Commanders have 4 picks on the final day of the ‘26 NFL Draft

Commanders get help for Jayden Daniels, adding Clemson WR Antonio Williams

Washington, which lost multiple wideouts to injuries throughout last season and has lacked a consistent No. 2 receiver to complement Terry McLaurin. Whether Williams — the 71st pick of the draft — can develop into that, however, remains to be seen. Williams, however, spent the majority of his time at Clemson in the slot, playing 78.1 percent of his career passing snaps inside, according to Pro Football Focus. His junior season in 2024 was his most balanced in alignment. That year, he spent 43 percent of his passing snaps outside. He missed two games as a senior because of a hamstring injury, and his numbers as a junior — 75 catches, 904 receiving yards, 11 touchdowns — were far better than his numbers as a senior (55, 604, 4).

Antonio Williams was drafted in round 3 with pick 71 in the 2026 draft class. He scored a 8.58 RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 596 out of 4196 WR from 1987 to 2026.pic.twitter.com/6gURGTOj3D

— RAS.football (@MathBomb) April 25, 2026

**Commanders.com**

Commanders draft WR Antonio Williams with No. 71 overall pick

“Williams is a bona fide ball player with good size and an ability to make mischief when he totes the pigskin,” wrote NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein. “There is freestyling inside his routes that create uncertainty for corners but teams might drill down on attention to detail and better efficiency to keep him on schedule. He’s not a field-stretcher but he plays fast from snap to whistle and has the ball skills to bring in challenging catches. He’s more slippery than explosive with outstanding run-after-catch ability. Williams projects as a productive slot receiver with legitimate run/pass/catch talent that should appeal to creative play-callers.” Williams was one of the better deep threats in college football over the last two seasons, recording nine receiving touchdowns of at least 20 yards since 2024. Williams also has exceptional separation ability, as he ranked in the 88th percentile against single coverage.

.@ClemsonFB WR, Antonio Williams, is a name to remember this week during the #nfldraft When you know; you know. a gifted router. #BaldysBreakdownspic.twitter.com/cumVGRD1Fn

— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) April 20, 2026 Commanders analyst Logan Paulsen had Williams as his 44th-best player available heading into Day 2, writing that Williams was underutilized at Clemson and can create separation from the slot.

**Commanders Wire**

7 things to know about Commanders WR Antonio Williams

**A true multi-purpose threat** Early in his high school career, Williams played some quarterback. He threw passes, caught passes, ran the ball and returned kicks. He did that with the Tigers, too. He should be a fun new weapon for offensive coordinator David Blough.

Clemson WR Antonio Williams is headed to the Commanders 😤

Jayden Daniels gets another weapon 🔥 pic.twitter.com/IO5dazqsHZ

— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) April 25, 2026 **Compared to current Green Bay Packers WR Jayden Reed** Daniel Jeremiah compared Williams to current Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed, a 2023 second-round pick. Jeremiah wasn’t the only to compare Williams to Reed. Antonio Williams reminds @dynastyrich of this former 2nd round pick in the NFL Draft… pic.twitter.com/RErRwBBWiw

— Dynasty Nerds (@DynastyNerds) April 12, 2026

**Commanders Roundtable**

Adam Peters Explains How Antonio Williams Fits Commanders Offense

Williams proved to be one of the most explosive athletes in the ACC during the 2024 season after amassing six catches for 30 yards or longer, while becoming one of the most efficient in 2025 after posting just one drop. The dynamic Clemson receiver proved himself as a weapon inside and out as Peters noted Williams will work as both a slot and ‘Z’ receiver while Peters noted, “you can see him really helping us out on third down.” “The things that he can show you, can play outside, he’s not huge, but he’s not small. He’s just a hair under six feet, and he’s a really tough player. And he’s got really good releases, he plays really fast. So those things allow him to win on the outside versus bigger corners,” Peters added.

Separation. Separation. Separation. It’s allll over Antonio Williams’ tape.

Inside-out versatile and a glider in the open field. Hands improved in ‘25 and is a dynamic threat after the catch. He’s going to be a target hog in David Blough’s offense. Excellent compliment to…

— Ryan Fowler (@\RyanFowler\) April 25, 2026 While the lone day two selection adds to the top of the a unit that needed reinforcements this offseason, Peters shot down that it served as an indication for where either Jaylin Lane or Luke McCaffrey stood on the depth chart.

From Bill-in-Bangkok:

**Here’s a lot of what AP said on Friday, indicating that he (Adam Peters) expects Antonio Williams to contribute much more as the ‘z’ than Williams’ 2025 usage at Clemson would indicate.:**

So, this guy’s a tough kid and you **go back and watch his 2024 film**, you really get to see what a special talent he is. I’d describe him as just a great athlete. Great athlete, really fast and he’s fast in a lot of different ways. He’s fast at the 40 time. The GPS is really, really high on him. End game. And then the old scout’s eye, you see him, he plays fast and he plays at a high level. He’s an NFL route runner. He can win versus press. He can beat man coverage and so we really like the versatility of him as well. He can play inside. He played a lot inside this year. **He played outside last year and that’s really the thing that differentiated him from a lot of guys is winning outside and winning against really good players outside, especially in 2024**. So, NFL route runner there’s just a lot of really, really good things about him an d just an all around great package. So thrilled to have him, thrilled to add him to the wide receiver room and just a happy, good couple days here.

I think, if he could, he can play Z and F or you know, Z and slot. And so, he’ll work at both of those. **There are things that he can show you can play outside**: He’s not huge, but he is not small. He ’s just a hair under six feet and he’s a really tough player and he’s got really good releases. He plays really fast. **So those things allow him to win on the outside versus bigger corners**. So even though he is not a 6-4 guy, **he can still win on the outside and his speed and his releases and his route running and his details allow him to do that**. And the same thing with inside is he can win with his quickness as well.”

I think the [game] that really sold it for me was playing Georgia in 2024, and **just seeing him play outside and just seeing him win like you would see NFL guys win on Sundays**.”

**He is a good blocker as well**. He’s a willing blocker; he is a tough blocker and he is willing to sell out over the middle. You know, there’s a lot of plays where he is exposed but will go up and get it, and he’s not worried about getting hit — and that impressed me a lot too. actually. I saw that — I wasn’t expecting that — and then seeing that on the tape it was really a pleasant surprise.”

He’s not huge, but he is not small either. Where they’re not the 6-2, 6-3, 6-4 guys, **they can play and they can run and they can do the other things that maybe allow you to play outside**.”

All those different things — those are the things that’ll win at our level — and he’s already doing them. And so, it makes it an easier evaluation when you see that on the tape, and you don’t have to project it. A lot of times you have to project those things. You can see it in their movements, you can see it in sometimes how they move with the ball in their hands rather than as a route runner because a lot of times they’re not asked to run certain routes or the route tree isn’t as diverse in college football as it is in the pros, you have to project a lot. But **with him you see it and you see it consistently and you see him win with it**.”

Antonio will be able to, you could see him play vertically also, but he is really good underneath, and so you can see him really helping us out on third down. So, we’ll have multiple guys that you’ll have multiple guys across the formation that can win on third down. And I think not only him and Terry, but the rest of the guys and so it just adds one more to that group. So, he’s quick and he’s fast and he’s just a really good route runner. I think, if you compare [the two players], probably he’s more of the underneath guy than Terry, but certainly versatile enough to do all the rest of the stuff.” Antonio Williams to the Washington Commanders. Love this pick. Steady, reliable WR who can get open for a team that desperately needs some of what he provides in their room.

He has a path to opportunity right away. pic.twitter.com/dpdS34Sl8k

— Matt Harmon (@MattHarmon\_BYB) April 25, 2026 From @RecepPerception on Commanders draft pick, Antonio Williams:

"It’s Williams’ 73.3% success rate vs. man coverage that has me intrigued. If a guy like this is going to emerge as a high-volume starter, they have to play as a Z in two-receiver sets. Williams is on the lower…

— David Harrison (@DHarrison82) April 25, 2026

**ESPN**

NFL Draft: 2026 picks by team

**Antonio Williams** **Pre-Draft Analysis** Williams led Clemson in receptions during the past two seasons. The slot receiver has a good burst and acceleration off the line of scrimmage. Williams shows good twitch in short areas, specifically on option routes. He is not a true vertical threat, but has enough speed to threaten the defense. He needs to clean up some drops. On passes outside his frame, Williams has the balance and body control to adjust and is strong enough to make contested catches. He displays good awareness in space and has some ‘make you miss’ ability. *— Scouts Inc.* **Post-Draft Analysis** We were linking Washington to wide receivers in Round 1, as Terry McLaurin is 31 and there isn’t a real successor on the roster. Williams is a silky-smooth route runner who can excel from the slot, but he also has experience lining up outside. The former freshman All-American was a consistent producer when healthy over the past four seasons, scoring 21 career college touchdowns. The Commanders badly needed receiver help, and having Williams still available here was quite fortunate. *— Matt Miller* **John Keim Analysis** **My take**: Washington needed help at receiver, desiring a consistent playmaker alongside Terry McLaurin. Williams offers potential and played both inside and outside Clemson — a role he could duplicate in the NFL. Williams is good after the catch and and the Commanders like that he showed he could win on the outside with quick releases. Williams also showed toughness by playing through various injuries at Clemson; he played through a hamstring injury this season. His blocking will help as well. **Is this pick for depth or does it fill a hole?** Both. Washington added back-end depth at the position this offseason, re-signing Treylon Burks and adding Dyami Brown and Van Jefferson. But the Commanders don’t have anyone who can enter the season as a strong No. 2. It’s uncertain if Williams can fill that role, but he does give the Commanders someone who should play a lot early thanks to what the team considers mature route-running. He has more potential to ascend to a more consistent contributor than others currently on the roster. **Mel Kiper’s Analysis** The Commanders took receiver Antonio Williams at No. 71; he’s an outstanding football player. Jayden Daniels needs more help beyond Terry McLaurin, and Williams will contribute out of the slot and as a kick returner. He caught 130 passes over the past two years, scoring 15 receiving touchdowns. There’s a bit of value to this pick, too. I ranked him 48th overall.

New #Commanders WR Antonio Williams on if he has a comfort zone at any particular WR alignment:

“I mean I’m just comfortable playing receiver wherever that is so once I get going and get in that rythmn, hard to be stopped…”

(via:@NFLonNBC) pic.twitter.com/mMgwBBCTON

— brandon (@JayDanielsMVP) April 25, 2026

**Heavy.com**

Commanders Fans Will Love This New Antonio Williams Info

Many Commanders fans might not know much about Williams. He was not one of the most talked about wide receivers in the 2026 draft class. That being said, NFL Draft expert Todd McShay of The Ringer has provided an outlook for Williams that will get fans excited. “Williams projects as a WR3 slot receiver as a rookie, with Z flanker flexibility in the future,” McShay wrote. “His game and athletic profile are similar to Ladd McConkey’s. Williams will thrive in a high-target slot role where there are YAC opportunities and chances for him to convert third downs.” Being compared to McConkey is high praise. Over his first two years in the NFL, McConkey has caught 148 passes for 1,938 yards and 13 touchdowns in 32 games. He has become a rising star with the Los Angeles Chargers. At the end of the day, Williams looks the part of an instant impact playmaker for Daniels.

I am impressed. Clemson’s Sports Information Director just sent Commanders media a quote from Head Coach Dabo Swinney on WR Antonio Williams:

"Antonio is a day one performer when he walks in their building. Antonio has really lived like a pro, prepared like a pro, played like a…

— CWallSports (@cwallse) April 25, 2026

**NFL.com**

Snap grades for every team after Rounds 2-3

**Day 2 grade: B+** **Analysis:**

• Washington sent its second-round pick to Houston as part of the Laremy Tunsil trade last offseason. Tunsil played 14 games last year but needs to stay on the field throughout a playoff run for the deal to be successful.
• The Commanders needed dynamic playmakers at receiver and Williams can be just that whether lined up outside or in the slot. The team got good value early in the third round for a top-50 prospect.

**Commanders Roundtable**

With Offseason Moves, Commanders Now Athletic in Front Seven

Both Styles and Leo Chenal, the former Chiefs linebacker who inked with the Commanders in free agency, came into the NFL with a 9.99 RAS score, giving the Commanders the most athletic linebacker duo in NFL history. Styles finished with 9.5 sacks and 22.5 tackles for loss during his time in Columbus after transitioning from safety to linebacker in 2024, flashing his short area quickness and sound tackling while doing well shedding blocks. [T]hat description also fits what Chenal noted, pointing to his ability to become a blitzed in the aggressive defensive scheme while playing both on and off the ball. The former Wisconsin star ranked third out of over 2,400 linebacker prospects spanning from 1987 to 2022 with Chenal drawing elite grades in multiple combine drills including the 40 yard dash. Chenal’s RAS is somehow not an exception on the Commanders’ defense with Styles also owning a 9.99 score out of ten, ranked just behind Chenal as the fourth-best linebacker prospect since 1987. Chenal arrived in DC with a chance to play inside and out, though with Styles now in the fold, the former Chiefs linebacker has the flexibility to stretch back outside with Styles capable of playing MIKE or WILL with Peters also pointing to SAM as a possibility. Led with Styles and Chenal now anchoring a linebacker room that returns Frankie Luvu and Jordan Magee, who could thrive in the new defensive scheme, the Commanders continue upgrading the athleticism at the disposal of Jones and head coach Dan Quinn heading into a critical 2026 season. **From Heavy.com:** Don’t look now, but after just 1 round of the 2026 NFL draft, the Washington Commanders may already have ended the debate over who has the best group of inside linebackers in the NFL. After drafting Ohio State’s Sonny Styles at No. 7 overall, it creates an incredibly talented trio of Styles, NFL All-Pro Frankie Luvu, and prized free agent Leo Chenal roaming the middle of the defense. **Commanders Paying Big Money for Trio** While the Commanders now have an uber-talented trio of inside linebackers, they’ll also be paying a mint for their services in 2026 and moving forward. As the No. 7 overall pick, he will receive a fully guaranteed 4-year contract worth an estimated $37.2 million. Chenal signed a 3-year, $24.75 million free-agent contract on March 9.  Luvu is entering the final season of the 3-year, $31 million free-agent contract he signed before the 2024 season. While that’s an unusual amount of money for any NFL team to spend on off-ball linebackers, in this case, the versatility of all 3 players could make it a heck of a bargain if the Commanders find their way back to the postseason.

Cowboys fans reaction to Commanders drafting Sonny Styles will never not be funny 😭 It's like this was their 9/11 pic.twitter.com/c1kb8FlB9X

— Billy Tinkle (@BillyTinkle) April 24, 2026

**The Athletic** (paywall)

NFL Draft 2026 best available players for Washington Commanders: Elijah Sarratt, Dani Dennis-Sutton

**Dani Dennis-Sutton, Edge, Penn State** At nearly 6-foot-6 with a 256-pound frame and 82-inch arms, Dennis-Sutton has imposing size to go with strength and quickness. He led the Big Ten with 3.8 pressures per game last year, but his potential as an NFL pass rusher requires more projection. **Mike Washington Jr., RB, Arkansas** Washington is a bigger back, at 6-1, 223 pounds, but he posted the fastest 40 time (4.33 seconds) at his position at the NFL combine and brings a big-play ability. He had 16 plays (13 carries, three receptions) of 20-plus yards in 2025, the second most among running backs in the SEC. **Sam Hecht, C, Kansas State** I had trouble seeing the Commanders using their lone third-round pick on a center, and they did not. But if they’re going to draft one to compete with Nick Allegretti for the starting job, they may have to act quickly on Day 3. Hecht, a former walk-on who worked his way up as a guard, is a tough and smart center who allowed zero sacks or quarterback hits last year, and didn’t commit any penalties. **Connor Lew, C, Auburn** An ACL injury ended his college career early and eliminated his pre-draft work, but, health pending, he has starting potential at the pro level with his movement skills and football intelligence. **Zakee Wheatley, S, Penn State** A lean and long safety, Wheatley could compete for a bigger role in Washington while providing enough versatility to play the nickel (and dime).

"I talked to an NFL scout last week…"

"Last year rounds 6 and 7 wiped out from NFL, this year rounds four through seven wiped out from NIL."@AndrewBrandt discusses the impact NIL has on the NFL Draft on this week's Business of Sports:9 pic.twitter.com/ssnS9suUys

— Ross Tucker Podcast (@RossTuckerPod) April 24, 2026

**Riggo’s Rag**

10 hidden gems the Commanders could steal on Day 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft

**Commanders could draft Ephesians Prysock**

• Cornerback | Washington Huskies The Commanders haven’t drafted a cornerback as yet, which is somewhat surprising. Adam Peters is evidently comfortable with the options around, and there is always the remaining veteran pool to examine if he isn’t quite satisfied. Even so, there is more than enough wiggle room to take one on board in Day 3, and Ephesians Prysock makes a ton of sense. Prysock is an outlier. He’s tall, long, and lean. He’s a fluid mover for a man his size, and he can make plays on the football in contested catch situations. Adding some play strength and a little extra muscle mass will be crucial, but there are worse avenues the Commanders could go down in Round 5. **Commanders could draft Malik Muhammad**
• Cornerback | Texas Longhorns As previously mentioned, the Commanders need another athletic option in their cornerback room. There are far too many questions to move into the campaign with things as they stand, and Adam Peters still has some enticing options to potentially examine on Day 3 of the draft. It’s surprising to see Texas prospect Malik Muhammad around at this stage of the draft. Some analysts saw him going in the second round but no later than the third. That wasn’t the case, but with no fourth-round selection right now, the Commanders may need to move up if they identify him as a player of interest.

My best players available going into Day 3: pic.twitter.com/OKtXCFgER7

— NFL Draft Files (@NFL\_DF) April 25, 2026

**Podcasts & videos**

Head Coach Dan Quinn Talks LB Sonny Styles | Command Center | Commanders | NFL

LB Sonny Styles Joins Legends to Talk Playing in Washington | Command Center | Commanders | NFL

**NFC East links**

**EAGLES – Bleeding Green Nation**

Eli Stowers to the Eagles: Philly’s second-round pick draws mixed reactions

*Opinions on the Eli Stowers pick vary from Howie Roseman is a genius, to the Eagles reached at No. 54* some consider Stowers a TE/WR hybrid, some consider him talented but not worth a second-round pick, and others are celebrating Howie Roseman for the move. As with Thursday night’s pick of WR Makai Lemon, many also suggest that Stowers could be one more piece that can help replace A.J. Brown. He also gives the team a future option instead of re-signing Dallas Goedert to a one-year deal every offseason. Either way, Stowers is a big bodied pass catcher and will add some youth to the TE room.

Stowers is 6-4, 239 pounds with a 4.51-second 40-yard dash and a 45 1/2-inch vertical leap.

He won the Mackey Award as the nation's top TE after a 62-catch, 769-yard season.

Eagles have now added the top TE and WR award winners in college football.

— Zach Berman (@ZBerm) April 25, 2026

The Eagles’ newest draft pick is HUGE

*Philadelphia’s third-round pick is a developmental player who could end up being a long-term solution at tackle* Miami OT Markel Bell is an absolute unit. At 6-foot-9, the incoming rookie will be the tallest offensive lineman on the team, which is really impressive given how large Jordan Mailata is, and a quick look at his tape should make people excited that he’s now on Philadelphia’s roster. There was a run on offensive tackles really early in the first round, and while the Eagles had to move on from their Top 4 options, they were able to get a really good developmental guy in the third round. This is the first OL draft pick for the Eagles in over 13 years that Jeff Stoutland hasn’t had a hand in helping to select, so how Bell fits into the new scheme with the new OL coach is less predictable than previous years, but he still checks all the boxes.

Zero sacks allowed in 558 pass pro snaps for Markel Bell in 2025.

Even bigger, he showed up in the biggest moments:

• CFP v Texas A&M (25 pass pro snaps): 0 pressures • National title v Indiana (34 pass pro snaps): 0 pressures • CFP vs Ole Miss (51 snaps): 1 pressure

— Ryan Fowler (@\RyanFowler\) April 25, 2026

Jonathan Greenard trade: Eagles acquire Vikings edge rusher and sign him to contract extension

the team has made a trade with the Minnesota Vikings for edge rusher Jonathan Greenard. The move was **widely anticipated since the early days of free agency**, but things finally happened on Day 2 of the draft. Philadelphia is sending their 2026 third round pick (No. 98) and a 2027 fourth-round selsection to Minnesota in exchange for Greenard and a 2026 seventh-rounder (No. 244). The team is also reportedly signing Greenard to a 4-year, $100 million deal contract with $50 million guaranteed to make him the 15th-highest paid player at his position on an annual basis. Greenard is heading into his seventh season in the league after spending four years with the HoustonTexans followed by two years in Minnesota. Hes recorded 217 total tackles, 75 QB hits, and 38 sacks, and earned his first Pro Bowl appearance in 2024.

**Front Office Sports**

Video Captures Makai Lemon’s Draft-Day Confusion as Eagles Jump Steelers

Here is the moment Makai Lemon thought he was getting drafted by #Steelers and realizing in real time that the #Eagles traded up, via @gmfb this morning.

He asked Omar Khan "Why is Philly calling [me]?" pic.twitter.com/AbXDJONYye

— Ross McCorkle (@Ross\_McCorkle) April 24, 2026 As NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport revealed Thursday, Lemon was actually on the phone with Omar Khan, the GM of the Steelers, who held the 21st overall pick and was congratulating him on getting drafted by Pittsburgh. But at the same time, Eagles GM Howie Roseman was engineering a trade with the Cowboys, a division rival, to give Dallas two fourth-rounders in return for swapping spots in the first round. Rapoport explained that the Steelers believed Lemon would fall to them because the Cowboys were widely expected to pick a defensive player. At the beginning of the clip, the wideout and his family were celebrating excitedly about the news he’d be going to Pittsburgh. But then, the video cuts to a clip of Lemon receiving another call and asking, “Hey, why is Philly calling?” At that moment, Lemon’s agent informed him, “Philly just traded for you!”

GIANTS – Big Blue View

Why New York made a trade to get WR Malachi Fields

*The Giants say they drafted a “power forward” witha body type they didn’t have* The New York Giants traded back into the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft on Friday to select wide receiver Malachi Fields with the 74th overall selection. Why? GM Joe Schoen referred to Fields as a “power forward.” “Certainly a different body type than we currently have. Adding that was something we had talked about doing. We weren’t going to force it unless the value was at the right spot, and obviously being 6-4½, 218 pounds, the catch radius and athleticism that he displays was attractive. Head coach John Harbaugh said the Giants had a second-round grade on Fields. Malik Nabers is coming off a bad knee injury and his availability/effectiveness at the start of the 2026 season is in question. Darius Slayton, Darnell Mooney, and Calvin Austin are all useful players, but all three may not be Giants after the 2026 season.

the Giants traded:

1 fourth round pick this year 1 fifth round pick this year 1 fourth round pick next year

for WR Malachi Fields

and now they have only 5 total picks next year in a potentially lucrative 2027 NFL Draft

— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) April 25, 2026

Why the Giants drafted CB Colton Hood in Round 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft

The answer might be because Ohio State defensive tackle Kayden McDonald was taken one pick earlier by the Tennessee Titans, but that isn’t all. Cornerback, with an underwhelming duo of Deonte Banks and Greg Newsome competing for one of the two starting jobs, was also a significant need. **Colton Hood will help solidify the NY Giants’ secondary**: Hood was so highly thought of by NFL teams that he was invited to attend the draft in the green room, which is usually an indication that they’re considered first round talents. It was a real surprise that Hood not only slipped out of the first round, but even fell past the first four picks of the second round. Hood will join linebacker Arvell Reese and guard Francis Mauigoa in what is looking a lot like a classic “Ravens” draft class, with the Giants patiently waiting while other teams maneuver around them and allow talented players to drop further than they should. The Giants have added talented players at great value with each of their first three picks, but still have yet to add talent to their thin defensive tackle and wide receiver positions. **Mel Kiper’s Analysis** The Giants needed another outside cornerback beyond Paulson Adebo and new addition Greg Newsome II, and Colton Hood was a first-round talent still on the board at No. 37. He has long arms and plays a physical press style. I had Tennessee teammate Jermod McCoy ranked higher, but it’s understandable that New York went with the cleaner prospect in terms of the medical situation.

COWBOYS – Blogging the Boys

Dallas selects Jaishawn Barham, EDGE, Michigan at pick 92

With the 92nd pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Dallas Cowboys selected Jaishawn Barham and edge player from Michigan. The Cowboys are doubling down on pass rush/linebacker. NFL.com

Barham logged most of his snaps at off-ball linebacker, but his 2025 tape showed explosiveness that will attract teams seeking a developmental rush ‘backer in an odd front. He’s raw as a rusher, relying heavily on athleticism, but the missing elements are teachable. Whether outside or inside, he’s a professional block-beater with the tools to stack or slip blocks, though his edge-setting needs work. His bend and reactive agility create unlikely tackle chances that few can find. His intensity and motor are top-tier but he needs to play with better discipline to avoid negative snaps. With explosive traits and inside-outside versatility, he projects as an impactful future starter once his technique catches up. **Cowboys needs:** EDGE: The Micah Parsons trade left a huge hole at pass rusher, the Cowboys need an injection of talent. LB: It’s basically DeMarvion Overshown or bust at LB. Shemar James may make a leap, but Dallas needs a starter here. **CB**: Trevon Diggs’ departure and DaRon Bland’s injury issues means the team needs help. The current depth is lackluster. S: Christian Parker’s scheme needs quality safeties, something the Cowboys have a lack of except for free agent addition Jalen Thompson. **WR**: George Pickens is on a one-year franchise tag. Getting another contender for the future is a solid move. **OT**: Tyler Guyton and Terence Steele both have their faults. Adding a decent swing tackle makes sense.

**ESPN**

Cowboys get LB Dee Winters from 49ers for 5th-round draft pick

The Dallas Cowboys acquired linebacker Dee Winters from the San Francisco 49ers on Friday for pick No. 152 in the fifth round of the NFL draft. The Cowboys searched for a middle linebacker in free agency but were unable to land Quay Walker, Devin Lloyd or Nakobe Dean. The Cowboys had trade discussions with several teams, including the Houston Texans for Azeez Al-Shaair and the Miami Dolphins for Jordyn Brooks, per sources, but what those teams wanted in return was too much. The Cowboys could still add a linebacker in the remainder of the draft, but Winters is a young veteran with 27 starts. The Cowboys had only three off-ball linebackers — DeMarvion Overshown, Shemar James and Justin Barron — before adding Winters. The Cowboys’ third-round pick, Jaishawn Barham, has experience as an edge rusher at Michigan, but Schottenheimer said he will begin his work at inside linebacker. Jones would not rule out adding more linebackers.

**Pro Football Talk**

Jerry Jones: We’ve changed this defense, we’re doing something about this defense

On Day One of the draft, the Cowboys spent first-round picks on safety Caleb Downs and pass rusher Malachi Lawrence. On Day Two, the Cowboys drafted edge rusher Jaishawn Barham and traded for linebacker Dee Winters from the 49ers. Jones said that with those additions and other moves the Cowboys have made this offseason, the defense is very different than it has been in recent years. “We have been able to, as of right now, rebuild this defense,” Jones said. “We’ve changed this defense. . . . This is a product of three, four, five years or maybe more of not getting where we’re trying to go and being a contender. It’s going to be different, it’s going to be fresh, we’ve got a lot of great energy here, we’ve got guys coming in like we introduced today. . . . When I lay my head down tonight I’m going to say, We’re doing something about the defense on this team.” The Cowboys traded away one of the best defensive players in football when they sent Micah Parsons to the Packers. Now they think they’ve used the picks they got for Parsons, and made more moves beyond that, to build a better defense.

**NFL league links**

Articles

**Pro Football Talk**

Jermod McCoy, projected to be drafted in Round 1, is still available heading into Round 4

But news emerged last week that NFL team doctors are concerned that McCoy could need another knee surgery, to repair a bone plug for a cartilage defect in McCoy’s knee. And that if the second surgery doesn’t go well, McCoy might never fully recover. Heading into Day Three of the draft, McCoy is now just hoping to get drafted in the fourth round, as concerns about a knee injury have tanked his draft stock. A second-team All-American in 2024, McCoy missed the entire 2025 college football season after tearing an ACL while working out in the offseason. But he was expected to make a full recovery and be ready to go as a rookie. McCoy worked out at Tennessee’s Pro Day, and from all accounts appeared to be in great shape.

"It's time for him to get picked… the talent is worth it"😤

– @MoveTheSticks on Jermod McCoy pic.twitter.com/ZCfvOKY0l0

— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) April 25, 2026

**NFL.com**

Steelers select Penn State QB Drew Allar in Round 3

As Aaron Rodgers watch potentially carries on into May, the Steelers selected Penn State quarterback Drew Allar in Friday’s third round with the 76th overall pick of the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh. The former Nittany Lion joins a QB room that officially includes second-year signal-caller Will Howard and veteran Mason Rudolph. Following the pick, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport set the scene, reporting the Steelers could be open to dealing Rudolph and underscoring that the club remains confident Rodgers will return to the team, but there is no certainty. Retirement still remains a possibility for the future Hall of Famer.

**aBit o’Twitter**

"Anybody you loved, or grew up watching that you modeled your game after?"

Sonny Styles: "I didn't grow up watching him, but Sean Taylor" pic.twitter.com/JKEG8YUrV1

— John Doran (@JohnDoranTV) April 24, 2026 Trying to find a good Sonny Styles athletic comp and here's the thing, there just isn't a really good athletic comp for Styles. It's such a ridiculously rare H/W/S combo. Basically a unicorn, 1 of 1.

So no pressure. pic.twitter.com/xtlM6ei8fG

— RAS.football (@MathBomb) April 24, 2026 On the Commanders' WR room:

1. McLaurin is the WR1 and he needs to eat. If he plays like he did in 2024, they'll be just fine. They need him on the field and producing like he always has prior to last year.

2. Antonio Williams will likely get the first crack at the slot role.…

— Grant Paulsen (@GrantPaulsen) April 25, 2026 Antonio Williams' route tree his last season at Clemson.#RaiseHailpic.twitter.com/azKbBNqnJR

— George Carmi (@Gcarmi21) April 25, 2026 Overall grades for every NFC team after Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft 📊 pic.twitter.com/idygDy48jy

— PFSN (@PFSN365) April 25, 2026 Just three running backs picked in the first three rounds.

• Jeremiah Love, 3rd pick, Cardinals • Jadarian Price, 32nd pick, Seahawks • Kaelon Black, 90th pick, 49ers

That's the lowest number through three rounds since (at least) the merger.

— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) April 25, 2026 19 out of 32 picks in the 1st round of the 2026 #NFLDraft were on offense, T-2nd-most for the round in the common draft era.

22 out of 32 picks in the 2nd round were on defense, tying a record for the round.

And 23 of 36 in the 3rd were on offense, a new record for the round

— John Todd (@JohnToddNFL) April 25, 2026 3rd round picks based on where they sat on the consensus board when they were picked pic.twitter.com/QMJgbwrDfW

— Anthony Reinhard (@reinhardNFL) April 25, 2026 Rueben Bain could not have cared less about posing in the mirror with his draft hat 💀 pic.twitter.com/XzIWFlrnog

— NFL Memes (@NFLMemes) April 24, 2026 Get you a QB who can do it all 😮‍💨 pic.twitter.com/0cN4uNXh4S

— DC Defenders (@UFLDefenders) April 25, 2026 .@a\_williams2022 checking in to the #ClemsonFamily 🐅#ALLIN | #NFLDraftpic.twitter.com/3WvbXV3kIM

— Clemson Football (@ClemsonFB) April 25, 2026