quarter against the Renegades. However, knowing they allowed all 28 points to Dallas in the second half will be difficult to overcome, as Columbus is one of just two UFL teams without a win through three weeks. #7. Louisville Kings (0-3) Week 3 results: Lost to Storm, 29-27 (OT)Current odds to win 2026 title: +5500 The winless Kings dropped a second consecutive game to the Storm and have lost two of three by a combined four points. They’re one of just two teams still looking for their first win in 2026 — and the Kings are the most deserving. Ex-Kansas quarterback Jason Bean played his best game as a professional. He completed 23 of 46 passes for 352 yards with three touchdowns, including a pass to tight end Zach Davidson to send the game into overtime. Wide receiver Isaiah Winstead also had a standout game, catching seven passes for an eye-popping 114 yards. If not for a rather bizarre overtime rule, the Kings might have won their first game against one of the league’s strongest teams. However, because Louisville committed two live-ball penalties during the overtime, their opponent was awarded two points during the sudden-death period of overtime. Yes, that’s how Louisville lost the game. #6. Birmingham Stallions (1-2) Week 3 results: Lost to Battlehawks, 34-30Current odds to win 2026 title: +800 The Stallions blew a two-score lead — by UFL scoring no less, where a nine-point possession is not out of the question — against a Battlehawks team that benched its starting quarterback in the second half and could not move the football with any regularity until the third quarter. For head coach AJ McCarron, this was a disastrous homecoming. The former St. Louis starting quarterback knows his team could just as easily be 3-0 if not for poor play in the second half in back-to-back weeks. #5. Houston Gamblers (1-2) Week 3 results: Lost to Defenders, 45-7Current odds to win 2026 title: +5500 Without quarterbacks Nolan Henderson and Hunter Dekkers available for Week 3, head coach Kevin Sumlin turned to ex-Maryland signal-caller Taulia Tagovailoa. In his first start for Houston, Tagovailoa put in a forgettable performance, going 21-for-40 for 171 yards with one touchdown and a costly pick-six. When he did complete passes, they were likely to the Gamblers’ best offensive player in Justin Hall, who caught nine of 13 targets for 69 yards and that lone touchdown. Houston managed just 214 yards of total offense, and the team committed almost as many penalties (13) as successful first downs (15). #4. DC Defenders (2-1) Week 3 results: Defeated Gamblers, 45-7Current odds to win 2026 title: +225 The farther away the Defenders get from Week 1, the better they look, and that was certainly true with their demolition of the Gamblers on Friday night. Jordan Ta’amu & Co. won the game in record-breaking fashion. The Defenders’ 38-point margin of victory is the largest by any team in UFL history. DC’s defense also scored as many points as Houston did all game after former Ohio State and first-round NFL Draft pick Gareon Conley returned an interception 70 yards for a touchdown. [2026 UFL Title Odds: Renegades Favored; Defenders, Storm Closing Gap] #3. St. Louis Battlehawks (2-1) Week 3 results: Defeated Stallions, 34-30Current odds to win 2026 title: +600 The Battlehawks got started quickly with a pick-six to ignite their fans inside The Dome at America’s Center and spoil the homecoming for their former starting quarterback, McCarron, in his return to St. Louis as the Stallions’ head coach. It took a tremendous late comeback for the Battlehawks to earn their second victory this season in one of the most thrilling games of the year so far in the UFL. St. Louis stormed back from a 30-20 deficit in its victory behind quarterback Harrison Frost, who came off the bench in the second half to complete 9 of 15 passes for 148 yards with three touchdowns. He led three consecutive scoring drives to deliver the win. #2. Orlando Storm (3-0) Week 3 results: Defeated Kings, 29-27 (OT)Current odds to win 2026 title: +370 Pop quiz! How many teams can say they won a game because their opponent committed two live-ball defensive penalties? This one, that’s it. In a riveting game that saw the Kings fight back to force overtime — and one in which both starting quarterbacks played their best football to date — a new UFL rule handed the Storm the win on a defensive penalty. The rule is simple: If a team commits two live-ball defensive penalties during overtime, its opponent is awarded two points. Because the Kings committed their second defensive penalty during the sudden-death period, the Storm were awarded two points and the win. The rule itself makes sense. There’s a world in which a defense could keep committing live-ball penalties to prolong the game rather than allow a scoring play, but that doesn’t make for much of a spectacle for fans … and Louisville fans made their frustrations known. It was an ugly way to end the game, and the Storm likely would’ve rather won it on a scoring play, but they’ll take the win nonetheless. #1. Dallas Renegades (3-0) Week 3 results: Defeated Aviators, 28-23Current odds to win 2026 title: +210 The best team in the UFL did not purport itself like that until the second half of their win against the Aviators. After what was a ho-hum day for quarterback Austin Reed and his favorite target, Tyler Vaughns, knowing that the rest of the offense can pick up the slack ought to do nothing but buoy head coach Rick Neuheisel’s confidence that his team can sustain this fast start through the rest of the season.​Latest Sports News from FOX Sports

The 2026 NFL Draft is less than two weeks away, meaning top-30 visits for prospects will wind down in the coming days. But the last few weeks of reported visits have allowed us to see which teams are interested in which prospects, and also the particular teams some prospects are interested in joining. Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, for instance, only took one top-30 visit, meeting with the Las Vegas Raiders on Tuesday, April 7, as he’s widely expected to be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Outside of Mendoza, the draft appears as wide open as it has been in years during the early stages of the pre-draft process. All eyes will be on the defense throughout the first round, along with speculation about how high Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love could go. Still, plenty of other top prospects have been making the rounds on team visits as franchises look to finalize their boards. Here’s a look at some of the most notable visits from around the league in recent weeks. Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame Not only is Love expected to hear his name called early on draft night, but he has also visited four teams inside the top 10. His most recent visit came with the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday, April 6, a situation worth monitoring with Chase Brown set to hit free agency next offseason. Love has also already met with the New York Giants, Arizona Cardinals and Tennessee Titans. Rueben Bain Jr., edge rusher, Miami (Fla.) Bain Jr. is viewed as one of the biggest wildcards on draft night, particularly due to concerns about his arm length. Still, he remains in a strong position to be a top-10 pick and is coming off a recent visit with the Bengals on April 10. Bain has also wrapped up visits with the Kansas City Chiefs, Titans and Miami Dolphins. Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State Downs has been viewed as one of the safest picks in the entire draft and could be a near lock for the top 15 picks. He is coming off an April 11 visit with the Dallas Cowboys, who hold the No. 12 overall pick and have also been linked to potential trade-ups. Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama Simpson is one of the most unique prospects who could go in the first round, with the potential to go inside the top 16 picks or slide out of the round entirely into Day 2. Still, he has completed visits with four teams, including the Cardinals, Cleveland Browns, New York Jets, and Dolphins. Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU Delane has been projected as high as No. 9 overall to the Chiefs, but he is coming off visits with the Giants and Dolphins. He spent this past week with both organizations, which hold picks inside the top 11. He has also met with the Commanders, Cowboys, Saints and Titans. KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M The most overlooked wide receiver in this year’s draft class could be Concepcion, who has drawn plenty of interest on the visit circuit this past week. He visited the Browns on April 8, the Dolphins on April 9, and the Bills on April 10. He is gaining first-round momentum heading into draft night. His other visits also include the Carolina Panthers, Baltimore Ravens, Titans, San Francisco 49ers, Giants, New England Patriots and Los Angeles Chargers. Makai Lemon, WR, USC Lemon is in a strong position to be the first wide receiver selected and took two visits this past week. He was in New York with the Jets on April 6 and in Pittsburgh with the Steelers on April 9, as both teams could be in the market for a dynamic playmaker at the position. He has also met with the Browns, Chiefs, Los Angeles Rams (local visit), Dolphins, New Orleans Saints, Giants, Philadelphia Eagles, Titans and Washington Commanders. Denzel Boston, WR, Washington The biggest dark-horse receiver in this class might be Boston, who has been projected as a top-15 draft pick or into the early second round. He has taken multiple visits this week, including with the Panthers on April 9, the Ravens on April 10, and the Jets on April 11, with a visit to the Dolphins scheduled for next week. He has also taken plenty of other visits with the Browns, Raiders, Steelers, 49ers and Commanders. Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo One of the more unique names to steadily rise up draft boards over the past few months is McNeil-Warren. He recently visited the Miami Dolphins on April 8, who hold the No. 11 and No. 30 overall picks. McNeil-Warren has been active, also visiting the Atlanta Falcons, Browns, Cowboys, Patriots and Steelers. Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon Sadiq has drawn plenty of first-round interest, especially after his historic NFL Scouting Combine performance, in which he ran a 4.39 40-yard dash. This past week, he had one visit with the Browns, where he attended alongside Concepcion. Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee Not only is McCoy one of the most polarizing players in this year’s draft, but despite missing all of last season with a knee injury, he remains in position to be the first cornerback selected. He recently visited the Panthers on April 10 and could still hear his name called much higher than expected. Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana Cooper Jr. is coming off an April 10 visit with the Washington Commanders, who are viewed as a team in need of a running mate for Terry McLaurin. The interesting part of the visit is that the Commanders only hold two top-100 picks (No. 7 and No. 71), while Cooper Jr. is widely viewed as a late first-round selection. He has also met with the Panthers, Titans, 49ers, Eagles, Denver Broncos, Cowboys and Browns. Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah If there’s one offensive lineman who could sneak into the back end of the first round, it’s Lomu, who is coming off a visit with the Chicago Bears. Coach Ben Johnson and the offense could use another lineman capable of playing both the left and right side, and Lomu fits that mold. Lomu has met with plenty of teams in need of offensive linemen, including the Browns, Eagles and Chargers.​Latest Sports News from FOX Sports

It’s weeks like this that prove the NFL doesn’t really have an offseason. NFL free agency may have stalled, with teams waiting for June 1 to manage their compensatory picks. But the draft news is ramping up, with the first round next Thursday. Surely, we’ll start to see smokescreens and misdirection. And maybe we’ll see a blockbuster trade or two. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Let’s assess what happened around the NFL this past week. This is “Sound Smart,” where I try to spin forward, dive deeper and think outside the box. If I do my job, you’ll have a better understanding of what’s happening this NFL offseason. 1. IF THERE’S ONE THING YOU SHOULD KNOW, IT’S THAT… You can blame Patrick Mahomes for the lack of fanfare around Fernando Mendoza. Nine years after the Chiefs drafted Patrick Mahomes No. 10 overall, his selection is still changing the landscape of the NFL. It’s a tremendous compliment to how much the Kansas City quarterback has achieved. In a roundabout way, I think Mahomes’ resounding success is the reason why there’s limited hype around Mendoza, the presumptive No. 1 pick this year. Let’s flash back to 2019, when Tom Brady last won a Super Bowl with the Patriots. He was the gold standard. Pocket quarterbacks were the status quo, and mobile QBs seemed to be a trend. At the NFL Combine, players often compared themselves to Brady — admittedly drawing eye rolls in the process. But now? College quarterbacks want to compare themselves to Mahomes, Josh Allen and other mobile QBs. That’s not Mendoza. He’s more of a Brady type — a pocket quarterback. (Mendoza’s style is most comparable to Detroit’s Jared Goff or former longtime Falcons QB Matt Ryan.) Make no mistake: Mendoza is deserving of that No. 1 spot. But there seems to be a lack of fanfare around him, and I think it’s because everyone is so accustomed to dual-threat QBs (Cam Ward, Caleb Williams, Bryce Young or Trevor Lawrence) going in that top spot. “[Mahomes] definitely inspired a lot of people to find a guy like that,” an NFL GM told me. “I think everybody’s trying to kind of get away from the stationary quarterback — the traditional pocket quarterback — because of the way these defensive fronts are nowadays. You have to have somebody that can move around the pocket, have feeling around the pocket, and then extend plays and create with their legs if need be. “So, yeah, I would say, in that breath, maybe [Mahomes] did change the mindset of some coaches and some evaluators.” 2. MONDAY MORNING CONTROVERSY — AVERTED Lamar Jackson showed up for offseason workouts, which is a sign of good things to come for Baltimore. Finally, the Ravens can enjoy a positive storyline. Seriously, a thing happened in Baltimore that wasn’t controversial. It has been a tumultuous offseason for the Ravens, who fired longtime head coach John Harbaugh and replaced him with first-time head coach Jesse Minter. It could be a great hire, but it is, no doubt, controversial. The Ravens then began the process of trading for superstar edge rusher Maxx Crosby — before backing out. The medical information didn’t check out, they said, so Crosby was returned to the Raiders and Baltimore signed free-agent Trey Hendrickson. Again, it could be a great move, but it is also controversial. Let’s not shy away from highlighting the good items along with the controversy. Two-time NFL MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson showed up for voluntary offseason workouts, which he skipped last year. Jackson is due for a new contract, and he’s still building a relationship with Minter and new offensive coordinator Declan Doyle. So it’s a big deal that he was present for the voluntary portion. Last year, Jackson had his worst regular season since 2021. Just as important, his organization is trying to build something new — and very much around him. He needed to be there. 3. EVERYONE’S AFRAID TO SAY If Kirk Cousins was initially avoiding the Raiders, I’d understand why. Quarterback competitions are rarely fair, if ever. So, I can understand why it took so long for Kirk Cousins to land with the Las Vegas Raiders. It was, after all, reported almost immediately after his release by the Falcons on March 11 that he would be a Raider. But the veteran quarterback took his time to be 100% sure that Las Vegas was the best place for him. And that difficulty probably has very little to do with anyone currently on the Raiders. It has everything to do with the guy who’s about to be a Raider: Mendoza. In fact, Las Vegas might be a good football team in 2026. It would defy what we know about the Raiders, generally speaking, because the organization has won 10 games (or more) just one time since 2017. But if you look simply at their offense — which is often the key to a big turnaround (like what the Patriots and Bears did last year) — then you’ll see reason for optimism. Running back Ashton Jeanty was one of the best prospects in last year’s draft, and there’s still hope for him. Brock Bowers is the best tight end in the NFL at just 23 years old. New head coach Klint Kubiak was the best offensive coordinator in football last year. Center Tyler Linderbaum was the best offensive lineman on the free agent market. Whether it’s additions or returners, there’s a lot to like about the Raiders. Even while the situation is murky at QB, it’s the good kind of uncertainty. Las Vegas should have a difficult decision to make in September because it has a healthy competition between Cousins and the projected No. 1 overall pick, Mendoza. Which gets me back to my original point: QB competitions are rarely fair. Tom Brady has made it clear that he doesn’t want Mendoza to start right away. And Cousins is a legit option to make that plan happen. Together, they can try to do what, historically speaking, hardly ever happens: have the No. 1 pick begin his NFL career as a backup quarterback. But it would be anomalous. Cousins must know that. And so it made sense that he didn’t want to jump at being a likely backup for the Raiders. “I honestly don’t want to start unless I’m the best option, and I told Klint that,” Cousins told reporters last Wednesday. “The best player should play. As long as that’s the case, I have no qualms about however it plays out. I do think Fernando is going to be a great addition to our team. I think he’s going to have a great future in our league. “I have no problem being a voice in the room to help him to the degree I can. He’s going to have great support around him with the coaching staff. But to be able to watch a veteran quarterback go through his habits and routines and process, that can be a great asset for him.” Cousins seems to understand his role for the Raiders in 2026. He might know — well before Las Vegas realizes it — that he is not likely to hold off Mendoza for long. The top pick in the draft is almost always a Week 1 starter. [How a ‘Life-Giving’ FaceTime with Tom Brady Helped Kirk Cousins Sign with Raiders] 4. PEELING BACK THE CURTAIN Two NFL Draft prospects are trying to allay injury concerns and land in the top 10. There might not be two prospects with more important medical information than receiver Jordyn Tyson and tackle Francis Mauigoa. And that’s why we’re seeing them both make late pushes to get the necessary information in front of NFL teams. In the case of Tyson, he has decided to host a workout for NFL teams on April 17 — just one week before the draft. Last season at Arizona State, Tyson suffered a hamstring injury in mid-October and missed three games. He also sat out of drills at the NFL Combine and ASU Pro Day. It’s rare to see a hamstring injury drag on this long, but Tyson has maintained he’s healthy and will be ready to play. This workout could go a long way in confirming that. And because there’s a lot of parity between the top three receivers in this draft class (from Carnell Tate to Makai Lemon to Tyson), it could go so far as to thrust him into a spot as the top receiver. [Ranking the Top 10 Wide Receivers in the 2026 NFL Draft] With Mauigoa, he did a medical recheck last Friday to address concerns regarding a back injury that gave him issues at the end of last season at Miami. Teams must have come away from the combine feeling like the medicals left them with questions. So Mauigoa’s recheck is an effort to answer those questions — and land in the top 10 on April 23.​Latest Sports News from FOX Sports