Samwise NFL Newsletter
Saturday, April 25, 2026
Las Vegas Raiders Select Fernando Mendoza No. 1 Overall in 2026 NFL Draft
The Las Vegas Raiders selected Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Mendoza, winner of the Heisman Trophy, Walter Camp Award, Maxwell Award, and Big Ten MVP, led Indiana to their first conference championship since 1967 and the program’s first national championship with an undefeated season. He completed 72 percent of his passes for 3,535 yards and 41 touchdowns. Mendoza joins Joe Burrow and Cam Newton as the only players in the common draft era to win the Heisman, the national title, and be selected first overall. He is the fifth Heisman Trophy winner selected by the Raiders organization.
Sources: NFL.com
Eagles Trade Up to No. 20, Steal Biletnikoff Winner Makai Lemon from Steelers
The Philadelphia Eagles executed a dramatic trade-up with the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday, acquiring the No. 20 overall pick to select USC wide receiver Makai Lemon just moments before the Pittsburgh Steelers were set to take him at No. 21. Philadelphia sent picks 23, 114, and 137 to Dallas in exchange for No. 20 and a 2027 seventh-round selection. Lemon won the 2025 Biletnikoff Award, totaling 1,156 receiving yards and 13 scrimmage touchdowns while earning unanimous All-American honors at USC. Eagles general manager Howie Roseman described the move as deliberate, saying the franchise identified Lemon as a target and acted to prevent a divisional rival from landing him.
Sources: NFL.com
Eagles Acquire Pro Bowl Edge Jonathan Greenard from Vikings on Day 2
The Philadelphia Eagles acquired Pro Bowl edge rusher Jonathan Greenard from the Minnesota Vikings on Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft, sending the 98th overall pick and a 2027 third-round selection to Minnesota in exchange for Greenard and a 2026 seventh-round choice. The trade adds another proven pass rusher to an already formidable Eagles defensive front. Greenard, who recorded 13 sacks with the Houston Texans in 2023 before joining Minnesota, gives Philadelphia a veteran presence off the edge. The defending Super Bowl LIX champion Eagles continued an aggressive approach to roster construction through all three days of the draft.
Sources: Vikings.com
Rams Stun NFL by Drafting Alabama QB Ty Simpson at No. 13 Overall
The Los Angeles Rams stunned the NFL draft world Thursday by selecting Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson with the No. 13 overall pick, well ahead of most analysts’ projections for the 23-year-old. The selection is a long-term succession plan for starter Matthew Stafford, who is coming off an MVP-caliber season at 38. Rams general manager Les Snead reportedly told Simpson in December that his draft floor was the first round and engaged directly with the prospect’s family while encouraging him to enter. Head coach Sean McVay appeared subdued at the post-pick press conference, prompting questions about whether the selection reflected unanimous front-office agreement on the franchise’s direction.
Sources: NFL.com
Cardinals Take Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love at No. 3 — Highest RB Pick Since Barkley
The Arizona Cardinals made the boldest statement of the opening round by selecting Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love with the third overall pick on Thursday, making him the highest-drafted running back since Saquon Barkley went second to the New York Giants in 2018. Love gives Arizona an explosive offensive centerpiece as the franchise reshapes its roster under head coach Jonathan Gannon. The Cardinals followed by drafting an interior offensive lineman in the next round before adding quarterback Carson Beck out of Miami in the third round at No. 65. The three-pick strategy reflected a defined offensive vision for the 2026 season and beyond.
Sources: NFL.com
Steelers Draft Penn State QB Drew Allar in Round 3 as Rodgers Successor Search Begins
The Pittsburgh Steelers selected Penn State quarterback Drew Allar with the 76th overall pick in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft, signaling the franchise is beginning to plan for life after Aaron Rodgers. Allar, who grew up in the Pittsburgh area and starred at Penn State, provides local familiarity and proven college production at a position Pittsburgh may soon need to address at the starter level. On Day 2, the Steelers also moved up to select Alabama wide receiver Germie Bernard at No. 47 in the second round. The dual-position approach gives Pittsburgh new depth while acknowledging the franchise must actively plan beyond its veteran quarterback.
Sources: Steelers.com
Packers Lock In WR Jayden Reed with 3-Year, $50.25 Million Extension
The Green Bay Packers secured wide receiver Jayden Reed on a three-year, $50.25 million contract extension announced Friday, just before Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft began. The deal includes $20 million in guaranteed money, averaging roughly $16.75 million per year. General manager Brian Gutekunst announced the transaction, locking up Reed, who turns 26 this week, in advance of his walk year. Reed’s third season was disrupted by foot and shoulder injuries that limited him to seven games and 19 catches. Green Bay is confident a healthy Reed will return to elite production and strengthen a young receiving corps that also includes Matthew Golden and Christian Watson.
Sources: Packers.com
Cardinals Take Former Georgia, Miami QB Carson Beck in Round 3 at No. 65
The Arizona Cardinals opened the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft by selecting former Miami quarterback Carson Beck at No. 65, the second quarterback the franchise added across the draft weekend after taking Jeremiyah Love third overall on Day 1. Beck spent two seasons at Georgia before transferring to Miami, where he developed within a structured, pro-style offensive system. His selection raised questions from analysts about Arizona’s dual-quarterback approach and how the Cardinals plan to use multiple signal-callers in their 2026 scheme. Head coach Jonathan Gannon now has added quarterback depth as the franchise continues building toward sustained competitiveness in the NFC West.
Sources: CBS Sports
2026 NFL Draft Concludes Today with Rounds 4–7 Beginning at Noon ET in Pittsburgh
The 2026 NFL Draft concludes Saturday in Pittsburgh with Rounds 4 through 7, beginning at noon ET. With the first three rounds complete, teams now turn to depth players, developmental prospects, and potential late-round contributors who can shape rosters for years. The Philadelphia Eagles enter Day 3 with five picks remaining and considerable momentum after one of the most active opening weekends in recent memory. The Kansas City Chiefs, Dallas Cowboys, and Baltimore Ravens, each depleted by trades during Days 1 and 2, will seek to recover value in the later rounds. Several Day 3 prospects are recovering from injuries, with medical clearances potentially determining where each lands.
Sources: Yahoo Sports
American Conference Divisions (2025 Final)
AFC East
1. New England Patriots — 14–3–0
2. Buffalo Bills — 12–5–0
3. Miami Dolphins — 7–10–0
4. New York Jets — 3–14–0
AFC North
1. Pittsburgh Steelers — 10–7–0
2. Baltimore Ravens — 8–9–0
3. Cincinnati Bengals — 6–11–0
4. Cleveland Browns — 5–12–0
AFC South
1. Jacksonville Jaguars — 13–4–0
2. Houston Texans — 12–5–0
3. Indianapolis Colts — 8–9–0
4. Tennessee Titans — 3–14–0
AFC West
1. Denver Broncos — 14–3–0
2. Los Angeles Chargers — 11–6–0
3. Kansas City Chiefs — 6–11–0
4. Las Vegas Raiders — 3–14–0
National Conference Divisions (2025 Final)
NFC East
1. Philadelphia Eagles — 11–6–0
2. Dallas Cowboys — 7–9–1
3. Washington Commanders — 5–12–0
4. New York Giants — 4–13–0
NFC North
1. Chicago Bears — 12–5–0
2. Green Bay Packers — 9–7–1
3. Detroit Lions — 9–8–0
4. Minnesota Vikings — 7–10–0
NFC South
1. Carolina Panthers — 8–9–0
2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers — 8–9–0
3. Atlanta Falcons — 8–9–0
4. New Orleans Saints — 7–10–0
NFC West
1. Seattle Seahawks — 14–3–0 (SB LX Champions)
2. San Francisco 49ers — 12–5–0
3. Los Angeles Rams — 12–5–0
4. Arizona Cardinals — 3–14–0
Curated by JD · samwise.agency
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