NFL 2026-2027 season

Time to start this thread/topic as the 2026 NFL Draft starts tonight with RD1 at 1am UK time

The Raiders trying to return to relevance. I like Mendoza, seems like a good kid from what I've seen. Just a matter of how long Mendoza will sit behind Kirk Cousins. Their lack of depth at Wide Receiver and revamped offensive line make it easier to have him sit barring injury or poor play from Cousins.

They do have a new coach, so I'd hope the leash is little longer, but it is the Raiders. Not the most stable of organizations

Mendoza was nailed on to be the No.1 player in the draft, but the quality drops off significantly compared to the QB's drafted in 2025, so much so that the next man up Ty Simpson was a surprise to make Round 1 let alone the 13th pick. A strange move by the Rams who are Super Bowl ready & could've selected an impact player rather than a future project which Simson clearly is.
Running backs are considered a luxury many can do without in round 1, but the Cards selecting RB Jeremiyah Love at No.3 made some sense, with Kyler Murrey gone it's Brissett or Minshew at QB initially as veterans having picked up Carson Beck in the 3rd round. A star running back could take away some of the pressure from the passing game, but the Raiders thought that about Ashton Jeantry & look how that turned out.
Make no sense that Running backs are underpaid & undervalued given how brutal the position is & teams that fine their way to the Super Bowl usually have a great one.

(25-04-2026 21:30 )Boomerangutangangbang Wrote:  Mendoza was nailed on to be the No.1 player in the draft, but the quality drops off significantly compared to the QB's drafted in 2025, so much so that the next man up Ty Simpson was a surprise to make Round 1 let alone the 13th pick. A strange move by the Rams who are Super Bowl ready & could've selected an impact player rather than a future project which Simson clearly is.
Running backs are considered a luxury many can do without in round 1, but the Cards selecting RB Jeremiyah Love at No.3 made some sense, with Kyler Murrey gone it's Brissett or Minshew at QB initially as veterans having picked up Carson Beck in the 3rd round. A star running back could take away some of the pressure from the passing game, but the Raiders thought that about Ashton Jeantry & look how that turned out.
Make no sense that Running backs are underpaid & undervalued given how brutal the position is & teams that fine their way to the Super Bowl usually have a great one.

The "running backs aren't worth a 1st round pick" talk that's been going around is frustrating. I think it's because running backs have shorter careers and the position is viewed as expendable. A dominant back with the right line makes offensive a lot easier. Look at how Barkley was the missing the piece for Eagles, or Kenneth Walker last season with Seattle.

It's about not being a one dimensional team on offense (something the Chiefs struggled with during their Super Bowl loss to the Eagles)

The Rams biggest issue is special teams, cost them a chance at the Super Bowl. Curious how Stafford feels about the pick. Usually drafting a QB in in the first round leads to issues with established starters (and MVP no less). Stafford is in the final year of his contract, so it might not be the worst pick down the road.

^^ I think the situation with Stafford goes someway to explaining the indifference that McVay when they landed Simpson, he didn't look happy, but when questioned later it was all about not wanting to annoy Stafford who has made no comment as yet. Hard to believe that Stafford hasn't been involved in the move at some point. He's has played through injuries & is one of the toughest around, he could just keep tagging another year on if he wants to carry on playing into his 40's. Looks like Jimmy G is considering retirement so Simpson could be next man up unless the pick up another veteran at some point.
I still think the 49ers & Seahawks will be happy with what the Rams have done, given how close all 3 teams were & one or 2 picks could make the difference.

49ers Draft Evaluation

The plan was to trade down from their first pick at 33 overall in Round 2, but got no takers, so you have to go with what's available & not always your first choice. I'm hoping the 49ers have gone some way to improving their WR depth with De' Zhaun Stribling, veiwed as a bit of a gamble. They really need to catch a break with the WR group, losing players through contract disagreements & injuries it's been shambolic, they can't keep relying on their TE's & RB's to carry the passing game.

In Round 3, 90th overall RB Kaelon Black was a sensible move as they have to protect CMC more even though he is willing to carry the burden it is not sustainable.

The non-existent pass rush will be helped by the acquisition of Romello Height, 3rs Round 70th overall, & Gracen Halton in Round 4, 107 overall.

The OL will get some much needed back-up even with Trent Williams signing for 2 more years at 37, picking up Carver Willis in Round 4, 127 overall & Enrique Cruz Jr. in Round 5, 179 overall.

Injuries at the LB position blighted the team last season, securing Jayden Dugger in Round 4 , 154 overall will add to their depth. One for the future with Warner & Greenlaw back as a dynamic duo.

The Niner secondary gave up lots of yards & TD's last season, hopefully CB Ephesians Prysock, Round 4, 139 overall can improve matters.

Top teams need to be inventive in the draft & the Niners did a decent if not spectacular job.

Boomers Grade : B/B-