#2026-nfl-draft

#2026-nfl-draft

Until 40-yard dashes are clocked and arm lengths are measured, most teams are in information-gathering mode. Conversations are happening. Trade frameworks are being floated. But actual draft-board movement? That usually waits for test results and medical rechecks to be finalized.

I've spent the last few days digging through every major 2026 linebacker board I could find - Bucky Brooks, ESPN, NFL Draft Buzz - and one thing is clear. This linebacker class could be one of the strongest positions in the entire draft. If I'm the Dallas Cowboys and even thinking about addressing the position in the 2026 NFL Draft, there will be options. Not just depth pieces, but impact players.

Peters thought he'd found Ertz's heir with Ben Sinnott. Two years into his NFL career, the jury is still out. John Bates is a blocking specialist, and nobody else has the tools to move the needle. Simply put, the Commanders need to find someone who can make it easier for quarterback Jayden Daniels to throw across the middle, a criticism he faced when healthy in 2025.

The Dolphins, under the guidance of new general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and new coach Jeff Hafley, have eight picks in the April 23-25 draft - one in the first round (No. 11), one in the second (43), three in the third (75, 87 and 90), one in the fourth (111), one in the fifth (149) and one in the seventh (227).

Miami offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa on Thursday officially declared for the 2026 NFL draft, where he is expected to be among the first players selected. Mauigoa is ranked as the No. 1 offensive tackle by ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. in this year's draft. In his latest mock draft, Kiper has Mauigoa being picked No. 3 overall by the Arizona Cardinals.

The NFC South hasn't had a Super Bowl contender since the Atlanta Falcons and Carolina Panthers made back-to-back appearances in the 2015-16 seasons. The division hasn't produced a double-digit regular-season winner in three of the past four seasons, with the Panthers limping to a wild-card berth after the Falcons beat the New Orleans Saints in the 2025 regular-season finale, eliminating the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from the playoffs.

Would the Raiders entertain a trade for the No. 1 pick? I doubt it. It's hard to imagine the Raiders passing on Indiana's Fernando Mendoza, especially after ownership, including Tom Brady, attended the College Football Playoff National Championship. After Geno Smith's rough 2025 season, the Raiders need to bring in a young signal-caller who can grow with running back Ashton Jeanty and tight end Brock Bowers.

A lot can change between now and the start of the draft on April 23. For one, players from Indiana and Miami have until January 23 to declare for the draft. There are still predraft events, the combine and pro days over the next three months. We'll also learn more about lingering injury situations for a handful of top prospects.

Dante Moore, who was the clear-cut No. 2 passer expected to come out of the Class of 2026, announced earlier this week that he will stay at Oregon for one more season, making the Jets the losers of this situation. As of now, no other young quarterback is projected to be a bona fide Day 1 draft pick until the NFL's mind-numbing pre-draft machine ultimately inflates a talent or two that will have no business being taken in the first round.