The Miami Dolphins will be entering the 2026 with a revamped roster and with a new quarterback at the helm in Malik Willis. The oddsmakers do not think highly of the Dolphins this season and if they end with a top pick in the first round, they are probably looking to draft a new quarterback for the future. However, if Willis can win a few extra games and look competent, he may have proven he can be the Dolphins starter heading forward.
You can check out that story here, and the rest of the day’s round-up below.
Having said that, it was interesting to see Jaden Dugger line up as the strongside linebacker. He got that opportunity because the regular strongside ‘backer, Luke Gifford, got a concussion when he collided with Mike Evans (yikes!) early in OTAs…..Receiver De’Zhaun Stribling and running back Kaelon Black flashed in at least one of the practices I watched, and I’ve heard coaches liked what they saw from cornerback Ephesians Prysock. The linemen? As always, we have to wait until the pads come on in training camp to assess that group.”
Who is the 49ers’ most important role player? “Mykel Williams, Ricky Pearsall, Alfred Collins, and Renardo Green don’t count as role players in my book. You used first and second-rounders on those players. Those four should be among the core players that are the reason you will be among the best teams in the league.
I’m thinking more along the lines of an Upton Stout, a Romello Height, a Jacob Cowing, or a Jordan James.
Stout, playing in a Raheem Morris scheme, should be utilized heavily as a blitzer. Height is walking into a dream scenario as the fourth pass rusher. Cowing, along with Jordan Watkins, can be the “splash” play wideouts who can also flip the field as returners.
But I’m going with Jordan James, for obvious reasons. There’s the injury concern with Christian McCaffrey after his workload last season. James didn’t get much run last year as a rookie, but he seems like the more natural runner than rookie Kaelon Black — who is likely the third-down back if McCaffrey does indeed go down.
The Niners aren’t going to overload a rookie, unless Black gives them no choice but to put him on the field. While James doesn’t have the top-end speed, pass-game impact, or playmaking of Black, his vision, contact balance, and overall feel as a running back will keep the 49ers’ offense ahead of the chains. That was an issue last season. The ground game struggled mightily for multiple reasons, but one of those was due to their backup lacking what it took to succeed as a runner.”
VALENCIA, SPAIN - APRIL 30: Sergio de Larrea of Valencia Basket gestures during the EuroLeague Play Off Game 2 match between Valencia Basket and Panathinaikos Aktor Athens at Roig Arena on April 30, 2026 in Valencia, Spain. (Photo By Irina R. Hipolito/Europa Press via Getty Images) | Europa Press via Getty Images
The NBA Draft is barreling closer to us. The Cleveland Cavaliers have the 29th pick in this year’s draft. Let’s take a look at who the experts have them taking in our latest mock draft roundup.
Kevin O’Connor’s latest mock draft has the Cavs opting for the 6’5” 20-year-old out of Spain. O’Connor writes:
Keon Ellis and Dean Wade will be free agents this summer, and Max Strus will be in one year. It may be time for the Cavaliers to get a wing — one with more skill — in the developmental pipeline alongside Jaylon Tyson. De Larrea is a tall playmaking guard with major feel and a knockdown jumper who thrives within team concepts. He suffered a dislocated shoulder that ended his 2024-25 season and removed him from draft boards, but it ended up a blessing in disguise since he returned with a bigger role and stronger production for a great team in the EuroLeague. With size, smarts, and defensive versatility, he could carve out a role in the NBA if his international skill can translate.
De Larrea played 28 league games for Valencia this past season. He averaged 9.7 points, 3.7 assists, and three rebounds per game in 18.3 minutes per outing. He did this on .443/.407/.833 shooting splits.
The question here is fit. The Cavs need more options on the wing — no one will argue with that — but they preferably need ones that are 6’7” or over. The Cavs have plenty of undersized wings that are naturally shooting guards, but can shift up to the three. They don’t have anyone whose best position is the three. Even Wade, their starting small forward in the playoffs, is best suited to play a different position.
De Larrea could be the best prospect available at this spot, but it’s fair to wonder whether this team needs another undersized wing.
After making a strong case for himself by putting up three 20-plus-point games in the NCAA tournament, Reed has built momentum on the workout circuit and is trending toward the late first round. His mix of length, physical heft, rebounding instincts and offensive skill make him an appealing plug-and-play role player, and he should appeal to contending teams.
Frontcourt depth is an obvious area of need for the Cavs as they try to maximize their current window, making this an intriguing fit.
Reed averaged 14.7 points and nine rebounds per game while shooting 60.7% from the field for the Huskies.
Having another big would be incredibly useful. The Cavs haven’t really had a competent third center in the Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley era. Reed could be the answer, although it’s fair to point out that he wouldn’t be the cleanest fit.
Ideally, you’d want a third big who could play alongside both Allen and Mobley. For a big to be able to do that, they would need to be able to space the floor offensively. Reed doesn’t do that. He’s taken just seven triples in 136 college games. And as a 58.2% free-throw shooter, it doesn’t seem like this is an untapped skill.
Reed is a good and talented player. He just might not be the most ideal archetype for a backup big, which is becoming a theme in this latest round of mock drafts.
Jonathan Wasserman also has the Cavs taking De Larrea. Wasserman writes:
Sergio de Larrea is currently producing for Valencia in the EuroLeague playoffs, which is why he couldn’t attend the combine.
He’s now put together consecutive years of accurate three-point shooting and strong playmaking rates, and is sure to draw first-round consideration.
Shooting and playmaking are things the Cavs could use. This may be the best bet from a talent perspective. However, it would be nice if the Cavs had more people on the roster between 6’7” and 6’9”.
As of now, it seems like momentum is picking up for De Larrea to be the Cavs’ selection late in the first round.
The Commanders have just two practices left in this offseason program. There’s a minicamp practice on Wednesday afternoon and another on Thursday before players leave for a long break heading into training camp.
It offered a perfect time for a progress report on how Washington’s defenders are learning coordinator Daronte Jones’ new scheme.
“I feel pretty good about it,” rookie linebacker Sonny Styles told on-site reporters after Tuesday’s minicamp practice. “Coach Jones does a great job of teaching the defense. It’s super easy to understand, so guys are really far along right now.”
That’s a positive evaluation, one that was key because of who said it. Styles will likely be an every-down linebacker and the odds-on favorite to wear the green dot this season. Styles schematic mastery must be high if he’s to assume such a large responsibility relaying play calls and making pre-snap checks.
The No. 7 overall NFL draft pick seemed supremely confident in his ability to get the scheme down and credited Jones for making the process easy.
“If you like to run, hit and play fast, this is the perfect defense for you,” Styles said. “You don’t have to a whole lot of crazy thinking. We’re a multiple defense but it doesn’t feel crazy for us. The way he teaches it and uses formations, he makes it easy to digest.
“… Being able to learn all these different concepts and mix and match them, it feels like a totally different, new call, but for us it’s simplified because it’s so easy to understand.”
Styles isn’t the only one who feels that way. Every defender interviewed at the podium Tuesday felt confident in the progress being made and ease of understanding the scheme.
Head coach Dan Quinn has been impresse by the level of communication between different levels of the defense, especially the rapport between linebackers and safeties.
Jones remains in an experimental phase, as he sees what plays and concepts work best with the talent he has available. One thing is clear, however, that Jones is giving all his guys a chance to shine.
“Everybody has a role within the defense to make a play,” edge rusher K’Lavon Chaisson said in a press conference. “Whenever your name is called, you make that play. That’s the case with everybody. As long as you have an opportunity, it’s a good place to be.”
LAS VEGAS, NV - AUGUST 23: Tight end George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers interacts with defensive end Maxx Crosby #98 of the Las Vegas Raiders after an NFL preseason football game, at Allegiant Stadium on August 23, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Brooke Sutton/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Rumor: 49ers among teams still interested in trading for Maxx Crosby “But according to a source, they’re one of several teams still interested in trading for Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby….Theoretically, the 49ers could offer a first-rounder and Mykel Williams to the Raiders for Crosby,” Cohn wrote. “If the Raiders would prefer a second-round pick rather than Williams, who was the 11th pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the 49ers could do that as well. Williams is coming off a torn ACL, but he’s only 21 years old.”
49ers 90-in-90: How many touchdowns does Brock Purdy throw for in 2026? “The yards per attempt should be closer to nine than seven thanks to the speed on the field. The lack of speed bogged down the offense a year ago. We know Brock is a chucker. We know he wants to push the ball down the field. When Kendrick Bourne and Jauan Jennings are two of your primary options, passes over 10 yards aren’t going to be the norm.”
49ers Set to Release Brandon Aiyuk Ahead of Training Camp “The 49ers want the situation resolved before training camp opens in late July, and given Aiyuk’s limited trade market, the former All-Pro’s release is the most likely end to the multi-year saga.”
The Eagles haven’t even gotten to training camp yet and Jonathan Greenard is already excited to play with Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis.
Really excited.
“I think about it all the time,” Greenard said last week. “It’s going to be fun, man, because those are two guys who are selfless but also understand how much impact they can have on the game. I just told them when I got here, ‘Look, I feed off of y’all. I’m just going to let y’all do y’all thing’ and I’ll eventually obviously read and see how they like to play vs. certain opponents. But I’m not here to slow y’all down.”
The Eagles traded for Greenard during the draft and will make him their top-of-the-rotation edge rusher this season. Greenard, 29, was a Pro Bowler just two years ago and should bolster the Eagles’ pass rush.
Over the last few years, the Eagles have stressed group rush and that likely won’t change in 2026. They have a strong group on the edge with Greenard, Jalyx Hunt and Nolan Smith and a strong interior trio with Carter, Davis and Moro Ojomo.
Greenard is excited to play next to defensive tackles who demand attention.
“Just knowing that those two guys who can just take and dominate the entire game, change the whole game plan, change the whole protection for slides and stuff like that,” he said. “Having that as an advantage is going to be great as an edge guy. Every edge guy is going to tell you that. You got two guys like that inside pushing the pocket, just causing disruption, it makes our job a whole lot easier.”
Because he’s coming off of shoulder surgery in December, Greenard was held back from team drills this spring but still participated in individual drills. Jalen Carter also didn’t participate in team drills.
So as excited as Greenard is to line up next to Carter and Davis, he hasn’t gotten that opportunity yet. Despite that, he already feels like he has a good sense of how they’ll work together.
“I watched film of them a good bit,” Greenard said. “ My first week here a couple weeks ago, we sat down as a unit and kind of talked about how we wanted to run certain games and what do they like to do, what’s their favorite moves and things of that sort, what’s my favorite moves and things of that sort. But yeah, we kind of worked it a little bit today, just trying to get on the same page, which is great.
“We’ve already got the chemistry. I already know how they’re going to play already. I just add what I’ve been doing already. I don’t really play like an unorthodox style. I can kind of fit into any scheme. But ultimately, man, those guys make my job easier. I don’t have to say much. They’re like, ‘Hey, listen, if I tell you to go, just go. I’ll clean up the rest.’ Or vice versa. I think that’s just that balance that we’re going to have. They understand what they can do, I understand what I can do. I think that when we put it all together, which we’re trying to do right now, I think it’s going to be good.”
Even though he’s just entering Year 7 of his NFL career, Greenard is already one of the most experienced starters on the Eagles’ defense. He and Zack Baun both came into the NFL in the 2020 draft and recently reminisced about their paths to becoming teammates.
Greenard now headlines an edge rusher room that includes two young and talented players in Hunt and Smith. He expects big things from both of them in 2026.
“Jalyx and Nolan, their game is only going to continue to grow,” Greenard said. “And I think my job here is just to continue to help them with that. Any two cents I can add, I’m going to do that to make sure that they get to that point that I know they want to get to.”
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - JUNE 09: Drake Maye #10 of the New England Patriots runs drills during a minicamp at Gillette Stadium on June 09, 2026 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jaiden Tripi/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Patriots concluded their offseason program last Thursday, which resulted in five open practices (one being a walkthrough) across organized team activities and mandatory minicamp. While no jobs are won or lost in the spring, several players still caught the eye.
Here’s who stood out for better, or worse, across the last few weeks.
Winners
QB Drake Maye: Entering his second season in Josh McDaniels’ system, Maye looked to be in complete command of the offense. The Patriots spent the spring challenging him mentally, often sending him to the line of scrimmage without a play call and asking him to get the offense into the right look. The results followed. The 23-year-old was particularly sharp during the final two competitive minicamp practices — where all the work came in the red zone.
WR A.J. Brown: The Pro Bowl receiver was as advertised upon his arrival. He made an immediate impact and produced highlight-reel plays on both days of minicamp — including a high-point back-shoulder fade and an impressive adjustment in the end zone to haul in touchdowns from Maye. Brown also showed his ability to win on slants and other routes along the outside, while his role should only continue to expand as he becomes more comfortable in the offense.
ED Elijah Ponder and ED Bradyn Swinson: The Patriots could use one of their second-year edge rushers to take a step forward in 2026. While it was Ponder who lined up opposite Dre’Mont Jones with the top unit, both he and Swinson received high praise from head coach Mike Vrabel and outside linebackers coach Mike Smith for their work this spring.
“I think maybe confidence of, ‘I am actually here, I am actually doing this again. I didn’t go through the post draft process, and I know what I am comfortable with what the practices are going to be and the meetings,’” Vrabel said of Ponder’s growth. “Young players that work hard and have a full offseason to train, sometimes that’s a great window of opportunity for a guy that is 22, 23 years old, to make some significant improvement in their speed, in their strength, explosion. So, hopefully that is what we will see.
“I would include Bradyn Swinson. I think those two are kind of in the same category. I think Bradyn has done a nice job of working hard in the offseason, knowing what it is that we are looking for, what he is going to need to do to help himself and help our football team.”
CB Kindle Vildor: Vildor was a quiet addition in free agency, as the Patriots signed the cornerback to a one-year deal worth less than $2 million. But with Christian Gonzalez not participating in competitive team drills, it was Vildor who repped opposite Carlton Davis. The 28-year-old, who briefly overlapped with members of the coaching staff in Tennessee, is the most experienced depth option in the room and won his fair share of battles on the outside against A.J. Brown and Mack Hollins throughout the spring.
Losers
ED Gabe Jacas: Jacas is the only second-round rookie yet to sign his contract and has been away from the team while recovering from a procedure to clean up his knee. That has caused him to miss not only valuable on-field reps, but classroom time as well — a concern for a player expected to contribute immediately at arguably the Patriots’ biggest position of need.
“Will he be a little bit behind? Yeah. Who wouldn’t?” outside linebackers coach Mike Smith said. “As a coach, I coach things different; I’ve got a different [approach] than every other OLB or edge coach in the NFL. So yeah, he’ll be a little bit behind but that’s my job — to try to get him ready to go when his opportunity [comes].”
WR Romeo Doubs: It wasn’t necessarily a bad spring for one of the Patriots’ top free-agent additions, as Doubs worked well underneath and over the middle of the field. But the chemistry between Doubs and quarterback Drake Maye remains a work in progress, particularly down the field. Doubs caught just five passes (10 targets) across four competitive open practices, while several deep targets between the duo fell incomplete. Perhaps those connections come later this summer with more reps together, or Doubs is simply a player who saves the big plays for Sundays.
Tight end depth: The Patriots had big plans for free-agent addition Julian Hill this season. That was until Hill suffered a season-ending injury during OTAs, one Mike Vrabel described as both “devastating” and “awful.”
His absence leaves New England thin behind Hunter Henry. Rookie Eli Raridon is expected to take on a larger role, while Jack Westover handled many of the backup reps during the spring. C.J. Dippre and UDFA Tanner Arkin remain in the mix as well, but the position is now far less settled than it was to start the spring — especially if the team hopes to ease Raridon into the action.
That led to Vrabel already hint that the team will explore additions.
“I think just from a numbers standpoint in camp, I think that’s somewhere we’ll probably have to evaluate the numbers,” he said. “There’s 90 guys, 91 guys on every team. So, we’ll just have to take a look at that, but I would say that’s probably somewhere where we would have to address.”
