The 2026 Draft Thread - 1st Round - 7th overall

MaGee hasn’t really proven himself and has had injuries.
Luvu’s on the last year of his deal and while he’s a good player, I don’t think the fundamentals of line backing are his strengths, namely diagnosing, shedding blocks, and coverage.
Medrano and Kano are completely unproven.
Will we run a lot of 3 LB sets next year and beyond?

So while I think DE, TE and WR are our top needs, IMO corner and LB aren’t far behind. I think at minimum we need a guy that provides decent competition/depth, preferably someone proven… which is about how I feel about corner. For both, I think FA probably makes more sense, though at corner we could also use a young guy to develop.


Are you meaning Luvu is on the final year of his deal now or next year? He's under contract in 2026, and he's actually going to cost just under $1M less in 2026 than he was this year.
 
A “good” (not elite) FA ILB is too affordable to blindly take the risk on Magee staying healthy and developing. Especially since we don’t know how Luvu will bounce back (or not) being used differently (hopefully, correctly) under another future DC. If you can pay $8-12M/year for a good solid starting ILB capable of wearing the green dot, you kind of have to. Magee developing and becoming a major player just means you have more options, schematically and roster-wise, moving forward. But you aren’t making the same mistake we did this year where a formerly injury-prone/partial-unknown type player, MUST stay healthy to field a team. That’s reckless and we can’t do it. ILB’s are too cheap to take that risk.

Don't know. But Keim seemed to imply that's how the team sees MaGee moving forward. As to whether we agree or disagree with the team on that one of course is a different subject. He didn't say it hardcore but lol I am not bad at reading Keim speak and that's how it felt but will see, its still early.

For me personally, if they see Magee and Luvu as starters I am not losing sleep over it. I am good with it as long as they have a veteran backup. Personally, if lets say they only make 3 big FA acquistions and one is LB, I'd borderline hate it. But if they go nuts and sign 5 big FAs, LB would be fun, if its someone like Lloyd, etc.
 
Yeah the nice thing about RB is you can cheap out on it a bit both in terms of FA and draft and still get to B-level performance. No real reason to throw major resources at it unless you think a guy gets you to A-level. If the coaches think Breece does that, get him on board.

But in the end, I do think it sorta takes Love off our board, more-or-less. We're not an elite RB away from success.

We aren't one elite player from success at any spot so that logic can shoot down any acquistion. But am expecting give or take they bring at least 5 new impact players at different spots so am not looking at anything as a binary decision or zero sum game.

If for example they fill WR, corner, edge -- IMO you bet an elite RB forget can bring success, I think can help bring a SB.

I don't think they are nearly as bad as they looked this season with all the injuries factored it. They might not be as good as they looked the season before when they were one game from the SB. But I do think they are much closer to the 2024 team than they are to 2025.

If you want to win in the playoffs, in cold weather, having your own Barkley (obvious optimistic take as to Love) can make a difference. Heck, then the Lions might have beaten Washington if they kept running the ball with J. Gibbs. All three division foes struggle to stop the run.

You make teams have to worry with an RPO of Jayden running or Love. Wow would that be scary for defenses.

I'd lean right now Tate over Love. But if they took Love I'd be doing cartwheels.
 
We aren't one elite player from success at any spot so that logic can shoot down any acquistion.
Weirdly, we were on elite player from success in 2024. Daniels provided that magic spark so you never totally know.

I think this team needs a game changer. It can be on either side of the ball, but we need someone who scares the other side that they really have to work at to take away. That could be a pass rusher. That could be a wide receiver. That could be a ridiculous tight end, but we need someone who's not just good but that the other side has to account for on every play. I think Terry is good, but he's never quite been that guy. Terry's someone who the other side has been able to take out of games even when he was at his best. On offense, I think we have a good enough line, a potentially great QB (if he can stay healthy), and a effective running backs. We need an elite weapon and I think it could make a world of difference.
 
Weirdly, we were on elite player from success in 2024. Daniels provided that magic spark so you never totally know.

I think this team needs a game changer. It can be on either side of the ball, but we need someone who scares the other side that they really have to work at to take away. That could be a pass rusher. That could be a wide receiver. That could be a ridiculous tight end, but we need someone who's not just good but that the other side has to account for on every play. I think Terry is good, but he's never quite been that guy. Terry's someone who the other side has been able to take out of games even when he was at his best. On offense, I think we have a good enough line, a potentially great QB (if he can stay healthy), and a effective running backs. We need an elite weapon and I think it could make a world of difference.

Agree. But they need to cleary fill some holes. WR for example is more code red that it was in 2024 -- the depth is worse and Terry is older. Ditto edge with Armstrong coming off an ACL now. Both spots need to be addressed aggressively IMO. With corner the next spot.

But after you do that...

And look I don't mean this sarcastically but I don't think this fans base can properly digest the power of an elite RB because they haven't had one in like 50 years. Portis was really good but wasn't great. And Portis at least the version we got of him wasn't a passing weapon or a breakaway big play waiting to happens sans some plays here and there including his first run with the team.

Guys like Barkley, J. Gibbs, Bijan Robinson can change a team IF you have other things cooking, too. And lol, Love isn't my top want at the pick but am pushing back on those who dismiss the idea. For a number of reasons.

A. Rodriguez is a nice back, nothing killer but isn't a pass weapon. Love is a passing weapon
B. I think with Jayden in the lineup it makes RBs more lethal and in turn makes him more lethal as a runner. And I know some would say well that's the reason why you don't go to town on RB but my response is do we want to be good or great? if its good, Rodriguez is fine.
C. Explosive plays. I know 60 yard runs seems like a fantasy Madden thing as fans of this team. But it can actually happen. See those big runs Barkley had against Washington. Love can do that type of thing.
D. NFC East defenses have pass rushing talent. But where are they all vulnerable? Run defense.
E. the goal post is no longer sneak into the playoffs. The idea is a SB and the run game is bigger in cold weather-playoffs.

Love is basically a combination of Ekeler and Rodriguez in one player with much more explosion than either guy. You can line him wide. This isn't like thie team's typical back that isn't a pass weapon threat. Remember the year when Chris Thompson went crazy? He's a very richman's version of that but can also run between the tackles in ways Thompson couldn't. Maybe the best Washington analogy to him would be a mix of Clinton Portis and Chris Thompson but better than both as to their superpowers.
 
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Kiper new top 10. I hope he's right aboutt Mauigoa, we need an O lineman or two to go top 10. I disagree with the Love-Reggie Bush analogy that he and Matt Miller like to make and I know I am not alone in that disagreement. I would go Tate over Tyson.


3. Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame*​

Height: 6-0 | Weight: 214 | Prev. rank: 3

2025 stats over 12 games: 199 carries, 1,372 rushing yards, 18 rushing TDs, 27 catches, 280 receiving yards, 3 receiving TDs

Love reminds me a lot of Reggie Bush. The 20-year-old has vision and burst between the tackles and to the outside, and he can break tackles with ease (60 forced missed tackles on the season). Once he gets into space, he can take it to the house with his breakaway speed too. But Love isn't only an outstanding runner. He also is a high-impact pass catcher. An NFL team will be able to flank him out wide and create a whole other dimension of the offense.


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4. Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State*​

Height: 6-4 | Weight: 243 | Prev. rank: 4

2025 stats over 13 games: 62 tackles, 9 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, 9 run stops, 2 pass breakups

This is a complete football player. Reese jumps off the Ohio State tape, playing the game like a veteran. I see natural instincts at the linebacker position that allow him to make plays most guys just can't make, and he has the burst to get home when turned loose as a pass rusher. Reese has been a big riser in this class.


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5. Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami*​

Height: 6-6 | Weight: 315 | Prev. rank: 9

2025 stats over 12 games: 12 starts, 1 sack allowed

Here's a true mauler. Mauigoa is fun to watch for the way he just destroys pass rushers at the point of attack. He has more than 2,400 snaps at right tackle and has the pass protection skill to stick there, but he could absolutely slide inside and become a Pro Bowl-caliber guard at the next level. Mauigoa has allowed one sack and blown only nine run blocks since the start of last season.


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6. David Bailey, OLB, Texas Tech​

Height: 6-3 | Weight: 250 | Prev. rank: 11

2025 stats over 13 games: 65 tackles, 20 tackles for loss, 13.5 sacks, 65 pressures, 7 run stops, 3 forced fumbles, 2 pass breakups

A transfer from Stanford, Bailey gets after the quarterback. He had 14.5 sacks over three seasons for the Cardinal, and he has notably become more of a finisher this season. His 19.9% pressure rate is the best in the nation, and he is up to 13.5 sacks in 13 games with the Red Raiders, unlocking another level of his game.


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7. Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State*​

Height: 6-2 | Weight: 200 | Prev. rank: 5

2025 stats over nine games: 61 catches, 711 receiving yards, 8 receiving TDs

The Colorado transfer has lit up defenses for two seasons with the Sun Devils. Tyson's superpower is being open even when it looks like he's completely blanketed. It makes him essentially uncoverable in the red zone. He wins on 50-50 balls and outmuscles defensive backs. A hamstring injury cost him time this season, but he still posted solid numbers.

8. Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon*​

Height: 6-3 | Weight: 245 | Prev. rank: 10

2025 stats over 11 games: 40 catches, 490 receiving yards, 8 receiving TDs

Sadiq is loaded with physical traits. He has the explosion to hurdle defenders in the open field. He has the vision and speed to cause conflict after the catch, with almost half his 2025 yardage coming after the ball is in his hands. And he's nearly impossible to match against because of his quickness and size. Sadiq has been consistent this season, and he should be the first tight end off the board.


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9. Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State*​

Height: 6-3 | Weight: 195 | Prev. rank: 6

2025 stats over 10 games: 48 catches, 838 receiving yards, 9 receiving TDs

Ohio State has turned into Wide Receiver U, with Emeka Egbuka being the most recent star wideout to come out of Columbus. And while most of the college football world focuses on Jeremiah Smith (who isn't eligible for the 2026 draft), Tate is putting up some serious numbers and showing why he is a top prospect for this class. Tate has produced big plays on a regular basis, averaging 17.5 yards per catch this season. He is a precise route runner, has great hands and displays outstanding body control. And he'll also happily block for ball carriers, which NFL coaches love to see. Tate had a lower-body injury earlier this season and missed a little time.


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10. Makai Lemon, WR, USC*​

Height: 5-11 | Weight: 195 | Prev. rank: 7

2025 stats over 12 games: 79 catches, 1,156 receiving yards, 11 receiving TDs

This kid is a warrior who plays with passion. I'd want Lemon on my roster. He snatches the ball away from his body in an attacking manner then runs with a fierce approach after the catch. He is one of my favorite players in the class, and he currently ranks fourth in the nation in receiving yards.
 
We have many holes to fill and few draft picks to do it in. We have a decent salary cap but a chunk will be given to Tunsil on an extension and whoever else we sign next year. One thing I've notice it that AP and or our cap guru has backloaded the contracts (not killer amounts) but millions anyway into the future 2 to 4 years beyond the contracts (i.e., Deebo, Kinlaw, Armstrong and others). If I am reading these correctly and I'm not capologist, even though the cap goes up it eats into contracts you want to do in the future. This could be an issue going forward.

 
Kiper new top 10. I hope he's right aboutt Mauigoa, we need an O lineman or two to go top 10. I disagree with the Love-Reggie Bush analogy that he and Matt Miller like to make and I know I am not alone in that disagreement. I would go Tate over Tyson.


3. Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame*​

Height: 6-0 | Weight: 214 | Prev. rank: 3

2025 stats over 12 games: 199 carries, 1,372 rushing yards, 18 rushing TDs, 27 catches, 280 receiving yards, 3 receiving TDs

Love reminds me a lot of Reggie Bush. The 20-year-old has vision and burst between the tackles and to the outside, and he can break tackles with ease (60 forced missed tackles on the season). Once he gets into space, he can take it to the house with his breakaway speed too. But Love isn't only an outstanding runner. He also is a high-impact pass catcher. An NFL team will be able to flank him out wide and create a whole other dimension of the offense.


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4. Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State*​

Height: 6-4 | Weight: 243 | Prev. rank: 4

2025 stats over 13 games: 62 tackles, 9 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, 9 run stops, 2 pass breakups

This is a complete football player. Reese jumps off the Ohio State tape, playing the game like a veteran. I see natural instincts at the linebacker position that allow him to make plays most guys just can't make, and he has the burst to get home when turned loose as a pass rusher. Reese has been a big riser in this class.


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5. Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami*​

Height: 6-6 | Weight: 315 | Prev. rank: 9

2025 stats over 12 games: 12 starts, 1 sack allowed

Here's a true mauler. Mauigoa is fun to watch for the way he just destroys pass rushers at the point of attack. He has more than 2,400 snaps at right tackle and has the pass protection skill to stick there, but he could absolutely slide inside and become a Pro Bowl-caliber guard at the next level. Mauigoa has allowed one sack and blown only nine run blocks since the start of last season.


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6. David Bailey, OLB, Texas Tech​

Height: 6-3 | Weight: 250 | Prev. rank: 11

2025 stats over 13 games: 65 tackles, 20 tackles for loss, 13.5 sacks, 65 pressures, 7 run stops, 3 forced fumbles, 2 pass breakups

A transfer from Stanford, Bailey gets after the quarterback. He had 14.5 sacks over three seasons for the Cardinal, and he has notably become more of a finisher this season. His 19.9% pressure rate is the best in the nation, and he is up to 13.5 sacks in 13 games with the Red Raiders, unlocking another level of his game.


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7. Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State*​

Height: 6-2 | Weight: 200 | Prev. rank: 5

2025 stats over nine games: 61 catches, 711 receiving yards, 8 receiving TDs

The Colorado transfer has lit up defenses for two seasons with the Sun Devils. Tyson's superpower is being open even when it looks like he's completely blanketed. It makes him essentially uncoverable in the red zone. He wins on 50-50 balls and outmuscles defensive backs. A hamstring injury cost him time this season, but he still posted solid numbers.

8. Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon*​

Height: 6-3 | Weight: 245 | Prev. rank: 10

2025 stats over 11 games: 40 catches, 490 receiving yards, 8 receiving TDs

Sadiq is loaded with physical traits. He has the explosion to hurdle defenders in the open field. He has the vision and speed to cause conflict after the catch, with almost half his 2025 yardage coming after the ball is in his hands. And he's nearly impossible to match against because of his quickness and size. Sadiq has been consistent this season, and he should be the first tight end off the board.


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9. Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State*​

Height: 6-3 | Weight: 195 | Prev. rank: 6

2025 stats over 10 games: 48 catches, 838 receiving yards, 9 receiving TDs

Ohio State has turned into Wide Receiver U, with Emeka Egbuka being the most recent star wideout to come out of Columbus. And while most of the college football world focuses on Jeremiah Smith (who isn't eligible for the 2026 draft), Tate is putting up some serious numbers and showing why he is a top prospect for this class. Tate has produced big plays on a regular basis, averaging 17.5 yards per catch this season. He is a precise route runner, has great hands and displays outstanding body control. And he'll also happily block for ball carriers, which NFL coaches love to see. Tate had a lower-body injury earlier this season and missed a little time.


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10. Makai Lemon, WR, USC*​

Height: 5-11 | Weight: 195 | Prev. rank: 7

2025 stats over 12 games: 79 catches, 1,156 receiving yards, 11 receiving TDs

This kid is a warrior who plays with passion. I'd want Lemon on my roster. He snatches the ball away from his body in an attacking manner then runs with a fierce approach after the catch. He is one of my favorite players in the class, and he currently ranks fourth in the nation in receiving yards.

I also disagree with their analysis of Tyson. Like strongly disagree. I've got Tyson over Tate in a vacuum, but Tyson's injury history probably puts Tate a smidge over him.

Tyson is the superior route runner. Check how Tyson wins off the line of scrimmage, he's got various releases. He wins quick, and he gets from those into his route smoothly. Tyson can beat press. It's 3rd and 4 and we dial up a quick slant against a corner that wants to be physical...Tyson will win those. Tyson doesn't need rub routes, bunch formations, motion, etc to manufacture a clean release.

Tate can't beat press like Tyson can, but that's not to say he can't develop a way to do that in the future. Tate's best route wins have been intermediate and deep.

I also strongly disagree with Lemon being the 10th best prospect in the draft. If that's actually true, then there is no way we can afford to trade down. The fall off in talent happens fast if Lemon is somehow 10th.

Both Tate and Tyson are more than a tier above Lemon as prospects. There's a large gap.
 
I also disagree with their analysis of Tyson. Like strongly disagree. I've got Tyson over Tate in a vacuum, but Tyson's injury history probably puts Tate a smidge over him.

Tyson is the superior route runner. Check how Tyson wins off the line of scrimmage, he's got various releases. He wins quick, and he gets from those into his route smoothly. Tyson can beat press. It's 3rd and 4 and we dial up a quick slant against a corner that wants to be physical...Tyson will win those. Tyson doesn't need rub routes, bunch formations, motion, etc to manufacture a clean release.

Tate can't beat press like Tyson can, but that's not to say he can't develop a way to do that in the future. Tate's best route wins have been intermediate and deep.

I also strongly disagree with Lemon being the 10th best prospect in the draft. If that's actually true, then there is no way we can afford to trade down. The fall off in talent happens fast if Lemon is somehow 10th.

Both Tate and Tyson are more than a tier above Lemon as prospects. There's a large gap.

Tate is the better contested catch guy. He makes the bigger plays down the field. Both have great hands but I like Tate's catch radius a bit more. Both pedestrian YAC guys.

As to beating press man, I got to go back and look. But Tate is definitely the better IMO physical WR at the catch point. Both are good pass blockers.

I will spend more time watching both. I vacillated between Maye and Daniels when watching them for that draft, I suspect I might do the same for WRs.

Right now I got Tate then Lemon then Tyson but its close.
 
Any word yet on if CRod is active for today's game?

If there is any question about his groin they need to make him inactive. Either way I am guessing we see more of McNichols and JCM getting a much more looks

I sure hope Sinnott and Magee come off somewhat impressive today.
 
Any word yet on if CRod is active for today's game?

If there is any question about his groin they need to make him inactive. Either way I am guessing we see more of McNichols and JCM getting a much more looks

I sure hope Sinnott and Magee come off somewhat impressive today.
He is inactive
 
I wasnt in this place 2 weeks ago but i am in that place now
The Minny loss was the great deflater.
I will not be rooting for us to lose during the game but the final result would more than likely be much better in the long run for the team
 
The Minny loss was the great deflater.
I will not be rooting for us to lose during the game but the final result would more than likely be much better in the long run for the team

Same, except for if the games is close in the end, I'll be rooting for the game to go against Washington.

I can deal with a win against Dallas, or Philly but I don't want to walk the Giants into the #1 pick where they can get a bounty.
 

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