May 8, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins wide receiver Caleb Douglas (7) works during rookie minicamp at Baptist Health Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images | Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
As of right now, no one is sure who the starting wide receivers will be for the Miami Dolphins. There are plenty of able bodies in the room, so the opportunities will be there. The Dolphins drafted three receivers in the NFL Draft a couple of months ago and spent a third-round pick on Caleb Douglas. Many were shocked when the selection came through as Douglas was viewed as a day three selection. But Jon-Eric Sullivan and Jeff Hafley obviously saw something in the big receiver. Being such a high draft pick and with the starting jobs wide open, Douglas should get plenty of chances to earn one of those spots.
You can check out that story here, and the rest of the day’s round-up below.
Chris Perkins: Can Dolphins trio of Achane-Brewer-Brooks outperform Marino-Taylor-Thomas? Here’s one of the understated storylines of the Miami Dolphins’ rebuild: It’s up to the nucleus of running back De’Von Achane, center Aaron Brewer and linebacker Jordyn Brooks to do something that previous leadership groups have failed to do for more than 30 years, which is bring the organization multiple playoff victories in a multi-year stretch.
dpatop - 24 January 2025, Berlin: A lion yawns relaxed at the zoo. Following the closure due to the foot-and-mouth epidemic, Zoo Berlin is open again after the precautionary closure. Photo: Jens Kalaene/dpa (Photo by Jens Kalaene/picture alliance via Getty Images)
Today I feel a bit unwell, so here’s a brief dose of links and notes.
You might have heard it already: Jalen Brunson underwent surgery to repair a tendon issue in his left hand/wrist. We even got a couple of contradictory reports on it. Summer days!
Brunson scored 45 points in Game 5 to close out the Spurs and win the Knicks’ first championship in 53 years with a bad shooting-side wrist. Let that marinate for a minute.
Knicks extraordinare Guerschon Yabusele is heading back to Europe, agreeing to one of the richest deals on the old continent to play for Panathinaikos in Greece, per Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.
Kevon Looney is off the Knicks’ board after agreeing to a one-year, $3.9 million deal with the Lakers.
As part of a ginormous six-team trade, Washington is getting Khris Middleton and sending D’Angelo Russell to Memphis, the Mavericks are getting Marcus Sasser and Santi Aldama, the Bucks are landing Caris LeVert, and Detroit is getting John Collins, Taurean Prince and Gary Harris. Don’t trust me and check the details once again. Congratulations, Motown, you can now consider yourself a contender for the No. 7 seed in the East!
The LeBron James waiting game continues. ESPN published yet another story and featured an executive saying LeBron could still influence the balance of power in the East.
Donovan Mitchell, proud owner of the latest albatross deal to be signed in #thisleague, could have waited for a five-year, $353 million deal, but instead locked in long-term on the first day he was eligible. He would seemingly also approve of LBJ’s landing with the Cavs.
There was also a funny Kenny Atkinson wrinkle in the LeBron chatter. One executive wondered how James would fit with Atkinson, who claimed during the conference finals that the Cavs had “analytically” won two of the first three games while trailing the Knicks 3-0. I still think about that quote sometimes. Mostly when I need to smile.
“LeBron can influence the balance of power in the conference,” the executive said. ‘He’s not a driver, not on a night-to-night basis. [But] having him around, he picks and chooses his spots. ‘I wonder how he would fit with Kenny Atkinson?‘ (The executive wasn’t the first to wonder how James would react to Atkinson, who bizarrely claimed, ‘Analytically, we’ve won two of the three [games]‘ as his Cavaliers trailed 3-0 to the Knicks.)”
Miami has a jersey problem after landing Giannis Antetokounmpo, as the Greek decided it’d be cool to don No. 7 after the Heat started selling No. 34 jerseys.
LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 17: Washington Commanders defensive tackle Daron Payne (94) sacks Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) during the first half at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
It’s 5 o’clock somewhere…
The 5 O’Clock Club
The 5 o’clock club is published from time to time during the season, and aims to provide a forum for reader-driven discussion at a time of day when there isn’t much NFL news being published. Feel free to introduce topics that interest you in the comments below.
Previewing Washington’s 14 opponents of the ‘26 season — one at a time
In 2026, the Commanders will, like every other team in the NFL, play 17 games against 14 opponents. With the amount of roster change that NFL teams undergo annually along with the unusually large number of head coach and coordinator changes in 2026, it seems useful to spend some time to review each of Washington’s regular season opponents.
By the time the Commanders reach Week 9, fans should have a strong sense of what this 2026 team is all about. In the first 7 games of the season, the Commanders will play 6 teams (they play Philly twice) with a combined 2025 season record of 56-45-1 (55%). More importantly, I think, 5 games will come against teams ranked in the top-11 of ESPN’s 2026 Power Index.
Week 9 versus the Rams at Landover could be the toughest game of the season. Not only were the Rams 12-5 a season ago, but they are also ranked No. 1 in the ESPN Power Index for the upcoming season and are currently the consensus #1 favorite to win the Super Bowl with betting odds hovering around +550. Following a blockbuster trade for reigning Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett, they are the only team in the NFL with single-digit odds on major sportsbooks.
The result of this game should help clarify just how far the Commanders have come as legitimate contenders.
Date: November 8, 2026, 1:00 p.m. ET Location: Northwest Stadium in Landover Maryland
The Rams are led by quarterback Matthew Stafford, who has had a career renaissance in Los Angeles. With the championship window possibly closing as Stafford reaches his 18th season at age 38, the front office acquired edge rusher Myles Garrett through a trade and signed cornerbacks Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson to bolster the defense.
With respect to the coaching staff, Sean McVay promoted Nate Scheelhaase to offensive coordinator to maintain playbook continuity after Mike LaFleur’s departure to the Cardinals. The team also hired former Commanders OC Kliff Kingsbury as assistant head coach, and Bubba Ventrone from Cleveland to lead the special teams unit.
All in all, analysts see this as a winning combination. The Commanders will need to be at their best against a Rams team that will come to Landover in Week 9 fresh off of three west coast games against the Cardinals, Raiders and Chargers, ranked 29th, 28th, and 7th, respectively, in ESPN’s 2026 Power Index.
General manager Les Snead made the biggest splash of the offseason when he traded for Myles Garrett, the reigning defensive player of the year. That acquisition, coupled with the additions of Chiefs cornerbacks Trent McDuffie in another trade and Jaylen Watson in free agency, could put defensive coordinator Chris Shula’s unit over the top. With a defense like that, Sean McVay’s potent offense could further torment opponents, and the Rams could win another Super Bowl in their stadium this winter.
Additionally, Snead raised eyebrows by drafting quarterback Ty Simpson in the first round, but picking Matthew Stafford’s understudy now could position Los Angeles for a smoother transition down the line while giving the Alabama product adequate time to develop before taking the field. The Rams have fortified themselves for both the short and long term.
The All-Time Series Numbers
The Commanders vs. Rams rivalry has been played 42 times (including 4 postseason games) dating back to 1937 when the two teams were the Washington Redskins and the Cleveland Rams. Washington leads the overall series 26-15-1, but they have split the playoff matchups 2-2.
The Rams beat the Redskins in the 1945 NFL Championship game
The Rams also won the 1974 Divisional round playoff game
Washington beat the Rams in ‘83 & ‘86 in the wildcard round & divisional round, respectively
The two teams have been fairly evenly matched in recent times. They have split the 14 games played in this century, 7-7, and have split the 4 games played since 2015, 2-2, though the Rams won the two most recent games against Ron Rivera’s squads in 2020 and 2023.
Commanders head coach Dan Quinn has a career record of 2-1 vs the Rams, with all three games occurring during his tenure with the Falcons. He split two regular season meetings (1-1) winning in 2016 and losing in 2019, but beat LA in the NFC Wild Card game following the 2017 season.
Quinn is 1-1 against Sean McVay (the 2016 playoff game and the 2019 regular season game)
Rams Coaching Changes
The Rams underwent several coaching changes during the 2026 offseason, finalizing a restructured staff featuring eight new hires and multiple internal promotions.
The shake-up was primarily driven by the departure of former offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur, who left to become the head coach of the Arizona Cardinals. However, with Sean McVay in his 10th season as head coach in LA, the disruption to the coaching staff should be limited.
Some of the key offensive staff changes
Offensive Coordinator:Nate Scheelhaase was promoted to offensive coordinator to replace Mike LaFleur. Scheelhaase previously served as the team’s pass game coordinator.
Assistant Head Coach: Former Cardinals head coach Kliff Kingsbury was hired as the new assistant head coach, replacing Aubrey Pleasant.
Senior Offensive Assistant:Brian Johnson came to LA with Kliff Kingsbury to bolster the passing strategy.
Special Teams Changes
Special Teams Coordinator: After firing Chase Blackburn mid-season, the Rams hired Bubba Ventrone (formerly of the Cleveland Browns) to lead the special teams unit.
The core of the defense remains stable, with Chris Shula returning for his third season as defensive coordinator.
Offense
The Rams offense in 2026 should look a lot like the Rams offense from 2025. Because McVay retains play-calling duties, the foundational West Coast-based scheme will remain the same; however, Scheelhaase’s elevation and recent roster moves could signal a shift in how the team plans to attack defenses.
Scheme Similarities and Differences
The main similarity between the 2025 and 2026 offenses is the retention of starting quarterback Matthew Stafford and the core passing game philosophy. The unit finished first in the NFL in points scored last season, and the overall framework will continue to prioritize play-action and timing-based concepts.
The primary difference under Scheelhaase is expected to be even heavier reliance on multiple tight end sets, specifically 13 personnel since, during his time as pass game coordinator, Scheelhaase frequently utilized these heavier packages to create mismatches. The team intends to double down on this approach for the 2026 season to create more physical run-blocking configurations while maintaining passing options out of heavy sets.
Key Roster Additions and Losses
Roster continuity is high for the Rams, who return their core offensive starting group. The main pieces of the passing game remain intact, including wide receiver Puka Nacua and veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford. The backfield also remains stable with Kyren Williams and Blake Corum returning to lead the rushing attack.
The most notable offensive addition is rookie tight end Max Klare, who was selected in the second round of the NFL Draft. His addition directly supports the strategic shift toward more frequent tight end sets. In short, the team avoided major personnel losses on the offensive side of the ball, allowing Scheelhaase to work with a familiar group of players.
Impact of Kliff Kingsbury
Kliff Kingsbury’s presence is expected to influence the weekly game planning. His integration into the staff provides McVay and Scheelhaase with an alternative perspective on spacing and passing concepts, which can be blended into the existing system to offer different looks out of the team’s standard formations.
Defense
The Rams defense in 2026 should feature schematic continuity alongside significant changes to the starting personnel. Defensive coordinator Chris Shula returns for his third season leading the unit, ensuring that the foundational scheme remain in place; however, a substantial increase in defensive spending and multiple high-profile acquisitions will alter how the system operates.
Scheme Similarities and Differences
The core approach under Shula should remain consistent with the 2025 season, with the Rams continuing to utilize a 3-4 base formation that relies heavily on complex personnel packages — specifically leading the NFL in dime packages with six DBs on the field. Shula will also maintain his use of sim pressures to disrupt opposing QBs.
The primary difference in ‘26 is likely to be a shift from scheme-reliant pressure to player-driven execution. In previous seasons, a lower positional budget required Shula to focus on out-scheming opponents to compensate for talent gaps. With an influx of premier defensive talent, the unit can now run more straightforward four-man rushes while trusting individual defenders to win their matchups.
Key Roster Additions and Losses
The Rams executed multiple major trades and free agent signings to upgrade the DL and secondary. The most notable addition is edge rusher Myles Garrett, who arrived via trade from the Cleveland Browns. To fix coverage issues from last season, the front office also acquired two former KC Chiefs CBs, trading for Trent McDuffie and signing Jaylen Watson as a free agent in March. These acquisitions replace Jared Verse, Cobie Durant, and Ahkello Witherspoon (who signed with the Commanders) in the starting lineup.
On the interior DL, the team signed veteran DT Poona Ford to boost the run defense. The Rams also managed to retain former Washington safety Kamren Curl on a new contract to preserve stability in the deep secondary. These signings complement returning young players like Kobie Turner and Braden Fiske, giving Shula a significantly more experienced group for the 2026 campaign.
Summary of coaching changes
While the Rams are changing offensive coordinators this season, it’s really “more of the same” since Sean McVay runs the offense and the new OC got the role via internal promotion. Kliff Kingsbury and Brian Johnson may help add wrinkles to the passing game concepts, we are likely to see a Rams team that is basically just an enhanced version of the 2025 team’s offense and defense. The Rams may be the cream of the NFC in 2026, and Week 9 should be a challenging game against a very good coaching staff and outstanding roster.
Key statistical 2025 rankings
Key Offensive Rankings
Scoring Offense: #1 in the NFL (30.5 points per game).
Total Offense: #1 in the NFL (6,709 total yards / 394.6 yards per game).
Passing Offense: #1 in the NFL (268.1 yards per game).
Rushing Offense: #7 in the NFL (2,152 total yards).
Advanced Metrics: #1 in Expected Points Added (EPA) per play (+0.12) and offensive success rate (49.6%).
Key Defensive Rankings
Scoring Defense: #10 in the NFL (20.4 points allowed per game).
Total Defense: #17 in the NFL (5,568 total yards allowed).
Rushing Defense: #12 in the NFL (1,884 total yards allowed).
Passing Defense: #19 in the NFL (216.7 yards allowed per game).
Defensive Line Execution: #5 in the final positional rankings.
Roster Moves: Trades, Free Agency, and the Draft
Trades and Free Agency
Player & Draft day trades
The Rams made three trades during the ‘26 offseason — 2 veteran acquisitions and a draft-day move:
Trent McDuffie (March 4, 2026): The Rams acquired 2-time All-Pro CB Trent McDuffie from Kansas City. LA traded away their 2026 1st-round pick (29th overall), a 2026 5th-round pick, a 2026 6th-round pick, and a 2027 3rd-round pick.
Myles Garrett (June 1, 2026): The Rams acquired edge rusher Myles Garrett from the Browns. LA traded edge rusher Jared Verse, a 2027 1st-round pick, a 2028 2nd-round pick, and a 2029 3rd-round pick.
Draft Trade (April 25, 2026): During the Draft, the Rams traded up with the Eagles to select WR CJ Daniels at pick No. 197. To move up, LA packaged sent a 6th-round pick (No. 207) and two 7th-round picks (No. 251 and No. 252) to Philly.
While the Rams made some big trades, they felt pretty good about how complete their roster was otherwise, and were generally quiet in free agency.
Key Free agent signings
CB Jaylen Wastson
S Kam Curl (extension)
Free agent losses
While the Rams lost 7 veteran players to other teams in free agency and another 6 remain unsigned by any team, the only one of the 13 players of significance is RT Rob Havenstein, who announced his retirement after 11 years playing for the Rams, the team that picked him in the 2nd round of the 2015 Draft.
The 2026 NFL Draft
Round 1, No. 13 overall: Ty Simpson (QB, Alabama) The Rams drafted Simpson as the potential successor to starting quarterback Matthew Stafford, and he will compete for the primary backup role during the offseason.
Round 2, No. 61 overall: Max Klare (TE, Ohio State) Klare joins a deep tight-end position group to support the team’s heavy usage of three-tight-end formations, though he is not expected to see regular playing time until future seasons.
Round 3, No. 93 overall: Keagen Trost (OT, Missouri) Selected to provide versatile depth for an offensive line facing multiple expiring contracts, Trost allowed a highly efficient 1.5% pressure rate at Missouri last season.
Round 6, No. 197 overall: CJ Daniels (WR, Miami) The Rams traded up ten spots to select Daniels, a receiver who caught seven touchdowns last year and will compete for the team’s open third-receiver role.
Round 7, No. 232 overall: Tim Keenan III (DT, Alabama) The only defensive player chosen in this Rams class, Keenan is a three-year collegiate starter who projects primarily as a nose tackle.
A 4.5-point preseason spread represents a large margin for a road team, indicating that bettors are heavily leaning into the Rams to win this mid-season game in Landover en route to a possible return to the Super Bowl. The point total is set at 50.5, reflecting expectations of high offensive output from at least one of the offenses.
WHAT DO YOU THINK?
Should the Rams be Super Bowl favorites?
Which team will win this game?
Will you feel better or worse about Washington’s chances if they add a receiver like Aiyuk or Diggs before training camp?
INGLEWOOD, CA - DECEMBER 21: A.T. Perry #17 of the New Orleans Saints runs during an NFL game against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium on December 21, 2023 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Ryan Kang/Getty Images) | Getty Images
We’ve finally reached the same month as Steelers training camp, with players reporting to Latrobe on July 28.
There, narratives will start to take shape regarding the team’s camp battles ahead of the preseason, and eventually, when rosters are cut down to 53 players on Aug. 30.
Before then, here are four Steelers players who have legitimate chances at the final roster, even if they currently remain somewhat “forgotten” on the current 90-man roster:
WR A.T. Perry
The Steelers’ top six at wide receiver seems fairly set entering training camp, but don’t rule out surprises. Maybe the new coaching staff doesn’t value Ben Skowronek or Roman Wilson as much as expected. Maybe Kaden Wetjen doesn’t run away with the starting return man job after all. And, of course, being six deep only lasts as long as all six can stay healthy.
The point is, while this might be an easy position room to map out for the 53-man roster at the moment, a lot could still change between now and cutdown day.
One wide receiver who would benefit from a spot opening up higher on the depth chart is A.T. Perry. A sixth-round pick by the New Orleans Saints in 2023, Perry managed a respectable 246-yard, four-touchdown rookie campaign, but he’s failed to log an NFL catch since.
After spending most of 2024 and 2025 with the Denver Broncos, Perry is now hoping to keep his NFL career alive with the Steelers, who he signed a futures contract with in January.
Perry has impressive measurables: nearly 6’4 at 205 pounds with 33 1/4″ arms. He also ran a 4.47-second 40-yard dash at the 2023 NFL Combine. Those are tools that can keep you in the league, and if Perry can add some sort of special teams aspect to his game (zero career NFL special teams snaps, which also explains his lack of roster time after his rookie year), he might suddenly become a contender for WR6.
TE Jaheim Bell
Outside of the well-paid duo of Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington, the Steelers’ tight end room is a bit of a mystery. Come cutdown day, could the Steelers simply roll with rookie Riley Nowakowski as a hybrid TE3/fullback? Or will the team keep three tight ends and a fullback?
Mike McCarthy’s Cowboys chose that latter in 2024. And if that’s the case again in 2026, it opens up an interesting roster battle behind Freiermuth and Washington. In that scenario, veteran tight end and former Packer Robert Tonyan seems to be the favorite for the roster spot, with 1,550 career receiving yards, special teams experience, and, of course, a past rapport with Aaron Rodgers.
I almost included Tonyan in this article, but there’s a bigger sleeper in the Steelers’ current group of tight ends: Jaheim Bell. And compared to the 32-year-old Tonyan, the 25-year-old Bell has more youth and possible upside.
Bell spent 2025 on the Steelers’ and Eagles’ practice squads, but with the Patriots in 2024, he played in 15 games as a seventh-round pick. He logged just two catches on 83 offensive snaps, but added another 176 snaps on special teams.
Bell is a bit undersized for a tight end, measuring pre-draft at 6’2, 241 pounds, but he ran a solid 4.61-second 40-yard dash coming out of college with noted positional versatility — something that’s carried on in his limited NFL snaps.
Jaheim Bell hasn't gotten many chances to show his strengths this preseason, but that could change on Sunday if Mitchell Wilcox isn't good to go
Right now, Bell is best utilized as an underneath receiver, sift blocker, 2nd-level blocker, and special teamer pic.twitter.com/FHubcdOVbt
The Steelers’ third tight end won’t be as heavily involved in the offense as the position was under Arthur Smith in 2025. That means that if Bell can prove himself as a reliable special teamer, and a capable blocker/receiver in a pinch, he has a shot at the final 53.
OT Jack Driscoll
The Steelers are impressively deep at tackle on paper: Troy Fautanu, Broderick Jones, and Dylan Cook — now joined by first-rounder Max Iheanachor. Still, Jones’ roster chances remain unknown following a neck injury in 2025. He participated in Steelers OTAs, but remains a possible candidate for injured reserve to open the season.
If Jones is initially unavailable for the 53-man roster, that could open up a spot for another lineman, such as offensive tackle Jack Driscoll. The Steelers still have a slew of roster-able names besides Driscoll, but the reserve tackle has a stronger resume than many realize. And Jones might not be the only Steelers lineman dealing with an injury to start the 2026 season.
A fourth-round pick by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2020, Driscoll has quite a bit of NFL experience, with 18 starts, 67 game appearances, 1,448 offensive snaps, and 291 snaps on special teams. Driscoll most recently played in 13 games with the Eagles in 2024. He spent some of 2025 on the Steelers’ practice squad, seeing a roster elevation.
Analyzed by NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein as an undersized-but-athletic, zone-scheme blocker pre-draft, it remains to be seen how the 6’5, 306-pound Driscoll (33” arms) is valued by the Steelers’ new coaching staff. Still, his NFL experience and guard/tackle versatility could give him a shot at a roster spot, especially as NFL teams are seemingly always in need of reserve linemen.
DL Logan Lee
Did you know that Lee appeared in seven games for the Steelers last season? He even made the team’s initial 53-man roster in 2025.
Competing against names such as Dean Lowry and forgotten Steelers alumEsezi Otomewo for a reserve spot on the Steelers’ defensive line depth chart in 2026, Lee is rarely forecasted as the favorite to make the 53-man roster, even if he certainly has as good a chance as his competition.
A sixth-round pick by Pittsburgh in 2024, Lee was stashed on injured reserve during his rookie season, and when he was healthy, he was often miscast as a backup nose tackle despite having a defensive end build at 6’5, 286 pounds.
In 2025, Lee saw just 47 snaps on defense, recording two tackles but showing a knack for knocking down throws, with two regular season pass deflections, including one that turned into a Jack Sawyer interception.
PITTSBURGH, PA - SEPTEMBER 4: Defensive lineman Rulon Jones of the Denver Broncos looks on from the sideline during a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Three Rivers Stadium on September 4, 1983 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Broncos defeated the Steelers 14-10. (Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Good morning, Broncos Country!
The Denver Broncos have one of the richest histories in NFL history.
Some of the greatest players to ever strap on pads and put on a helmet have played in Denver. You experience that tradition anytime you walk on the south side of Mile High in Ring of Fame Plaza. The busts of all the people who made the Broncos what they are. Or anytime you look at the facade and see the names and numbers.
With that come those players and coaches who have yet to get inducted into the Ring of Fame but are deserving. The most recent inductee was Demaryius Thomas. Prior to the former receiver were legends Steve Foley and Riley Odoms.
Earlier this spring, I made the case for one of the best pass rushers in franchise history, Barney Chavous, to get inducted into the Ring of Fame.
He was a key member of the Orange Crush defense and helped the franchise play in its first Super Bowl. He is a member of the Broncos Top 100 team and played all 13 of his NFL seasons in Denver. He was selected with the No. 36 pick in the 1973 NFL Draft out of South Carolina.
But it’s the stats that tell the story of Chavous and his value to the franchise. Sacks weren’t officially tracked by the NFL until 1982. However, when Chavous retired, he was the franchise’s all-time leader. He’s one of four Broncos to reach 75 sacks for his career. Chavous currently sits at No. 4 on the all-time list with 75. That’s behind Von Miller (110.5), Simon Fletcher (97.5), and Karl Mecklenburg (79.0).
But if the Ring of Fame selection committee does not go with Chavous, there are other deserving players.
Rulon Jones, defensive end
The former defensive end played for the Broncos from 1980-88. He ranks fifth in franchise history for sacks with 73.5. He was a nightmare to block; he was a complete defensive lineman (typically at right defensive end), and he made those defenses in the ’80s better.
There’s always the discussion of “overlooked” players for any franchise, but Jones falls into that category in Denver. He was that good, but he often doesn’t get the credit he deserves.
Al Wilson, linebacker
This pretty much goes without saying, but Wilson was the heart and soul of the Broncos defenses when he played in Denver. You could argue that during his time with the Broncos, 1999-2006, the only linebacker better than him in the NFL was Ray Lewis.
He only ranks ninth in franchise history for tackles, but that’s because of his neck injury. If Wilson doesn’t get injured, we’re talking about a Hall of Famer. Still, that injury doesn’t lessen the impact he made on the franchise.
Tyrone Braxton, safety
The safety known as “The Chicken,” Braxton, often gets overlooked since he was sandwiched between two of the best safeties in NFL history, Dennis Smith and Steve Atwater. Braxton came to Denver two years before Atwater and played with the Broncos from 1987-1999.
And did he ever leave his mark on the franchise?
Braxton ranks fourth in franchise history in interceptions with 34. He also ranks fifth in franchise history for tackles with 746. Braxton should join the likes of the other greats to play the safety position in the Ring of Fame.
Steve Watson, wide receiver
If there was anyone as smooth as Watson at the receiver position, you’d be hard-pressed to find one. That’s also a great way to describe his hands. You had to have smooth hands to catch those John Elway piss missiles.
Watson ranks seventh in franchise history in receiving yards with 6,112. He also had 353 receptions for 36 touchdowns. Watson should get the nod over the next worthy candidate. Fittingly, also a receiver.
Ed McCaffrey, receiver
McCaffrey was the next generation’s Watson. And McCaffrey was a complete receiver.
He could make any catch, but he could also block and lay some heavy blocks if needed. The receiving duo he made with Rod Smith was something special.
McCaffrey ranks sixth in franchise history in receiving yards with 6,200. He also had 462 catches and 46 touchdowns.
Of course, the ROF Selection Committee could just meet in the middle and induct both Watson and McCaffrey in the same class.
Lyle Alzado, defensive lineman
I’ve come to accept this will likely never happen, but I’ll continue to beat this drum as long as I can.
Alzado is one of the best players to ever play for the Broncos. Period. Yes, there’s a sordid history that comes with him, namely his use of steroids and how his time ended with the franchise. Some still hate that he played for the hated Raiders. Of course, that may have been fueled by the fact that Alzado was traded to the Cleveland Browns.
As the “A Football Life: Lyle Alzado” story about the trade notes, Alzado said: “There is nothing worse in this world than having people give up on you and not believe in you.”
It’s time to let bygones be bygones and put Alzado in the Ring of Fame. Alzado died over 34 years ago. But not before coming clean as a “phony” who copped to his greatest faults and stood as a cautionary tale for young players tempted by steroids.
Alzado was the heart and soul of the Orange Crush defense. He ranks sixth in franchise history for sacks. He also did so much for the Denver and Colorado community when he played for the Broncos.
No other line sums up Alzado more than this one, from that same story:
“Dig deeper, though, and there is evidence of a colorful character and tortured soul who gave to others what he could not give himself.”
There is no doubt I missed a player or two, and assistant coaches, namely Joe Collier. Feel free to sound off in the comments.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - AUGUST 08: A Summer league logo is shown on center court during a game between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Houston Rockets during the 2021 NBA Summer League at the Thomas & Mack Center on August 8, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Rockets defeated the Cavaliers 84-76. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Several former Kentucky Wildcats will be suiting up in the NBA Summer League.
More than a dozen former Wildcats will look to make a name for themselves on the summer league circuit in hopes of earning an NBA contract.
Looking at some former players who are grinding it out in the summer circuit, recently-drafted Otega Oweh is playing for the Oklahoma City Thunder in the summer league. Playing in the Salt Lake City league, Oweh had a nice sequence showing his two-way ability.
Otega Oweh putting his two-way impact on display 💯
The Thunder’s second round pick is showing off at the Salt Lake City Summer League! pic.twitter.com/zDBmKKSWUj
Former Kentucky Wildcat Jacob Toppin is also playing in the Salt Lake City league with the Atlanta Hawks.
In the California Classic, we’ve seen Brandon Boston Jr. playing with the Milwaukee Bucks and Adou Thiero playing with the Los Angeles Lakers. Boston, in particular, had a strong showing for the Bucks, including this dunk.
The Las Vegas Summer League gets underway beginning on Thursday, July 9 and includes all 30 NBA teams.
Here’s a look at some other former Kentucky players we should expect to see in Vegas.
Amari Williams (Boston Celtics), Jaxson Robinson (Cleveland Cavaliers), Bryce Hopkins (Denver Nuggets), Ugonna Onyenso (Detroit Pistons), Keion Brooks (Indiana Pacers), Lance Ware (New York Knicks), TyTy Washington (Orlando Magic), Koby Brea and Devin Askew (Phoenix Suns), and Andrew Carr (Portland Trailblazers).
Jayden Quaintance, who was recently drafted in the first round by the San Antonio Spurs, is technically on San Antonio’s summer league roster, but it has been announced that he will not be playing in the summer league due to the knee injury.
The Las Vegas Summer League games will be shown on ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, and Prime Video.
Fireworks light up the night sky during the annual White Plains Independence Day celebration at White Plains High School July 2, 2026. The evening featured live music, giant inflatable rides, food trucks, and ended with a spectacular fireworks display. | Frank Becerra Jr./The Journal News / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Mike Evans is fitting right in with the 49ers (ESPN) – Standing at a lectern following a recent offseason practice, San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Mike Evans casually answered questions in his mild-mannered way for nearly seven minutes.
