The Washington Commanders made an error in judgment in the draft, but they also had their good moments. Looking ahead, here are the Commanders’ bold predictions for the 2026 NFL Draft classic during its rookie season.

With just six picks at their disposal and missing rounds two and four, the Commanders faced a tough chore. They had a good start by getting Sonny Styles with the No. 7 overall pick.

From there, things didn’t always go smoothly. But how will this play out for the 2026 season?

LB Sonny Styles will be top three in DROY voting

Barring the Commanders making a move to re-sign Bobby Wagner, Sonny Styles will have an on-ramp to all the snaps he can handle. By sheer volume, he will put up numbers that land him in the defensive rookie of the year conversation.

Surrounded by veterans like Frankie Luvu, Leo Chenal, and Jordan Magee, Styles has teammates who can help him adjust to the NFL level. Analyst Logan Paulsen said Styles is the complete player, according to Commanders.com.

“From an athletic standpoint, from a length standpoint, Sonny Styles is a very unique prospect,” Paulsen said. “I hope I can articulate that. If you pull up his RAW, he is a 10 RAW (raw athletics Score). He is tall (and) heavy. He’s long (and) fast. You just don’t see players like this at this position and play the way he does.”

Last year, Carson Schwesinger of the Browns won the NFL defensive rookie of the year, totaling 156 tackles, two interceptions, and 11 tackles for loss. Styles is capable of making the same kind of imptact, maybe not in the volume of tackles. But he can put up stats in all areas of the defensive game.

WR Antonio Williams will catch 50+ passes, but have a low YPC

If Williams works into the starting lineup, he’s going to get targets and catches. And since his competition comes from guys like Luke McCaffrey, Treylon Burks, and Dyami Brown, that shouldn’t be a problem.

Unfortunately, Williams’ volume won’t necessarily be impactful. Look for him to make tough catches, move the chains, and perhaps become a Red Zone weapon.

In a best-case scenario, Williams could create enough problems for defenses that Terry McLaurin can have more freedom for big plays.

If new offensive coordinator David Blough uses him right, Williams might make a sprinkle of noise.

EDGE Joshua Josephs will get six-plus sacks

It may be a big ask for a fifth-round pick to make a sack impact. That’s especially true since he doesn’t have an instant path to high snap totals.

But if the Commanders can work through the rough edges with Josephs, they could unlock a good rookie season. One thing he needs is pass-rush refinement, according to NFL.com.

“He’s not a natural bender, so adding go-to moves, a functional inside counter, and better rush plans will be essential,” Lance Zierlein wrote. “With added weight and continued schooling, Josephs could deliver much more consistent production than he’s provided so far.”

RB Katron Allen will score eight-plus TDs

Just don’t count on a lot of yardage. Allen could wind up being the Commanders’ goal-line back at some point this season. And if the offense is as good as advertised, he should get plenty of opportunities.

But he’s not the type of player who will cut loose with big games overall, according to The Athletic.

“Allen isn’t an athletic freak like Singleton, but he has a better feel for the position and maximizes carries with his vision, physicality, and body control,” Dane Brugler wrote. “With his run instincts and blocking skills, he projects as a durable backup or low-end starter in the NFL.”

C Matt Gulbin will become at least a part-time starter

This isn’t an injury prediction. It’s an opportunity. The Commanders aren’t loaded in the interior of the offensive line. And coaches love steady players. Gulbin is the definition of steady.

Also, he brings versatility to the line, according to The Athletic.

“Gulbin is the only offensive lineman in this draft class who can say he has double-digit college starts at all three interior positions,” Brugler wrote. “He projects as a backup center in a gap scheme, while offering guard versatility.

“He plays with only average twitch and foot speed, which hurts his range, but is naturally smooth as a mover.”

QB Athan Kaliakmanis won’t make the Commanders’ roster

This is a bold prediction. That’s because NFL general managers are ego-driven. It’s hard for them to admit mistakes, especially quickly.

But the Commanders would have been much better off drafting Grant Nussmeier and signing Kaliakmanis as a free agent.

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The Jacksonville Jaguars made some controversial decision in the 2026 NFL Draft. Jacksonville had arguably the worst draft haul after making some truly surprising selections. It appears that they came close to making another big move.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter revealed that Jacksonville considered making a surprising trade during the draft.

“The Jacksonville Jaguars actually considered this year, trading up back into the first round, in a draft a lot of people didn’t love, to give away their first round draft pick next year in the 2027 draft that everybody can’t wait for,” Schefter said on Monday via The Adam Schefter Podcast. “And because that draft is so coveted and highly anticipated they wanted the team that was getting their one next year to give them their one this year. And an additional day two or three pick. So they wanted extra compensation to trade into this draft, for next year. Follow that? That actually came up.”

NFL teams are treating their 2027 first-round picks like gold in anticipation of a stacked draft class next year. That’s what makes this potential trade so shocking.

But Jaguars general manager James Gladstone has already proven that he is not afraid to make big moves. Remember, his first draft move in Jacksonville was trading up for Travis Hunter.

Gladstone made some risky picks during the draft this year, which drew some mild criticism.

“He’s taking a risk, and honestly, go get ’em, man. Do it your way. I’m not here cracking on it, but there is an element to it where it’s like, I get getting your guy, but maybe figure out where you can get your guy and be comfortable that you can get your guy,” draft analyst Todd McShay wrote. “That’s my only slight here. But I’m fascinated. I can’t wait to see how this works out.”

It will be interesting to see how Jacksonville’s rookie class performs later this fall.

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Denver Broncos left tackle Garett Bolles is going viral, and for all the right reasons. On Monday, a video surfaced showing the 33-year-old helping a stranded driver with a flat tire on the freeway.

In the clip, Bolles stopped to assist a woman whose vehicle had a tire issue while driving on the highway. He actively participated in changing the tire and was seen sitting on the ground as he explained the process step-by-step to the driver.

Love this: #Broncos OT Garett Bolles was driving down the freeway when he noticed a woman who needed help with a flat tire.

He immediately pulled over and changed it himself!

A reminder that these NFL players are incredible people off the field, too.

( @bylucaevans) pic.twitter.com/C7jAdTi1x2

— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) April 28, 2026

Bolles is a Pro Bowler who was selected by Denver with the 20th overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. He entered the league after playing college football at Snow College in 2014-2015 before transferring to the University of Utah for one season. Since joining the Broncos, Bolles has developed into an essential offensive lineman for the franchise.

Over nine NFL seasons, Bolles has appeared in 133 games and played 8,658 offensive snaps for Denver. His early career included starting all 16 games as a rookie left tackle, a feat achieved by only a small number of players in team history since 1968. He was also recognized with PFWA All-Rookie honors.

Bolles signed a four-year, $11.01 million rookie contract with the Broncos in 2017 with $8.59 million guaranteed, followed by a four-year, $68 million extension in 2020 after improving his play significantly and earning second-team All-Pro honors in January 2021.

In December 2024, Denver extended him again on a four-year, $82 million deal, with two years remaining on the contract as of 2026. His recent on-field form included leading NFL tackles with a 90.7 pass-blocking grade in the 2025 season and earning his first Pro Bowl selection.

The freeway incident adds to Bolles’ public profile, which already includes recognition as the Broncos’ 2023 Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee for his community involvement in Denver.

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The Patriots rookie from the 2026 NFL Draft class who will make the biggest impact in Year 1 isn’t a flashy playmaker or a highlight machine. It will be a blindside protector tasked with safeguarding the future of this franchise. In a roster built to contend now, New England didn’t draft for headlines. They drafted for sustainability. As such, Caleb Lomu’s presence may ultimately dictate whether the Patriots remain contenders or take a step back.

Rooted in protection and depth

Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Fresh off a deep postseason run, the Patriots entered the 2026 NFL Draft with a focused agenda. This was a contender fine-tuning its foundation. With nine selections in total, the front office emphasized trench warfare and defensive reinforcement. They recognized that sustained success in January is built on physical dominance and roster depth rather than star power alone.

The headline move came early. New England executed a slight trade up to secure Caleb Lomu in the first round. The selection sent a clear message: protecting Drake Maye is non-negotiable. Lomu’s elite athletic profile makes him an ideal fit for the Patriots’ evolving offensive philosophy. The Pats will prioritize mobility, spacing, and adaptability along the line. Later in the draft, the addition of Dametrious Crownover in the sixth round reinforced that commitment. They added another developmental piece to ensure long-term stability up front.

Defensively, the Patriots addressed a key offseason concern by selecting Gabe Jacas in the second round. Depth along the edge took a hit during free agency. With that, Jacas provides a high-upside presence capable of contributing immediately. The front office also took a calculated swing on quarterback depth by selecting Behren Morton in the seventh round. His stylistic comparisons to Bailey Zappe suggest a familiar developmental path within the system. The class concluded with a local touch. Boston College product Quintayvious Hutchins rounded out the group. He adds both depth and regional intrigue to the roster.

Blindside protector

Among this class, Caleb Lomu stands alone as the player most likely to make an immediate and transformative impact. Offensive linemen rarely command headlines. Despite that, Lomu’s role is impossible to ignore. He steps into a critical position with the responsibility of protecting Drake Maye’s blindside. Lomu’s skill set suggests he is more than ready for the challenge.

Lomu embodies the modern left tackle archetype. His lateral agility allows him to mirror elite edge rushers. Meanwhile, his functional strength ensures he can anchor against power moves. What makes him particularly valuable is his balance. He doesn’t overextend, and he consistently maintains leverage. These traits will translate quickly to the professional level, especially in a system that demands precision and discipline.

His presence immediately upgrades the offensive line. He provides a level of athleticism that was previously just not there. More importantly, it allows the Patriots’ coaching staff to expand the playbook. With confidence in the blindside protection, New England can incorporate deeper dropbacks, longer-developing routes, and more aggressive play designs. Lomu can potentially unlock the full potential of the offense.

Impact beyond stats

The influence of a player like Lomu extends far beyond traditional metrics. Offensive linemen don’t accumulate statistics that dominate box scores. However, their impact is felt in every successful drive and every clean pocket. Lomu’s ability to operate in space makes him particularly valuable in New England’s evolving run game.

Lomu’s mobility allows him to reach the second level with ease. He can potentially turn routine plays into explosive gains. Screen passes, in particular, become more dangerous with a tackle who can lead-block in open space. This versatility forces defenses to account for him in ways that go beyond simple pass protection. This will add a layer of unpredictability to the Patriots’ offensive approach.

Additionally, Lomu’s presence stabilizes the entire line. By locking down one of the most critical positions, he allows his teammates to settle into their roles without overcompensating. This is vital for an offensive unit that must operate as a single, synchronized entity.

Trenches dictate the ceiling

Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

It’s easy to overlook the importance of the trenches. For the Patriots, though, the path to sustained success runs directly through the offensive line. Caleb Lomu represents more than just a first-round pick. He is seen as the foundation upon which the team’s offensive identity is built.

Yes, other members of the 2026 draft class, such as Gabe Jacas, will contribute meaningfully. Thaty said, none possess the same level of influence over the team’s overall performance. If the offensive line falters, the ripple effects are immediate and devastating. The passing game stalls, and Maye is forced into uncomfortable situations. Conversely, a stable and dominant line elevates every aspect of the offense.

Lomu’s impact, therefore, is both direct and indirect. He protects, he enables, and he elevates. If he thrives, the offense thrives. If he struggles, the margin for error shrinks considerably.

As the new season approaches, the spotlight may shine on the skill positions. However, the true story will unfold on the left side of the line. That’s where Lomu will operate. He will do so quietly, consistently, and will decisively shape the trajectory of a team with championship aspirations.

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The Bills rookie from the 2026 NFL Draft class who will make the biggest impact in Year 1 isn’t a mystery. It will be TJ Parker. His arrival could reshape the ceiling of this entire roster. While Buffalo made a series of calculated, volume-driven moves throughout draft weekend, none carry the same immediate, game-altering potential as Parker’s presence off the edge. His ability to disrupt timing is everything. Parker doesn’t just add depth. He adds chaos. In Buffalo’s evolving defensive identity, that chaos might be the difference between another playoff exit and a legitimate Super Bowl breakthrough.

Movement, value, and vision

Credit: Melina Myers-Imagn Images

The Bills walked away from the 2026 NFL Draft clearly wanting to get younger, get faster, and build depth across critical positions. General Manager Brandon Beane opted for flexibility. He executed multiple trades that ultimately saw the team exit the first round entirely. The decision to move the 31st pick to Tennessee was bold. However, it allowed Buffalo to accumulate valuable mid-round capital, which would shape the rest of their class.

Buffalo recognized that the difference between late first-round talent and early second-round value was marginal. They capitalized on it. By doing so, they positioned themselves to address multiple needs instead of placing all their hopes on a single prospect. It was a strategy rooted in roster sustainability. Buffalo prioritized depth and rotational strength over headlines.

The results reflected that mindset. The Bills focused heavily on rebuilding the defensive front. They also added versatility to the offensive line. The selection of Parker at the top of the second round was widely viewed as a steal. Many evaluators projected him as a fringe first-round talent. His addition immediately injected life into a pass rush that needed a new spark.

Elsewhere, the draft featured intriguing additions like Jude Bowry. His selection from Niagara Falls became one of the emotional highlights of the weekend. Buffalo also addressed special teams with the addition of punter Tommy Doman Jr. They also reinforced the interior offensive line with Ar’maj Reed-Adams. This was a class built around a collective vision of toughness, versatility, and long-term growth.

Defensive catalyst

Among this diverse group of additions, Parker certainly stands out as the player most likely to deliver immediate impact. From the moment he steps onto the field at Orchard Park, Parker brings a level of explosiveness and urgency that this defensive front has been missing. His ability to bend around the edge and collapse the pocket is not just a bonus. It is a necessity as quarterbacks release the ball faster than ever.

Parker’s game is built on disruption. He forces offensive tackles into uncomfortable positions. He also uses his combination of speed, leverage, and hand technique to create consistent pressure. That pressure doesn’t just result in sacks, too. In addition, it accelerates decision-making, leading to mistakes that Buffalo’s opportunistic secondary can capitalize on. In essence, Parker changes the math for the defense. His presence demands attention, which will open up opportunities for everyone else on the field.

Versatile weapon

What separates Parker from other edge defenders is his ability to impact the game beyond traditional pass-rushing metrics. Parker possesses the tools to remain on the field in virtually any situation. He has the strength to set the edge against the run and the awareness to diagnose plays quickly. He also has the athleticism to adapt to multiple roles within the defensive scheme.

Buffalo’s defensive evolution under Jim Leonhard relies heavily on disguise and adaptability. Parker fits that blueprint perfectly. He can line up wide, shift inside on passing downs, or even drop into short coverage zones when the scheme calls for it. This flexibility allows the Bills to present a variety of looks without substituting personnel. It should keep opposing offenses guessing until the last possible moment.

The transition to the professional level is never seamless, of course. Still, Parker’s combination of physical tools and football intelligence suggests a shorter learning curve than most. He plays with discipline, understands leverage, and shows a level of technical refinement that should translate quickly. In a defense that values multiplicity, Parker isn’t just a piece—he’s a centerpiece.

Reinforcing the offensive foundation

Sure, Parker headlines the class. However, the Bills’ broader strategy cannot be overlooked. The addition of Bowry represents a forward-thinking investment in the offensive line. It ensures that Josh Allen continues to operate from a position of strength. Bowry’s size and mobility make him a natural fit in Buffalo’s system. His presence adds both competition and insurance at a critical position.

Similarly, the selection of Reed-Adams reinforces the interior. It provides the kind of physicality needed to withstand the grind of a long season. These moves may not generate the same excitement as a splashy skill-position addition. Still, they are essential to sustaining success. A strong offensive line is the backbone of any championship contender. Buffalo has taken meaningful steps to secure that foundation.

Roster with promise

Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

When you step back and evaluate the Bills rookie from the 2026 NFL Draft class who will make the biggest impact in Year 1, the answer is clear. The story, though, is bigger than one player. TJ Parker may be the catalyst, but this entire class reflects a shift in philosophy. Buffalo is building a team designed to endure, adapt, and thrive in the high-stakes environment of postseason football.

By prioritizing depth, versatility, and physicality, the Bills have positioned themselves as one of the most complete teams in the AFC. Parker’s arrival amplifies that potential. It gives the defense a dynamic edge presence that can tilt games in their favor. If he delivers on that promise, the ripple effects will be felt across the entire roster.

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The Los Angeles Rams got their guy after selecting Ty Simpson as the 13th overall pick in the recently concluded NFL Draft. Many view Simpson as the successor to Matthew Stafford.

Simpson is coming off a stellar career at Alabama, passing for 3,567 yards and 28 touchdowns, which are both in the top 10 in program history. He led the Crimson Tide to an 11-4 record, including an appearance in the quarterfinals of the CFP.

According to a report from ESPN’s Sarah Barshop, the Rams did not want a lot of people to know about their desire to get Simpson. The 23-year-old quarterback revealed that he had a clandestine meeting with Los Angeles coach Sean McVay.

“We tried to keep this under wraps as long as we could. It was something where I knew they were interested, but they wanted to make it private and didn’t want people to know that they were interested,” said Simpson.

“So, I had some secret meetings with Coach McVay, and I was just trying to be on script and do what everybody told me and not to tell anybody.”

Simpson added that he and McVay talked about football “for hours and hours.” He said he appreciated it a lot, especially since he is entering new territory.

“I was like a kid in a candy store. Me and him are sitting there, and we’re just going back and forth. You can tell the obsession he has for the game, and you can tell the love he has for quarterback play,” shared the All-SEC Second Team member.

Many projected Simpson to be a top-10 pick. But for sure, McVay is happy that the young signal-caller fell a few spots and was still available at No. 13.

Simpson will learn a lot from the 38-year-old Stafford, who is coming off an MVP campaign. He led the Rams to a 12-5 record, passing for a league-high 4,707 yards and a career-best 46 touchdowns.

Simpson will have to earn his keep in Los Angeles, and that is not a secret.

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The Ravens’ 2026 NFL Draft picks tell you everything you need to know about where this franchise is headed. It’s straight back to the top of the AFC food chain. This wasn’t a draft about chasing trends or overreacting to needs. It was a deliberate return to Baltimore’s DNA: physical dominance, trench control, and layered depth. From the moment they turned in their first card, the Ravens made it clear this class would be about protecting Lamar Jackson. Baltimore also prioritized building a roster that thrives deep into January.

Precision, not guesswork

Heading into this draft, the checklist for the Ravens was as daunting as it was specific. The loss of veteran stability along the offensive line created an urgent need for a high-ceiling protector. At the same time, the receiving corps lacked the kind of vertical intimidation necessary to punish defenses that crowd the box.

Defensively, there was a clear void at edge rusher. They wanted someone capable of easing the burden on the interior while consistently affecting the quarterback. The secondary also needed reinforcements to survive the wear and tear of a full season. This wasn’t a situation where the Ravens could simply take “best player available.” They needed specific archetypes — players who were tough, disciplined, and mentally wired for accountability. The mission was simple: find players who could contribute immediately and endure the grind.

Balanced haul

When the dust settled, the Ravens walked away with 11 total picks. The foundation of this class was to rebuild the trenches, add size to the passing game, and fortify depth across the roster.

The headline move was selecting Olaivavega “Vega” Ioane at No. 14. He was widely considered the top guard in the class and a near-perfect schematic fit. From there, Baltimore doubled down on physicality. They added size at wide receiver with Ja’Kobi Lane and Elijah Sarratt, while also reinforcing tight end depth behind Mark Andrews.

Round 1, pick 14, Ol Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State

Grade: A

Vega Ioane is the definition of a Ravens pick. Big, physical, technically sound, and relentless. His arrival immediately stabilizes an offensive line that needed both talent and tone-setting presence. This pick checks every box. Ioane elevates the entire unit. His ability to control the interior will allow Jackson to operate with greater comfort and consistency.

Round 2, pick 46, EDGE Zion Young, Michigan State

Grade: C+

Zion Young represents a bet on upside. Sure, his raw athleticism and motor are undeniable. However, his pass-rushing repertoire remains a work in progress. The grade reflects that developmental curve. Still, in Baltimore’s system, Young doesn’t need to be polished immediately. He needs to be disruptive, and his traits suggest he can grow into that role.

Round 3, pick 78, WR Ja’Kobi Lane, USC

Grade: B-

Ja’Kobi Lane brings size and physicality to the receiver room. At 6’4”, he offers a massive catch radius and red-zone presence that the Ravens have been missing. There are some refinement concerns, but his upside as a contested-catch specialist is undeniable.

Round 3, pick 92, WR Elijah Sarratt, Indiana

Grade: B+

Elijah Sarratt complements Lane perfectly. Where Lane brings size, Sarratt brings polish. His route-running and body control make him a reliable target in high-pressure situations. Sarratt brings both value and readiness. He has the tools to contribute immediately.

Round 4, pick 121, tight end Matthew Hibner, SMU

Grade: C

Matthew Hibner is a developmental tight end with intriguing traits, particularly as a blocker. However, his projection remains uncertain. This is really a developmental pick. He’s a long-term play rather than an immediate contributor.

Round 4, pick 134, TE Josh Cuevas, Cal Poly

Grade: B

Josh Cuevas adds versatility and reliability. He’s a solid pass-catcher with special teams value. That makes him a practical addition to the roster. He offers immediate utility in multiple phases of the game.

Round 5, pick 167, CB Chandler Rivers, Duke

Grade: A-

Chandler Rivers might be one of the steals of the draft. A feisty, competitive corner with strong man-coverage skills, he fits perfectly into Baltimore’s defensive philosophy.Rivers has the potential to outperform his draft slot significantly.

Round 6, pick 198, RB Adam Randall, Clemson

Grade: B-

Adam Randall adds depth and physicality to the backfield. His downhill running style aligns with Baltimore’s offensive identity. He carries role-player value, but his fit within the system is clear.

Round 6, pick 210, PK Ryan Eckley, Michigan State

Grade: B

Ryan Eckley may not generate headlines, but special teams matter. His consistency and reliability make him a valuable addition. He brings solid value at a niche position.

Round 7, pick 232, DL Rayshaun Benny, Michigan

Grade: A-

Rayshaun Benny is a classic late-round steal. A powerful interior defender, he brings toughness and the ability to control the line of scrimmage.

Round 7, pick 248, OL Evan Beerntsen, Iowa

Grade: B

Evan Beerntsen rounds out the class with depth and versatility along the offensive line. He fits the mold of a developmental lineman who can contribute over time.

Built for January football

Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The Ravens’ 2026 NFL Draft grades for every pick ultimately paint the picture of a team that knows exactly who it is. This wasn’t about flashy additions or headline-chasing moves. It was about building a roster that can survive and dominate the physical demands of the AFC.

By reinforcing the offensive line, adding size to the passing game, and building depth across the defense, Baltimore has positioned itself for a postseason return.

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One of the funniest moments from the 2025 New York Giants season came in Week 13. The Giants had been dealing with kicker woes all season long at that point. After yet another failed experiment with kicker, New York brought in Younghoe Koo in hopes of being the solution to their problems. However, in that game against the New England Patriots, Koo badly whiffed on a field goal attempt, slipping and falling while attempting a routine kick.

Younghoe Koo with the faulty kick attempt

(via @nfl) pic.twitter.com/YTOy6yeFxj

— ESPN (@espn) December 2, 2025

While it was certainly frustrating for Giants fans at the time, the kick went viral for the cartoon-like way Koo fell over. As it turns out, the hilarity of Koo’s kick had an unintended effect: it saved a man’s life.

Mark Toothaker was watching the Giants-Patriots Week 13 game when he saw Koo miss his kick horrendously. Like almost everyone watching, Toothaker laughed at the kicker’s misfortune. However, he suffered a seizure after the laughing fit, causing his wife to call 911 to bring him to the hospital.

At the hospital, the scans revealed that Toothaker had a tennis-sized tumor in his brain. If not for the comedy show that the Giants provided that day, that tumor may have been detected much, much later. Toothaker had his tumor removed without any complications; the lump ended up being benign. He went home a week later without any issues.

The Giants have three people competing for the kicker spot in 2026. First is veteran kicker Jason Sanders, who last played for the Dolphins in 2024. He sat out the 2025 season with a hip injury. Next is sophomore Ben Sauls, who was on the 2025 Giants roster and made eight field goals as a rookie. Their most recent signing is UDFA Dominic Zvada from Michigan.

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There are very few opportunities for NFL teams to look back at the past season and just continue on that track and believe that success will follow. The Chicago Bears won the NFC North title a year ago, rising from last place the previous year as the combination of Caleb Williams at quarterback and Ben Johnson at head coach formed a formidable duo.

Williams’ execution in the late stages of the fourth quarter combined with Johnson’s leadership and gameplanning gave the Bears several memorable victories. The Bears can certainly look back at the 2025 season and feel quite proud of their accomplishments, but maintaining the same team and game plan will not guarantee similar results in 2026.

Even winning teams go through multiple offseason changes on an every-year basis, and teams have to make winning moves in the offseason if they are going to build on previous success.

The Bears wanted to make several positive selections in the NFL Draft, and they may have taken advantage of a major gift when they selected safety Dillon Thieneman with their first-round pick. The Bears had the 25th pick in the first round, seven spots after the Minnesota Vikings. Their division rivals were expected to select Thieneman, but they went for a boom or bust pick in defensive lineman Caleb Banks.

Banks could turn into an NFL monster if he can stay on the field, but a series of foot injuries could limit his effectiveness. On the other hand, Thieneman looks like a Day One starter at a position the Bears had a major need.

Bears had major need for an edge rusher

Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images

As the draft moved along, the Bears had a huge need for a pass rusher as well. However, instead of drafting a speedy edge rusher in the second round, they took Iowa center Logan Jones. The Bears had a need for a center, but that seemed less important that giving Johnson and defensive coordinator Dennis Allen a determined defensive end who could turn the corner and get to the quarterback.

If that selection was a mistake, it wasn’t half as big an error as the one the Bears committed in the third round. They continued to ignore the need for a quality pass rusher and selected Stanford tight end Sam Roush.

This pick had Johnson’s fingerprints all over it. Johnson loves to show that he’s the smartest coach in the room, and he loves to use multiple-tight end formations.

The Bears regularly used two tight ends as Colston Loveland and Cole Kmet are both legitimate playmakers. But Johnson also likes to use three tight ends. He believes the Bears become a more dangerous and versatile offense with a third tight end in the offense.

He certainly is clever enough to design interesting plays that include a third tight end, but what about a game-changing pass rusher who can get to the quarterback in crunch time? That’s what the Bears needed and they should have used their third-round pick to bring in a key edge rusher. They did not, and that was their biggest mistake of the draft.

Bears could have made a key selection in the third round

The Bears had the fifth pick in the third round, and they used that pick to bring in Roush. Immediately after he was selected the San Francisco 49ers used the sixth pick in the round — and 70th overall — to select Texas Tech edge rusher Romello Height.

He would have been a much more effective pick for the Bears. He gained first-team, All-Big 12 honors with his dynamic first-step quickness. Height has multiple moves that are all based on speed, and his counter with a spin should be effective at the next level. He is not an ideal run defender, but he will make a name for himself with his pass rush.
The 6-3, 239-pound Height had 10.0 sacks for the Red Raiders last year.

The Bears could have traded further down in the third round and picked up an additional late-round pick if they had been interested in drafting Michigan’s Jaishawn Barham, the 28th pick the third round. He also has speed coming around the corner and he has a chance to be a solid pass rusher for the Dallas Cowboys.

Barham has more power than Height, but not quite as much explosiveness coming around the corner. However, when he gets into the backfield, Barham has the ability to deliver a punishing hit that will stay with the opposition throughout the game.

Selecting Height or Barham would have been a much better choice for the Bears and they would have avoided a key mistake.

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Former Washington Commanders linebacker and HBCU coach Monte Coleman has passed away. The news was shared by the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, where he served as a head coach. Coleman was 68.

“Coach Coleman embodied excellence and integrity in everything he did,” said UAPB Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics Chris Robinson in a statement. “His legacy lives on not just in football, but in the countless young men he helped guide.”

Coleman led the Golden Lions to success during his tenure with the program. He eventually led the Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions football to an HBCU National Championship in 2012. He served as head coach from 2008-2017, previously working as a linebackers coach and defensive coordinator for the team from 2003-2007.

Coleman built a 16-year NFL career with Washington, appearing in more than 200 games and contributing to three Super Bowl championship teams, achievements that later earned him a place in the franchise’s Ring of Fame. His rise to that level began at the University of Central Arkansas, where he joined the program as a walk-on after starring at Pine Bluff High School, steadily working his way into a professional opportunity.

He also made history as the program’s first NFL Draft selection during its NAIA era. During his collegiate career, he also set a school record at the time with 22 interceptions. By the time Monte Coleman wrapped up his NFL career following the 1994 season, he had compiled 1,002 total tackles and 49.5 sacks. He also made an impact in coverage, recording 17 interceptions, three of which he returned for touchdowns.

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