Tag: Giants

Top Draft Classes of the 2026 NFL Draft: Winners and Losers
The 2026 NFL Draft is officially in the books.

The city of Pittsburgh set a new record, with an attendance of over 805,000 people, over the 3-day event.

257 players had their dreams come true, hearing their names called on stage.

The 1st pick wasn’t a surprise as National Champion and Heisman Trophy Winning QB Fernando Mendoza went to the Las Vegas Raiders.

The Raiders also ended the epic slide of CB Jermod McCoy, when they took him with the 101st pick, in the 4th round. The slide was due to medical reports on his knee, otherwise he’d been takin in the 1st round.

There were 11 Ohio State Buckeyes taken, the most in this 2026 NFL Draft Class.

There were 10 Quarterbacks drafted.

There were a whopping 36 WRs drafted.

The Naval Academy had 2 players selected this year. DT Landon Robinson with the 226th pick to the Cincinnati Bengals, and Eli Heidenreich with the 230th pick, to his hometown Pittsburgh Steelers. Both were taken in the 7th round.

Mr. Irrelevant (the name for the player chosen last in the draft), is Red Murdock, LB, from the University of Buffalo.

There were quite a few really good classes this year. Teams did really well at addressing needs and playing the board.

There were also a few stinkers, as well.

So, without further ado, here are a few of the best and worst team class this year.

My Cleveland Browns had one of the best draft classes, however, I will be writing a stand-alone article on them, so they are not included here.

BEST – Carolina Panthers.
- Pick 19: T Monroe Freeling, Georgia Bulldogs
- Pick 49: DL Lee Hunter, Texas Tech Red Raiders
- Pick 83: WR Chris Brazzell II, Tennessee Volunteers
- Pick 129: CB Will Lee lll, Texas A&M Aggies
- Pick 144: C Sam Hecht, Kansas State Wildcats
- Pick 151: S Zakee Wheatley, Penn State Nittany Lions
- Pick 227: LB Jackson Kuwatch, Miami (OH) RedHawks
Every single one of these picks, have the chance to be full-time starters, either this season or next season. Freeling might be starting Day 1, because LT Ikem Ekwonu is recovering from a major season ending injury late last season, and RT Taylor Morton is 31 years old and has only 2 years left on his contract.

WORST – Jacksonville Jaguars
- Pick 56: TE Nate Boerkircher, Texas A&M Aggies
- Pick 81: DI Albert Regis, Texas A&M Aggies
- Pick 88: G Emmanuel Pregnon, Oregon Ducks
- Pick 100: S Jalen Huskey, Maryland Terrapins
- Pick 119: ED Wesley Williams, Duke Blue Devils
- Pick 164: TE Tanner Koziol, Houston Cougars
- Pick 191: WR Josh Cameron, Baylor Bears
- Pick 203: WR CJ Williams, Stanford Cardinal
- Pick 233: ED Zach Durfee, Washington Huskies
- Pick 240: LB Parker Hughes, Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders
I’m not even going to pretend to know, what the hell the Jaguars were doing. I’m sure this all makes sense in their heads, not only myself, but some Jaguars fans that I spoke to, are completely baffled. I will say this though…. OG Emmanuel Pregnon is a D-A-W-G!!! He was one of my favorite offensive linemen in this entire class.

WORST – San Francisco 49ers
- Pick 33: WR De’Zhaun Stribling, Mississippi Rebels
- Pick 70: ED Romello Height, Texas Tech Red Raiders
- Pick 90: HB Kaelon Black, Indiana Hoosiers
- Pick 107: DL Gracen Halton, Oklahoma Sooners
- Pick 127: T Carver Willis, Washington Huskies
- Pick 139: CB Ephesians Prysock, Washington Huskies
- Pick 154: LB Jaden Dugger, Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns
- Pick 179: T Enrique Cruz Jr., Kansas Jayhawks
At least with the 49ers, I knew what their gameplan was here. They’re wanting Stribling to be the replacement for Aiyuk…..OK, but there were better players on the board. I do like CB Prysock. He’s a big corner with long arms, and does a good job locating the ball when it’s in the air. LT Trent Williams is probably retiring after this season, and by taking 2 OTs in Willis and Cruz Jr, they’re hoping for a mid/late round steal. It ain’t happening.

BEST – New York Jets
- Pick 2: ED David Bailey, Texas Tech Red Raiders
- Pick 16: TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon Ducks
- Pick 30: WR Omar Cooper Jr, Indiana Hoosiers
- Pick 50: CB D’Angelo Ponds, Indiana Hoosiers
- Pick 103: DL Darrell Jackson Jr., Florida State Seminoles
- Pick 110: QB Cade Klubnik, Clemson Tigers
- Pick 188: G Anez Cooper, Miami (FL) Hurricanes
- Pick 228: S VJ Payne, Kansas State Wildcats
I ABSOLUTELY LOVE what the New York Jets did in this class.
They got the #1 rated DE/EDGE rusher.
They got the #1 rated TE.
They got my #4 WR prospect.
They got the #1 rated Slot CB, who CAN play outside as well.
Let me tell you, when Darrell Jackson keeps his hands disciplined and in line with his hips and feet, he just dominates inside. So much potential.
QB Cade Klubnik had a down season, but he has great timing and accuracy on all levels of the field, with a smooth throwing motion. Do NOT be surprised, if he easily beats out Brady Cook for the backup QB spot, and plays significant time if Geno Smith struggles as the starter.

WORST – Dallas Cowboys
- Pick 11: S Caleb Downs, Ohio State Buckeyes
- Pick 23: ED Malachi Lawrence, UCF Knights
- Pick 92: ED Jaishawn Barham, Michigan Wolverines
- Pick 112: T Drew Shelton, Penn State Nittany Lions
- Pick 114: CB Devin Moore, Florida Gators
- Pick 137: ED LT Overton, Alabama Crimson Tide
- Pick 218: WR Anthony Smith, East Carolina Pirates
They had THE BEST pick in the 1st round, with the #1 overall player in the entire draft (safety Caleb Downs) just fall into their lap. After that, they completely tanked. They wanna get more pressure on opposing quarterbacks, that’s great, but there were far better options at 23, 92, and even 137. It’s like they just threw spaghetti on the wall, and hoping that something sticks. OT Drew Shelton struggles against good competition, and the NFC East is a tough place for linemen.

BEST – Miami Dolphins
- Pick 12: T Kadyn Proctor, Alabama Crimson Tide
- Pick 27: CB Chris Johnson, San Diego State Aztecs
- Pick 43: LB Jacob Rodriguez, Texas Tech Red Raiders
- Pick 75: WR Caleb Douglas, Texas Tech Red Raiders
- Pick 87: TE Will Kacmarek, Ohio State Buckeyes
- Pick 94: WR Chris Bell, Louisville Cardinals
- Pick 130: LB Trey Moore, Texas Longhorns
- Pick 138: LB Kyle Louis, Pittsburgh Panthers
- Pick 158: S Michael Taaffe, Texas Longhorns
- Pick 177: WR Kevin Coleman Jr., Missouri Tigers
- Pick 180: TE Seydou Traore, Mississippi State Bulldogs
- Pick 200: G DJ Campbell, Texas Longhorns
Other than their first pick (OT Kadyn Proctor), who is going to absolutely fail miserably, this is a GREAT draft by Miami. CB Chris Johnson is a Day 1 starting cornerback. LB Jacob Rodriguez is a turnover machine and is always around the football. WR Chris Bell was a LOCK to be a 1st Round WR before he tore his ACL late last season. He’s a great X WR and will be starting as soon as he is medically cleared. LB Kyle Louis is a tacking machine. S Michael Taaffe can do everything you need a safety to do.

In summary, the 2026 Draft Class will go down as one of the strangest classes of all-time, certainly in my lifetime. Shocking picks, epic slides, a record-breaking number of trades, kept not just the teams on their toes, but fans on the edge of their seats or wondering….. “What the heck are they doing?”

For the delicious breakfast bowls and bagels, as well as high protein snacks, and boba drinks, stop into The Daily Dose in Convoy. Located on the corner of US-49 and Tully Street. Check out their Facebook page for special drinks and menu items.

– by Sean McKenzie

Information courtesy of…..NFL, ESPN, and PFF.

Pictures courtesy of…..wallpapercave, USAToday, and WTAE.
April 25, 2026
Best and the Worst, from the 1st Round, of the 2026 NFL Draft.

The first round of the 2026 NFL Draft is in the books.

In front of a record crowd of 320,000 people, we got the chaos and surprises that come, when nobody knows exactly what’s going to happen after pick #1.

Indiana Hoosiers Heisman Trophy winning and National Championship QB, Fernando Mendoza went 1st to the Las Vegas Raiders.

We all knew that the New York Jets were going to take a pass rusher; we just didn’t know which one. Was it going to be David Bailey, Arvell Reese, or Rueben Bain. They decided on Bailey from Texas Tech.

The Arizona Cardinals decided to kick off the chaos by selecting HB Jeremiyah Love from Notre Dame with the 3rd pick. He was my #2 overall player in this class. The highest a running back had been taken since 2018 (Saquon Barkley to the New York Giants).

WR Carnell Tate from Ohio State, was the first WR to come off the draft board. But it wasn’t to the Cleveland Browns (my team), it was to the Tennessee Titans at #4.

For the best high protein breakfast, as well as boba teas, drinks and snacks, stop into The Daily Dose in Convoy. On the corner of US-49 and Tully Street

Rounding out the Top 5, the New York Giants took pass rushing LB/EDGE, Arvell Reese from Ohio State. Making it back-to-back Buckeyes.

For all 32 selections you can watch or visit ESPN or NFL Network.

Without further ado, here are the best and worst of the 1st Round.

Best overall pick – Dallas Cowboys – Caleb Downs – S – Ohio State.

The Cowboys trade up from #12 to #11 for the best overall player in the entire class in Caleb Downs. He’s an elite, versatile safety, with exceptional football IQ and excellent leadership. Dallas defensive coordinator Christian Parker loves safeties that can play in the box, and single high. Downs is the perfect fit. Parker had to be doing backflips in the war room.

Worst overall pick – Minnesota Vikings – Caleb Banks – DT – Florida.

As soon as I saw this pick, I KNEW my friend Nick was not going to be happy, and he did not disappoint me and my fellow LabRoomFam in our group chat.

He’s a big 6’6″, 327 lbs defensive lineman, that struggles in run stopping, and has had, not one, not two, but three, foot surgeries already. While he does a good job of splitting lineman, his pass rushing skills and moves are not polished, relying on his quick get off, which to be fair is quite good. They took the 4th best DT in the 1st round.

For the best artisan pizzas and homemade pies in Van Wert County, stop by The Local Slice in Convoy, Ohio.

Biggest surprise – Houston Texans – OG – Keylan Rutledge – Georgia Tech.

I swear, the Texans do not believe in offensive line positions other than center. They just draft offensive guards and stick them at the other 4 positions. Don’t get me wrong, I love Rutledge, he was my OG3, but they need tackles. Are they just gonna line up and play old school, downhill, pound the rock, smashmouth football? As everyone knows, that’s my favorite style, but it’s unrealistic in today’s game.

Rounds 2 and 3 of the NFL Draft are Friday Night, at 7:00 PM (EST) on ESPN, NFL Network, and ABC.

– by Sean McKenzie

Pictures courtesy of…..MSN and yahoosports.

April 24, 2026
NFL 2025-26 Midseason Awards.

We are just over halfway done with the 2025-26 NFL Season.

Anybody saying they knew that the New England Patriots and Indianapolis Colts would be 8-2 is a liar.

Nobody thought the Carolina Panthers would be 2nd in the NFC South (5-5).

Who really thought that the Denver Broncos (8-2) AND Los Angelos Chargers (7-3), would be ahead of the 3rd place Kansas City Chiefs 5-4) in the AFC West?

Of course, we all knew that my Cleveland Browns were going to just stiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiink, but even I didn’t think we’d be this terrible on offense.

For the best coffee and lattes in all of Van Wert County, Ohio; stop into The Rebel Bean today. Check out their Facebook page for hours and drink menu. You can also find them on the Joe.coffee app as well.

All of this just adds more questions than answers.

Is Colts QB Daniel Jones’ starting to look like he was in New York?

Can Colts running back Jonathan Taylor win the NFL MVP Award (almost always a QB Award anymore)?

How many more head coaches will be fired during the season (New York Giants fired Brain Daboll on Monday)? I predicted this would happen in my NFL Season Preview Article.

It has been an absolutely topsy-turvy, crazy season so far, and I am 100% for all of it.

So, without further ado, I give you the REAL NFL 25-26 mid-season awards.

Most Valuable Player – Drake Maye, QB, New England Patriots.

The 2nd year quarterback has thrown for 2,555 yards, with 19 TDs to 5 INTs. He has a QBR of 72.9 and is completing 71.7% of his throws.

He’s led the Patriots to 1st place in the AFC East, over the much favored and talked about Buffalo Bills.

He’s even added 283 yards on the ground with 2 TDs.

He’s not making the mistakes he did as a rookie, and he’s been dominating so far this season.

Runner up – Jonathan Taylor, HB, Indianapolis Colts.

Offensive Player of the Year – Jonathan Taylor, HB, Indianapolis Colts.

No running back has had a start to the season like this, since Adrian Peterson did in 2012.

Jonathan Taylor has been an absolute animal this season.

Unstoppable, even with 9 guys in the box.

He has 189 carries, for 1,139 yards, with 15 TDs, and most importantly, 0 fumbles.

He’s averaging 113.9 yards per game and 6 yards per carry.

He is the engine that is carrying this surprising Colts team.

Runner up – Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Seattle Seahawks.

Defensive Player of the Year – Myles Garrett, DE, Cleveland Browns.

NFL head coaches openly admit that they have an entire play sheet for when Myles Garrett is either on or off the field.

He completely changes the way a head coach coaches the game.

Garrett is tied for the league lead in sacks with 11.

He also leads the NFL in TFLs (tackles for loss) with 15.

This is his 8th consecutive season with double-digit sacks.

He has 34 total tackles, and 1 forced fumble.

Runner up – Brian Burns, LB, New York Giants.

Offensive Rookie of the Year – Emeka Egbuka, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The rookie wide receiver out of Ohio State leads the team in receptions (40), yards (677) and TDs (6).

He’s had to step into that #1 receiver role with injuries to Mike Evans and Chris Godwin Jr.

He’s become QB Baker Mayfield’s “go to guy” in the biggest situations.

Runner up – Tyler Warren, TE, Indianapolis Colts.

Defensive Rookie of the Year – Carson Schwesinger, LB, Cleveland Browns.

The rookie out of UCLA, leads all rookies with 74 tackles.

He wears the “green dot” for Browns hard-nosed defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz.

He’s all over the field.

He can cover TEs and slot WRs, as well as fill the gaps on blitzs.

He also has 1.5 sacks and 1 INT.

Runner up – Xavier Watts, S, Atlanta Falcons.

Head Coach of the Year – Mike Vrabel, New England Patriots.

Vrabel has taken a struggling quarterback, and turned him into an MVP candidate.

He has this team playing hard, tough, and fundamentally sound on both offense and defense.

As I said earlier in this article, NOBODY foresaw the Patriots being 8-2, and that all starts with head coach Mike Vrabel.

Runner up – Shane Steichen, Indianapolis Colts.

Who are you’re midseason award winners?

– by Sean McKenzie

Stats and information courtesy of…..NFL and ESPN.

Pictures courtesy of…..wallpapercave, SI, clutchpoints, brownsnation, sportingnews, and totalprosports.

November 11, 2025
3 Bold Predictions for the 2025-26 NFL Season.

The 2025-26 NFL season is finally upon us. It was an off-season of holdouts, especially at the wide receiver position. Khalil Shakir (BUF), Rashod Bateman (BAL), Courtland Sutton (DEN), Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins (CIN), and Terry McLaurin (WASH), all got contract extensions.

Most recently, the biggest off-season move was made when the Dallas Cowboys traded star DE/OLB Micah Parson to the Green Bay Packers for two 1st round picks and DT Kenny Clark.

It was a top heavy draft, with the Cleveland Browns making a surprise move. Trading the #2 pick to the Jacksonville Jaguars for the #5 pick and their 1st round pick next season.

The Jaguars took CB/WR Travis Hunter from Colorado, and the Browns ended up taking DT Mason Graham from Michigan (see previous article on my thoughts on this trade and pick).

With so much movement in the offseason, here are my 3 bold predictions for the season.

1) New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll will be fired during the season.

Daboll has a 19-33-1 career record through his first three seasons as a head coach. He does have a veteran quarterback in Russell Wilson, and rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart has looked good through camp and preseason.

The early season schedule is tough. Opening with games at Washington, at Dallas, home against Kansas City, and home against Los Angelos Chargers, all in the first four games of the season. He cannot afford to start 0-4, or even 1-3.

They get the defending Super Bowl Champion Philadelphia Eagles on Weeks 8 and 10. I can easily see them being 0-8, and he gets the boot midseason.

2) Trevor Lawrence will throw for over 4,000 yards this season.

Lawrence only played in 10 games last season. With two 1st round draft picks at the wide receiver position in second year wideout Brian Thomas Jr (87 catches, 1,282 yards, and 10 TDs), and Heisman Trophy winner, rookie Travis Hunter (171 catches, 2,167 yards, and 24 TDs, in 2 seasons at Colorado).

New offensive coordinator Liam Coen had Bucs quarterback Baker Mayfield in the Top 3 last season. I fully expect him to scheme up ways to make Trevor successful this season.

3) Both Browns rookie players DT Mason Graham and LB Carson Schwesinger will finish in the Top 5 for Defensive Rookie of the Year.

The Browns defense under defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz is stout. Of course, with former DPOTY Myles Garrett commanding double and triple teams, this will leave Mason Graham with 1 on 1 matchups against interior lineman. With his aggression, strong hands, and agility, he’ll win those matchups consistently.

With Browns linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah out this season with a possible career ending neck injury (news I broke first before Mary Kay or ESPN), Carson Schwesinger has the speed to run sideline to sideline, and has incredible instincts to sniff out the football.

With Garrett and Graham rushing the passer, and CB Denzel Ward locking down one half of the field, Carson will make double digit tackles every single game.

Write it down. Bookmark it. My 3 bold predictions.

– by Sean McKenzie.

Stats courtesy of…..NFL.

Pictures courtesy of…..wallpapercave, wallpapers, WKBN, drroto.

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September 4, 2025