Arizona Cardinals<\/p>\n
Draft capital rank: 6th | Brugler\u2019s rank: 15th | Trades up\/down: 0\/0<\/p>\n
Rd.PickPlayerPos.School<\/p>\n
1<\/p>\n
3<\/p>\n
Jeremiyah Love<\/p>\n
RB<\/p>\n
2<\/p>\n
34<\/p>\n
Chase Bisontis<\/p>\n
G<\/p>\n
3<\/p>\n
65<\/p>\n
Carson Beck<\/p>\n
QB<\/p>\n
4<\/p>\n
104<\/p>\n
Kaleb Proctor<\/p>\n
DT<\/p>\n
5<\/p>\n
143<\/p>\n
Reggie Virgil<\/p>\n
WR<\/p>\n
6<\/p>\n
183<\/p>\n
Karson Sharar<\/p>\n
LB<\/p>\n
7<\/p>\n
217<\/p>\n
Jayden Williams<\/p>\n
OT<\/p>\n
The Cardinals were interesting for reasons pitting philosophical ideals against real-world considerations when drafting running back Jeremiyah Love with the No. 3 pick and quarterback Carson Beck to open the third round.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey\u2019re not one piece away, and they put money into (running back) Tyler Allgeier \u2014 like, I get why people push back on the Love pick,\u201d one exec said. \u201cBut at the same time, ownership is trying to sell tickets, they don\u2019t have a face of the franchise and this guy can fit that bill.\u201d<\/p>\n
Fourth-year GM Monti Ossenfort has a 15-36 (.294) record, including 3-14 last season. His job could ride on whether the team is exciting.<\/p>\n
\u201cIs the roster ready for a running back? Probably not, but there was no real flashing light to pick other than Love,\u201d another exec said. \u201cIf the owner wanted the back, like everybody said, that is not a hill you are going to die on as a GM. Love is special.\u201d<\/p>\n
Asked what the team planned for Beck, Ossenfort joked that the immediate focus was on helping the former Georgia and Miami quarterback find the cafeteria at team headquarters.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey are trying to give themselves hope and take a swing,\u201d a different exec said. \u201cBeck looks the part. He can make the throws. He is just going to short-circuit at the worst time. I\u2019d sit him half the year like New Orleans did with (Tyler) Shough and then play him the rest of the way.\u201d<\/p>\n
Here\u2019s an idea: Trade veteran QB Jacoby Brissett. Go young. Be fun.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you play Jacoby Brissett and Gardner Minshew the whole year, you have wasted the pick on Beck,\u201d a fourth exec said. \u201cThe Beck pick makes sense if he is your starter. It\u2019s like, \u2018We know we suck, we roll the dice and maybe we hit on a QB,\u2019 because if you can pick in the top 10 next year and not need a QB, you are in good shape.\u201d<\/p>\n
Atlanta Falcons<\/p>\n
Draft capital rank: 31st | Brugler\u2019s rank: 28th | Trades up\/down: 0\/1<\/p>\n
Rd.PickPlayerPos.School<\/p>\n
2<\/p>\n
48<\/p>\n
Avieon Terrell<\/p>\n
CB<\/p>\n
3<\/p>\n
79<\/p>\n
Zachariah Branch<\/p>\n
WR<\/p>\n
4<\/p>\n
134<\/p>\n
Kendal Daniels<\/p>\n
LB<\/p>\n
6<\/p>\n
208<\/p>\n
Anterior Thompson<\/p>\n
DT<\/p>\n
6<\/p>\n
215<\/p>\n
Harold Perkins Jr.<\/p>\n
LB<\/p>\n
7<\/p>\n
231<\/p>\n
Ethan Onianwa<\/p>\n
G<\/p>\n
The Falcons hit the hometown theme for the second draft in a row, this time reuniting cornerback Avieon Terrell, an Atlanta native, with his brother<\/a>, fellow Falcons corner A.J. Terrell. It\u2019s a cool story, but how smart was it to add a smaller corner in an NFC South division increasingly filled with big receivers, even after Mike Evans\u2019 departure?<\/p>\n \u201cThat pick felt even more nostalgic than the Georgia rusher (Jalon Walker) in the first round last year,\u201d an exec said. \u201cIt\u2019s cool that (Terrell) is playing with his brother, but this isn\u2019t like the NBA with Giannis Antetokounmpo. You have to make sure guys come in and contribute.\u201d<\/p>\n Which is not to suggest Avieon is going to play the role of Thanasis Antetokounmpo, a fringe player living in his superstar brother\u2019s shadow.<\/p>\n \u201c(Avieon Terrell) is OK \u2014 he\u2019s just little, kind of skinny,\u201d another exec said. \u201cHe will struggle against bigger body, more physical receivers.\u201d<\/p>\n The Falcons sent their first-round pick, which became No. 13, to the Rams as part of their ill-fated 2025 trade-up for James Pearce, who recently entered a pre-trial intervention program<\/a> to defer felony charges for aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, felony fleeing police and felony resisting an officer with violence, and a misdemeanor stalking charge.<\/p>\n That trade left the Falcons with no picks until No. 48, when they took Avieon Terrell.<\/p>\n From picks 13 through 47, other teams selected nine edge rushers, six receivers, four defensive tackles, four offensive tackles, three guards, two other corners, two linebackers, one safety, one running back, one tight end and quarterback Ty Simpson, whom the Rams took with Atlanta\u2019s pick.<\/p>\n \u201cThe corner is a good player, but he had a hamstring (injury) and tested poorly,\u201d a third exec said.<\/p>\n Atlanta selected an even more undersized prospect, Georgia receiver Zachariah Branch, in the third round. Branch, who measured under 5-foot-9, gives the Falcons a skill set they were lacking at the receiver position. One exec called him a gadget player in the Mecole Hardman role, with some Tyreek Hill in him, but not as strong.<\/p>\n \u201cIf you roll with Tua (Tagovailoa) at quarterback, he gets it out quick,\u201d a different exec said. \u201cBranch does his work underneath on those quick, short passes. If you have him and Bijan (Robinson) on opposite sides, those are two guys that can house it from anywhere on the field.\u201d<\/p>\n Execs generally remain skeptical<\/a> of the way Atlanta, in its first season with Matt Ryan heading up football operations, is going about its business all offseason.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t know what Atlanta is doing yet,\u201d one exec said. \u201cThey have talked about raising the floor, but wouldn\u2019t you rather bottom out or raise the ceiling?\u201d<\/p>\n Carolina Panthers<\/p>\n Draft capital rank: 17th | Brugler\u2019s rank: 13th | Trades up\/down: 2\/2<\/p>\n Rd.PickPlayerPos.School<\/p>\n 1<\/p>\n 19<\/p>\n Monroe Freeling<\/p>\n OT<\/p>\n 2<\/p>\n 49<\/p>\n Lee Hunter<\/p>\n DT<\/p>\n 3<\/p>\n 83<\/p>\n Chris Brazzell II<\/p>\n WR<\/p>\n 4<\/p>\n 129<\/p>\n Will Lee III<\/p>\n CB<\/p>\n 5<\/p>\n 144<\/p>\n Sam Hecht<\/p>\n C<\/p>\n 5<\/p>\n 151<\/p>\n Zakee Wheatley<\/p>\n S<\/p>\n 7<\/p>\n 227<\/p>\n Jackson Kuwatch<\/p>\n LB<\/p>\n One of the first things execs look for when analyzing a draft is whether the moves appear to be part of a coherent plan.<\/p>\n Detroit has done that effectively in recent seasons. Carolina is getting there.<\/p>\n \u201cI feel like they are drafting for what they want their team to look like,\u201d an exec said. \u201cThey are trying to win on both lines of scrimmage. They want to run the ball. They want to give the quarterback (Bryce Young) some big receivers so he can manage it. You can see what they are trying to do.\u201d<\/p>\n At the combine in late February, one exec projected Georgia tackle Monroe Freeling to Cleveland at No. 6<\/a>. That doesn\u2019t necessarily mean Freeling was some sort of steal for Carolina at No. 19 as much as it reflected the volatility of a weak draft.<\/p>\n It probably helped that the Rams, who also could have justified taking a tackle, instead selected a quarterback at No. 13. Detroit, which held the No. 17 pick, preferred a right tackle (Blake Miller), leaving Freeling for Carolina as the fifth tackle in this class.<\/p>\n \u201cWe did not have 19 first-round players in this draft,\u201d another exec said, \u201cbut there is nothing you can do about it. You have to pick someone. Freeling will get knocked back some, but he\u2019s a starting tackle. They have (left tackle Ikem) Ekwonu in the final year of his deal, and that tackle market is going crazy, so Freeling helps them there.\u201d<\/p>\n Ekwonu is also recovering from a torn patellar tendon suffered in January\u2019s playoff loss to the Rams.<\/p>\n Execs unanimously liked second-round defensive tackle Lee Hunter, whom Carolina traded up for to cap a run on D-linemen.<\/p>\n \u201cLee Hunter can play all the interior positions,\u201d an exec said. \u201cHe doesn\u2019t have length, but he can play nose, he can play 3-technique, he can play 4i. And there\u2019s upside with him because he can rush the passer a little bit.\u201d<\/p>\n Two execs also thought third-round receiver Chris Brazzell II would stretch opposing defenses.<\/p>\n \u201cUnderrated guy who is going to take the top off the defense,\u201d one exec said. \u201cIt\u2019s just a matter of the quarterback pushing the ball down there.\u201d<\/p>\n Chicago Bears<\/p>\n Draft capital rank: 20th | Brugler\u2019s rank: 19th | Trades up\/down: 2\/1<\/p>\n Rd.PickPlayerPos.School<\/p>\n 1<\/p>\n 25<\/p>\n Dillon Thieneman<\/p>\n S<\/p>\n 2<\/p>\n 57<\/p>\n Logan Jones<\/p>\n C<\/p>\n 3<\/p>\n 69<\/p>\n Sam Roush<\/p>\n TE<\/p>\n 3<\/p>\n 89<\/p>\n Zavion Thomas<\/p>\n WR<\/p>\n 4<\/p>\n 124<\/p>\n Malik Muhammad<\/p>\n CB<\/p>\n 5<\/p>\n 166<\/p>\n Keyshaun Elliott<\/p>\n LB<\/p>\n 6<\/p>\n 213<\/p>\n Jordan van den Berg<\/p>\n DT<\/p>\n If the draft had fallen ideally for the Bears, they might have emerged from the first round with a top edge rusher. But with the Chargers and Cowboys targeting that position shortly before the Bears were on the clock at No. 25, Chicago took safety Dillon Thieneman, a player analysts had widely mocked to the division-rival Vikings.<\/p>\n \u201cMaybe they should have traded up?\u201d one exec offered.<\/p>\n The Bears did that twice later in the draft, including when they selected defensive tackle Jordan van den Berg in the sixth round \u2014 surprisingly, the first and only time Chicago addressed its defensive front, a known concern.<\/p>\n \u201cThe safety is going to be a good player,\u201d an exec said. \u201cWe were high on him. He is ball savvy, has some versatility from a blitz and coverage standpoint.\u201d<\/p>\n Two months after trading a fifth-round pick to New England for center Garrett Bradbury, the Bears used their second-round pick on Logan Jones, the first center drafted. Both players are centers only, meaning it\u2019s unlikely both would be active for a game. Might the Bears eventually trade Bradbury to a center-needy team such as Baltimore? Or, will this be a redshirt season for Jones?<\/p>\n \u201cThey\u2019re the same guy: both undersized, tough technicians,\u201d another exec said.<\/p>\n Chicago also participated in the Day 2 run on tight ends, using its third-round pick on Sam Roush, the sixth player chosen at the position (fifth on Friday).<\/p>\n \u201cChicago was really good in the run game this past year, and to get Roush to play tight end, damn, they are going to be able to run some strong-side runs,\u201d a third said. \u201cThis guy can block all the defensive ends.\u201d<\/p>\n Dallas Cowboys<\/p>\n Draft capital rank: 9th | Brugler\u2019s rank: 4th | Trades up\/down: 1\/1<\/p>\n Rd.PickPlayerPos.School<\/p>\n 1<\/p>\n 11<\/p>\n Caleb Downs<\/p>\n S<\/p>\n 1<\/p>\n 23<\/p>\n Malachi Lawrence<\/p>\n Edge<\/p>\n 3<\/p>\n 92<\/p>\n Jaishawn Barham<\/p>\n Edge<\/p>\n 4<\/p>\n 112<\/p>\n Drew Shelton<\/p>\n OT<\/p>\n 4<\/p>\n 114<\/p>\n Devin Moore<\/p>\n CB<\/p>\n 4<\/p>\n 137<\/p>\n LT Overton<\/p>\n Edge<\/p>\n 7<\/p>\n 218<\/p>\n Anthony Smith<\/p>\n WR<\/p>\n The two edge rushers Dallas drafted with picks acquired from Green Bay in the Micah Parsons trade \u2014 Malachi Lawrence at No. 23, after trading back three spots in a deal that enabled Dallas to select LT Overton in the fourth round \u2014 will earn a combined $4.8 million in annual salary on their rookie contracts.<\/p>\n That\u2019s one-tenth what Parsons is earning on his new deal with the Packers.<\/p>\n It\u2019s an inexact and incomplete comp. Dallas is paying defensive tackle Kenny Clark (acquired in the Parsons deal) and edge rusher Rashan Gary (acquired this spring in a separate deal with Green Bay) a combined $45 million per year. But it\u2019s still instructive, of course. In this first draft with capital received for Parsons, the Cowboys focused on upgrading their defense, using their first three picks on that side of the ball.<\/p>\n \u201cCaleb Downs, I could not be more impressed with him and (Washington first-rounder) Sonny Styles in terms of the presence they bring to the room and their understanding of football,\u201d an exec said. \u201cDowns is going to make a lot of plays. Lawrence has some medical concerns \u2014 more preventative than anything \u2014 and Barham is one of my favorite guys. He has a lot of has-to-make-it in him.\u201d<\/p>\n \n The Cowboys moved up one spot to take Caleb Downs at No. 11. (Emilee Chinn \/ Getty Images)<\/p>\n Fourth-round corner Devin Moore was more of a speculative swing.<\/p>\n \u201cThe defense was a sore spot, and they addressed a lot of pieces,\u201d another exec said. \u201cDevin Moore\u2019s injury history is concerning. He will not have a long career. But if you are going to take a risk, take it with a talented guy at a premium position that gets heavily paid in the market. If you get a starter or even a third corner, that is worth it.\u201d<\/p>\n Detroit Lions<\/p>\n Draft capital rank: 19th | Brugler\u2019s rank: 14th | Trades up\/down: 2\/0<\/p>\n Rd.PickPlayerPos.School<\/p>\n 1<\/p>\n 17<\/p>\n Blake Miller<\/p>\n OT<\/p>\n 2<\/p>\n 44<\/p>\n Derrick Moore<\/p>\n Edge<\/p>\n 4<\/p>\n 118<\/p>\n Jimmy Rolder<\/p>\n LB<\/p>\n 5<\/p>\n 157<\/p>\n Keith Abney II<\/p>\n CB<\/p>\n 5<\/p>\n 168<\/p>\n Kendrick Law<\/p>\n WR<\/p>\n 6<\/p>\n 205<\/p>\n Skyler Gill-Howard<\/p>\n DT<\/p>\n 7<\/p>\n 222<\/p>\n Tyre West<\/p>\n Edge<\/p>\n The Lions targeted specific needs (right tackle, edge rusher) with their first two picks as a team trying to maximize whatever remains of its contending window.<\/p>\n First-round pick Blake Miller wasn\u2019t for everyone, but he projects as the most game-ready right tackle available, under the assumption the Lions will move All-Pro Penei Sewell<\/a> to the left side. Trading up for second-round edge rusher Derrick Moore showed urgency to get help opposite another All-Pro, Aidan Hutchinson.<\/p>\n \u201cThey know who they are and who they want to be, so it\u2019s more about, \u2018What can you do to enhance what we already bring to the table?\u2019\u201d an exec said. \u201cThey needed a tackle. We have all been burned by the Clemson helmet, but Blake Miller is a good player. And I really like Keith Abney.\u201d<\/p>\n Abney is the corner Detroit drafted from Arizona State in the fifth round.<\/p>\n \u201cAbney has some scrappiness to him,\u201d the exec added. \u201cHe is like a better Mike Hilton. Chippy, aggressive, physical. He can play in the slot. He can be competitive on the outside despite his size. You\u2019ll have to move him around to help him, but he\u2019s a good player who is wired the right way for them.\u201d<\/p>\n The Miller selection was not universally applauded.<\/p>\n \u201cSewell will be good wherever he plays, but I\u2019m not sure Miller will end up being a tackle, depending what they ask of him,\u201d another exec said. \u201cI do not think they got a lot better. Derrick Moore is steady, a doubles hitter. Good player, nothing dynamic about him.\u201d<\/p>\n Green Bay Packers<\/p>\n Draft capital rank: 30th | Brugler\u2019s rank: 26th | Trades up\/down: 2\/0<\/p>\n Rd.PickPlayerPos.School<\/p>\n 2<\/p>\n 52<\/p>\n Brandon Cisse<\/p>\n CB<\/p>\n 3<\/p>\n 77<\/p>\n Chris McClellan<\/p>\n DT<\/p>\n 4<\/p>\n 120<\/p>\n Dani Dennis-Sutton<\/p>\n Edge<\/p>\n 5<\/p>\n 153<\/p>\n Jager Burton<\/p>\n C<\/p>\n 6<\/p>\n 201<\/p>\n Domani Jackson<\/p>\n CB<\/p>\n 6<\/p>\n 216<\/p>\n Trey Smack<\/p>\n K<\/p>\n Only the Falcons and Broncos spent less capital in this draft, completing an underwhelming offseason for the Packers. Their top pick was cornerback Brandon Cisse in the second round, and they showed some urgency in trading up for defensive tackle Chris McClellan in the third.<\/p>\n But with no first-round choice this year or in 2027, because of the Micah Parsons trade, Green Bay\u2019s usual draft-and-develop mindset will have to be heavier on development.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m a little worried about them,\u201d one exec said. \u201cTaking a step back, it\u2019s depending on how some of the guys they already have develop: Jordan Love, Matthew Golden, Christian Watson. They lost a ton on defense in free agency. I\u2019d be worried about the corner position.\u201d<\/p>\n The Packers were as well, or else they might not have taken Cisse at No. 52. That was the first of three picks on defense to start the draft, including sacrificing a fifth-round pick to move up seven spots for McClellan.<\/p>\n \u201cThey drafted Cisse, who has had some moments, but it will be interesting to see how he plays as a pro, and it\u2019s not clear how much he\u2019ll contribute right away,\u201d another exec said. \u201cThe defense is going to be a question mark. They are treading water in a division where Chicago has gotten better, Minnesota could be better with improved quarterback play and Detroit is still a physical team.\u201d<\/p>\n Los Angeles Rams<\/p>\n Draft capital rank: 18th | Brugler\u2019s rank: 30th | Trades up\/down: 1\/0<\/p>\n Rd.PickPlayerPos.School<\/p>\n 1<\/p>\n 13<\/p>\n Ty Simpson<\/p>\n QB<\/p>\n 2<\/p>\n 61<\/p>\n Max Klare<\/p>\n TE<\/p>\n 3<\/p>\n 93<\/p>\n Keagen Trost<\/p>\n OT<\/p>\n 6<\/p>\n 197<\/p>\n CJ Daniels<\/p>\n WR<\/p>\n 7<\/p>\n 232<\/p>\n Tim Keenan III<\/p>\n DT<\/p>\n The Rams were one of the most fun teams in the draft after using the 13th pick for quarterback Ty Simpson. Coach Sean McVay\u2019s reaction<\/a> suggested he wasn\u2019t super excited about the pick, but execs thought he was walking a line.<\/p>\n \u201cI actually thought it was the perfect amount of excitement, learning from what the Packers did with Jordan Love when they had (Aaron) Rodgers,\u201d one said. \u201cWhether it happened organically or not, that is how I would play it. If I\u2019m the GM there, I\u2019m telling the coach it\u2019s OK for him to seem publicly pissed with me.\u201d<\/p>\n Drafting a quarterback early can obviously be dicey for a team that already has an entrenched veteran. Matthew Stafford is more than the reigning MVP. He\u2019s also a quarterback who has butted heads with the organization over his contract in recent seasons (the sides have been negotiating a contract adjustment<\/a> this spring). His wife hosts a podcast and can also be outspoken on social media. These are all things an organization takes into account when making these sorts of moves.<\/p>\n \u201cIf they planned this to play out the way it did, it was genius,\u201d another exec said.<\/p>\n No execs thought the Rams would select a quarterback against McVay\u2019s wishes.<\/p>\n \u201cSean runs the show there,\u201d one said. \u201cHe is just using the GM to save face and look good for Matthew. But Matthew has already had doubts about playing. It\u2019s not a stretch that you would draft somebody.\u201d<\/p>\n A quarterbacks coach consulted earlier in the offseason said he liked Simpson about as much as he liked No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza.<\/p>\n \u201cMcVay will get everything there is to get from that kid,\u201d this coach said. \u201cWhatever you can get from (Brock) Purdy, you can get from this kid. You put a good enough team around him, he can get you a little ways.\u201d<\/p>\n There was also confusion over whether McVay and Simpson spoke before the draft. Simpson initially suggested they had not. Now, it seems they spoke for hours.<\/p>\n \u201cDrafting a quarterback without talking to him would be crazy \u2014 unbelievable,\u201d another exec said. \u201cI was told that (GM) Les (Snead) made a deal with (agent) Jimmy Sexton when the kid was coming out and promised him he\u2019d get no lower than them.\u201d<\/p>\n If the Rams were hoping to keep people guessing, they certainly succeeded. If they wind up falling short of the Super Bowl, some critics will surely point to whatever the team could have added at No. 13 but did not.<\/p>\n \u201cThe tight end (Kenyon Sadiq, drafted No. 16 to the Jets) upgrades them, but not significantly,\u201d a different exec said. \u201c(Makai) Lemon has a feel for the game and can do some of the underneath things that Cooper Kupp could do, but at some point, they do need to think to their future, just like every team.\u201d<\/p>\n The Rams got the fifth tight end selected (Max Klare, in the second round) and the 31st receiver in C.J. Daniels. Meanwhile, the draft partly validated their decision to acquire cornerback Trent McDuffie from the Chiefs; McDuffie\u2019s closest comp in the draft, Mansoor Delane, was gone by the No. 6 pick (to replace McDuffie in Kansas City), well before the Rams selected.<\/p>\n Minnesota Vikings<\/p>\n Draft capital rank: 15th | Brugler\u2019s rank: 29th | Trades up\/down: 1\/1<\/p>\n Rd.PickPlayerPos.School<\/p>\n 1<\/p>\n 18<\/p>\n Caleb Banks<\/p>\n DT<\/p>\n 2<\/p>\n 51<\/p>\n Jake Golday<\/p>\n LB<\/p>\n 3<\/p>\n 82<\/p>\n Domonique Orange<\/p>\n DT<\/p>\n 3<\/p>\n 97<\/p>\n Caleb Tiernan<\/p>\n OT<\/p>\n 3<\/p>\n 98<\/p>\n Jakobe Thomas<\/p>\n S<\/p>\n 5<\/p>\n 159<\/p>\n Max Bredeson<\/p>\n FB<\/p>\n 5<\/p>\n 163<\/p>\n Charles Demmings<\/p>\n CB<\/p>\n 6<\/p>\n 198<\/p>\n Demond Claiborne<\/p>\n RB<\/p>\n 7<\/p>\n 235<\/p>\n Gavin Gerhardt<\/p>\n C<\/p>\n Nearly three decades ago, when the Vikings were navigating an ownership change that made it less clear who was ultimately in charge, they took a chance in the 1998 draft\u2019s first round by selecting a wide receiver others considered too risky of a prospect.<\/p>\n Minnesota hit a home run in that draft as Randy Moss, the 21st player chosen, became an instant superstar on his way to a Hall of Fame career with five teams.<\/p>\n The Vikings can only hope the obvious risk they took in the 2026 draft, which they executed without a full-time GM in place to push back, will pay off similarly.<\/p>\n \u201cThe takeaway from the Minnesota draft is that (defensive coordinator) Brian Flores has a lot of say in the building,\u201d an exec said.<\/p>\n In 2019, when Flores was the Dolphins\u2019 new head coach, many believed he wanted to draft defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons, who was not invited to the combine after video footage (from 2016, when Simmons was in high school) showed him punching a woman while she was on the ground. The Dolphins, then led by fourth-year GM Chris Grier, instead drafted Christian Wilkins, a solid player with less perceived risk.<\/p>\n Flores got his guy this time. There is no denying the immense talent Florida defensive tackle Caleb Banks brings to the field \u2014 if he makes it there after breaking his left foot before the 2025 season and again at the combine.<\/p>\n \u201cCaleb Banks is really talented but does not play with great desire and is hurt all the time,\u201d a different exec said. \u201cScares me to death.\u201d<\/p>\n Minnesota drafted four defensive players in the first three rounds, most in the league. Dallas and Kansas City were next with three apiece.<\/p>\n \u201cJake Golday is a perfect scheme fit for what Flores wants to do on the edge there,\u201d another said. \u201cIt\u2019s just interesting that they chose Banks over Dillon Thieneman, who could have been their next Harrison Smith. It just felt like they were doubling down on their defensive coordinator.\u201d<\/p>\n Trading Jonathan Greenard to Philadelphia might have been an exception. It was curious to see the Vikings cite salary-cap concerns while trading Greenard to the Eagles, whose cap concerns dwarf those of any team in the league. Cash seemed to be the obvious consideration after Minnesota led the NFL in spending last season and had nothing to show for it. The Vikings have also committed millions to new deals for Flores and coach Kevin O\u2019Connell, with a GM hire on the horizon<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cGreenard is too good of a player at a premium position to let go,\u201d a fourth exec said. \u201cYou gotta figure out a way to make that one work.\u201d<\/p>\n New Orleans Saints<\/p>\n Draft capital rank: 10th | Brugler\u2019s rank: 10th | Trades up\/down: 0\/0<\/p>\n Rd.PickPlayerPos.School<\/p>\n 1<\/p>\n 8<\/p>\n Jordyn Tyson<\/p>\n WR<\/p>\n 2<\/p>\n 42<\/p>\n Christen Miller<\/p>\n DT<\/p>\n 3<\/p>\n 73<\/p>\n Oscar Delp<\/p>\n TE<\/p>\n 4<\/p>\n 132<\/p>\n Jeremiah Wright<\/p>\n G<\/p>\n 4<\/p>\n 136<\/p>\n Bryce Lance<\/p>\n WR<\/p>\n 5<\/p>\n 172<\/p>\n Lorenzo Styles Jr.<\/p>\n S<\/p>\n 6<\/p>\n 190<\/p>\n Barion Brown<\/p>\n WR<\/p>\n 7<\/p>\n 219<\/p>\n TJ Hall<\/p>\n CB<\/p>\n Another year, another seemingly solid, sensible draft by the formerly freewheeling Saints, who kept all their picks as if building for the future, not mortgaging it.<\/p>\n \u201cThey found a quarterback they feel comfortable with (Tyler Shough) last year, and Jordyn Tyson is going to be special,\u201d an exec said. \u201cThe guy they really hit on offensively is Oscar Delp from Georgia. Underused, really good tester, very good skill set to be a really good tight end in this league. You can\u2019t say he is a Brock Bowers-type guy because the production was not there, but I think he should be good.\u201d<\/p>\n Tyson, like Shough, had injury issues in college.<\/p>\n \u201cI was comparing (Tyson) to Christian Watson in Green Bay, who has had hamstring (injuries) early in his career,\u201d another exec said. \u201cThe kid is tough as nails. He\u2019s a competitive kid, a rare athlete. When you think about who you want on your team, he is definitely a guy you want on your team. He will open up some things down the field.\u201d<\/p>\n The Saints continued remaking their receiving group with Delp in the third round and receiver Bryce Lance in the fourth. Delp, in combination with Juwan Johnson and Noah Fant, gives coach Kellen Moore the ability to use 13 personnel more freely if New Orleans wants to lean into that trend.<\/p>\n \u201cThey hit on the quarterback last year, and now they are going to get a pretty good stretch out of it, I think,\u201d a third exec said.<\/p>\n New York Giants<\/p>\n Draft capital rank: 2nd | Brugler\u2019s rank: 2nd | Trades up\/down: 1\/0<\/p>\n Rd.PickPlayerPos.School<\/p>\n 1<\/p>\n 5<\/p>\n Arvell Reese<\/p>\n Edge<\/p>\n 1<\/p>\n 10<\/p>\n Francis Mauigoa<\/p>\n OT<\/p>\n 2<\/p>\n 37<\/p>\n Colton Hood<\/p>\n CB<\/p>\n 3<\/p>\n 74<\/p>\n Malachi Fields<\/p>\n WR<\/p>\n 6<\/p>\n 186<\/p>\n Bobby Jamison-Travis<\/p>\n DT<\/p>\n 6<\/p>\n 193<\/p>\n J.C. Davis<\/p>\n OT<\/p>\n 6<\/p>\n 193<\/p>\n Jack Kelly<\/p>\n LB<\/p>\n The Jets and Giants spent more capital in this draft than any of the other 30 teams. Execs liked the Jets\u2019 draft more than they liked the Giants\u2019 draft.<\/p>\n Both teams have a habit of trading away their best players, as the Giants did when they sent Dexter Lawrence to Cincinnati for the No. 10 pick<\/a> in a weak draft.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Jets, I can at least look at and say, \u2018OK, got a lot of pieces, still don\u2019t have a QB, but you have all this ammunition next year, with three first-round picks,\u2019\u201d one exec said. \u201cIf this was the Giants\u2019 one swing, \u2018OK, but are they better?\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n Lawrence\u2019s production did crater last season, but one exec thought he\u2019d be a top-five pick if available in the 2026 draft, even at age 28. New York didn\u2019t draft a defensive tackle until the sixth round.<\/p>\n \u201cI just don\u2019t feel like there is much of a plan,\u201d another exec said of the Giants. \u201cDid they replace Dexter Lawrence? You can\u2019t keep on trading your good players. You aren\u2019t gonna replace Dexter Lawrence with the 10th pick in most drafts, let alone this one. And considering the amount of money that Dexter Lawrence signed for (one-year, $28 million extension), like, how could you not get that done? What happened?\u201d<\/p>\n The Giants\u2019 draft could come down to what you think of Arvell Reese, the edge rusher they selected at No. 5, which was later than most mocks had him lasting.<\/p>\n \u201cThey should have drafted Sonny Styles, because he\u2019s the one that got Reese lined up every day, and I think was better than Reese,\u201d a third exec said. \u201cReese just disappeared in some of those games. They are talking about playing him off the ball, but if they wanted an off-the-ball linebacker, take Styles. He\u2019d be the leader, the captain, the culture, the play style \u2014 everything you want from John Harbaugh\u2019s guy.\u201d<\/p>\n Does anyone like the Giants\u2019 draft?<\/p>\n \u201cI love what they did,\u201d a fourth exec said. \u201cThey are going to run a lot of exotic fronts where they are positionless chess pieces, so you don\u2019t know who is rushing. That is going to be a bear to block up between (Brian) Burns and Abdul (Carter) and (Kayvon) Thibodeaux and Arvell. He has the physical tools to do that.\u201d<\/p>\n Philadelphia Eagles<\/p>\n Draft capital rank: 21st | Brugler\u2019s rank: 7th | Trades up\/down: 1\/1<\/p>\n Rd.PickPlayerPos.School<\/p>\n 1<\/p>\n 20<\/p>\n Makai Lemon<\/p>\n WR<\/p>\n 2<\/p>\n 54<\/p>\n Eli Stowers<\/p>\n TE<\/p>\n 3<\/p>\n 68<\/p>\n Markel Bell<\/p>\n OT<\/p>\n 5<\/p>\n 178<\/p>\n Cole Payton<\/p>\n QB<\/p>\n 6<\/p>\n 207<\/p>\n Micah Morris<\/p>\n G<\/p>\n 7<\/p>\n 244<\/p>\n Cole Wisniewski<\/p>\n S<\/p>\n 7<\/p>\n 251<\/p>\n Uar Bernard<\/p>\n DT<\/p>\n 7<\/p>\n 252<\/p>\n Keyshawn James-Newby<\/p>\n Edge<\/p>\n It\u2019s not shocking the Eagles were the team to leapfrog the Steelers for receiver Makai Lemon<\/a> at No. 20 after Pittsburgh tipped its hand by calling Lemon prematurely, before the Steelers were on the clock at No. 21.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s the fun part about working in Philly,\u201d a former Eagles exec said. \u201cYou know you\u2019re always going to be strategically aggressive.\u201d<\/p>\n If you\u2019re the Steelers, well, beware which teams might be lurking right behind you. The Eagles gave up two fourths in jumping from No. 23 to get Lemon, who otherwise would be wearing a Steelers jersey.<\/p>\n \u201cPhilly did the same thing (in 2021) when they jumped the Giants from 12 to 10 and got Devonta Smith,\u201d a different exec said.<\/p>\n \n Makai Lemon was on the phone with the Steelers when the Eagles picked him. (Emilee Chinn \/ Getty Images)<\/p>\n Lemon is a different type of receiver.<\/p>\n \u201cHe can do all the underneath stuff, he\u2019s a good route runner, stays grounded, runs through the catch, has a feel for the game,\u201d a third exec said. \u201cHe catches all the choice routes, knows how to curve routes and catch in traffic. He\u2019s got a good, solid, all-around mature game, and plays with some urgency.\u201d<\/p>\n This exec thought Lemon would have been best on the Rams before McVay shifted away from a three-receiver base offense toward using more tight ends. How well Lemon and second-round receiving tight end Eli Stowers fare catching passes from Jalen Hurts will be tougher to predict, especially with an unproven first-year coordinator in Sean Mannion.<\/p>\n Philly also will not have veteran offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland, who left the team<\/a>, to help mentor third-round tackle Markel Bell, which injects more uncertainty. One safer bet: Jonathan Greenard, the pass rusher Philly acquired from Minnesota<\/a>, should have strong production in Vic Fangio\u2019s defense.<\/p>\n \u201cThey are bursting at the seams with all their cap troubles,\u201d another exec said. \u201cThey will trade A.J. Brown. They could trade Jalen Carter down the line. They draft a quarterback (Cole Payton in the fifth round) when they have Hurts, they have Tanner McKee, who is supposed to be pretty good, and then they have Andy Dalton, who they acquired and guaranteed salary. So they have four and probably move on from one.\u201d<\/p>\n San Francisco 49ers<\/p>\n Draft capital rank: 24th | Brugler\u2019s rank: 27th | Trades up\/down: 0\/4<\/p>\n Rd.PickPlayerPos.School<\/p>\n 2<\/p>\n 33<\/p>\n De’Zhaun Stribling<\/p>\n WR<\/p>\n 3<\/p>\n 70<\/p>\n Romello Height<\/p>\n Edge<\/p>\n 3<\/p>\n 90<\/p>\n Kaelon Black<\/p>\n RB<\/p>\n 4<\/p>\n 107<\/p>\n Gracen Halton<\/p>\n DT<\/p>\n 4<\/p>\n 127<\/p>\n Carver Willis<\/p>\n OT<\/p>\n 4<\/p>\n 139<\/p>\n Ephesians Prysock<\/p>\n CB<\/p>\n 5<\/p>\n 154<\/p>\n Jaden Dugger<\/p>\n LB<\/p>\n 5<\/p>\n 179<\/p>\n Enrique Cruz<\/p>\n OT<\/p>\n The 49ers traded down four times, as if they knew the players they wanted could be had later.<\/p>\n Critics think they still overdrafted multiple players, starting with receiver De\u2019Zhaun Stribling, chosen with the first pick of the second round (No. 33) after two trade-downs. He was rated outside the top 100 in media-driven rankings, the type of disparity that historically correlates with lower odds of success.<\/p>\n \u201cThe consensus piece is really more about extracting value,\u201d one exec said. \u201cCompare what the Niners did with what the Jaguars did. The Jaguars are getting panned for consensus stuff, too. The Niners at least traded back before making their picks. The Jags did not do that.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Niners may know they are picking against consensus and they are getting something for it, and then saying, \u2018All right, let\u2019s just pick our guy \u2014 let\u2019s not get too cute with this.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n By adding Stribling to a receiver group also featuring veteran newcomer Mike Evans, the 49ers appear eager to move past the drama that has consumed the position in recent years, starting with Deebo Samuel and growing exponentially with Brandon Aiyuk<\/a>. All agree Stribling is a good fit for coach Kyle Shanahan\u2019s offense.<\/p>\n \u201cStribling is not a dynamic route runner and does not run a full route tree, but he is bigger, faster, will block and is a competitive guy,\u201d said an exec whose team saw Stribling as a high third-round talent. \u201cHe is not as good as Aiyuk was. He is a better receiver than Deebo. He is a faster, better (Jauan) Jennings and a great guy. Those guys (Stribling and Evans) will block and do it all the right way, how the head coach wants it.\u201d<\/p>\n The 49ers were also perceived to be early in selecting running back Kaelon Black at No. 90, the first back taken after Seattle selected Jadarian Price at No. 32.<\/p>\n \u201cAll the talk about consensus boards is interesting,\u201d another exec said. \u201cI don\u2019t have a great answer, but I respect teams like San Fran that say, \u2018F\u2014 you guys, we aren\u2019t looking at that stuff.\u2019<\/p>\n \u201cI love the discussion. It\u2019s a little like best player available versus need. We are never going to solve it.\u201d<\/p>\n Seattle Seahawks<\/p>\n Draft capital rank: 26th | Brugler\u2019s rank: 25th | Trades up\/down: 1\/3<\/p>\n Rd.PickPlayerPos.School<\/p>\n 1<\/p>\n 32<\/p>\n Jadarian Price<\/p>\n RB<\/p>\n 2<\/p>\n 64<\/p>\n Bud Clark<\/p>\n S<\/p>\n 3<\/p>\n 99<\/p>\n Julian Neal<\/p>\n CB<\/p>\n 5<\/p>\n 148<\/p>\n Beau Stephens<\/p>\n G<\/p>\n 6<\/p>\n 199<\/p>\n Emmanuel Henderson Jr.<\/p>\n WR<\/p>\n 7<\/p>\n 236<\/p>\n Andre Fuller<\/p>\n CB<\/p>\n 7<\/p>\n 242<\/p>\n Devin Eastern<\/p>\n DT<\/p>\n 7<\/p>\n 255<\/p>\n Michael Dansby<\/p>\n CB<\/p>\n Teams generally like to enter the draft without a pressing need that limits their options once they are on the clock. The Seahawks did not do that this offseason after winning the Super Bowl and having their roster raided in free agency. They needed a starting running back, and everyone knew it. They also had only four picks entering the draft, so they wanted to trade back from No. 32 to replenish their stock.<\/p>\n![\"Caleb](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/GettyImages-2272848607-1-scaled.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n![\"Makai](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/GettyImages-2272852485-1-scaled.jpg\")
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