There’s a saying that the last few months leading up to the NFL Draft are “smokescreen season” as teams try to obscure their plans in the hopes that their favorite players won’t get sniped before their picks. While most of the tape grinding and scouting gets done in the fall, there is still plenty of new information during the pre-draft process, from all-star games to the Combine to workouts, interviews and visits. Sorting fact from fiction gets harder and harder the closer it gets to the end of April. 

For the first time here at NFL Trade Rumors, we’re going to try to get a handle on that whole process. We’ll be tracking rumors as they come up from now until the NFL Draft. The goal is by the time the draft is done, we’ll have a virtual paper trail to look back at. From there, we can see where the narratives and reality matched up — or didn’t. 

This is a great companion resource to use with our 2026 NFL Draft Visit Tracker. Be sure to keep checking back to both for updates as the NFL draft gets closer. 

Last update: 4/13

Rueben Bain Jr.

• Ollie Connolly reports that Miami DE Rueben Bain Jr. was involved in a fatal car accident in March of 2024. One of the passengers in the car, Destiny Betts, suffered severe injuries and passed away after three months in a coma. Bain was cited for reckless driving by police at the time but a field sobriety test was not administered and charges were dropped two weeks before Betts’ passing. Connolly cited multiple sources with teams who said they were concerned that Bain wasn’t being transparent and that there could be another shoe to drop, leading him to slide in the draft.  (4/12)
• Betts’ family provided a statement to Connolly: “As her family, we remain deeply committed to honoring her memory in a meaningful and appropriate way. Destiny’s passing was the result of a tragic accident that occurred several years ago. While the loss remains incredibly painful for our family, we have worked hard to find peace and move forward. At this time, we are not seeking public attention surrounding this tragedy and respectfully request that our family’s privacy be honored. We also wish Mr. Bain the best as he continues his life and career.”
• Jonathan Jones says this is not new information to NFL teams, however, just to the public. He adds the teams he’s spoken to, outside of one, were comfortable with the situation and Bain’s explanations. (4/12)
• There is an AFC West team that has reportedly taken Bain off their board altogether, and two NFC South teams that are borderline considering it at the moment. A fourth team in the AFC had already taken Bain off their first-round board due to his arm length. (Ryan Roberts/Easton Freeze, 4/13)

Caleb Downs

• On the Pat McAfee Show, McAfee revealed an NFL team told him Ohio State S Caleb Downs‘ draft stock won’t drop because of his medicals, and there is no significant concern about his knee. (3/3) 
• It was previously reported by Cory Kinnan that Downs had a couple of issues flagged during his medical check at the combine, including a partially torn meniscus and a potentially degenerative ACL.
• McAfee said that all of the five-plus teams they talked to said they weren’t too concerned about Downs’ knee and it wouldn’t impact his stock. 

Quarterbacks

• ESPN’s Matt Miller is still having a tough time finding a place for Alabama QB Ty Simpson in the first round. The Cardinals are a team that’s frequently connected to Simpson via a trade up, but one source asked Miller: “Why give up draft picks to jump into Round 1 when the Jets didn’t like him enough at No. 2 or No. 16 to take him?” (4/13)
• NFL Media’s Tom Pelissero says opinions are all over the place on which quarterback is the third off the board: Penn State’s Drew Allar, Miami’s Carson Beck or LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier. He adds odds are it’s Round 3 or later before this group starts coming off the board. (4/10)
• Jason La Canfora‘s sources are fading the idea of Alabama QB Ty Simpson as a first-round passer. He quoted one GM, who thought Simpson could slide all the way to the third round, as saying, “Where is that shit coming from? It’s complete propaganda. I don’t know if it’s just because they (some television analysts) have the same agent as this kid, but that’s what it looks like.” Another longtime exec said, “The draft is a made-for-TV event, and that’s a made-for-TV storyline. It’s bullshit. He (Simpson) is QB 4 for me.” (4/9)
• ESPN’s Peter Schrager left Alabama QB Ty Simpson out of the first round of his predictive mock based on league intel. He explained that there are only so many landing spots for a first-round quarterback and it’s hard to reconcile that with Simpson’s supposed first-round stock, so he didn’t force it. (Pat McAfee Show, 4/7)
• Todd McShay says he thinks the Rams are interested in Alabama QB Ty Simpson: “But probably on their terms – meaning, what? Second round.” (Rich Eisen Show, 4/7)
• ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky said he believed Alabama QB Ty Simpson is QB1 in this class. Former GM Mike Tannenbaum tweeted that in talking with clubs, he found support for Orlovsky’s opinion. Finally, Adam Schefter weighed in: “The one thing that I can say confidently right now talking to front offices is that Ty Simpson will be a first-round draft pick. That’s all I’m comfortable saying right now.” (ESPN, 3/23)
• Todd McShay would be surprised if North Dakota State QB Cole Payton is not a Day 2 pick. (3/22)
• The buzz at the Combine was that Alabama QB Ty Simpson could be drafted earlier than expected, perhaps in the top 12 picks. (Tony Pauline, 3/1)
• It was hard to find teams at the Senior Bowl that had a first-round grade on Alabama QB Ty Simpson, who declared early for the 2026 Draft. (Matt Miller, 2/2)
• However, NFL Media’s Tom Pelissero would be surprised if the leaguewide demand, paired with the flashes on tape, didn’t drive up the cost for Simpson. He mentioned the Jets and Rams specifically: “I would be surprised sitting here right now not only if Ty Simpson doesn’t go in the first round. I don’t think Ty Simpson gets out of the first half of Round 1.” (Rich Eisen Show, 2/14)
• Pro Football Focus’ Trevor Sikkema thinks signs are pointing toward Simpson going in the first round: “The more I talk to people in Mobile, the more I talk to people at the Senior Bowl, the more that it just feels like Simpson doesn’t declare if he’s not going to be a first-round pick. I think he got some pretty good intel from the league that they’re like, ‘Hey man, why don’t you get in this class. Why don’t you go ahead and make sure that you’re in this class.'” (NFL Stock Exchange Podcast, 1/30)
• Multiple personnel executives have a second-round grade on North Dakota State QB Cole Payton and believe he’s the second-best QB in the draft: “But I don’t think this kid from North Dakota State is that far behind him. I really don’t. Two or three years from now, I think he can be there with (Mendoza). We think he’s gone early two (second-round). And somebody probably shot on him at the end of day one. Everything I’ve been telling you about him since November, people who are doing the work are seeing it too. This kid can play.” (Jason La Canfora, 2/16)

Jeremiyah Love

• Todd McShay says don’t be surprised if there’s a team that makes a huge trade up into the top 10 for Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love, highlighting the Rams and Vikings swapping with the Commanders at No. 7. (3/22)
• Adam Schefter would be surprised if the Titans took Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love with the No. 4 pick. He thinks Love’s draft range starts at No. 5 overall to the Giants and goes through No. 9 to the Chiefs, even after free agency. (3/18)
• However, NFL Media’s Daniel Jeremiah doesn’t think there’s a way Love gets past the Titans. He also throws out the possibility of a team like the Rams trading up to No. 3 overall to get ahead of the Titans. (Rich Eisen Show, 3/18)
• The Chiefs pursued signing a running back in free agency aggressively because they did not expect Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love to be available when they picked at No. 9 in the first round (Jonathan Jones, 3/4) 
• The same logic can extend to the New Orleans Saints, who inked a big deal for RB Travis Etienne. They pick at No. 8. 
• Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love is a consideration for the Cardinals with the No. 3 pick, the Titans with pick No. 4 and the Giants with the No. 5 pick based on buzz from the Combine. (Connor Rogers, 3/3)
• In his Combine rumors notebook, NBC Sports’ Matthew Berry mentions he heard the Titans have Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love ranked as their top overall player. (3/2) 

Tight End

• Multiple personnel evaluators told Jason La Canfora they have first-round grades on Vanderbilt TE Eli Stowers: “[Kenyon] Sadiq is going in the top 15 picks, but I don’t see a huge drop-off between him and Stowers and [Michael] Trigg. They’re all move guys, some of them are more slot receivers than others, but I really like Stowers, man. That’s a first-round talent to me. And Trigg, you have to get comfortable with him and do some work on the character, but he’s another one I have my eye on. I like this tight end class.”

Offensive Tackles

• Despite some buzz about first-round trades centered around maneuvering for a tackle, one executive for a team thought that was not how things would play out. He said it was a solid class of tackles but every prospect has at least one major flaw: “No one’s gonna trade up for anybody. This is just a bad draft. There’s absolutely not one player you’d say, ‘I gotta get up and get this guy.’ It’s just a wild year. All these guys are going to get taken and have major, major, major flaws. Every year there are flaws, of course, but these guys have major flaws. This draft could go any kind of way. There will be guys that will be top-5 picks that could be the 25th pick, and vice versa.” (3/29, Bob McGinn)

Carnell Tate

• In his draft podcast, Todd McShay says not to be surprised if Ohio State WR Carnell Tate goes in the top five picks. McShay explains all the NFL sources he talks to absolutely love Tate and he’s an incredibly clean prospect. (4/6)
• ESPN’s Matt Miller notes he would put the over/under for Tate’s draft slot at 6.5. (4/6)
• NFL Media’s Daniel Jeremiah has heard Tate might be “entertained” by the Jets at No. 2 overall. (4/6)
• Tate is a strong consideration for the Browns at No. 6 overall. (Zac Jackson, 4/3) 

Trades

• Bleacher Report’s Jordan Schultz says many NFL teams expect the 2026 draft to be particularly active with trades, more than usual. His sources say the depth at edge rusher, cornerback, linebacker and receiver is expected to prompt action, especially in the first half of the first round. He also has heard teams will pursue extra Day 2 and early Day 3 picks because of the overall lack of depth in the later rounds. (4/8)

Wide Receivers

• Because of the depth at receiver in this year’s class, there’s a belief in league circles that teams will wait on the position and it will push some players down the board. (Matt Miller, 4/13)
• NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport thinks it’s tracking for two receivers to go in the top 15 picks. He thinks that leaves USC WR Makai Lemon as the third off the board and in the next range of picks. (4/10)
• On Todd McShay’s podcast, Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer says he has talked to teams that don’t like Arizona State WR Jordyn Tyson at all and there are makeup questions. (4/8)
• McShay says some teams would prefer USC WR Makai Lemon in the late first, Breer has heard some teams questioning his ceiling.
• Breer notes he wouldn’t be surprised if teams had Indiana WR Omar Cooper Jr. as the second-best receiver in the class, while McShay has talked to teams that have second-round grades on him. 

Defensive Tackles

• There’s buzz that there might not be a defensive tackle selected in the first round this year, with almost no prospects earning first-round grades from teams. (Jordan Reid, 4/13)

Jadarian Price

• There is some first-round buzz for Notre Dame RB Jadarian Price, who is widely viewed as the No. 2 back in a shallow class despite playing behind Jeremiyah Love for his entire college career. The Broncos and Seahawks were two teams specifically connected to Price, and the Browns were mentioned as well. (Jason La Canfora, 4/13)

49ers

• It would stand to reason that a successor for LT Trent Williams would be one of the 49ers’ big draft priorities, but that’s not how other teams are viewing San Francisco when doing mock drafts. The team has drafted just one tackle in the first round under HC Kyle Shanahan. Other teams expect receiver to be a big priority and Texas A&M WR KC Concepcion comes up as a prime target. (Matt Miller, 4/9)
• The 49ers are planning to be aggressive this offseason when it comes to trades, including moving up in the draft and potentially targeting a receiver. (Grant Cohn, 1/21)

Bears

• It’s viewed as a good year for the Bears to end their drought of selecting a defensive player in the first round, as they haven’t done that since 2018. Pass rusher is a top need but it depends on the board at No. 25 overall, and tackle doesn’t sound like a position the Bears have taken off the board. Alabama OT Kadyn Proctor and Missouri DE Zion Young are two prospects who have been connected to Chicago. (Courtney Cronin/Matt Miller, 4/9)

Bengals

• It sounds like the secondary is Round 1 priority for the Bengals with one of either LSU CB Mansoor Delane or Tennessee CB Jermod McCoy expected to be available at No. 10 overall. (Matt Miller, 4/9)
• On Todd McShay’s podcast, Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer and McShay highlight Miami DE Rueben Bain Jr., LSU CB Mansoor Delane and Tennessee CB Jermod McCoy as strong options for the Bengals. (4/8)
• Some people at the Combine connected the dots between the Bengals and Auburn DE Keldric Faulk in the first round. (Jeff Risdon, 2/24)

Bills

• Wide receiver and linebacker are the two positions most heavily linked to the Bills. Missouri LB Josiah Trotter is reportedly a player they like. (Matt Miller, 4/9)
• Other teams are expecting the Bills to go defense with their first-round selection, and they might even trade up to land a preferred target. One longtime personnel exec said: “They still don’t have enough bite up front. [Bradley Chubb] is a nice player, but they have been light in the ass (at the line of scrimmage) and it’s caught up to them. That was by design under Sean (McDermott), but I think that might be changing.”
  (Jason La Canfora, 3/26)

Broncos

• There is some first-round buzz for Notre Dame RB Jadarian Price, who is widely viewed as the No. 2 back in a shallow class despite playing behind Jeremiyah Love for his entire college career. The Broncos and Seahawks were two teams specifically connected to Price, and the Browns were mentioned as well. (Jason La Canfora, 4/13)
• While the team has done extensive work on this tight end class, ESPN’s Matt Miller has heard offensive tackle could be an under-the-radar option for the Broncos with their first pick at No. 62 overall. (4/9)
• USC safeties Kamari Ramsey and Bishop Fitzgerald are on the radar for the Broncos after they hired their college position coach this offseason. (Tony Pauline, 2/26)

Browns

• The Browns reportedly love Alabama OT Kadyn Proctor, potentially enough to select him with the No. 6 pick. (Jordan Reid, 4/13)
• There is some first-round buzz for Notre Dame RB Jadarian Price, who is widely viewed as the No. 2 back in a shallow class despite playing behind Jeremiyah Love for his entire college career. The Broncos and Seahawks were two teams specifically connected to Price, and the Browns were mentioned as well. (Jason La Canfora, 4/13)
• Ohio State WR Carnell Tate is frequently connected to the Browns by other teams but there’s also buzz about Cleveland hoping to trade down, potentially with the Cowboys. (Matt Miller, 4/9)
• ESPN’s Peter Schrager expects the Browns to land an offensive lineman with one of their two first-round picks. (4/7)
• Ohio State WR Carnell Tate is a strong consideration for the Browns at No. 6 overall. (Zac Jackson, 4/3) 
• Tony Pauline reports the Browns believe Utah OT Spencer Fano has the tools to stick and thrive at left tackle. Fano’s arm length has prompted a discussion in league circles about him moving inside to guard. However, Pauline also thinks the No. 6 pick might be too rich for Fano and has had sources tell him the Browns are open to trading down. (4/1)
• Todd McShay has heard buzz from multiple sources that the Browns like Alabama OT Kadyn Proctor, potentially enough to draft him with the No. 6 overall pick. (3/31)
• The Browns are doing extensive homework on Alabama QB Ty Simpson and the buzz at the Combine was he could be drafted earlier than expected. (Tony Pauline, 3/1)
• The Browns will explore opportunities to trade down from pick No. 6 in the upcoming draft. (Mary Kay Cabot, 2/23)
• According to Cleveland.com, the Browns have Alabama QB Ty Simpson on their radar as a potential addition this offseason. (Mary Kay Cabot, 2/23)

Buccaneers

• Edge rusher and tight end are two positions the Buccaneers have keyed in on as options with their first-round pick at No. 15 overall. Oregon TE Kenyon Sadiq is one to watch. (Jordan Reid, 4/9)
• The Bucs are eyeing Texas LB Anthony Hill. (Tony Pauline, 12/31)

Cardinals

• ESPN’s Matt Miller is still having a tough time finding a place for Alabama QB Ty Simpson in the first round. The Cardinals are a team that’s frequently connected to Simpson via a trade up, but one source asked Miller: “Why give up draft picks to jump into Round 1 when the Jets didn’t like him enough at No. 2 or No. 16 to take him?” (4/13)
• One league source predicted to ESPN’s Matt Miller that the Cardinals would trade down to try and better match the value at offensive line on the board. Another thought they would stick at No. 3 and take the best pass rusher available. (4/9)
• On Todd McShay’s podcast, Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer thinks the Cardinals would love Ohio State LB Arvell Reese if the Jets pass on him at No. 2. McShay has also heard Arizona wants to trade down from No. 3. (4/8)
• ESPN’s Peter Schrager writes that a wildcard to watch for the No. 3 pick is Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love. (4/7)
• The Cardinals would like to draft an offensive tackle but ideally in a trade down from No. 3 overall to better match the value on the board. There’s also at least one voice in the building lobbying for Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love. (Todd McShay, 4/3)
• NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport says he would be “surprised but not stunned” if the Cardinals draft Alabama QB Ty Simpson at No. 3 overall, citing past history of teams falling in love with lesser-heralded quarterback prospects. However, he thinks it’s more likely that they would try to trade back into the second half of the first round to secure Simpson. (4/3)
• Jason La Canfora says the Cardinals love Ohio State LB Sonny Styles, they just might not go defense with their first pick. (3/30)
• NFL Media’s Daniel Jeremiah says the Cardinals make the most sense for Alabama QB Ty Simpson, the question is when they would pull the trigger. (3/30)
• Other teams largely expect the Cardinals to address the offensive line with the No. 3 overall pick, with the belief around the league that Arizona is tanking with eyes on 2027. (Jason La Canfora, 3/18)
• Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love is a consideration for the Cardinals with the No. 3 pick based on buzz from the Combine. (Connor Rogers, 3/3)
• The overall consensus at the Shrine Bowl was that Utah’s Spencer Fano and Miami’s Francis Mauigoa are the top offensive tackles in this year’s draft class, while there is a “big drop-off” after those two. However, the Cardinals’ No. 3 overall pick is “way too early” for Fano or Mauigoa to be drafted. (Tony Pauline, 1/24)
• Internally the Cardinals have taken a liking to Alabama QB Ty Simpson. (Josh Weinfuss, 12/30)

Chargers

• Other teams believe the Chargers are a team to watch to take an interior offensive line in the first round, even if it means reaching a bit against what the current consensus is. (Jordan Reid, 4/13)
• Sources inside and outside the scouting staff have identified guard as the top need for the Chargers but the team is also showing a lot of interest in adding to the pass rush. Illinois DE Gabe Jacas has come up as a second-round target. (Matt Miller, 4/9)

Chiefs

• ESPN’s Matt Miller hasn’t gotten a strong indicator from sources in Kansas City or around the league for the Chiefs’ plans with their two first-round picks. They have needs at tackle, receiver, cornerback, edge rusher and defensive tackle. (4/9)
• On Todd McShay’s podcast, Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer says he’s heard the Chiefs really trust DC Steve Spagnuolo‘s ability to coach up secondary players, so he would short cornerback for Kansas City at No. 9 overall. Breer also notes not to rule out Oregon TE Kenyon Sadiq at No. 9 overall. (4/8)
• Tony Pauline has heard the Chiefs are high on Utah OT Spencer Fano and are leaning heavily toward taking an offensive tackle with the No. 9 overall pick. He adds they’ve spent significant time with Miami RT Francis Mauigoa. (4/1)
• Adam Schefter would be surprised if the Titans took Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love with the No. 4 pick. He thinks Love’s draft range starts at No. 5 overall to the Giants and goes through No. 9 to the Chiefs, even after free agency. (3/18)
• The Chiefs pursued signing a running back in free agency aggressively because they did not expect Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love to be available when they picked at No. 9 in the first round (Jonathan Jones, 3/4) 
• Defensive tackle will likely be a draft priority for the Chiefs in the first three rounds, with the team wanting more firepower next to DT Chris Jones and a long-term heir. (Jesse Newell, 3/2)

Colts

• A league source told ESPN they would be “stunned” if the Colts didn’t view linebacker as their top priority in the second round. Cincinnati LB Jake Golday was highlighted as a fit. (Jordan Reid, 4/9)
• Indiana WR Elijah Sarratt is viewed as a potential target by the Colts to stay in Indiana and replace possession WR Michael Pittman Jr. (Tony Pauline, 4/5)

Commanders

• The Commanders have just two picks in the top 100 and would love to add more as they try to get younger, so they come up as a trade-back team. Finding partners that want to trade up is harder. Other teams expect Washington to target receiver and cornerback with their two premium picks so far. (John Keim/Matt Miller, 4/9)
• On Todd McShay’s podcast, Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer calls Ohio State S Caleb Downs a “parachute pick” for the Commanders if top prospects at positions of bigger need are off the board. He also notes Ohio State LB Sonny Styles would be a perfect fit. (4/8)
• Todd McShay says don’t be surprised if there’s a team that makes a huge trade up into the top 10 for Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love, highlighting the Rams and Vikings swapping with the Commanders at No. 7. (3/22)
• In his Combine rumors notebook, NBC Sports’ Matthew Berry says he’s heard this could be Commanders WR Terry McLaurin‘s final year in Washington and Ohio State WR Carnell Tate is an option in the first round. (3/2)

Cowboys

• San Diego State CB Chris Johnson is a potential target for the Cowboys at No. 20 overall and an ascending player that teams are trying to be hush hush about. (Jordan Reid, 4/13)
• The Cowboys are the most likely team to trade up in the first round, targeting a pass rusher or a top defensive player. (Ian Rapoport, 4/10)
• There’s buzz about the Browns hoping to trade down from No. 6 overall, potentially with the Cowboys at No. 12. (Matt Miller, 4/9)
• Ohio State S Caleb Downs and Miami DE Rueben Bain Jr. are two players the Cowboys reportedly view as instant game-changers and players they would trade up for. (Jordan Reid, 4/9)
• Tennessee CB Jermod McCoy is not expected to be on the Cowboys’ radar in the first round because of his injury history with his torn ACL. (Nick Harris, 4/7)

Dolphins

• The Dolphins are big fans of Utah OL Spencer Fano and he’d be a strong consideration, maybe even the likely selection, for them with the No. 11 pick. (Jordan Reid, 4/13)
• Trading down from No. 11 overall is a strong consideration for the Dolphins even with seven picks in the top 100 as they look to add more to juice the rebuild. Based on how the Packers have operated, the Dolphins will likely target a premium position in the first round and wait until Day 2 to go after pass catchers. (Marcel Louis-Jacques/Jordan Reid, 4/9)
• Tony Pauline says the Dolphins have spent significant time with Miami RT Francis Mauigoa and his sources don’t think Mauigoa lasts past Miami. (4/1)
• The Dolphins are among the teams eyeing LSU CB Mansoor Delane. (Tony Pauline, 12/26)
• Texas CB Malik Muhammad is a potential second-round target for the Dolphins. (Tony Pauline, 12/31)

Eagles

• The Eagles are expected to invest draft picks on offense this year, with offensive line and receiver two big needs. Ties might be broken in favor of offensive linemen. A trade up is also always a possibility, with Arizona State WR Jordyn Tyson someone to watch for. (Tim McManus/Matt Miller, 4/9)
• People within the NFL who are familiar with how the Eagles do business believe Philadelphia might draft a quarterback this year. (Michael Silver, 1/16)

Falcons

• New Falcons GM Ian Cunningham has not made it a secret that he’d like to get more picks and Atlanta could trade down or even move a player to get more than the five selections they have currently. Defensive tackle and wide receiver are two positions they’ve done extensive work on in this class, with North Dakota State WR Bryce Lance being mentioned specifically. (Marc Raimondi/Jordan Reid, 4/9)

Giants

• The Giants won’t be deterred by positional value or lack thereof by taking an inside linebacker at No. 5 overall, and Ohio State’s Sonny Styles is a perfect fit for HC John Harbaugh. (Jordan Raanan/Jordan Reid, 4/9)
• On Todd McShay’s podcast, Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer highlights Ohio State LB Sonny Styles and S Caleb Downs as the two options he thinks would make the most sense for the Giants (Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love was off the board). He points out both players are “green dots” who could carry the communication burden and set the tone for the defense. (4/8)
• NorthJersey.com’s Art Stapleton said, based on intel from the league owners meetings, that he thinks Ohio State LB Sonny Styles, Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love and Ohio State LB Arvell Reese would be the Giants’ board for No. 5 overall. If New York trades down, Stapleton spotlights Ohio State S Caleb Downs, Penn State G Olaivavega Ioane or Miami OT Francis Mauigoa. (4/6) 
• Jason La Canfora keeps hearing Giants HC John Harbaugh has a thing for Ohio State LB Sonny Styles. (3/30)
• Ohio State S Caleb Downs emerged as a strong candidate for the Giants at No. 5 overall. One GM said: “John [Harbaugh] just spent, what, 18 years in Baltimore. No team invests more in the back end. That’s in his blood… He was with (Giants DC) Dennard Wilson for one year, and they had the best defense in the league and (safety) Kyle Hamilton played his best football. He needs a Kyle Hamilton.” (Jason La Canfora, 3/20)
• Todd McShay writes that league intel suggests the Giants are one of the most likely teams to draft Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love. (3/23)
• Adam Schefter would be surprised if the Titans took Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love with the No. 4 pick. He thinks Love’s draft range starts at No. 5 overall to the Giants and goes through No. 9 to the Chiefs, even after free agency. (3/18)
• Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love is a consideration for the Giants with the No. 5 pick based on buzz from the Combine. (Connor Rogers, 3/3)
• The Giants are high on Ohio State LB Sonny Styles, per team sources and people close to Styles. (Connor Hughes, 3/2)
• USC WR Makai Lemon drew interest from the Giants at the Combine. (Pat Leonard, 2/26)

Jaguars

• The Jaguars are expected to address needs at defensive tackle and tight end in this year’s draft. It would be surprising if they traded up. (Jordan Reid/Michael DiRocco, 4/9)

Jets

• Canvassing of other teams and sources around the NFL showed a wide belief that the Jets would take Texas Tech DE David Bailey at No. 2 overall, though no one in New York has tipped their hand yet. (ESPN, 4/13)
• There continues to be buzz that the Jets aren’t as locked into Ohio State LB Arvell Reese as previously expected, as evidenced by the falling betting odds, and the Jets could be more or equally intrigued by players like Texas Tech DE David Bailey or Ohio State LB Sonny Styles. (Jason La Canfora, 4/10)
•  Indiana WR Omar Cooper Jr. is a player the Jets reportedly love and a potential target with one of their three top-33 picks. (Jordan Reid, 4/9)
• On Todd McShay’s podcast, Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer said a couple of the teams he talked to made it sound like it was “fait accompli” that the Jets were taking Texas Tech DE David Bailey at No. 2 overall. (4/8)
• McShay also was talking to “someone who would know” about the team’s quarterback plans, and that person indicated the Jets are all-in on the 2027 class at the position and want someone who can be competitive enough that the fans don’t riot in 2026. (4/8)
• Brian Costello said a coach for another team told him recently he thought the Jets would take Texas Tech DE David Bailey because he was a cleaner prospect, but Costello points out there’s not necessarily inside information leading to the Bailey buzz. (New York Post, 4/8)
• NFL Media’s Daniel Jeremiah and ESPN’s Peter Schrager have both started hearing buzz that the Jets might be leaning toward Texas Tech DE David Bailey over Ohio State LB Arvell Reese. (4/6 & 4/7)
• The Jets like Indiana WR Omar Cooper Jr. but have him in the pool of prospects for the No. 33 overall pick, not the first round at No. 16 overall. (Tony Pauline, 4/5)
• Todd McShay believes the Jets will lean toward Ohio State LB Arvell Reese over Texas Tech DE David Bailey because the team is taking a long-term view, and that aligns more with Reese’s traits and upside. (3/23)
• The Jets seem to be narrowing their focus with the No. 2 pick to Ohio State LB Arvell Reese or potentially Texas Tech DE David Bailey given their shift to more of a 3-4 defense. (Connor Rogers, 3/2)
• NFL Media’s Tom Pelissero would be surprised if the leaguewide demand, paired with the flashes on tape, didn’t drive up the cost for Alabama QB Ty Simpson. He mentioned the Jets and Rams specifically: “I would be surprised sitting here right now not only if Ty Simpson doesn’t go in the first round. I don’t think Ty Simpson gets out of the first half of Round 1.” (Rich Eisen Show, 2/14)
• Some of the Jets’ offensive coaches, including OC Tanner Engstrand, were lobbying for the team to take QB Jalen Milroe in the third round in 2025. However, the Jets took CB Azareye’h Thomas instead who was a favorite of HC Aaron Glenn‘s. (Tony Pauline, 1/3)
• It wasn’t the only factor in his decision to return to Oregon for the 2026 season, but QB Dante Moore did consider that there was a good chance he’d be drafted by the Jets if he declared and the organization is not in the most stable place. Moore also wants to accumulate more experience and take a crack at winning the Heisman and a national championship. (Tony Pauline, 1/14) 

Lions

• There’s a lot of buzz about a tackle for the Lions in the first round, but they seem to be equally enamored with the idea of boosting their pass rush on the other side of the ball. (Eric Woodyard/Matt Miller, 4/9)
• NFL Media’s Daniel Jeremiah says he was told the Lions love Alabama OT Kadyn Proctor. (Billy Marshall, 4/6)
• Tony Pauline has heard from his league sources that they think the latest Alabama OT Kadyn Proctor will be selected is No. 17 overall by the Lions. Proctor has had a good spring and there’s some buzz he could go top 10. (4/1)
• Jason La Canfora says there’s a consensus starting to form among other teams that the Lions are going to prioritize addressing the offensive line in the first round. He’s heard buzz they like Alabama OT Kadyn Proctor and might be willing to trade up. One GM picking in the back half of the first told La Canfora: “It’s gotta be an offensive lineman. It seems pretty obvious to us.” (4/1) 
• The Lions are among the teams eyeing LSU CB Mansoor Delane. (Tony Pauline, 12/26)
• Texas CB Malik Muhammad is a potential second-round target for the Lions. (Tony Pauline, 12/31)

Packers

• Cornerback is a big need for the Packers and GM Brian Gutekunst has a history of double-dipping in similar situations. San Diego State CB Chris Johnson reportedly has a lot of fans in Green Bay’s scouting department. (Matt Miller/Rob Demovsky, 4/9)

Panthers

• Sources close to the Panthers relay that the team believes it’s essential to add more playmakers around QB Bryce Young. They could draft a receiver in the first round for the third straight year, and/or go after a tight end like Georgia’s Oscar Delp (who they are reportedly high on) on Day 2. (Jordan Reid, 4/9)
• Mike Kaye of the Charlotte Observer says based on the conversations he’s had, he’d be shocked if the Panthers don’t draft a center this year. He believes center is a bigger priority than offensive tackle, though they could address both. (4/1)
• The Panthers are eyeing Texas LB Anthony Hill. (Tony Pauline, 12/31)

Patriots

• Bleacher Report’s Jordan Schultz says many NFL teams expect the 2026 draft to be particularly active with trades, more than usual. His sources say the depth at edge rusher, cornerback, linebacker and receiver is expected to prompt action, especially in the first half of the first round. He also has heard teams will pursue extra Day 2 and early Day 3 picks because of the overall lack of depth in the later rounds. (4/8)
• ESPN’s Mike Reiss says the Patriots could be one of those teams trying to consolidate picks, as they have eight selections on Day 3, including four in the sixth round. (4/9) 
• Defensive tackle shouldn’t be ruled out for the Patriots, including in the first couple of rounds. (Jordan Reid, 4/9)
• Other teams think the Patriots will want to try and aggressively improve their offensive line with their first-round pick, with one GM saying he thought they’d trade up for a tackle if they had to. Another GM thought they would be open to shuffling around 2025 first-round LT Will Campbell: “Campbell would be better at guard. That’s where he’ll end up.” (Jason La Canfora, 3/27)

Raiders

• Teams around the NFL expect the Raiders to use their next pick after No. 1 overall (No. 36 in the second round) to support Mendoza, likely going after a receiver. Washington WR Denzel Boston has been connected to the Raiders. (Matt Miller, 4/9)
• The Raiders won’t trade the top overall pick in the upcoming 2026 draft, and they are “determined to draft” Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza. (Jason La Canfora, 2/18)

Rams

• Other teams believe the Rams are interested in drafting a linebacker, potentially earlier than they usually do on Day 2. Missouri LB Josiah Trotter was one name connected to Los Angeles. (Matt Miller, 4/9)
• Todd McShay says he thinks the Rams are interested in Alabama QB Ty Simpson: “But probably on their terms – meaning, what? Second round.” (Rich Eisen Show, 4/7)
• Rams GM Les Snead essentially told Rams fans not to get their hopes up, either for a trade up into the top ten picks or for another blockbuster swap to get a veteran player. (NFL Trade Rumors, 4/1)
• NFL Media’s Daniel Jeremiah says the Rams make sense as a landing spot for Alabama QB Ty Simpson. (3/30)
• Todd McShay says don’t be surprised if there’s a team that makes a huge trade up into the top 10 for Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love, highlighting the Rams and Vikings swapping with the Commanders at No. 7. (3/22)
• NFL Media’s Daniel Jeremiah threw out the possibility of a team like the Rams trading up to No. 3 overall to get ahead of the Titans for Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love. (Rich Eisen Show, 3/18)
• LSU CB Mansoor Delane and the Rams were a popular match in Combine buzz. (Jeff Risdon, 2/24)
• NFL Media’s Tom Pelissero would be surprised if the leaguewide demand, paired with the flashes on tape, didn’t drive up the cost for Alabama QB Ty Simpson. He mentioned the Jets and Rams specifically: “I would be surprised sitting here right now not only if Ty Simpson doesn’t go in the first round. I don’t think Ty Simpson gets out of the first half of Round 1.” (Rich Eisen Show, 2/14)
• ESPN’s Louis Riddick says he “knows for a fact” that the Rams like Alabama QB Ty Simpson, and his skillset and makeup are exactly what they’re looking for. (Louis Riddick, 2/14)
• The Rams are among the teams eyeing LSU CB Mansoor Delane. (Tony Pauline, 12/26)

Ravens

• Penn Statate G Olaivavega Ioane, generally considered the top guard in the class, is viewed as a strong contender for the Ravens’ first-round pick. (Tony Pauline, 4/11)
• The Ravens have been connected to Oregon TE Kenyon Sadiq and Arizona State WR Jordyn Tyson to fill their need at pass catcher at No. 14 overall. (Matt Miller, 4/9)
• A GM for another team floated the idea to Jason La Canfora of the Ravens trading up for Oregon TE Kenyon Sadiq: “Do you think they go up and get the kid from Oregon? Lamar needs big downfield targets… If you are trying to get Lamar to do a long-term deal, and you have a bad offensive line, and one receiver (Zay Flowers), and there’s nothing left in free agency, what would you do?” (3/25)

Saints

• While receiver is a big need, it might only be a 40 percent chance that the Saints use the No. 8 pick on the position. They’ll take the true best player available at that slot. Ohio State WR Carnell Tate might fit that description if available. (Katherine Terrell/Jordan Reid, 4/9)
• The Saints plan to address needs at wide receiver and tight end in the upcoming draft. (Tony Pauline, 4/5)

Seahawks

• There is some first-round buzz for Notre Dame RB Jadarian Price, who is widely viewed as the No. 2 back in a shallow class despite playing behind Jeremiyah Love for his entire college career. The Broncos and Seahawks were two teams specifically connected to Price, and the Browns were mentioned as well. (Jason La Canfora, 4/13)
• Other teams believe the Seahawks are a team to watch to take an interior offensive line in the first round, even if it means reaching a bit against what the current consensus is. (Jordan Reid, 4/13)
• ESPN’s Brady Henderson points out Seahawks GM John Schneider hasn’t traded down out of the first round since 2019 and it hasn’t been for a lack of trying. He adds he hasn’t got the sense that Seattle loves this class and is motivated to add more picks anyway. (4/9)
• Other teams are expecting the Seahawks to trade down or take a cornerback with the No. 32 overall pick in the first round. One GM who’s done business with Schneider told Jason La Canfora: “He’s going to trade down, right? What are the odds he keeps that pick?” (3/26)
• San Diego State CB Chris Johnson is getting significant consideration from the Seahawks and is a candidate for them in the first round. (Tony Pauline, 3/12)

Steelers

• Receiver is a commonly mocked position for the Steelers in the first round at No. 21 overall but it’s not a lock. Some other positions/prospects that Pittsburgh could be interested in include Ohio State DT Kayden McDonald, Alabama OT Kadyn Proctor or Oregon S Dillon Thieneman. (Jason La Canfora, 4/10)
• The Steelers will play the board at quarterback and have done homework on a bunch of options in this class. One internal source said they won’t be forced to draft one and there is genuine love for last year’s sixth-round QB Will Howard. (Matt Miller, 4/9)
• Indiana WR Omar Cooper Jr. is in play for the Steelers with the No. 21 pick in the first round. (Tony Pauline, 4/5)
• ESPN’s Matt Miller mentioned the Steelers are rumored to be out on taking a quarterback in the first round in this draft class. (3/30)
• Regarding the Steelers, Alabama QB Ty Simpson and Miami QB Carson Beck, there’s a sense experience is a big factor for Pittsburgh’s quarterback evaluations, which is a negative for Simpson and a positive for Beck. (Mike DeFabo, 3/2)

Texans

• The Texans are expected to continue to devote resources to the offensive line in the draft despite signing several free agents. Arizona State OT Max Iheanachor (Day 1) and Georgia Tech G Keylan Rutledge (Day 2) are two potential targets. (Jordan Reid, 4/9)

Titans

• Per ESPN’s Turron Davenport and Jordan Reid, it remains very possible the Titans select Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love at No. 4 overall but a defensive playmaker like Texas Tech DE David Bailey or Ohio State LB Sonny Styles is just as strong an option. Reid adds he’s heard the Titans aren’t done adding to the offense but a receiver is more likely in the third or fourth rounds, with Georgia State WR Ted Hurst a name that’s been linked to Tennessee. (4/9)
• The buzz out of Tennessee is that the Titans are not a big team for Miami DE Rueben Bain Jr. (Daniel Jeremiah, 4/6)
• There’s not much buzz for Miami DE Rueben Bain Jr. and the Titans, either in mocks or the betting market, but NFL evaluators told Jason La Canfora not to discount him from the pool Tennessee is evaluating at No. 4 overall. (3/19)
• Adam Schefter would be surprised if the Titans took Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love with the No. 4 pick. He thinks Love’s draft range starts at No. 5 overall to the Giants and goes through No. 9 to the Chiefs, even after free agency. (3/18)
• However, NFL Media’s Daniel Jeremiah doesn’t think there’s a way Love gets past the Titans. He also throws out the possibility of a team like the Rams trading up to No. 3 overall to get ahead of the Titans. (Rich Eisen Show, 3/18)
• Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love is a consideration for the Titans with the No. 4 pick based on buzz from the Combine. (Connor Rogers, 3/3)
• In his Combine rumors notebook, NBC Sports’ Matthew Berry mentions he heard the Titans have Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love ranked as their top overall player. (3/2) 

Vikings

• The Vikings view Oregon S Dillon Thieneman as a potentially seamless replacement for veteran S Harrison Smith. (Matt Miller, 4/9)
• Todd McShay says don’t be surprised if there’s a team that makes a huge trade up into the top 10 for Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love, highlighting the Rams and Vikings swapping with the Commanders at No. 7. (3/22)
• Vikings DC Brian Flores is expected to push for an edge rusher in the first round this year if one he likes slips to their pick, not necessarily a cornerback. (Tony Pauline, 1/29)
• Minnesota was also doing a ton of homework on the tight ends at the Senior Bowl, per Pauline, and could be targeting a blocking type on Day 3.