Best Picks of the 2026 NFL Draft
The NFL Draft is one of my favorite times of the year. It’s a combination of seeing an athlete’s lifelong dream come true, mixed in with the excitement for the future. In the excitement, every buffoon like me wants to grade draft picks and say which teams improved their roster the most. I love going through my favorite picks from each round. This way, it’s a combination of player talent along with the right team/situation fit. Of course I think Jeremiyah Love is a generational running back talent. However, I didn’t think the fit in Arizona was one of the best in the first round. So please don’t think I hate every player on this list, just know I believed there were better values and fits in other areas. With all that being said, especially with training camp around the corner, please enjoy.
Round 1
Sonny Styles
1.07 to Washington Commanders
Styles is one of those prospects that is an absolute freak. He measures in at 6’5, 244 pounds and runs a 4.46 40-yard dash. While combine performances can lie, he backs it up with his play on the field as well. The Ohio State prospect is a sure tackler that uses his speed to cover sideline to sideline. Styles’ athleticism and size allow him to be impactful against both the run and the pass. More impressively, Sonny Styles played as a safety during his Freshman and Sophomore seasons at Ohio State. He is continuing to grow with each repetition at linebacker and I expect him to continue improving in the NFL. Former All-Pro Bobby Wagner, left the Commanders this offseason, so Styles also fills a hole in this Dan Quinn defense. If we were to assume Styles is a finished product, I’d expect him to have a productive career and immediately elevate the Washington defense. However, I believe he still has room for growth, which is the scary part for the rest of the league.
Caleb Downs
1.11 to Dallas Cowboys
This might be my favorite pick of the 1st Round. I watched Downs dominate college football for 3 seasons where he was routinely the best player on the field. Similar to his Buckeye teammate Sonny Styles, Downs is a versatile and instinctual defender. He effectively can play up in the box or run point from the back end of the defense. During his career at Alabama and Ohio State, we saw Downs excel at reading the eyes of opposing quarterbacks. This led to 6 career interceptions and 12 passes defensed. If an opposing receiver did catch a pass in the vicinity of Downs, he would close the gap and de-cleat the unlucky pass catcher. His draft stock slid a bit due to underwhelming measurables, but the tape answers all questions. In my opinion, Downs was easily a top 5 player in the draft. So getting him with the 11th pick is incredible value for a Dallas defense that was among the leagues worst last season. Downs does everything you want from a safety and will help turn the Cowboys defense around for years to come.
Rueben Bain Jr.
1.15 to Tampa Bay Buccaneers
People can make their jokes about Rueben Bain’s arm length, but this dude can PLAY. Sometimes front offices get too caught up in measurables and ignore the tape completely. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers getting arguably the draft’s best defender with the 15th pick is a perfect example of this in action. Reuben Bain Jr. was the most dominant defensive player I saw in college football this year. He racked up 15.5 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks on the season, including 5 in the college football playoff. In the playoff, his performance only improved as the competition got fiercer. His play style is nasty and he is impactful against both the run and the pass. The ability to be dominant against both the rush and pass is vital for a rookie to gain as much experience as possible. Bain’s power and explosiveness were on full display at Miami and I believe will translate quickly into the NFL. I also love the fit here. Tampa Bay did not have a single player with more than 7 sacks this past season. I expect Bain Jr. to surpass this with ease many times in his career as offensive lineman struggle to stop his versatile pass rushing repertoire.
Dillon Thieneman
1.25 to Chicago Bears
Dillon Thieneman was a productive safety that surpassed 100 tackles in 2 of his 3 seasons. Throughout his 3 collegiate seasons, he tallied 306 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, and six interceptions. He excels against both the run and the pass and in my opinion his greatest moment came in the Ducks Top 10 matchup against Penn State. Thieneman had the game-sealing interception in double overtime. While that was the highlight, he jumped off the screen every time Oregon played. The Chicago Bears first pick was both perfect in terms of fit and Thieneman’s versatility as a prospect. Chicago did not resign either starting safety from 2025 and will be pairing Thieneman with Coby Bryant. While Chicago created a lot of turnovers this past season, they were an overall lackluster defense. Their new safety combination will do a lot to change that. His versatility is showcased by his prowess against both the run and the pass. The Oregon prospect is physical against the run and has sideline to sideline speed in pass defense. Expect the Bears to line him up all over the field as versatility is the name of the game in today’s NFL. If you combine the fit, versatility, and the fact that I didn’t think Thieneman would be there at pick 25, you get one of the best picks of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Round 2
TJ Parker
2.03 to Buffalo Bills
Entering the 2025 season, TJ Parker was expected to go early in the 1st Round. In 2024, Parker totaled 11 sacks, 19.5 tackles for loss, and forced 6 fumbles. He is a great athlete that utilizes both his athleticism and power to terrorize opposing offensive lineman. Parker also has ideal arm length for an edge rusher which also allows him to straight arm offensive tackles. Unfortunately for Parker, his season went similar to that of the Clemson Tigers team in general. The Tigers did not live up to the hype and their star pass rusher saw his sacks, total tackles, and forced fumbles all dip from where they were in 2024. His numbers dipped below that of a first rounder, but the first round talent is still there. Of course, there is still room to grow his pass rush repertoire and grow as a prospect. I expect Parker to make an immediate impact as a rotational edge rusher and transition into a potential game wrecker as his career progresses.
Kayden McDonald
2.04 to Houston Texans
This pick is an example of a team adding to an area of strength. Houston had one of the best defenses in the NFL that boasted an elite defensive line and pass rush. Kayden McDonald was arguably the best defensive tackle in the draft. Many draft experts expected him to be gone before the 36th pick. McDonald was a rotational player during the 2024 title run but then burst onto the scene in 2025. He had 9 tackles for loss and 3 sacks on his way to All-American honors. McDonald possesses the ideal size and strength for an interior defensive lineman. He is not the most dynamic pass rusher but can truly anchor a defense against the run. The ability to read offensive linemen and his quick burst off the line makes him a nightmare for opposing offensive lines. One of the most exciting things about McDonald is that I still believe there is additional development and untapped potential. If he can grow with the added experience, he’ll cause chaos paired with Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter.
Denzel Boston
2.07 to Cleveland Browns
Cleveland decided to go with two early receivers in the 2026 Draft. They selected KC Conception and then Denzel Boston in the second round. These two receivers complement each other in their style of play. Conception is a crafty RAC weapon while Boston is a 50/50 ball machine. Combining both pass catchers will put future Cleveland quarterbacks in a position to succeed. Boston caught 62 passes for 881 yards and 11 touchdowns during the 2025 season. At 6’3, 212 pounds, the Washington star uses his size to his advantage. Boston is by no means slow, but does not have the top end speed of many other elite receivers. So being physical and strong at the point of the catch is his biggest weapon. He also showcases an incredible catch radius. That catch radius combined with consistently winning 50/50 balls makes Boston a quarterback’s best friend. Advise to any future Browns quarterbacks, find Boston and give that young man a chance to make a play.
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren
2.26 to Cleveland Browns
If you can’t tell by now, I am a big fan of the safety class in the 2026 NFL Draft. Just like his fellow draftmates (Downs and Thieneman), I thought McNeil-Warren should have been drafted a lot earlier than this. I do understand that safety is not a premium position like quarterback, edge rusher, left tackle, etc. However, there will be many NFL general managers that lose sleep over passing on this position during the first two rounds. McNeil-Warren has great size for a safety at 6’3 200lbs and is at his most effective down in the box. He is physical and makes plays coming downhill at a high rate. Throughout his career at Toledo, EMW improved consistently at defending against the past. He totaled 214 tackles, 11 TFLs, 5 interceptions, and 9 forced fumbles over 4 seasons. The pass defense will need to continue to improve, so NFL offenses don’t target him in the passing game. What we do know is that EMW will makes big plays consistently and instantly become a force in the back end of a talented Cleveland defense. Getting him at pick 58 is one of the steals of the draft for the Browns.
Round 3
AJ Haulcy
3.14 to Indianapolis Colts
My love for the 2026 safety class continues. If you watch Haulcy’s highlights, you see immediately why defensive-minded coaches and fans love him. Haulcy is a downhill force that can set the tone for a defense with ease. As we see less de-cleating, punishing hits due to rule changes in the NFL, I’m excited to see an enforcer like Haulcy in today’s game. For any pass catchers playing the Colts, be careful going over the middle when this 3rd rounder is lurking. When asked to operate in the back end of the defense, he excels at reading and reacting as the play develops. I’d argue that he is most effective down in the box, but Haulcy operates well in zone coverage. Throughout his college career, Haulcy had 203 tackles, 10 interceptions, and 4 forced fumbles. The Colts found a great fit in the 3rd Round as they have an opening at the SS position. Haulcy pairs nicely with Cam Bynum and will have the opportunity to contribute, or potentially start, from Day 1 in Indianapolis.
Zachariah Branch
3.15 to Atlanta Falcons
The fit here is one of my favorites of the entire 2026 Draft. For anyone who watched Zachariah Branch at either USC or Georgia, you know he is must-see TV with a football in his hands. There are questions about his frame and route tree, which are completely valid. However, the Falcons already have Drake London and Kyle Pitts. So the organization isn’t going to ask Branch to go for 1,250+ yards or be a red zone target. He’ll be used in gadget roles and as a complementary piece to London. Considering their next receiver/tight end options in 2025 failed to cross 500 yards, Branch will be a breath of fresh air for London, Pitts, and Bijan Robinson. Zachariah Branch is not only fast, but he also knows how to use angles to his advantage. His shiftiness makes him a run-after-catch monster that all teams are looking for. I also don’t want to sell Branch short, as he is continuing to improve as a receiver. As the Bulldogs’ number 1 option in 2025, he put up 81 catches, 811 yards, and 6 touchdowns (all career highs) in what was a middling Georgia passing offense. Branch will be a return man/gadget guy early with the ability to develop into a true receiver threat in future years.
Domonique Orange
3.18 to Minnesota Vikings
All I need to say here is that his nickname is “Big Citrus” and end this section. While the nickname itself was worthy of a draft pick, Domonique Orange the football player is a monster. At 6‘2 322 lbs., Orange was an absolute unit on the interior of the Iowa State defensive line. He is best suited and will play nose tackle for the Minnesota Vikings. Big Citrus will not be expected to tally many sacks, as he only had 1 across 4 seasons in Ames. He does sometimes display a quick jump off the ball, but his biggest strength will be disrupting the rushing attack for opposing offenses. His sheer size and strength will force double teams and open up one on one matchups for other Minnesota defenders. This is fantastic for first round pick Caleb Banks to play a traditional defensive tackle role while Big Citrus plays the 0 or 1 technique. I wasn’t a huge fan of the Banks pick but you have to give credit to Minnesota for addressing a position of need with two early picks. Not only did Minnesota get the best nickname of the 2026 draft but also a force that will improve one of the leagues worst rush defenses.
Eli Raridon
3.31 to New England Patriots
Similar to Big Citrus, yes I just want to keep saying his nickname, Raridon is a player where the statistics won’t jump off the page. He never went over 500 yards and failed to catch a touchdown during his Senior season. However, when watching the Fighting Irish this season, #9 was always making plays that stood out. Whether it was a big catch or making a key seal block for a big Jeremiyah Love/ Jadarian Price run,there was consistently a handful of plays where Raridon stuck out. At 6’6 and 245 lbs., Raridon was widely used as an in-line tight end for Notre Dame. He is a throwback to tight ends of the past where his value comes equally as a blocker and receiver. Raridon is not incredibly shifty or fast but uses his frame to haul in passes. He exceled greatly for the Fighting Irish when they were having him stretch the defense on seam routes. Raridon is entering a great opportunity with a star quarterback, Drake Maye, and an aging tight end in Hunter Henry. If he can add to his route running tree and learn from the veteran Henry, I think Raridon can become an impactful part of a flourishing New England offense.
Round 4
Jermod McCoy
4.01 to Las Vegas Raiders
With the first pick of the fourth round, the Raiders have what could potentially be the steal of the draft. Jermod McCoy tore his ACL in January of 2025 and missed the entirety of this past season. McCoy was incredible in 2024 and was projected as a first round pick. During that season he intercepted 4 passes and had 9 passes defensed for Tennessee in the SEC. He has the frame and instincts that scouts are looking for in modern day cornerbacks. McCoy has also showcased his effectiveness in both man and zone coverage, meaning he can fit into any system. While his skillset and tape are incredible, the knee injury is worse than the average ACL tear. The rumor surrounding McCoy during the draft was that he may have a degenerative knee issue. The fear that he may never reach the form of his Sophomore season caused some teams to take McCoy off their draft board. The Raiders are taking that risk, but it comes with tremendous value here in the fourth round.
Dani Dennis-Sutton
4.20 to Green Bay Packers
Dani Dennis-Sutton was an impact player for 4 seasons at Penn State. Over those 4 seasons, he racked up 23.5 sacks, 34.5 TFL, 2 interceptions, 7 forced fumbles, and 129 tackles. He ended his Nittany Lion career with back to back seasons of 8.5 sacks. To add to his impressive resume, DDS had a 9.98 RAS (relative athletic score) as a prospect entering the draft. He is long, athletic, and has the tape to back it up. At Penn State, he was impactful both against the run and the pass. The reason Dennis Sutton was still available in the middle of the fourth round is that freak athleticism did not always show up in his play. There were times where he looked like a first round pick, but the consistency and polish as a pass rusher were not there. He will have an opportunity to play for a Packers defense that is looking to reinvent itself with fellow PSU alum Micah Parsons. If he can further develop in the NFL, he could be another great Nittany Lion pass rusher.
Malik Muhammad
4.24 to Chicago Bears
The word that keeps coming up when you read articles or listen to people talk about Muhammad is “smooth.” He is a fluid athlete that can change direction quickly and has the speed to keep up with offensive playmakers. Muhammad routinely puts himself in opportunistic positions and was a 3-year starter at Texas. It’s been said that he is best suited in man coverage, but has also shown the ability to play intelligent football when in zone. The knock on Muhammad is that he has a slender frame at 6’0 180 lbs. and he isn’t the flashiest player (only 3 interceptions at Texas). I hear those criticisms but think Muhammad was a Day 2 talent, who provides real value in the fourth round. Turnovers are definitely the name of the game, but I’ll take a consistent, reliable cornerback opposite Jaylon Johnson any day of the week. Malik Muhammad will be able to battle for the Bears Week 1 CB2 position and learn from cornerback whisperer Al Harris. If he can add some muscle and keep up his consistent play from college, I think Muhammad can carve a long career out for himself.
Skyler Bell
4.25 to Buffalo Bills
Hand up, I am a massive Skyler Bell fan. During his final collegiate season at UConn, Bell earned All-American honors and caught 101 passes for 1,278 yards and 13 touchdowns. He is a versatile wide receiver that can line up in both the slot and out wide. At 5’11 192 lbs. Bell is not the biggest receiver, but he plays well above his listed measurements. The UConn prospect consistently used his incredible athleticism to haul in contested catches. That ability is valued, but my favorite aspect of Bell’s game is that he is always open. While it seems simple, this is where many receiver prospects fall apart in the NFL. The ability to create separation invaluable and is something Bell possesses in plenty. He knows how to pace his routes, use defenders momentum against them, and find the open space against zone coverage. This ability to get open and run after the catch will help Bell make an immediate impact in Buffalo. This includes gaining the trust of MVP quarterback Josh Allen.
Round 5
Sam Hecht
5.04 to Carolina Panthers
I am not going to pretend to be an expert when it comes to the offensive line. However, I do know getting Sam Hecht in the fifth Round was an absolute steal for Carolina. When all is said and done, Hecht is a really solid football player. He was a consistent presence for the Kansas State offense during his final years of college. While the center position does not have as much comparative value as other positions, it is still pivotal to the success of a team’s offensive line. One strength the Panther’s new center has is his recognition and adaptability. He is an intelligent player that can recognize blitzes and adapt to the potential post-snap chaos. Hecht also moves his feet well and avoids making major mistakes with his technique. Like I mentioned, center is not the flashiest position. But if you look at some of the best offensive lines across the NFL, most of them have quality performance. This quality and consistency is what the Panthers are hoping to get from Hecht.
Keith Abney II
5.17 to Detroit Lions
Abney was still unselected in the mid-fifth round due to concerns about his size. At 5’10 187 lbs., he has a slighter frame than what front offices are looking for in the modern day cornerback. Abney plays more physical than his frame indicates. He is also a great athlete that operates with both speed and smoothness at the cornerback position. The former Arizona State Sun Devil is fluid in his back pedal and can break on the football with ease. This physicality and aggression led to penalties and biting too early on routes. He can still stay locked on to quick receivers and battles to get position against larger pass catchers. At Arizona State, Abney picked off 6 passes and had 21 passes defensed. His productive college career has given him the opportunity to earn playing time early in Detroit. The Lions have struggled due to injury and inconsistency in their secondary, so Abney will need to be ready if an opportunity arises in 2026.
Emmett Johnson
5.21 to Kansas City Chiefs
After two solid seasons to start his Nebraska career, Emmett Johnson took the Big 10 by storm in 2025. He totaled 1,451 yards and 12 touchdowns on the ground with an additional 370 yard and 3 touchdowns receiving. Johnson was one of the best running backs in the country last season and will be a welcomed addition to a Chiefs offense that has struggled to run the ball in recent years. He is a patient runner with great vision. In college, Johnson did a tremendous job waiting for holes to open and getting the most out of each carry (5.8 YPA). Johnson has great balance, which leads to him routinely breaking tackles and dragging defenders. The knocks on Johnson is that he is not an elite athlete like many of the other best running backs in the NFL. He gains most of his yards due to his vision and strength as opposed to speed and agility. Despite this, I am still confident that Johnson will play a complementary role to new Chiefs running back, Kenneth Walker. Andy Reid always finds creative ways to work with running backs and I think Johnson will fit right in with a veteran Chiefs offense.
Tanner Koziol
5.24 to Jacksonville Jaguars
I have to admit, I am a big Tanner Koziol fan. From his time dominating in the MAC to this past year at Houston, Koziol consistently puts up stats. Throughout his college career, he caught 237 passes for 2,334 yards and 24 touchdowns. If you turned on a Ball State or Houston game over the past two seasons, it was impossible not to notice the consistent play from their tight end. Koziol is another one of those prospects that fell due to athletic trait concerns despite his impressive production. He is not an explosive athlete and will not thrive in run after catch situations. However, Koziol has a massive frame, strong hands, and has great body control. As a sure-handed receiver, I think the productive tight end can become a favorite of Trevor Lawrence. This also helps correct one of my least favorite picks of the draft, where the Jags picked tight end Nate Boerkircher in the second round. As Boerkircher is more of a blocking tight end, that opens up for Koziol to carve out a receiving role for himself in Jacksonville.
Round 6
Demond Claiborne
6.17 to Minnesota Vikings
During his Senior campaign at Wake Forest, Claiborne may have had a slight statistical decline. However, the talent is still unquestionably there for the young running back. Claiborne posted a 4.37 40 yard-dash that will get him playing time on special teams early in his career. Based on his measurables and film, Claiborne will be used as a change of pace/ 3rd down back. His strengths are his speed, vision, and acceleration. This skillset allows him to beat defenders to the edge and burst through open holes in the defense. His smaller frame will likely keep him from being an every day back, but his skillset brings value in today’s game. As all offenses are looking for explosive plays, Claiborne’s speed is a big play waiting to happen. While his initial role may be limited, he finds himself in a fantastic situation with the Vikings. Kevin O’Connell is a fantastic head coach and Aaron Jones is an aging, injury-prone running back. I’m confident this sixth rounder will be making impact plays sooner rather than later.
DJ Campbell
6.19 to Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins have one of the most depleted rosters in the NFL and are staring a rebuild squarely in the face. With that being said, I like the direction they went in this draft. Selecting DJ Campbell from Texas is exactly the value you need to find as a team in that situation. Campbell has his flaws as a prospect, which is why he was still chilling there in the sixth round. He struggles with lateral movement and technique at times, causing missed blocks and penalties. Where Campbell does excel is his power and experience. He is a powerfully built guard that uses his strength to his advantage against opposing defensive lineman. Finally, he started 43 career games at Texas going against some of the best prospects the collegiate landscape has to offer. The Dolphins are betting on his size and experience and hoping NFL coaching can help improve the rest of his game. Campbell can very well be a quality starter in the NFL with the coaching and could flourish with improved quickness and technique.
Jordan Van den Berg
6.32 to Chicago Bears
Why the Chicago Bears waited until the 6th round to address their defensive line is beyond me. The weakness of their defense in 2025 was stuffing the run and putting consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks. While I disagree with some of their draft strategy, taking Van den Berg in the sixth round is tremendous value. The Georgia Tech product had his best season this past year where he totaled 44 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, and 3 sacks. He is an older prospect that can gain a lot from a year or two under an NFL coaching staff. However, he is a freakish athlete for the defensive tackle. His RAS during the pre-draft prospect was a perfect 10.0. Van den Berg is strong, quick and explosive coming off the ball. If the Bears can continue to coach him up, Van den Berg could be a true contributor to a Chicago defensive line that needs some help. The upside for this pick is easy to see, now it’s just on Jordan Van den Berg to put it all together.
Harold Perkins Jr.
6.34 to Atlanta Falcons
Part of my love for this pick might be the fact that Perkins looked like a future first round pick early in his career. During his first two years at LSU, Perkins had 13 tackles for loss each season. Unfortunately a combination of a progression plateau and injuries caused his stock to fall where it is now. He still totaled 220 tackles, 35.5 tackles for loss, 17 sacks, and 5 interception across his 4 season in Baton Rouge. The knocks surrounding Perkins revolve around occasionally getting stuck on blocks and not having the instincts and recognition of other elite linebackers. It’s the sideline to sideline range and the speed of Harold Perkins Jr. that make me fall in love with him as a prospect. During certain LSU games, Perkins would close gaps at an unprecedented rate causing negative plays or turnovers. I think there’s a chance that his physicality and speed could be used as an edge rusher, but he’d likely have to put on some weight/muscle for that to happen. Still, Perkins makes plays that jump off the screen and Atlanta is betting on the traits here in the sixth round.
Round 7
Eli Heidenreich
7.14 to Pittsburgh Steelers
Drafting a wide receiver from a service academy was probably not on the bingo card for many people watching the draft. The service academies are synonymous with triple option style offenses and rarely throwing more than 10-15 times per game. So Eli Heidenreich having over 600 yards receiving in consecutive seasons rightfully drew some national attention. During his senior season, Heidenreich rushed for 499 yards and 3 touchdowns while catching 51 passes for 941 yards and 6 touchdowns. He did play a “wing” in Navy’s offense, so it’ll be interesting to see how the Steelers choose to use him. Heidenreich has great hands, is talented when he has the ball, and will be a versatile weapon in the NFL. To truly adapt to the NFL, he will need to expand his route tree and learn how to operate in a modern offense. In his old age, Aaron Rodgers has become a checkdown merchant. This was showcased by Kenneth Gainwell leading the steelers in receptions with 73. With Gainwell moving on to Tampa Bay, the position of pass receiving running back is open for Heidenreich to fill. We truly haven’t seen many prospects quite like him, so I’m interested to see this transition.
Ar’Maj Reed-Adams
7.25 to Buffalo Bills
I first saw Ar’maj Reed-Adams when he was at Kansas. The budding offensive lineman prospect wasn’t even on the field. I saw the replay of the Jayhawks running onto the field with Ar’maj leading the way. My exact reaction was “who is that behemoth?” At 6’6, 315 lbs., Reed-Adams possesses incredible size for the guard position. This size is used to his advantage often. He is aggressive, especially when finishing blocks, and can withstand a bull rush or power move from a rushing defensive lineman. While these aspects are great, I don’t think Reed-Adams plays to his size as consistently as scouts would like. He also has the tendency to play high at times, which can negate some of the leverage his size allows him. In the end, Reed-Adams is still a raw prospect in the interior of the offensive line. He does have the ability to grow in a solid Buffalo system. This is another great flier by Buffalo that could be incredibly rewarding if it pans out.
Garrett Nussmeier
7.33 to Kansas City Chiefs
Of course, I’m not saying the Chiefs need quarterback help or that Nussmeier is going to challenge for Patrick Mahomes’ starting spot. What I will say is that Garrett Nusmeier should have gone well before the 249th pick. In 2024, he was one of the most productive quarterbacks in the country as he passed for 4,052 and 29 touchdowns. Many projected the LSU star to be a first round pick in this draft. A declining 2025 season, largely due to injury led to one of the bigger draft slides in recent memory. You combine the injury concerns with a smaller frame and less than ideal athleticism, and now you find Nussmeier in the seventh round. He is still the stereotypical coach’s son who has great mechanics, understands the game, and plays within the offensive scheme. When Nussmeier operates in rhythm he is efficient and gets the ball to his playmakers accurately. Nussmeier has landed in a tremendous system where he can grow and I believe create a successful career as a backup and/or fringe starting quarterback. For Kansas City, they can see what Nussmeier becomes and potentially turn him into future draft capital.
Uar Bernard
3.35 to Philadelphia Eagles
Insert Cris Collinsworth’s voice, “Now here’s a guy…….. who has never played football??” The Philadelphia Eagles selected Uar Bernard from Nigeria, who gained attention coming out of the NFL’s International Pathway Program. Bernard measures in at 6’4 306 lbs., and wowed the NFL world with his impressive measurables at the International Pathway combine. Those measurables showcased an incredible combination of speed, size, explosiveness, and power. With those traits, Bernard could excel at stuffing the run and putting pressure on opposing quarterbacks. The Eagles are going back to the well here as this is similar to how the Eagles found franchise left tackle Jordan Mailata. This is exactly what you love to see in the seventh round and exactly the team that you trust to develop Bernard. There obviously isn’t a lot to go off for the Nigerian prospect, but at the very least it’s a great story.
Well there you have it! These 28 players were among my favorite selections of the entire draft. While there were significantly more picks that I liked, these 28 stood out the most. Don’t judge these picks too hard, there’s a reason I don’t work for an NFL front office. Looking back at my favorite picks from past seasons, there are some players that got cut and others that ended up being steals. While rookies can immediately impact NFL franchises, you truly can’t judge a draft pick until 3-4 years down the line. So give me some grace for now and save any potential roasts until the 2029/2030 area.