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NFL Power Rankings: Sizing up each team after the draft

The 2026 NFL Draft has concluded, but teams across the league continue to add to their prospect h...

<p>The 2026 NFL Draft has concluded, but teams across the league continue to add to their prospect haul. Players who didn't have their name called over the past three days now have the opportunity to pick their next destination. Follow the latest reported undrafted free-agent signings in our tracker below:</p><p><strong>Jump to</strong>:<br><a href="#ARI">ARI</a> | <a href="#ATL">ATL</a> | <a href="#BAL">BAL</a> |<a href="#BUF"> BUF</a> | <a href="#CAR">CAR</a> | <a href="#CHI">CHI</a> | <a href="#CIN">CIN</a> | <a href="#CLE">CLE</a> | <a href="#DAL">DAL</a> | <a href="#DEN">DEN</a> | <a href="#DET">DET</a> | <a href="#GB">GB</a> | <a href="#HOU">HOU</a> | <a href="#IND">IND</a> | <a href="#JAX">JAX</a> | <a href="#KC">KC</a> | <a href="#LV">LV</a> | <a href="#LAC">LAC</a> | <a href="#LAR">LAR</a> | <a href="#MIA">MIA</a> | <a href="#MIN">MIN</a> | <a href="#NE">NE</a> | <a href="#NO">NO</a> | <a href="#NYG">NYG</a> | <a href="#NYJ">NYJ</a> | <a href="#PHI">PHI</a> | <a href="#PIT">PIT</a> | <a href="#SF">SF</a> | <a href="#SEA">SEA</a> | <a href="#TB">TB</a> | <a href="#TEN">TEN</a> | <a href="#WAS">WAS</a></p><h3><a id="ARI" name="ARI">Arizona Cardinals</a></h3><ul>
<li>Ole Miss WR Harrison Wallace</li>
<li>Ole Miss S Wydett Williams III</li>
<li>SMU DE Cameron Robertson</li>
<li>James Madison CB Elijah Culp</li>
<li>Arizona C Ka'ena Decambra</li>
</ul><h3><a id="ATL" name="ATL">Atlanta Falcons</a></h3><ul>
<li>Minnesota-Moorhead QB Jack Strand</li>
<li>Houston DT Carlos Allen</li>
<li>Miami C James Brockermeyer</li>
<li>Georgia Tech WR Malik Rutherford</li>
<li>Michigan State TE Jack Velling</li>
<li>Wisconsin OL Riley Mahlman</li>
<li>Wisconsin WR Vinny Anthony</li>
<li>Akron CB Malcolm Dewalt IV</li>
<li>Minnesota WR Le'Meke Brockington</li>
<li>Alabama OL Kam Dewberry</li>
<li>Duke WR Andrel Anthony</li>
<li>Miami WR Keelan Marion</li>
<li>Georgia RB Cash Jones</li>
<li>Purdue DL CJ Nunnally</li>
</ul><h3><a id="BAL" name="BAL">Baltimore Ravens</a></h3><ul>
<li>Charlotte LB Reid Williford</li>
<li>Cincinnati CB Matthew McDoom</li>
<li>Penn State C Nick Dawkins</li>
<li>Memphis WR Cortez Braham</li>
<li>Iowa DL Aaron Graves</li>
<li>UConn QB Joey Fagnano</li>
<li>Ole Miss OT Diego Pounds</li>
<li>Auburn S Jahquez Robinson</li>
<li>Miami (Ohio) S Silas Walters</li>
<li>Louisville OT Trevonte Sylvester</li>
<li>Syracuse DL Dion Wilson Jr.</li>
<li>Maryland WR Octavian Smith Jr.</li>
<li>Texas DE Ethan Burke</li>
</ul><h3><a id="BUF" name="BUF">Buffalo Bills</a></h3><ul>
<li>Syracuse OT Da'Metrius Weatherspoon</li>
<li>Kentucky WR Ja'Mori Maclin</li>
<li>Tennessee Tech LB Theron Gaines</li>
<li>Wisconsin FB Jackson Acker</li>
<li>Pitt RB Desmond Reid</li>
<li>Duke OL Bruno Fina</li>
<li>Youngstown State WR Max Tomczak</li>
<li>Indiana LS Mark Langston</li>
</ul><h3><a id="CAR" name="CAR">Carolina Panthers</a></h3><ul>
<li>Georgia Tech QB Haynes King</li>
<li>Texas DB Jaylon Guilbreau</li>
<li>Rutgers CB Cam Miller</li>
<li>Duke DT Aaron Hall</li>
<li>Notre Dame CB DeVonta Smith</li>
<li>SMU DE Isaiah Smith</li>
<li>Coastal Carolina WR Malick Meiga</li>
<li>Baylor WR Kobe Prentice</li>
<li>Vanderbilt OL Isaia Glass</li>
</ul><h3><a id="CHI" name="CHI">Chicago Bears</a></h3><ul>
<li>Loiusville QB Miller Moss</li>
<li>Tulane CB KC Eziomume</li>
<li>San Diego State K Gabriel Plascencia</li>
<li>Iowa TE Hayden Large</li>
<li>Utah OL Jaren Kump</li>
<li>Wyoming OL Caden Barnett</li>
<li>Kennesaw State RB Coleman Bennett</li>
<li>Oregon State S Skyler Thomas</li>
<li>Georgia LS Beau Gardner</li>
<li>Florida State WR Squirrel White</li>
<li>Wake Forest DT Jayden Loving</li>
<li>Michigan State WR Omari Kelly</li>
<li>Auburbn OT Mason Murphy </li>
</ul><h3><a id="CIN" name="CIN">Cincinnati Bengals</a></h3><ul>
<li>Cincinnati LB Jack Dingle</li>
<li>Kentucky TE Josh Kattus</li>
<li>Nebraska CB Ceyair Wright</li>
<li>Texas OL Christian Jones</li>
<li>Georgia WR Noah Thomas</li>
<li>Arkansas OT Corey Robinson II </li>
<li>USC LB Eric Gentry</li>
<li>SMU S Isaiah Nwokobia</li>
<li>Georgia Tech RB Jamal Haynes</li>
</ul><h3><a id="CLE" name="CLE">Cleveland Browns</a></h3><ul>
<li>Utah DL Logan Fano</li>
<li>LSU DL Bernard Gooden</li>
<li>Florida DE Tyreak Sapp</li>
<li>SMU RB T.J. Harden</li>
<li>LSU WR Aaron Anderson </li>
<li>Mississippi State RB Davon Booth</li>
<li>West Virginia CB Michael Coats Jr.</li>
<li>Delaware CB Nate Evans</li>
<li>Auburn OL Izavion Miller</li>
<li>USC CB DeCarlos Nicholson</li>
<li>Oklahoma State P Wes Pahl</li>
<li>Boise State DB Zion Washington</li>
<li>Baylor WR Kole Wilson</li>
</ul><h3><a id="DAL" name="DAL">Dallas Cowboys</a></h3><ul>
<li>SMU WR Jordan Hudson</li>
<li>TCU TE DJ Rogers</li>
<li>Baylor TE Michael Trigg</li>
<li>Tulsa RB Dominic Richardson</li>
<li>Georgia Southern WR Camden Brown</li>
<li>Virginia Tech DT Kelvin Gilliam</li>
<li>Baylor OT Sidney Fugar</li>
<li>Kentucky OT Shiyazh Pete</li>
</ul><h3><a id="DEN" name="DEN">Denver Broncos</a></h3><ul>
<li>Texas A&amp;M LB Taurean York</li>
<li>Nebraska WR Dane Key</li>
<li>Cal CB Brent Austin</li>
<li>Nebraska LB Dasan McCullough</li>
<li>Virginia WR Cam Ross</li>
<li>Georgia Tech CB Ahmari Harvey</li>
<li>TCU WR Joseph Manjack IV</li>
<li>Texas A&amp;M LB Taurean York</li>
<li>Iowa State OT Tyler Miller</li>
<li>Weber State OL Gavin Ortega</li>
<li>Northern Arizona WR Kolbe Katsis</li>
<li>Oregon LS Luke Basso</li>
<li>Tennessee CB Will Wright</li>
<li>Oklahoma State S Parker Robertson</li>
<li>Charlotte WR Sean Brown</li>
</ul><h3><a id="DET" name="DET">Detroit Lions</a></h3><ul>
<li>South Florida CB De'Shawn Rucker</li>
<li>Illinois QB Luke Altmyer</li>
<li>Illinois G Melvin Priestly</li>
<li>Morgan State LB Erick Hunter</li>
<li>Tennessee TE Miles Kitselman</li>
<li>Rutgers DE Eric O'Neill</li>
<li>USC DE Anthony Lucas</li>
<li>Cal DT Aidan Keanaaina</li>
<li>UNLV DB Aamaris Brown</li>
</ul><h3><a id="GB" name="GB">Green Bay Packers</a></h3><ul>
<li>Virginia Tech QB Kyron Drones</li>
<li>Louisville LB TJ Quinn</li>
<li>Illinois G Josh Gesky</li>
<li>UCF RB Jaden Nixon</li>
<li>Nevada S Murvin Kenion III</li>
<li>SMU TE RJ Maryland</li>
<li>Iowa State G Dylan Barrett</li>
<li>UCF DE Nyjalik Kelly</li>
<li>Florida WR J. Michael Sturdivant</li>
<li>Wake Forest TE Eni Falayi</li>
</ul><h3><a id="HOU" name="HOU">Houston Texans</a></h3><ul>
<li>Syracuse P Jack Stonehouse</li>
<li>Incarnate Word WR Jalen Walthall</li>
<li>Stanford CB Collin Wright</li>
<li>Colgate WR Treyvhon Saunders</li>
<li>Iowa State OL James Neal III</li>
<li>Missouri CB Stephen Hall</li>
<li>South Dakota State OL Sam Hagen</li>
<li>Oregon RB Noah Whittington</li>
<li>Illinois State WR Daniel Sobkowicz</li>
<li>NC State DE Sabastian Hars</li>
<li>Tennessee DL Dominic Bailey</li>
</ul><h3><a id="IND" name="IND">Indianapolis Colts</a></h3><ul>
<li>Wisconsin S Austin Brown</li>
<li>LSU LB West Weeks</li>
<li>Ole Miss LB Tahj Chambers</li>
<li>Texas State RB Lincoln Pare</li>
<li>Purdue WR EJ Horton</li>
<li>Arkansas DL Cam Bell</li>
<li>Abilene Christian RB Jordan Vaughn</li>
<li>Penn State OL Nolan Rucci</li>
<li>Virginia Tech DE Mitchell Melton</li>
<li>Arkansas WR Raylen Sharp</li>
</ul><h3><a id="JAX" name="JAX">Jacksonville Jaguars</a></h3><ul>
<li>Tennessee QB Joey Aguilar</li>
<li>Cincinnati DT Jalen Hunt</li>
<li>Texas-Permian Basin WR Ben Patterson</li>
<li>South Dakota State WR Alex Bullock</li>
<li>South Carolina DE Bryan Thomas Jr.</li>
<li>NC State CB Devon Marshall</li>
<li>Colorado CB Preston Hodge</li>
<li>North Texas OL Jimto Obidegwu</li>
<li>Penn State WR Trebor Pena</li>
<li>Virginia RB J'Mari Taylor</li>
</ul><h3><a id="KC" name="KC">Kansas City Chiefs</a></h3><ul>
<li>Oklahoma RB Jaydn Ott</li>
<li>Louisville C Pete Nygra</li>
<li>Iowa S Xavier Nwankpa</li>
<li>Wyoming TE Michael Gyllenborg</li>
<li>LSU OL Josh Thompson</li>
<li>San Diego State DB Bryce Phillips</li>
<li>Miami LB Wesley Bissainthe</li>
<li>Texas A&amp;M RB E.J. Smith</li>
<li>Cincinnati WR Jeff Caldwell</li>
<li>Houston CB Zelmar Vedder</li>
<li>Duke DE Vincent Anthony Jr.</li>
<li>Louisiana-Monroe CB D'Arco Perkins-McCallister</li>
<li>Toledo DE Anthony Dunn</li>
</ul><h3><a id="LV" name="LV">Las Vegas Raiders</a></h3><ul>
<li>Indiana RB Roman Hemby</li>
<li>Indiana WR EJ Williams</li>
<li>BYU OT Isaiah Jatta</li>
<li>Kennesaw State CB Caleb Offord</li>
<li>Hawaii K Kansei Matsuzawa</li>
<li>Baylor QB Sawyer Robertson</li>
<li>BYU S Tanner Wall</li>
<li>Missouri State QB Jacob Clark</li>
<li>NC State LB Cian Slone</li>
<li>Boise State TE Matt Lauter</li>
<li>Duke OL Justin Pickett</li>
<li>Troy S Devin Lafayette</li>
<li>BYU WR Chase Roberts</li>
<li>UCLA DT Gary Smith III</li>
<li>Jacob Clark, QB, Missouri State</li>
</ul><h3><a id="LAC" name="LAC">Los Angeles Chargers</a></h3><ul>
<li>Toledo CB Avery Smith</li>
<li>Kansas State TE Jerand Bradley</li>
<li>Oregon OT Isaiah World</li>
<li>Memphis RB Greg Desrosiers</li>
<li>Colorado WR Sincere Brown</li>
<li>Utah LB Lander Barton</li>
<li>Utah State S Noah Avinger</li>
<li>Virginia DL Jahmeer Carter</li>
<li>Syracuse S Devin Grant</li>
<li>Louisiana State DL Jacobian Guillory</li>
<li>San Diego State OLB Niles King</li>
<li>Penn State WR Devonte Ross</li>
<li>Georgia Tech CB Rodney Shelley</li>
<li>Fresno State C Jacob Spomer</li>
<li>Wyoming TE Evan Svoboda</li>
<li>Western Michigan OLB Nadame Tucker</li>
<li>Southern Methodist DL Terry Webb</li>
<li>Florida State CB Jeremiah Wilson</li>
</ul><h3><a id="LAR" name="LAR">Los Angeles Rams</a></h3><ul>
<li>Texas QB Matthew Caldwell</li>
<li>Houston DE Eddie Walls</li>
<li>North Carolina OL Austin Blaske</li>
<li>Wisconsin LB Darryl Peterson</li>
<li>Syracuse TE Dan Villari</li>
<li>Vanderbilt OT Bryce Henderson</li>
<li>Louisville OLB Wesley Bailey</li>
<li>Arkansas TE Rohan Jones</li>
<li>Alabama LB Nikhai Hill-Green</li>
<li>Tennessee DL Jaxson Moi</li>
<li>Air Force DT Payton Zdroik</li>
<li>Wake Forest DB Nick Anderson</li>
<li>Fresno State CB Al'zillion Hamilton</li>
<li>Missouri CB Drey Norwood</li>
<li>Wisconsin CB Nyzier Fourqurean</li>
<li>Minnesota DL Jalen Logan-Redding</li>
<li>North Carolina C Chad Linberg</li>
<li>Houston RB Dean Connors</li>
</ul><h3><a id="MIA" name="MIA">Miami Dolphins</a></h3><ul>
<li>Iowa QB Mark Gronowski</li>
<li>Oregon State RB Anthony Hankerson</li>
<li>Louisville DL Rene Konga</li>
<li>Wisconsin LB Mason Reiger</li>
<li>Texas A&amp;M RB Le'Veon Moss</li>
<li>Michigan WR Donaven McCulley</li>
<li>Iowa State OL Jim Bonifas</li>
<li>Indiana DB Louis Moore</li>
<li>SMU WR Romello Brinson</li>
</ul><h3><a id="MIN" name="MIN">Minnesota Vikings</a></h3><ul>
<li>North Carolina CB Marcus Allen</li>
<li>North Texas CB Da'Veawn Armstead</li>
<li>Georgia WR Dillon Bell</li>
<li>Notre Dame LB Jordan Botelho</li>
<li>Texas A&amp;M CB Tyreek Chappell</li>
<li>South Carolina DL Monkell Goodwine</li>
<li>Maryland WR Shaleak Knotts</li>
<li>UCF LB Keli Lawson</li>
<li>Clemson OL Tristan Leigh</li>
<li>Dartmouth OL Delby Lemieux</li>
<li>Florida International RB Kejon Owens</li>
<li>Virginia Tech OL Tomas Rimac</li>
<li>Georgia Southern WR Marcus Sanders Jr.</li>
<li>Temple LB Cam'Ron Stewart</li>
<li>James Madison S Jacob Thomas</li>
<li>Georgia P Brett Thorson</li>
<li>Colorado LB Arden Walker</li>
<li>Texas A&amp;M LB Scooby Williams</li>
<li>Arizona WR Lyke Wysong</li>
</ul><h3><a id="NE" name="NE">New England Patriots</a></h3><ul>
<li>Harvard OL Jacob Rizy</li>
<li>Culver-Stockton WR Kyle Dixon</li>
<li>TCU CB Channing Canada</li>
<li>James Madison WR Nick DeGennaro</li>
<li>UCF RB Myles Montgomery</li>
<li>North Texas WR Cameron Dorner</li>
<li>Illinois TE Tanner Arkin</li>
<li>Georgetown WR Jimmy Kibble</li>
<li>UAB G JonDarius Morgan</li>
<li>Miami DT David Blay</li>
<li>Oklahoma State CB Kenneth Harris</li>
<li>Florida State C Jacob Rizy</li>
</ul><h3><a id="NO" name="NO">New Orleans Saints</a></h3><ul>
<li>NC State TE Cody Hardy</li>
<li>USC DL Keeshawn Silver</li>
<li>Central Michigan DE Michael Heldman</li>
<li>Kentucky OT Alex Wollschlaeger</li>
<li>Southern Illinois CB Jeremiah McClendon</li>
<li>Maryland OL Alan Herron</li>
<li>Texas K Mason Shipley</li>
<li>Alabama CB DaShawn Jones</li>
<li>Ohio State RB CJ Donaldson</li>
</ul><h3><a id="NYG" name="NYG">New York Giants</a></h3><ul>
<li>Boston College LS Ben Mann</li>
<li>North Carolina CB Thaddeus Dixon</li>
<li>Michigan K Dominic Zvada</li>
<li>Colorado DT Anquin Barnes</li>
<li>New Mexico RB Damon Bankston</li>
<li>Kutztown OL Ryan Schernecke</li>
<li>Wisconsin DT Ben Barten</li>
<li>Eastern Michigan OL Dodji Dahoue</li>
</ul><h3><a id="NYJ" name="NYJ">New York Jets</a></h3><ul>
<li>Louisville Caullin Lacy</li>
<li>Rutgers WR DT Sherffield</li>
<li>Wyoming Sam Scott</li>
<li>BYU LS Garrison Grimes</li>
<li>BYU K Will Ferrin</li>
<li>Toledo RB Chip Trayanum</li>
<li>UTSA LB Kendrick Blackshire</li>
<li>BYU CB Mory Bamba</li>
<li>Colorado OL Xavier Hill</li>
<li>Ball State DE Nathan Voorhis</li>
<li>TCU TE Chase Curtis</li>
</ul><h3><a id="PHI" name="PHI">Philadelphia Eagles</a></h3><ul>
<li>Ole Miss TE Dae'Quan Wright</li>
<li>Ole Miss DB Kapena Gushiken</li>
<li>Alabama LB Deontae Lawson</li>
<li>Florida LS Rocco Underwood</li>
<li>Washington State S Tucker Large</li>
<li>Alabama G Jaelan Roberts</li>
<li>International Player Pathway DL Joshua Weru</li>
<li>Wofford S Maximus Pulley </li>
</ul><h3><a id="PIT" name="PIT">Pittsburgh Steelers</a></h3><ul>
<li>USC TE Lake McRee</li>
<li>Indiana DB Devan Boykin</li>
<li>Syracuse DL Kevin Jobity Jr.</li>
<li>Kansas K Laith Marjan</li>
<li>Arizona State TE Chamon Metayer</li>
</ul><h3><a id="SF" name="SF">San Francisco 49ers</a></h3><ul>
<li>Illinois DT James Thompson</li>
<li>Notre Dame WR Will Pauling</li>
<li>Penn State TE Khalil Dinkins</li>
<li>Notre Dame S Jalen Stroman</li>
<li>NC State WR Wesley Grimes</li>
<li>Indiana DL Mikail Kamara</li>
<li>Texas P Jack Bouwmeester</li>
<li>Tennessee DL Bryson Eason</li>
</ul><h3><a id="SEA" name="SEA">Seattle Seahawks</a></h3><ul>
<li>TCU LB Devean Deal</li>
<li>Kansas State DT Uso Seumalo</li>
<li>Wisconsin TE Lance Mason</li>
<li>Cal Poly WR Michael Briscoe</li>
<li>Northwestern DE Aidan Hubbard</li>
<li>Kansas WR Levi Wentz</li>
</ul><h3><a id="TB" name="TB">Tampa Bay Buccaneers</a></h3><ul>
<li>Kansas QB Jalon Daniels</li>
<li>Army WR Noah Short</li>
<li>Georgia Tech WR Eric Rivers</li>
<li>Rutgers TE Kenny Fletcher</li>
<li>Arizona DT Deshawn McKnight</li>
<li>LSU DE Jack Pyburn</li>
<li>Arizona CB Ayden Garnes</li>
<li>Charlotte S Ja'Qurious Conley</li>
<li>Kentucky P Aidan Laros</li>
<li>Arizona CB Ayden Garnes</li>
<li>Nebraska LB Javin Wright</li>
<li>NC State LB Caden Fordham</li>
<li>Fresno State LS Wesley Brown</li>
</ul><h3><a id="TEN" name="TEN">Tennessee Titans</a></h3><ul>
<li>John Carroll WR Tyren Montgomery</li>
<li>Houston CB Latrell McCutchin</li>
<li>Tennessee CB Jalen McMurray</li>
<li>UTSA LB Shad Banks Jr.</li>
<li>Notre Dame OT Aamil Wagner</li>
<li>Clemson CB Jeadyn Lukus</li>
<li>Illinois WR Hank Beatty</li>
<li>USC S Bishop Fitzgerald</li>
<li>Clemson OT Tristan Leigh</li>
<li>Purdue LB Mani Powell</li>
<li>Arkansas State CB Trenton Alan Yowe</li>
<li>NC State LB Sean Brown</li>
<li>Jacksonville State WR Brock Rechsteiner</li>
</ul><h3><a id="WAS" name="WAS">Washington Commanders</a></h3><ul>
<li>Northwestern DB Fred Davis</li>
<li>Michigan State S Malik Spencer</li>
<li>Washington TE Quentin Moore</li>
<li>SMU DT Jeffrey M'ba</li>
<li>LSU WR Chris Hilton Jr.</li>
<li>UNLV WR Jaden Bradley</li>
<li>UTSA RB Robert Henry Jr.</li>
<li>Utah G Tanoa Togiai</li>
</ul>

BOCA RATON, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 23: Miller Moss #7 of the Louisville Cardinals passes the ball against the Toledo Rockets during the first half of the 2025 Bush's Boca Raton Bowl of Beans game at Flagler Credit Union Stadium on December 23, 2025 in Boca Raton, Florida.

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Undrafted Free-Agent Tracker: Follow all signings after 2026 NFL Draft

Jump to:    Round: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7  Draft grades for all 32 teams   Round 1 window.addE...

<p><strong>Jump to: </strong></p><ul>
<li>Round: <a href="#Round%201">1</a> | <a href="#Round%202">2</a> | <a href="#Round%203">3</a> | <a href="#Round%204">4</a> | <a href="#Round%205">5</a> | <a href="#Round%206">6</a> | <a href="#Round%207">7</a>
</li>
<li><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3509143" href="https://thescore.com/news/3509143">Draft grades for all 32 teams</a></li>
</ul><p><a id="Round 1" name="Round%201"><strong>Round 1</strong></a></p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Round 1" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-vfBBx" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/vfBBx/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="1541" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p><a id="Round 2" name="Round%202"><strong>Round 2</strong></a></p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Round 2" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-hm4cL" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/hm4cL/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="1541" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p><a id="Round 3" name="Round%203"><strong>Round 3</strong></a></p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Round 3" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-ELAxf" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/ELAxf/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="1722" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p><a id="Round 4" name="Round%204"><strong>Round 4</strong></a></p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Round 4" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-u6yfZ" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/u6yfZ/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="1903" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p><a id="Round 5" name="Round%205"><strong>Round 5</strong></a></p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Round 5" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-Zip4Z" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/Zip4Z/17/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="2062" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p><a id="Round 6" name="Round%206"><strong>Round 6</strong></a></p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Round 6" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-569yF" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/569yF/13/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="192" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p><a id="Round 7" name="Round%207"><strong>Round 7</strong></a></p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Round 7" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-VpBMf" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/VpBMf/10/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="2062" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure>

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2026 NFL Draft Tracker

theScore's football editors offer their insights from the most notable moves, emerging trends, an...

<p><em>theScore's football editors offer their insights from the most notable moves, emerging trends, and interesting picks throughout Rounds 4-7 of the 2026 NFL Draft.</em></p><p><strong>👉 More: </strong><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3501335" href="https://thescore.com/news/3501335">Recapping all 257 picks</a></p><h3>Indiana's championship pedigree pays off</h3><p>The Hoosiers set a school record for NFL draft picks on the heels of their national championship. Eight Indiana studs heard their names called through seven rounds: quarterback Fernando Mendoza, wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr., cornerback D'Angelo Ponds, running back Kaelon Black, wideout Elijah Sarratt, tight end Riley Nowakowski, center Pat Coogan, and linebacker Aiden Fisher. Only five Indiana players were drafted in total from 2020-25. If there's one thing NFL teams love, it's a winner. <em>- Daniel Valente</em></p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>Special Navy picks</h3><p>The seventh round of the 2026 NFL Draft was marked by touching moments featuring former Navy players.</p><p>The Bengals owned the 226th overall pick and had it <a href="https://x.com/i/status/2048160392048779580">announced</a> by a representative of the Pat Tillman Foundation, a nonprofit organization created to honor the Arizona Cardinals safety turned U.S. Army Ranger who was killed by friendly fire in Afghanistan in 2004. With the selection, Cincinnati picked Navy defensive lineman Landon Robinson.</p><p>Four picks later, the Steelers selected another Midshipmen player, running back and Pittsburgh native Eli Heidenreich at No. 230. The versatile tailback was in attendance for Day 3 of the NFL draft and was visibly emotional after hearing his name called. It's only the second time ever (and the first since 1956) in which multiple Navy players were selected in the same NFL draft. - <em>Caio Miari</em></p><h3>Saints stockpiling at WR</h3><p>The Saints didn't select a single receiver in last year's draft. This year, they used three of their first seven picks on wideouts. It's the first time since 1996 that the franchise has drafted three receivers. With a glaring need at WR2 behind Chris Olave and a developing quarterback in Tyler Shough, it's no surprise they focused on addressing the position.</p><p>After taking Jordyn Tyson at No. 8 and speedster Bryce Lance in the fourth round, New Orleans went back to the well for LSU's Barion Brown in the sixth round. Though he never exceeded 628 yards in a season with Kentucky or LSU, Brown's been electric on special teams. He returned six kickoffs for touchdowns over his four years in college. Sounds like a perfect replacement for Rashid Shaheed, who was traded to the Seahawks last year. <em>- Daniel Valente</em></p><h3>Browns get a unicorn in QB Taylen Green</h3><p>The Browns selected one of the draft's most remarkable athletes to start the sixth round in quarterback Taylen Green. The Arkansas product took the combine by storm, setting new records for quarterbacks in the broad jump and vertical jump. His 4.36 40-yard dash time was also the second-fastest ever by a signal-caller.</p><p>The 6-foot-6 quarterback's workout was so impressive that it created buzz about a potential position switch to receiver or tight end. Browns general manager Andrew Berry already shut that down, saying Green will play quarterback, according to <a href="https://x.com/MikeGarafolo/status/2048131873029902804?s=20">NFL Network's Mike Garafolo</a>. That leaves Cleveland with Deshaun Watson, Shedeur Sanders, Dillon Gabriel, and Green on its QB depth chart. Ultimately, Green is a sixth-round lottery ticket, but he's as intriguing as a late-round quarterback gets. <em>- Daniel Valente</em></p><h3>Brotherly love all around</h3><p>Those inside the game tend to describe the NFL as a brotherhood. Well, this year's draft took that literally. The trend started with the Falcons drafting Avieon Terrell on Day 2 to pair him with his brother A.J. It continued Saturday as the Saints drafted wideout Bryce Lance, the brother of Chargers quarterback Trey Lance, in the fourth round. With their next pick, the Saints chose defensive back Lorenzo Styles Jr., whose brother Sonny Styles was selected seventh overall by the Commanders on Thursday. Get ready for some sibling rivalries in 2026. <em>- Daniel Valente</em></p><h3>Cowboys know where they need to improve</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/832165/cropped_GettyImages-2270764018.jpg?ts=1777145256" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/832165/w220xh124_GettyImages-2270764018.jpg?ts=1777145256 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/832165/w320xh180_GettyImages-2270764018.jpg?ts=1777145256 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/832165/w640xh360_GettyImages-2270764018.jpg?ts=1777145256 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/832165/w768xh432_GettyImages-2270764018.jpg?ts=1777145256 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/832165/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2270764018.jpg?ts=1777145256 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Houston Chronicle/Hearst Newspapers / Hearst Newspapers / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>The Cowboys used five of their first six picks on defense. It's the most draft capital they've allocated there since they started the 2021 draft by taking a defensive player with each of their first six picks. That's the influx of talent this unit needs after allowing an NFL-worst 30.1 points per game last season. New defensive coordinator Christian Parker will be smiling from ear to ear as he stares at his haul of safety Caleb Downs, edge rusher Malachi Lawrence, linebacker Jaishawn Barham, cornerback Devin Moore, and defensive lineman LT Overton. <em>- Daniel Valente</em></p><h3>The Chiefs' backfield is one to watch</h3><p>The Chiefs traded up in the fifth round to select their first offensive player in Nebraska running back Emmett Johnson. It's incredible value to draft our No. 3-<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3509071" href="https://thescore.com/news/3509071">ranked</a> back with the 161st pick. It also puts the finishing touches on a totally reimagined running back room.</p><p>The Chiefs signed Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III in free agency. He's one of the best in the business at creating yards after contact. Johnson produces extra yardage his own way too: He forced 68 missed tackles as a rusher last year, more than any other running back in this draft, per PFF. It's been a while since Kansas City had a dynamic backfield, but this one-two combo has the potential to be a serious problem for opposing defenses. <em>- Daniel Valente</em></p><h3>Bills land All-American wideout</h3><p>Giving Josh Allen more weapons has been a priority for the Bills. It'll be interesting to see how UConn wideout Skyler Bell - their newest fourth-round selection - fits. Bell was a consensus All-American in 2025 after catching 101 passes for 1,278 yards and 13 touchdowns. The 6-footer amassed 835 yards after catch and offers great contested-catch ability.</p><p>Bell was also a finalist for the 2025 Biletnikoff Award recognizing college football's most outstanding wide receiver. His fall to Day 3 was a relative surprise, but he could end up being a steal for the Bills, who also traded for receiver DJ Moore earlier in the offseason. <em>- Caio Miari</em></p><h3>Can Jets develop Klubnik?</h3><p>New York's quarterback room welcomed another passer Saturday, with the Jets moving up in the fourth round to draft former Clemson starter Cade Klubnik 110th overall. Klubnik is coming off an underwhelming season with the Tigers. He threw for 16 touchdowns while averaging 245.3 passing yards per game, down from 36 touchdowns and 259.9 yards in 2024.</p><p>Klubnik was once considered a top quarterback prospect and made 40 starts during his Tigers tenure. He's never thrown double-digit interceptions in a season. The Jets will now try to develop him into a capable NFL quarterback. In a perfect world, Klubnik will play at least one or two seasons behind veteran Geno Smith before potentially getting a shot to become QB1. - <em>Caio Miari</em></p><h3>Chiefs can't stop adding defenders</h3><p>The Chiefs needed to rejuvenate their defensive unit after losing key defensive backs this offseason. They traded Trent McDuffie to the Los Angeles Rams, and Jaylen Watson and Bryan Cook left in free agency. Kansas City's defensive front also regressed in 2025, ranking 18th in pressures after placing sixth in that category in '24, according to Pro Football Reference.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/801359/cropped_GettyImages-2234561082.jpg?ts=1757891809" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/801359/w220xh124_GettyImages-2234561082.jpg?ts=1757891809 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/801359/w320xh180_GettyImages-2234561082.jpg?ts=1757891809 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/801359/w640xh360_GettyImages-2234561082.jpg?ts=1757891809 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/801359/w768xh432_GettyImages-2234561082.jpg?ts=1757891809 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/801359/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2234561082.jpg?ts=1757891809 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Alexandre Schneider / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>As a result, the Chiefs have built an all-defense draft class through four rounds in 2026. Kansas City traded up to land top cornerback prospect Mansoor Delane at No. 6 overall and used another first-round pick on defensive lineman Peter Woods. Andy Reid's outfit then spent a Round 2 selection on edge rusher R Mason Thomas before taking another corner, Jadon Canady, 109th overall in the fourth round. <em>- Caio Miari</em></p><h3>Chargers give McDaniel more speed</h3><p>Los Angeles used a fourth-round pick to add a home-run hitter with blazing speed to an offense led by new coordinator Mike McDaniel. Wide receiver Brenen Thompson spent the 2025 season at Mississippi State and led the SEC with 1,054 receiving yards. He averaged a whopping 18.5 yards per catch. The 5-foot-9, 170-pounder also ran the fastest 40-yard dash at the 2026 NFL Combine with an official time of 4.26 seconds.</p><p>During his time with the Miami Dolphins, McDaniel built the league's fastest and most dynamic offense with Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, and Co. It's safe to say he'll enjoy the Thompson selection. <em>- Caio Miari</em></p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="zxx" dir="ltr"><a href="https://t.co/TMaPk9FMw1">pic.twitter.com/TMaPk9FMw1</a></p>— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) <a href="https://twitter.com/chargers/status/2048075858607505495?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 25, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><h3>Raiders end McCoy's fall in 4th round</h3><p>Las Vegas made one of the draft's most interesting moves to start Round 4. The Raiders traded up one spot with the Bills to take Jermod McCoy 101st overall, ending the Tennessee cornerback's long fall. Talent-wise, McCoy is one of the premier corners in the 2026 class. However, some NFL teams are concerned that he has a degenerative knee issue. He's reportedly recovered from a torn ACL that sidelined him in 2025, but he could face another extended absence. Clubs believe a bone plug that was used to fix a cartilage defect in his knee may need to be replaced via another surgery.</p><p>Still, the Raiders decided to take the risk, which makes sense at this point in the draft. We'll get more clarity on McCoy's availability during the offseason. For now, Las Vegas landed a very promising corner who could become a quality NFL starter. He may not fix the Raiders' short-term cornerback problems, but he could eventually become the future of their secondary. - <em>Caio Miari</em></p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/35374381/related

NFL draft: Analysis and insights from Day 3

Follow the 2026 NFL Draft with theScore's live tracker to see all picks as they happen.  The Las ...

<p><em>Follow the 2026 NFL Draft with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3501335" href="https://thescore.com/news/3501335">theScore's live tracker</a> to see all picks as they happen.</em></p><p>The Las Vegas Raiders ended Jermod McCoy's fall in the 2026 NFL Draft on Saturday, trading up to select the Tennessee cornerback in the fourth round, 101st overall.</p><p>McCoy is one of the most talented corners in this year's draft, but NFL teams had concerns about his knee. He missed the entire 2025 season due to a torn ACL.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 20-year-old is believed to have a cartilage issue that might require surgery, sources told <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7227478/2026/04/24/jermod-mccoy-injury-nfl-draft-day-3/">Saad Yousef and Jeff Howe of The Athletic</a>. The cartilage issue is separate from his ACL tear.</p><p>McCoy had a stellar 2024 season, recording 44 tackles, nine passes defended, and four interceptions in 13 contests for the Volunteers.</p><h3>McCoy's predraft profile</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Jermod McCoy" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-YvZp1" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/YvZp1/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="259" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>McCoy was well on his way to becoming a top-10 pick in this draft before tearing his ACL in early offseason workouts and missing the entire 2025 season. The injury will make the medical evaluation an important part of his assessment. Teams could shy away, considering it's been so long since they've seen him on the field. However, if he can recapture the form he showed beforehand, that'll make him one of the best value picks in the first round.</p><p>McCoy flashed his athleticism during an excellent pro day workout April 2. Reports from Knoxville indicate he ran a sub-4.4 40 while posting a 38-inch vertical and a 10-foot, 7-inch broad jump. The speed and explosive movement, along with the fluidity for high-end man coverage production, are all over his 2024 tape. McCoy also demonstrates good instincts in zone, and he turns into a playmaker when the ball's in the air. He doesn't have the physicality or tackling skills to be a consistent factor in the run game, but most teams will overlook that blemish if the payoff is a potentially elite cover man. McCoy won't have to wait long to hear his name called if team doctors give the green light on his knee.</p>

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 26: Jermod McCoy of the Tennessee Volunteers poses for a portrait during the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 26, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/35377153/related

Raiders trade up to end Jermod McCoy's fall in 4th round

Follow the 2026 NFL Draft with theScore's live tracker to see all picks as they happen.  The Ariz...

<p><em>Follow the 2026 NFL Draft with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3501335" href="https://thescore.com/news/3501335">theScore's live tracker</a> to see all picks as they happen.</em></p><p>The Arizona Cardinals selected Miami quarterback Carson Beck with the 65th overall pick in the third round of the NFL draft on Friday.</p><p>Beck is the third signal-caller off the board, following top selection Fernando Mendoza (Las Vegas Raiders) and 13th overall pick Ty Simpson (Los Angeles Rams).</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Beck, 23, spent last season at Miami after a four-year run with Georgia. He led the Hurricanes to the national title game, throwing for 3,813 yards and 30 touchdowns during the 2025 campaign.</p><p>The Cardinals are looking for a long-term quarterback after parting ways with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/97952" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/97952">Kyler Murray</a> this offseason. Arizona also signed <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/94300" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/94300">Gardner Minshew</a> in free agency, joining a room that also features <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/54853" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/54853">Jacoby Brissett</a>. The 33-year-old Brissett started 12 games for the Cardinals in 2025 and doesn't plan to attend the start of the Cardinals' offseason program while seeking a contract extension that would pay him a QB1 salary.</p><h3>Beck's predraft profile</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Carson Beck" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-lkzQo" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/lkzQo/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="291" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>Beck should have fans among personnel evaluators who subscribe to Bill Parcells' rules of drafting quarterbacks. He's got more meaningful reps than any other passer in this class, winning 37 of 43 starts for title contenders across the last three seasons. Beck finished his college career having completed nearly 70% of his passes with 88 touchdowns to 32 interceptions. That extensive experience shows up in his ability to work through progressions and operate on time from the pocket.</p><p>Beck has low-level starter upside if paired with a team that runs a quick-hit passing game designed to get the ball out of his hands quickly and minimize his exposure to pressure. However, he struggled to push the ball downfield with any consistency after the elbow injury that ended his 2024 season. Barring a significant bounce back in that regard, Beck likely profiles as a long-term backup.</p>

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - JANUARY 8: Carson Beck #11 of the Miami Hurricanes celebrates on stage after the second half of CFP Semifinal Vrbo Fiesta Bowl against the Ole Miss Rebels at State Farm Stadium on January 8, 2026 in Glendale, Arizona.The Miami Hurricanes defeated the Ole Miss Rebels 31-27.

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Cardinals draft Miami QB Beck to start Round 3

We're one month into the 2026 MLB season, and theScore baseball editors Bryan Mcwilliam, Tom Rumi...

<p>We're one month into the 2026 MLB season, and theScore baseball editors Bryan Mcwilliam, Tom Ruminski, and Simon Sharkey-Gotlieb are here to answer some of the most pressing questions so far.</p><h3>What's the biggest early-season storyline?</h3><p><strong>Success of ABS: </strong>Even the most ardent of traditionalists can't deny just how great the ABS system has been. In addition to helping umpires get their calls right, it's brought an element of strategy to the game and created excitement in the ballpark without completely eliminating the human element. ABS also allows fans to appreciate how hard an umpire's job is in this era. The system is still so new that players are almost experimenting with it in many ways, and you'll probably start to see them get the hang of it by the All-Star break. For now, we'll applaud MLB for introducing a fantastic system that's been a roaring success. <em>- Sharkey-Gotlieb</em></p><p><strong>José Soriano's wild start: </strong>The Angels right-hander has allowed just one run over 37 2/3 innings. One single run. The 27-year-old's 0.24 ERA is the lowest for any pitcher through the first six starts of a season since earned runs became official in both leagues in 1913 (minimum 30 innings). Soriano's numbers are bound to come back to Earth - he owns a career 3.56 ERA - but let's enjoy this historical run while it lasts and give him props. - <em>Ruminski</em></p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p><strong>Mets' miserable play:</strong> The Mets entered the season with one of baseball's highest payrolls and lofty expectations following David Stearns' roster overhaul. However, things aren't going well.<strong> </strong>New York dropped 12 straight and were just five losses short of matching the franchise record before beating the Twins on Wednesday. Each loss only draws more eyes to the Mets, who own the second-worst record in the majors despite featuring high-paid stars like Juan Soto, Francisco Lindor, and Bo Bichette. <em>- Mcwilliam</em></p><h3>Which team has impressed you the most?</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/831779/cropped_GettyImages-2270890878.jpg?ts=1776954152" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/831779/w220xh124_GettyImages-2270890878.jpg?ts=1776954152 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/831779/w320xh180_GettyImages-2270890878.jpg?ts=1776954152 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/831779/w640xh360_GettyImages-2270890878.jpg?ts=1776954152 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/831779/w768xh432_GettyImages-2270890878.jpg?ts=1776954152 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/831779/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2270890878.jpg?ts=1776954152 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Jack Casey/Atlanta Braves / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Braves: </strong>Atlanta looked cursed again after a slew of injuries and bad luck to open the season - a trend that's become part of the club's identity over the last few years. Yet the Braves are off to a 18-8 start with a plus-62 run differential<strong> </strong>despite missing Spencer Strider, Spencer Schwellenbach, and Hurston Waldrep from the rotation. The team is also dealing with the loss of Ha-Seong Kim and Sean Murphy, as well as Jurickson Profar's season-long suspension. Additionally, the hot start has come with limited production from Ronald Acuña Jr., who has just one home run. Meanwhile, reigning NL Rookie of the Year Drake Baldwin, Matt Olson, and Michael Harris II have combined for 20 homers and 61 RBIs. - <em>Ruminski</em></p><p><strong>Padres:</strong> On paper, the Padres didn't look like a complete team entering 2026. Major question marks loomed over the rotation, and the lineup had holes the front office didn't address in the offseason because of the potential sale of the franchise. But it's late April, and San Diego is tied for the second-best record in baseball and shares the NL West lead with the Dodgers. How have the Padres done it? A ridiculous bullpen anchored by the game's best closer in Mason Miller, a breakout campaign from starter Randy Vásquez, and beating the teams they're supposed to beat. An upcoming series in Mexico against the D-Backs, followed by three home games against the red-hot Cubs, could offer a gauge of what this club is truly made of. <em>- Mcwilliam</em></p><p><strong>Yankees: </strong>The Yankees received plenty of criticism for running back a roster that, despite winning 94 games in 2025, had a litany of flaws exposed in the playoffs. Well, it appears this group may have learned some harsh lessons from last year's early exit. The 16-9<strong> </strong>Yankees own the AL's best record and run differential (plus-37) by wide margins, already threatening to pull away from the AL East pack after sweeping from the rival Red Sox this week. Aaron Judge continues to do his thing offensively and is receiving help from unlikely sources in Ben Rice (1.169 OPS, eight homers) and Amed Rosario (.868 OPS, 13 RBIs). Max Fried and Cam Schlittler have been brilliant in the rotation, taking the pressure off Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodón to perform once they're healthy. Right now, these Yankees look like the team to beat in the AL.<em> - Sharkey-Gotlieb</em></p><h3>Which team do you think is overachieving?</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/796022/cropped_GettyImages-2226494179.jpg?ts=1762980169" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/796022/w220xh124_GettyImages-2226494179.jpg?ts=1762980169 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/796022/w320xh180_GettyImages-2226494179.jpg?ts=1762980169 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/796022/w640xh360_GettyImages-2226494179.jpg?ts=1762980169 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/796022/w768xh432_GettyImages-2226494179.jpg?ts=1762980169 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/796022/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2226494179.jpg?ts=1762980169 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Rob Tringali / Major League Baseball / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Twins: </strong>Buoyed by a surprising sweep of the Tigers and series wins over the Blue Jays and Red Sox, the Twins jumped atop the AL Central in mid-April and now sit 1 1/2 games back of first place. Still, even accounting for the AL Central's reputation, the squad's hot start seems unlikely to last. A soft April schedule helped Minnesota catch some teams at the right time, and the Twins had some flaws exposed while being swept by the Reds last weekend. Taj Bradley might be breaking out, but his pace isn't sustainable. And Austin Martin isn't finishing the season with a Bondsian .515 OBP. Baseball has a way of balancing itself out over time, and it wouldn't be shocking to see the rebuilding Twins rapidly backsliding by mid-May. <em>- Sharkey-Gotlieb</em></p><p><strong>Cardinals: </strong>It seems nobody told the players that St. Louis is rebuilding. The Cardinals are over .500 despite focusing on a youth movement after trading pricey veterans in the offseason. It's a nice story, but don't expect it to last. The club owns a minus-11 run differential, which means they've been a bit lucky - their expected record is 11-13. Notably, the Cardinals are 5-0 in one-run contests and have yet to play a rival from the NL Central, a division where the Cubs, Brewers, Reds, and Pirates could all be fighting for playoff spots. - <em>Ruminski</em></p><p><strong>Athletics:</strong> The A's have looked like one of the best teams in baseball after putting their season-opening sweep against the Blue Jays in the rearview mirror. Since then, they've posted a 13-9 record and have played well against division rivals. Shea Langeliers has been tremendous, his eight homers tying for fifth in the majors. Jeffrey Springs has also been a bright spot in the rotation, with his 0.98 WHIP. We'll see if the Athletics can continue their success with a questionable bullpen and rotation lacking star power, but let's enjoy the ride for now. <em>- Mcwilliam</em></p><h3>Which struggling team are you most worried about?</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/831609/cropped_GettyImages-2271894520.jpg?ts=1776822330" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/831609/w220xh124_GettyImages-2271894520.jpg?ts=1776822330 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/831609/w320xh180_GettyImages-2271894520.jpg?ts=1776822330 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/831609/w640xh360_GettyImages-2271894520.jpg?ts=1776822330 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/831609/w768xh432_GettyImages-2271894520.jpg?ts=1776822330 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/831609/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2271894520.jpg?ts=1776822330 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Winslow Townson / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Red Sox:</strong> You can't win the AL East - baseball's most competitive division - in April, but you can absolutely lose it. The Red Sox are sure doing their best to make that happen. Boston's inconsistency has the team at 9-16 with a minus-22 run differential<strong> </strong>and only two series wins thus far. The Red Sox have also hit an AL-worst 14 home runs and own the Junior Circuit's lowest OPS (.636) by a wide margin. Sonny Gray's recent injury further depletes a rotation already missing other pieces. While it's early, this ongoing nine-game stretch against the division-rival Yankees, Orioles, and Blue Jays could determine the fate of the 2026 Red Sox. <em>- Sharkey-Gotlieb</em></p><p><strong>Phillies:</strong> One of baseball's biggest surprises is the Phillies, who are an MLB-worst 8-17 despite a star-studded team of proven winners. Dave Dombrowski made very few changes in the offseason as the roster continued to age, and that may have been a mistake. Outside of Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper, there has been next to no production from the lineup, while the pitching staff has struggled without ace Zack Wheeler. The three-time All-Star returns Saturday, but this doesn't look like the same team that's made four straight playoff appearances and was close to winning a World Series in 2022. <em>- Mcwilliam</em></p><p><strong>Mets: </strong>It's easy to double down on the Mets here because no team in MLB history has ever made the postseason after losing 12 consecutive regular-season contests. But there are other red flags. Marcus Semien continues to decline after down seasons in 2024 and 2025. Devin Williams might have a New York problem, as the star closer looks just as inconsistent with the Mets as he did with the Yankees. Lastly, the Mets looked disastrous without Soto in the lineup and are now facing an extended absence for Lindor. - <em>Ruminski </em></p><h3>Which player's hot start has you most intrigued?</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/828016/cropped_GettyImages-2267751721.jpg?ts=1776954300" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/828016/w220xh124_GettyImages-2267751721.jpg?ts=1776954300 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/828016/w320xh180_GettyImages-2267751721.jpg?ts=1776954300 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/828016/w640xh360_GettyImages-2267751721.jpg?ts=1776954300 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/828016/w768xh432_GettyImages-2267751721.jpg?ts=1776954300 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/828016/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2267751721.jpg?ts=1776954300 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">MediaNews Group/Pasadena Star-News via Getty Images / MediaNews Group / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Mike Trout:</strong> Is the Angels star officially back? The three-time MVP has been on a roll, recapturing his vintage form through 25 games. Trout leads the AL in runs, and his series against the Yankees in New York (five homers in four contests) was awe-inspiring. If the 34-year-old can avoid the injury bug that's plagued him over the last five years, we could see a resurgence of one of this generation's best talents. That would not only do wonders for the Angels but also be a treat for baseball fans everywhere. <em>- Mcwilliam</em></p><p><strong>Jordan Walker: </strong>After years of regression and questions, the version of Walker the Cardinals have been waiting for seems to have finally arrived. The former top prospect's eight home runs are tied for second in the NL - already halfway to his career-high 16 from his rookie season - and he's one of six qualified players slugging above .600. Walker's porous outfield defense has also improved somewhat. While he's still striking out a ton, his eye has gotten sharper, as shown by his career-best 9.2% walk rate. Considering how far he'd fallen, the rebuilding Cardinals will be in a great place if this really is his breakout. <em>- Sharkey-Gotlieb</em></p><p><strong>Sal Stewart:</strong> I owe you an apology, Sal. I wasn't really familiar with your game. The 22-year-old wasn't getting the same type of attention as Konnor Griffin, Nolan McLean, and Bubba Chandler as a potential NL Rookie of the Year heading into the season. However, Stewart appears to be the favorite for the award at this point. The first baseman has gone deep eight times with a 1.004 OPS. He's also recorded 24 RBIs in 25 games to help the Reds get off to a strong start in what looks to be a tough division. - <em>Ruminski</em></p><h3>Which player on a new team are you following most?</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/828187/cropped_GettyImages-2267959331.jpg?ts=1774572200" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/828187/w220xh124_GettyImages-2267959331.jpg?ts=1774572200 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/828187/w320xh180_GettyImages-2267959331.jpg?ts=1774572200 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/828187/w640xh360_GettyImages-2267959331.jpg?ts=1774572200 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/828187/w768xh432_GettyImages-2267959331.jpg?ts=1774572200 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/828187/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2267959331.jpg?ts=1774572200 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Aaron Gash / Major League Baseball / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Munetaka Murakami: </strong>Despite winning a Triple Crown in Japan, Murakami had his detractors about his hitting and how his offensive profile would translate to the majors. So far, it's been a smooth ride, with the 26-year-old quickly becoming a must-watch player. <span style="margin:0px; padding:0px; text-align:left">Murakami's 10 home runs rank second in the majors, and he tied the MLB rookie record by homering in five consecutive contests.<strong> </strong>He also sits in the top seven in both slugging and OPS. Murakami </span>still has a lot of swing-and-miss in his game, but he's countering that with an elite eye, drawing 21 walks. His prodigious power has injected new life into the White Sox, making them fun to watch again. <em>- Sharkey-Gotlieb</em></p><p><strong>Kyle Tucker: </strong>You're going to draw plenty of eyes when you sign a four-year, $240-million deal with a $60-million AAV to join the two-time defending World Series champions. With that in mind, Tucker is off to an underwhelming start, slashing .244/.327/.372 with three homers and 13 RBIs.<strong> </strong>However, the four-time All-Star is second on the team with 12 walks,<strong> </strong>which means he's taking what's given to him and isn't trying to force anything until his bat comes around. The former Gold Glover has also shown off his arm this season, sitting in the 98th percentile for arm value after finishing in the 83rd percentile in 2025. - <em>Ruminski</em></p><p><strong>Dylan Cease:</strong> The right-hander's early-season outings have me circling his start dates on my calendar. Through five outings, Cease owns a 2.10 ERA and leads the majors in strikeouts. He's already recorded two double-digit strikeout performances and has yet to allow a homer. The 30-year-old has also played a crucial role in keeping the Blue Jays afloat amid a rash of injuries to key players. If the past is any indication, Cease will continue to take his turn every fifth day and rack up plenty of strikeouts. <em>- Mcwilliam</em></p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/35358247/related

MLB Roundtable: Breaking down 1st month of season

Follow the 2026 NFL Draft with theScore's live tracker to see all picks as they happen.  The Los ...

<p><em>Follow the 2026 NFL Draft with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3501335" href="https://thescore.com/news/3501335">theScore's live tracker</a> to see all picks as they happen.</em></p><p>The Los Angeles Rams selected Alabama quarterback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/224585" href="https://thescore.com/ncaaf/players/224585">Ty Simpson</a> 13th overall in Round 1 of the NFL draft Thursday.</p><p>Rams head coach Sean McVay told reigning MVP Matthew Stafford earlier Thursday that the franchise intended to take Simpson in hopes that he can succeed the veteran signal-caller, according to <a href="https://x.com/JayGlazer/status/2047484062512845129?s=20">Fox Sports' Jay Glazer</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"He was great," McVay said Thursday when asked about Stafford's reaction to the Simpson pick, according to <a href="https://x.com/AdamGrosbard/status/2047501291530981390?s=20">Adam Grosbard of the LA Daily News</a>. "He's always a stud in every sense of the word."</p><p>McVay <a href="https://x.com/AdamGrosbard/status/2047499440626487720?s=20">noted</a> that drafting Simpson doesn't impact contract negotiations with Stafford. The 2026 season is slated to be Stafford's last year under contract.</p><p>Simpson also revealed that he had little contact with the Rams during the pre-draft process. </p><p>"I really had no clue," Simpson <a href="https://x.com/AdamGrosbard/status/2047504292123419078">said</a>.</p><p>Simpson is the first quarterback the Rams have selected in the first round since <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/71572" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/71572">Jared Goff</a>, whom the team eventually traded for Stafford.</p><p>The Alabama product became the second passer to go in Round 1 this year after Fernando Mendoza, who landed with the Las Vegas Raiders as the first overall pick.</p><p>Simpson became Alabama's full-time starting quarterback in 2025, throwing for 3,567 yards, 28 touchdowns, and five interceptions.</p><p>The Rams entered the offseason with two first-round picks at their disposal, but they traded away their later pick in March to acquire All-Pro cornerback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/173979" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/173979">Trent McDuffie</a> from the Kansas City Chiefs.</p><h3>Simpson's predraft profile</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Ty Simpson" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-9aFXB" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/9aFXB/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="291" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>Simpson probably could have used another year in school. He showed flashes of being a first-round prospect early in his lone season as a starter, combining solid arm talent and athleticism with an ability to work through progressions and navigate the pocket. But it ultimately amounted to an extraordinarily small sample of high-level production, as the Alabama product's play fell off toward the end of the season. Simpson reportedly dealt with injuries during that stretch, which may explain his struggles. Still, the point remains - his next team is effectively taking a swing on a quarterback based on a handful of promising games.</p><p>Simpson offers upside if a team can give him the necessary time to develop. His ability to work the middle of the field in rhythm and make plays outside the pocket will be particularly appealing for offenses on the Shanahan tree. However, he'll have to improve his accuracy and decision-making under pressure to become a mid-level starter in the NFL. There are just too many wild misses to justify first-round draft capital here. Ultimately, Simpson should be viewed as a Day 2 prospect with starting potential in a year or two.</p>

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 23: Ty Simpson of Alabama celebrates after being selected thirteenth overall pick by the Los Angeles Rams during Round One of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium on April 23, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/35353101/related

Rams draft Simpson to succeed Stafford in early shocker

Follow the 2026 NFL Draft with theScore's live tracker to see all picks as they happen.  The Tenn...

<p><em>Follow the 2026 NFL Draft with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3501335" href="https://thescore.com/news/3501335">theScore's live tracker</a> to see all picks as they happen.</em></p><p>The Tennessee Titans selected Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate fourth overall in Thursday's first round of the NFL draft.</p><p>Tate is the first receiver taken in the 2026 draft.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 21-year-old stood out in his three seasons at Ohio State. Lining up next to star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/195944" href="https://thescore.com/ncaaf/players/195944">Jeremiah Smith</a>, Tate ranked second on the team in catches (51), receiving yards (875), and receiving touchdowns (nine) in 2025.</p><p>The Titans are focused on giving quarterback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/209905" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/209905">Cam Ward</a> more weapons next season. Tennessee signed <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/174083" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/174083">Wan'Dale Robinson</a> to a four-year, $70-million contract in free agency, adding him to a wide receiver group that includes <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/99606" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/99606">Calvin Ridley</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/210119" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/210119">Elic Ayomanor</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/210095" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/210095">Chimere Dike</a>, among others.</p><h3>Tate's predraft profile</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Carnell Tate" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-UvSO4" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/UvSO4/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="291" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>Tate is probably the safest pick among this year's receiver prospects. The Ohio State standout wins primarily by employing advanced route-running skills. His release package creates immediate advantages off the line of scrimmage, and he explodes in and out of his breaks with excellent short-area quickness for a player of his size. He's a proven finisher at the catch point, having capped off his college career with a drop-free junior season, according to PFF.</p><p>His strong hands and impressive body control allow him to rise up and get the best of defenders in contested-catch situations. Speed isn't his strong suit, and he's not the most dynamic playmaker with the ball in his hands. But those are relatively small gripes for a receiver who does essentially everything else at a high level. There are only so many targets who can both create consistent separation and win above the rim. Tate has true WR1 potential in the NFL.</p>

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 23: Carnell Tate of Ohio State poses after being selected fourth overall pick by the Tennessee Titans during Round One of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium on April 23, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

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Titans grab Tate as 1st WR off the board

<p><em>Follow the 2026 NFL Draft with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3501335" href="https://thescore.com/news/3501335">theScore's live tracker</a> to see all picks as they happen.</em></p><p>The Arizona Cardinals selected Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love No. 3 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft on Thursday.</p><p>Love, who set career highs with 1,372 rushing yards (6.9 per carry) and 18 touchdowns in 2025, is the highest-drafted tailback since Saquon Barkley went second overall in 2018.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Notre Dame product rushed for 2,497 yards and 35 touchdowns over his final two years with the Fighting Irish.</p><p>Love is the Cardinals' first player drafted under new head coach Mike LaFleur.</p><p>The Cardinals have one of the league's deepest running back rooms, which includes free-agent signee <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/174178" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/174178">Tyler Allgeier</a>, veteran <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/74593" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/74593">James Conner</a>, and 2024 third-rounder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/199807" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/199807">Trey Benson</a>.</p><h3>Love's predraft profile</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Jeremiyah Love" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-qL02R" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/qL02R/3/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="291" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>Love always had top-10 pick written all over him. Any team selecting a running back that early is bound to receive criticism from the position-value crowd, but there likely won't be any regrets here. The Notre Dame product should immediately become one of the best running backs in the NFL. He demonstrates an impressive feel as a runner, allowing his blocks to develop and setting up defenders before cutting to daylight. And when it seems like the defense has him bottled up, Love's elusiveness helps him create something out of nothing.</p><p>Upon finding a lane, he accelerates instantly, and he's got the juice to erase angles and pull away from defenders in the open field. Love is one of the rare running back prospects who can offer true three-down upside from Day 1. He's a proficient receiver out of the backfield and has shown an ability to run routes lining up out wide. Plus, he's a willing participant in pass protection. If Love can run behind his pads a little more consistently, he could end up being the best player in this entire class.</p>

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 23: Jeremiyah Love (R) of Notre Dame poses with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell (L) after being selected third overall pick by the Arizona Cardinals during Round One of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium on April 23, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

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Love goes No. 3 to Cardinals, becomes highest-drafted RB since Saquon

Follow the 2026 NFL Draft with theScore's live tracker to see all picks as they happen.  The New ...

<p><em>Follow the 2026 NFL Draft with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3501335" href="https://thescore.com/news/3501335">theScore's live tracker</a> to see all picks as they happen.</em></p><p>The New York Jets selected edge rusher David Bailey with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft on Thursday.</p><p>The Jets, who had last picked a defensive player in the first round in 2023, own another Round 1 selection this year at No. 16 (via the Indianapolis Colts).</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>After a three-year stint at Stanford, Bailey spent the 2025 season at Texas Tech, where he led all of college football in sacks (14.5) and pressure rate (21.3%) while adding 19.5 tackles for loss and three forced fumbles.</p><p>The 22-year-old will join a Jets defense that's in need of pass-rush help after finishing 31st in sacks last season. New York also allowed 36 touchdown passes without recording an interception.</p><h3>Bailey's predraft profile</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="David Bailey" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-rnj4B" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/rnj4B/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="259" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>Bailey has a clear argument as the best pure pass-rusher in this draft. The Texas Tech standout is a nightmare to defend off the edge, often putting his opponent at an immediate disadvantage by the way he explodes off the ball. Bailey also pairs that dangerous first step with a fairly deep repertoire of rush moves. He can win by converting speed to power, bending around the edge, or quickly countering back inside, including with a lethal spin move. It's easy to see why he led the nation with 14.5 sacks in 2025.</p><p>Perhaps even more impressively, Bailey's 81 pressures were only two shy of Bain for the FBS lead despite recording 177 fewer pass-rush snaps, according to PFF. He will have to improve against the run to have any well-rounded impact on defense, as he struggles to consistently hold his ground in that phase. Getting after the quarterback is what gets you paid, though, and Bailey has a chance to do so at a Pro Bowl level.</p>

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 23: David Bailey of Texas Tech poses after being selected second overall pick by the New York Jets during Round One of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium on April 23, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

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Jets use 2nd overall pick on pass-rusher David Bailey

theScore's David P. Woods ranks as one of the industry's most accurate mock drafters over the las...

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Final projections ahead of 2026 NFL Draft

With the 2025-26 NBA playoffs set to kick off, theScore's basketball editors - Joseph Casciaro, M...

<p><em>With the 2025-26 NBA playoffs set to kick off, theScore's basketball editors - Joseph Casciaro, Michael J. Chandler, Chicco Nacion, Sam Oshtry, and Jonathan Soveta - make their picks for the first round, conference finals, NBA Finals, and Finals MVP.</em></p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="1st round: Thunder vs. XXX" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-67UxO" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/67UxO/5/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="284" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>The Oklahoma City Thunder's pursuit of becoming the first repeat champions in eight years starts with a best-of-seven clash with the Phoenix Suns, and it's difficult to envision a scenario where Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Co. won't make light work of a flawed opponent. Regardless, this Suns team isn't short on self-belief, and Dillon Brooks should make things entertaining.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="1st round: Spurs vs. XXX" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-0t86Y" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/0t86Y/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="284" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>The Portland Trail Blazers orchestrated a thrilling come-from-behind play-in victory over the Suns, sparked by Deni Avdija's 41-point display and Jerami Grant's return from injury. But the San Antonio Spurs are the presumed favorites for obvious reasons. The Spurs won the season series 2-1, though their loss came without Victor Wembanyama in the lineup.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="1st RD: Nuggets vs. T-Wolves" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-EtxyM" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/EtxyM/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="284" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>Just as concerns surfaced that the Denver Nuggets' window had slammed shut, they piled up a dozen consecutive wins to finish the season. The Nuggets went 3-1 against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the season series, and that one loss was marred by uncharacteristic 27% shooting from deep. Nikola Jokic averaged 35.8 points, 15 rebounds, and 11.3 assists in those four matchups.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="(4) Lakers vs. (5) Rockets" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-CwxvG" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/CwxvG/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="284" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>The Houston Rockets are arguably the least clutch team in the NBA, having gone 5-9 in games decided by three or fewer points and 1-7 in outings that went to overtime. Untimely injuries to Los Angeles Lakers duo Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves are a major factor in this series, putting the burden of never passing the ball to Deandre Ayton entirely on LeBron James.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="1st round: Pistons vs. XXX" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-NRNRm" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/NRNRm/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="284" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>The Orlando Magic finished the regular season with seven wins in 10 games, and rebounded from a defeat in the play-in opener to dismantle the Charlotte Hornets. They play a suffocating brand of basketball that in theory, could pose a challenge to the Detroit Pistons. At their core, the Magic are a mercurial team. The Pistons can match their muscle and more.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="1st round: Celtics vs. XXX" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-3uDWm" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/3uDWm/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="284" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>Maybe a healthy 76ers squad could've challenged the Boston Celtics if Jaylen Brown's Achilles tendinitis became particularly worrisome. However, those slim chances were essentially dashed when Joel Embiid assumed a familiar role on the bench due to an untimely bout with appendicitis. Plus, Boston has won six straight playoff series versus Philly.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="1st round: Knicks vs. Hawks" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-72kjm" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/72kjm/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="284" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>The New York Knicks went 2-1 against the Atlanta Hawks this year, but those two victories were each by a three-point margin, hinting that this matchup could be a tight one. The Knicks should command the rebounding edge with Karl-Anthony Towns and Mitchell Robinson hovering around the rim, which could amount to the deciding factor. Sadly, this series won't feature Madison Square Garden nemesis Trae Young.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="1st round: Cavs vs. Raptors" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-OcITH" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/OcITH/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="284" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>The Toronto Raptors avoided the Knicks, whom they've lost 13 in a row to, and will instead face a Cleveland Cavaliers team that they beat 3-0 in the season series. Those wins came against the pre-James Harden Cavs, though. Considering the Raptors went 2-22 versus the league's other top nine teams, you can expect their inferiority to be on display here.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Western Conference finals" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-6bo4m" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/6bo4m/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="284" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>There's a sense that San Antonio's ascension is ahead of schedule and Wembanyama and Co. may not be ready to snatch top billing in the West. Denver's red-hot finish to the regular season and return to health following an injury-blighted campaign appears to make the Nuggets the biggest hurdle between the Thunder and a second consecutive Finals appearance.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Eastern Conference finals" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-pWae5" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/pWae5/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="284" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>The Celtics and Knicks got two votes each ahead of what could be an enthralling conference semifinal between the iconic franchises. Meanwhile, the Cavaliers went 22-9 after acquiring Harden from the Los Angeles Clippers and should make light work of the Raptors before presumably meeting a Pistons side that's short on postseason experience.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="NBA Finals" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-XmzHG" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/XmzHG/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="284" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>The four NBA champions (Milwaukee Bucks, Golden State Warriors, Nuggets, Celtics) prior to the Thunder all suffered defeat in the conference semifinals the year after winning the title. Is this an ominous portent for Oklahoma City? An indicator of how hard it is to repeat as champs? The answer could be both, which explains the diversity among our picks.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Finals MVP" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-0mEfS" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/0mEfS/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="242" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>There's a lot of variance here, with reigning regular-season and Finals MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander receiving two nods as the offensive fulcrum of a talented Thunder side. Voter fatigue (or contrarianism) might explain the prediction of Donovan Mitchell, who enters the postseason with the seventh-best scoring average (28.3 points) in playoff history.</p>

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NBA playoff predictions: Who wins 1st round, conference finals, title?

The 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs are upon us, and theScore's Michael Bradburn, Kyle Cushman, John Ma...

<p><em>The 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs are upon us, and theScore's Michael Bradburn, Kyle Cushman, John Matisz, Sean O'Leary, Levi Smith, and Josh Wegman share their picks for the first round, conference finals, Stanley Cup Final, and Conn Smythe Trophy winner.</em></p><p><em>Teams with home-ice advantage are listed second in each matchup.</em></p><h3>Opening round</h3><p><strong>Boston Bruins vs. Buffalo Sabres</strong></p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="1st round: Bruins vs. Sabres" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-tgkJb" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/tgkJb/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="244" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>The Sabres are clearly better than the Bruins on paper. But when it's finally time, will the lights be too bright?</p><p><strong>Montreal Canadiens vs. Tampa Bay Lightning</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="1st round: Canadiens vs. Lightning" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-aI6G9" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/aI6G9/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="244" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>At least Cushman, O'Leary, and Wegman believe it might be a competitive series.</p><p><strong>Ottawa Senators vs. Carolina Hurricanes</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="1st round: Senators vs. Hurricanes" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-fOZW7" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/fOZW7/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="244" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>Two Canadian teams in the Eastern Conference make the playoffs, and only Cushman has one of them advancing.</p><p><strong>Philadelphia Flyers vs. Pittsburgh Penguins</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="1st round: Flyers vs. Penguins" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-N5xmP" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/N5xmP/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="244" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>Not a lot of belief in the Flyers. However, there's a strong belief that this will be a long, tough series, with none of our experts predicting fewer than six games.</p><p><strong>Los Angeles Kings vs. Colorado Avalanche</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="1st round: Avalanche vs. Kings" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-gT7dJ" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/gT7dJ/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="244" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>Can a series end after three games? Hey, at least O'Leary expects the Kings to win one.</p><p><strong>Minnesota Wild vs. Dallas Stars</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="1st round: Stars vs. Wild" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-8TlHX" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/8TlHX/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="244" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>Only Cushman believes this one won't go the distance. This should be a riveting series even if our experts skew slightly in Dallas' favor.</p><p><strong>Anaheim Ducks vs. Edmonton Oilers</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="1st round: Ducks vs. Oilers" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-GaMc7" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/GaMc7/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="244" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>Bradburn just couldn't let this be a clean sweep. The Ducks finished the season with the most wins of any team in the Pacific Division, by the way.</p><p><strong>Utah Mammoth vs. Vegas Golden Knights</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="1st round: Mammoth vs. Golden Knights" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-el79c" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/el79c/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="244" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>The Golden Knights were hot down the stretch and have a recent history of playoff prowess. However, this young, relocated Mammoth club has plenty of believers here.</p><h3>Conference finals</h3><p><strong>Eastern Conference Final</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Eastern Conference Final" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-NdsWm" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/NdsWm/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="223" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>Five of us have the same matchup, with only Wegman believing the Hurricanes can prevail in the battle of the weather. Cushman has a Canadian team reaching the Eastern Conference Final for the first time since 2017 (omitting the pandemic-shortened 2020-21 campaign, which technically didn't feature a conference final round).</p><p><strong>Western Conference Final</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Western Conference Final (Copy)" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-nXBDV" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/nXBDV/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="234" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>While the Avalanche are the favorites to advance, four different teams are named here, and three different winners. That's decent parity.</p><h3>Stanley Cup Final</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Stanley Cup Final" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-MFJO7" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/MFJO7/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="234" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>Only Smith picked a team to win that hasn't already won this decade. Fingers crossed that there's <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vF_LRVuhNa4">no foot in the crease</a> this time.</p><h3>Conn Smythe Trophy</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Conn Smythe Trophy" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-DHCB5" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/DHCB5/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="325" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>Six unique players named. Who's your pick?</p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/35271055/related

NHL playoff predictions: Who wins Stanley Cup, Conn Smythe?

The final edition of theScore's NHL Power Rankings for the 2025-26 campaign breaks down the last ...

<p><em>The final edition of theScore's NHL Power Rankings for the 2025-26 campaign breaks down the last teams standing. In this installment, we highlight a player who could make or break each playoff team's Stanley Cup aspirations.</em></p><p><strong>Jump to</strong><br><a href="#ANA">ANA</a> | <a href="#BUF">BUF</a> | <a href="#BOS">BOS</a> | <a href="#CAR">CAR</a> | <a href="#COL">COL</a> | <a href="#DAL">DAL</a> | <a href="#EDM">EDM</a> | <a href="#LAK">LAK</a> | <a href="#MIN">MIN</a> | <a href="#MTL">MTL</a> | <a href="#OTT">OTT</a> | <a href="#PHI">PHI</a> | <a href="#PIT">PIT</a> | <a href="#TBL">TBL</a> | <a href="#UTA">UTA</a> | <a href="#VGK">VGK</a></p><h3><a id="COL" name="COL">1. Colorado Avalanche</a></h3><p><em>Previous: 1</em></p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/830100/cropped_GettyImages-2269435897.jpg?ts=1775761434" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/830100/w220xh124_GettyImages-2269435897.jpg?ts=1775761434 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/830100/w320xh180_GettyImages-2269435897.jpg?ts=1775761434 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/830100/w640xh360_GettyImages-2269435897.jpg?ts=1775761434 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/830100/w768xh432_GettyImages-2269435897.jpg?ts=1775761434 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/830100/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2269435897.jpg?ts=1775761434 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Michael Martin / National Hockey League / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Nazem Kadri</strong>. Colorado brought Kadri back to provide center depth while beefing up for the Central Division gauntlet. The 35-year-old has always been at his best come playoff time, and one would assume he'll be fired up to be back in the picture after three years of missing the postseason with the Calgary Flames. The last playoff game Kadri played ended with the Avalanche hoisting the Stanley Cup.</p><h3><a id="DAL" name="DAL">2. Dallas Stars</a></h3><p><em>Previous: 2</em></p><p><strong>Justin Hryckowian</strong>.<strong> </strong>The 25-year-old rookie isn't one of the top names in the blockbuster Stars-Wild series, but he could become one of the stories of the first round. Hryckowian has been effective in Dallas' bottom six and plays a pesky game that could get under Minnesota's skin. He drew four penalties against the Oilers on March 12 and got Connor McDavid to drop the gloves, for example.</p><h3><a id="CAR" name="CAR">3. Carolina Hurricanes</a></h3><p><em>Previous: 6</em></p><p><strong>Nikolaj Ehlers</strong>.<strong> </strong>The Hurricanes have been a second-round fixture since 2020 but have struggled to compete with the truly elite teams in the conference. Ehlers, Carolina's big forward addition last summer, needs to be a game-breaker if the Hurricanes are finally going to break through in the East.</p><h3><a id="MIN" name="MIN">4. Minnesota Wild</a></h3><p><em>Previous: 5</em></p><p><strong>Quinn Hughes</strong>. It's a bit of a cop-out picking a top player for this exercise, but the Wild have a potentially dominant weapon at their disposal as they seek their first series win in 11 years. Hughes will likely average nearly 30 minutes per night in the playoffs, giving Minnesota a tremendous opportunity to tilt the ice for half the game in what should be an incredibly tight series against the Stars.</p><h3><a id="BUF" name="BUF">5. Buffalo Sabres</a></h3><p><em>Previous: 3</em></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/826430/cropped_GettyImages-2266100785.jpg?ts=1773542062" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/826430/w220xh124_GettyImages-2266100785.jpg?ts=1773542062 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/826430/w320xh180_GettyImages-2266100785.jpg?ts=1773542062 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/826430/w640xh360_GettyImages-2266100785.jpg?ts=1773542062 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/826430/w768xh432_GettyImages-2266100785.jpg?ts=1773542062 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/826430/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2266100785.jpg?ts=1773542062 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Joe Hrycych / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Alex Tuch</strong>. Even at just 29 years old, Tuch is one of the elder statesmen on a young Sabres squad. As a team, Buffalo doesn't have much postseason experience, but Tuch accumulated plenty during his four seasons with the Vegas Golden Knights, including an improbable run to the 2018 Stanley Cup Final. The Sabres will count on Tuch to not only produce, but also to steady the ship if things go awry.</p><h3><a id="TBL" name="TBL">6. Tampa Bay Lightning</a></h3><p><em>Previous: 4</em></p><p><strong>Victor Hedman</strong>. The Lightning have managed well without Hedman for all but 31 games this season, but it goes without saying that getting the captain back for the playoffs would be a major boost. Though his availability is up in the air after he took a personal leave in March, the odds of beating Montreal shift dramatically in Tampa Bay's favor if Hedman returns.</p><h3><a id="VGK" name="VGK">7. Vegas Golden Knights</a></h3><p><em>Previous: 17</em></p><p><strong>Mitch Marner</strong>.<strong> </strong>Is anyone surprised? Marner took a ton of heat for his playoff performance in Toronto. He has a chance to change the narrative in his first postseason with Vegas.</p><h3><a id="MTL" name="MTL">8. Montreal Canadiens</a></h3><p><em>Previous: 8</em></p><p><strong>Whichever goalie starts</strong>. The Canadiens have stars at every position, but inconsistent goaltending might be what holds one of the league's top up-and-coming teams back this spring. Jakub Dobes and Jacob Fowler have similarly pedestrian numbers this season, but one of them will need to take the reins if Montreal is going to make any noise in the East bracket.</p><h3><a id="OTT" name="OTT">9. Ottawa Senators</a></h3><p><em>Previous: 13</em></p><p><strong>Linus Ullmark</strong>.<strong> </strong>The Senators have posted excellent defensive metrics all season but have been largely let down by goaltending. However, Ullmark has been great recently, <span style="margin:0px; padding:0px; text-align:left">recording a .961 save percentage over his last three starts and potentially finding his form at the perfect time.</span></p><h3><a id="EDM" name="EDM">10. Edmonton Oilers</a></h3><p><em>Previous: 16</em></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/823872/cropped_GettyImages-2263283117.jpg?ts=1772174503" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/823872/w220xh124_GettyImages-2263283117.jpg?ts=1772174503 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/823872/w320xh180_GettyImages-2263283117.jpg?ts=1772174503 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/823872/w640xh360_GettyImages-2263283117.jpg?ts=1772174503 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/823872/w768xh432_GettyImages-2263283117.jpg?ts=1772174503 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/823872/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2263283117.jpg?ts=1772174503 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Gary A. Vasquez / National Hockey League / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Evan Bouchard</strong>. McDavid will play his part, and hopefully for the Oilers, Leon Draisaitl is healthy enough to be his usual playoff self. If not, Bouchard will need to be at his best at both ends of the ice for Edmonton to find success again this spring. Bouchard is fresh off a career year and can silence a lot of doubters with strong two-way play when it matters most.</p><h3><a id="BOS" name="BOS">11. Boston Bruins</a></h3><p><em>Previous: 14</em></p><p><strong>Jeremy Swayman</strong>.<strong> </strong>The last time the Bruins made the playoffs in 2023-24, Swayman posted a .933 save percentage in 12 games. The 27-year-old has had a splendid season and will need to be lights out if Boston is to make a deep run.</p><h3><a id="UTA" name="UTA">12. Utah Mammoth</a></h3><p><em>Previous: 11</em></p><p><strong>Mikhail Sergachev</strong>. He didn't have to be "the guy" during back-to-back Stanley Cups with the Lightning, but Sergachev is the undisputed No. 1 defenseman for the Mammoth. The bank of playoff experience he possesses will be extremely valuable for a team that mostly lacks it, especially against a far more seasoned Round 1 opponent in the Golden Knights.</p><h3><a id="PIT" name="PIT">13. Pittsburgh Penguins</a></h3><p><em>Previous: 15</em></p><p><strong>Evgeni Malkin</strong>. While the hockey world is thrilled to have Sidney Crosby back in the playoffs, it may mean more to Malkin at this point. The 39-year-old is a pending unrestricted free agent and has been adamant about wanting to stay in Pittsburgh. Turning back the clock in the playoffs would be a good way to prove he's worth another financial commitment.</p><h3><a id="ANA" name="ANA">14. Anaheim Ducks</a></h3><p><em>Previous: 7</em></p><p><strong>Leo Carlsson</strong>.<strong> </strong>It's been an up-and-down campaign for Carlsson. He went wild with 11 goals in his first 16 games but then cooled off with 10 in his next 38. He's been rounding into form again down the stretch with eight goals and 14 points in his last 15 contests. A dominant Carlsson could take the Ducks deep in the underwhelming Pacific.</p><h3><a id="PHI" name="PHI">15. Philadelphia Flyers</a></h3><p><em>Previous: 20</em></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781350/cropped_GettyImages-2204579846.jpg?ts=1745087269" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781350/w220xh124_GettyImages-2204579846.jpg?ts=1745087269 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781350/w320xh180_GettyImages-2204579846.jpg?ts=1745087269 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781350/w640xh360_GettyImages-2204579846.jpg?ts=1745087269 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781350/w768xh432_GettyImages-2204579846.jpg?ts=1745087269 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781350/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2204579846.jpg?ts=1745087269 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Mitchell Leff / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Rasmus Ristolainen</strong>. At last, Ristolainen will get the first taste of playoff hockey in his 13-year NHL career. The 6-foot-4 blue-liner has quietly become an extremely reliable shutdown defenseman in recent campaigns, and his game could be perfectly suited for the postseason. The Flyers are going to have to muddy the waters to win the Battle of Pennsylvania, and that starts with Ristolainen and partner Travis Sanheim slowing down Sidney Crosby and Co.</p><h3><a id="LAK" name="LAK">16. Los Angeles Kings</a></h3><p><em>Previous: 21</em></p><p><strong>Brandt Clarke</strong>. Although he doesn't receive much fanfare, Clarke is one of Los Angeles' most important players. He ranks fourth on the team with 40 points this season, runs the top power play, and leads all Kings blue-liners in goal share at 58.9%. The Kings struggle to score, so he'll need to be dynamic offensively for them to make any noise this postseason.</p>

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NHL Power Rankings: X-factor for every playoff team

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Philadelphia Flyers

Boston Bruins

Colorado Avalanche

Edmonton Oilers

Buffalo Sabres

Utah Mammoth

Pittsburgh Penguins

Carolina Hurricanes