For the 85th time in NFL regular season history, a quarterback completed a game with a perfect passer rating.

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts had the biggest highlight of all gunslingers this week with his perfect day: 19-of-23 passing (82.6% completion rate), 326 passing yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions.

The game – and win that came with it – was good enough to give Hurts a significant bump in this week’s NFL quarterback power rankings. It was a very strong bounce back after two straight losses for the Eagles, including a Week 6 stumble against the New York Giants on ‘Thursday Night Football.’

Other highlights from this week included a 342-yard outing from 40-year-old Joe Flacco, a five-touchdown day from Matthew Stafford and another excellent outing from Drake Maye.

Here’s how all of those performances – and more – shook up the Week 8 power rankings:

NFL quarterback power rankings: Week 8

1. Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs

Last week: 1

Mahomes completed 74.3% of his pass attempts and threw for 286 yards and three touchdowns on Sunday against the Raiders. It helped lead the Chiefs to a second straight win and fourth in their last five games.

2. Drake Maye, New England Patriots

Last week: 3

Maye had the best completion rate (21-of-23, or 91.3%) of any quarterback in Week 7. The second-year quarterback had the best QBR of any quarterback this week and now leads the league in completion percentage over expected (11.5) while ranking second in EPA/play (0.333). The Patriots’ quarterback is poised to get some MVP buzz in his second season in the league – and first with offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels.

3. Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills

Last week: 7

Allen plummeted last week after a two-interception outing in a loss to the Falcons. During his bye week, most of the quarterbacks that surpassed him played poorly enough to warrant their own drops in the power rankings.

4. Baker Mayfield, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Last week: 2

Mayfield looked out-of-sorts in Week 7, often overthrowing receivers. He faced more defensive pressures (28) than any other quarterback this week, according to PFF, and had two passes batted down. The Bucs’ quarterback has had to deal with a bunch of injuries to his receivers, and Tampa Bay’s inability to get the run game going in Bucky Irving’s absence is hurting the passing offense’s effectiveness as well.

5. Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams

Last week: 8

All five of the Rams’ touchdowns in London were on throws by Stafford – with three of them landing in veteran Davante Adams’ hands. The 37-year-old gunslinger’s ability to do that while throwing for only 182 yards and avoiding any turnovers – against a Jaguars defense that’s second in the league in takeaways – was impressive.

6. Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers

Last week: 5

The Chargers’ string of injuries to their offensive line has really started to hurt. An ankle injury for rookie running back Omarion Hampton has also led to Los Angeles’ offense looking one-dimensional. Herbert still managed to throw for 420 yards and three touchdowns while only taking three sacks on 27 pressures. He did throw two more interceptions, though, and the Chargers lost for the third time in four games.

7. Jared Goff, Detroit Lions

Last week: 6

Goff threw an interception and lost a fumble on Monday night. Notably, Goff had six incompletions on third down plays, though two were wiped away by illegal contact penalties. He was also sacked twice on third down as the Lions finished the night 3-for-13 on third down conversion attempts.

8. Sam Darnold, Seattle Seahawks

Last week: 4

Darnold’s 54.8% completion rate was his lowest of the season so far, and he had two passes batted down plus threw his fourth interception of the season. However, he also led the league with five big-time throws this week, per PFF, and still ranks third in the NFL this season in completion percentage over expected (9.1).

9. Daniel Jones, Indianapolis Colts

Last week: 10

Jones continues to do exactly what the Colts ask him to do on offense: protect the football, avoid sacks (his 7.3% pressure to sack rate is by far the lowest in the NFL), make throws when he needs to and otherwise let running back Jonathan Taylor cook. Indianapolis is now the league’s only six-win team through seven weeks, and Jones leads NFL quarterbacks in EPA/play (0.336).

10. Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles

Last week: 14

Hurts had a perfect day on Suday with his 82.6% completion rate, 326 passing yards and three touchdown throws. The Eagles offense – and its quarterback – seems to have unlocked something by running more plays with Hurts under center.

11. Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys

Last week: 11

In the first game since wide receiver CeeDee Lamb returned from injury, Prescott threw for 264 yards and three touchdowns. He leads the NFL in completions (185), is fourth in EPA/play (0.296), and the Cowboys lead the NFL in offensive yardage (390.6/game).

12. Jordan Love, Green Bay Packers

Last week: 9

Love had his second-worst game by passer rating (93.9) and completion rate (65.5%) this year, set a season-low mark in passing yards (179) and made two turnover-worthy plays, per PFF. But he also led his first game-winning drive of the year, bringing the Packers a win in a game they only led for the final 1:50.

13. Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville Jaguars

Last week: 16

Box score watchers might be shocked to see Lawrence jump up several places this week. He completed fewer than 50% of his passes, and the Jaguars lost in a blowout in London.

Missing in the box score is some extra context: Jaguars receivers dropped five more passes Sunday, per PFF, bringing Lawrence’s league lead to an astounding 21 drops through seven weeks. Lawrence also made three big-time throws in the game (tied for fifth this week) and had an average depth of target of 12.4 yards, tied with Hurts for the highest of all starting quarterbacks this week. The offense also started to get rookie Travis Hunter more involved (eight catches, 101 yards, one touchdown) and is rounding into shape under new head coach Liam Coen.

14. Jayden Daniels, Washington Commanders

Last week: 15

Daniels had three passes dropped in Week 7 and led the Commanders in rushing (35 yards) despite exiting early with a hamstring injury. His status for Week 8 is still unclear.

15. Jaxson Dart, New York Giants

Last week: 18

Dart’s back-breaking, game-defining interception soured an otherwise excellent performance against the league’s best passing defense, per their 37.4% success rate allowed on dropbacks. His 283 yards and three touchdowns were both new career-high marks for the rookie. The No. 25 overall pick in this year’s draft is 13th in the NFL in EPA/play (0.165) through seven weeks, nestled between Mayfield (0.168) and Hurts’ (0.161) marks.

16. Bo Nix, Denver Broncos

Last week: 22

The Broncos had zero points when the fourth quarter began. Then Nix threw two touchdowns, rushed for two more and led Denver to an improbable, 33-32 comeback win over the Giants. Included in Nix’s big day were four big-time throws and zero turnover-worthy plays. He also remained excellent at avoiding sacks, taking just two against 15 pressures from Big Blue’s mighty defensive line.

17. Michael Penix Jr., Atlanta Falcons

Last week: 12

Penix matched his season-high with 12 bad throws on Sunday night against the 49ers, per Pro Football Reference. The result was his second-worst completion rate of the season (55.3%), third-worst passer rating (83.3) and a third Falcons loss.

18. Aaron Rodgers, Pittsburgh Steelers

Last week: 21

Rodgers and the Steelers might have lost their second game of the season, but the 41-year-old quarterback showed he’s still got it in the ‘Unc Bowl.’ He finished with 249 yards, four touchdowns, two interceptions and a 70-yard Hail Mary attempt that traveled further than any pass since at least 2017, per Next Gen Stats.

19. Mac Jones, San Francisco 49ers

Last week: 19

Jones did not have to do much to win Sunday night’s game. The 49ers offense ran almost entirely through running back Christian McCaffrey, who finished the night with 201 scrimmage yards. Jones did well for the most part, with his only major blemish an interception that hit receiver Jauan Jennings in the hands.

20. Caleb Williams, Chicago Bears

Last week: 13

The Bears’ offensive line held up well against the Saints – 10 pressures allowed, helping afford Williams a league-leading 3.53-second time to throw this week. But Williams just didn’t do much with that. He made zero big-time throws, had two turnover-worthy plays with two fumbles and an interception, had two passes batted down and an unremarkable 9.2-yard average depth of target given how long he had to throw. Chicago won, 26-14, but it was mostly thanks to its 222 yards on the ground.

21. Spencer Rattler, New Orleans Saints

Last week: 17

Williams’ opponent was not much better. Rattler threw a career-high three interceptions against the Bears and lost a fumble. PFF found two other turnover-worthy plays for a league-leading total of six in Week 7.

22. Jacoby Brissett, Arizona Cardinals

Last week: 24

In two starts for the Cardinals, Brissett has 599 passing yards, four touchdowns and zero interceptions against two teams ranked in the top half of the league in EPA/play allowed on dropbacks. He has zero wins to show for that, despite Arizona not trailing the Packers until the final two minutes on Sunday.

23. C.J. Stroud, Houston Texans

Last week: 20

Stroud tied Rattler for this week’s league lead with six turnover-worthy plays. He avoided getting knocked for a costly fumble-six thanks to Seahawks linebacker Drake Thomas fumbling short of the end zone. He also avoided a safety after inexplicably scrambling backwards 18 yards while under pressure and taking a sack at the 1-yard line.

24. Joe Flacco, Cincinnati Bengals

Last week: 30

Flacco, like Rodgers, proved he’s still got it on Thursday night. His 342 passing yards and three touchdowns in his first start with the Bengals helped give Cincinnati its first win since Week 2, as well as a reason for its fans to believe that maybe things will be alright until Joe Burrow returns.

25. Dillon Gabriel, Cleveland Browns

Last week: 27

Gabriel completed 13 of his 18 pass attempts for 116 yards with an average depth of target of 4.7 yards. That worked out fine for Cleveland, who rode an 84-yard, three-touchdown day from Quinshon Judkins to a blowout win over the Dolphins.

26. Cam Ward, Tennessee Titans

Last week: 28

How did Ward look in his first game without head coach Brian Callahan? Well, like more of the same. There was some good: a new career-high 73.5% completion rate, 255 passing yards that are second-most in his rookie season so far and two big-time throws. There was also some bad: five sacks taken on 10 pressures, an interception, a fumble and another loss.

27. Carson Wentz, Minnesota Vikings

Last week: 26

It’s almost impressive when a quarterback throws two interceptions in a four-play span. One of Wentz’s miscues was returned for a touchdown, and after the Vikings got the ball back, he threw another one three plays later.

28. Geno Smith, Las Vegas Raiders

Last week: 29

The Chiefs dominated the Raiders in time of possession – over 42 minutes to under 18 – which held Smith to just 18 dropbacks. He managed to throw zero interceptions, perhaps because his average depth of target this week was just 3.4 yards, lowest of any NFL starter in Week 7.

29. Tua Tagovailoa, Miami Dolphins

Last week: 25

A completion rate just a tick above 50%, 100 passing yards, zero touchdowns, three interceptions and three fumbles (none lost) resulted in a 3.3 QBR. The Dolphins benched Tagovailoa for their final two drives.

30. Andy Dalton, Carolina Panthers

Last week: N/A

Dalton is in line to start Week 8 for Carolina after Bryce Young sustained a high ankle sprain.

31. Cooper Rush, Baltimore Ravens

Last week: 31

Rush and the Ravens were on a bye in Week 7.

32. Justin Fields/Tyrod Taylor, New York Jets

Last week: 32

Fields was benched to start the second half on Sunday. Taylor completed his passes at a lower rate than the Jets’ starter and threw two interceptions after entering the game. Fields still had a worse QBR and PFF grade. That’s likely because Taylor pushed the ball further downfield than any other quarterback this week with his 16.8-yard average depth of target. If that weren’t bad enough, team owner Woody Johnson essentially blamed Fields for all of the 0-7 Jets’ losing woes on Oct. 21.

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Expect a tough defensive battle this week when the New England Patriots host the Cleveland Browns in Foxborough.

Those two just happen to have the top two fantasy football defense/special teams units from Week 7, when the Browns forced four turnovers – including a Tyson Campbell’s interception return for a touchdown – against the Miami Dolphins.

The Patriots, meanwhile, racked up five sacks and returned a fumble for a score against the Tennessee Titans.

WEEK 8 BYES: Arizona, Detroit, Jacksonville, Las Vegas, L.A. Rams, Seattle

(Rankings by Elisha Twerski, whose complete Week 8 rankings for every position will be updated up until kickoff on Sunday.)

Fantasy football Week 8 defense/special teams rankings

Indianapolis Colts (IND) vs. TEN
New England Patriots (NE) vs. CLE
Atlanta Falcons (ATL) vs. MIA
Kansas City Chiefs (KC) vs. WAS
Denver Broncos (DEN) vs. DAL
Buffalo Bills (BUF) at CAR
Green Bay Packers (GB) at PIT
Philadelphia Eagles (PHI) vs. NYG
Houston Texans (HOU) vs. SF
Pittsburgh Steelers (PIT) vs. GB
Cleveland Browns (CLE) at NE
New York Jets (NYJ) at CIN
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (TB) at NO
Minnesota Vikings (MIN) at LAC
Los Angeles Chargers (LAC) vs. MIN
Cincinnati Bengals (CIN) vs. NYJ
San Francisco 49ers (SF) at HOU
New York Giants (NYG) at PHI
Baltimore Ravens (BAL) vs. CHI
Washington Commanders (WAS) at KC
New Orleans Saints (NO) vs. TB
Chicago Bears (CHI) at BAL
Tennessee Titans (TEN) at IND
Dallas Cowboys (DAL) at DEN
Carolina Panthers (CAR) vs. BUF
Miami Dolphins (MIA) at ATL

The halfway point of the 2025 NFL season is inching closer. Entering Week 8, most teams league-wide have a solid idea of their playoff chances this season. For those without aspirations of playing January football, it’s never too early to look ahead to the 2026 NFL Draft.

This upcoming draft class has seen plenty of change at the top with plenty of risers and many fallers. As the weeks wear on, some positions are surprisingly full of early-round talent.

Linebackers and wide receivers may have seen the most improvement over the course of the year. There are a couple of locks at each position with many more making a case for first-round consideration.

Quarterbacks will grab the headlines but don’t expect a class like what we saw in 2024. We have four passers in our latest first-round mock draft. Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza leads the way at No. 1 overall to the winless New York Jets.

Three other teams find a potential quarterback of the future, including an AFC division leader. Here’s our latest predictions for the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft with the order provided by Tankathon:

2026 NFL mock draft

1. New York Jets: QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana

We’re keeping it straightforward to start things off. Mendoza’s been the top draft-eligible quarterback this season and continues to impress with his mix of timing, accuracy and mobility. He’ll thrive in a timing-based offense and operate like a point guard to distribute the ball to the Jets’ skill position players.

2. Miami Dolphins: OT Spencer Fano, Utah

It was between two trench players and we opted for the offensive line. Fano is a Day 1 starter at right tackle for the Dolphins, who should immediately help in the run game. His movement skills overall are some of the best in the class and he plays with a violent streak as a blocker. He’ll likely need to bulk up a bit to stick at tackle long-term but his high floor is hard to beat.

Other positions were in consideration but it felt too early for the secondary or offensive skill position players on the board.

3. New Orleans Saints: Edge Rueben Bain Jr., Miami

New Orleans happily selects arguably the top prospect in the entire draft class at No. 3. Bain entered the season as a likely first-round player thanks to his size (6-foot-3, 275 pounds) and power. He’s progressed even more in 2025 as an every-down edge rusher who can set the edge in run defense and use his power to overwhelm blockers as a pass rusher.

Spencer Rattler struggled against Chicago but he’s played well enough for us to hold off on mocking a quarterback to New Orleans for now.

4. Tennessee Titans: WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State

The Titans need more reinforcements on offense and it came down to help in the trenches or with a difference-making skill position player. There’s a lot of unknown with the Titans as they enter the post-Brian Callahan era. Namely, who the next coach and offensive play caller will be.

In any case, we settled on the top wide receiver of the class in Tyson. The Arizona State product regularly creates separation thanks to his short-area quickness and impressive route running. He’s not a burner but has a WR1 ceiling for 2025 No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward.

5. Baltimore Ravens: DT Peter Woods, Clemson

Injuries have hit the Ravens’ defense hard this season. Nnamdi Madubuike’s season-ending injury was one of the more impactful for the unit as a whole. It’d be a surprise to see the Ravens picking in this range come April, but with the current board, Woods would be a great fit.

Some considered Woods the best prospect in the class entering the season. He’s alignment versatile thanks to his twitch and athleticism packed into a 6-foot-3, 315-pound frame.

6. Cleveland Browns: QB Dante Moore, Oregon

From one Duck to another. Cleveland selects a quarterback of the future in Moore, the strong-armed passer from Eugene. Moore took over for current Browns quarterback Dillon Gabriel for 2025 has proceeded to wow evaluators with his development. He’s long been considered a good deep ball passer but he’s improved underneath and as a scrambler.

He’s not the No. 1 QB in the class as of yet, though, because of his struggles against handling the pressure packages thrown at him by Indiana earlier in the college football season.

7. Las Vegas Raiders: OT Francis Mauigoa, Miami

The Raiders’ offense struggled immensely against Kansas City in Week 7. It’d be easy just to give them a quarterback here and consider everything fixed. But this offensive line needs help; it’s one of the worst units in the league.

Mauigoa’s been a right tackle for his career in Coral Gables but may line up at guard in the NFL. In either case, he’s an athletic mover at 6-foot-6 and 315 pounds whose experienced varied blocking concepts with the Hurricanes. He’ll be a strong run blocker immediately, helping create more space to maximize Ashton Jeanty and uplift the whole offense.

8. New York Giants: WR Makai Lemon, USC

Plenty of options are on the table for the Giants at No. 8. For this mock, we decided to give Malik Nabers a running mate in the wide receiving corps.

Lemon’s shot up draft boards this season behind his stellar play on the field. He’s primarily lined up in the slot and caught nearly 80% of his targets this season. His recent performance against Notre Dame (four catches for 76 yards) is dampened by a costly fumble but don’t be fooled. He’s the most reliable and productive slot wide receiver in the class.

9. Arizona Cardinals: LB Arvell Reese, Ohio State

This may seem a bit early for a linebacker and Cardinals fans may be right to be wary. The Isaiah Simmons experience wasn’t long enough ago to be forgotten. 

But Reese is simply on another level as a prospect. He’s arguably the best linebacker prospect to come out of college in the last five years. He combines impressive size (6-foot-4, 243 pounds) and athleticism with the instincts to be a factor in coverage, pass rush and run defense. There just aren’t second-level players who move like him in the college ranks. He’d be a force multiplier for Jonathan Gannon’s defense.

10. Houston Texans: OT Kadyn Proctor, Alabama

Arguably, the biggest takeaway from the Texans’ “Monday Night Football” loss to the Seattle Seahawks is that the offensive line could not get movement up front in the run game. Houston desperately needs help up front and they go with the outlier Proctor here.

The Alabama left tackle has truly rare athleticism in a 6-foot-7, 360-pound frame. The Crimson Tide have used him as a receiver multiple times this season to utilize his skills in unique ways. He struggled with consistency to start the season. In Week 1 against Florida State, he allowed six pressures, three hurries, two quarterback hits and one sack. He’s cleaned things up since then, though, with seven pressures, six hurries, one quarterback hit and zero sacks in the next six games combined.

11. Cincinnati Bengals: S Caleb Downs, Ohio State

Cincinnati has multiple needs but arguably the biggest one is a difference maker on defense. Downs has a claim to the best prospect in the class regardless of position. He’s a rare talent at the position with the mix of size (6-foot, 205 pounds), athleticism and football IQ. 

His elite processing abilities for the position make him an asset in coverage and run defense. Creative defensive coordinators can deploy him all over the defense and he’s versatile enough to fit multiple roles. He’s got Pro Bowl potential in year one and could be the catalyst to turn the secondary around in Cincinnati.

12. Washington Commanders: TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon

Washington’s aging roster could use younger talent at plenty of spots. Offensive skill position seems the most pressing of them all to help franchise quarterback Jayden Daniels. The offensive line looks pretty set with a good mix of talent and depth so the franchise opts to go with Sadiq.

The Oregon tight end is the clear-cut No. 1 prospect at the position with the size (6-foot-3, 245 pounds) and long speed to be a matchup nightmare for most defenses. His elite athleticism makes him an even better fit in an NFL offense than college.

13. Dallas Cowboys: Edge Keldric Faulk, Auburn

Dallas’ defense has struggled to stop opposing pass offenses all season. Looking at the board and the roster, the team goes with the versatile Faulk to help address those issues.

The Auburn product provides inside-out versatility thanks to his impressive frame (6-foot-6, 285 pounds). That frame makes him a standout run defender already with the power to set the edge against tackles. His athleticism means there’s plenty of potential to tap into as a pass rusher. His skillset and size are reminiscent of Calais Campbell; all he needs is the coaching and refinement to maximize his gifts.

14. Los Angeles Rams (via Atlanta Falcons): QB Ty Simpson, Alabama

Simpson is making the most of his first season as a starter in Tuscaloosa. The Crimson Tide passer continued his rise last week against Tennessee and should be considered a first-round quarterback come April.

He’s performed well even when he‘s asked to attack defenses in different ways. He played well with an average depth of target (ADOT) of nearly 10 yards against Vanderbilt, per Pro Football Focus (PFF) data. A week later, he threw for three touchdowns with a 6.5-yard ADOT against Missouri and getting pressured 15 times. His main knock is a lack of experience, and Los Angeles could afford to sit him behind Matthew Stafford for a season before he takes over in 2027.

15. Minnesota Vikings: CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee

Minnesota needs help in the secondary. As much as defensive coordinator Brian Flores can scheme up exotic looks that stress offenses, he needs more talent in the back end to handle the top offenses in the league.

Despite missing the 2025 season so far while recovering from an ACL tear in the offseason, McCoy has the claim as the top corner in the class with his size (6-foot, 195 pounds) and ball production. He’s best in zone coverage but is more than capable in press. His fluidity as an athlete makes him an ideal corner for disguising coverages. 

16. Carolina Panthers: WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State

Carolina’s got a winning record for the first time since 2021 behind one of the best running games in the league and a defense punching well above its weight. So we’ve decided to boost the passing game again with another weapon for Bryce Young to throw to.

Tate stepped out of Emeka Egbuka’s shadow in 2025 and became one of the best wide receivers in college football. His passer rating when targeted is 148.2, per PFF data, and he’s thrived as a deep threat for the Buckeyes despite his lack of elite long speed. He’s averaging 17.3 yards per reception this season. Drop him opposite 2025 first-rounder Tetairoa McMillan, and the Panthers’ pass offense could take a step.

17. Kansas City Chiefs: RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame

The Chiefs have the infrastructure and talent at key positions on both sides of the ball to simply take the best player available on the board and that’s certainly Love at this point. 

Like Sadiq and Downs at their respective positions, Love is the clear-cut No. 1 running back in the class. He’s a true three-down player for Notre Dame with ideal contact balance paired with game-breaking speed. At 6-foot and 215 pounds, he’s built well to handle NFL contact and demands.

18. Chicago Bears: OT Caleb Lomu, Utah

Chicago’s gone with multiple offensive line combinations this season to put their best five on the field. Braxton Jones will be a free agent in 2026 and has been moved down the depth chart behind fellow 2026 free agent Theo Benedet. 

Lomu needs more development than his Utah teammate Fano but he has the experience at left tackle and top-tier athletic abilities. His hand usage is improving quickly and his high floor as a pass protector is certainly a great start. He could make the transition from Jones or Benedet easier to handle in 2026.

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

Los Angeles needs difference makers on defense. The Chargers’ staff is maximizing what it has but needs more young pieces to build around in order to take a step forward.

Parker could be that player. At 6-foot-3 and 265 pounds, he has both size and pass rush production that should translate to the NFL. He’s comfortable either rushing off the edge or with his hand down in a three-point stance. Speed-to-power makes Parker a threat to get to the quarterback at any time.

20. Cleveland Browns (via Jacksonville Jaguars): OL Gennings Dunker, Iowa

Both of Cleveland’s starting guards are hitting free agency in 2026. Joel Bitonio and Wyatt Teller are both over 30 and the Browns may want to turn over that talent up front as they welcome a new quarterback to the fold.

Dunker spent his college career at left tackle but he’ll be a guard at the NFL level. He’s a force in run blocking with the strength and attitude to knock defenders off their spot. He can operate in varied blocking schemes. His lack of elite lateral agility and arm length are what may keep him inside at the next level. He projects similarly to Buccaneers’ lineman Graham Barton.

21. Buffalo Bills: Edge LT Overton, Alabama

Buffalo invested in the later rounds on the defensive line in the 2025 NFL Draft and we have them doing that earlier on in this draft. 

Overton brings elite speed off the edge in a 6-foot-5, 280-pound frame. Like Faulk, his size and athletic profile mean he can kick inside later to wreak havoc on guards and centers with his bend and powerful hands. At the very least, he’ll be a powerful edge-setter against the run.

22. Seattle Seahawks: IOL Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State

Seattle’s defense has become one of the best in the NFL as the 2025 season’s worn on. Rather than building on that strength, we’re opting to shore up the offensive line in front of Sam Darnold.

Among prospects who will project best on the interior in the NFL and played there in college, Ioane is the best. The Graham, Washington native would return to the Pacific Northwest as a plug-and-play starter at one of the guard spots. He’s a dependable pass protector and run blocker at 6-foot-3 and 334 pounds. 

23. Los Angeles Rams: CB Mansoor Delane, LSU

Delane won’t wow teams with his combine numbers which may make him even more endearing to the Rams. The Tigers’ top cornerback lacks strength in his long frame at 6-foot-1 and 187 pounds but has been one of the best coverage players in college football this season.

Delane uses his football IQ, awareness and fluid athleticism to stay in the right place at the right time and cut off opposing wide receivers. He’s allowed just six receptions for 77 yards on 23 targets this season. Opposing quarterbacks have a 22.9 passer rating when targeting him, per PFF data.

24. Detroit Lions: CB Avieon Terrell, Clemson

Detroit continues to have injury woes – this year it’s in the secondary – so we’re opting to shore up the depth in the back end. Terrell, the younger brother of Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell, is a bit smaller than most modern cornerbacks at 5-foot-11 and 180 pounds but plays much bigger.

He’s remarkably physical for his size and can fit in either zone or man schemes thanks to his elite athleticism and fluid change-of-direction ability. He can play aggressively but has the ability to recover and avoid getting burned by opposing receivers.

25. Pittsburgh Steelers: QB LaNorris Sellers, South Carolina

Pittsburgh can’t rely on Aaron Rodgers for the future. Considering their last late-first round pick at quarterback was Kenny Pickett, we have them going in a much different direction with Sellers.

The South Carolina passer is far from a finished product as a passer but possesses rare abilities as a runner. At 6-foot-3 and 240 pounds with a background in soccer, he attacks the open field in a way reminiscent of Cam Newton. Pittsburgh’s offensive line is fourth-best in the league in pressure rate allowed, per NFL Next Gen Stats. Sellers could grow into a better passer behind that safe offensive line.

26. Denver Broncos: DT A’Mauri Washington, Oregon

Denver built on a strength in going defense in Round 1 of the 2025 NFL Draft and they do the same again here. This time, they address the front.

Washington’s been one of the top surprises of the college football season. The 6-foot-3, 330-pound defensive tackle stepped into a bigger role to showcase his impressive athleticism and power, which translate well to the NFL level. He’d be a different type of interior rusher than what Denver has in-house but could add another wrinkle to one of the best defenses in the league.

27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Edge David Bailey, Texas Tech

Tampa Bay is second in the NFL in pressure rate (41.4%) but could always use more help off the edge for coach Todd Bowles’ scheme. 

Bailey transferred from Stanford to Texas Tech this season and continued his torrid pace off the edge. He’d likely be confined to a designated pass rusher role early on at 6-foot-3 and 250 pounds. That’s not a huge knock on him, though. He leads college football in sacks with 11 and ranks third with 26 hurries. He’d be an immediate help off the edge on passing downs.

28. Philadelphia Eagles: DT Caleb Banks, Florida

Banks would’ve likely been a top-15 pick if not for a foot injury that cut his final college season short. But with a roster like Philadelphia’s, they can afford to have him bide his time and ease into a role as a rookie. 

At 6-foot-6 and 334 pounds, he’d fit right in alongside Jalen Carter and offer the team a potential off-ramp should they decide against re-signing Jordan Davis in 2027. Banks has the size and athleticism to show flashes of dominance but needs the right environment to improve his consistency. In Philadelphia, he’ll have just that. 

29. New England Patriots: WR Chris Brazzell II, Tennessee

New England needs to address the infrastructure around ascending quarterback Drake Maye. Given the board, skill positions have better prospects available than offensive line. 

Brazzell could fit into multiple roles for the Patriots offense on a week-to-week basis. At 6-foot-5 and a fluid athlete, he could stress defenses vertically and be a contested-catch merchant. His short-area quickness and flexibility mean he can more than capably operate underneath.  

30. San Francisco 49ers: WR Chris Bell, Louisville

San Francisco needs help on the offensive line, but given how hard the position was hit by injury in 2025, wide receiver could use some help as well. Ricky Pearsall has looked good when on the field, and Kyle Shanahan could use another young piece to build around.

Bell is one of the bigger receivers in the class at 6-foot-2 and 220 pounds but he has track speed to challenge defenses in a way that shows shades of A.J. Brown. He can create mismatches that Shanahan could exploit as the offense continues to evolve with Brock Purdy as the quarterback.

31. Dallas Cowboys (via Green Bay Packers): LB C.J. Allen, Georgia

Dallas addresses defense again with its second pick in the first round with the next-best player in a talented linebacker class.

Allen’s stout frame at 6-foot-1 and 235 pounds means he’ll be a solid fit in run defense but it’s his impressive athleticism that’ll make him stick as a coverage linebacker. He needs some refinement in that area but the tools are there. He’s shown growth in understanding opposing offenses that will likely continue at the NFL level.

32. Indianapolis Colts: CB Malik Muhammad, Texas

Indianapolis sits at the end of the first round thanks to one of the most productive, efficient offenses in the NFL this season. We’ll use their top resource in the draft to address defense.

Outside of Kenny Moore II in the slot, the Colts’ secondary could use more reinforcements. Muhammad processes the game well and knows where to be positioned in varied coverage assignments. On 18 targets in 2025, he’s allowed 11 receptions for just 75 yards, per PFF data. He’s versatile enough for coordinator Lou Anarumo to use him all over the formation. 

MILWAUKEE — Giannis Antetokounmpo thumbed through his cell phone in the Milwaukee Bucks locker room, ice wrapped around both knees and his foot submerged in a converted mop bucket full of even more ice. He had scored 16 points in a preseason game against the defending NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder more than an hour ago, and the last of his few scattered teammates – including his brother, Thanasis – were gone. 

Everybody else – reporters, team officials, locker room attendants, the rest of the basketball world outside Fiserv Forum – watched Antetokounmpo, waiting to hear what he had to say. The folks in the building every game knew the routine entering Year 13 with their superstar, and nobody is ready to consider the prospect of it ending. 

Nobody besides maybe Antetokounmpo.

“I’ll be aggressive until I retire,” he eventually told a small group of reporters on this night, speaking to his role within the Bucks’ new-look offense this NBA season, but the words could be interpreted any number of ways given what he’s said (and hasn’t said) about his future in recent weeks.

What Antetokounmpo is thinking, and whether he decides to stay with the Bucks for the rest of his career, will linger as a juicy storyline throughout the 2025-26 NBA season, with the team’s fortunes and Antetokounmpo’s statements likely to be parsed for clues until this beloved Milwaukee sports figure offers a more definitive answer. 

He has two more years, with a player option for the 2027-28 season, left on his current contract with the Bucks. But Antetokounmpo has only committed to playing for the franchise this season and that “if in six, seven months I change my mind, I think that’s human, too,” he told reporters this preseason.

The two outcomes are equally compelling for Antetokounmpo’s legacy. Either he becomes the increasingly rare basketball star to stick with the same franchise for his entire career, while perhaps decreasing his chances of winning another championship. Or he changes the NBA landscape by forcing his way to another team, risking the comfort and adoration of the only American home he’s known in hopes of perhaps increasing the odds of joining a new echelon of league legends with multiple titles.  

An uncomfortable conversation for Giannis, Bucks

Though there are familiar small market vs. big market undertones to the speculation, Antetokounmpo’s one-of-a-kind path to becoming the face of the Bucks franchise makes the conversation all the more delicate. In fact, in Milwaukee, they don’t want to have it at all. 

“There is no chatter here. The chatter is in Connecticut for the most part. They don’t even have a pro team in Connecticut, but that’s been where the chatter is at. There’s been very little talk about it for us,” Bucks coach Doc Rivers said last week, making light of an ESPN report earlier this month that Milwaukee and the New York Knicks discussed a potential trade involving Antetokounmpo this past offseason. 

But even Antetokounmpo acknowledged there’s an extra layer to this round of rumors – even if he doesn’t see them on social media – because he’s also adjusting to a revamped supporting cast. 

The Bucks, in an effort to remain Eastern Conference contenders after three-straight first-round exits in the NBA playoffs, stretched and waived Damian Lillard’s contract and signed Myles Turner from the Indiana Pacers. Also gone are familiar faces like Khris Middleton, Brook Lopez and Pat Connaughton. This happened two seasons after the Bucks initially pivoted from the core that helped them win the 2021 NBA championship by trading Jrue Holiday in a three-team deal that brought back Lillard. 

“Now, I think we’re a young team so with my actions and my words, I’ve got to keep on validating (to) those guys that … I’m here and there’s nothing else that matters,” Antetokounmpo said. “… I feel the energy within my teammates, right? With conversations, with practices, after in the locker room, at buses, when we’re traveling on the plane, that’s when I feel. So the rest is just extra noise, right? I wish everybody could be like that, but I know a lot of people are not like that, and a lot of teammates are going to go through their phone.”

Those that have been in a locker room with Antetokounmpo caution about reading too much into anything beyond this season. 

Though the “Greek Freak” is now a 31-year-old father, the two-time MVP is still perhaps the best two-way player in the NBA. Antetokounmpo set a career high for assists in 2024-25 and shot better than 60% from the field for the second consecutive season. He’s the only player in NBA history to do that while averaging more than 30 points per game. Everybody in the NBA would want him – if Antetokounmpo wants out of Milwaukee.

“He just answered the question and that’s all you can ask of someone is to be where their feet are,” said former Bucks teammate Wesley Matthews. “To me, everything I know about him and what he’s saying, there’s no reason to feel anything other than that. He’s a competitor. He wants to win.”

Yet, it’s hard to discuss Antetokounmpo’s situation without infusing emotion into the analysis. 

“Thirteen years in one place, he don’t know anything else. I think that’s what’s special,” continued Matthews, who is starting his first season as a Bucks television commentator. “The state of Wisconsin and the city of Milwaukee got to see him really try to adapt to the culture of what is Milwaukee, what is the U.S. He went crazy over Jamba Juice the first time, right? He’s wholesome in a way that you can relate to.”

‘Wish a person loved me as much as the Bucks love Giannis’

Antetokounmpo was the overlooked prospect thriving in an overlooked NBA city, and the power of their embrace can be seen all around Milwaukee now. His life story, as a Nigerian immigrant in Greece who brought his whole family along on this NBA journey, became a Disney movie. 

There’s also an entire Deer District of bars, restaurants and entertainment options built around Fiserv Forum, which opened in 2018. The stands are full of Antetokounmpo’s No. 34 jerseys, and a giant mural of him greets drivers as they roll down Wisconsin Avenue into downtown Milwaukee. Antetokounmpo and his brothers have their own apparel store, Antetokounbros, across the street from the arena. 

“He’s very loyal to his family and to Milwaukee. That’s why we come – the loyalty,” said longtime Bucks season ticket holder John Janacik. “We’ve watched him get married and have kids. It’s hard to explain, and it’s nothing anyone else on the team could replace. But he has values and he doesn’t let it get to his head.”

This, for more than a decade, has exemplified what the relationship between a small-market city and an NBA star can be. 

The Bucks’ franchise valuation has increased from $258 million in 2011 when Antetokounmpo was drafted, according to Forbes, to $4.54 billion in the latest Sportico estimates. The Bucks were considered the least valuable of the NBA’s 30 teams in the Forbes rankings in 2011, but checked in at No. 20 in Sportico’s 2025 rankings. 

It’s why, if this is a long goodbye, it will be painful. If it’s not, there will be relief and joy, just like five years ago when the city lit up the Hoan Bridge to celebrate Antetokounmpo signing a new extension to remain with the Bucks. There may not be an in between, even as Milwaukee apparently tries to grease the wheels further by signing Antetokounmpo’s two brothers to NBA contracts for the season.  

“I wish a person loved me as much as the Bucks love Giannis,” Charles Barkley said on “The Rich Eisen Show” in reaction to Antetokounmpo’s preseason comments about his future. “They went out and got him Dame Lillard. They went out and got him Myles Turner. They have done everything possible to try to make the Bucks win again, so the notion that he don’t feel they’re doing everything in their power – they have done everything. … It’s disheartening for me to hear him speaking like if we don’t win the championship this year, I want to be out of here. I hate hearing that.”

The only way to ensure Antetokounmpo stays with the Bucks is to win, however awkward the rhetoric could get for their fans if this season looks a lot like the past three and offers little clarity. He hasn’t directly set championship-or-bust expectations, but the way he talks about other teams suggests he’s consumed with getting back there. 

So, Antetokounmpo does seem genuinely excited about this Bucks team ‒ ‘We’re not the favorites, but we’re going to be a problem’ ‒ and that Rivers is implementing more of a five-out approach on offense. It emphasizes spacing and 3-point shooting with the addition of Turner. Milwaukee, Antetokounmpo explained, will have more movement and fewer isolation looks, like the Oklahoma City Thunder, Denver Nuggets and Boston Celtics. 

“We’re playing like the best teams in the league,” he declared, which also meant he was very aware they weren’t before.

Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman saw the euphoria, tears and sheer elation throughout Canada when the Toronto Blue Jays pulled off their dramatic comeback victory Monday night in Game 7 to reach the World Series.

Certainly, a Blue Jays loss to the Seattle Mariners in the ALCS would have made life much easier for the Dodgers.  They would have had home-field advantage over Seattle in the World Series. They could have stayed home an extra four days. The plane flights would have been about two hours shorter.

Yet, Freeman will confess, it was awfully cool watching the crowd’s reaction to George Springer’s game-winning homer and seeing the tears running down Vladimir Guerrero’s cheeks.

Freeman will be wearing a different uniform when the World Series opens Friday at the Rogers Centre (8 p.m. ET on FOX), but he’s an awful proud Canadian, too. His parents were born and raised in Canada, and he knows the pride the country is feeling with the Blue Jays returning to the World Series for the first time since 1993.

“I mean, that’s special,’’ Freeman said before the Dodgers played an intrasquad game Tuesday at Dodger Stadium. “When you have a whole country that you know is behind one team, that’s pretty amazing.

“And then, obviously, what they’ve done. They’ve invested in their team, into that stadium, the visiting clubhouse, they’ve put a lot into the Toronto Blue Jays. So to just see the city come together, and get to experience so much jubilation that they had going to the World Series for the first time in 30-plus years, you know it’s an exciting time.

“And being from Canada, it’s pretty cool.’’

Freeman, who grew up in Orange County, California, has dual citizenship. Yet, Canada always has been dear to Freeman’s heart, particularly because of his late mom, who died from melanoma when Freeman was 10 years old. In the last two World Baseball Classics, Freeman chose to represent Canada, rather than play for Team USA.

Now, he’ll be playing in the World Series in front of fans who love him in Toronto, and those who adore him in Los Angeles. But this time around, those cheers might not be so boisterous.

“It’s going to be pretty special,’’ Freeman says. “I’m not so sure the Canadian fans, the Blue Jays fans, will be cheering for me this time around like I was in the WBC the last couple of times.

“But it is special. Every time I go there, you just have this feeling inside that you feel just a little bit closer to my mom. So I’m looking forward to it. I’m excited.’’

Freeman’s father, Fred, grew up in Windsor, just across the river from Detroit. He was a diehard Detroit Tigers fan, he said, with Al Kaline as his favorite player. It was his late wife, Rosemary, who was born and raised in Toronto, a Blue Jays fan,  before her family moved to Windsor when she was 16. She met Fred in Windsor, and married when Fred was 21.

Fred and his wife, Alma, will now fly to Toronto on Wednesday. They plan to visit friends they haven’t seen in ages, and Freddie figures he’ll meet new relatives that he didn’t know existed.

“Every time I go there I always get this little envelope in my locker,’’ Freeman said, “and it’s always like pictures from my third cousin who has found photos in their garage. And they bring them to me. So, I love to going back to Toronto.

“It’s a special place obviously for my family and I, and every time I go back there, I feel a little bit closer to my mom.’’

Freeman’s mother, Rosemary, is the reason he has chosen to represent Canada in the last two World Baseball Classic tournaments, believing it was his way to honor her on the ballfield.

“I’m not sure this is what she would want me to do,’’ Kershaw said at the last WBC, “but in my heart, this is what I feel I should be doing to honor her. I think she would be proud that I’m doing this. I think this is the right move to honor Rosemary Freeman.’’

It’s the same reason why Freeman still wears long sleeves under his uniform, and will do so again during the World Series, even with the games played at night and a retractable roof in Toronto.

“I’m fair skinned, so it protects me,’’ Freeman said, “but mostly, I do it to honor my Mom.’’

It’s unknown what kind of reception Freeman will receive Friday when he’s introduced before Game 1, but considering his popularity, the love he has shown for Canada, it’s hard to believe even the most diehard Blue Jays fans won’t show him respect. Now, once the game starts, and if Freeman hurts the Jays’ chances of winning their first World Series since 1993, it might be a different story.

“I’m a little confused, why?’’ Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said, when asked if Toronto fans were expected to boo Freeman. “You know where he praises his country, he has played for Team Canada, he was traded here. So yeah, he’s a baseball player who loves the U.S., loves Canada, he’s a a heck of a player, even a better person.

“I don’t know what the Blue Jays fans have in store for him, but I don’t think he’ll be fazed by it.’’

The truth is that the entire Freeman family, Fred says, is eagerly looking forward to these games in Canada. If the Blue Jays win, they’ll end a 32-year championship drought. If the Dodgers win, they’ll become the first franchise in 25 years to win back-to back titles.

They’ll even be called a dynasty with 13 consecutive postseason berths, 12 division titles, five pennants and potentially their third World Series title since 2020.

In the words of Roberts, it would put the Dodgers “on a Mount Rushmore of sports organizations.’’

“I think it’s special,’’ Freeman said. “I think to be in that position it’s pretty amazing, to even be considered that. I mean you’re looking at obviously the Yankees, the Giants with three [titles] in five years. Just winning one is hard. So, as far as dynasty, I think if you can get three [titles] in a matter of five to six years, I guess you can say it is one.

“I think it’s the sustained winning that the Dodgers have done for so long, and then to cement that with some championships, if we do it, you can call it a modern-day dynasty.’’

Just pardon the good folks of Toronto, despite their affinity for Freeman, if they prefer not to see it.

Follow Bob Nightengale on X @Bnightengale.

LOS ANGELES — With LeBron James watching from the bench, the Los Angeles Lakers tried, but simply did not have enough to delight the home fans with a season-opening win over the Golden State Warriors on opening night.

On a night when the Warriors, Los Angeles’ biggest rivals over the last decade, got contributions from role players like Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield, the Lakers failed to generate enough offense from players not named Luka Dončić.

So, in the end, the Lakers dropped their season opener, 119-109, and now face a tough stretch ahead, as James nurses a sciatica issue that will sideline him for at least another week-and-a-half.

Dončić finished one assist shy of a triple-double, pouring in a game high 43 points on 17-of-27 shooting, and adding 12 rebounds and 9 assissts. Guard Austin Reaves added 26 points, and center Deandre Ayton scored 10, but no other Laker reached double figures.

The Lakers struggled from deep, hitting just 8-of-32 (25%) shots from beyond the arc and committed 20 turnovers, limiting their offensive output.

The Warriors, meanwhile, were led by Jimmy Butler’s 31 points, while Stephen Curry (23), Kuminga (17) and Hield (17) each made timely baskets, especially from beyond the arc. The Warriors connected on 17-of-40 shots (42.5%) from 3-point range.

The Lakers erupted on a 15-5 run midway through the fourth quarter to eventually cut a double-digit Warriors lead to six points, but Golden State pulled away behind the clutch shot-making.

Next up, the Lakers will host the Minnesota Timberwolves, Friday, Oct. 24, while the Warriors will head home to face the Denver Nuggets Thursday, Oct. 23.

USA TODAY Sports had full coverage of the game between the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors on NBA opening night. Scroll below for highlights.

Warriors vs. Lakers highlights

End Q3: Warriors 90, Lakers 79

Spirited in the second quarter, the Lakers looked listless in the third. They fell behind by 17 points after trailing by only a point at the half.

The Warriors walloped them at the opening of the second half with a 16-4 run, and the Lakers finally called a timeout with 8:45 left in the quarter after falling behind by 13 points.

So much for that timeout. The Warriors extended their lead to 17 points.

Only Luka Dončić kept the game from getting beyond embarrassing, scoring 13 points in the quarter as and Lakers once pulled within 10 to again wake up the crowd.

Dončić leads all scorers with 31 points, and while Jimmy Butler has 25 for the Warriors.

Warriors race out to 16-4 run to open second half

So much for that spirited L.A. run before the half.

The Lakers closed the gap late in the second quarter to enter intermission trailing by one point, but Golden State erupted out of the locker room, ripping off a 16-4 run to open the second half, building a 71-58 lead.

The Lakers continue to need more help from role players around Luka Dončić. He has all four Laker points in the period.

Halftime: Warriors 55, Lakers 54

A plodding game tightened up late in the second quarter and woke up the crowd. The Lakers gave them plenty to cheer, closing out the half with a 19-10 run. But Jimmy Butler subdued the hometown fans by making a pair of free throws with a second left to give the Warriors a one-point lead at halftime.

The final three Lakers shots in the quarter were 3-pointers, and they were 4-of-6 from 3-point range in the second quarter. The Lakers were down by as many as 10 points before briefly taking a one-point lead.

Luka Dončić led Los Angeles with 22 points in the first half, and Austin Reaves chipped in 12 points.

Butler led the Warriors with 17 points, but it was Steph Curry who sparked Golden State in the second quarter with 11 points after managing just three in the first.

Until their late surge, the Lakers, other than Dončić and Reaves, looked lackluster on offense – and only part of that can be attributed to the absence of LeBron James. Rui Hachimura, a capable scorer, was scoreless until burying two 3-pointers late. DeAndre Ayton, the center the Lakers acquired in the offseason, did not win over the crowd with his first half of play. He had four points and five rebounds in 17 minutes and showed a lack of aggression.

Draymond goads Lakers forward into technical foul

One quarter after Warriors forward Draymond Green was assessed for his first technical foul – coming at a time when he was on the bench – Green goaded Laker forward Jarred Vanderbilt into his own tech.

During a play in the second quarter, after a Los Angeles converted basket, Green gave Vanderbilt a light shove. Vanderbilt responded with a more forceful shove, which drew a whistle from the official.

Jimmy Butler converted the free throw. 

END Q1: Warriors 28, Lakers 22

Turnovers and moments of disjointed play opened a path for Golden State to get open looks on the perimeter.

For the most part, Golden State tasked Kuminga on Dončić, though the Warriors also threw Jimmy Butler at him on switches. Then, when Butler took a quick blow on the bench, the Warriors dropped into a zone.

The Warriors used their perimeter defense – the Lakers shot just 1-of-9 (11.1%) from 3-point range – to push the pace in transition and find high-percentage shots.

Dončić led all Lakers players in the first quarter in points (10) and rebounds (5). The Lakers shot just 42.1% from the floor and struggled to build continuity because of turnovers; Los Angeles committed 9 giveaways in the period, yielding 9 points.

Golden State shot 5-of-10 (50%) from beyond the arc.

Warriors forward Draymond Green was called for his first technical foul of the season, when he was chirping on the bench during a loose ball. The NBA has made enforcement of player emotion a point of emphasis this season.

Vanessa and Natalia Bryant in attendance for Lakers opener

Kobe Bryant’s wife, Vanessa, and daughter Natalia are in attendance at Los Angeles’ opener Tuesday night at the Cyrpto.com Arena. They were shown briefly on the jumbotron right before tipoff.

Athletes in attendance included Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Blake Snell, who will represent his team in the World Series against the Toronto Blue Jays, and former NBA icon Dirk Nowitzki.

Married actors Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis were shown on the jumbotron taking in the game courtside as well.

Luka Dončić debuts new-look physique

Luka Dončić is set to embark on his first full season with the Los Angeles Lakers. And he’s set to do it with a slimmed-down physique.

After revealing over the summer in a Men’s Health cover story that he had trimmed down with a strict dietary regiment and workout schedule, Dončić took the floor here at the Crypto.com Arena for his typical pregame routine, donning a black hooded sweatshirt and black sweatpants.

The Lakers will be asking Dončić to carry a heavy load early on; the team will be without star forward LeBron James, who will miss the first few weeks with a sciatica issue.

Perhaps because of James’ injury, it was Dončić who addressed the crowd here prior to tipoff.

“Hello, everyone, I just wanted to say thank you for the support, and let’s go Lakers,” Dončić said to a round of cheers.

What time does Warriors vs. Lakers game start?

The 2025-26 NBA season opener between the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Lakers is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 21 at 10 p.m. ET (7 p.m. local) in Los Angeles.

What TV channel is broadcasting Warriors vs. Lakers?

NBC will televise the game between the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Lakers, the second game of an opening night doubleheader.

Stream Warriors vs. Lakers on Fubo

How to watch and stream Warriors vs. Lakers

Date: Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025
Time: 10 p.m. ET (7 p.m. PT)
Location: Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles
TV: NBC
Stream: Fubo, Peacock

Warriors vs. Lakers latest line, odds

All odds via BetMGM as of Monday, Oct. 20.

Spread: Warriors (-2.5)
Moneyline: Warriors (-140); Lakers (+115)
Over/Under: 225.5

Defensive players rule the 2026 NFL draft midseason rankings, with Caleb Downs, Rueben Bain Jr. and Arvell Reese at the top.
Fernando Mendoza and Dante Moore are vying for the top QB spot, but LaNorris Sellers and Ty Simpson are in the mix, too.
Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson is the top-rated offensive player and receiver.

The 2026 NFL Draft is exactly six months away, leaving plenty of time for the picture to shift in the league’s much-hyped annual ‘Player Selection Meeting.’ But the first half of the college football season has already done much to reset the prevailing wisdom about the upcoming class.

New top quarterbacks have emerged while others have faded in a position group that offers little in the way of certainty. Several top prospects at other positions have entrenched themselves as likely early selections, while a handful of stars have shot to the top of draft boards amid breakout seasons. And yet there’s still bound to be more changes to come in the weeks and months ahead as the action continues and the pre-draft process ramps up.

With that said, here’s our latest look at the top 50 prospects for the 2026 NFL Draft:

2026 NFL draft rankings

1. Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

If you had to pick a player most likely to become an All-Pro from this class, he’d be your choice. Downs’ stock might hinge on whether teams get stuck on his positional label or can envision him as more of the do-everything defender he’s demonstrated himself to be for a Buckeyes defense allowing just 5.9 points per game. He can clean up almost anything on the back end and be a legitimate force against the run.

2. Rueben Bain Jr., DE, Miami (Fla.)

At 6-3 and 275 pounds, he’s a true terror off the edge. But unlike many pass-rushing prospects his age, that’s not due to pure speed. Instead, Bain makes life miserable for opposing blockers by locking on and uprooting them. When he’s not merely driving through linemen, he’s proven adept at shedding them with active hands. Though his consistent pressure has yielded just two sacks in 2025, his forcefulness in both the pass and run game augurs well for his pro projection.

3. Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State

The college football world has taken a shine to the Buckeyes’ breakout defender, who leads his team with 42 tackles. But his true admirers are likely waiting at the next level. At 6-4 and 243 pounds, Reese can comfortably spy quarterbacks or handle coverage assignments. His real appeal, however, might be in what he can afford a pass rush, as his impressive closing speed has helped him secure 5 ½ sacks so far this season.

4. Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State

He entered the season as the front-runner to be the first receiver taken in what seemed to be shaping up as a lackluster class at the position. But while his peers have stepped up their game, so too has Tyson. A fluid threat who can separate at all three levels, the 6-2, 200-pound target ranks fifth among Power Four players with 628 receiving yards and second with eight touchdown catches.

5. Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana

At 6-5 and 225 pounds, the Cal transfer has long looked the part of a top quarterback pick. Now he’s playing like one, too. Mendoza has been nearly flawless in orchestrating Indiana’s prolific attack, throwing 21 touchdowns with just two interceptions while averaging 9.7 yards per attempt. Precision is no problem for him, as he rhythmically picks apart defenses from the pocket with a 73.5% completion rate. But things can be a little bit for him when he’s forced off his spot, so proving he can extend plays and thrive out of structure would help answer one of the few outstanding questions about his play.

6. Dante Moore, QB, Oregon

The former five-star recruit’s rapid ascension has changed the complexion of a quarterback class that once looked short on first-round options. In his first season at the helm at Oregon after a rocky true freshman debut in 2023 at UCLA, Moore has shown poise beyond his years, tossing 19 touchdowns while exploiting defenses both from the pocket and on the move. Only a redshirt sophomore, he doesn’t have to hop into this year’s draft if things get more difficult down the stretch and his stock takes a hit. If he remains on his current trajectory, though, there might not be much reason to stick around.

7. Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame

A 228-yard rushing outing against USC drove home how much distance Love has built on the pack for the title of college football’s best back. A springy and elastic runner, the 6-0, 214-pound ball carrier can transform a backfield with his big-play ability. He’s not as complete a player as Ashton Jeanty was last year, however, and matching the former Boise State back’s draft slot looks like a stretch given how some of the teams that used top picks on running backs in April have continued to struggle in the ground game.

8. Peter Woods, DT, Clemson

The full leap into consistent dominance hasn’t yet materialized amid the Tigers’ widespread woes. Still, when Woods is on, there’s no interior presence that’s more disruptive. The high-end flashes and upper-echelon athleticism are enough to keep him squarely in the conversation for a top-five spot in the draft, but he’d help his cause significantly with a strong finish to the season.

9. Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami (Fla.)

In a deep class for offensive tackles, Mauigoa shapes up as the stoutest option. That’s certainly true from a physique standpoint, as the 6-6, 335-pounder resembles a boulder at right tackle. But he’s also been arguably the most reliable blocker of all the top prospects in this class, with his pass-protection chops catching up to his formidable work paving holes in the run game.

10. Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon

The 6-3, 245-pounder has entered full-scale offensive weapon territory, moving beyond the bounds of typical tight end usage while threatening defenses both down the seam and after the catch. Sadiq, however, is not merely a glorified receiver, as he’s also established himself as a devastating downfield blocker in the run game.

11. Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson

If Clemson had more players like Terrell, perhaps the school’s season wouldn’t have gone south so quickly. The younger brother of Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell plays far bigger than his 5-11, 180-pound frame, especially when it comes to run support and operating as a blitzer. NFL teams will covet him for how he balances aggression in pursuing the ball in coverage with seldom giving up big plays.

12. Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU

The term shutdown corner is thrown around too liberally, but the label certainly seems warranted in capturing the Virginia Tech transfer’s work this season. Delane has seldom been tested but surrendered essentially nothing – six catches on 23 targets – in the few instances in which teams have looked his way. Smooth and savvy in every phase of coverage, the 6-0, 190-pound corner will be especially appealing to teams that lean heavily on man-to-man matchups.

13. Keldric Faulk, DE, Auburn

At the very least, he should thrive as a run-stopping force, engulfing ball carriers at the line of scrimmage with his 6-6, 285-pound frame. What will really put him over the top, though, is additional development as a pass rusher after he collected seven sacks in 2024. There haven’t been many signs of progress so far this fall, but Faulk’s penchant for shedding blocks underscores untapped upside.

14. Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State

To some, he might just be the link between rookie sensation Emeka Egbuka and forthcoming phenom Jeremiah Smith in Ohio State’s incredible pipeline of pro receivers. But the Buckeyes’ newest go-to target has made a name for himself by averaging 17.3 yards per catch. The 6-3, 195-pounder is particularly valuable when bailing out his quarterback with his body control along the sidelines and knack for securing contested catches, though he’s also demonstrated a nuanced approach to freeing himself against both man and zone coverages.

15. Makai Lemon, WR, USC

In another era, his modest size (5-11 and 195 pounds) might have relegated him to a spot on Day 2 or beyond. With former USC standout Amon-Ra St. Brown and other undersized receivers thriving as critical weapons for their respective offenses, however, he stands to cash in on a season that has seen him sprint out to the lead in receiving yards among Power Four players with 758. Quick and sure-handed, Lemon figures to remain a high-volume target who will feast in the short-to-intermediate area.

16. T.J. Parker, DE, Clemson

At 6-3 and 260 pounds with a wealth of production (16 ½ sacks, 32 tackles for loss) in his first two seasons, Parker meets several of the standards for a first-round edge rusher. But his junior campaign has seen him take a bit of a step back, particularly in pressuring opposing quarterbacks. With a little more consistency, though, his bully-ball approach should translate well to the next level.

17. David Bailey, OLB, Texas Tech

Hotly pursued in the transfer portal, he’s gone from intriguing edge rusher at Stanford to the Football Bowl Subdivision’s sack leader with 10 ½. The 6-3, 250-pounder’s game is predicated on speed, and with good reason. Bailey is a blur off the line of scrimmage, and he can snake past blockers or beat them with an impressive array of moves. Questions about his strength might lead to his rush stalling out at times and leave him vulnerable in the run game, but defenders with this much juice don’t tend to hang around long.

18. Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama

One look at the 6-7, 366-pound blinside protector reveals that he figures to be a unique evaluation. Proctor sparked some concerns with his early struggles, but he’s since settled down. Though his size will leave some unease about his leverage and balance, he’s an outstanding athlete who has the makeup to handle NFL edge rushers.

19. LaNorris Sellers, QB, South Carolina

This is admittedly splitting the difference on a polarizing prospect. Between his superlative arm strength and rare running ability, the 6-3, 240-pound signal-caller possesses more than enough pure talent to merit a top-five selection. But his development as a passer hasn’t quite taken off at the level many had hoped to see from the redshirt sophomore. If and when it does, though, he could shoot to the top of draft boards.

20. Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama

The sample size is small, with only seven starts under his belt. But Simpson is defying all expectations, racing out to the SEC lead in touchdown passes (16) while playing virtually mistake-free football since the season-opening loss to Florida State. QB1 status isn’t out of the question if he keeps going at this pace.

21. Spencer Fano, OT, Utah

An accomplished pass protector who looks tailor-made for a zone-blocking scheme, Fano has a way of exerting a certain degree of control no matter what scenario he faces. But his lean build likely will lead to questions of whether he needs to move inside at the next level, which could drag down his stock a good deal.

22. Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee

He’s still yet to make his return this season after suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament in January, an injury that no doubt will loom over his draft stock. Yet McCoy’s playmaking credentials are not to be questioned after he notched four interceptions and 11 passes defensed last season for the Volunteers after transferring from Oregon State. The next month will be vital in establishing his trajectory.

23. Matayo Uigalelei, DE, Oregon 

There’s not much mystery to a player who goes by ‘Young Concrete.’ The 6-5, 272-pounder wins with unmatched tenacity and a comfort in walking blockers backward. Honing his counters and becoming a more reliable presence against the run would elevate his game considerably, but both tasks seem within reach for a player who has shown impressive capacity for growth after also starring at tight end in high school.

24. CJ Allen, LB, Georgia

Wherever the ball is, Allen surely isn’t far behind, as the Bulldogs linebacker sticks to his man in coverage and tracks down opponents in the backfield. The 6-1, 235-pounder will have to continue to find ways to slip past bigger blockers in the pros, but his agility and craftiness help him avoid being engulfed.

25. Denzel Boston, WR, Washington

At 6-4 and 210 pounds, he’s what you would expect from a receiver consistently asked to haul in deep heaves and contested catches. A build not conducive to quick-twitch movements can be problematic in his efforts to beat press coverage and get going in his releases, but he has enough build-up speed to threaten defensive backs once he’s rolling.

26. Chris Brazzell II, WR, Tennessee

The Tulane transfer hasn’t kept up the torrid pace he set in the early season after burning Georgia for three touchdowns, but he’s still announced himself as one of the country’s pre-eminent deep threats. While working downfield will be his calling card early in his career, he’s also shown potential for growth – particularly as an intermediate target – beyond the basic route tree he’s asked to run in Tennessee’s offense.

27. Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State

The Nittany Lions’ season has been a downright disaster, but don’t place any of the blame on Ioane. The 6-3, 328-pound blocker continues to dole out punishment in the run game, but the massive progress he’s made as a pass protector has enabled him to become the leading candidate to be the first interior lineman selected next April.

28. Germie Bernard, WR, Alabama

From his previous stints at Michigan State and Washington to working alongside Ryan Williams in 2024, Bernard once seemed destined to max out with a complementary role in college. But amid Williams’ early struggles, the senior has reached a new level in 2025 by showing just how effective he can be as a go-to target. From creating separation to piling up yards after the catch, he has a strong handle on plenty of skills that will make him a central figure to any offense.

29. Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee

After learning behind Travis Hunter at Colorado last season, Hood has gotten his own turn to step into a playmaker role with an SEC-leading seven passes defensed. The 6-0, 195-pounder has the physical makeup and ball skills to hang in man coverage, though he’ll need to affirm that he can match up with the best receivers the conference has to offer.

30. Zion Young, DE, Missouri

With four sacks in his last four games – including two as part of an effort to close out a double-overtime win against Auburn – Young already has developed a strong finishing touch. Comfortable grappling with offensive tackles in the run game, the 6-5, 262-pounder is a well-rounded threat on the edge with a fairly high floor.

31. Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah

He represents the less heralded half of the Utes’ bookend blockers, but Lomu has a strong chance to join Fano as an early pick. Though the matchup against Texas Tech’s prolific pass rushers didn’t go his way, the 6-6, 308-pounder will keep teams captivated with his fleet footwork.

32. Trevor Goosby, OT, Texas

Tools, tools, tools. The 6-7, 312-pound redshirt sophomore has them in abundance despite having just a handful of starts to his name. He’s been one of the few reliable performers for the Longhorns offense, his stock is up and looking set up for a serious surge.

33. Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

A 6-5, 243-pound son of a former NFL linebacker with the movement skills of a safety – his previous position – should be an easy sell to any front office. The full extent of Styles’ contributions is no longer a hypothetical, however, as he’s become a reliable presence at the second level in addition to an intriguing movable chess piece.

34. Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas

There aren’t many linebackers in this class more dynamic than Hill, a thunderous blitzer who can be deadly once he locks onto ball carriers in the backfield. He still has work to do, though, to become a more complete player when asked to drop in coverage or otherwise operate beyond chase mode.

35. A’Mauri Washington, DT, Oregon

In his first year as a starter, the 6-3, 330-pounder has made a habit of detonating plays at the line of scrimmage. A supreme jumbo-sized athlete, Washington can be a force multiplier along the front even if he never ends up posting massive sack numbers.

36. Caleb Banks, DT, Florida

The 6-6, 330-pounder has missed all but one game with a foot injury that he later reaggravated and underwent surgery on. When healthy, he’s an absolute load for opposing offenses to handle in the middle, with surprising playmaking potential for a defender of his size.

37. Cashius Howell, OLB, Texas A&M

He’s small (6-2, 248 pounds) with a sawed-off build, traits that typically might doom an edge rusher’s stock. But the Bowling Green transfer has seized the SEC lead in sacks (8 1/2) by way of quick-twitch moves and a deep well of knowhow. Howell won’t be a fit for every scheme, but teams willing to look past his atypical traits might be in for quite the reward.

38. Chris Bell, WR, Louisville

The A.J. Brown comparisons come naturally for the 6-2, 220-pound target, who’s equally comfortable hauling in catches with defenders clinging to him as he is racing away from opponents with the ball in his hands. Bell is nowhere near as complete a receiver as the Eagles star is, but his early success – he ranks fourth in the FBS with 638 receiving yards – points toward a player who’s making massive strides in handling the finer points of the position.

39. A.J. Harris, CB, Penn State

Maybe this is a bit high for a player who’s had a bit of a turbulent ride in coverage this season, especially with several other top prospects at the position faring better this fall. But the 6-1, 186-pound Harris frequently dissuades opposing quarterbacks from even looking his way thanks to his ability to stay in receivers’ hip pockets downfield.

40. Jake Golday, LB, Cincinnati

A former transfer from Central Arkansas, Golday has continued his steady ascent this season by collecting 61 tackles and proving to be a hyperactive presence on the Bearcats defense. The former defensive end adds to this class’ wealth of well-built linebackers with surprising straight-line speed.

41. Joshua Josephs, OLB, Tennessee

His 6-3, 240-pound frame might be bordering on disqualifying for some teams that would view him as a designated pass rusher rather than an every-down player. But his size hasn’t stopped him from wreaking havoc in the SEC, where he’s tallied four sacks and three forced fumbles while holding up nicely against the run.

42. Connor Lew, C, Auburn

Rugged and reliable, Lew is the picture of what teams want from a center. He’s more solid than spectacular in most phases and might have some trouble against the most powerful defensive tackles the NFL has to offer, but his combination of intelligence and athleticism should make him a fixture of any front.

43. Quincy Rhodes Jr., DE, Arkansas

There’s no missing a 6-6, 276-pound defensive end with the burst and agility of a much smaller rusher. Rhodes can run hot and cold and too often turns to his (admittedly nifty) spin move, but his arrow is pointed firmly upward.

44. Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU

It’s been a strange season for a player who once seemed in the mix to be the top quarterback taken in 2026, with the Tigers’ repeated lackluster outings leaving plenty of questions about Nussmeier’s pro projection. The son of New Orleans Saints offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier has long leaned on his anticipation and aggressiveness as a passer to compensate for his pedestrian physical tools. His quick processing and savvy approach might give him a higher floor than many of his peers, but it’s unclear how NFL teams will view a signal-caller who relies so heavily on timing given his other deficiencies.

45. John Mateer, QB, Oklahoma

Even in the volatile world of quarterback evaluations, Mateer sizes up as a particularly confounding passer to assess. That stems mostly from a playing style that flies in the face of efficient play at the position, with the Washington State transfer repeatedly embracing high-risk, high-reward throws. It might be impossible to get a daring playmaker to modulate his devil-may-care approach, but teams will still be drawn toward the prospect of harnessing his penchant for threading throws into tight windows and breaking long runs.

46. Isaiah World, OT, Oregon

There’s been a distinct learning curve for the Nevada transfer as he adapts to life in the Big Ten, but things seem to be coming together for World as of late. It’s almost impossible to find 6-8, 318-pound offensive tackles with his ease of movement, so some team will take an early flier in hopes of molding him into the next great left tackle.

47. LT Overton, DE, Alabama

Whether it’s working as an edge rusher or crashing back inside, the former five-star recruit and Texas A&M transfer isn’t afraid to mix it up with opposing linemen. But the next step in his pass-rush development has yet to be unlocked, and he might not collect more than clean-up sacks until he learns to do more than bull rush.

48. Kamari Ramsey, S, USC

There’s a sizable gap between Downs and the second safety in this class, with Toledo’s Emmanuel McNeil-Warren and Oregon’s Dillon Thieneman also having a case. Ramsey, however, might have a leg up on the field thanks to coverage instincts that leave him well-equipped to handle almost any assignment.

49. R Mason Thomas, DE/OLB, Oklahoma

With Bailey, Howell, Josephs and Texas Tech’s Romello Height all making strong impressions this season, the 2026 class has a strong crop of undersized pass rushers who warrant consideration on the first two days of the draft. A rocket off the edge who’s registered 5 1/2 sacks this season, the 6-2, 249-pound Thomas has shown he can be as disruptive as any name among that group.

50. Christen Miller, DT, Georgia

Several run-stuffing defensive tackles could have contended for the final spot, including Iowa State’s Dominique Orange and Ohio State’s Kayden McDonald. Miller, however, gets the nod thanks to explosiveness and lateral agility that indicate room for growth beyond the limited returns he’s provided so far in disrupting the passing game.