With the NFL offseason officially underway, front offices across the league are shifting into evaluation mode. From the Las Vegas Raiders at the top of the draft board to the reigning Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks, every team is looking for that edge - whether it’s a franchise-altering trade, a savvy Day 3 pick, or a free-agent addition that rounds out the roster. Let’s dive into this week’s NFL Draft Notebook and break down some of the most intriguing storylines heading into the 2026 NFL Draft.
Could the Raiders Move Maxx Crosby?
The Las Vegas Raiders already hold a treasure chest of draft capital - the No. 1 overall pick and 10 total selections - but that haul could grow even larger. One potential move that’s gaining traction: trading star edge rusher Maxx Crosby. It sounds bold, but there’s logic behind it.
Crosby, a five-time Pro Bowler, turns 29 next season. He’s still playing at an elite level, but the Raiders are clearly in the early stages of a rebuild.
If they decide to flip Crosby for picks, the return would be significant - likely a first-rounder this year and another in 2026. That kind of draft ammo could help reshape the roster from the ground up.
It’s a tough call, but one that could accelerate the rebuild if Las Vegas is ready to lean fully into the future.
Patriots Eyeing a Blindside Fix
The Super Bowl spotlight had a way of clarifying things, and one takeaway was clear: Will Campbell might be better suited to play guard than tackle at the next level. That opens up a hole on the Patriots’ offensive line, and Georgia’s Monroe Freeling is a name to watch.
At 6-foot-7, Freeling brings the kind of length and reach that NFL teams covet on the edge. He earned second-team All-SEC honors in his first full season as a starter - a testament to both his upside and polish.
Freeling plays with natural power, and as his technique continues to develop, he projects as a long-term answer at left tackle. For a team looking to stabilize its offensive front, he could be a cornerstone piece.
Chiefs Doing Their Homework on Duke Lineman
The Kansas City Chiefs are fresh off another deep playoff run, but their offensive line remains a work in progress - especially in the run game, where they averaged just 106 rushing yards per contest last season. That’s where a player like Duke’s Brian Parker II comes into play.
The Chiefs met with Parker at the East-West Shrine Bowl, and it’s not hard to see why. He’s played both tackle spots in college and took reps at guard and center during Shrine Bowl practices.
That kind of versatility is gold in Andy Reid’s offense, which values adaptability and depth up front. Parker may be a mid-round target, but his ability to plug in across the line makes him a smart developmental piece with upside.
Day 3 Sleeper: Fa’alili Fa’amoe
Every draft has its hidden gems, and Wake Forest’s Fa’alili Fa’amoe is a name to circle on Day 3. The athletic traits are undeniable - quick feet, smooth lateral movement, and the ability to climb to the second level in the run game. He’s got the tools to stick in the league.
What’s holding him back? Technique.
His footwork is inconsistent, pad level fluctuates, and he needs to add strength to anchor better in pass protection. But with the right coaching, Fa’amoe has a chance to outperform his draft slot and develop into a starter down the line.
He’s a classic high-upside swing in the later rounds.
Falcons Searching for Pass-Rush Help
With James Pearce Jr. facing serious off-field issues, the Atlanta Falcons are suddenly in the market for edge help - and without a first-round pick, they’ll need to get creative. One potential solution?
Oklahoma’s R. Mason Thomas.
Thomas is a twitchy, explosive pass rusher who brings speed off the edge and could be a fit in Atlanta’s defensive scheme. He might not have the same ceiling as Pearce, but in the second round, he offers real value and could help fill a major void in the Falcons’ front seven.
Speed Questions Clouding McNeil-Warren’s Stock
Toledo safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren had a standout 2025 season, earning AP third-team All-American honors and putting up elite PFF grades in both run defense and coverage. But there’s one concern that could cause him to slide: speed.
Reports suggest McNeil-Warren pulled out of the Senior Bowl due to questions about his top-end speed. At 6-foot-2, 202 pounds, he’s not a burner, and playing in the Group of Five only amplifies the scrutiny.
Despite his production and instincts, teams may hesitate to pull the trigger before Day 3. If he tests well in the pre-draft process, that narrative could shift - but for now, it’s a red flag.
Panthers Could Find Their Center in College Station
One of the Panthers’ biggest offseason priorities is upgrading the center position, and Texas A&M’s Trey Zuhn III might just be the answer. Though he started at left tackle in college, his shorter arms project him inside at the next level - and his tape backs up the move.
Zuhn was the highest-graded pass blocker in college football last season, according to PFF, and he took home the Jacobs Blocking Trophy as the SEC’s top offensive lineman. His ability to keep the pocket clean would be a welcome addition for Bryce Young, who needs a stable interior to thrive. If Zuhn is there on Day 2, Carolina should take a long look.
Derek Carr Comeback?
Derek Carr’s name is back in the mix - and not just in the rumor mill. After retiring last season due to a shoulder injury, Carr has reportedly resumed throwing and looks healthy. That’s caught the attention of teams in need of a veteran signal-caller.
The Arizona Cardinals could be one of those teams, especially if they move on from Kyler Murray. Carr wouldn’t cost much in terms of draft capital, and his experience, accuracy, and leadership could be a fit in Mike LaFleur’s offense. It’s a storyline worth watching as free agency approaches.
Seattle’s Speedy Option at WR
If the Seahawks can’t bring back Rashid Shaheed in free agency, they may already have a replacement in mind. Georgia wideout Zachariah Branch is a burner with game-breaking speed and special teams value - and he could be on the board at pick No. 32.
Branch averaged 20.5 yards per kickoff return and 12 yards per punt return, earning the 2023 Jet Award as the nation’s top return specialist. He stretches defenses vertically and brings juice to the return game - two areas Seattle would need to address if Shaheed walks. He’s not just a speed guy; he’s a weapon.
Nussmeier’s Hand Size Raises Eyebrows
LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier had a solid showing at the Senior Bowl, but one measurement is raising eyebrows: his hand size. At just 8 6/8 inches, it’s well below the NFL threshold and could impact ball control, especially in cold or wet conditions.
Combine that with an underwhelming 2025 season, and there’s a real chance Nussmeier slides into the third round. He’s got talent, no doubt - but in a league where every detail matters, hand size could be the tiebreaker for some teams.
The 2026 NFL Draft is still months away, but the storylines are already heating up. Whether it’s potential trades, position shifts, or under-the-radar prospects, the offseason chessboard is starting to take shape - and it’s only just begun.