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Jeremiyah Love Selected by Cardinals With Third Overall Pick
The Arizona Cardinals selected Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft on Thursday evening. There was a lot of speculation that the Cardinals might trade out of the third overall pick in this year's draft, but they ended up holding onto it and going with the top overall talent in this year's draft. The Cardinals were just too enamored with Love, even though they already have RBs Tyler Allgeier, James Conner, and Trey Benson on their roster. The 20-year-old is a fantastic athlete, and his stats for the Fighting Irish the last two years were off the charts. Love can do it all, as evidenced by a total of 2,497 yards and 35 rushing touchdowns on 362 carries in his final two seasons at Notre Dame. He added 55 receptions for 517 yards and five touchdowns in 28 total games. He's dynamic, explosive, and a home run hitter at every level, and he should give the Cardinals franchise plenty of juice. Despite Arizona's crowded backfield, Love will be the No. 1 overall pick in rookie-only dynasty drafts. Love's redraft fantasy value in 2026 will be a bit more volatile as he works to find a substantial role alongside Allgeier, Conner, and Benson. With the selection of Love, the Cardinals could be looking to trade away one of their other RBs.
Source: NFL.com
Source: NFL.com
Jets Go With David Bailey at No. 2 Overall in 2026 NFL Draft
The New York Jets selected Texas Tech linebacker/edge rusher David Bailey with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft on Thursday night. The Jets were definitely going defense with the second overall pick, and it basically came down to Bailey or Ohio State edge rusher Arvell Reese. Bailey became a dominant pass-rusher with the Red Raiders last year, and he had a sack in 11 games. Whether he can step up against the run will likely determine whether Bailey becomes a perennial Pro Bowler. The 22-year-old edge rusher stands at 6-foot-4 and 251 pounds. His first three seasons in college came with Stanford. In addition to his 14.5 sacks in 2025 at Texas Tech, Bailey had 19.5 tackles for loss. He boasts elite explosiveness off the line when rushing the passer and a wide array of pass-rushing moves when going up against offensive tackles. It might not be long before Bailey is in consideration in IDP fantasy football leagues at defensive line.
Source: NFL.com
Source: NFL.com
Raiders Select Fernando Mendoza With First Overall Pick
The Las Vegas Raiders officially selected Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft on Thursday night. What we've known for months is finally official. The 22-year-old Heisman Trophy winner led Indiana to an undefeated season in 2025 and the national championship by completing 72% of his 379 pass attempts for 3,535 yards, 41 touchdowns, and only six interceptions in 16 games played. He was also a threat on the ground, carrying the ball 90 times for 276 yards and seven touchdowns. Running back Jeremiyah Love should come off the board first in rookie-only dynasty drafts, but Mendoza should be 1.02 in superflex leagues. The Raiders signed veteran Kirk Cousins to serve as a short-term bridge as the Raiders ease Mendoza into the NFL spotlight, but Mendoza should take over the starting gig under center in Vegas sooner rather than later. Mendoza will have a high-end fantasy ceiling in dynasty/keeper leagues because of his elite accuracy, quick release, and excellent decision-making skills. He's not quite a high-end dual threat as a rusher, but he should have a safe floor in the long-term. The Indiana product has been compared to both Cousins and Jared Goff for his ability to pick a defense apart from the pocket with pinpoint accuracy.
Source: NFL.com
Source: NFL.com
Teams Have Checked in on Nico Collins, Trade Remains "Unlikely"
According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, several teams have checked in on the status of Houston Texans' top wide receiver Nico Collins. Schultz noted that many teams in the league believe Collins is seeking a contract adjustment, which could open the door to a trade. However, at this time, a trade remains "highly unlikely." Collins has spent his entire NFL career with the Houston Texans since joining them in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft out of Michigan. After a slow start to his career, the wideout turned in a massive Year 3 breakout when he totaled 1,297 yards with a career-best eight touchdowns. In 2025, Collins caught 71 passes, the second-most of his career, for 1,117 yards and six scores. With Houston, Collins figures to remain the focal point of the passing attack and remain a low-end WR1 for fantasy in the upcoming campaign.
Source: Jordan Schultz
Source: Jordan Schultz
Caleb Banks on Track to be Fully Cleared in Early June
Former University of Florida defensive tackle Caleb Banks (foot) is currently recovering from a surgically repaired bone in his left foot, but NFL teams received a letter on Wednesday that states that Banks underwent a CT scan on Tuesday and is "on pace to be fully cleared for full football activities in early June," sources told Pete Thamel of ESPN. Banks had surgery on a fractured fourth metatarsal of his left foot on March 9. A strong performance at the Senior Bowl in January bolstered Banks' 2026 draft stock, but his draft stock is now in question after he fractured his foot during the NFL scouting combine in late February. He was considered one of the top defensive tackle prospects in this year's draft class, but there are more questions after he played in only three games in 2025 at Florida due to an injury to the same foot. The 6-foot-6, 327-pounder had 4.5 sacks, seven tackles for loss, and two forced fumbles in 2024 as a dominant interior defensive lineman in the SEC.
Source: ESPN.com - Pete Thamel
Source: ESPN.com - Pete Thamel
Colston Loveland Ready for Expanded Role in Year 2
Chicago Bears tight end Colston Loveland had just 11 catches for 116 yards and no touchdowns through six games in his rookie season in 2025. But Loveland slowly became a bigger part of the Bears' offense in the second half and showed why Chicago took him 10th overall in the 2025 draft. By season's end, he had 58 catches for 713 yards and six touchdowns in 16 regular-season games, which led the Bears in all categories. After the offseason trade of receiver DJ Moore, Loveland figures to have an even bigger role in his sophomore season in head coach Ben Johnson's passing attack. The Michigan product is fully ready for an expanded role in Year 2 and is embracing the challenges it will bring. "I wouldn't want it any other way, obviously," Loveland said of the gathering attention. "It means I'm doing something right. I have to continue to do that. But like I said, we've got weapons, so whether you want to focus in on one dude or not, there are weapons all over." Going into his second year in the NFL, Loveland is a top-five fantasy TE in dynasty/keeper leagues.
Source: NFL.com - Grant Gordon
Source: NFL.com - Grant Gordon
Nicholas Singleton Likely a Day 3 Pick?
Penn State running back Nicholas Singleton cooled off during his final season at school, but he remains an impact prospect heading into this week's NFL Draft. Singleton was a four-year contributor at Penn State, but his worst season was his senior year, which resulted in his draft stock dropping significantly. He had 4,448 scrimmage yards and 54 touchdowns at school, but just 768 scrimmage yards (albeit with 14 touchdowns) last season. It's unlikely that Singleton will be an every-down back in the NFL, but he still has high scoring upside and could be an impact fantasy option. As it stands, he's a projected Day 3 pick in the draft. From a fantasy perspective, he's the RB7 among rookies and the overall RB39 in dynasty leagues. He's presumably in play for more than half the teams in the NFL, so his landing spot could shift where he ranks in fantasy football.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Could a Team Draft Omar Cooper Jr. Higher Than Expected?
Indiana wide receiver prospect Omar Cooper Jr. continues to generate significant buzz ahead of this week's NFL Draft. According to aggregate mock draft data from NFLMockDraftDatabase.com, Cooper's consensus draft ranking has increased every week since the start of January. He went from ranking as the #93 prospect back in January to the #22 prospect today, just hours before the NFL Draft gets underway. He's currently projected as a mid-to-late first-round pick, but we can't rule out the possibility of him being selected in the first half of the first round. That's because there are a lot of wide receiver-needy teams picking within the first 12 slots. That includes a run of eight consecutive picks belonging to the Titans, Giants (twice), Browns, Commanders, Saints, Chiefs, and Dolphins, all of whom would benefit from a wide receiver upgrade. Cooper has quite the track record as a national champion in Indiana's Fernando Mendoza-led offense. Last season, he caught 69 passes for 937 yards and 13 touchdowns. He's the #5 wide receiver in RotoBaller's latest fantasy football rookie rankings, as well as the WR50 in dynasty leagues.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Can Eli Stowers Sneak Into the First Round of the NFL Draft?
Vanderbilt tight end prospect Eli Stowers continues to trend upward ahead of this week's NFL Draft. The latest aggregate mock draft data from NFLMockDraftDatabase.com has a consensus ranking of Stowers as the #48 overall prospect, which is a significant increase from his ranking at #103 back in January. He's a projected second-round pick, but there's a chance that he could be selected late in the first round. One team that has been consistently linked to Stowers in mock drafts is the New England Patriots, who pick 31st overall. New England reportedly plans to exit the draft with a reliable pass-catching tight end, and Stowers fits that description. The Vandy product caught 111 passes for 1,407 yards and nine touchdowns over his final two seasons at school. He's the only player in RotoBaller's second tier of rookie tight ends, and he ranks as the overall TE15 in the latest dynasty fantasy football rankings.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jordyn Tyson's Draft Stock Rebounding at the Last Minute
Arizona State wide receiver Jordyn Tyson is making a late surge up the draft boards ahead of the first round of the NFL Draft on Thursday night. According to aggregate mock draft data from NFLMockDraftDatabase.com, Tyson ranked as the #5 overall prospect back in January, but he fell as low as #15 earlier this month. However, he has climbed four spots over the last four days and now ranks #11 overall, including third among wide receiver prospects. Tyson was excellent in college, catching 136 passes for 1,812 yards and 18 touchdowns over his final two collegiate seasons (21 games). There are a lot of wide receiver-needy teams picking in the range of Tyson's mocked position, including the Titans, Giants, Browns, Commanders, Saints, Chiefs, and Dolphins. He's the consensus WR3 among rookies in fantasy football, and he ranks as the WR25 in RotoBaller's latest dynasty rankings.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Kenyon Sadiq is the Top Tight End in 2026 Rookie Drafts
Oregon tight end prospect Kenyon Sadiq continues to generate plenty of buzz ahead of Thursday's NFL Draft. He's essentially a lock to be selected in the first round, but his exact landing spot remains unclear. Earlier this week, rumors swirled of Sadiq being heavily linked to the Carolina Panthers, who pick 19th. The latest aggregate mock draft data from NFLMockDraftDatabase.com ranks Sadiq as the No. 16 prospect, but his consensus mock position is No. 19 to the Panthers. Carolina is an interesting fit. On one hand, head coach Dave Canales has never placed much emphasis on featuring a tight end. On the other hand, the Panthers were trending up last year, and a true No. 1 tight end could help elevate their offense to the next level. Sadiq currently ranks as the No. 9 rookie in RotoBaller's latest fantasy football rankings, as well as the overall TE9 in dynasty leagues.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Carnell Tate an Instant Fantasy Star Regardless of Landing Spot?
Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate should make an immediate impact in fantasy football, regardless of which team selects him in the first round of the NFL Draft on Thursday. Tate was never the No. 1 receiver at school, but he still impressed with 103 catches, 1,608 yards, and 13 touchdowns over his last two seasons. He is such a talented prospect that he will most likely be the top rookie receiver in fantasy football, no matter where he ends up. Speaking of landing spots, at the moment, the Cleveland Browns are the favorite to select him, followed closely by the Washington Commanders. Both of those teams are in need of a wide receiver splash, and Tate offers tremendous upside as a potential franchise star. He's the #1 wide receiver and #2 overall prospect in RotoBaller's latest fantasy football rookie rankings. He's also the overall WR15 in dynasty leagues.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
NFL "Closely Monitoring" James Pearce Jr.'s Legal Situation
The NFL says it has been "closely monitoring all developments" in the matter surrounding Atlanta Falcons edge rusher James Pearce Jr., according to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. On Thursday, Pearce entered into a six-month pre-trial intervention program that will result in all charges being dismissed if all conditions are met, according to attorneys Jacob Nunez and Yale Sanford. It would result in no jail time for Pearc and no admission of guilt. The 22-year-old was charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, fleeing and eluding police, and resisting an officer with violence to his or her person, but this deal could clear Pearce of all charges. Even though Pearce won't be charged with any crimes if he follows through with the intervention program, it doesn't mean the NFL won't suspend him at some point during the 2026 season. After being taken late in the first round last year out of Tennessee, Pearce had 26 tackles (17 solo), 10.5 sacks, 10 tackles for loss, 16 QB hits, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery in 17 games for Atlanta in his first year in the NFL in 2025.
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Lions Could be Angling to Trade Up in First Round of NFL Draft
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reports that some NFL teams are "watching" the Detroit Lions, who hold the No. 17 overall pick in the first round of the 2026 NFL draft, as a "trade-up threat." They have been making calls around the league. The Dallas Cowboys, meanwhile, are looking at options to move up or down within the first round. If Dallas were to trade up from No. 20 overall, it probably wouldn't be a big jump up. As of right now, they don't want to give up the 20th overall pick. Both the Kansas City Chiefs and Cleveland Browns sit in the top 10 picks in the first round, and they could be trade partners with the Lions if they are looking to jump into the top 10 on Thursday evening. If the Lions trade up within the first round, it will almost certainly be to target a difference-making edge rusher to pair with Pro Bowler Aidan Hutchinson. The Lions are also in need of a starting right tackle to bolster their offensive line.
Source: ESPN.com - Jeremy Fowler
Source: ESPN.com - Jeremy Fowler
Mike Vrabel Seeking Counseling, Won't be With Team on Day 3 of Draft
New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel will not be with the team for the third day of the 2026 NFL draft this Saturday as he seeks counseling, according to Mike Reiss of ESPN. Vrabel addressed the media on Tuesday for the first time since the New York Post published photos that showed the coach embracing and holding hands with former Athletic reporter Dianna Russini at a resort in Arizona. Both Vrabel and Russini are married, and Vrabel has two sons with his wife, Jen. "As I said the other day, I promised my family, this organization, and this team that I was going to give them the best version of me that I can possibly give them. In order to do so, I have committed to seeking counseling, starting this weekend," Vrabel said. "This is something that I have given a lot of thought to and is something I would advise a player to do if I was counseling them." The Patriots have 11 selections in this year's draft, including the 31st pick in the first round on Thursday night.
Source: ESPN Boston - Mike Reiss
Source: ESPN Boston - Mike Reiss
