However, per Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, a collateral decision was made, since the Steelers didn’t pick Broderick Jones’ fifth-year option. Jones has started 38 regular season games for the Steelers since being drafted in 2023. He’s allowed 20 sacks and 95 pressures in those games.

Fowler said that Iheanachor impressed the Steelers massively due to his power and agility. Hence, it seems like the new guy is ready to take the baton and become an immediate starter for the black-and-yellow.

Iheanachor profiles well for the Steelers

Not only is Iheanachor a powerful and agile big man, he is also an incredible athlete. He has exceptional lateral quickness, explosive movement in zone schemes, and possesses very strong pass-protection mechanics.

Iheanachor could very well provide stability and quality to the position. This means that this 2026 NFL Draft could’ve been a blessing in disguise for the Steelers. They originally wanted to draft Makai Lemon, wide receiver from USC, but the Philadelphia Eagles leapfrogged them.

The Steelers face unprecedented pressure

Mike Tomlin coached this team for 19 years, in which he never had a losing record. Hence, now that Mike Tomlin is gone and Mike McCarthy is at the helm, the Steelers must get a good record and have a good season to prove the change wasn’t a mistake.

Mike McCarthy is an offense-oriented coach, while Tomlin focused on defense. The fact is that if they don’t get a winning record at least, the Steelers would face huge backlash.

By trading out of the first round, the 49ers went from six to eight picks. Per Shanahan, “That’s kind of what we were hoping for,” as he told Rich Eisen. “Our first goal was that the guy we wanted would fall to 27, but we got our second goal, and that was to trade back twice, accumulate some more picks, and still get the guy.

The 49ers ended up picking wideout De’Zhaun Stribling with the 33rd pick. According to Shanahan, they would’ve drafted him at 30. Stribling was projected as a third-rounder. Therefore, it was an eye-opening statement that they were even willing to pick him at 30.

De’Zhaun Stribling’s profile

A five-year College Football player, Stribling is a big, tall player that has a great straight-line speed, as his 4.36-second 40-yard dash showed. He is a great vertical threat. Stribling also has great hands, but he has a very specific skill set. He goes deep, that’s it.

Stribling doesn’t have great release or change of directions. However, given that the 49ers have people like Mike Evans and Ricky Pearsall on the roster, what they lack is a true vertical threat, the rest is covered. Hence, it was mostly the fact that they could fill a hole on the roster by picking Stribling.

The 49ers projected offensive lineup in 2026

The offensive line will be spearheaded by left tackle Trent Williams joined by guards Robert Jones and Dominick Puni, center Jake Brendel, and right tackle Colton McKivitz. They will be in charge of pass protection and run blocking. As for Stribling, he’s not expected to be a starter.

QB- Brock Purdy
RB- Christian McCaffrey
TE- George Kittle*
LWR- Mike Evans
RWR- Ricky Pearsall
SWR- Christian Kirk

*Nursing injury.

The reason for not getting an agent was simple for Pavia. “Ain’t nobody taking my money.” However, he has an NFL agent now, but the fact that even with an agent he hasn’t been signed to any team whatsoever is a concerning fact.

This leaves him basically with just one option. He must get invited to participate in a rookie minicamp on a tryout basis. Pavia went from a superstar in College Football to a guy who didn’t even get an opportunity post NFL Draft.

Why is Pavia such a controversial prospect?

A combination physical limitations, a bit of an egotistical personality, and immature off-field antics will erase whatever good he did at Vanderbilt. Pavia has a ‘classless‘ reputation thanks to his expletive-filled messages when he lost the Heisman voting to Fernando Mendoza. He also had an episode of urinating a rival’s field.

His shenanigans weigh more than his 3,539 passing yards and 29 touchdowns in 2025 for Vanderbilt, which are both school records. Former NFL players like Tyrann Mathieu and Robert Griffin III both criticized him ahead of the draft because of this, imploring him not to make mistakes and hurt his stock even further.

Pavia does have some strengths that could earn him a chance in the NFL

Pavia has good playmaking ability and mobility for a quarterback, though it’s an area he developed due to his small size. By being a bit of a ‘me-first‘ player, he does have a very competitive mentality. He is not afraid of any moment.

Pavia is a very accurate passer, having 70.6% completion during his 2025 season. Whether his new agent can sell these pointers and gets him a chance remains to be seen. At least there is some upside.

Hafley said, “We could see him getting some work at guard or tackle. We’ll all talk more about it and sort it out.” Now, Proctor played almost exclusively at left tackle during his last season with Alabama, but the Dolphins saw potential to move him across the line if needed.

It’s also stated that offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik loves a good running game, and according to NBC Sports, Proctor could take the majority of his snaps at right guard due to his run-blocking prowess.

The Dolphins have too many holes on their roster

Miami is going to have some rough years ahead. The fact is its roster is hugely depleted and lacks quality in both defense and offense. In fact, the only roster spot that is covered in an above-average way is the running game with De’Von Achane.

But even Achane needs help, and if Proctor manages to translate his run-blocking prowess into the NFL, Achane could thrive running through Proctor’s side of the line. Still, this roster has very low expectations as it’s arguably the worst roster in football right now.

Who was the other player selected by the Dolphins in the first round?

With the 27th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Dolphins drafted cornerback Chris Johnson, and that wasn’t well received either. Players like EDGE Keldrick Faulk, CB Colton Hood, or WR Denzel Boston were still on the board.

Johnson was mainly projected as a second-round pick. Hence, it’s a bit of a reach for the Dolphins to get him in the first round. Still, he has plenty of athleticism and ball skills. It just remains to be seen if he was worth the first-round pick.

According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Media, the Commanders have “significant interest” in signing Aiyuk, however, it would only happen under the condition that he is released by the 49ers. Having said that, 49ers GM John Lynch said the team is not releasing Aiyuk.

Hence, the Commanders won’t engage in trade talks, but will be ready to offer a contract for a wideout that hasn’t played a game since October 2024. He suffered an ACL tear there, and after the injury, he’s had a tumultuous time with the 49ers.

Aiyuk has ties with Commanders QB Jayden Daniels

Jayden Daniels shined at LSU, but he played with Brandon Aiyuk at Arizona State. Hence, that could be a way of tempting Aiyuk of going to the Commanders. The team only has Terry McLaurin as a great option for Daniels, so Aiyuk, if back to top form, could definitely help the team.

Jayden Daniels himself is trying to get a bounceback year after not having the best of seasons in 2025. Daniels suffered a sophomore slump after winning Offensive Rookie of the Year, and dealt with quite a lot of injuries too.

The Commanders need an offensive star after the 2026 NFL Draft

The Commanders picked Sonny Styles in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. He is easily one of the best players in this class and he will do wonders for the team defensively. However, the offense needs help.

In the third round, the Commanders drafted Antonio Williams, a wide receiver from Clemson. However, they need firepower and Aiyuk could be that. Still, not having played in two years is not precisely the way to remain a top-tier weapon.

In the final stages of the 2026 NFL Draft, Andy Reid and the Chiefs decided to add a new quarterback. Garrett Nussmeier joins Kansas City with hopes of eventually becoming a key option to back up Patrick Mahomes.

As of today, Patrick Mahomes remains the starter, although he is still recovering from a torn ACL and LCL suffered in late 2025. Justin Fields is regarded as the QB2, while Chris Oladokun, Jake Haener, and newcomer Garrett Nussmeier compete for the remaining spots on the depth chart.

The Chiefs need a healthy quarterback room

While Andy Reid recently stated that Patrick Mahomes is progressing well with his rehab, the addition of Nussmeier suggests the team is taking no chances at the most vital position in football.

Mahomes is expected to miss the start of the 2026 season, which is why the team signed Justin Fields. However, the former Jets quarterback has faced questions regarding his consistency, and the two injuries he suffered in 2025 have added to the organization’s concerns.

With Chris Oladokun and Jake Haener not yet viewed as reliable long-term replacements, the Chiefs drafted Nussmeier. The hope is that the former LSU standout can impress during the offseason and potentially secure the QB2 role behind Fields for the start of the season.

Kansas City aims for a strong start until Mahomes returns

With Mahomes likely sidelined for the early weeks, the Chiefs need Justin Fields to be as effective as possible. If the season begins poorly, it might be too late to salvage the campaign even once Mahomes returns.

Last year, even with a healthy Mahomes for most of the season, the Chiefs missed the playoffs while the Broncos and Chargers thrived. If Fields struggles, the Chiefs may prioritize long-term health over a lost season, potentially choosing not to risk Mahomes’ recovery if the team is already out of contention.

McVay admitted he was moody. “That was never my intended way to be able to come off, but sometimes I can be a little grumpy.” McVay also cleared the air saying his relationship with GM Les Snead is great. “This is my buddy right here,” the Rams HC said.

As for why he was moody, McVay said “Well, there were other things that had nothing to do with that, which that’s normal life.” He didn’t say much more than that, but apparently, Ty Simpson was not the reason for his angered mood.

McVay actually spoke well of Ty Simpson

“I’m excited to be able to add Ty. What a blessing it is for him to be able to learn from Matthew and to be able to come into this atmosphere and environment,” McVay said. The head coach did still say that the Rams are Matthew Stafford’s team, and there is no pressure for him to retire.

McVay is a highly emotional person, for good or bad. That’s also what makes him a great leader of men, able to galvanize his troops to get the best out of them on the field. He is one of the best characters in the NFL and actually, Ty Simpson could learn a lot from him.

The Rams could’ve gone all-in, but opted for the future

The Rams were so close to go to a Super Bowl last season, that many expected to target gamechangers to challenge once again for the throne. However, they opted to get an heir to Matthew Stafford.

This also means the Rams think they can challenge for a Super Bowl with their roster right now, without the need of new pieces. They will try to run it back in what could be Stafford’s swan song.

The first three rounds passed, and no team called McCoy’s name. McCoy didn’t play in 2025 due to a knee injury, but still was touted as one of the best corners in the 2026 NFL Draft. He was picked by the Raiders with the first pick of the fourth round.

However, reports say the knee injury is worse than expected. Despite having a great pro day showing in March, reports state that McCoy had a bone plug used to repair cartilage in the knee. This has caused long-term concerns on McCoy’s career. While he is healthy as of now, there’s a chance that McCoy needs a second surgery, and that prevented teams from calling his name earlier in the 2026 NFL Draft.

McCoy’s talent is supreme for a fourth-rounder

McCoy was turned into a classic ‘boom-or-bust‘ talent in the sense that, if he stays healthy, he could be one of the best young corners in the league, but if not, it’s not a great sight for the team. However, in the fourth round, he was a risk worth taking, and the Raiders saw that.

In the fourth round, he goes from ‘boom-or-bust’ to ‘sleeper pick‘. If he works out, the Raiders look like geniuses and they get their CB1. If McCoy doesn’t work out, it’s a fourth-rounder that was worth the gamble, not a top pick gone to waste.

Tom Brady could be a great mentor for McCoy

How can a former quarterback be a mentor for McCoy, who is a corner? Well, the thing is Tom Brady knows a thing or two in overcoming the odds. A 199th pick turned into the best and greatest football player of all time.

Hence, Tom Brady could mentor McCoy in the mental aspect of the game, and motivate him to reach new heights. Brady is more than just a co-owner. He is the one most players look up to, so his role is more than just ownership.

Prior to the 2026 NFL Draft, the Jets had scheduled a pre-draft visit with Bailey. Ultimately, the club canceled it—a move the Texas Tech edge rusher downplayed at the time, trying to convince himself everything was still on track.

Fortunately for him, the canceled meeting was a positive sign. It appears the Jets had seen enough from the former Red Raider; however, even Bailey could hardly believe it when New York called his name.

“Initially, I probably thought they’re not going to pick me,” David Bailey said. “But I was thinking back to the interactions prior to the meeting getting canceled and I was thinking back to the interaction I had with them at the Combine and at the steakhouse and the FaceTimes with Mougey. I had a good relationship with them. I felt good talking to them. I feel like they had a good attitude towards me and vice versa.”

The New York Jets’ long-term strategy

The Jets have struggled to remain competitive recently. Last season, the club finished with a disappointing 3–14 record, which secured them a top selection in this year’s draft.

Following the blockbuster trades of All-Pros Sauce Gardner (to the Colts) and Quinnen Williams (to the Cowboys) in November 2025, New York’s message was clear: they are rebuilding for the long term. By trading their superstars, they acquired a massive haul of draft capital for 2026 and 2027.

The Jets actually made three first-round picks in 2026: David Bailey (No. 2), elite Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq at No. 16, and wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. (No. 30, after trading back into the first).

While veteran Geno Smith is the bridge starter for 2026, the team’s massive stash of future first-rounders suggests they may be positioning themselves to draft Arch Manning in 2027. Then, the Jets might look very different and maybe as dark horses.

Mauigoa has a disc issue, but doctors said he doesn’t need surgery. According to general manager Joe Schoen, Mauigoa is “good right now.“ John Harbaugh, hence, could have a new monster in the trenches.

The Giants needed a new tackle and Mauigoa, if healthy, is the best lineman in the whole 2026 NFL Draft. Jaxson Dart needs protection and the Giants addressed the issue perfectly. Now, it’s time for them to pray there is actually no reason for concern with the disc injury.

The Giants have high expectations this season

The offensive core on the New York Giants is young and exciting. The fact that they have John Harbaugh also puts high expectations on the team. He is a Super Bowl head coach, and the Giants think they have the talent to compete.

Dart showed glimpses of being a franchise quarterback, but he also needs to take more care of himself. He suffered plenty of concussions and he needs to learn and mature a bit more as a quarterback. However, the talent is there, and from the quarterback, the idea is to build a successful future.

Giants 2026 NFL Draft grade

The 2026 NFL Draft saw the Giants have two top 10 picks. The first one was used in Arvell Reese, one of the best, and most talented players in this class. With Dexter Lawrence gone, they were quick to find a new leader on defense.

As for the 10th, it was Mauigoa. Getting an offensive lineman is never sexy, but is always necessary. For a guy like Harbaugh, having the trenches covered is imperative. The Giants obliged and now it’s time to demonstrate the picks were great on the pitch.

The Jets drafted EDGE David Bailey at No.2, tight end Kenyon Sadiq at 16th, and wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. at 30th. They were the most active team in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft.

Speaking via the team’s website, Aaron Glenn said, “When you have targets, you identify guys you like, you love — you go get them… And any time you can bring guys with a winning background on your team, that only helps the morale of your team.”

Is Aaron Glenn on the hot seat?

One could argue that Glenn wasn’t given a good hand in his first year as head coach of the Jets. Still, he was not good. His side of the ball didn’t look good and actually regressed, and the offense looked dreadful all season long. In fact, the Jets had no interceptions all season.

That will put any coach on the hot seat, especially if it’s a defensive-minded coach, like Glenn is. The Jets also changed offensive coordinator and brought in Frank Reich. Hence, if this doesn’t work, Glenn might not be there next season.

What’s the winning pedigree Glenn is talking about?

All three players selected by the Jets played in teams that went to the College Football Playoffs. Bailey led the nation in Division 1 sacks with Texas Tech. Kenyon Sadiq was a huge weapon in Dan Lanning’s Oregon, which is an elite program. Last but not least, Omar Cooper Jr. was WR1 for Indiana and won the National Championship.