What we're hearing about the Bears' draft: All signs point to USC quarterback
Caleb Williams being the No. 1 pick, but what happens after that for Chicago? The Bears have only three additional selections, meaning a move back could be in play at No. 9.
"I'd be shocked if they make that pick at nine," an NFC area scout said. "[Bears GM Ryan] Poles loves to move around and build through the draft, and that roster still needs help in some spots." Don't be surprised if Chicago moves back, adds more draft capital and takes the best defensive end available wherever it lands.
Laiatu Latu (UCLA) and
Jared Verse (Florida State) are two options who would help off the edge in Chicago.
-- Reid
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What we're hearing about the Commanders' draft: Yeah, it's widely accepted at this point that the Commanders will draft a quarterback at No. 2 -- the question is which one. When I asked a dozen NFL scouts and executives about the selection, I kept hearing that Daniels is the most likely pick. That intel, of course, is from people outside the Commanders' organization, so take it with a grain of salt, but it sounds like many people around the league believe the reigning Heisman Trophy winner will follow Williams off the board. -- Miller
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What we're hearing about the Patriots' draft: Eliot Wolf is entering his first draft in charge of decision-making for the Patriots, and considering his background and experience with the Packers, passing on a QB at No. 3 would be surprising -- even if New England gets an enticing offer for the pick. The Patriots are expected to be able to choose from at least two of Daniels, Maye and Michigan's
J.J. McCarthy, depending on what happens ahead of them. "There's no perfect blueprint to build [a roster] up, but it's easier to get the quarterback and build around him then the inverse," an AFC area scout said. "If you trade back, you're hoping and wishing that you're in this position again next year to get your guy."
If the Pats do go QB in the first round, I'd keep an eye on BYU offensive tackle
Kingsley Suamataia at No. 34; the team has done a lot of homework on him.
-- Reid
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What we're hearing about the Cardinals' draft: General manager Monti Ossenfort is known for wheeling and dealing during the draft, and since the Cardinals are tied for the most picks this year (11), I'd expect more of the same. It shouldn't come as a surprise if Arizona gets aggressive and attempts to move up from No. 27 for a cornerback on Day 1. Murphy-Bunting is more of a CB2. There's a glaring need for a high-upside CB1, and Nate Wiggins (Clemson) and Kool-Aid McKinstry (Alabama) could be Day 1 options for a roster still in the talent collection portion of its rebuild. -- Reid
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What we're hearing about the Chargers' draft: Wide receiver is an obvious hole, but it is offensive tackle that has continued to come up when speaking to sources about the Chargers. "The offensive line has always been the hub of the offense for Harbaugh," an AFC director of college scouting said. "He didn't even have highly recruited wideouts at Michigan, and now that thought process is supposed to change?"
Notre Dame's
Joe Alt has been a popular name at No. 5, but as Kris said, trading back is also possible. If the Chargers do opt to move out of their slot, keep an eye on Alabama's
JC Latham or Oregon State's
Taliese Fuaga as plug-and-play options at right tackle. Both have more upside than projected starter
Trey Pipkins III and fit the style of football that the franchise wants to establish.
-- Reid
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What we're hearing about the Giants' draft: A high-ranking official with the team told me their draft plans are unlikely to include a first-round passer. However, that doesn't rule out a quarterback being a target in Round 2, where the team owns pick No. 47. Washington's
Michael Penix Jr. and Oregon's
Bo Nix are expected to be off the board by that point, but a small trade up on Day 2 -- similar to what the Titans did last year to land
Will Levis at pick No. 33 -- is possible.
-- Miller
Xavier Legette is the best receiver in this draft
