The biggest NFL news this week was Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers announcing this will likely be his final season. In this week’s NFL Draft Notebook, we break down a potential replacement who, like Rodgers, played for the California Golden Bears. Beyond the quarterback situation in Pittsburgh, this article also highlights one of college football’s most dynamic running backs, examines top draft needs for the Dallas Cowboys, and covers several other key topics.
Latest 2026 NFL Draft news and notes
Who replaces Aaron Rodgers
With Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers likely playing his final NFL season, the key question is who will take over in 2026. Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza, who transferred over from California this fall, is a solid mid-first-round candidate. He boasts strong arm power, far superior to Kenny Pickett, whom the Steelers selected in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft, and can make every NFL throw. Mendoza is a versatile athlete who can deliver from both the pocket and on the run. His main flaw is inconsistent footwork. He often gets jittery in the pocket and needs to improve setting his feet before passing.
Dynamic back
One of the most dynamic backs in college football heading into 2025 is Kansas State’s Dylan Edwards. Last season, he led all Power Four running backs with at least 70 carries by averaging 7.4 yards per attempt, and his 51.3% breakaway rate (per PFF) highlights his big-play ability. Edwards is more than just a runner. He’s a versatile weapon with 55 receptions over the past two seasons and the hands to be a legitimate threat in the passing game. He’s also a proven return specialist with experience on both punts and kickoffs. At just 5-foot-9 and 167 pounds, he’s not built for heavy volume in the NFL, but in the right system, a creative coordinator can weaponize his speed and elusiveness while maximizing his value on special teams.
Is corner a priority in Dallas?
Cornerback could be a top priority for the Dallas Cowboys in the 2026 NFL Draft. Trevon Diggs is coming off the worst season of his career per PFF and has a contract the team can get out of next offseason with minimal cap damage. Kaiir Elam, the team’s other starting corner, is set to hit free agency as well. That leaves DaRon Bland as the only proven corner under contract heading into 2026. The team did invest a third-round pick in Shavon Revel Jr., but he’s coming off a major injury and might not be ready to take on a starting role.One corner who could be a great pick in the first round is Clemson’s Avieon Terrell.
Top player in the ACC
The Athletic recently released its list of the top 25 players in the ACC, with Clemson defensive end T.J. Parker taking the top spot. It’s a well-earned nod for a player who already carries a high first-round grade on my board heading into the 2025 season. Parker was a force last year, racking up 19.5 tackles for loss and 11 sacks. As an NFL prospect, he brings a rare combination of speed and power, showing explosive burst off the edge and the strength to set the edge against the run. If he builds on last season’s production, don’t be surprised if he hears his name called in the top ten next April.
Kyler Murray-type prospect
Utah quarterback Devon Dampier is flying under the radar, but his game draws clear comparisons to Kyler Murray. Both are elite athletes with similar builds, with Murray at 5-foot-10, 207 pounds and Dampier at 5-foot-10, 198. Last season at New Mexico, Dampier led the Mountain West in total offense with 3,934 yards, throwing for 2,768 and rushing for 1,166. His speed, elusiveness, and raw arm talent are intriguing, but to be viewed as a true NFL prospect, he’ll need to make major strides in mechanics, decision-making, and accuracy.
"He's (Devon Dampier) the type of player who can pull a rabbit out of a hat, and defending his improvisational plays is a nightmare."ESPN’s Tom Luginbill
Dolphins NFL Draft target
One of the Dolphins' biggest needs in the 2026 NFL Draft is offensive tackle, especially if they pass on a cornerback in the first round. A player who could be high on their draft board is Utah’s Spencer Fano. The 2024 All-American has All-Pro potential thanks to his strength, mobility, and clean, efficient technique. He also brings valuable versatility with experience at both left and right tackle, making him a strong fit for any spot on the line.
Great ball skills
One of the top ball hawks in the 2026 NFL Draft is West Virginia cornerback Michael Coats Jr. Last season at Nevada, he finished second in the FBS with 17 passes defended and earned Group of Five All-American honors from Hero Sports. Coats pairs elite ball skills with strong quickness, and his former coach Jeff Choate praised his "goldfish memory," a direct nod to Ted Lasso, where players are told to forget mistakes quickly and move on. That mindset is especially important at corner. The main concern with Coats is his size at 5-foot-10, 180 pounds, which may lead NFL teams to view him primarily as a nickel defender.
Texans draft target
While the Texans took offensive lineman Aireontae Ersery in the second round of this year’s draft, the offensive line still looks like a problem, especially at center. Jarrett Patterson struggled for most of last season, and Jake Andrews posted a poor 34.2 pass-blocking grade from PFF. If either ends up starting and continues to underperform, center will be a top need in the 2026 NFL Draft. One prospect who would be an instant upgrade is Iowa’s Logan Jones, a first-team All-Big Ten selection with 38 career starts. Houston could likely land him with one of their two second-round picks next year.
Big talk for a bench warmer
Boston College transfer Thomas Castellanos made headlines this week with his bold claim about Alabama: “They don't have Nick Saban to save them. I just don't see them stopping me." This from the same quarterback who was benched last season and now plays for a Florida State team that went 2-10 last season. Safe to say Alabama will be just fine without Nick Saban in this one.