All articles tagged with #nfl draft
The NFL awarded the 2028 Draft to Minneapolis, with activations centered around U.S. Bank Stadium and related events planned across downtown Minneapolis, St. Paul, Mall of America and the Viking Lakes complex; commissioner Roger Goodell praised Minnesota’s track record of handling big moments as the draft heads to the Twin Cities for three days in late April 2028.
The NFL is expected to award the 2028 draft to Minnesota, with league owners set to finalize the decision at this week’s meeting after talks with league officials and the Vikings; Minnesota’s bid highlights events at U.S. Bank Stadium and other Twin Cities sites, continuing the league’s rotating-host model, with next year’s draft planned for Washington, D.C.
Deion Sanders says he and Shedeur chose not to hire an agent during the 2025 NFL draft because Shedeur was projected as a top pick and an agent’s commission wouldn’t have been worth it. He argues that going agent-free may have left Shedeur more exposed to misinformation and pre-draft criticism, while Shilo Sanders later hired an agent after going undrafted and earned a 53-man roster spot. Shedeur did start seven games last season and will now compete with Deshaun Watson for the Browns’ QB1; ultimately, his NFL fate will hinge on his talent and performance, not the agent.
NFL analyst Joe Theismann says the Steelers drafted Drew Allar in the third round to position themselves for a strong 2027 QB class, not just an immediate need. He suggests Allar could sit behind Aaron Rodgers (if he returns) and learn from a veteran, making Rodgers a mentor to both. While next year’s QB class appears deep, outcomes remain uncertain, and Pittsburgh’s move signals a long-term development plan with Allar’s franchise QB potential hinging on growth and opportunity.
Patriots seventh-round linebacker Quintayvious Hutchins was charged with misdemeanor assault and battery after a Boston College dorm confrontation in which a witness said he grabbed the woman’s neck. Hutchins was arraigned and released on his own recognizance after pleading not guilty, and the Patriots said they are gathering more information and will comment later.
The piece argues that the real value in the 2026 NFL Draft came in rounds 2–7, highlighting several players who could become starters or impact players for their teams (e.g., Colton Hood, Denzel Boston, Jacob Rodriguez, Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, A.J. Haulcy, Emmanuel Pregnon, and more), suggesting Day 2–3 selections often yield deeper roster impacts than Round 1.
Jets rookie Cade Klubnik has shown strong early signs at rookie minicamp, including accurate throws and leadership, fueling optimism that he could contend for the QB2 role behind Geno Smith, though the sample size is small and preseason will determine his real role.
The Pittsburgh Steelers drafted Kaden Wetjen in the fourth round after his Shrine Bowl standout, signaling belief he can translate his return prowess into offensive value and ongoing development under an offense-focused coaching staff, despite Wetjen's limited receiving targets at Iowa.
The New Orleans Saints have signed all eight of their 2026 draft picks, with seven players including first-round wideout Jordyn Tyson agreeing to terms on Friday and second-round defensive tackle Christen Miller finalizing a four-year deal on Saturday. Miller, the 10th pick in the second round, posted 23 tackles, four tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks at Georgia last season. With all picks under contract, the Saints can focus on preparing the eight newcomers for the fall.
The New England Patriots signed TE Eli Raridon and edge linebacker Quintayvious Hutchins to rookie deals, bringing the total number of signed draft picks to seven and leaving first-rounder Caleb Lomu and second-rounder Gabe Jacas as the only unsigned players. Raridon (Notre Dame) is 6-6, 245 pounds with 48 receptions for 623 yards and 3 TDs in 40 games (18 starts), while Hutchins (Boston College) is 6-3, 245 pounds with 5.5 sacks and 2 INTs in 43 games and was a 2025 team captain.
The Cardinals gave running back Jeremiyah Love a four-year, $53 million fully guaranteed rookie contract—the largest guarantee for a running back in NFL history—because he was the third overall pick. rookie deals are driven by draft position, not position on the field, so the deal reflects his draft slot. His average annual value is about $13.25 million (seventh among RBs), and his future contract value will be market-driven when/if the Cardinals offer another deal.
Patriots first‑round pick Caleb Lomu was introduced at Gillette Stadium, signaling his versatility by saying he can play anywhere on the offensive line—left or right tackle or interior—while aiming to earn early playing time as a rookie; he’s comfortable at left tackle from Utah and has been working at right tackle, with meetings already underway.
The Cleveland Browns signed first-round tackle Spencer Fano to a four-year, $32.2 million contract with a $19.9 million signing bonus (fully guaranteed) and announced deals for seven other 2026 draft picks: Denzel Boston, Austin Barber, Parker Brailsford, Justin Jefferson, Joe Royer, Taylen Green and Carsen Ryan. First-round wideout KC Concepcion and second-round safety Emmaneul McNeil-Warren remain unsigned. The Browns also signed 12 undrafted free agents, including Logan Fano, Spencer’s brother.
San Francisco drafted Indiana RB Kaelon Black with the 90th pick, drawing backlash, but coach Kyle Shanahan defended the selection as a rightful evaluation. Black says the criticism fuels him to prove the coach right, coming off a 1,040-yard, 10-TD season in 2025, and he’s expected to push for a role behind Christian McCaffrey, potentially earning more early-down work if he proves his value.
The 49ers drafted Indiana running back Kaelon Black 90th overall, drawing criticism as a potential reach. GM John Lynch and coach Kyle Shanahan defended the pick, and Black says the backlash only fuels him to prove them right. He highlighted his college production—1,040 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns in 2025 (with 251 yards in 2024)—as he heads into his rookie season.