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2026 NFL Draft

Eagles select North Dakota State QB Cole Payton at No. 178 in 2026 NFL Draft
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Eagles select North Dakota State QB Cole Payton at No. 178 in 2026 NFL Draft

by archytele
written by archytele

The Philadelphia Eagles selected North Dakota State quarterback Cole Payton with the 178th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, marking a return to the program that once supplied their former franchise quarterback a decade ago.

Payton, a 6-foot-2, 232-pound left-handed passer, completed his fifth season with the Bison by throwing for 2,719 yards and 16 touchdowns while adding 777 rushing yards and 13 scores on the ground. His dual-threat production helped North Dakota State finish 12-1 and claim the top seed in the FCS playoffs, earning him Honorable Mention All-American honors and a finalist nod for the Walter Payton Award.

The selection echoes a familiar pattern: ten years after trading up to draft Carson Wentz from the same school, the Eagles are again dipping into the NDSU well — though this time with markedly different intentions. Where Wentz was acquired as a presumed franchise cornerstone, Payton arrives as a developmental project, unlikely to challenge Jalen Hurts for the starting role anytime soon.

The Eagles are adding depth, not drafting a successor

Analysts noted that selecting a quarterback in the sixth round does not inherently signal doubt in Jalen Hurts, especially given the veteran’s recent Super Bowl MVP performance and contract status. Instead, the move addresses roster attrition: Tanner McKee is set to become a free agent after this season, and Andy Dalton could shift to backup if McKee departs, opening a path for Payton to develop as the third quarterback.

The Eagles’ coaching staff includes multiple offensive assistants with quarterback development experience, suggesting Payton may receive targeted refinement behind the scenes. His raw tools — size, athleticism, and touch — are seen as projectable, though his mechanics and arm strength will require significant operate to translate to NFL timing and anticipation.

Payton’s profile fits a specific niche

Scouting reports describe Payton as a prototypical third-down and short-yardage weapon rather than a traditional pocket passer. He lacks the velocity to consistently fit throws into tight windows against NFL-caliber defenders but excels when designed to use his legs, particularly in built-up speed situations after the initial contact.

His game translates best to structured rollouts, bootlegs, and quarterback-specific runs — packages the Eagles have increasingly utilized under their current offensive scheme. Until he improves his decision-making and timing in the pocket, his value will likely remain situational, dependent on tailored play design rather than spontaneous improvisation.

Context The last time the Eagles drafted a quarterback from North Dakota State was Carson Wentz in 2016, selected second overall after a trade up from the 13th pick.

Why did the Eagles wait until the sixth round to take a quarterback?

They likely viewed Payton as a developmental asset rather than an immediate contributor, and waiting until the fifth round allowed them to address other positional needs first while still securing a project with familiar ties to the organization’s recent history.

What role is Payton expected to play in 2026?

Barring injury or trades, he will begin the season as the fourth quarterback on the depth chart behind Jalen Hurts, Tanner McKee, and Andy Dalton, with a realistic chance to climb to third if McKee departs in free agency.

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Cleveland Browns Draft Spencer Fano, KC Concepcion, Denzel Boston to Fix OL, WR Needs
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Cleveland Browns Draft Spencer Fano, KC Concepcion, Denzel Boston to Fix OL, WR Needs

by archytele
written by archytele

The Cleveland Browns entered the 2026 NFL Draft with clear offensive line and receiver deficiencies, and through disciplined draft-board management, addressed both needs within the first two rounds whereas leaving the quarterback question unresolved.

General manager Andrew Berry’s seventh draft began with a trade down from No. 6 to No. 9, securing extra picks and selecting offensive tackle Spencer Fano — a direct response to the March priority of rebuilding the line. Later in the first round, the Browns took speed-oriented receiver KC Concepcion at No. 24, then doubled down on pass-catching aid early in the second round with Denzel Boston at No. 39, a true outside target meant to stretch the field.

Coach Todd Monken, in his first season with Cleveland, confirmed his input was influential in shaping the selections, noting that the staff’s role extends beyond selection to development: “whether we take them in the first round, second round, third round — whatever their (draft) grades are now — it’s up to us as a coaching staff to develop them.” He emphasized that maximizing measurable skill sets is why coaches are hired.

Berry’s trades defined the Browns’ Day 2 strategy. After selecting Boston, the team executed three trades — two down and one up — before taking Toledo safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren at No. 58, a player many projected as a first-round pick who slipped due to positional devaluation. Another trade netted future fourth-round picks in 2026 and 2027, which Berry used to reclaim a fourth-rounder and move back to No. 86 to select offensive tackle Austin Barber from Florida, a versatile lineman capable of playing both tackle spots and inside guard.

The selections reflect a coherent strategy: fortify the trenches and add complementary receiving options. Fano provides immediate tackle depth; Concepcion and Boston offer slot versatility and outside threat; Barber adds developmental flexibility along the line; and McNeil-Warren bolsters a defense already regarded as solid. Monken acknowledged the staff’s roadmap through three rounds aligned with expectations, saying, “It’s where we hoped we would head.”

Despite the productive draft, the quarterback situation remains the Browns’ persistent uncertainty. Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders started games in 2025 and showed flashes, but neither is viewed as a long-term solution. The team may revisit Deshaun Watson, though he has not been a viable starter in years. Cleveland is now looking ahead to the 2027 draft, expected to be rich in quarterback talent, as the potential turning point in a nearly three-decade struggle to stabilize the position.

For now, the Browns have rebuilt their roster with purposeful picks, trusting development to close the gap between draft potential and on-field contribution. As Monken put it, they will “fight like hell” to maximize what they’ve brought in.

Key Development Focus The Browns’ coaching staff emphasizes maximizing measurable skill sets through tailored development plans, not just draft selection.

What positions did the Browns prioritize in the 2026 NFL Draft?

The Cleveland Browns prioritized offensive tackle and wide receiver in the 2026 NFL Draft, selecting Spencer Fano, KC Concepcion, Denzel Boston, and Austin Barber to address those needs.

What positions did the Browns prioritize in the 2026 NFL Draft?
Browns Denzel Boston Cleveland

How did the Browns use trades during Day 2 of the draft?

The Browns executed three trades after their second-round receiver pick — two down and one up — before selecting Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, then traded a 2026 fourth-round pick to move back and select Austin Barber at No. 86 while acquiring future draft capital.

OT Spencer Fano gets The Draft Call at No. 9 Overall | Cleveland Browns
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Stribling’s college production reflects a trajectory of increasing offensive involvement
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The 49ers select WR De’Zhaun Stribling with No. 33 pick to replace Deebo Samuel in 2026 NFL Draft

by archytele
written by archytele

The San Francisco 49ers selected Ole Miss wide receiver De’Zhaun Stribling with the 33rd overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the first selection of the second round after trading out of the first round on Thursday night.

The move completed a wide receiver overhaul that began after the 49ers moved on from Deebo Samuel last season, addressing a need for a playmaker after the catch to complement their existing receiving corps. Stribling, listed at 6-foot-2 and 207 pounds, ran a 4.36-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine and produced 107 catches for 1,693 yards and 12 touchdowns over his final two seasons, including a 2024 campaign at Oklahoma State.

General Manager John Lynch indicated Thursday night that the team had a target in mind for the No. 33 pick, saying, “We have a good idea where we’re going,” after executing two trades that netted the 49ers an additional fifth-round selection and reshaped their draft capital into seven total picks: Nos. 33, 58, 90, 127, 133, 139, and 179.

The 49ers’ offense ranked seventh in the NFL last season but features aging playmakers, including tight end George Kittle, who will turn 33 in November and is recovering from a torn Achilles, and running back Christian McCaffrey, whose 3.9 yards per carry average last season was the second-lowest of his nine-year career and included just one run over 20 yards.

Stribling’s ability to make defenders miss in open space and accumulate yards after the catch was highlighted by NFL.com as a direct replacement for the skill set lost when Samuel departed, with the potential to operate across all three receiver positions in Kyle Shanahan’s scheme.

Free-agent additions Mike Evans and Christian Kirk provide short-term veteran presence but are on essentially one-year deals, making Stribling a candidate to develop into a long-term running mate for second-year wideout Ricky Pearsall.

The Niners also hold the No. 58 overall pick later in the second round, which could be used to address defensive needs after prioritizing offensive playmaking in the early stages of Day 2.

Draft Capital Strategy The 49ers traded back six spots in the first round, exchanging a fourth-round pick for a third-rounder and adding a fifth-round selection to net seven total picks, including two in the top 58.

Stribling’s college production reflects a trajectory of increasing offensive involvement

At Ole Miss, Stribling became a primary target in the passing game, posting his best statistical season in 2024 after transferring from Oklahoma State, where he began his college career. His 1,693 receiving yards over two seasons place him among the top productive wide receivers in the Power Five conferences during that span.

From Instagram — related to Stribling, Shanahan

The 49ers’ receiver room now blends youth, veteran short-term help, and developmental potential

With Samuel gone, Aiyuk and Jennings remain as the primary returning receivers, but neither profiles as a pure speed threat after the catch. Stribling’s 4.36-second 40 time contrasts with the team’s fastest ball carrier last season being linebacker Dee Winters, who reached 20.15 mph on a pick-six — a figure that translates to approximately 4.39 seconds in the 40-yard dash.

Shanahan’s scheme requires versatile receivers capable of operating in multiple roles

Stribling’s ability to line up inside and outside, combined with his quickness in space, aligns with the 49ers’ offensive philosophy of creating mismatches through pre-snap motion and post-catch creativity — a system that has historically maximized players with his skill set.

Shanahan’s scheme requires versatile receivers capable of operating in multiple roles
Stribling Shanahan Kyle Shanahan

Why did the 49ers trade out of the first round?

The 49ers moved back six spots in the first round to acquire additional draft capital, specifically a third-round pick from one trade and a fifth-rounder from the New York Jets in another, giving them more flexibility to address multiple positions across Rounds 2 through 5.

What makes Stribling a fit for Kyle Shanahan’s offense?

Stribling’s quickness, run-after-catch ability, and positional flexibility allow him to operate in Shanahan’s motion-heavy, scheme-diverse offense, where receivers are frequently used in jet sweeps, screens, and vertical concepts to create yards after the catch.

49ers select De'Zhaun Stribling in Second Round | 2026 NFL Draft Grades & Reaction
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Cows acquire linebacker Dee Winters from 49ers in fifth-round trade
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Cows acquire linebacker Dee Winters from 49ers in fifth-round trade

by archytele
written by archytele

The Dallas Cowboys made a swift move on Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft, trading for linebacker Dee Winters without waiting for their original third-round slot, a decision that underscores their urgency to address a position group long identified as a need.

The trade with the San Francisco 49ers sent the 152nd overall pick — a fifth-round selection — to San Francisco in exchange for Winters, a 25-year-old linebacker who began his NFL career as a sixth-round pick by the 49ers in 2023 after a standout collegiate career at TCU, where he earned First-team All-Big 12 honors in 2022. The deal marks the second transaction between the two clubs in just a few weeks, following an earlier swap that sent defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa to San Francisco for the very draft pick now used to acquire Winters.

For the Cowboys, the acquisition brings a Texas native back home. Winters was born in Brenham and attended Burton High School in South Texas, giving Dallas both familiarity and a potential cultural fit as they attempt to revitalize a linebacker room that has lacked consistency. He joins fellow Texan DeMarvion Overshown and Shemar James in a unit overseen by defensive coordinator Christian Parker and position coach Scott Symons, who will be tasked with integrating Winters into a scheme that has struggled to find stability at the position.

The move comes amid a flurry of activity for Dallas, which had already traded up one spot to select Ohio State safety Caleb Downs — surrendering two 2026 fifth-round picks in the process — and later traded down with the Philadelphia Eagles to select UCF pass rusher Malachi Lawrence at 23rd gaining two additional fourth-round picks in return. These maneuvers suggest a front office willing to trade future capital for immediate roster clarity, even as they navigate a draft without a second-round selection.

From the 49ers’ perspective, the trade was part of a broader strategy to maneuver through the draft’s middle rounds. After acquiring the 152nd pick from Dallas, San Francisco immediately dealt it — along with their original 58th overall selection — to the Cleveland Browns in exchange for the 70th and 107th picks. This effectively moved San Francisco down 12 spots in the second round but up 45 spots from the fifth to the fourth round, a net gain in draft capital that left them with eight total selections, five of which came on Day 3.

Winters had become a steady presence for San Francisco over the past two seasons, starting 10 games in 2024 as a fill-in for the injured Dre Greenlaw and then starting all 17 games in 2025, during which he led the team with 101 tackles. His departure leaves the 49ers relying on a group that includes Nick Martin, a third-round pick from 2024; Tatum Bethune, who stepped into the middle linebacker role when Fred Warner was injured; and Luke Gifford, a special teams contributor who earned a Pro Bowl selection and also started nine games at strong-side linebacker.

The decision to move on from Winters appears tied to the 49ers’ gamble on Greenlaw’s health. After signing a three-year, $35 million deal with the Denver Broncos in 2025, Greenlaw was released in March due to lingering quad and hamstring issues. Three days later, San Francisco re-signed him to a one-year, $7.5 million contract, a move pursued aggressively by general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan, who flew to Texas in March to personally appeal to him. Warner, Greenlaw’s close friend and teammate, described the reunion as deeply meaningful, saying he “couldn’t wipe the grin off my face” when Greenlaw told him the news over FaceTime.

Key Detail: Dee Winters led the 49ers in tackles in 2025 with 101, his first season as a full-time starter.

The trade reveals contrasting philosophies: Dallas is betting on a known commodity with local roots and starting experience, even as San Francisco is trading continuity for flexibility, wagering that a reunited linebacker corps — anchored by Warner and a returning Greenlaw — can regain the form that made them one of the league’s most feared defensive units just a few years ago. For Winters, the return to Texas offers both a professional reset and a personal homecoming, though his long-term role in Dallas will depend on how quickly he can adapt to a new system and earn trust in a room still searching for its identity.

Why did the Cowboys trade for Dee Wells instead of waiting for their original draft pick?

The Cowboys opted to act immediately due to the fact that they were unwilling to pass on the opportunity to address a pressing need at linebacker, especially given their lack of a second-round pick and the urgency they’ve felt since free agency began to stabilize the position group.

Why did the Cowboys trade for Dee Wells instead of waiting for their original draft pick?
Winters Dee Winters Dallas

What did the 49ers gain from trading Dee Winters?

The 49ers received a fifth-round pick (No. 152) from Dallas, which they immediately traded — along with their second-round pick (No. 58) — to the Browns for a third-round pick (No. 70) and a fourth-round pick (No. 107), increasing their total draft capital and selecting earlier on Day 3 than they otherwise would have.

Cowboys Trade for Linebacker Dee Winters: Exclusive Draft Show Reaction
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Pittsburgh Steelers Draft Max Iheanachor at 21, Plan to Start Him at Tackle Amid Line Flexibility Questions
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Pittsburgh Steelers Draft Max Iheanachor at 21, Plan to Start Him at Tackle Amid Line Flexibility Questions

by archytele
written by archytele

The Pittsburgh Steelers selected Arizona State offensive lineman Max Iheanachor with the 21st overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, marking their third offensive tackle selection in four years and raising immediate questions about how they plan to employ him alongside incumbent right tackle Troy Fautanu.

Head coach Mike McCarthy moved quickly to clarify the team’s intentions for the rookie, stating flatly that Iheanachor would begin his career at tackle and not be moved inside to guard, a direct response to speculation about positional flexibility. Yet in the same breath, McCarthy left the door open for shifting Fautanu inside, saying there were “lots of options” and that the coaching staff had flexibility in how they arranged the line.

That ambiguity carries weight given recent history. Fautanu had a strong season at right tackle in 2025, but moving him — as the Steelers did with Broderick Jones — risks repeating a pattern where young linemen lose continuity and fail to establish themselves in a fixed role, ultimately hindering development.

Iheanachor’s background adds another layer to the decision. He arrived in the United States from Nigeria at age 13 and did not begin playing football until college, first suiting up for East Los Angeles Community College before following offensive line coach Saga Tuitele to Arizona State. His recruitment story underscores how his path to the NFL was shaped by relationships rather than early exposure, with Steelers general manager Omar Khan saying the team “didn’t want to trade away from this player — it just felt great” during their February draft evaluations.

At the NFL Combine, Iheanachor posted 40-yard dash times of 4.91 and 4.95 seconds, with a 10-yard split of 1.73 seconds — numbers that suggest adequate agility for a lineman but not elite explosiveness. His college experience included snaps at both left and right tackle, though he remained exclusively on the right side in 2025, which may inform the Steelers’ current stance on keeping him outside.

The selection continues a trend of Pittsburgh investing heavily in offensive tackle depth, using first-round picks on the position in 2022, 2023, and now 2026. That repetition suggests either a persistent lack of confidence in existing tackles or a long-term strategy to build interchangeable depth across the line — though the latter seems at odds with McCarthy’s resistance to moving Iheanachor inside.

For now, the plan is clear: Iheanachor starts at tackle, Fautanu stays put — at least for the moment. But the coaching staff’s openness to change, combined with the franchise’s recent history of shifting linemen, means the composition of the Steelers’ offensive line could look very different by midseason.

Key Context The Steelers have not started a rookie offensive tackle immediately since 2021, when Dan Moore Jr. Debuted as a right tackle — a fact that adds uncertainty to how quickly Iheanachor might notice playing time despite the high draft investment.

Why did the Steelers draft another offensive tackle so soon after selecting one in 2023?

The team has not publicly explained the repeated investment, but the pattern suggests either dissatisfaction with current tackle performance or a deliberate effort to build versatile depth along the offensive line, especially given the injury-prone nature of the position.

Could Troy Fautanu actually be moved to guard despite his strong 2025 season?

While no decision has been made, Mike McCarthy explicitly said Notice “lots of options” for Fautanu, acknowledging the possibility of an internal move — though he noted such a shift could evoke uncomfortable memories of how Broderick Jones’ development was hindered by frequent position changes.

The Pittsburgh Steelers Just Got Away WITH HIGHWAY ROBBERY Drafting Max Iheanachor…
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The Patriots select Utah OT Caleb Lomu 28th overall, project him as future right tackle starter
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The Patriots select Utah OT Caleb Lomu 28th overall, project him as future right tackle starter.

by archytele
written by archytele

The New England Patriots selected Utah offensive tackle Caleb Lomu with the 28th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, trading up three spots by sending the Buffalo Bills’ No. 125 selection to complete the deal.

The move addresses a clear need for long-term stability at offensive tackle, a position where the Patriots retained Super Bowl starters Will Campbell and Morgan Moses but face an aging veteran on the right side. Moses, who turned 35 in March, is viewed as a stop-gap solution with uncertain longevity beyond the next two or three seasons.

Campbell, the Patriots’ left tackle and the fourth overall pick in the 2025 draft, remains entrenched on the left side despite a challenging finish to his rookie year following a knee injury. At 22 years classic — just 11 months older than Lomu — he is still developing into the franchise cornerstone the Patriots envisioned when they selected him.

Lomu, a natural left tackle who played nearly 98% of his snaps at Utah on that side, is expected to start his rookie season as a swing backup behind Campbell and Moses. The Patriots project him to eventually assume the starting right tackle role in 2027, though that timeline could accelerate based on training camp performance, preseason reps, or injury situations.

His versatility was emphasized by Patriots executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf, who noted Lomu has the athletic ability and talent to play anywhere on the offensive line. Despite his left tackle pedigree, Wolf believes the 21-year-old is capable of transitioning to the right side.

Key Athletic Profile Lomu recorded a relative athletic score of 9.78 out of 10 at the NFL Combine, with a 4.99-second 40-yard dash, 9-foot-5-inch broad jump, and elite marks in explosion and speed testing.

His pass protection credentials are particularly notable: Lomu did not allow a single sack during his final season at Utah, a direct response to the Patriots’ struggles protecting quarterback Drake Maye in the pocket during Super Bowl LX against the Seattle Seahawks’ four-man rush.

On the ground, Lomu anchored an offense that produced 3,462 rushing yards and 41 touchdowns in 2025 — the highest single-season totals in Utah program history — showcasing his effectiveness in run blocking as well.

The Patriots’ offensive line depth now includes veteran free agent signing James Hudson III, who brings five NFL seasons and 20 career starts to a one-year deal, and Marcus Bryant, a sixth-round pick from last year competing for a backup role after losing his spot to Thayer Munford Jr. And Vederian Lowe, the latter now with the San Francisco 49ers.

With Munford Jr. Unsigned and Lowe relocated, Bryant is positioned to compete for the fourth tackle spot during summer camp, adding another layer of competition to a group that blends youth, experience, and developmental potential.

Why did the Patriots trade up to select Caleb Lomu?

The Patriots traded up from the 31st to the 28th pick to secure Lomu, viewing him as a long-term solution at right tackle to eventually replace the aging Morgan Moses, while also providing immediate swing tackle versatility and injury insurance in 2026.

Why did the Patriots trade up to select Caleb Lomu?
Patriots Lomu Caleb Lomu

How does Caleb Lomu fit into the Patriots’ offensive line plans?

Lomu is expected to begin his rookie season as a backup behind Will Campbell and Morgan Moses, develop under Moses for a year, and potentially assume the starting right tackle role in 2027, with the possibility of an accelerated timeline based on performance or injuries.

EXCLUSIVE: Inside the Draft Room as Patriots Select Caleb Lomu | 2026 NFL Draft
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Seahawks draft Notre Dame RB Jadarian Price at No. 32 in 2026 NFL Draft
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Seahawks draft Notre Dame RB Jadarian Price at No. 32 in 2026 NFL Draft

by archytele
written by archytele

Jadarian Price was selected by the Seattle Seahawks with the 32nd overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, becoming the second running back taken despite never starting a college game.

Price, a 5-foot-11, 203-pound running back from Notre Dame, accumulated 1,692 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns over three seasons while serving as a backup to Jeremiyah Love. His selection marks a rare instance of a first-round talent who spent his entire college career in a supporting role, having never recorded more than 15 touches in a single game.

The Seahawks’ decision to draft Price addresses a pressing need in their backfield following the departure of Kenneth Walker III in free agency and the extended absence of Zach Charbonnet due to an ACL tear. With Charbonnet expected to miss significant time, Price enters a competitive situation where he could emerge as the team’s primary ball carrier early in the season, particularly with veteran support from Emanuel Wilson.

Notre Dame’s running back duo of Price and Love presents a historic possibility: if Love is selected third overall as projected, the Fighting Irish would become the first school in Super Bowl era history to have the top two running backs chosen in the same draft. Only three previous instances exist of a school producing two of the top three running backs in a draft — Auburn in 2005, Arkansas in 2008, and Alabama in 2016 — but none featured the top two selections.

Price’s decision to remain at Notre Dame despite limited playing time was driven by personal and academic commitments. He emphasized the value of loyalty, citing his intent to complete a sociology degree and remain with teammates who contributed to his development. In interviews, he described the choice as a test of faith and resolve, stating that trusting his path ultimately positioned him for professional success.

From a fantasy football perspective, analysts project Price for a productive rookie season. Yahoo Sports forecasts 207 carries, 889 rushing yards, seven touchdowns, 19 receptions, and 127 receiving yards over 15 starts, assigning him a four-star rating. This output would position him as a top-30 redraft running back with upside should he secure a leading role in Seattle’s offense.

His dynasty value is similarly notable, with projections placing him as the RB24 in Superflex formats and a viable option in the sixth round of rookie drafts, contingent on the selection order of other highly regarded prospects like Love, Tate, Lemon, Tyson, and Mendoza.

Analysts acknowledge limitations in Price’s résumé, noting his lack of a feature-back workload and the benefit he derived from playing behind an elite offensive line at Notre Dame. However, his physical running style — characterized by broken tackles and consistent extra yards after contact — translates well to the NFL, and his pass-catching ability, though underutilized in college, is viewed as a developable asset.

The selection reflects a broader trend in NFL team building, where franchises increasingly value patience and developmental upside in late-first-round picks, particularly when those players arrive in favorable situations. For Seattle, a team aiming to sustain its Super Bowl contention, adding a versatile, downhill runner with growth potential aligns with a strategy of reinforcing core strengths while managing transitional phases in the roster.

Key Context Notre Dame has never before had two running backs selected in the top 32 picks of the same NFL draft.

How does Jadarian Price’s college production compare to other recent rookie running backs selected in the first round?

Price’s collegiate statistics — 1,692 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns over three seasons — are modest compared to recent first-round running backs, many of whom exceeded 1,000 yards in a single season. However, his efficiency and role as a backup in a high-powered offense differentiate his profile from traditional feature backs.

How does Jadarian Price’s college production compare to other recent rookie running backs selected in the first round?
Price Jadarian Price Seattle

What role is Jadarian Price expected to play in the Seattle Seahawks’ offense during his rookie season?

Price is expected to compete for a significant role in the Seahawks’ backfield, potentially serving as a primary ball carrier early in the season due to Zach Charbonnet’s ACL recovery, with the possibility of sharing duties or emerging as the starter depending on performance and team needs.

REACTION: Seattle #Seahawks Select Jadarian Price (RB, Notre Dame) | Seattle Sports | 2026 NFL DRAFT
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Why the Rams chose Simpson despite lower projections
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Rams select QB Ty Simpson 13th overall to plan for post-Stafford future

by archytele
written by archytele

The St. Louis Rams selected quarterback Ty Simpson with the 13th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 23.

Why the Rams chose Simpson despite lower projections

The Rams selected Simpson in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, 13th overall. In what might go down as the most shocking pick of the first round, the Rams picked Simpson as their quarterback of the future at the 13th pick, something around 20 slots earlier than most projected Simpson to go off the board. Simpson (6-foot-1, 211 pounds) only started one year at Alabama and posted troubling efficiency numbers (64.5 percent completed, 7.5 YPA), but to be fair the surrounding cast at Alabama was probably the worst it has been in some number of years.

How the Rams are planning for the post-Stafford era

The Rams know Matthew Stafford and his creaky back can only accept so many more hits, and with the Simpson selection the team resolved to get ahead of whenever Stafford has to hang up the cleats. The Rams selected Simpson in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, 13th overall.

Who is Ty Simpson and what was his college performance?

Ty Simpson is a 6-foot-1, 211-pound quarterback who started one year at Alabama. He completed 64.5 percent of his passes for 7.5 yards per attempt during his lone starting season.

The Los Angeles Rams Select Ty Simpson with the 13th Overall Pick in the 2026 NFL Draft

Why did the Rams select Simpson so early compared to projections?

The Rams selected Simpson as their quarterback of the future at the 13th pick, something around 20 slots earlier than most projected Simpson to go off the board. The Rams know Matthew Stafford and his creaky back can only take so many more hits, and with the Simpson selection the team resolved to get ahead of whenever Stafford has to hang up the cleats.

Surrounding cast at Alabama was probably the worst it has been in some number of years, which may have affected Simpson’s efficiency numbers.

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