NFL Draft – Scouting Report – Edge Defender R Mason Thomas

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NFL Team Report – 35 pages – In-depth Evaluation of Offseason Moves

   R Mason Thomas #32 – 6-2, 241           Oklahoma – Sp. 4.67
                     NFL Comparison: Nick Bonitto                            Rating 86        

Quick-twitch athlete has been an impact edge rusher for the Sooners defense over his final two seasons. Earned 2nd team SEC honors those seasons. Registered 16 sacks along with 14 pressures and 22 TFLs in impressive performances. Plays both up and down and uses his compact well-built physique to deliver crushing hits. Shows an elite burst on the snap and shocks blockers with a strong hand punch. Combines power with his explosive initial movement off the snap. Displays an outstanding closing burst to finish and run at the top of the arc. Basically, he is a one-dimensional edge rusher, though can be very impactful. Displays the first step explosiveness to come up field and attack the edge with abandon. Able to bend and run the arc, while getting low and under the tackle. At times, he struggles to complete the arc where he fails to convert his speed to power. Offenses limit his rush effectiveness by coming back inside the area he vacates when he attacks hard up field. His game is based on speed and power. Missed the final three games of 2025 due to a quad injury sustained returning a 71 yard interception for a TD.  Returned for the CFP playoffs vs Alabama with limited effectiveness. He sat out the Senior Bowl preparing to workout at the NFL Combine. In run support, he must fight to anchor and hold his ground when running plays come right at him. Works to disengage and stay involved in the play, though gets engulfed at the point attack too often. He has the burst of speed to run down ball-carriers in backside pursuit. At times, he will drop into zone coverage, where he is raw in awareness and reactions. Able to be equally effective rushing from either a two-point or with his hand on the turf. Supplies a decent repertoire of pass rush techniques. Uses his speed to beat tackles wide as well as come initially with power, create space with good extension, then use a rip move to penetrate the pocket. Displays good balance, agility and awareness to read plays with good reaction time. Shows the development to counter when his initial rush is shut down. Usually depends on his initial burst and hands to break free if blockers are able to latch on. Best pro position to become a starter will likely be a wide nine end or 3-4 outside backer where he can use his fine burst combined with good flexibility and awareness. At the NFL Combine, he came in at 6022, 241 lbs. with 31 5/8” arms and 8 7/8” hands. Did ran a 4.67 time with a 1.63 ten-yard split. He did no other drills. Explosive athlete with the skills to be a good every down attack defender with impact ability to rush the passer. Similar skills as tweener Nick Bonitto. Top 30 prospect with upside and the AA to become an edge playmaker, though may be limited to a situational role.

Draft Projection: 1st Round

NFL Draft 2026 – Cornerback Jermod McCoy Scouting Report

Frank Coyle / Head scout

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1        Jermod McCoy #3        6-1, 188            Tennessee – Sp. 4.38          

NFL Comparison: Champ Bailey                     Rating 95

Gifted third-year junior showed highly developed ability since his true freshman season at Oregon State. High-star recruit earned honors at OSU before transferring to Tennessee. Made immediate impact at Tennessee and earned first team SEC and 3rd team All-American honors. Excellent positional athleticism with natural combination to succeed early in the NFL. Unfortunately, he sustained a torn ACL injury in Jan 2025 which terminated his final season. He is a rare natural polished athlete who played immediately at high levels and graded out very impressively. Blankets receivers when isolated in one-to-one matchups. He has developed the finer nuances of playing corner very quickly. Explosive athlete with blue chip skills for the demanding pro corner position. Very good height and frame for the corner spot with long arms and good muscle development. Excellent initial quickness with the ability to flip his hips easily and shadow receivers. Fast footwork that allows him to mirror through the transition stage in both the underneath or deeper routes. Instant accelerator and can reach top speed quickly and ride a receiver’s hip. Able to gather himself and break down in space on the move, displaying fine quickness and flexibility. Outstanding range and rare closing speed to make the key interception or breakup passes. Uses his fine short-area quickness and lateral movement skills to mirror receivers and maintains his speed to run stride for stride down the field. Smooth in his ability to change directions and retain position with close coverage. In press coverage, gets good arm extension and is able to redirect and disrupt receivers at the line. Natural cover man is able to use the sidelines as an extra defender and can track well from a trail position. Uses his outstanding COD to react very well to comeback routes. He picks up routes quickly and baits QBs to throw the ball providing a cushion for the receiver which he knows he can close in a heartbeat. In 2023 as a true freshman at OSU, he started 5 games with 31 tackles, 2 interceptions. At Tennessee in 2024, he started all 13 games and had 44 total tackles, 4 interceptions and 7 PBUs. Earned All-American honors and SEC first team nominee and did not allow a TD reception. Over his last two seasons, he was tested by top receivers with long speed and highly developed skills. His height combined with exceptional leaping ability allow him to win on most jump balls. Shows explosive cobra-like quickness to plant and drive aggressively and break up passes. He will challenge every throw and looks to break on the ball and make a turnover. In run support, he will attack aggressively with secure tackling to finish. Wiry frame needs to add some muscle which would help him improve his strength to get off blocks and finish more consistently. At times, he looks to make the big play and gets caught peeking into the backfield. Capable of recovering with his top speed and able to break up passes, relying on his speed, length and leaping ability. Very natural and smooth when he needs to flip his hips to turn and run. At the NFL Combine, he checked in at 6006 and 188 lbs. He did not workout, though checked out well medically. At his pro day, he ran a 4.38 time with a 38” VL and 10’7” BJ. Looked sharp in the complete positional drills. As a corner, he is similar to versatile Champ Bailey in body type, athleticism and coverage development. Cobra like corner with quick feet, flexible hips and body control along with explosive COD. Fast development and close to being an NFL ready plugin player who possesses a very high ceiling. Prototypical true #1 shutdown corner with outstanding athleticism and playmaking ability. Exceptional ball hawk with 25 games with 18 starts,16 TFUs and 6 interceptions while clubs threw away from him regularly. His knee injury will be 18 months when NFL training camp opens a full 6 months ahead of the rehab period. Probable Pro Bowler if he continues to develop his natural skills. Rare blue-chipper and top-flight cover man. Lights out shutdown corner.

Draft Projection: 1st Round – Top 10     

NFL Draft 2026 – Kenyon Sadiq Scouting Report

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1 Kenyon Sadiq #18 – 6-3, 241    Oregon – Sp. 4.39 
                            NFL Comparison: Evan Ingram                       Rating 92

Fast fluid athlete was a productive weapon in the Ducks passing game during his abbreviated three-year career. Excellent hands and receiving radius with the body control to be very difficult to defend. Lines up in the slot, flex, out wide, inline and from the H-FB back positions to create mismatches especially in the red zone. Outstanding route runner with precise cutting skills to create separation. Shows top burst of speed to get into the deep seam and a become a very difficult matchup. Two-year starter with a very high LOD as a receiver and will command a special piece in a pro-offense. Scored 8 of his 11 career TDs in 2025 when he lined up at a few positions. Willing blocker uses his quickness and length to grade out adequately. As a blocker, he is better on the move than inline. Ideal for the NFL game of today and an early impact weapon. Piece to create major mismatches on the play clock and give his QB intriguing options vs backers and safeties. Fastest prospect at this position with impact ability in a few roles. Easy mover in formations and gives his QB favorable single matches. Developed quickly in the Ducks quick passing game. At the NFL Combine, he checked in 6’3” 241 lbs., with 10” hands and 31 1/2” arms. Ran a blazing 4.39 time with a 1.54 ten-yard split. Did amazing leaping drills with a 43.5” VL and an 11’ BJ. Big receiver with wideout speed and natural receiving skills. Late 1st day selection and top 20-30 pick. Type to open an offense up and spread a secondary out, creating multiple single matchups in coverage. Though mainly a one-dimensional player, he has impact talent for a passing game and is ready to hit the ground running in a pro passing game. Impact ability to follow in the new wave of move tight ends who have provided playmaking ability in NFL passing attacks. Refined skill set with elite speed makes him a unique addition to an offense. Fine weapon to make a key difference.
                                                                                  Draft Projection: 1st Round

Dolphins Trade WR Jaylen Waddle to Broncos for 2026 1st-round

Frank Coyle/ Head scout

The Denver Broncos made a huge trade today acquiring Dolphin wideout Jaylen Waddle + 4th round pick for the Broncos #1, #3 and #4 selection in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Miami receives Denver’s first-round pick (#30 overall) in April’s draft as well as the Broncos’ 3rd- and 4th-round picks, while the Dolphins are sending their own 4th-round pick to Denver along with Waddle.

The major deal represents the culmination of negotiations that began near last fall at the trade deadline. New Dolphin general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan continues to purge the Miami roster of high priced veterans. The Dolphins now have two #1 picks – #12 and #30 in the first round.

The Broncos have stayed interest in Waddle since the deadline passed on Nov 1st and were finally able to close the deal.  Waddle leaves Miami for a Broncos team which believes it is only a few players from taking the next step to the Super Bowl. Denver won 14 games last season, earned the top seed in the conference and narrowly missed out on reaching Super Bowl LX after Bo Nix fractured his ankle at the end of their Divisional Round win.

It was a significant deal for Denver’s under coach Sean Payton and general manager George Paton to take gambles in 2026. With Nix still under a rookie contract and the team’s talented offensive line and key defenders, the brain trust felt it was the time for Denver to bring in an impact weapon to get this offense a huge boost.

Waddle joins two-time Pro Bowler Courtland Sutton, and an assortment of other weapons to give this attack a critical addition.

Waddle was selected sixth overall in the 2021 draft and has lived up to the high expectations. His five-year career in Miami, he caught 373 passes for 5,039 yards and 26 TDs over 78 career regular-season games. His presence places the Broncos among the highest clubs in the AFC for the 2026 season.

NFL Awards 33 Compensatory Picks to 15 Teams

The NFL announced it has awarded 33 compensatory picks to 15 teams for the 2026 NFL Draft, which will be held April 23-25 in Pittsburgh.

The 33 compensatory picks include one special selection that was awarded at the end of the third round to the Lions for the hiring of former defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn as Jets head coach in 2025. Detroit has traded that pick to the Jaguars. Teams that have had a minority employee hired as a head coach or primary football executive by another club receive special compensatory picks, which were instituted as an amendment to the 2020 Collective Bargaining Agreement in an effort to promote equal employment opportunities.

Separate from the special compensatory picks, a team that suffers a net loss of compensatory free agents (CFAs) during the previous free-agent signing period (2025 March) is eligible to receive compensatory draft picks. Also, a team that lost the same number of CFAs that it gained could be eligible for a selection at the end of Round 7 if the value of the CFAs it lost exceeds that of the CFAs it gained.

The compensatory picks are positioned at the end of Round 3 thru Round 7, with no team allowed to receive more than four. The formula that determines compensatory free agents is based on salary, playing time and postseason honors.

List of compensatory picks awarded to teams for the NFL Draft 2026

Round 3
97. Minnesota Vikings
98. Philadelphia Eagles
99. Pittsburgh Steelers
100. Jacksonville Jaguars (from Lions)*

Round 4
133. San Francisco 49ers
134. Las Vegas Raiders
135. Pittsburgh Steelers
136. New Orleans Saints
137. Philadelphia Eagles
138. San Francisco 49ers
139. San Francisco 49ers
140. New York Jets

Round 5
173. Baltimore Ravens
174. Baltimore Ravens
175. Las Vegas Raiders
176. Kansas City Chiefs
177. Dallas Cowboys
178. Philadelphia Eagles
179. New York Jets
180. Dallas Cowboys
181. Detroit Lions

Round 6
214. Pittsburgh Steelers
215. Philadelphia Eagles
216. Pittsburgh Steelers

Round 7
249. Indianapolis Colts
250. Baltimore Ravens
251. Los Angeles Rams
252. Los Angeles Rams
253. Baltimore Ravens
254. Indianapolis Colts
255. Green Bay Packers
256. Denver Broncos
257. Denver Broncos

Here’s a breakdown of the number of compensatory picks allotted by team 

Team Total compensatory picks
Baltimore Ravens 4
Philadelphia Eagles 4
Pittsburgh Steelers 4
San Francisco 49ers 3
Dallas Cowboys 2
Denver Broncos 2
Detroit Lions 2
Indianapolis Colts 2
Las Vegas Raiders 2
Los Angeles Rams 2
New York Jets 2
Green Bay Packers 1
Kansas City Chiefs 1
Minnesota Vikings 1
New Orleans Saints 1

Colts Transition Tag QB Daniel Jones
Cards Release QB Kyler Murray
Jets Franchise Tag RB Breece Hall

Frank Coyle/ Publisher 

The deadline for the Free agency tags ended today at 4 pm. Four players were tagged, three as non-exclusive Franchise players and one transitional tag. Daniel Jones received the Transitional tag after negoiations failed to close a new deal. Jones and the Colts hope to close a deal prior to the start of Free agency on March 11th. The new NFL salary cap of $301.2M will be in place, an increase of over $20M per team for the new open market.

Jones receiving the transitional tag means Colts wideout Alec Pierce will enter free agency on the open market. He is expected to be one of the premier FAs on the market and the highest rated wide receiver. Also, Super Bowl MVP runner Kenneth Walker was not tagged and will test the market. Edge defender, Trey Hendrickson was not tagged after failing to get an agreement done over the past year. He will be highly coveted on the open market and a huge loss for the defense hungry Bengals.

Franchise Tag Players and figures 

WR George Pickens – Dallas – $28.298M

TE Kyle Pitts – Atlanta – $15.045M

RB Breece Hall – NY Jets –  $14.293M

Transition Tag Player and figure

QB Daniel Jones – Colts – $37.833M

Positional Non-exclusive Franchise Tag figures

• Quarterback: $43.895M
• Running back: $14.293M
• Wide receiver: $28.298M
• Tight end: $15.045M
• Offensive line: $25.773M
• Defensive end: $24.434M
• Defensive tackle: $27.127M
• Linebacker: $26.865M
• Cornerback: $21.161M
• Safety: $20.149M
• Kicker/punter: $6.649M

The exclusive tag is often seen as prohibitively expensive, since the team must account for the entire amount on their salary cap that year. Instead, ‘franchise tag’ typically refers to the non-exclusive tag, which allows tagged players to negotiate with other teams. If they agree to an offer sheet, the original team gets a chance to match. If they decline, the player signs with a new team, who must send the original team two first-round picks.

That required compensation often makes negotiating with non-exclusive franchise-tagged players a non-starter. Instead, players on the non-exclusive tag often sign extensions with their original teams with the tag number serving as a key point of reference on a long-term AAV.

Positional figures for Transition tag

• Quarterback: $37.833M
• Running back: $11.323M
• Wide receiver: $23.852M
• Tight end: $12.687M
• Offensive line: $23.392M
• Defensive end: $21.512M
• Defensive tackle: $22.521M
• Linebacker: $21.925M
• Cornerback: $18.119M
• Safety: $16.012M
• Kicker/punter: $6.005M

NFL Combine Workout Drills

 Friday – Feb. 27, 3 pm 
   Tight Ends
   Defensive Backs

 Frank Coyle / Head scout

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 NFL Combine News
Sonny Styles had an amazing workout on Thursday. He put up record setting numbers with a 43.5″ VL , 11.2″ BJ , 4.46 time in forty with a 1.56 ten yard split. They are generational numbers for a defender who has been a two-time Big Ten first team performer. His versatility makes him a unique piece for a pro defense and actually makes him attractive to all 32 NFL teams. His 4.46 time was duplicated by his Ohio State teammate linebacker Arvell Reese.

Players to Watch – Friday – Feb 27th

Tight Ends
 
Justin Joly, N.C. State
Expected to shine in passing drills.
 
Max Klare, Ohio State
Polished receiver with precise routes and great hands.
 
Marlin Klein, Michigan
Sleeper prospect looks to impress in drills to move up the charts.
 
Tanner Koziol, Houston
Savvy receiver looks to show high development in passing drills.
 
Joe Royer, Cincinnati
Well-rounded prospect hopes to push into the early rounds.
 
Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon
Talented playmaker can excel in drills and claim a first round grade.
 
Eli Stowers, Vanderbilt
Developed playmaker looks to impress in drills.
 
Michael Trigg, Baylor
Fast playmaker can excel in passing drills.
 
Dae’Quan Wright, Mississippi
Unheralded playmaker can be the big surprise in this class.
 
Cornerbacks
 
Brandon Cisse, South Carolina
Long underclassman can shine here in all drills.
 
Mansoor Delane, LSU
Savvy cover man hopes to claim the #1 corner spot.
 
Chris Johnson, San Diego State
Talented cover man can move up the charts off a strong performance.
 
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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.