Rhett Lewis 2026 NFL mock draft 1.0: Eagles make biggest splash in Round 1 The 2026 NFL Draft mock draft by Rhett Lewis highlights the Eagles’ strategic focus on Round 1, with the team making a significant impact by targeting key positions. The draft, projected for April 23-25, features a mix of high-profile prospects and team-specific needs, with several franchises prioritizing offensive and defensive upgrades. The mock draft includes detailed analysis of each selection, emphasizing the potential impact of each pick on the respective teams’ future success. The first pick of the mock draft goes to the Raiders, who select Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza at Pick 1.1. Mendoza, a junior, is positioned as the face of the franchise for years to come, with the Raiders aiming to build a long-term foundation around his leadership. Following Mendoza, the Jets secure Ohio State edge rusher Jordan Reese at Pick 2, a move that adds a dynamic playmaker to their defense. Reese’s athleticism and potential to transition to a full-time edge role are highlighted as critical factors in the Jets’ decision. The Cardinals, meanwhile, face a dilemma at Pick 3, with options including Texas Tech running back Jeremiyah Love, offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa, or Ohio State edge rusher Ty Bailey. The mock draft suggests the Cardinals prioritize Bailey, a senior with a proven track record, to address their need for a reliable edge rusher after a subpar 2025 season. The Titans’ selection at Pick 4 is a strategic move to support last year’s No. 1 overall pick, QB Cam Ward, by selecting Notre Dame running back Javon Wims, who is described as the most dynamic offensive player in the draft. The Browns, at Pick 5, opt for Ohio State linebacker Ty Styles, a senior who dominated the Big Ten Championship Game against Indiana.#raiders #eagles #jets #rhett_lewis #cardinals
Tom Brady reportedly wouldn't have traded Maxx Crosby to the Patriots A blurb from ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler highlights a key detail about the Maxx Crosby trade, citing an unnamed source involved in the deal. The source claims the Raiders were unwilling to send Crosby to the Patriots, with the reasoning that “no way Tom [Brady] was sending Maxx to [Mike] Vrabel.” This suggests Brady’s influence over the trade process, as he reportedly blocked the move despite the Patriots’ interest. The quote underscores Brady’s leverage within the Raiders organization, implying he could sway potential trade destinations. It also reflects Brady’s reluctance to aid the team with which he won six Super Bowls, despite the Patriots’ status as a rival in the past. The Ravens, who were significant adversaries during Brady’s time in New England, were considered a viable option for Crosby. However, the unnamed source’s statement suggests Brady had no issue sending Crosby to Baltimore but refused to send him to New England. The Ravens and Patriots remain in the same conference, and both teams would likely compete with the Raiders for playoff positioning if the Raiders become postseason contenders. While Brady’s ability to block the trade is questionable, especially if the Patriots offered more than other teams, the source’s assertion remains clear: Brady would not have sent Crosby to Vrabel and the Patriots. The broader context raises questions about the Raiders’ willingness to engage with the Patriots and Brady’s motivations. Vrabel, Brady’s former teammate and friend, is not a rival in the same way as Bill Belichick, who has no animosity toward Brady. The Patriots even built a Tom Brady statue at Gillette Stadium, symbolizing their respect for him. Despite the lack of concrete evidence, the unnamed source’s claim adds intrigue to the situation.#maxx_crosby #raiders #tom_brady #patriots #mike_vrabel
NFL Free Agency Activity: Key Moves and Market Trends The NFL’s free agency window opened Monday, with teams aggressively pursuing top talent as negotiations intensify. The Raiders’ trade of Maxx Crosby to the Ravens for two first-round draft picks has sparked significant discussion, leaving the Cowboys disappointed after they declined to meet Las Vegas’ demand for two firsts. Dallas had hoped to secure Crosby with its 12th pick and a future second-rounder, but the Raiders prioritized draft capital, ultimately securing a deal with Baltimore. The Cowboys now face the challenge of finding a pass-rush replacement, with players like Trey Hendrickson, Jaelan Phillips, and Odafe Oweh on their radar. The Eagles remain active in the market, seeking a steep price for A.J. Brown, with reports suggesting they want a first- and second-round pick. While the Patriots are in the mix, the Eagles are also exploring re-signing defensive end Jalen Phillips, who could command a deal exceeding $20 million annually. Philadelphia has also inquired about Minnesota’s Jonathan Greenard, a cheaper option than Crosby, though Greenard’s current contract, which includes $38 million over two years, complicates negotiations. Defensive tackle Jordan Davis’ extension has shifted focus to whether the Eagles will re-sign Jalen Carter, who is eligible for a new deal. Alec Pierce’s potential free agency has drawn attention, with the Colts aiming to keep him in Indianapolis despite his market value of at least $27 million annually. The Patriots, Commanders, and Raiders are also in the mix, though Pierce’s preference to stay with the Colts could influence the outcome. Meanwhile, Romeo Doubs, who failed to re-sign with Green Bay, is expected to draw interest from the Patriots, Commanders, and 49ers.#nfl #raiders #ravens #cowboys #eagles
TWENTYMAN'S MOCK DRAFT 2.0: Post-Combine Predictions The NFL Scouting Combine has concluded, offering teams new insights into prospects’ potential and areas where players may need further evaluation. With the draft approaching, several franchises are prioritizing specific positions to address their needs. Detroit remains focused on acquiring the best available player, but also faces challenges at center, tackle, edge rusher, cornerback, linebacker, safety, and running back. Here’s a revised mock draft reflecting the latest developments from the Combine. The Raiders are expected to select a quarterback in the first round for the first time since 2007. Fernando Mendoza, the Heisman Trophy winner and national champion from Indiana, is the top quarterback in the class. Mendoza expressed interest in joining the Raiders, citing his desire to learn from Tom Brady in Las Vegas. The New York Jets, with two first-round picks and four in the top 50, aim to bolster their roster with young talent. Their first pick, EDGE David Bailey from Texas Tech, was a tough decision between Bailey and Ohio State’s Arvell Reese. Bailey’s explosive traits and readiness to contribute as a pure edge rusher make him the preferred choice. Bailey recorded 14.5 sacks and 19.5 tackles for loss in 2025, supporting his Combine performance. Arizona’s quarterback situation remains uncertain for 2026, but the Cardinals’ pick at No. 3 leans toward EDGE Arvell Reese. Despite needing offensive line help, Reese’s versatility as a linebacker or edge rusher, combined with his 4.46-second 40-yard dash time at 6-foot-4, 241 pounds, makes him a strong fit. His dynamic Combine performance highlights his potential to impact multiple positions. Tennessee, seeking to improve its defense after ranking 28th in points allowed, selects EDGE Rueben Bain Jr.#raiders #new_york_jets #detroit #nfl_scouting_combine #fernando_mendoza
Maxx Crosby is ready to leave Las Vegas. The sooner the Raiders accept that, the better Since joining the Raiders in 2019, Crosby has contributed to just one winning season and one playoff appearance. His departure appears imminent, with trade discussions likely to unfold in the coming weeks. The situation highlights a growing disconnect between the player and the franchise, which has struggled to create a competitive culture despite its high draft picks. Crosby’s rise from a fourth-round draft pick to one of the league’s premier edge rushers has been marked by intense preparation and a willingness to push boundaries. During his early days in Oakland, he frequently disrupted coach Jon Gruden’s offensive plays by charging off the edge and intercepting passes, often coming dangerously close to the quarterback. Gruden once threatened to cut him if he continued, but Crosby’s relentless drive eventually earned him a place among the league’s elite. In Las Vegas, Crosby’s intensity continued to challenge the coaching staff. Despite being one of the team’s most driven players, he often defied practice rules by making contact with quarterbacks in red jerseys, a move that went largely unpunished. Witnesses described his attitude as defiant, with one noting, “His attitude was, ‘If you don’t want me to do it, then block me.’ And nobody was in position to challenge that.” The Raiders’ struggles under multiple coaches have further strained the relationship. Since Crosby’s arrival, the team has had five head coaches, including interim replacements like Rich Bisaccia. The franchise’s inability to sustain success has left Crosby frustrated, particularly after last December’s decision to shut him down for the final two games of the season.#maxx_crosby #raiders #tom_brady #jon_gruden #rich_bisaccia
2026 NFL Mock Draft: Reid's Two-Round Projections The NFL combine concluded this past weekend in Indianapolis, drawing over 300 prospects for the 2026 draft. The event provided teams with a chance to evaluate players through drills, interviews, and medical exams, making it an ideal time to update mock drafts. With the first round set for April 23, teams will continue to refine their strategies through college pro days, visits, and free agency moves. Five first-round picks have already been traded, reshaping the landscape for teams like the Rams, Jets, Cowboys, Browns, and Chiefs. The Raiders, seeking a quarterback after their 2007 draft pick JaMarcus Russell, are projected to select Fernando Mendoza, a top QB with accuracy, resiliency, and decision-making skills. Mendoza’s potential to complement third-year tight end Brock Bowers and second-year running back Ashton Jeanty could form a strong offensive core under new head coach Klint Kubiak. The Arizona Cardinals, looking to bolster their pass-rushing corps, are expected to take David Bailey, a Texas Tech standout with 14.5 sacks and 19.5 tackles for loss. Pairing Bailey with Josh Sweat, who recorded 12 sacks for Arizona, could strengthen the team’s edge rusher depth. The Tennessee Titans, aiming to enhance their defensive line, are likely to draft Rueben Bain Jr., a Miami prospect with an unusual arm length of 30⅞ inches. Bain’s physical traits align with coach Robert Saleh’s defensive scheme, offering a versatile edge rusher to complement All-Pro defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons and newly acquired Jermaine Johnson. The New York Giants, seeking an off-ball linebacker, are projected to select Sonny Styles from Ohio State.#raiders #new_york_giants #arizona_cardinals #tennessee_titans #nfl_combine
