Sports
Why Mike Tomlin Will Be Perfect Television Fit for NBC
Mike and mic loomed as a natural fit after the talkative Mike Tomlin resigned as Pittsburgh Steelers coach in January.
As with his Steelers teams of 19 seasons, Tomlin doesn’t figure to have a losing record as a TV studio analyst, either.
A report Tuesday from The Athletic cemented Tomlin’s long-anticipated transition. He’ll join the NBC “Sunday Night Football” pregame show “Football Night in America” beginning this season.
Surely, video editors and social media managers already have their popcorn ready.
That’s “popcorn” as in the salty snack, not the alternative definition Tomlin once served up during a press conference.
“You know, there’s been popcorn,” Tomlin said. “It hasn’t been any one man specifically; it’s been popcorn. But you can’t have popcorn.”
Asked to expound, Tomlin explained “popcorn” as: “A splattering of incidences. One here. One there. One there.”
That’s some tasty imagery, indeed.
Sustained coaching success boosted Tomlin’s profile as a would-be analyst. He guided Pittsburgh to a 193-114-2 regular-season record, while his 8-12 postseason mark included a 1-1 record in the Super Bowl.
His unique turns of phrase, however, set him apart. In a broadcast climate rife with programs and platforms for former players and coaches to fill, Tomlin, 54, should climb seamlessly into the mix at “FNIA,” a leading national brand.
“I think Mike is great at painting pictures, and those sayings, those Tomlinisms, they can immediately have a context,” Tony Dungy, Pro Football Hall of Fame coach and Tomlin’s mentor, told NFL Films in 2021.
Per The Athletic, Fox also coveted Tomlin as a replacement for Jimmy Johnson, who’s retiring from its “Fox NFL Sunday” show.
At NBC, Tomlin will fill a void left by Dungy, who NBC did not retain for an 18th season. While various reports have stated that the “FNIA” lineup could undergo further shuffling, host Maria Taylor and analysts Jason Garrett and Devin McCourty are expected back.
In late 2015, “FNIA” explored Tomlin’s well-documented physical resemblance to actor Omar Epps, showing photos of either man and asking Steelers fans and Tomlin’s wife, Kiya, whether it was Tomlin.
Tomlin never should be confused with Epps’ Darnell Jefferson, the cocky freshman running back from 1993’s “The Program.” That character aimed to impress college coed Halle Berry with a forced, hyperintelligent vocabulary that indubitably would make Tomlin roll his eyes.
“I don’t think a lot about the things that I say, to be honest with you,” Tomlin once said when asked about the origins of his oft-celebrated, “The standard is the standard.”
He continued: “I’m just trying to use words to vividly capture the imagination of our guys so that they can remember the messages so they can somehow be ingrained in their mind so they can somehow make it come alive inside stadiums on the grass. By whatever means we get that done, I’m for it.”
Substitute “inside stadiums on the grass” with “on sofas across the nation,” and there’s Tomlin’s value to any network suitor.
NBC doesn’t want viewers to leave their couches, of course. But with Tomlin aboard, they may well leap from them – or at least sit up – while hanging on every word.
Each year, in addition to various Minnesota Vikings-themed mock drafts, we get one on record for all the league. This is the last mock draft of 2026 — the leaguewide version for Round 1.
The board is set. Pandemonium is next.
This year may be more unpredictable than most, as the NFL shortened the clock between picks, and several teams are hoping to trade down.
Final Forecast for Every Pick in Round 1
Not limited to the Vikings, here’s a full NFL mock draft.
1 — Las Vegas Raiders
The Pick: Fernando Mendoza (QB) | Indiana
The first pick of the draft is inevitable. Mendoza gives the Raiders a legitimate shot at their quarterback of the future, which in turn allows the rest of their plans to fall into place. Any other choice would be an earth-shattering surprise; Las Vegas didn’t clear the runway solely for Kirk Cousins or a mid-round QB.
2 — New York Jets
The Pick: David Bailey (EDGE) | Texas Tech
This debate — Bailey or Reese — has actually become annoying because it’s so difficult to decipher. The Jets ultimately roll with Bailey. He’s a purer pass rusher.
3 — Arizona Cardinals
The Pick: Arvell Reese (LB) | Ohio State
Pundits have teased Jeremiyah Love going here, but we’re just not buying it, not when the Cardinals have James Conner, Tyler Allgeier, and Trey Benson on the roster. This feels like a textbook smoke-filled rumor reserved for draft week.
4 — Tennessee Titans
The Pick: Jeremiyah Love (RB) | Notre Dame
Tennessee effectively signaled this move by passing on top-tier running back help in free agency. Players like Kenneth Walker III, Travis Etienne, or Javonte Williams could have addressed their RB needs rather easily. Instead, the Titans left the door open for a premium runner, and Love walks right in. He’s explosive, elusive, and perfectly built to be a game-changer.
5 — New York Giants
The Pick: Sonny Styles (LB) | Ohio State
With Bobby Okereke off the roster, the Giants can approach the linebacker position from a fresh angle, prioritizing youth. Styles possesses the range, size, and play style that will integrate seamlessly in New York. He feels like a quintessential John Harbaugh defender.
6 — Cleveland Browns
The Pick: Spencer Fano (OT) | Utah
Dawand Jones offered little to Cleveland last season, and his limited sample size didn’t inspire confidence. Tytus Howard is also on the roster, but the Browns still require a long-term solution on the offensive line. Fano perfectly addresses that need, bringing youth, consistent play, and a quicker-than-expected path to a starting role.
7 — Washington Commanders
The Pick: Caleb Downs (S) | Ohio State
It’s tempting to roll with a wide receiver here because the Commanders’ cupboard is a bit barren, but at the end of the day, Dan Quinn is a defense-first head coach, and he just can’t leave Downs on the board.
8 — New Orleans Saints
The Pick: Carnell Tate (WR) | Ohio State
Next to Chris Olave, the Saints need another weapon for Tyler Shough. As the first wideout off the board to get the party cracking, it’s Tate to the Bayou.
9 — Kansas City Chiefs
The Pick: Rueben Bain Jr. (EDGE) | Miami
Kansas City will be elated that Bain Jr. fell this far, and he’ll instantly swipe Ashton Gillotte’s job.
10 — New York Giants (via Cincinnati Bengals)
The Pick: Francis Mauigoa (OT) | Miami (FL)
A best player available pick, general manager Joe Schoen takes the plunge with Mauigoa, sending Jermaine Eluemunor to RT2.
11 — Miami Dolphins
The Pick: Mansoor Delane (CB) | LSU
Miami arguably needs every position on the draftboard, but as No. 11, Delane is the best pick and the first corner off the board.
12 — Dallas Cowboys
The Pick: Dillon Thieneman (S) | Oregon
Daniel Jeremiah chirped this week that Dallas could pounce on Thieneman “early,” and we believe it. His Combine was that fantastic.
13 — Los Angeles Rams (via Atlanta Falcons)
The Pick: Makai Lemon (WR) | USC
The Rams’ deep roster allows them to make a luxury pick here. Lemon provides Sean McVay with another dynamic weapon, converting that Atlanta trade from last year into a receiver with significant upside. Puka Nacua, Davate Adams, and Lemon will cook.
14 — Baltimore Ravens
The Pick: Olaivavega Ioane (G) | Penn State
Tyler Linderbaum’s departure created a significant void in Baltimore’s interior. The Ravens require significant power and consistent play inside, qualities Ioane provides. This feels like a classic Baltimore selection, one that makes too much sense to overthink.
15 — Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Pick: Kenyon Sadiq (TE) | Oregon
Yes, the Buccaneers just extended Cade Otton to a handsome contract extension. No, that doesn’t matter.
16 — New York Jets (via Indianapolis Colts)
The Pick: Jermod McCoy (CB) | Tennessee
McCoy didn’t play at all last year due to an ACL tear, so he carries some risk. Sounds like a Jets draft pick to me.
17 — Detroit Lions
The Pick: Kadyn Proctor (OT) | Alabama
Relying on Giovanni Manu as a starting tackle presents a precarious situation for a contender with Detroit’s strong roster. Proctor rectifies this immediately; he can step in right away, providing the Lions with a powerful bookend opposite Penei Sewell.
18 — Minnesota Vikings
The Pick: Peter Woods (DT) | Clemson
Two recently jettisoned defensive tackles, Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave, played a combined 1,300+ defensive snaps last year. Do you really think Levi Drake Rodrgiuez and Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins will split that new workload? We say no. The pick is Woods, the first DT of the night.
19 — Carolina Panthers
The Pick: Jordyn Tyson (WR) | Arizona State
The Panthers’ brass love drafting wide receivers, and the pattern doesn’t stop in 2026. Tyson’s tumble ends, becoming Tetairoa McMillan’s running mate.
20 — Dallas Cowboys (via Green Bay Packers)
The Pick: Keldric Faulk (EDGE) | Auburn
This is the beginning of the plan to erase the sins of the Micah Parsons trade.
21 — Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pick: Omar Cooper Jr. (WR) | Indiana
Aaron Rodgers, Will Howard, Ty Simpson, or Garrett Nussmeier will hope to feast with DK Metcalf, Michael Pittman, and Omar Cooper Jr.
Cooper Jr. will be a stud. Remember it.
22 — Los Angeles Chargers
The Pick: Akheem Mesidor (EDGE) | Miami
Khalil Mack remains a factor, but Father Time is an inevitable force. The Chargers require another solution on the edge, and Mesidor is their choice. At 25, he’ll be an older rookie, which might deter some teams, but Los Angeles can accept that if he’s ready to make an immediate impact.
23 — Philadelphia Eagles
The Pick: Monroe Freeling (OT) | Georgia
The University of Georgia fetish continues.
24 — Cleveland Browns (via Jacksonville Jaguars)
The Pick: Kevin Concepcion (WR) | Texas A&M
Cleveland’s wide receiver room is in desperate need of assistance. Jerry Jeudy, Cedric Tillman, and Isaiah Bond form a group that doesn’t exactly strike fear into opposing defenses. Concepcion alters this equation, providing the Browns with another solid target and injecting much-needed energy into the position.
25 — Chicago Bears
The Pick: Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (S) | Toledo
Tell us this doesn’t feel like a Bears pick. We won’t believe you.
26 — Buffalo Bills
The Pick: T.J. Parker (EDGE) | Clemson
Buffalo’s new-look OLB corps:
- Bradley Chubb
- Greg Rousseau
- T.J. Parker
That might just work.
27 — San Francisco 49ers
The Pick: Caleb Lomu (OT) | Utah
Trent Williams cannot play forever, so San Francisco must plan ahead at premium positions. Lomu embodies the 49ers’ “next-man-up” strategy; he can integrate into the system now, positioning himself to take over when the time comes.
28 — Houston Texans
The Pick: Kayden McDonald (DT) | Ohio State
Houston’s defense, thanks to DeMeco Ryans, boasts virtually no weak spots. However, if pressed to identify one, it would likely be defensive tackle, a spot where McDonald fits beautifully.
29 — Kansas City Chiefs (via Los Angeles Rams)
The Pick: Chris Johnson (CB) | San Diego State
After Kansas City traded Trent McDuffie, cornerback immediately became their top priority. This makes Johnson a straightforward choice, as he fills that void and provides the Chiefs with a young defensive back to address a suddenly critical position.
30 — Miami Dolphins (via Denver Broncos)
The Pick: Denzel Boston (WR) | Washington
The Dolphins need WRs after booting Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill. Boston is the last remaining option for Miami who deserves a 1st-Round pick.
31 — New England Patriots
The Pick: Blake Miller (OT) | Clemson
Miller will eventually take over for Morgan Moses, possibly this summer.
32 — Seattle Seahawks (Pick Traded Elsewhere)
The Pick: Ty Simpson (QB) | Alabama
No, the Seahawks won’t draft Simpson, but someone will trade into the 1st-Round’s last spot — probably the Arizona Cardinals to capitalize on Simpson’s fifth-year option, if applicable, in 2030.
Rajasthan Royals fast bowler Nandre Burger was fined 10 per cent of his match fees and handed one demerit point for breaching the Indian Premier League (IPL) Code of Conduct during the match against Lucknow Super Giants on Wednesday. The South Africa international admitted to the Level 1 offence under Article 2.5-pertaining to using language, actions, or gestures which disparage or could provoke an aggressive reaction from another player in the match-and accepted the sanction suggested by the match referee. In the match itself, RR defeated LSG by 40 runs.
Meanwhile, Lucknow Super Giants captain Rishabh Pant did not have any answer for his team’s defence after a morale-crushing 40-run defeat against Lucknow Super Giants in an IPL match, other than accepting the responsibility that his side didn’t read the surface properly.
“I don’t have answers. Batting has let us down. We are disappointed as a team, as a group,” Pant said after his team were skittled out for 119 chasing a small 160-run target.
“You have to look for answers inside, not outside. We could have taken some time while batting. No excuses out there. Including myself, we could have taken it deeper. As a batting group, we have to put our hands up,” Pant offered a feeble explanation.
Mohammed Shami’s bowling effort stood out and Pant found that to be a silver lining.
“We have to look at positives. We have to keep our head high and look for answers inside. We have the firepower to turn the season around.” Rajasthan Royals skipper Riyan Parag knew that there was help off the surface.
“We knew it would swing, the lines and lengths they (Nandre Burger and Jofra Archer) bowled, impressive. The message on the groups have been very positive,” Riyan said after the match.
On his own poor show, Riyan said that he has been going through some personal crisis and the team stands firmly behind him.
“I had gone through something, even now I am going through something and everyone understands that,” he said.
(With PTI inputs)
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While visiting Cobra HQ to film our 3DP feature, I was able to spend some time hitting prototype irons built for a few different Cobra staff players on the PGA and LPGA Tours.
This is probably the most unique feature of Cobra’s 3DP process. They can make one-of-one sets for Tour players in just weeks, rather than retooling a head for a new forging, which would take months. This turnaround ability has vaulted Cobra to the top of the list for free agents seeking a new set of irons, and it’s likely we’ll start seeing more players on major tours switch to their own 3DP customs.
Let’s break down my favorites from testing at HQ.
Max Homa’s solid MBs
Max Homa signing with Cobra was big news, and Max has repeatedly said that the process of building his own 3DP iron was one of the reasons he was so excited to sign with Cobra. He was a big fan of the standard King MB forged irons that Cobra was making, and a lot of what he did with his 3DP.MH irons (which you have also seen in some images as the 3DP.MB.s) were to emulate the feeling he got from those, while adding a bit of forgiveness thanks to the increased mass properties of the 3DP heads. He also adds a touch of offset to his set compared to the standard forged offerings. The biggest difference for Max? He doesn’t have an internal lattice system with his irons. He chose to create his set as a solid-printed set that gives him the feel he’s been looking for, matching the irons he’s played most of his life. The advantage for him? He still gets the shape, visual package and performance he’s after to his exact specifications.
;)
John Sodaro / GOLF
Rickie Fowler’s 3DP King Tour Love
Rickie Fowler has an interesting equipment story on tour. He’s an unabashed golfer who wants to use the best tools for his game, and over the last several years, he has made a few changes you might not expect from a Tour player. He started playing AeroTech graphite iron shafts and a “player’s distance” iron in the Cobra King Tours. The combination has been great for Rickie, and he’s been nothing but complimentary of the more forgiving build. When Cobra introduced him to the 3DP program, he really didn’t want to change much from the King Tour heads. So the 3DP.RF (which you’ll also see in photos as the 3DP.KT for King Tour) is based heavily on the King Tour, but again, with better mass properties that increase the MOI of the head. His irons are a combination of the King Tour and the 3DP Tour. Offset from the King Tour, MOI from the 3DP Tour, a touch higher toe height compared to the 3DP Tour and the coolest part of his build is they didn’t add any tungsten to Rickie’s 3DP irons. They achieved a higher MOI design with just the internal lattice structure. The combination of which allows them to hit Rickie’s preferred launch properties.
The toughest switch: Lexi Thompson
Lexi Thompson likes the weirdest iron ever — the Cobra S2 Forged. This is an iron that came out over a decade ago, and she has been so in love with it that she still has them in the bag. The problem? Cobra doesn’t make the iron anymore, and they don’t even have a stash. But there’s a simple fix: 3D printing. I actually think this is where Cobra’s 3D-printing ability really shines. They can take a player like Lexi Thompson and give her the exact iron shape and visual that she wants with more performance. In very simple terms, they can scan the old S2 Forged, then take that model into their new software and create an internal lattice structure that gives her a higher MOI design with a bit more ball speed, while keeping the exact offset, sole and loft package she has desired for years.
;)
John Sodaro / GOLF
You can watch our full Cobra 3DP Feature on YouTube!
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Ohtani was brilliant on the mound but couldn’t keep his on-base streak going
Lowry played with McIlroy in the previous two Zurichs (they won together in 2024), but when McIlroy bowed out of this year’s edition, Lowry needed a date. Koepka, meanwhile, just needed starts. Since his January return from LIV Golf to the PGA Tour, he has lacked the necessary FedEx points to qualify for the Signature Events; he’s hopeful, with Lowry’s help, to improve his status this week.
The inside story of LeBron James’ surprising YouTube Golf debut
;)
Lowry and Koepka’s relationship extends beyond the borders of South Florida. They first got to know each other in 2012 and ’13 when Koepka was cutting his teeth on the DP World Tour. Lowry has known Elliot, Koepka’s looper, for even longer. When Lowry won the Open Championship in 2019, Elliott, who is from Portrush, was among a swell of well-wishers waiting to congratulate Lowry by the 18th green.
A few weeks after Lowry and Koepka’s round at the Grove, Lowry texted a follow-up note to both Elliott and Koepka to make sure they were still on for the Zurich. But Lowry said he didn’t have a firm commitment from Koepka until he ran into him several weeks later.
“I said, ‘Are we going to tee it up in New Orleans?’” Lowry said. “He said, ‘Yeah, let’s do it.’”
The betting sharpies like Lowry and Koepka’s chances this week, setting their odds only behind favorites Matt Fitzpatrick, who has won twice in the last month, and his brother Alex, who won the DP World Tour’s Hero Indian Open last month. And on paper Lowry and Koepka do look like a good fit.
Lowry is accurate off the tee and can work the ball in both directions. (“My job is to try and hit it in the fairway,” Lowry said.) Koepka’s iron play is nearly unrivaled (he’s 2nd in SG: Approaches). And Lowry has been holing putts (31st in SG: Putting).
The setup suits their eyes, too. “I like the way we’re going with him hitting off certain holes and me hitting off the other holes,” Koepka said. “Everybody feels comfortable on the holes that we’re going to play.” Koepka added, ”Then the best-ball side of this whole thing, he’s been playing great, so just let him go do him and stay out of the way.”
Lowry feels pretty good about his partner, too.
“He’s Brooks Koepka” Lowry said. “He’s got five majors. You know what I mean?”
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Confidence exudes from Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson when he’s on the field, and that carried over to the pre-NFL Draft process.
Simpson has steadfastly supported himself when asked if he can be a starting quarterback in this league, and he feels he has the first-round talent to do so.
Before he learns where he goes in the NFL Draft, whether it’s Thursday night in the first round or beyond, Simpson spoke with Fox News Digital about where his patented confidence comes from.
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Ty Simpson of the Alabama Crimson Tide throws a pass during the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana, on Feb. 28, 2026. (Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
“I think it goes with my faith,” he said, while discussing his partnership with Toyota ahead of the draft. “My faith is very important to me. I fully believe that my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ died on the cross for my sins, and knowing that football is just a minor stepping stone in why I’m on this earth. I feel like I’m on this earth for a bigger reason, to get people together to spread the word. The fact that I can do that on a huge stage, the Lord has blessed me in so many ways, that just gives me confidence.
“I get to play a kid’s game for fun, but I also know that everybody’s watching every move that I make. Understanding that I can impact so many people’s lives by spreading the good news.”
Simpson, who spent all four of his college seasons at Alabama, embodies the “Faith, Family, Football” motto, as he also talked about his hometown of Martin, Tennessee.
PROJECTED TOP PICK FERNANDO MENDOZA REVEALS WHY HE’S SKIPPING NFL DRAFT
No matter where his NFL journey may take him, he will always be repping the place that made him who he is.
“I think that being able to impact my community is something I really look forward to because I know how much my community means to me,” he said when asked about charitable work off the field in the city he ends up in. “Martin, Tennessee is a special place. It’s where I grew up. The 713-area code, we take pride in it. We always say in our household, ‘Martin made.’ So, it’s something where I look forward to, wherever I end up, to be able to give back to my community.”
Simpson showcased his desire to give back Wednesday night in Pittsburgh, joining fellow NFL Draft prospect wide receiver Jordyn Tyson, Steelers receiver Michael Pittman Jr., and members of the U.S. Women’s National Flag Football team at Toyota’s NFL Draft Flag Football Training Camp for Pittsburgh-area high school girls. He was wearing the coach’s hat, helping coordinate drills and share some of his quarterback wisdom before preparing for the draft on Thursday night.
Ty Simpson of the Alabama Crimson Tide runs with the football against the Indiana Hoosiers in the College Football Playoff quarterfinal at Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, Calif., on Jan. 1, 2026. (Luke Hales/Getty Images)
“My sister was a basketball player and softball player growing up, so it’s really exciting and awesome to see Toyota put a spotlight on girls in sports,” Simpson added.
Toyota also covered NFL FLAG fall registration kit fees for current players in the Pittsburgh Flag Football League coed youth and high school girls leagues as part of this activation before the live draft in the city.
Simpson waited until his fourth season to finally take the reins of the Alabama offense, and he made the best of the situation. He threw for 3,567 yards with 28 touchdowns and only five interceptions across 15 games for the Crimson Tide. But the 6-foot-2, 211-pound quarterback, who has gotten comparisons to Mac Jones, a fellow Alabama alum, is all over the place in terms of mock drafts.
In short, not even Simpson has an idea where he might end up when the draft begins. But no matter where he goes, Simpson knows he can make an impact.
Ty Simpson of the Alabama Crimson Tide warms up before the College Football Playoff quarterfinal game against the Indiana Hoosiers at Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, Calif., on Jan. 1, 2026. (CFP/Getty Images)
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And it starts with his faith.
“The first round is great, [but] any time you get drafted is great. There’s so many different players that are great at my position that are from each different round of the NFL. So, I’m in the mindset of wherever I go, whenever that will be, I’m gonna put my best foot forward. Trust the process and be the best player I can be.”
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NBA Playoffs
Following Terence Crawford’s retirement, most fans are debating whether it is Oleksandr Usyk or Naoya Inoue that can be considered as boxing’s pound-for-pound number one. However, Tim Bradley believes that an another fighter deserves the top spot.
Crawford, Usyk and Inoue are the only three men to have become the undisputed champion in multiple weight divisions during the four-belt era; making all three worthy candidates of being recognised as the best fighter on the planet in recent years.
In 2025, it was ‘Bud’ who pushed ahead in the eyes of many, after becoming the second fighter in boxing history to claim the undisputed throne in three weight-classes and doing so with a stellar victory over Canelo Alvarez.
After his retirement, the debate has been resurrected around his two standout pound-for-pound rivals, but former two-division world champion Tim Bradley told his YouTube channel that his pick is fellow American, Shakur Stevenson, who became boxing’s third youngest four-division world champion back in July.
“Shakur Stevenson is the best fighter in the world. He ain’t got the accolades of an Usyk, in terms of undisputed and all of that s**t, he ain’t done all of that s**t that Inoue did in the lower weight classes.
“No, he ain’t done none of that, but he is a four-division world champion and he is the best fighter in the world. He gets touch the least, out of any fighter in the world.
“He the best fighter in the world. Period.”
Stevenson has built his reputation on control over power, combining a southpaw stance with sharp footwork and defensive awareness to dictate range and tempo.
An Olympic silver medallist before turning professional, he has, as Bradley points out, consistently limited opponents to low output.
If the Newark native manages to land more fights against big names – the likes of Gervonta Davis, Ryan Garcia or Devin Haney – more will begin to agree with Bradley’s take. However, he will still be competing with Usyk, who returns next month against kickboxing icon Rico Verhoeven, and Inoue, who has a mega fight in Japan against Junto Nakatani.
Indiana
• Jr
• 6’5″
/ 236 lbs
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Done and done.
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Aaron Glenn doesn’t have two years to fix the Jets. He might not have two months if the team gets off to a slow start. David Bailey is the most NFL-ready edge rusher in the class.
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Yes, the Cards just signed Tyler Allgeier. And yes, doubling down at running back would be a luxury for a team with plenty of needs in the league’s best division. But there’s been a lot of smoke around Love to Arizona, and I wouldn’t be shocked if he came off the board here.
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Robert Saleh is a defensive coach, and Reese has a chance to be one of the best players in the class — he’ll just need time to develop. And while we’ve spent a lot of time talking about the Saleh-Sonny Styles–Fred Warner connections, Reese could be even more menacing once he gets comfortable at the next level.
Arizona State
• Jr
• 6’2″
/ 203 lbs
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YDS/REC
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Two weeks ago, we were all concerned about Tyson’s injury history. Then he put together an impressive private workout, and several sources indicated that not only do the Giants really like the Tyson fit, but he could be the target at No. 5. We’ll see how much truth there is to that Thursday night, but this would be a huge win for second-year QB Jaxson Dart.
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I’ve heard that the Browns like several offensive tackles and would also love to trade down (this is likely the spot the Cowboys would need to get to if they wanted, say, Sonny Styles). If Cleveland can’t move off the pick, it could be Monroe Freeling or Fano, both of whom I have ranked higher on my board.
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The Commanders spent free agency beefing up their pass rush, but there’s still room to improve. Bain Jr. is an outlier when you look at the measurables, but he consistently took over games throughout his Miami career.
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The Saints are looking to get Tyler Shough some help, and while I’ve heard they prefer Tyson, Tate isn’t a bad consolation prize.
Miami (Fla.)
• Jr
• 6’6″
/ 329 lbs
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Mauigoa is my OT1, but some teams are concerned about a lingering back issue. That said, Andy Reid wants to bolster the offensive line, and Mauigoa is a Day 1 starter at tackle or guard.
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I only have one trade in this final mock draft (more on that later), but the Giants may have to move up for Styles. The word on the street is that new coach John Harbaugh loves the Ohio State players in this class, and Styles — who could be a bigger, faster Fred Warner in the NFL — would give New York a game-changing defensive piece after grabbing Jordyn Tyson at No. 5.
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Delane is the best CB in the class, and the Dolphins — a team with needs up and down the roster — desperately need to restock their secondary.
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The Cowboys may try to move up to land one of the high-end defensive players, but somehow Downs falls into their laps here. I’ve heard they really like S Dillon Thieneman and CB Colton Hood, but Downs is best-case scenario.
USC
• Jr
• 5’11”
/ 192 lbs
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I’ve heard both Lemon and Omar Cooper Jr. here for the Rams. Both are supremely talented, but in different ways. I’m leaning Lemon here, but I could just as easily see Cooper Jr. as the pick.
Projected Team
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PROSPECT RNK
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POSITION RNK
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You could convince me that Ioane goes five or six spots higher — he’s that good, and he’s the cleanest prospect in this class.
Projected Team
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PROSPECT RNK
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POSITION RNK
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Mesidor is 25 and may have reached his ceiling … but that ceiling is still pretty high. He dealt with some injuries earlier in his career, but the teams I spoke with were unconcerned.
Projected Team
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PROSPECT RNK
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POSITION RNK
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REC
|
REYDS
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YDS/REC
|
TDS
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In Cooper Jr., the Jets get Garrett Wilson a counterpart and Geno Smith a legit No. 2.
Alabama
• Jr
• 6’7″
/ 352 lbs
Projected Team
|
PROSPECT RNK
|
POSITION RNK
|
Proctor is one of the best athletes in this class; it’s just that his focus from one play to the next has been called into question at times. Dan Campbell will get the most out of him, and it will also allow Penei Sewell to stay on the right side.
Projected Team
|
PROSPECT RNK
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POSITION RNK
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Safety seems like a clear need, but so is the defensive line. And Peter Woods — who was the No. 1 player on my big board this summer — lands on a Brian Flores unit that needs to beef up the front.
Projected Team
|
PROSPECT RNK
|
POSITION RNK
|
I’ve heard that the Panthers like tight end and safety, and it would be a shock if Dillon Thieneman gets past them here.
Projected Team
|
PROSPECT RNK
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POSITION RNK
|
Faulk is the first guy you want getting off the bus, and while he flashed at times in 2025, his 2024 tape was better. Still, he fills a big need in Dallas, and I’ve heard the team really, really likes him.
Clemson
• Sr
• 6’7″
/ 317 lbs
Projected Team
|
PROSPECT RNK
|
POSITION RNK
|
Blake Miller made huge strides in 2025 compared to his 2024 tape, and no one in this class plays with more of an edge. The Steelers have needs at guard and tackle, and Miller could play both at the next level.
Projected Team
|
PROSPECT RNK
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POSITION RNK
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Lomu, who played left tackle at Utah, told me at the combine that he’s also been working on the right side. Some NFL teams also believe he could kick inside to guard if needed.
Texas A&M
• Jr
• 6’0″
/ 196 lbs
Projected Team
|
PROSPECT RNK
|
POSITION RNK
|
REC
|
REYDS
|
YDS/REC
|
TDS
|
The Browns need help along the offensive line and at wide receiver. They got their left tackle at No. 6 and land Concepcion here at No. 24.
Projected Team
|
PROSPECT RNK
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POSITION RNK
|
Parker will eat opposite Montez Sweat. His 2025 tape wasn’t nearly as impressive as 2024, but he finished with a flourish, sacking LaNorris Sellers four times in his final college game before heading to the Senior Bowl and dominating all three days of practice.
Projected Team
|
PROSPECT RNK
|
POSITION RNK
|
The former UCF edge rusher had a standout season and an impressive week at the Shrine Bowl, and he has a chance to be a Day 1 pick.
Projected Team
|
PROSPECT RNK
|
POSITION RNK
|
I’ve heard the Texans would love to land a defensive lineman, but Banks could slip because of injury concerns, and Peter Woods is already off the board. Another fringe first-rounder in Iheanachor would fill a need, even if he could take a few years to develop.
Projected Team
|
PROSPECT RNK
|
POSITION RNK
|
Hood was known as “the other CB in Tennessee” early in the season, but he quickly emerged as one of the best DBs in the country. He’s a first-round talent all day long, and he may not be on the board here when the Chiefs pick.
Projected Team
|
PROSPECT RNK
|
POSITION RNK
|
The Dolphins have a million needs, and if there isn’t someone they love at the bottom of Round 1, they could move out. I have Freeling falling here, even though the Browns could take him at No. 6.
Alabama
• Jr
• 6’1″
/ 211 lbs
Projected Team
|
PROSPECT RNK
|
POSITION RNK
|
PAYDS
|
RUYDS
|
INTS
|
TDS
|
I’ve heard that the Pats are one of several teams that may want to trade down. I’ve also heard from teams I’ve spoken with that Simpson has a good chance to work his way into Round 1. The Cardinals seem like the most obvious candidate, though the Jets and Browns could also be in that conversation.
Projected Team
|
PROSPECT RNK
|
POSITION RNK
|
I’ve been talking about Johnson as a possible first-rounder since the fall (just checked — I had him going 27th overall in my November mock draft). He’s one of the best run-defending CBs in the class and fearless in coverage. Another name to monitor here? Notre Dame RB Jadarian Price.
ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Oneil Cruz had the hardest-hit homer in the majors this season, a three-run shot off the top of the right-field foul pole in the ninth inning that powered the Pittsburgh Pirates to an 8-4 win over the Texas Rangers on Wednesday night.
The Pirates took a 5-4 lead in the ninth when Nick Gonzales broke for the plate on pinch-hitter Jake Mangum‘s one-out chopper to third base off Cole Winn (1-1). Josh Jung’s throw home pulled catcher Kyle Higashioka into foul territory, and Higashioka could not make the tag.
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Cruz followed with his 116.9 mph liner that bounced off the top of the foul pole and into the stands. It was the second hardest-hit ball in the history of Globe Life Field, which opened in 2020.
Pittsburgh’s big ninth gave Gregory Soto (1-0) his first win as a Pirate, following his first blown save. The lefty reliever allowed Jake Burger‘s two-run single in the eighth that tied the score at 4-all. Dennis Santana pitched a perfect ninth for his third save in four opportunities.
Bryan Reynolds’ fifth-inning single, which produced his 500th career RBI, was part of a three-run frame that gave the Pirates a 4-2 lead. Reynolds is tied with Bobby Bonilla for the most RBIs by a Pirates switch-hitter. He also scored Pittsburgh’s first run on Marcell Ozuna’s first-inning double.
Pirates starter Braxton Ashcraft set career highs with seven innings and 94 pitches, allowing Jung’s two-run homer in the second inning among four hits. Ashcraft grew up about 100 miles south of Globe Life Field near Waco and had a personal cheering section of about 200 people.
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Jung has an RBI in a career-best six consecutive games.
Texas starter Jack Leiter, who turned 26 on Tuesday, allowed four runs, three earned, in five innings. He hasn’t won since his first start this season, at Baltimore on March 30.
With a single and a walk, Pittsburgh’s Ryan O’Hearn has reached base in 20 of 22 games.
Up next
Rangers RHP Jacob deGrom (1-0, 2.29 ERA) will pitch on five days’ rest in Wednesday night’s series finale against Pirates rookie RHP Bubba Chandler (1-1, 3.15).
___
AP MLB: https://apnews.com/mlb
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