NFL set to begin hiring and training replacement officials, AP sources say

PHOENIX (AP) — TheNFLis moving forward with plans to begin hiring and training replacement officials in the next several weeks because negotiations with the referees' union have been unsuccessful, two people with knowledge of the discussions told The Associated Press.

Both people spoke on condition of anonymity Sunday because the conversations are private.

The league and the NFL Referees Association have been negotiating a new collective bargaining agreement since the summer of 2024. The current CBAexpires on May 31.

The NFL has increased its offer to a 6.45% annual growth rate in compensation over a six-year labor deal, but the NFLRA wants 10% plus $2.5 million for marketing fees, the people said.

NFLRA executive director Scott Green told The Associated Press on Monday: "those numbers are not accurate." He said negotiations with the league are similar to 2012 when a stalemate resulted in a 110-day lockout and replacement referees were used.

The league wants compensation tied to performance so that only high-performing game officials during the regular season share in the year-end bonus pool.

The league is also seeking greater flexibility to ensure the best officials are on the field during the postseason. The current CBA includes seniority as a factor in making postseason assignments.

Shortening the "dark period" is also a priority for the NFL. Currently, the league has no communication with game officials during the roughly three-month stretch between the Super Bowl and May 15. The goal is to increase access to game officials for rules discussions, video review, mechanics and appropriate football operations and committee meetings in order to improve the game and officials' performance.

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The NFL is offering to hire some full-time officials, but one of the people said the union is resisting and is asking for "full-time pay and part-time hours."

Green told the AP the 2012 and 2019 CBA agreements included provisions that would allow some officials to serve in full-time roles. He said the league experimented with this in 2017, 2019 and 2020.

"Each program ended because of their inability to manage it," Green said.

In a statement, Green said:

"Apparently 'League sources' are continuing to put out false and misleading information instead of wanting to meet at the negotiating table. The bottom line is our officials work for the wealthiest sports league in America, with profits that far exceed any of the others. That's normally a point of pride for the NFL. However, our officials are substantially under-compensated when compared to baseball and basketball umpires and referees. Our officials also aren't provided the health care benefits that those at 345 Park Avenue have. As far as performance pay, we had 'high performing officials' who worked this year's championship games and the Super Bowl who were paid less for those games than what they were paid for a regular-season game. That certainly isn't rewarding performance, as the NFL claims is their goal."

In preparation for potential use of replacement officials, the NFL competition committee has proposed a contingency that would allow the replay center in New York to advise the on-field officials on any missed roughing the passer or intentional grounding penalty, as well as any act that would have led to an ejection had a penalty been called. NFL owners will vote on the proposal this week at theannual meeting.

The NFL used replacement officials for the first three weeks of the 2012 season and resulted in several mistakes and wrong calls, including the disputed TD catch known as the "Fail Mary."

AP NFL:https://apnews.com/hub/nfl

byVaclavien Pynzarien

in

March 30, 2026

NFL set to begin hiring and training replacement officials, AP sources say

PHOENIX (AP) — TheNFLis moving forward with plans to begin hiring and training replacement officials in the next several ...

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PCB fines fast bowler Naseem Shah $72,000 for criticizing politician's presence at PSL

LAHORE, Pakistan (AP) — The Pakistan Cricket Board has fined fast bowler Naseem Shah $72,000 for a social media post criticizing a politician's presence at the opening game of the Pakistan Super League, which startedbehind closed doorslast week.

The chief Minister of the Punjab province, Maryam Nawaz, was invited to Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium last Thursday, along with other dignitaries, and was introduced to officials of the eight franchises and players ahead of the opening game of the tournament between defending champion Lahore Qalandars and first-timers Hyderabad Kingsmen.

Shah commented in a tweet about the opening game, with the bowler saying on X, "Why is she treated like the queen at Lord's?" in an apparent reference to Nawaz's presence at the stadium. He deleted the post soon afterward and later said his account had been hacked.

Shah tendered an unconditional apology afterthe PCB issued a noticeto the fast bowler for violating the terms of his central contract as well as its media policy and regulations. He also appeared before a three-member disciplinary committee in Lahore on Monday.

The PCB said that Shah was found "to have breached various clauses of his central contract."

"It was noted that Naseem Shah's social media adviser has already been terminated by Naseem and shall be blacklisted by the PCB from associating with any player falling under the PCB's jurisdiction," the PCB said.

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As part of the fallout from the war in Iran,fans are barredfrom attending games at Pakistan's premier domestic tournament, which was originally scheduled for six venues but now reduced to just two — Lahore and Karachi. TheMiddle East conflicthas resulted in exorbitantprice hikes for fuel in the region, and Pakistan's government is urging people to restrict travel and to work from home.

Last year Pakistan all-rounder Aamer Jamal was slapped with a fine of $4,000 for displaying a slogan in favor of cricket greatImran Khan, Pakistan's imprisoned former prime minister.

Shah is playing for new PSL franchise Rawalpindi Pindiz and returned with expensive figures of 0-51 in the five-wicket loss to Peshawar Zalmi.

Shah, a right-arm fast bowler, has taken a total of 152 wickets while representing Pakistan in 20 test matches, 34 one-day internationals and 37 T20s games.

AP cricket:https://apnews.com/hub/cricket

byVaclavien Pynzarien

in

March 30, 2026

PCB fines fast bowler Naseem Shah $72,000 for criticizing politician's presence at PSL

LAHORE, Pakistan (AP) — The Pakistan Cricket Board has fined fast bowler Naseem Shah $72,000 for a social media post crit...

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Turkey says NATO defences downed fourth inbound Iranian missile

ANKARA, March 30 (Reuters) - A ballistic missile launched from Iran ‌entered Turkish airspace before ‌being shot down by NATO air ​and missile defences deployed in the eastern Mediterranean, Turkey's defence ministry said on Monday.

The incident ‌marked the ⁠fourth such incident since the start of the ⁠U.S.-Iraeli war with Iran, following three earlier interceptions by ​NATO systems earlier ​this ​month that prompted Ankara ‌to protest and warn Tehran.

Tehran has denied in the previous three incidents that it authorised such launches and has asked ‌Ankara to form ​a joint investigation ​into the ​matter.

The ministry said ‌all necessary measures were ​being taken "decisively ​and without hesitation" against any threat directed at Turkey's ​territory ‌and airspace.

(Reporting by Ece Toksabay ​and Tuvan Gumrukcu; Editing ​by Jonathan Spicer )

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byVaclavien Pynzarien

in

March 30, 2026

Turkey says NATO defences downed fourth inbound Iranian missile

ANKARA, March 30 (Reuters) - A ballistic missile launched from Iran ‌entered Turkish airspace before ‌being shot down by ...

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Italy used to rule the World Cup. Now it could miss a third straight.

For generations, playing in the World Cup was akin to Italian birthright.

The nation made every tournament from 1958 to 2014. It joined Brazil and Germany as the only nations to win the World Cup four times, its most recent title coming in 2006. A run deep into the knockout stage became as expected as the Azzurri's signature blue jerseys.

Then Italy was stunningly knocked out of the group stage at World Cups in 2010 and 2014. It failed to qualify at all for the 2018 edition — then, it missed out in 2022, as well.

Even when the field for this summer's World Cup was expanded from 32 to 48 teams, the largest in tournament history, Italy was stunningly still no lock to qualify. In December, when 42 teams learned their opponents in the group stage, Italy had to wait four more months to know whether its previously unthinkable World Cup drought would be broken, or extended.

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That outcome will come Tuesday, when Italy plays Bosnia and Herzegovina in a playoff match that eliminates the loser and sends the winner into a group with Canada, Qatar and Switzerland when the tournament opens this summer across Mexico, Canada and the United States.

The final six spots in the World Cup will be decided Tuesday in playoff games that could see multiple long shot teams qualify. Congo, which hasn't played in a World Cup since 1974, will face Jamaica, which is looking to make its first appearance since 1998. Iraq, seeking its first berth since 1986, and Bolivia, absent since 1994, will face off in another playoff game.

Compared to those countries, Italy's drought has lasted a fraction of the length. But none of those countries have Italy's tradition. Italy is in this do-or-die position only after narrowly edging past Northern Ireland last week in a playoff semifinal. Gennaro Gattuso, the Italian coach, told reporters that he'd felt "butterflies" during the game.

Italy had "taken a little step forward," Gattuso said. "Now we have to climb the mountain, the Everest. We know that there's a lot at stake."

Gattuso, 48, knows about pressure. He played on Italy's 2006 team that lifted the World Cup trophy by outlasting France on nerve-wracking penalty kicks. But when he took the Italian job last June — his predecessor was fired after Italy was shut out in losses to Norway and Moldova in World Cup qualifying — it came with once-unthinkable stakes. Not to return Italy to the top of the sport, but merely into the bracket. Italy's first choice to coach had turned down the job. Gattuso had less than a year to pull off qualifying.

"We've been feeling positive since the coach arrived, we've got to continue like this, there's no other option but to win," Italian midfielder Sandro Tonali said after the win against Northern Ireland.

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Italy's decline wasn't always so obvious. It was the runner-up in the European championships — a competition often seen as a bellwether for a nation's World Cup fitness — in 2000 and 2012, and won in 2020. But under the surface, Italy's developmental program was eroding, former player Marco Amelia, the goalkeeper of the 2006 team,told Reuters.

"The victory in 2006 covered and hid the limits that the national system already had in terms ​of structures and preparation," Amelia said. "We didn't put enough faith in promising young players, and clubs invested too little in long-term planning. In Serie A (Italy's top domestic league) ​there's a very high percentage of foreign players. The only way to change this is for clubs to invest more ⁠in young Italians, knowing that some of those investments might fail."

Deloitte, the global accounting giant, has ranked which clubs generate the most revenue for decades. In 2006, three Italian teams finished in the top seven.

By 2025, however, the highest-ranked team from Serie A, Inter Milan, ranked 11th.The top 20 featuredthree Italian teams, compared to nine from England's dominant Premier League.

The last time an Italian team won the Champions League, the top competition among European clubs, was 2010.

"Before, Italian players never went abroad," Massimo Oddo, another member of the 2006 team told Reuters. "Now they do, and mediocre players arrive in Italy, taking space away from ​Italians. Italian football should modernise the youth sector, because the talent exists, but is not well supported."

Gattuso isn't the only former Azzurri great the country has turned to in hopes of restoring its national team's worldwide standing. When the country's football federation went looking for a new head in 2023, it turned to Gianluigi Buffon, the goalkeeper who became an iconic figure in Italian football after taking part in five World Cups, including 2006. His assignment could be seen as personal; his international career representing Italy ended in 2017 when the country was eliminated from World Cup qualifying. He left the field of Milan's famed San Siro stadium tearful.

"There is still a future for our football," Buffon saidafter the 2017elimination. "We are a proud, stubborn and hard-working nation and we always find a way of lifting ourselves up after bad falls."

That sentiment will be tested Tuesday against Bosnia and Herzegovina. If Italy misses a third consecutive World Cup, Buffonhas reportedly saidhe will step aside.

"Failing to qualify for the World Cup would be an enormous blow," Oddo said.

byVaclavien Pynzarien

in

March 30, 2026

Italy used to rule the World Cup. Now it could miss a third straight.

For generations, playing in the World Cup was akin to Italian birthright. The nation made every tournament fro...

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Why four-time world champion Max Verstappen is considering walking away from F1

He may be a four-time world champion and one of the faces ofFormula 1, butMax Verstappenis not having a good time in thesporthe once loved.

For a while now, the Dutchman has seemed unsettled and unhappy with the direction F1 is heading, so much so that he's now openly considering walking away from the sport entirely at the end of the season.

The 28-year-old's frustrations came to the fore again after the Red Bull driver finished eighth at the Japanese Grand Prix this weekend, venting his grievances to the media after the race.

"I keep telling myself every day to try and enjoy it. It's just very hard," Verstappen toldBBC Sport.

"I'm thinking about everything inside this paddock. I mean, privately, I'm very happy. But you wait for 24 races, this time 22, but normally 24, and then you just think about is it worth it?

"Or do I enjoy actually being more at home with my family, seeing my friends more when you're not enjoying your sport?"

'Formula E on steroids'

It's a damning indictment for the sport that one of its biggest names is no longer taking much joy from the competition.

Many of his issues stem from the new regulations that have changed the way teams and drivers strategize during races. More focus is now on managing an on-board battery and using electrical energy to improve performance.

Earlier this year, Verstappen said he was struggling to have fun with the new regulations,describingthe sport as "a bit like Formula E on steroids," arguing it's no longer about pure racing.

In addition to his issues within the sport, Verstappen is also entering a new chapter of his life off the track. The star and his long-term partnerwelcomed their first child last year, and it seems Verstappen is relishing spending quality time with his family.

He's also enjoying working on other projects out of the sport, so much so that the concept of traveling most of the year – to race cars he doesn't like – is no longer as appealing.

"It's really anti-driving," Verstappen added. "Then at one point, it's just not what I want to do.

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"Make a lot of money, great. But at the end of the day, it's not about money anymore because this has always been my passion, right? As a kid, this is what I wanted to do, and back then, I had no idea what I was going to achieve.

"I want to be here to have fun, have a great time and enjoy myself. And yeah, at the moment, that's not really the case."

Even before Sunday's race, you could tell Verstappen was in an irritable mood.

Last week, the driver refused to answer any questions at a press conference unless a particular journalist – one he had an issue with for a prior line of questioning – left the room.

It was another symptom of his current unhappiness in the sport which looks to be causing more problems than it's currently solving in his life.

Kimi Antonelli wins again

The obvious context to his comments is the fact Verstappen is no longer as dominant as he once was in the sport.

For years, the Red Bull driver was the benchmark – often cruising through races with rivals unable to challenge his superiority.

But those four consecutive world titles between 2021 and 2024 now seem like a distant memory, with the Dutchman looking unable to compete with the championship leaders so far this season.

That was the case again at the Japanese Grand Prix, with Italian 19-year-old Kimi Antonelli winning his second straight race this season. The Mercedes driver finished over 13 seconds ahead of his nearest rival, following on from the first race win of his career in China two weeks ago.

Antonelli is thesecond youngestdriver to win an F1 race. The youngest? Verstappen, of course.

Despite witnessing a changing of the guard, the Dutch driver argues that he can accept finishing in the middle of the field as long as he's still enjoying the sport. And of course, he's not confirming he definitely will walk away at the end of the season.

His latest comments, though, will pile more pressure on the sport's governing body to listen to what he and some of the other drivers are telling it.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account atCNN.com

byVaclavien Pynzarien

in

March 30, 2026

Why four-time world champion Max Verstappen is considering walking away from F1

He may be a four-time world champion and one of the faces ofFormula 1, butMax Verstappenis not having a good time in thes...

Read More

2026 NFL mock draft: How high does RB Jeremiyah Love go?

As NFL free agency has cooled down and players are getting to know their new homes, teams turned to college Pro Days for one last look at the2026 NFL Draftclass in person.

There are only a few keyPro Daysleft. Notably, the national championIndiana Hoosiers will showcase their skillsone last time on Wednesday, April 1. Likely No. 1 overall pickFernando Mendozaand the rest of Curt Cignetti's standout class will be on hand to show scouts what made them the best team in college football.

That remains the final hurdle ahead of the fast-approaching 2026 NFL Draft. Teams stated their intentions and made moves during free agency that reflect how they see themselves.

This draft is marked by talent on defense at the top but at non-premium positions like linebacker and safety. There's a rising crop of wide receivers who could find homes to be major contributors as rookies.

And don't forget the most dynamic offensive player in the class: running backJeremiyah Love. Could the Notre Dame star be the highest-draft running back sinceSaquon Barkleywent No. 2 overall in 2018? Here's our latest projection for the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft:

2026 NFL mock draft

1.Las Vegas Raiders: QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana

The Raiderstraded away Geno Smithand that all but clears the way for Mendoza to be the No. 1 pick. He plays in a style similar to that of Bengals quarterbackJoe Burrow, a Heisman Trophy winner with ideal size (6-foot-5, 236 pounds) who operates like a point guard behind the offensive line. Klint Kubiak has a quarterback of the future to work with.

2.New York Jets: LB/Edge Arvell Reese, Ohio State

Without a clear quarterback option worthy of the No. 2 pick, New York goes with the best player available and that's Reese. The Buckeyes' linebacker took a leap in 2025 and will be a top-three pick. The only question is where. With the additions New York made on defense via free agency, Reese will not be pushed to make a leap as a pass rusher as a rookie. He can operate alongsideDemario Davisand gradually reach his sky-high ceiling.

3.Arizona Cardinals: OT Spencer Fano, Utah

Arizona could go many ways with this pick but taking the top offensive lineman in the class. He spent the last two years at right tackle for the Utes and that's a position of need. Fano could take over at right tackle or spend his rookie season on the interior to shore things up in front ofJacoby Brissett. His athleticism and footwork give him a high ceiling.

4.Tennessee Titans: RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame

The idea of getting another defensive playmaker has to be tempting for Robert Saleh but the Titans' second-year quarterback needs help on offense, specifically with more playmakers. Love is on the level ofJahmyr GibbsorBijan Robinsonas a dynamic prospect with versatility as a runner and a receiver. He wouldn't have to shoulder the load as the only option in the running back room withTony Pollardin the building. This crucially gives the Titans a big name on offense ahead of their move to a new stadium in 2027.

NFL DRAFT ODDS:Which team will draft Jeremiyah Love?

5.New York Giants: WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State

New York has a new staff under John Harbaugh and the primary objective has to be an improvement on offense for second-year quarterbackJaxson Dart. One way to do that is to get him another great target in the passing game oppositeMalik Nabers. Tate's allergy to drops and threat vertically, thanks to his contested catch abilities, will complement what Nabers brings as the No. 1 option in the passing game.

6.Cleveland Browns: OT Francis Mauigoa, Miami (FL)

It's between wide receiver or offensive tackle at No. 6 for Cleveland. Even with three additions in free agency up front, we have the Browns dipping back to that position again. Mauigoa played right tackle for the Hurricanes and could start there overTytus Howardor kick inside to guard to give Cleveland their best five up front. There are more wide receivers to be had later on; that's not the case at tackle.

7.Washington Commanders: LB Sonny Styles, Ohio State

Washington has plenty of needs, but at this point in the draft, the team should take the best player available. Styles is a dynamic threat and the Commanders signed enough talent to shore up the edge position. Washington needs to get younger and more athletic on defense compared to a year ago and Styles certainly helps with both. In a division with potent running games in Philadelphia and Dallas, Washington needs a player like Styles on defense to wreak some havoc.

8.New Orleans Saints: Edge David Bailey, Texas Tech

New Orleans needs more threats off the edge beyondChase Youngand one of the most prolific edge rushers in college football last season is a great way to go. His length, burst and bend will give him the tools to produce right away. He's the most pro-ready edge rusher in the class and should be a designated pass rusher at the very least from Day 1.

9.Kansas City Chiefs: Edge Rueben Bain Jr., Miami (FL)

Kansas City has to generate more pressure on defense in 2026, especially on crucial downs. Bain is a power rusher who knows how to maximize his frame despite his short arms. Kansas City likes powerful rushers - looking at you,George Karlaftis- and Bain could be another edge in that mold. He's productive enough not to require a lot of projection for this Chiefs defense.

10.Cincinnati Bengals: CB Mansoor Delane, LSU

Cincinnati's secondary has to improve and getting the top cornerback prospect in the class is a fantastic way to do so. He's a leaner cornerback but wins with impressive technique for a prospect of his age. The Bengals need contributors who can have an impact from Day 1 and Delane can do that on the outside.

11.Miami Dolphins: S Caleb Downs, Ohio State

Miami is loaded with more draft capital in the first three rounds than any other team in the NFL and ends up with one of the best prospects in the class. Downs could thrive under Jeff Hafley after what the former Packers defensive coordinator did in Green Bay. He's a high-football IQ defensive back with the right mix of athleticism and power to handle myriad coverage assignments as well as run defense from multiple spots.

12.Dallas Cowboys: CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee

Dallas would've loved to see Styles fall to them here but they'll gladly take the next-best cornerback in the class in McCoy. He missed 2025 with an ACL injury but his 2024 tape shows a prototypical cornerback with scheme versatility and solid ball skills. Dallas needs to improve its pass defense, especially in the secondary, and does so here.

13.Los Angeles Rams(fromAtlanta): TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon

Los Angeles wanted to trade up forBrock Bowerstwo years ago. In this scenario, the Rams can't help but get the elite offensive skill position prospect in Sadiq. He joins former Ducks tight endTerrance Fergusonin Los Angeles but brings a more field-stretching presence thanks to his outlier athleticism. Los Angeles' 13 personnel packages would suddenly get even more dangerous.

14.Baltimore Ravens: IOL Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State

Baltimore has plenty of needs on offense and defense but protecting quarterbackLamar Jacksonis a major priority. The team takes the best player available here and upgrades the interior with the top interior offensive lineman in the class. Ioane has the mix of size, power and footwork to thrive sooner than later.

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15.Tampa Bay Buccaneers: WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State

Mike Evansis gone and Tampa Bay has a promising crop of young wideouts inEmeka Egbuka,Jalen McMillanandTez Johnson. Tyson could end up as the No. 1 receiver in the future, though. His injury history may drop him down the board but Tampa Bay will be happy to pick him up. Tyson can separate against defenders regularly and is a plus route-runner in this class.

16. New York Jets (fromIndianapolis): WR Denzel Boston, Washington

New York could use another wideout on the outside oppositeGarrett Wilson. Boston's a reliable big body who can go up and get passes fromGeno Smithor a different quarterback in the future. The Huskies' standout can track the ball well downfield and is no slouch as a run blocker, either.

JETS MOCK DRAFTNew York picks Arvell Reese, potential QB of the future

3. Arizona Cardinals – David Bailey, OLB/DE, Texas Tech

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 4. Tennessee Titans – Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 5. New York Giants – Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 6. Cleveland Browns – Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 7. Washington Commanders – Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 8. New Orleans Saints – Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 9. Kansas City Chiefs – Rueben Bain Jr., DE, Miami (Fla.)

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 10. Cincinnati Bengals – Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 11. Miami Dolphins – Francis Mauigoa, OT/G, Miami (Fla.)

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 12. Dallas Cowboys – Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 13. Los Angeles Rams (from Atlanta Falcons) – Makai Lemon, WR, USC

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Akheem Mesidor, DE, Miami (Fla.)

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 16. Jets (from Indianapolis Colts) – Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 17. Detroit Lions – Spencer Fano, OT/G, Utah

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 18. Minnesota Vikings – Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 19. Carolina Panthers - Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 21. Pittsburgh Steelers – Kadyn Proctor, OT/G, Alabama

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 22. Los Angeles Chargers – T.J. Parker, DE/OLB, Clemson

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 23. Philadelphia Eagles – Keldric Faulk, DE, Auburn

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 24. Cleveland Browns – Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 25. Chicago Bears – Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 26. Buffalo Bills – Cashius Howell, OLB, Texas A&M

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 29. Kansas City Chiefs (from Los Angeles Rams) – Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 30. Miami Dolphins (from Denver Broncos) – Denzel Boston, WR, Washington

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 32. Seattle Seahawks – Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" />

NFL mock draft: Top-10 surprises in latest first-round projection

17.Detroit Lions: OT Monroe Freeling, Georgia

Taylor Decker's departure leaves a huge hole on the offensive line for a team that's relied on the strength of that position group for years. Freeling spent the last two years at left tackle for the Bulldogs with an ideal frame and good athleticism. He went from 21 allowed pressures in 2024 to eight in 2025. His familiarity with the position could keep starPenei Sewellon the right side and ease the pressure onGiovanni Manuto take over as a starter.

18.Minnesota Vikings: S Dillon Thieneman, Oregon

Thieneman showed off his athleticism at the NFL Combine after putting on a great display of versatility last fall in Oregon. He's a movable piece that Brian Flores could deploy throughout the Vikings' defense and help the team move on from franchise icon Harrison Smith.

19.Carolina Panthers: WR Makai Lemon, USC

Carolina got a big-bodied outside receiver in Round 1 last year withTetairoa McMillanand now finds a running mate for him with the slot standout Lemon. The Trojans' star finds space against zone coverage consistently and always finds ways to get extra yards after the catch.

20. Dallas Cowboys (fromGreen Bay): Edge Keldric Faulk, Auburn

Dallas could use a linebacker here but instead opts for a toolsy pass rusher in Faulk to upgrade the defense. He's one of the younger prospects in the class with good length and burst with alignment versatility for new defensive coordinator Christian Parker.

21.Pittsburgh Steelers: CB Avieon Terrell, Clemson

Pittsburgh brought inJamel Deanfrom Tampa Bay, but given his injury history, could use another cornerback to have in-house for the future. Terrell is slightly undersized yet plays bigger than his frame and is a turnover machine, especially in run defense with forcing fumbles.

22.Los Angeles Chargers: Edge T.J. Parker, Clemson

The Chargers addressed needs on offense in free agency and need more help on defense, especially at edge. Parker can set the edge in run defense with his power and can take on a larger role as a pass rusher with time and development.

23.Philadelphia Eagles: OT Kadyn Proctor, Alabama

Philadelphia's offensive line has multiple question marks.Landon Dickersonwent to Colombia for stem cell treatment on his knees and ankles and was considering retirement.Lane Johnsonmissed time with injury as well. Proctor is an outlier prospect at 6-foot-7 and 352 pounds and could stay on the interior to take over for Dickerson in case of injury before eventually growing into a successor for Dickerson.

24. Cleveland Browns (fromJacksonville): WR Omar Cooper Jr., Indiana

Cleveland grabbed a top offensive lineman with their top first-round pick, so they address more offensive weapons later in the first round. Cooper Jr. plays the position like a running back with power to win contested catches and force missed tackles.

25.Chicago Bears: S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Toledo

Chicago lostJaquan BriskerandKevin Byardin free agency and still has a glaring need on the back end. Luckily, the board lines up with that need pretty well with McNeil-Warren, Toledo's latest top defensive back prospect. He has the size and speed to hang in coverage and brings a hard-hitting edge in run defense as well.

26.Buffalo Bills: DT Peter Woods, Clemson

Woods looked like a top-five pick a year ago but a down year for the Tigers' defense saw his stock diminish. Still, he's a potential playmaker on the defensive line and the Bills could use more of them if they want to contend with the AFC's best.

27.San Francisco 49ers: OT Caleb Lomu, Utah

TheTrent Williamssituation remains a dynamic conversation so San Francisco opts to safeguard against his potential departure by getting a promising tackle prospect. Lomu played on the left side in Utah and has a high ceiling thanks to his athleticism and foot speed. He needs more development and could start at guard to begin his career if Williams returns in 2026.

28.Houston Texans: DT Caleb Banks, Florida

Houston's defense is one of the scariest units in the NFL and should be that once again in 2026 but they have a need on the interior. Banks could shore that up in a big way. A foot injury at the combine may drop his stock but he's one of the best at the position in the class at 6-foot-6 and 327 pounds.

29. Kansas City Chiefs (from Los Angeles Rams): CB Chris Johnson, San Diego State

Kansas City got this pick from Los Angelesin return for cornerbackTrent McDuffieso the Chiefs draft his potential successor. Johnson's a small-school standout with the size, length and athleticism to fit multiple schemes. He could quickly earn a starting role on the outside.

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30.Miami Dolphins (via Denver Broncos): CB Colton Hood, Tennessee

Miami continues to overhaul its secondary and take the best player available in Hood. The Volunteers' cornerback took on a bigger role with McCoy's injury in 2025 and proved himself worthy of first-round consideration with prototypical size. He's at his best in zone which could be a good fit under Hafley.

31.New England Patriots: DT Christen Miller, Georgia

The board doesn't make much sense at this point to go with an offensive lineman to help protectDrake Mayeso the Patriots instead invest in the defensive line to getMilton Williamsa solid running mate. Miller is a strong presence in the middle at 6-foot-4 and 321 pounds who needs some work as a pass rusher. His anchor in run defense will be a big help for the Patriots' defense, though.

32.Seattle Seahawks: RB Jadarian Price, Notre Dame

The Seahawks have to draft for need at this point, considering their limited draft resources and a huge need at running back.Kenneth Walker IIIis gone andZach Charbonnetisrecovering from his ACL tearin January. Price was an impressive understudy to Love in Notre Dame with pass-catching skills and breakaway speed. He'll split carries withGeorge Holanibefore Charbonnet works his way back into the lineup.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:2026 NFL mock draft: Predictions following major moves in free agency

byVaclavien Pynzarien

in

March 30, 2026

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