Monday, July 20, 2026

NFL Top 100

The NFL Top 100 has been an offseason staple since 2011. For most of the past 15 years, it was hard to miss. This year, it takes effort to find. Here’s a check on the progress of the quiet release of the Top 100 players in the NFL. 

NFL Top 100 Players of 2026

100. Cameron Jordan, DE, New Orleans Saints
  99. Quenton Nelson, G, Indianapolis Colts
  98. Bryce Young, QB, Carolina Panthers 
  97. Ernest Jones, LB, Seattle Seahawks 
  96. Travis Etienne, RB, New Orleans Saints
  95. Demario Davis, LB, New York Jets
  94. Creed Humphrey, C, Kansas City Chiefs
  93. Carson Schwesinger, LB, Cleveland Browns 
  92. Azeez Al-Shaair, LB, Houston Texans
  91. Montez Sweat, DE, Chicago Bears 
  90. Derrick Brown, DL, Carolina Panthers 
  89. Kyren Williams, RB, Los Angeles Rams 
  88. Jack Campbell, LB, Detroit Lions
  87. Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Carolina Panthers
  86. Tuli Tuipulotu, Edge, Los Angeles Chargers
  85. Brock Purdy, QB, San Francisco 49ers 
  84. Byron Young, Edge, Los Angeles Rams 
  83. Jeffery Simmons, DT, Tennessee Titans 
  82. Jalen Ramsey, CB, Pittsburgh Steelers 
  81. Bobby Wagner, LB, Washington Commanders
  80. A.J. Brown, WR, New England Patriots 
  79. Travis Kelce, TE, Kansas City Chiefs 
  77. Baker Mayfield, QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
  76. Jaycee Horn, CB, Carolina Panthers
  75. Budda Baker, Arizona Cardinals
  74. Josh Jacobs, RB, Green Bay Packers
  73. Zach Allen, DL, Denver Broncos
  72. Jordan Love, QB, Green Bay Packers
  71. Zay Flowers, WR, Baltimore Ravens
  70. Xavier McKinney, S, Green Bay Packers
  69. Lamar Jackson, QB, Baltimore Ravens
  68. Courtland Sutton, WR, Denver Broncos
  67. Jordyn Brooks, LB, Miami Dolphins
  66. Drake London, WR, Atlanta Falcons
  65. Roquan Smith, LB, Baltimore Ravens
  64. Chris Olave, WR, New Orleans Saints
  63. Kyle Hamilton, S, Baltimore Ravens
  62. Trevor Lawrence, QB, Jacksonville Jaguars
  61. Kevin Byard, S, New England Patriots

There’s the first 40 players of the NFL Top 100. Perhaps the most interesting thing about the 40 players is the impressive number of off-the-ball linebackers. 

Ernest Jones
Demario Davis
Carson Schwesinger
Azeez Al-Shaair 
Jack Campbell
Bobby Wagner
Jordyn Brooks
Roquan Smith

A fifth of the players revealed so far are off-the-ball linebackers. The under-appreciated position is getting some appreciation. There’s old farts like Demario Davis and Bobby Wagner mixed with youngsters like Carson Schwesinger and Jack Campbell. 

The next most notable thing about the reveals is probably the 67-spot drop of Lamar Jackson. He’d been #2 on the list in each of the past two seasons. Now, he’s #69. He missed four games in 2025. That was a big reason the Ravens had an 8-9 record, no playoffs, and head coach John Harbaugh being fired. A 67-spot drop in the NFL Top 100 is probably the least of Jackson’s worries. 

The NFL Top 100 will quietly continue this week. 





Saturday, July 18, 2026

Unsigned Draft Picks: By Round

With training camps opening, it’s a little surprising that a few of the players selected in the 2026 NFL Draft are still unsigned. There’s no reason to worry about the signings. With contract terms basically determined by where a player is drafted, holdouts are now so rare. It takes something extreme or sheer stupidity for a player to hold out. Here’s a look at the unsigned draft pick status for each of the seven rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft. The first round, of course, is shown in detail.

Unsigned Draft Picks: By Round

First Round

1.   Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana 
2.   New York Jets: David Bailey, Edge, Texas Tech - Signed
3.   Arizona Cardinals: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame - Signed
4.   Tennessee Titans: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State - Signed
5.   New York Giants: Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State - Signed
6.   Kansas City Chiefs: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU - Signed
7.   Washington Commanders: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State - Signed
8.   New Orleans Saints: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State - Signed
9.   Cleveland Browns: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah - Signed
10. New York Giants: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami - Signed
11. Dallas Cowboys: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State - Signed
12. Miami Dolphins: Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama - Signed
13. Los Angeles Rams: Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
14. Baltimore Ravens: Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State - Signed
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Rueben Bain Jr., Edge, Miami - Signed
16. New York Jets: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon - Signed
17. Detroit Lions: Blake Miller, OT, Clemson - Signed 
18. Minnesota Vikings: Caleb Banks, DT, Florida - Signed
19. Carolina Panthers: Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia - Signed
20. Philadelphia Eagles: Makai Lemon, WR, USC - Signed
21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State - Signed
22. Los Angeles Chargers: Akheem Mesidor, Edge, Miami - Signed
23. Dallas Cowboys: Malachi Lawrence, Edge, UCF - Signed
24. Cleveland Browns: KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M - Signed
25. Chicago Bears: Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon - Signed
26. Houston Texans: Keylan Rutledge, G, Georgia Tech - Signed
27. Miami Dolphins: Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State - Signed
28. New England Patriots: Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah - Signed
29. Kansas City Chiefs: Peter Woods, DT, Clemson - Signed
30. New York Jets: Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana - Signed
31. Tennessee Titans: Keldric Faulk, Edge, Auburn - Signed
32. Seattle Seahawks: Jadarian Price, RB, Notre Dame - Signed

2/32 players are unsigned.

Second Round

23. New England Patriots: Gabe Jacas, Edge, Illinois

1/32 players are unsigned.

Only three unsigned players from the first two rounds. That’s pretty good. 

Third Round

1.   Arizona Cardinals: Carson Beck, QB, Miami
12. Pittsburgh Steelers: Drew Allar, QB, Penn State

2/36 players are unsigned. 

Fourth Round

1.   Las Vegas Raiders: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee

1/40 players are unsigned.

Fifth Round

0/41 players are unsigned.

Sixth Round

0/35 players are unsigned. 

Seventh Round

0/41 players are unsigned. 

6/257 players selected in the 2026 NFL Draft are unsigned. 

Four of the six unsigned players are quarterbacks. It’s always about the quarterbacks. 




Friday, July 17, 2026

NFL Training Camp Report Dates

NFL Training Camps are here! One of the last teams to play last season is the first to report this season. Seattle Seahawks rookies are reporting today. The rest of the team won’t show for another week. It’s a start. Football is back! In 11 days, all 32 teams will be in camp. Starting with the best team, here are the training camp report dates for all teams. 

NFL Training Camp Report Dates

Minnesota Vikings
Rookies 7/26
Veterans: 7/28

Arizona Cardinals 
Rookies: 7/22
Veterans: 7/22

Atlanta Falcons
Rookies: 7/24
Veterans: 7/28

Baltimore Ravens
Rookies: 7/24
Veterans: 7/28

Buffalo Bills
Rookies: 7/21
Veterans: 7/28

Carolina Panthers
Rookies: 7/21
Veterans: 7/22

Chicago Bears
Rookies: 7/25
Veterans: 7/28

Cincinnati Bengals 
Rookies: 7/25
Veterans: 7/28

Cleveland Browns
Rookies: 7/23
Veterans: 7/28

Dallas Cowboys
Rookies 7/28
Veterans: 7/28

Denver Broncos
Rookies: 7/22
Veterans: 7/28

Detroit Lions
Rookies: 7/25
Veterans: 7/28

Green Bay Packers
Rookies: 7/27
Veterans: 7/28

Houston Texans
Rookies: 7/21
Veterans: 7/28

Indianapolis Colts 
Rookies: 7/27
Veterans: 7/28

Jacksonville Jaguars 
Rookies: 7/25
Veterans: 7/28

Kansas City Chiefs
Rookies: 7/24
Veterans: 7/28

Las Vegas Raiders
Rookies: 7/23
Veterans: 7/28

Los Angeles Chargers 
Rookies: 7/23
Veterans: 7/28

Los Angeles Rams
Rookies: 7/25
Veterans: 7/25

Miami Dolphins 
Rookies: 7/21
Veterans: 7/28

New England Patriots 
Rookies: 7/21
Veterans: 7/24

New Orleans Saints
Rookies: 7/28
Veterans: 7/28

New York Giants
Rookies: 7/23
Veterans: 7/28

New York Jets
Rookies: 7/25
Veterans: 7/28

Philadelphia Eagles 
Rookies: 7/28
Veterans: 7/28

Pittsburgh Steelers 
Rookies: 7/28
Veterans: 7/28

San Francisco 49ers
Rookies: 7/18
Veterans: 7/25

Seattle Seahawks
Rookies: 7/17
Veterans: 7/24

Tampa Bay Buccaneers 
Rookies: 7/27
Veterans: 7/28

Tennessee Titans
Rookies: 7/23
Veterans: 7/28

Washington Commanders
Rookies: 7/24
Veterans: 7/28




Thursday, July 16, 2026

Minnesota Vikings Roster: How Did They Get Here?

Minnesota Vikings Training Camp is less than two weeks away. An NFL roster can be put together in a variety of ways. This is a look at how the Vikings acquired the players that are currently on the roster. It’s also an attempt at passing the time between now and the start of training camp.

Minnesota Vikings Roster: How Did They Get Here?

Draft: First Round
Justin Jefferson (2020)
Christian Darrisaw (2021)
Jordan Addison (2023)
J.J. McCarthy (2024)
Dallas Turner (2024)
Donovan Jackson (2025)
Caleb Banks (2026)

Draft: Second Round
Brian O’Neill (2018)
Jake Golday (2026)

Draft: Third Round
Tai Felton (2025)
Domonique Orange (2026)
Caleb Tiernan (2026)
Jakobe Thomas (2026)

Draft: Fourth Round
Jay Ward (2023)

Draft: Fifth Round
Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins (2015)
Max Bredeson (2026)
Chuck Demmings (2026)

Draft: Sixth Round
Josh Metellus (2020)
Blake Brandel (2020)
Walter Rouse (2024)
Will Reichard (2024)
Demond Claiborne (2026)

Draft: Seventh Round
Michael Jurgens (2024)
Levi Drake Rodriguez (2024)
Gavin Bortholomew (2025)
Gavin Gerhardt (2026)

Undrafted Free Agent
Ivan Pace Jr. (2023)
Jeshaun Jones (2024)
Dwight McGlothern (2024)
Bo Richter (2024)
Taki Taimani (2024)
Tyler Batty (2025)
Max Brosmer (2025)
Chaz Chambliss (2025)
Dontae Fleming (2025)
Joe Huber (2025)
Myles Price (2025)
Elijah Williams (2025)
Ben Yurosek (2025)
Bryson Nesbit (2025)
Zemaiah Vaughn (2025)
Marcus Allen (2026)
Da’Veawn Armstead (2026)
Dillon Bell (2026)
Tyreek Chappell (2026)
Keli Lawson (2026)
Tristan Leigh (2026)
Delby Lemieux (2026)
Kejon Owens (2026)
Tomas Rimac (2026)
Marcus Sanders, Jr. (2026)
Cam’Ron Stewart (2026)
Jacob Thomas (2026)
Brett Thorson (2026)
Arden Walker (2026)
Lyke Wysong (2026)
Smith Vilbert (2026)
Bangally Kamara (2026)
Terrill Davis (2026)
Micheal Briscoe (2026)
Trayvon Rudolph (2026)

Trade
T.J. Hockenson (2022)
Jordan Mason (2025)

Unrestricted Free Agent
Josh Oliver (2023)
Byron Murphy Jr. (2023)
Andrew Van Ginkel (2024)
Blake Cashman (2024)
Isaiah Rodgers (2025)
Will Fries (2025)
Tavierre Thomas (2025)
Eric Wilson (2025)
James Pierre (2026)
Johnny Hekker (2026)

Restricted Free Agent
Ryan Van Demark (2026) 

Street Free Agent
Andrew DePaola (2020)
Theo Jackson (2022)
Henry Byrd (2023)
Aaron Jones Sr. (2024)
Jalen Redmond (2024)
Zavier Scott (2024)
Carson Wentz (2025)
Vershon Lee (2025)
Kahlef Hailassie (2025)
Jacob Roberts (2026)
Josh Ross (2026)
Kyler Murray (2026)
Eric Johnson II (2026)
Jauan Jennings (2026)
Isaiahh Loudermilk (2026)
Jahvaree Ritzie (2026)
Marshall Lang (2026)

Wednesday, July 15, 2026

NFL Roster Sizes Through The Years

NFL roster sizes have fluctuated greatly over the years. During the league’s first decade, teams had only 16-18 players on the roster. That’s about a third of today’s bloated rosters. Those early days were the days of single-platoon football. 11 players played offense, defense, and special teams. The league adopted unlimited substitution in 1950. That essentially ended the single platoon-era. By that point, NFL roster sizes had about doubled from that first decade to 32 players. Since then, NFL roster sizes crept up to the current 53 players with 47 or 48 active on game day. Here’s a look roster sizes through the 126 years of the NFL.

NFL Roster Sizes Through The Years

1920: ? - I guess the league was more focused on teams making it to their next game than monitoring how many players were on the roster.

1921: 18
1922: 18
1923: 16
1924: 18
1925: 16
1926: 18
1927: 18
1928: 18
1929: 18
1930: 20
1931: 22
1932: 20
1933: 22
1934: 22
1935: 24
1936: 23
1937: 25
1938: 30
1939: 30
1940: 33
1941: 33
1942: 33
1943: 28
1944: 28
1945: 33
1946: 33
1947: 34
1948: 35
1949: 32
1950: 32
1951: 33
1952: 33
1953: 33
1954: 33
1955: 33
1956: 33
1957: 35
1958: 35
1959: 36
1960: 38
1961: 36
1962: 36
1963: 37
1964-1973: 40
1974: 47
1975: 43
1976: 43
1977: 43
1978-1990: 45
1991-2010: 45+emergency QB
2011-2019: 46
2020-present: 47/48

The era of inactives:

From 1988-92, NFL roster size was actually 47 players. Two of those players were declared inactive on game day.

From 1993-2010, NFL roster size was 53 players. Eight of those players were declared inactive on game day.

From 2011-2019, NFL roster size was 53 players. Seven of those players were declared inactive on game day.

From 2020-present, NFL roster size was still 53 players but game day actives got a little more complicated. It’s 48 players if eight of those players are offensive linemen. It’s 47 players if fewer than eight of those players are offensive linemen. 


Tuesday, July 14, 2026

5 Most Intriguing Minnesota Vikings Players

Two weeks from today, Minnesota Vikings veterans will report for training camp. Two weeks! In advance of the football fun, here’s a look at five of the most intriguing Vikings players.

5 Most Intriguing Minnesota Vikings Players

5. Blake Brandel, C

The run of injuries that wrecked the offensive line last season forced some players to step in at unfamiliar positions. One of those players was Blake Brandel. Since his selection in the sixth round of the 2020 NFL Draft, Brandel has played about every offensive line position but center. He entered the league as a tackle. He started 17 games in 2024 at left guard. He’s been a steady and versatile football player for the Vikings. Last season, injuries forced him to start at center against the Cleveland Browns. His first snap in that game was first snap at center. Ever. His play gave coaches the idea that he could do the job full time. When Ryan Kelly retired this offseason, center appeared to become one of the team’s biggest needs. It’s possible that center became one of the team’s biggest needs only to those outside spectacular TCO Performance Center. I’m sure Vikings decision-makers considered a few of the high-end center that were available in the 2026 NFL Draft. They were available into Day 3 of the draft. Apparently none rated above the center they already had on the roster. Brandel will provide some size at the pivot position that the Vikings have lacked for too long. He’s already shown his position versatility. He might not raise the ceiling of the offensive line but he will raise the floor. He has this season to show whether he can be the Vikings long-term answer at center. 

4. Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy, QBs

I didn’t want to include the quarterbacks but I have to include the quarterbacks. I’m really looking forward to this quarterback competition. I’m not looking forward to the tabloid-like reporting that will dominate the coverage of it. 

3. Harrison Smith, S

Harrison Smith makes the list of intriguing players and he isn’t even on the roster. For now. Will he return for his 15th season? It’s July. Veterans report to training camp in two weeks. If he hasn’t publicly made the decision yet, he’s returning. At least, that’s how I see it. Maybe, it’s just hope. I’m not ready for a Vikings defense without #22 on the field. 

2. Chuck Demmings, CB

I really could’ve picked any of the Vikings draft picks. I’m singling out Chuck Demmings simply because I believe that he’s going to become one of my favorite Vikings players for all of his, hopefully, very long career in Minnesota. He’s an explosive, natural athlete and probably would’ve been a first- or second-round pick if he hadn’t played at itty-bitty Stephen F. Austin. He could’ve jumped to a big-time school but stayed loyal to the itty-bitty school that was always loyal to him. He’s that sort of character and he is a character. He’s a fun person and fun player and I can’t wait to see him on the field. Byron Murphy Jr. and Isaiah Rodgers are solid starters. James Pierre was signed in free agency to form a solid corner trio. Despite three corners in his way, I believe that Demmings will play his way on to the field for scattered defensive snaps. I also believe that he’s the Vikings future CB1.

1. Jauan Jennings, WR

The Vikings weren’t very active in free agency. One could say that they were selective. One of the players they signed was Jauan Jennings. At the start of free agency, he was considered to be one of the pricey players on the market. For whatever reason, he was still available after the draft. The Vikings signed Jennings for only $8 million. Incentives could boost it to $13 million. That’s a bargain for one of the most intriguing receivers in the league. In Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, the Vikings have one of the best receiver duos in the league. Jefferson, Addison, and Jennings are the best receiver trio in the league. Jennings brings a physical presence to the offense. Some might call it a nasty presence. The Vikings offense can use a little bit of nasty. He’s a terrific blocker. He excels on third down and in the red zone. I’m excited to see a lot of Vikings players on the field. Honestly, I’m excited to see all of the Vikings players on the field. Jauan Jennings is among the players I’m most excited to see. 


Monday, July 13, 2026

If The Vikings Were To Sign A Player…

In the NFL, there are often roster tweaks between the completion of the draft and the start of training camp. Those tweaks are usually positional shifts at the bottom of the roster.  Additions at the top half of rosters are typically made prior to the draft. The Minnesota Vikings signed receiver Jauan Jennings on May 7. Pending the result of a particular quarterback competition, the signing of Jennings might be the most impactful Vikings free agent signing of the offseason. That’s a significant post-draft addition. He might not be the last significant post-draft addition. 

The Vikings traded edge Jonathan Greenard to the Philadelphia Eagles during the draft. It was a painful trade as Greenard was an impact player for the Vikings on and off the field. He’d only been in Minnesota for two years. He was a team captain during his second season. Two seasons of Greenard were not enough. He will be missed but the trade does open up a full-time opportunity for Dallas Turner. He’s ready for an expanded role. In his third season, I believe that he’s on the brink of ripping up the NFL. With Greenard, the Vikings had three high-end edge players. Without Greenard, the Vikings have Andrew Van Ginkel and Dallas Turner. That isn’t enough. Turner replaces Greenard, perhaps improves on Greenard. No one currently on the roster can replace Turner at #3. Behind Van Ginkel and Turner are a collection of undrafted football players. In two seasons, Bo Richter has emerged as a special teams staple. He’s a fun pass rusher in the preseason. Chaz Chambliss and Tyler Batty have flashed some in spots. Cam’Ron Stewart and Arden Walker are undrafted rookies. The defensive coaches have experimented in offseason workouts with defensive lineman Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins on the edge. Jake Golday was selected in the 2026 NFL Draft as an off-the-ball linebacker. He showed position versatility in college as an edge rusher, as a big nickel, and as the off-the-ball linebacker listed on his draft card. His versatility makes him a dream player for a Brian Flores defense. Many expect Golday to be the eventual replacement for the other-worldly Van Ginkel. In a couple years, Turner and Golday could be ripping up the league. That’s a nice future. Today is a different story. 

Minnesota Vikings training camp is now less than two weeks away. If there’s a hole on the 91-man roster, it’s an edge backup to Andrew Van Ginkel and Dallas Turner. If the Vikings were to sign a player between now and the start of training camp, who might that player be?

That player must be an edge player. The Athletic’s Alec Lewis has mentioned tight end as a position the Vikings could look to supplement prior to training camp. I get that. After T.J. Hockenson and Josh Oliver, tight end has as many questions as edge. If the Vikings run more three-tight end formations, that need for another tight end increases. Despite those concerns, I’m a little more concerned about the Vikings edge situation. I wouldn’t go so far as to say that the Vikings season is dependent on the signing of a proven edge player but I do believe that one is needed. Fortunately, there are a few interesting edge players available.

Jadeveon Clowney
Haason Reddick
Leonard Floyd
Kyle Van Noy
Joey Bosa

There are a few more but I see the above five as the best fits for a Brian Flores. Personally, I see Jadeveon Clowney and Haason Reddick as the top options. Of those, I like Clowney best. Maybe I’m enamored by his 8.5 sacks in only 13 games with the Dallas Cowboys. Maybe I’m still enamored by the ridiculous talents that he brought to the NFL 12 years ago. He might not have ever developed into the overwhelming pass rusher many expected but he had been an impact player in all of his 12 seasons in the league. For the natural talent he brings, it’s a little surprising that he’s played for seven teams. That bouncing around shows that he’s used to picking up a new defense. I believe that Jadeveon Clowney would be an excellent post-draft addition. Haason Reddick would be a nice addition as well.