Seahawks Win Super Bowl LX

Seattle Defense Dominates Patriots

Frank Coyle / Pro scout

The Seattle Seahawks completed their magical season with their 2nd Super Bowl title in history. Their dominant aggressive defense prevailed over the young Patriots offense 29-13.

The Seattle ground game shined behind runner Kenneth Walker who rushed for 135 yards on 27 carries and 2 receptions. He earned the game MVP award, the first time a running back has won the award since Terrell Davis in 1997. QB Sam Darnold had a solid if unspectacular performance throwing for 202 yards passing and 1 TD with no turnovers. He completed one of the greatest turnarounds in NFL history with three postseason games. He won 31 games over the past two seasons, a new NFL record. He was part of the 2018 NFL Draft class which produced 5 QBs chosen in the first round, Baker Mayfield (1), Darnold (3), Josh Allen ((7), Josh Rosen (10) and Lamar Jackson (32). Darnold is the first one to win a Super Bowl and also the first QB to win the NFL title with his 5th club.

The Patriots struggled to protect QB Drake Maye for 60 minutes and their ground game produced a paltry 79 yards. The Seahawks defense registered 6 sacks and applied constant pressure to disrupt the Patriots offense while Seattle punter Michael Dickson pinned them deep in their territory, averaging over 47 yards per kick including three inside the 20 yard line with two of them inside the 5 yard line.

NFL Salary Cap 2026 Per Team

 Frank Coye & Staff @draftinsiders.com

The NFL salary cap 2026 has been raised once again with the league projecting a range of over 301 – 305 million. The league informed clubs this week it is projecting a salary cap in the range of $301.2 million to $305.7 million for the upcoming 2026 season, reports at NFL Network.

This increase would represent a boost of more than $20 million from the 2025 mark of $279.2 million and reach nearly $100 million in additional space since the $208.2 million cap set for the 2022 season.

The projection follows the same pattern exhibited in recent increases. The cap jumped by $23.8 million from 2024 to 2025, creating excesses of space that exceeded $70 million for some teams. It increased some teams even more and the eventual 2025 AFC champion New England Patriots who were very active in the free agent market.

Over recent history, the salary cap continues to produce greater cap limits in future years. The projected number for 2026 more than doubles annual salary caps from mid 2015 seasons. It has been instrumental in the incredible growth and prosperity for the league. The TV market also reflects the amazing annual growth of the NFL industry.

March 3
Prior to 4:00 p.m. ET, deadline for clubs to designate Franchise or Transition Players.

March 9-11
During the period beginning at 12:00 noon ET, on March 9 and ending at 3:59:59 p.m. ET, on March 11, clubs are permitted to contact, and enter into contract negotiations with the certified agents of players who will become unrestricted free agents upon the expiration of their 2025 player contracts at 4:00 p.m. ET, on

March 11
During the two-day negotiation period prior to the start of the 2026 League Year, each club may conduct one video or phone call for no longer than one hour with no more than five (5) prospective unrestricted free agents. The player’s agent must be a participant of the call.
No prospective unrestricted free agent is permitted to execute a contract with a new club until 4:00 p.m. ET, on March 11.

March 11
The 2026 League Year and Free agency signing period begins at 4:00 p.m. ET.
Trading period for 2026 begins at 4:00 p.m. ET, after expiration of all 2025 contracts

Salary Cap 2026 Per Team – Feb, 3, 2026

Per Overthecap.com

Effective Cap Space: the cap space a team will have after signing at least 51 players and its projected rookie class to its roster.

Base Salary Cap: $303,500,000
Team              Cap Space   /  Effective Cap Space  /  Active Cap  /  Spending Dead Money

Titans              $104,769,062      $93,334,968         $220,791,308          $535,658
Raiders           $91,522,807         $76,991,010          $189,413,472           $34,812,266
Chargers         $88,677,941         $84,372,966         $217,963,367           $478,177
Jets                   $83,569,717        $67,685,209         $167,097,645           $75,621,438
Commanders  $76,041,469       $69,297,314          $255,706,956          $248,312
Seahawks         $73,284,461      $63,013,830         $243,166,022           $483,723
Bengals            $54,504,672      $47,378,106          $253,492,416           $4,748,222
Rams                $48,214,355      $40,769,897          $266,058,212           700,524
Steelers            $44,943,582     $39,307,535          $267,058,786           $7,934,338
49ers                $42,950,176      $38,552,959         $269,621,623            $21,863,741
Patriots            $42,735,263     $37,744,226          $290,735,831            $20,790,382
Cardinals         $42,187,426     $30,663,033         $274,012,155             $3,934,104
Colts                 $35,598,489     $33,584,759         $268,433,497           $2,093,644
Broncos           $28,885,734     $24,848,957         $276,377,391             $1,218,922
Falcons            $27,999,824     $25,290,856         $277,218,339            $2,235,354
Buccaneers      $23,828,710     $18,268,258        $293,252,073            $255,591
Ravens             $21,943,387      $13,270,416        $279,654,158             $12,262,715
Eagles              $20,557,388      $15,463,440       $250,816,635            $44,804,213
Panthers          $14,437,004      $9,552,110          $290,819,573            $9,341,094
Giants              $6,947,721         ($3,151,579)        $296,689,591           $216,804
Texans            ($1,403,295)      ($7,242,447)       $292,766,079           $20,922,780
Packers           ($1,436,657)      ($3,227,425)       $297,096,029           $17,165,048
Bears               ($5,300,354)     ($9,492,768)      $316,976,069            $542,993
Saints             ($6,037,060)     ($13,638,724)     $261,530,600            $65,798,682
Bills                ($7,449,001)      ($11,553,061)      $310,227,823            $432,166
Lions             ($8,531,146)      ($13,241,217)      $327,944,798              $4,358,290
Browns         ($10,286,279)     ($22,559,737)     $307,855,677            $31,763,848
Jaguars        ($11,433,472)     ($13,918,041)      $279,610,798             $43,863,713
Dolphins       ($16,223,613)    ($23,556,987)     $291,541,923             $35,500,637
Cowboys       ($28,936,140)   ($36,441,364)     $333,419,250             $24,344,177
Vikings         ($40,156,353)    ($45,185,362)     $351,724,552              $5,608,074
Chiefs           ($54,530,166)    ($61,925,065)     $358,196,941              $215,641

NFL Salary Cap Increases Over 300M

Staff @ draftinsiders.com

The NFL salary cap 2026 has been raised once again with the league projecting a range of over 301 – 305 million.  The league informed clubs this week it is projecting a salary cap in the range of $301.2 million to $305.7 million for the upcoming 2026 season, reports at NFL Network.

This increase would represent a boost of more than $20 million from the 2025 mark of $279.2 million and reach nearly $100 million in additional space since the $208.2 million cap set for the 2022 season.

The projection follows the same pattern exhibited in recent increases. The cap jumped by $23.8 million from 2024 to 2025, creating excesses of space that exceeded $70 million for some teams. It increased some teams even more and the eventual 2025 AFC champion New England Patriots who were very active in the free agent market.

Over recent history, the salary cap continues to produce greater cap limits in future years. The projected number for 2026 more than doubles annual salary caps from mid 2015 seasons. It has been instrumental in the incredible growth and prosperity for the league. The TV market also reflects the amazing annual growth of the NFL industry.

Seattle vs New England in Super Bowl LX Hold Final Selections

NFL Draft 2026 – ‘The Raiders are ‘On the Clock’!
 Jets, Cardinals, Titans & Giants, Hold Top 5 Selections

 2026 NFL Draft Selection Order

The NFL Conference championship games have finalized the top 30 selections in the frist round of the NFL Draft 2026. It will be Seattle vs New England in Super Bowl LX after winning confereence titles.  Neither team even made the playoffs after the 2024 season.

With the closure of the regular season schedule and the early playoff games, the NFL Draft order has been established for the top 30 non-playoff teams. Four teams hold a 3-14 record with the Raiders landing the 1st overall selection on the weaker strength of schedule.  The Jets, Cardinals and Titans hold the next three selections with each club at 3-14. These clubs started multiple QBs in 2025 after several injuries and poor performances forced weekly changes at the position. Of the top five teams, only the Giants with rookie Jaxson Dart and Titans with rookie QB Cam Ward have bona fide starters set for the coming years.

The Giants are next at the 5th pick at 4-13 and within reach of trading up for an earlier selection. It is the usual suspects in the top ten with several pretenders like the Chiefs and Bengals both falling below the .500 mark with weak 2025 performances.

The bottom 12 playoff positions will be decided by playoffs results. The Super Bowl teams will hold the 31st and 32nd positions.  The strength of schedule % will determine the final positions of all tied teams. The SOS is based on all of each team’s opponents record. Each succeeding round, the tied teams will rotate up within their tied bracket.

First Round Draft Order

#           Team                                     W-L record          

1           Las Vegas                             3-14

2           NY Jets                                  3-14

3           Arizona                                  3-14

4           Tennessee                            3-14

5           NY Giants                              4-13

6           Cleveland                             5-12

7           Washington                          5-12

8           New Orleans                         6-11

9           Kansas City                           6-11

10           Cincinnati                              6-11

11           Miami                                     7-10

12           Dallas                                    7-9-1

13           LA Rams (Atlanta)               8-9

14           Baltimore                              8-9

15           Tampa Bay                           8-9

16           NY Jets (Indianapolis)        8-9

17           Detroit                                    9-8

18           Minnesota                             9-8

19           Carolina                                8-10

20           Dallas (Green Bay)              9-8-1

          Playoff Teams

21           Pittsburgh                              10-7

22           LA Chargers                         11-6

23           Philadelphia                         11-6

24           San Francisco                      12-5

25           Chicago                                 12-6

26           Houston                                 12-5

27           Cleveland (Jacksonville)    13-5

28           Buffalo                                   13-5

29           LA Rams                               13-5

30           Denver                                   14-3

  Super Bowl Opponents

31           New England                        14-3

32           Seattle                                   14-3

All ties in record are broken by current strength of schedule.  Then head to head determines order.
Atlanta, Green Bay, Jacksonville and Indianapolis all currently do not have 1st-round selections from prior deals.

March 11, 2026
The 2026 League Year and Free agency signing period begins at 4:00 p.m. ET.
Trading period for 2026 begins at 4:00 p.m. ET, after expiration of all 2025 contracts

Playoffs – Divisional, Conference & Super Bowl games determine final 8 positions

A teams’ opponent’s W-L record will determine all tie situations. Teams that are still tied will flip though none necessary this year. Playoff teams will shuffle according to their postseason results to determine the final top 32 selections. Super Bowl game will determine final two positions.

 Team tie-breaking procedure for the NFL Draft
If two or more clubs are tied in the selection order, the strength-of-schedule tie breaker is applied, subject to the following exceptions for playoff clubs: The Super Bowl winner is last and the Super Bowl loser next-to-last. Any non-Super Bowl playoff club involved in a tie shall be assigned priority within its segment below that of non-playoff clubs and in the order that the playoff clubs exited from the playoffs. Within a tied segment a playoff club that loses in the Wild-Card game will have priority over a playoff club that loses in the Divisional playoff game that in turn will have priority over a club that loses in the Conference Championship game. If two tied clubs exited the playoffs in the same round, the tie is broken by strength of schedule. If any ties cannot be broken by strength of schedule, the divisional or conference tie breakers, when applicable, are applied. Any ties that still exist are broken by a coin flip.

Giants Signing HC John Harbaugh

The Giants have landed their man with the verbal agreement, signing head coach John Harbaugh. The Giants moved quickly with Harbaugh who was shockingly fired after losing the Ravens’ season finale to the Steelers, eliminating them last week from the postseason. The Giants are finalizing a five-year contract to be announced latter this week.

Harbaugh holds a 180-113 regular-season record, the winningest coach in Ravens history by 100 victories. Under Harbaugh, the Ravens went to the playoffs in 12 of his 18 years, won six AFC North titles and won Super Bowl XLVII.

Rarely a coach of this caliber becomes available on the open market. The Giants were his first interview and they sold him on the top organization, young roster at key positions and the early open market on a coaching staff. Harbaugh is 63 years old after two decades in Baltimore. He commands the locker room and has coached every position on a team. There are expected to be many coaching changes on the Giants staff. Harbaugh is expected to bring OC Todd Monken along to help in the development of rookie QB Jaxson Dart. Monken set new records in 2024 when he led the Ravens to the #1 ranking in scoring in both passing and running along with producing 4000 yards passing and 3000 yards rushing. Monken has worked under Harbaugh for the last three seasons of his 11-year NFL career.

Declared Underclassmen for NFL Draft

January 15, 2026 – updated

Draft Insiders’ NFL Draft Prospects
Declaration Day – January 14th

QB Dante Moore Returns to Oregon
LB Sonny Styles Joins Buckeye’s  Underclassmen

Highly regarded Oregon QB Dante Moore gave up a chance to be a top pick in the 2026 NFL draft. He projected among the top 2-4 prospects in the NFL Draft 2026. He comes off a terrible performance vs #1 Indiana in the CFP Semi-finals which probably influenced his decision. He projects near the top of a very talented QB class for 2027.

By going back to Oregon, Moore, 20, gave up a chance to make nearly $50 million in guaranteed money. Last year’s #2 pick, Travis Hunter, made $46.65 million fully guaranteed, and that number projects to go up this year.  Moore, in his first season as a full-time starter, led Oregon to the CFP semifinals. He has started only 20 games as a college quarterback which is marginal experience for a young NFL starter.

In 2025, Moore threw for 3,565 yards and 30 TD for the Ducks. He completed 71.8% of his passes and threw 10 interceptions. He led the Ducks to the national semi-finals vs Indiana. He completed his off the worst performance of his short career vs undefeated #1 Indiana. He threw an interception on the first play of the game and had two fumbles in the Hoosiers blowout win, 56-22. Moore carries a blue chip grade and with additional vital experience at the position, he will compete for the top overall selection in the NFL Draft 2027 with Texas QB Arch Manning.

LB Sonny Styles joins a talented group of Ohio State underclassmen with many #1 picks especially on the defensive side of the ball. Styles carries a first round grade and a high level of development.  He figures in the late part of the first round currently. He is expected to play in the Senior Bowl and participate in the NFL Combine next month.

Oregon Safety Dillon Thieneman Declares for Draft
Tight Ends Kenyon Sadiq and  Max Klare Enter NFL Draft

Ohio State’s DT Kayden McDonald Joins LB Arvell Reese, Safety Caleb Downs and WR Carnell Tate 
Alabama QB Ty Simpson Officially Declares for NFL Draft

Updated Jan. 15
Frank Coyle

Today is Declaration day for Underclassmen for the NFL Draft 2026 with the exception of players in CFP natioinal title game on Jan. 19th. They will have until Jan 23rd to decide to stay in school or declare for the NFL Draft. Tight ends, Kenyon Sadiq and Max Klare entered yesterday to elevate the TE class significantly.

Ohio State’s DT Kayden McDonald and LB Arvell Reese joined safety Caleb Downs and wideout Carnell Tate as the next blue chip prospects to enter the NFL Draft. Reese and Downs carry top 3-5 grades at this point after outstanding careers in a number of roles in the Buckeyes heralded defense. Wideout Carnell Tate looks to become the next Buckeye receiver to be drafted in the first round. The Georgia Bulldogs lost linebacker CJ Allen and wideout Zachariah Branch after impressive 2025 performances. OT Spencer Fano of Utah sat out his team’s bowl game after an excellent 2025 performance and declared for the draft shortly afterwards. He ranks in the top ten selections currently in our new Top 150 pro prospect rankings in DraftInsiders.com current updated Newsletter.

Underclassmen Dates
With the NFL allowing draft-eligible underclassmen to participate in college all-star games, an early deadline of Jan. 5 gives players an opportunity to submit their petitions for special eligibility to the league sooner.

The traditional deadline for underclassmen to submit a petition to the league is Jan. 14. An extended deadline of Jan. 23 is exclusively for underclassmen on teams participating in the College Football Playoff National Championship game. Players have a three day window to rescind their decision and reenter the college ranks.

The upcoming NFL Draft will attract another strong group of underclassmen. Recently, numbers of underclassmen have fallend with the advent of the NIL and players moving easily in the transfer portal the d number of underclassmen have fallen annually.

Expect many new additions here over the day. This draft class will be a very heavy offensive talent group from both the underclassmen and senior classes.

In addition, to the underclassmen entering the pro ranks, many players opted out of their bowl game to prepare for the demanding NFL Draft postseason preparation. Both the All-star weeks and NFL Combine along with the critical pro day events become lasting impressions for a prospects final draft grade. These players have increased in recent years and this is a recent disturbing development with key players ending their college careers prior to their team’s most important postseason bowl game on the agenda.

With direct payments from schools to players now allowed, plus the NFL still having a rookie wage scale, you could see even more kids elect to return to college football this season.

Here is a school by school breakdown of who is in at this point. We will update this page through the league’s official underclassmen announcement date which will be Jan 23rd.

Declared Underclassmen – Top Pro Prospects

By school / alphabetically
Check Web site – draftinsiders.com for Updated List of Underclassmen thru late January
Players can opt out after declaring within the Declaration dates with a three day period to rescind their decision.

Alabama
Parker Brailsford
OT Kadyn Proctor
QB Ty Simpson

Arizona
S Genesis Smith

Arizona State
CB Keith Abney II
WR Jordyn Tyson

Auburn
Edge Keldric Faulk
OC Connor Lew

Boise State
OT Kage Casey

Boston College
OT Jude Bowry

Buffalo
LB Red Murdock

BYU
LB Isaiah Glasker
DT Keanu Tanuvasa
P Sam Vander Haar

Clemson
Edge T.J. Parker
CB Avieon Terrell
WR Antonio Williams
DT Peter Woods

Duke
OL Brian Parker II
Edge Wesley Williams

Florida
DT Caleb Banks

Florida State
QB Thomas Castillanos
CB Earl Little

Georgia
LB CJ Allen
WR Zachariah Branch
TE Oscar Delp
OT Monroe Freeling
DT Chrisitan Miller
P Brett Thorson

LSU
WR Aaron Anderson II

Michigan
TE Marlin Klein

Michigan State
P Ryan Eckley

Missouri
LB Josiah Trotter

Nebraska
RB Emmett Johnson

Northwestern
Edge Anto Saka

Notre Dame
RB Jeremiyah Love
RB Jadarian Price
OL Billy Schrauth
OL Aamil Wagner

Ohio State
S Caleb Downs
TE Max Klare
DT Kayden McDonald
LB Arvell Reese
LB Sonny Styles
WR Carnell Tate

Oklahoma
LB Owen Heinecke

Oregon
TE Kenyon Sadiq
S Dillon Thieneman

Penn State
OL Olaivavega Ioane

Pittsburgh
LB Kyle Louis

South Carolina
CB Brandon Cisse
RB Rahsul Faison
S Jalon Kilgore

Stanford
CB Collin Wright

Tennessee
WR Chris Brazzell II
LB Arion Carter
CB Colton Hood
CB Jermod McCoy

Texas
TE Jack Endries
LB Anthony Hill Jr.
CB Malik Muhammed

Texas A&M
OG Chase Bisontis
WR KC Concepcion
LB Taurean York

USC
WR Ja’Kobi Lane
WR Makai Lemon
S Kamari Ramsey

Utah
OT Spencer Fano
Edge Logan Fano
OT Caleb Lomu

Washington
WR Denzel Boston
RB Jonah Coleman

Draft Insiders’ All-Pro Teams

   Frank Coyle & Staff

NFL Awards

Offensive Player of Year – Matthew Stafford – Rams
Defensive Player of Year – Myles Garrett – Browns

Rookie Offensive Player of Year – QB Jaxson Dart – Giants
Rookie Defensive Player of Year – LB Carson Schwesinger – Browns

Coach of the Year – Mike Vrabel – Patriots

Draft Insiders’  – All-Pro Teams

First Team

Offense

Quarterback
Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams

Running Back
Bijan Robinson, Atlanta

Fullback
Kyle Juszczyk, San Francisco

All-Purpose Back
Christian McCaffrey, San Francisco

Wide Receivers
Puka Nacua, Los Angeles Rams
Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Seattle
Ja’Marr Chase, Cincinnati

Draft Insiders’ Pro Prospect Positional Rankings – Top 300 Players for the NFL Draft 2026 – available now
Special Deluxe Package available – January Newsletter – Underclassmen, Three Round MD – Top 150 Player Rankings

Tight End
Trey McBride, Arizona

Left Tackle
Garett Bolles, Denver

Left Guard
Quenton Nelson, Indianapolis

Center
Creed Humphrey, Kansas City

Right Guard
Quinn Meinerz, Denver

Right Tackle
Penei Sewell, Detroit

Defense

Edge Rushers
Myles Garrett, Cleveland
Brian Burns, New York Giants
Will Anderson Jr., Houston

Interior Linemen
Jeffery Simmons, Tennessee
Zach Allen, Denver

Linebackers
Devin Lloyd, Jacksonville
Jordyn Brooks, Miami

Cornerbacks
Derek Stingley Jr., Houston
Quinyon Mitchell, Philadelphia

Slot cornerback
Cooper DeJean, Philadelphia

Safeties
Kyle Hamilton, Baltimore
Jessie Bates III, Atlanta

Special Teams

Placekicker
Brandon Aubrey, Dallas

Punter
Jordan Stout, Baltimore

Kick Returner
Ray Davis, Buffalo

Punt Returner
Marcus Jones, New England

Special Teamer
Devon Key, Denver

Long Snapper
Ross Matiscik, Jacksonville

Second Team
Offense

Quarterback
Drake Maye, New England

Running Back
James Cook, Buffalo
Fullback
Patrick Ricard, Baltimore

All-Purpose Back
Jahmyr Gibbs, Detroit

Wide Receivers
George Pickens, Dallas
Amon-Ra St. Brown, Detroit
Nico Collins, Houston

Tight End
Kyle Pitts, Atlanta

Left Tackle
Trent Williams, San Francisco

Left Guard
Joe Thuney, Chicago

Center
Aaron Brewer, Miami

Right Guard
Chris Lindstrom, Atlanta

Right Tackle
Darnell Wright, Chicago

Defense

Edge Rushers
Micah Parsons, Green Bay
Danielle Hunter, Houston
Aidan Hutchinson, Detroit

Interior Linemen
Leonard Williams, Seattle
Cameron Heyward, Pittsburgh

Linebackers
Jack Campbell, Detroit
Ernest Jones IV, Seattle

Cornerbacks
Patrick Surtain II, Denver
Devon Witherspoon, Seattle

Slot cornerback
Jaycee Horn, Carolina

Safeties
Kevin Byard, Chicago
Derwin James, Los Angeles Chargers

Special Teams

Placekicker
Will Reichard, Minnesota

Punter
Michael Dickson, Seattle

Kick Returner
Kavontae Turpin, Dallas

Punt Returner
Chimere Dike, Tennessee

Special Teamer
Del’Shawn Phillips, Los Angeles Chargers

Long Snapper
Andrew DePaola, Minnesota

Declared Underclassmen for NFL Draft

Ohio State’s DT Kayden McDonald Joins LB Arvell Reese and Safety  Caleb Downs for NFL Draft
Alabama QB Ty Simpson & Ohio St WR Carnell Tate Declare for NFL Draft
Linebacker CJ Allen & Wideout Branch Join Growing List of Playmakers       

Updated Jan. 13

       Frank Coyle

With the key CFP natioinal title game here for Jan. 19, the declaration date has opened for the transfer portal with many top draft selections expected to make decisions on turning pro. Ohio State’s DT Kayden McDonald, LB Arvell Reese has joined safety Caleb Downs as the next blue chip prospects to enter the NFL Draft. Reese and Downs carry top 3-5 grades at this point after outstanding careers in a number of roles in the Buckeyes heralded defense. Wideout Carnell Tate looks to become the next Buckeye receiver to be drafted in the first round.  The Georgia Bulldogs lost linebacker CJ Allen and wideout Zachariah Branch after impressive 2025 performances. OT Spencer Fano of Utah sat out his team’s bowl game after an excellent 2025 performance. He ranks in the top ten selections currently in our new Top 150 pro prospect rankings in DraftInsiders.com current  updated Newsletter.

Underclassmen Dates

  With the NFL allowing draft-eligible underclassmen to participate in college all-star games, an early deadline of Jan. 5 gives players an opportunity to submit their petitions for special eligibility to the league sooner.

    The traditional deadline for underclassmen to submit a petition to the league is Jan. 14.  An extended deadline of Jan. 23 is exclusively for underclassmen on teams participating in the College Football Playoff National Championship.

        The upcoming NFL Draft will attract another strong group of underclassmen. Each year a high number of underclassmen decided to turn pro with 100 prospects annually entering the NFL ranks. With the advent of the NIL and players moving easily in the transfer portal former record number of underclassmen has been safe recently. The deadline period approaches between Jan 5th and Jan. 23rd. Expect many new additions here over the next few days. This draft class will be a very heavy offensive talent group from both the underclassmen and senior classes.

In addition, to the large number of underclassmen entering the pro ranks, many players opted out of their bowl game to prepare for the demanding NFL Draft postseason preparation. Both the All-star weeks and NFL Combine along with the critical pro day events become lasting impressions for a prospects final draft grade. These players have increased in recent years and this is a recent disturbing development with key players ending their college careers prior to their team’s most important postseason bowl game on the agenda.

Declared Underclassmen – Top Pro Prospects    

    By school / alphabetically
     Check Web site – draftinsiders.com for Updated List of Underclassmen thru late January
Players can opt out after declaring within the Declaration period. Runner L J Martin of BYU has done just that after getting a 3rd day grade. 
  
Alabama
     OC Parker Brailsford  
     OT Kadyn Proctor
     QB Ty Simpson

Arizona State
    CB Keith Abney II
    WR Jordyn Tyson
 
Auburn
    Edge Keldric Faulk
    OC Connor Lew

Boise State
    OT Kage Casey

Boston College
    OT Jude Bowry
 
Buffalo
   LB Red Murdock

BYU
    LB Isaiah Glasker
    DT Keanu Tanuvasa
    P Sam Vander Haar
 
Clemson
    Edge T.J. Parker
    CB Avieon Terrell
    WR Antonio Williams
    DT Peter Woods
 
Duke
    OL Brian Parker II
 
Florida
    DT Caleb Banks
 
Florida State
     QB Thomas Castillanos
     CB Earl Little

Georgia
    LB CJ Allen
WR Zachariah Branch 
   OT Monroe Freeling
    DT Chrisitan Miller
 
LSU
    WR Aaron Anderson II

Michigan 
     TE Marlin Klein
 
Michigan State
    P Ryan Eckley

Missouri
    LB Josiah Trotter  

Nebraska
    RB Emmett Johnson
 
Northwestern
    Edge Anto Saka
 
Notre Dame
    RB Jeremiyah Love
    RB Jadarian Price
    OL Billy Schrauth                   
    OL Aamil Wagner

Ohio State
    S Caleb Downs 
   DT  Kayden McDonald  
   LB Arvell Reese
   WR Carnell Tate

Oklahoma
    LB Owen Heinecke
 
Penn State
    OL Olaivavega Ioane
 
Pittsburgh
    LB Kyle Louis
 
South Carolina
    CB Brandon Cisse
   RB Rahsul Faison
   S Jalon Kilgore
 
Stanford
    CB Collin Wright
 
Tennessee
    WR Chris Brazzell II
    LB Arion Carter
    CB Colton Hood
    CB Jermod McCoy
 
Texas
    TE Jack Endries
    LB Anthony Hill Jr.
    CB Malik Muhammed 

Texas A&M
    OG Chase Bisontis
    WR KC Concepcion
    LB Taurean York

USC
    WR Ja’Kobi Lane
    WR Makai Lemon
    S Kamari Ramsey
 
Utah
    OT Spencer Fano
    Edge Logan Fano
    OT Caleb Lomu

Washington
    WR Denzel Boston
    RB Jonah Coleman

Jets Close Trade Deadline with Two Major Deals

Jets Trade Sauce Gardner & Quinnen Williams for #1 Picks

Frank Coyle/ Head scout & Staff 

Nov. 4
Trade Deadline ends for 2025 at 4:00 p.m. est

Nov. 5
Players with at least four previous pension-credited seasons are subject to the waiver system for the remainder of the regular season and postseason.

March 11, 2026
The 2026 League Year and Free agency signing period begins at 4:00 p.m. ET.
Trading period for 2026 begins at 4:00 p.m. ET, after expiration of all 2025 contracts

Jets Close Trade Deadline with Two Major Deals

The NFL trade deadline closed with a bang as the NY Jets took the spotlight with two major deals for their top defensive players. They traded corner Sauce Gardner to the Colts for two #1 picks over the next two drafts plus wideout AD Mitchell, in addition to DT Quinnen Williams to the Cowboys for a future #1 pick, this year’s #2 pick and DT Mazi Smith. Gardner has slipped in recent seasons, playing for the struggling franchise. He is just entering his prime and can recapture his All-Pro status in the first place Colts defense. They paid huge price for the talented veteran to help the struggling Colts secondary. Gardner was one of the few cornerbacks traded over recent weeks and the only one with a Pro Bowl resume. Gardner is a major addition for the Colts porous secondary which needs to step up after showing vulnerability in tight games. They look to retain first place in the AFC South with his addition.

The Jets were not finished – trading Pro Bowl interior lineman Quinnen Williams to Dallas just before the deadline. The Cowboys’ defense has been horrible this season and the addition of Williams to couple with Kenny Clark who came in the Micah Parsons deal in September gives them a potent interior line. Their run defense has been especially poor in recent years. The Cowboys surrendered their #2 pick in April, #1 pick for the NFL Draft 2027 and veteran DT Mazi Smith. The two deals put the Jets in command with two #1 and #2 picks for the NFL Draft 2026 and three #1 picks for the NFL Draft 2027. The two trades are major decision to rebuild for the Jets’ new regime of GM Darren Mougey and HC Aaron Glenn. The 1-7 Jets currently hold the 3^rd overall pick in the first round and will be in competition for the first overall selection after surrendering their two best defensive players.

Go to draftinsiders.com  for Updated NFL traded draft selections for all deals

There were many rumors through the fall related to veteran players availability. Salary cap issues and agreed value limited many potential trades by most clubs.

Most bidders were playoff contenders in hopes of landing pieces at pressing positions for the second half stretch run. Most traders were rebuilding clubs, hoping to add more draft capital and add draft choices for future NFL Draft classes.

Many deals for draft selections involved in an exchange for late draft choices along with a veteran player.

Draft Insiders’ NFL Power Poll – Week 9

Frank Coyle / Head scout
www.draftinsiders.com

 Colts & Packers Head Conference Leadership  

Teams of the Week
Packers Beat Steelers – 35-25
Chiefs Crush Commanders – 28-7
Bills Smash Panthers – 40-9

Players of the Week
Offense – RB James Cook – Bills
Defense – Edge Myles Garrett – Browns

Rookies of Week
Offense – RB RJ Harvey – Broncos
Defense – LB Demetrius Knight – Bengals

Games of Week 9
   Sunday
1:00 pm Colts (7-1) at Steelers (4-3)
4:25 pm Chiefs (5-3) at Bills (5-2)
8:20 pm Seahawks (5-2) at Commanders (3-5)
 
Draft Insiders’ – NFL Power Poll – Week 9

Frank Coyle
NFL Team Poll

Ranking /Record /Team
#1 – 5-2 Lions
The Lions are coming off their bye week. Host the desperate Vikings in a tough NFC North matchup which may separate leadership.

#2 – 7-1 Colts
Colts are rolling on both sides of the ball. Another strong performance by Daniel Jones and Jonathan Taylor dominated vs the Titans. Travel to the Steel City to face a tough AFC matchup with playoff ramifications for both clubs.

#3 – 5-3 Chiefs
Chiefs are hitting stride for a second half run. drilled the Raiders last week with a shutout. Dominated the Commanders on Monday night. Travel to Buffalo for another classic matchup with the Bills as both clubs bid for their divisional lead.

#4 – 6-2 Eagles
The Eagles drilled the GMen last week. Get their bye week to regroup for a second half run at the NFC East title.

#5 – 5-2 Rams
Rams coming off their bye week. Host the Saints this week looking to build a lead in the tough NFC West.

#6 – 5-1-1 Packers
The Packers beat the Steelers in a Sunday night matchup behind Jordan Love. Host the Panthers in another must win situation to stay abreast in the deep NFC North.

#7 – 5-2 Bills
Bills came off their bye week and blasted the Panthers. Host the Chiefs this Sunday in a rematch of classic playoff matchups. Both clubs in tight divisional races.

#8 – 6-2 Broncos
The Broncos bombed the Cowboys poor defense. Travel to Houston in a critical AFC matchup which has huge playoff consequences in the AFC.

#9– 6-2 Bucs
Bucs regrouped with a strong win at New Orleans. Get their bye week to prepare for another run at NFC South title.

#10 – 5-2 Patriots
The Patriots took care of business to beat the Browns behind young QB Drake Maye. Host the Falcons this week to hold the lead in the AFC East.

#11 – 5-2 Seahawks
Seahawks come off their bye week. Travel to Washington to face the desperate Commanders in a key NFC matchup for both divisions.

#12 – 5-3 Chargers
Chargers blasted the Vikings on Thursday night in their best win of the season. Travel to Tennessee in another key game to win to stay abreast in the AFC West.

#13 – 4-3 Steelers
Steelers defense failed again last week in the loss to the Packers. Host the Colts in a critical AFC matchup for their playoff hopes.

#14 – 5-3 49ers
The 49ers came up short vs the Texans in key loss. Travel to MetLife to face the GMen with both clubs needing a win to stay alive in their tough divisions.

#15 – 3-4-1 Cowboys
The Cowboys were toasted by the Packers last week. Host the Cardinals in a must win situation to get to .500 and stay alive in the NFC.

#16 – 3-4 Texans
The Texans came up big vs the 49ers in a critical matchup last week. Host the Broncos in a major matchup for both teams. QB CJ Stroud may have turned the corner this season.

#17 – 2-5 Ravens
Ravens drilled the Bears in a must win situation. Travel to Miami to face the Dolphins who are coming off a big win. They look to make a run in the struggling AFC North.

#18 – 4-3 Bears
The Bears came up short vs the Ravens. Travel to Cincinnati to face the desperate Bengals for both clubs to stay in the playoff chase.

#19 – 3-4 Vikings
The Vikings were manhandled by the Chargers last week. Travel to Detroit in the acid test to get to .500 and stay alive in the competitive NFC.

#20 – 3-4 Falcons
The Falcons were terrible vs the Dolphins last week. QB Kirk Cousins looked old and the offense struggled. Travel to New England in a must win situation to stay alive in the NFC South.

#21 – 3-5 Commanders
The overrated Commanders were outclassed by the Chiefs without QB Jayden Daniels. Daniels probably plays this week, hosting the Seahawks in a major NFC contest with playoff consequences for both clubs.

#22 – 4-3 Jaguars
The Jaguars are coming off their bye week. They need to regroup quickly to stay competitive in the AFC South. They struggle vs playoff clubs.

#23 – 3-5 Bengals
The Bengals lost to the winless Jets last week. They host the Bears this week in a vital game to regroup and stay in the tight AFC North battle.

#24 – 4-4 Panthers
The Panthers were crushed by the Bills last week. Travel to Green Bay in a test for their young offense and any playoff hopes.

#25 – 2-6 Giants
The Giants came up short vs the Eagles. QB Jaxson Dart is carrying this offense which has sustained major injuries. Host the 49ers in a game which could determine any playoff hopes for both clubs.

#26 – 2-5 Cardinals
The Cardinals come off their bye week to face the Cowboys on Monday night. They come up short weekly
despite playing competitively in most games.

#27 – 2-6 Dolphins
The Dolphins come off strong win over the Falcons. Host the Ravens in a matchup of two disappointing clubs hoping to continue a stretch run and get into the playoff chase.

#28 – 2-6 Browns
The Browns struggle with a weak ground game and rookie QB. They were dominated by the Patriots despite Myles Garrett’s 5 sacks. Get their bye week to get QB Dillon reps for second half stretch.

#29 – 2-5 Raiders
The Raiders come off their bye and host the Jaguars this week. Recent horrible losses leave them shaky for the second half.

#30 – 1-7 Saints
The Saints were again lackluster in their loss last week to the Bucs. Travel to LA to face the tough Rams this week.

#31 – 1-7 Titans
The Titans were bombed by the Colts in latest loss. Host the Chargers this week in hopes of being a spoiler in a rebuilding season.

#32 – 1-7 Jets
Jets beat the Bengals for their first victory. They scored 23 points in the 4^th quarter to pull out the win on a late TD. They get their bye week for get QBs, Justin Fields and Tyrod Taylor healthy.

Frank Coyle is a long-time scout with nationwide ties with NFL and college coaches, scouts and player agents. He is a member of the FWAA and voter in College player awards – Heisman, Outland, Nagurski, Lombardi, Thorpe, Biletnikoff etc for the past 30+ years. He writes College Football Mondays weekly during the season. He was a longtime scouting consultant for the Senior Bowl, the nation’s premier postseason All-star game. He does sports radio shows for CBS, ESPN, Fox Sports and Sporting News on a year-round basis related to NFL and College Football especially during the postseason team and All-star Bowl time. He has worked for CBS Sports, USA Today, NBC Sports, Yahoo and Rivals sports publications and web sites.