AutoDraft Pro
Get the app

Player news from trusted outlets

NFL News

Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.

Saturday, April 25

Steelers Draft Versatile Navy Weapon Eli Heidenreich in Round 7

AutoDraft Pro AI

The Pittsburgh Steelers selected Navy RB/WR Eli Heidenreich with the 230th overall pick. A hometown product, Heidenreich tallied 3,151 yards over three seasons, averaging 6.8 yards per carry and setting a school record with 941 receiving yards in 2025. He led combine-invited RBs in missed tackles forced per attempt (0.30) and receiving yards per route run (4.73). His elite positional versatility earned the Steelers a "B+" grade as he becomes the first Navy teammate drafted since 1956.

Jeremiyah Love Identified as Cardinals' Top Draft Selection

AutoDraft Pro AI

Jeremiyah Love has emerged as the consensus premier talent of the Arizona Cardinals' 2026 draft class. Despite external debate regarding the team's controversial quarterback picks, Love is viewed as a foundational piece expected to contribute significantly to the roster immediately. Analysts have labeled him the best player the team selected, praising his fit within the Cardinals' system as they navigate post-draft evaluations and look to solidify their offensive identity for the season.

Brock Purdy Cited as Benchmark for 2026 Draft Sleepers

AutoDraft Pro AI

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy continues to serve as the gold standard for late-round NFL Draft success. His trajectory was cited as a benchmark for evaluating five potential 2026 sleepers and was referenced during the crowning of the Broncos' Red Murdock as this year's "Mr. Irrelevant." Purdy’s rise from the final pick to a franchise starter remains a key analytical tool for teams looking to find immediate contributors among unheralded prospects in the later rounds.

Jets and Browns Finalize Trade Details for DT Jowon Briggs

AutoDraft Pro AI

The New York Jets and Cleveland Browns have finalized the draft pick swaps associated with last year's trade of defensive tackle Jowon Briggs. As the 2026 NFL Draft picks were officially made, the transaction involving the big interior lineman reached its conclusion. The Jets utilized the assets acquired in the deal to bolster their roster, closing the book on the trade that sent Briggs to Cleveland and establishing the final value exchanged between the two franchises.

Colts Draft Oklahoma WR Deion Burks in Seventh Round

AutoDraft Pro AI

The Indianapolis Colts selected Oklahoma wide receiver Deion Burks with the 254th overall pick in the seventh round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Burks joins the Colts as a late-round addition, providing depth and competition for their receiving corps as the team prepares for its summer program. As one of the final picks in the draft, Burks faces an uphill battle to secure a roster spot but brings valuable collegiate experience from a high-profile program to the Indianapolis offense.

Chiefs Select LSU QB Garrett Nussmeier in Seventh Round

AutoDraft Pro AI

The Kansas City Chiefs selected LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier with the 249th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Nussmeier, 24, threw for 4,052 yards and 29 touchdowns in 2024 before a core injury limited his 2025 production to 1,927 yards. Despite the injury, he improved his completion percentage to 67.4%. Profiling as a pocket passer, he ranked 15th in rushing yards per game when removing sacks and looks to develop his NFL upside behind Patrick Mahomes in Kansas City.

Steelers and Bengals Finalize Terms of Kyle Dugger Trade

AutoDraft Pro AI

The trade involving safety Kyle Dugger has officially wrapped up following the conclusion of the 2026 NFL Draft. The transaction between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals saw its final draft pick components settled as the three-day event ended. Dugger, a key defensive piece, had his move finalized as teams processed the last of their trade obligations. The completion of this deal allows both AFC North rivals to move forward with their finalized 2026 rosters.

Commanders and 49ers Remain in Stalemate Over Brandon Aiyuk

AutoDraft Pro AI

The Washington Commanders maintain significant interest in acquiring wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, but a potential move remains stalled. San Francisco 49ers GM John Lynch confirmed trade discussions are ongoing but stated the team will not release the disgruntled veteran anytime soon. The 49ers are hesitant to cut Aiyuk if Washington is willing to trade, while the Commanders are waiting to see if he becomes a free agent, leaving the receiver's status in a temporary league stalemate.

Bears Select Iowa Center Logan Jones in Second Round

AutoDraft Pro AI

The Chicago Bears addressed the interior of their offensive line by selecting Iowa center Logan Jones in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Taken with the 57th overall pick, Jones is a key piece of a seven-player rookie class designed to strengthen the team's core. Coming from a program renowned for producing professional-grade linemen, Jones is expected to provide immediate depth and compete for a starting position as the Bears look to solidify their protection schemes.

Bears Add LSU WR Zavion Thomas in Third Round

AutoDraft Pro AI

The Chicago Bears selected LSU wide receiver Zavion Thomas in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft, 89th overall. Thomas joins a draft class that features first-round safety Dillon Thieneman and third-round tight end Sam Roush. By adding Thomas, the Bears continue to surround their offensive core with young playmakers. The LSU product will bring SEC experience to a Chicago receiving room that the front office has prioritized through both the draft and undrafted free agency.

Bears Draft Oregon Safety Dillon Thieneman in First Round

AutoDraft Pro AI

The Chicago Bears launched their 2026 NFL Draft by selecting Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman with the 25th overall pick. Thieneman headlines a seven-member rookie class that includes additions at center, tight end, and wide receiver. As the team's top selection, Thieneman is expected to compete for an immediate starting role in the secondary. His arrival marks a significant investment in the Bears' defensive backfield as they look to improve their pass defense for the upcoming season.

Bears Select Stanford TE Sam Roush in Third Round

AutoDraft Pro AI

The Chicago Bears selected Stanford tight end Sam Roush in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft with the 69th overall pick. Acquired via a trade with Tennessee, Roush is part of a seven-player draft class intended to bolster the Bears' offensive depth. Known for his collegiate production at Stanford, Roush joins a revamped Chicago roster that also added talent at safety, center, and wide receiver during the first two days of the draft to support their offensive unit.

Jordan Mason Trade Officially Finalized

AutoDraft Pro AI

The trade involving Jordan Mason has been officially finalized following the completion of draft-day transactions. The deal, which included a 2026 draft pick, was processed before the start of the draft weekend. The transaction is now fully complete, clearing the books for the involved teams as the Vikings integrate the running back into their roster.

Colts Add Kentucky RB Seth McGowan in Round 7

AutoDraft Pro AI

The Indianapolis Colts selected Kentucky RB Seth McGowan in the seventh round of the 2026 NFL Draft, 237th overall. After stints at Oklahoma, Butler Community College, and New Mexico State, McGowan landed at Kentucky, where he averaged 4.4 YPC in 2025. Among combine-invited RBs, he ranked 12th in missed tackles forced per attempt (0.21). The 25-year-old rookie joins a thin Colts backfield looking to provide depth and production.

Jarvis Brownlee Trade Finalized

AutoDraft Pro AI

The trade involving Jarvis Brownlee has been officially completed during the 2026 NFL Draft. The transaction, which sends the player to the New York Jets, is now finalized, allowing both organizations to move forward with their respective roster configurations following the draft proceedings.

Saints Select TE Oscar Delp

AutoDraft Pro AI

The New Orleans Saints selected tight end Oscar Delp as their final draft pick of Day 2 in the 2026 NFL Draft. The team focused on adding depth to their receiving corps and tight end room with this selection, concluding their activity for the second day of the draft.

Raiders Select RB Mike Washington in Round 4

AutoDraft Pro AI

The Las Vegas Raiders selected Arkansas running back Mike Washington in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft, 122nd overall. The 6’1, 223-pounder set career highs in 2025 with 167 carries, 1,070 yards, and 28 receptions, averaging 6.4 yards per rush. He ranked fourth among combine-invited RBs in yards after contact per attempt (3.86). Washington, who spent time at Buffalo and New Mexico State before his breakout in Fayetteville, will serve as a backup in the Raiders' backfield.

Michael Pittman Trade Results Finalized

AutoDraft Pro AI

The trade involving Michael Pittman has been officially completed. The transaction, which was a point of interest for the Pittsburgh Steelers' roster management, is now fully processed as the team concludes its draft-day activities.

Saints Receive 'B' Grade for Drafting Lorenzo Styles Jr.

AutoDraft Pro AI

The New Orleans Saints selected Lorenzo Styles Jr. during the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Draft analyst Josh Edwards awarded the Saints a 'B' grade for the selection, reflecting the team's strategy in the middle rounds as they look to integrate Styles into their roster.

Bengals Draft Athletic TE Jack Endries in Round 7

AutoDraft Pro AI

The Cincinnati Bengals selected Texas TE Jack Endries in the seventh round of the 2026 NFL Draft. An athletic move tight end who played 46.9% of his snaps from the slot, Endries saw his production surge to 56 catches for 623 yards and 2 TDs while playing with QB Fernando Mendoza. Among Combine invitees, he ranked eighth in 2025 aDOT (8.2). He enters the NFL at 22 years old, looking to translate his collegiate receiving market share to the professional level.