One of the more compelling storylines in the NFL right now is whether the Atlanta Falcons will move on from Kyle Pitts. Taken fourth overall in the 2021 NFL Draft, Pitts has failed to meet expectations the past two seasons. This week’s NFL Draft Notebook highlights a possible 2026 replacement for Pitts, a BYU wideout with serious big-play ability, a receiver the Browns should have on their radar, and more.
Latest NFL Draft news and notes
Kyle Pitts’ replacement
There’s a good chance the Atlanta Falcons will move on from tight end Kyle Pitts, either via trade during training camp or after the season when his contract is up. If they do, one name to watch in the 2026 NFL Draft is Oregon’s Kenyon Sadiq, who was recently named to NFL Mocks’ Preseason All-Big Ten NFL Draft team. Like Pitts, Sadiq is an elite athlete who can stretch the field vertically, but he brings more to the table as a blocker. Despite being slightly undersized, he was one of only two tight ends last season to earn top-15 grades as both a receiver and a run blocker, according to Pro Football Focus.
Should be ready to go
BYU wide receiver Chase Roberts, who tore the labrum in his left shoulder during the bowl game against Colorado, should be ready for fall camp. He’s expected to be BYU’s go-to target after recording 52 catches for 854 yards last season, averaging an impressive 16.4 yards per reception. What makes Roberts such a dangerous weapon is his imposing size, which he uses to dominate in contested catch situations, hauling in 78% of passes thrown to him in tight coverage according to Pro Football Focus.
Best since Travis Kelce
Cincinnati could have its best tight end since Travis Kelce this season in Joe Royer. Last year, Royer broke Kelce’s single-season school record with 50 receptions for 522 yards and three touchdowns, earning first-team All-Big 12 honors and a Senior Bowl invite before deciding to return to school. As a pro prospect, Royer is a physical pass catcher who consistently uses his hands to pluck the ball out of the air rather than letting it into his body. At 6-foot-5 and 255 pounds, he’s a surprisingly agile athlete who can adjust to off-target throws and even hurdle defenders. If he can take the next step as a blocker, he has the tools to be a day two pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
One more for the city #LLM #AGTG pic.twitter.com/iqRe8fWy2l
— Joe Royer 🤡 (@JoeRoyer25) December 15, 2024
Wide receiver Browns will be keeping a close eye on
It was a bit surprising that the Cleveland Browns didn’t draft a single wide receiver in the 2025 NFL Draft, especially given the lack of proven depth behind Jerry Jeudy. Expect that to change in 2026, particularly if Dillon Gabriel or Shedeur Sanders emerges as the long-term answer at quarterback. One wide receiver the Browns could target with one of their two first-round picks is Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson, a physical playmaker who shows flashes reminiscent of three-time Pro Bowler Dez Bryant.
Colorado’s next first-round corner
Last season, Colorado’s Travis Hunter was one of the top cornerbacks in college football and went number two overall to Jacksonville in the 2025 NFL Draft. This year, DJ McKinney could follow in his footsteps as another first-round talent. McKinney picked off three passes and tied for fourth in the Big 12 with nine pass breakups last year. At 6-foot-2, he’s a fluid athlete who can get in and out of breaks with ease and has the speed to match up with even the fastest NFL receivers. One team that could be a possible fit for him is the Green Bay Packers.
Could Sawyer Robertson be this year’s Cam Ward
Matt Miller of ESPN recently released his list of 10 NFL Draft sleepers, and one name that stood out was Baylor quarterback Sawyer Robertson. I agree with Miller’s assessment, as Robertson has the tools to make a major rise up draft boards. At 6-foot-4 and 220 pounds, he moves surprisingly well for his size and has the arm strength to hit the deep ball with ease, recording 52 completions of 20-plus yards last season. He also shows a high football IQ, frequently making pre-snap reads and protection calls in Baylor’s offense. I currently give him a fourth-round grade, which is well above his consensus ranking as the 626th overall prospect and a projected undrafted free agent, according to NFL Mock Draft Database.
"If you want a dude that's going to come out of nowhere, it's (Sawyer Robertson). He's what everyone wants Drew Allar to be. Big, big arm, and he can move."AFC South scout to ESPN
A linebacker who could make sense in Chicago
While the Chicago Bears extended T.J. Edwards this offseason, they could look to move on from Tremaine Edmunds after the year. A possible replacement to watch in the 2026 NFL Draft is Michigan’s Jaishawn Barham, one of the most athletic off-ball linebackers in the class. He shows the burst to get after the quarterback and the fluidity to hold up well in coverage. On top of his athleticism, Barham is a reliable tackler who wraps up well and brings pop on contact. I currently have a day three grade on him, but if he continues to grow in Michigan’s defensive system, he has a shot to rise into day two territory by April.
Multi-Sport star
One of the top centers in the 2026 NFL Draft is Kansas’s Bryce Foster, who was named second-team All-Big 12 last season after not allowing a single sack and giving up just seven pressures. This week, he also earned second-team All-American honors in track and field for his performance in the shot put. His success in both sports highlights his raw explosiveness and power, traits that translate well to the NFL. I currently have a day three grade on Foster, but his stock could rise, and one potential landing spot to watch is the Carolina Panthers.