With less than three weeks until the draft, these latest rumors are shaping the board
By Jared Dubin Apr 7, 2026 at 12:15 pm ET • 3 min read 
Getty Images The NFL Draft is only a few weeks away, which means we're in the thick of silly season, with rumors swirling all day, every day. That'll likely continue until the draft begins, but that doesn't mean we can't learn anything from where things stand three weeks out.
In the space below, we'll walk through some of the most recent rumors bubbling up around the league.
Jets leaning toward David Bailey?
David Bailey TXTECH • EDGE • #31 TK52TFL19.5SK14.5FF3 No. 20 overall (No. 3 EDGE) View Profile In recent weeks, it's been assumed the New York Jets would take Ohio State linebacker/edge rusher Arvell Reese with the No. 2 overall pick. But on ESPN's "The Schrager Hour" podcast, both Peter Schrager and NFL Media's Daniel Jeremiah said the Jets might be leaning toward Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey instead, noting Bailey is the more polished, pro-ready edge prospect.
TE Eli Stowers being evaluated as a WR
Eli Stowers VANDY • TE • #9 REC62REYDS769YDS/REC12.4TD4 No. 68 overall (No. 3 TE) View Profile Eli Stowers won the John Mackey Award as the nation's best tight end in 2025, but according to NFL Media, some teams are evaluating him as a wide receiver in this year's class. He caught 62 passes for 769 yards and four touchdowns this past season and has outstanding size at 6-foot-3¾ and 239 pounds. If he does make the switch, a comparison to Marques Colston makes sense, as Colston did the same with the New Orleans Saints with great success.
Francis Mauigoa favored to be first OL taken
Francis Mauigoa MIAMI • OT • #61 No. 16 overall (No. 4 OT) View Profile The former Miami star was a three-year starter at right tackle and has become the odds-on favorite to be the first lineman off the board. Francis Mauigoa is -235 to be the first offensive lineman selected, per DraftKings Sportsbook. He's followed by Monroe Freeling, Spencer Fano, Kadyn Proctor, Olaivavega Ioane, Blake Miller, Caleb Lomu and Max Iheanachor.
PlayerSchoolOddsFrancis MauigoaMiami-235Monroe FreelingGeorgia+300Spencer FanoUtah+600Kadyn ProctorAlabama+1700Olaivavega IoanePenn State+3500Blake MillerClemson+15000Caleb LomuUtah+18000Max IheanachorArizona State+20000Kadyn Proctor won't get past Lions at No. 17
Kadyn Proctor BAMA • OT • #74 No. 4 overall (No. 1 OT) View Profile Speaking of Kadyn Proctor, NFL Media's Daniel Jeremiah reports the Lions "love" him and that "that is the absolute floor. He will not get by the Detroit Lions" at No. 17 overall. The Lions are reportedly moving star right tackle Penei Sewell to the left side following Taylor Decker's release, so they could be in the market for a new starter on the right side.
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Sonny Styles, Carnell Tate both in top five?
Sonny Styles OHIOST • LB TK82TFL6.5PD3INT1 No. 9 overall (No. 1 LB) View Profile The Ringer's Todd McShay said on his podcast that, based on conversations around the league, we shouldn't be surprised if the former Ohio State stars both go in the first five picks. Sonny Styles tested as one of the most athletic players ever at the NFL Scouting Combine, while Carnell Tate is widely considered the top wide receiver in this year's class. If both go in the top five, that would likely give Ohio State three of the first five selections, along with Reese.
Jordan Tyson, Rueben Bain Jr. falling?
Jordyn Tyson ARIZST • WR REC61REYDS711YDS/REC11.7TD8 No. 23 overall (No. 5 WR) View Profile ESPN's Matt Miller said if he had to guess, Rueben Bain Jr. would be drafted outside the top 10 and Tyson outside the top 20. Bain has been considered one of the top edge rushers in the class, along with Reese and Bailey. His shorter arms are a negative, but his combination of power and bend makes him one of the top prospects. It would be surprising if he fell out of the top 10. Jordyn Tyson, meanwhile, is considered one of the top receivers in the class (along with Tate and Makai Lemon) but has dealt with injuries and has had some scouts question his toughness.
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Mansoor Delane, Jermod McCoy battling for CB1
Mansoor Delane LSU • CB • #4 TK45SOLO26PD11INT2 No. 14 overall (No. 3 CB) View Profile Miller also said if he had to guess, Tennessee's Jermod McCoy would be the first cornerback taken. That would defy the current odds, as LSU's Mansoor Delane is the favorite at DraftKings, followed by McCoy, Aveion Terrell, Brandon Cisse, McCoy's teammate Colton Hood and DeAngelo Ponds.
PlayerSchoolOddsMansoor DelaneLSU-300Jermod McCoyTennessee+200Aveion TerrellClemson+6000Brandon CisseSouth Carolina+6500Colton HoodTennessee+8000DeAngelo PondsIndiana+10000 Join the Conversation comments
