With the 43rd pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Miami Dolphins select AJ Haulcy, Safety, LSU While the Dolphins desperately need a pass catcher to help new QB Malik Willis, the board did not fall great in that regard. So the pivot is to Haulcy, who can step in right away and help anchor coach Jeff Hafley's defense for years to come. Haulcy has elite route recognition and ball skills and could be the playmaker the Dolphins are desperately lacking on the back-end.
(forgot to mention Haulcy was in the building for a 30 visit today, and the Packers the last few years have had 30s with most of the guys they've picked....)
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers select Eli Stowers, Tight End, Vanderbilt Losing Mike Evans is kind of a surprise to me. They still have Emeka and Godwin, and McMillan is a nice third option, but I think the Buccaneers could use a little more punch in their offense. Enter Stowers, who pairs well with Otton to give them some formation flexability, and an interesting seam buster option.
Colts select Dani Dennis-Sutton, EDGE, Penn St Ballard loves drafting EDGE early, and by letting Paye go, whiffing on Hendrickson, and only signing Arden Key as the backup plan, he sets himself up well to see if his 8th try at drafting an EDGE in the first two rounds finally results in landing an above average pass rusher. The Colts’ new thing post-AR seems to be drafting dudes with lots of college experience and DDS hits the sweet spot of strong athletic traits + multi-year starter Falcons select Ted Hurst, WR, Georgia St The Falcons currently have Jahan Dotson penciled in as the WR opposite Drake London. Hurst isn’t the body type I’d necessarily think complements London, but I love the idea of keeping him home so I’ll pick him anyways
The Minnesota Vikings select Keith Abney II, CB, Arizona State It's Christmas for Brian Flores this draft season. Pulling in Dillon Thieneman in the first, and then doubling down on the secondary with Abney in the second round turns this group into the strength of the defense in my mind. Abney slots in as the Nickel, but can flex outside if needed.
Detroit Lions select Chase Bisontis, IOL, Texas A&M Lions double dip with OL - as they should. Their OL has taken a massive hit. Freeling and Bisontis is a perfect reset.
Carolina Panthers select Keionte Scott, CB, Miami Panthers defense is rapidly improving this offseason. Free agent signings of Phillips and Lloyd, selecting CJ Allen in the first round. And now adding Keionte Scott who is the perfect player to throw into the nickel role. Horn and Jackson proved to be a great duo on the outside. Scott is a versatile playmaker to complement that duo.