After an inconsistent, injury-riddled tenure, Kayvon Thibodeaux‘s time as a New York Giant seems to be coming to a close in the near future.

Though the Giants aren’t rushing to move off him, they should be listening to all offers.

So far, Thibodeaux hasn’t lived up to his fifth-overall pick potential, but he has given solid production, accumulating 23.5 sacks and six forced fumbles in 53 games with the big blue.

But with just the 2026 season left on his rookie deal, it begs the question of whether New York should use him to make a move during the 2026 NFL Draft to put together a cheaper, more well-rounded roster.

Thibodeaux Doesn’t Fit the Giants’ Defense

Although Kayvon Thibodeaux was one of the few bright spots in the defensive run game last season, his upcoming on-field opportunities will likely be the fewest in his career. The edge rush duo of Abdul Carter and Brian Burns is clearly the group’s future, leaving the former Oregon star with limited reps.

With this in mind, the compensation that New York would receive for him would make a significant difference. Even though some issues on the defensive side were due to injuries last season, they are still in desperate need of repairs at linebacker, defensive back, and defensive tackle.

Whilst a player like Sonny Styles or Caleb Downs is impactful, it can only fix some of these problems. Their lack of mid-round selections makes it much more difficult for the Giants to make impactful moves on the margins.

Pick Shortage Makes the Move Feel Obvious

Since New York has just one Day 2 pick and no compensation picks, they have little to work with. Given his talent, a trade involving Thibodeaux would be substantial. If moves in the past like Jaelan Phillips are an indicator, the edge rusher could be worth as much as a third-round pick.

Each year, contenders are looking for one-and-done impact players. This year, there are numerous playoff threats in need of an edge rusher. Teams such as the Kansas City Chiefs, Baltimore Ravens, and Buffalo Bills can be buyers for Thibodeaux. Each of these winners has proven to make aggressive, win-now moves in the past, no matter age or contract.

So, with all of these championship-caliber teams continuously shopping, it should be easy for the Giants to acquire a mid-round pick. With that selection, the G-Men could pick anyone, including defensive tackles Rayshaun Benny and Darrell Jackson Jr.

Will Trading Thibodeaux Truly Be Worth It?

Despite the intriguing possibilities trading Thibodeaux gives, his talents would still help New York. 

In just 10 games, he was top five on the defense in sacks and tackles for loss, as well as third in QB hits. Additionally, the pass rush production outside of Burns and Carter was abysmal. Those two were the only Giants to record four or more sacks last season, combining for 20.5.

With Thibodeaux, the Giants would possess one of the premier edge rush rotations in the NFL. They would have an excellent combination of athleticism, bend, and reach. Though they would sacrifice another potential starter, the exceptional trio, if just for one more year, would wreak non-stop havoc.

Unfortunately, the New York Giants will likely not have that luxury, and moving on from Kayvon Thibodeaux makes too much sense not to pull the trigger.

The post Should the Giants Trade Kayvon Thibodeaux on Draft Night? appeared first on The Lead.

Year in and year out, the headliners of the NFL Draft media cycle are QBs and the players that impact them the most. However, in a draft class with limited stars at those premium positions, more focus will be shifted to the less sexy roles.

Coming off a year in the NFL where TEs and their usage were more important than ever, it’s only fitting that this year’s class is chock-full of talent from top to bottom with a variety of body types and skillsets. 

Players like Oregon’s Kenyon Sadiq and Vanderbilt’s Eli Stowers get all the hype because they put up the stats and fantasy points that everyone loves. The problem is that players of that archetype don’t actually get on the field and contribute to their team on a three-down basis due to their inability to block inline.

Three players in this year’s class can’t match the production of their flashier counterparts, but they do bring the traits teams look for when it comes to selecting starter-quality players at the TE position.

Oscar Delp – Georgia (No. 11 TE on the Consensus Board)

Delp is probably the most relevant name nationally of the three, as the Georgia TE has been a key contributor to multiple highly successful Bulldog teams over the past few years. The reason he falls on this list, even given his name value, is the lack of production. Delp was tagged as the next successor to Brock Bowers but never lived up to the hype, with his career-best yardage total coming in 2023, where he topped out at 284 yards.

Despite the lack of production, there’s one big factor that doesn’t show up on the stat sheet that will make teams feel comfortable ignoring his lackluster numbers: his blocking.

While not overly big at 245 pounds (21st percentile) or long with 31⅝-inch arms (6th percentile), his size is functional enough, and Georgia was more than comfortable with leaving Delp inline. He translates his strong first step burst into power at the point of contact and plays with outstanding leverage and technique to work his feet and seal off his assignment.

Delp’s combination of toughness, technique, and flexibility will allow his future NFL coach to trust him with the blocking responsibilities needed to get on the field early in his career.

There is also reason to believe his best past catching days are ahead of him, because Delp is a fantastic athlete. As evidenced by his 4.48 40-Yard Dash time at his Pro Day, Delp can absolutely fly in the open field. While he still needs to improve his route-running polish, players who can block are typically matched up with LBs who will struggle to stick with that type of speed.

Eli Raridon – Notre Dame (No. 8 TE on the Consensus Board)

The phrase “scout the player, not the helmet” is typically sound advice when it comes to evaluating prospects, but in the case of Eli Raridon, it’s fair to ignore it. The next in a long line of talented Notre Dame TEs, he is another player with underwhelming statistical production that is suppressing his talent from the public eye.

At 6-foot-6, 245 pounds, Raridon brings functional size for an inline TE. He combines that with outstanding technique and enough strength through his lower half and core to be a capable blocker when attached to the line of scrimmage. There are some questions about his length, but Raridon’s overall body of work shows a smart, tough blocker with the tools to handle NFL-level DEs.

Raridon leaves Notre Dame with under 700 total yards in his career and zero touchdowns in his senior season, but both his testing and tape indicate there is room for improvement. He posted a stellar 4.62 40-Yard Dash and 36-inch Vertical Jump at the Combine, showing he has the athletic tools to win down the field at the NFL level.

Add in receiving tape that consistently shows him displaying fluid movement skills to create as a route runner and just not getting the ball, and it’s easy to see how his best football is ahead of him.

Sam Roush – Stanford (No. 10 TE on the Consensus Board)

Roush is the player with the best production on this list after putting up a 50-catch, 550-yard season in 2025, but due to playing for a largely irrelevant Stanford team, he was often underdiscussed.

He has been rising up the Consensus Board of late, due to his exceptional Combine, but the reason he makes this list has nothing to do with that and everything to do with, yes, you guessed it, blocking!

Roush checks every box build-wise teams look for in an inline player at 6-foot-5, 265 pounds. Combine that with close to 900 snaps of inline experience, and there is very little projection to his profile. He has the entire toolkit needed to deal with DL one-on-one in the run game, showing the power and core flexibility to wrench defenders out of the hole at the point of attack.

When combined with tremendous range for a player of his size, he is the complete package as a blocker.

Roush also brings the pass-catching ability to be more than just a typical Day-3 blocking TE. His size/athleticism combo makes him a dangerous weapon up the seam and he was one of the better YAC threats in the sport last year, ranking seventh among TEs in that category. His only real blemish was the seven drops in 2025, but that is a notoriously noisy stat that shouldn’t dissuade any team from taking him on Day 2 of the draft.

The Rest of the Bunch

Raridon, Roush, and Delp all possess that ideal combination of blocking ability and receiving upside needed to become impactful starting TEs in this league. That does not mean that they are the only TE prospects who need more of the limelight.

Michigan’s Marlin Klein, Ohio State’s Will Kacmarek, and Washington’s Quentin Moore are three blocking forward TEs who, while they may lack the same receiving ability, will very likely outperform their draft slot as rookies, similarly to players like the Seahawks’ A.J. Barner and the Bills’ Jaxson Hawes did in years past.

The post Everyone Is Talking About the Wrong TE’s in the 2026 NFL Draft appeared first on The Lead.

After a rocky start to the 2025 season, the Carolina Panthers rallied to reach the playoffs behind record-setting production from Rico Dowdle and improved consistency from quarterback Bryce  Young. 

Carolina’s season ended with a close Wild Card loss to the Rams, but the run set the stage for a  2026 push. GM Dan Morgan attacked free agency, adding high-end defensive talent with linebacker Devin Lloyd and edge rusher Jaelan Phillips. 

Panthers Draft Picks:

• Round 1: No. 19
• Round 2: No. 51
• Round 3: No. 83
• Round 4: No. 119
• Round 5: No. 158 (from Vikings)
• Round 5: No. 159
• Round 6: No. 200

Morgan now turns to the draft with several picks available to use. While he has emphasized“flexibility”in the draft, there are still several positions that the Panthers need to fill.

Panthers Positions of Need:

• S
• LB
• TE
• C

Panthers Key Draft Targets:

Dillon Thieneman – Safety – Oregon 

In a safety-rich class, Oregon’s Dillon Thieneman could fill Carolina’s biggest hole: a fast,  physical defender with strong tackling and explosiveness. If he’s available at No. 19, he should be a top option, though some projections have him going one pick earlier to Minnesota. 

If the Panthers don’t get Thieneman, there is a boatload of options at safety that they can still find great success with. However, Thieneman should be priority number one.

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Jacob Rodriguez – LB – Texas Tech

Even after reshaping the linebacker room in free agency, Texas Tech’s Jacob Rodriguez remains a strong Day 2 target for the Panthers to go and get. He’s already met twice with Panthers staff and had great things to say about the organization. Rodriguez could certainly be in play for the  Panthers to snatch in the second round.

Max Klare – TE – Ohio State 

Ohio State tight end Max Klare stands out if Carolina waits until later in the draft to fill their need at tight end. At 6-foot-5, he offers a big target who can stretch the field and line up in multiple spots across the line. Drafting Klare would certainly be a risk due to his size, but one that the Panthers could be inclined to take.

Jake Slaughter – C – Florida 

With Cade Mays gone, center is a clear priority for the Panthers. Florida’s Jake Slaughter, an experienced, five-year starter and Second-Team All-American, could challenge for snaps immediately, while also offering a long-term answer beyond the team’s one-year Luke Fortner addition. 

For the Panthers, it will be a matter of how long they can wait to snatch up Slaughter, with several teams sure to be eyeing him as a potential successor to their aging centers.

The post Carolina Panthers 2026 NFL Draft Guide appeared first on The Lead.

The Atlanta Falcons’ star-laden roster underwhelmed in 2025. Quarterback Michael Penix’s first year as a starter led to another 8-9 season and extended their playoff drought another year. In a very winnable NFC South, this is not how Falcons fans expected their season to go. 

Owner Arthur Blank shared the fans’ sentiment. His decision to move on from Head Coach Raheem Morris and General Manager Terry Fontenot made that very clear. 

Blank rebuilt the Falcon’s leadership entirely by bringing in Ian Cunningham as General Manager, Kevin Stefanski as Head Coach, and franchise legend Matt Ryan as President of Football Operations. The trio will have scarce opportunities in the 2026 Draft, as they currently own just five draft picks. 

Falcons Draft Picks:

• Round 2: Pick 48
• Round 3: Pick 79
• Round 4: Pick 122
• Round 6: Pick 215
• Round 7: Pick 231

Atlanta has premier talent at several position groups on their roster. Unfortunately, the “dirty birds” lack significant depth. A common theme for the Falcons is having a star player, such as Drake London or AJ Terrell, at a position, followed by a steep drop-off in ability compared to their counterparts. 

Falcons Positions of Need:

The Falcons will aim to shrink that talent gap by targeting the following positions in this year’s draft: 

• WR
• LB 
• CB
• OL 

Key Draft Targets for Falcons:

Jacob Rodriguez – LB – Texas Tech  

Rodriguez was one of the most notable names in college football last season. The Falcons lost Kaden Elliss, who led the team in tackles the last three seasons, to free agency. Atlanta could fill a big hole with a big name. 

Cunningham may need to get creative to land the Texas Tech standout. Rodriguez is currently ranked as the 42nd overall prospect by NFL Mock Draft Database, while the Falcons’ first pick sits at No. 48. 

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Malik Muhammad – CB – Texas 

Muhammad may not offer the same name recognition as Falcons cornerback AJ Terrell’s little brother, Avieon, but he is a much more achievable target. The Texas corner has experienced the best competition available by competing in the SEC. 

He should be on the board through the end of Day 2. A readymade pro, Atlanta can draft Muhammad and implant him into the starting defense as a running mate for Terrell immediately. 

Brenen Thompson – WR – Mississippi State

Drake London is one of the most imposing receivers in football. Atlanta needs to build depth behind him. They may be able to do so while also diversifying their offense by adding Brenen Thompson. 

Thompson’s small build and elite quickness would introduce a whole new element to the Falcons’ offense. Thompson is expected to be a fourth-round pick. The Falcons would love to weaponize his speed on the turf of Mercedes-Benz Stadium. 

The post Atlanta Falcons 2026 NFL Draft Preview appeared first on The Lead.

Every year, the NFL Draft is dominated by big names, flashy highlights, and first-round projections. Fans and analysts spend months debating which quarterback will go No. 1 or which superstar prospect will change a franchise overnight. But if you look closely at past drafts, the real story often unfolds later. That is where the hidden gems come in.

The 2026 NFL Draft is no different. While the spotlight is on the top prospects, there is growing buzz around a group of underrated players who are quietly climbing boards based on early scouting reports and pre-draft evaluations. These players may not have the same hype right now, but they have the tools, production, and upside to become future stars at the next level.

MORE: Fernando Mendoza’s Indiana Pro Day updates, highlights before 2026 NFL Draft

Finding hidden gems is not just about stats. It comes down to context, system fit, athletic traits, and long-term development. Some prospects are overlooked because they come from smaller programs. Others are still refining their game or have not had consistent national exposure. That does not mean they cannot succeed in the NFL.

Here are some under-the-radar prospects who could turn into major steals.

Cole Payton, QB, North Dakota State

Let’s start with a classic developmental quarterback.

Cole Payton has not received widespread first-round attention, but his dual-threat ability makes him intriguing. He is still developing as a passer, yet his athleticism and versatility stand out.

Why he could break out:

• Dynamic rushing ability
• High developmental upside
• Could thrive in a creative offensive system

Bryce Lance, WR, North Dakota State

Bryce Lance, the younger brother of Trey Lance, brings size and athleticism to the table.

He has not faced top-tier competition consistently, which has limited his exposure, but the physical tools are there for him to develop into a vertical threat.

Why he could break out:

• Strong athletic profile
• Big-play potential downfield
• Upside as a deep threat receiver

MORE: Does the Jalen Hurts discourse make sense?

Jake Slaughter, C, Florida

Interior linemen often fly under the radar, but Jake Slaughter has built a reputation as a reliable and technically sound center.

He projects as a player who could contribute early thanks to his consistency and awareness in pass protection.

Why he could break out:

• Solid fundamentals and technique
• High floor as a prospect
• Immediate depth or starting potential

D’Angelo Ponds, CB, Indiana

D’Angelo Ponds is gaining attention for his playmaking ability and instincts in coverage.

While he may not yet be a mainstream name, his athletic traits and ball skills make him a strong candidate to outperform his draft position.

Why he could break out:

• Good instincts in coverage
• Playmaking ability on the ball
• Fits modern pass-heavy defensive schemes

Demond Claiborne, RB, Wake Forest

Demond Claiborne has started to generate buzz thanks to his speed and explosiveness.

While exact testing numbers vary across reports, he is widely viewed as one of the faster backs in this class.

Why he could break out:

• Explosive running style
• Big-play capability
• Potential to carve out an early role in the right system

Max Klare, TE, Ohio State

Max Klare is a name that is still flying under the radar, but his receiving ability makes him an intriguing tight end prospect.

He has shown flashes as a versatile pass catcher who can line up in different spots.

Why he could break out:

• Strong receiving upside
• Versatility across formations
• Fits the modern pass-catching tight end role

MORE: Greatest NFL MVP seasons ever, ranked from elite to legendary

Darrell Jackson Jr., DL, Florida State

Darrell Jackson Jr. brings the kind of size and physical tools that NFL teams look for in defensive linemen.

He may not be getting first-round buzz, but his traits and run-stopping ability give him a solid foundation.

Why he could break out:

• Impressive size and strength
• Strong against the run
• Developmental upside as a three-down player

Brenen Thompson, WR, Mississippi State

Brenen Thompson is known for his speed, which immediately stands out on tape.

Even without fully verified testing numbers, his ability to stretch the field makes him a dangerous weapon.

Why he could break out:

• Elite speed profile
• Big-play threat
• Potential impact as a deep target early

Every draft produces its share of surprises, and the 2026 class will likely follow that pattern. While the top prospects will dominate headlines, history shows that some of the most valuable players emerge from outside the spotlight.

If even a few of these under-the-radar names land in the right situation, they could quickly outperform expectations and become key contributors at the next level.

The 2026 NFL Draft is approaching as the annual league meetings conclude in Phoenix, Arizona. Teams are now finalizing their draft boards and completing their due diligence.

One key part of that process is the Top-30 visits each team conducts with various prospects. While these players aren’t necessarily ranked in a team’s top 30, the visits often signal which prospects teams are seriously considering.

One position that always draws intense scrutiny is quarterback. After Fernando Mendoza and Ty Simpson, the race for QB3 in this class remains wide open.

MORE: Does the Jalen Hurts discourse make sense?

However, one name has recently started to gain surprising momentum: Carson Beck, the former Georgia Bulldog and Miami Hurricane quarterback.

Beck has logged three known or reported Top-30 visits, meeting with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Arizona Cardinals, and Miami Dolphins.

The Dolphins visit qualifies as a local visit, meaning it does not count against their Top-30 limit. The other two meetings, however, carry more weight, as neither team is local.

Notably, both teams appear to have long-term answers at quarterback. Meanwhile, despite signing Malik Willis, reports indicate the Dolphins may still be evaluating contingency plans.

MORE: Las Vegas Raiders have another veteran quarterback in mind for 2026

That context makes Beck’s visits even more intriguing. He entered the 2025 season as a potential Heisman favorite and, before suffering a UCL injury in 2024, projected as a strong first-round candidate for the 2025 NFL Draft.

Beck’s up-and-down season at Miami revealed flashes of a mature, experienced passer capable of processing at the next level. However, his arm strength noticeably declined as the season progressed.

The drop-off wasn’t as dramatic as late-career versions of Ben Roethlisberger or Peyton Manning, but Beck’s medical outlook remains a significant concern.

So, can you rule Beck out in the first round? Possibly—but history suggests caution.

MORE: Fernando Mendoza’s Indiana Pro Day updates, highlights before 2026 NFL Draft

Consider Tyler Shough, who entered the draft process as a projected Day 3 pick before surging late into second-round consideration, even generating some first-round buzz. Like Beck, Shough carried notable injury concerns but still offered clear passing talent.

As things stand today, Beck likely falls short of first-round status.

But with two to three weeks remaining, could that change? Could Beck emerge as a dark-horse Day 1 or Day 2 selection?

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