NFL Trade Rumors
This year’s trade deadline brought plenty of fireworks. More than usual, actually, and plenty of teams got in on the action. The headliner, of course, was the Jets sending two-time All-Pro CB Sauce Gardner to the Colts for a pair of first-round picks and WR Adonai Mitchell. The Jets now join the Rams, Browns and Cowboys as teams with two first-round picks in next year’s draft.
With the immediate ripple effect this has on the draft, now is the perfect time for an updated mock. It’s been over a month since my last mock, and as the college football season rolls on, there is plenty to update.
As always, this far out, specific prospect-to-team fits are a little tricky to work out. But given the topic is the trade deadline, I worked to match team needs more than I normally would at this point in the season.
The undisputed top player in the class in my eyes, the Titans get a defensive cornerstone to pair with their planned quarterback of the future in last year’s No. 1 pick, Cam Ward. Bain shuts down his side of the line in run defense, but his pass-rushing skills are what set him apart. With an elite bag of pass rush moves and freaky burst off the line of scrimmage, Bain has the makings of a true difference-making NFL edge rusher.
Second-round QB Tyler Shough will have the rest of this season to audition for the Saints’ starting spot in 2026. For now, let’s get them another receiver to pair with WR Chris Olave after New Orleans traded away WR Rashid Shaheed at the deadline. Tyson is a true No. 1 receiver in the NFL, with a prototypical frame and fantastic ball skills. His ability to get separation at all three levels of the field is unmatched, and he wins at the catch point with strong hands.
Reese is an athletic freak who will test how high a linebacker can go in the draft in this era. He can line up on the edge and rush the passer, erase runs sideline to sideline, and blanket backs, tight ends and slot receivers in coverage. Reese is a versatile defensive weapon who can play multiple positions in the NFL — he’s shaping up to be the best linebacker prospect since Micah Parsons. His best home in the league might ultimately be in the role Parsons has settled into.
It hasn’t been quite the banner year we all wanted to see from Fano, but he’s still easily the best offensive lineman in this class, and the Browns are in desperate need of offensive line help. Fano is a monster athlete with smooth movement skills. He creates serious vertical displacement in the run game and is nimble...
