NFL Draft Notebook: Jets weighing QB gamble as Dolphins confront Tua's future

The NFL Combine is the clearest window into how teams are thinking ahead of the draft. This week’s NFL Draft Notebook looks at a high-ceiling quarterback drawing interest from the New York Jets, why Tua Tagovailoa makes the most sense for the Miami Dolphins despite the noise, and several prospects whose stock is shifting after Indianapolis.

Jets are showing interest in a high-end upside QB

One quarterback the New York Jets are showing strong interest in that has high upside is Taylen Green. Going into the season, I noted that he “may have the highest ceiling in the 2026 NFL Draft thanks to his rare combination of size, speed, and arm strength,” and these traits were on full display as he posted a blistering 4.36 40-yard dash, the second fastest quarterback time since 2023, and also posted the highest marks at the position in over 20 years in both the vertical and broad jump. While he still has a ways to go as a passer, he is someone who could fit with the team as a Day Three pick as a developmental quarterback.

Why Tua should return to Miami

While there has been widespread speculation that the Miami Dolphins could move on from Tua Tagovailoa this offseason, their best option may be sticking with him. The biggest reason is his massive $99.2 million dead cap hit if he were released, and it would be surprising if another team traded for that contract. On top of that, it would be difficult to sign a quality starting quarterback if he is cut, and there may not be an immediate plug-and-play option available in the 2026 NFL Draft. All of that points to Tagovailoa returning to Miami being the smartest move, even if I honestly don’t see the Dolphins making that choice.

Caleb Banks strong day

A defensive tackle who impressed at the NFL Combine is Caleb Banks from Florida. Measuring 6-foot-6, 327 pounds with 35-inch arms, he ran an impressive 5.04 40-yard dash. That performance was important after he missed most of the season due to injury, playing in just three games and recording six tackles. When healthy, he has produced, including seven tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks in 2024. The Baltimore Ravens would likely welcome the chance to select him in the second round if he falls to them.

Lions center target

Center is one of the biggest needs for the Detroit Lions entering the 2026 NFL Draft, and it would not be surprising to see them address the position on Day Two. One player they have already met with is Jake Slaughter from Florida Gators football, who carries a fourth-round grade on my board. He earned second-team All-American honors this past season and consistently showcased a high football IQ, particularly in his ability to read defenses and handle protection calls.

Red flag with top edge rusher

One major concern with Rueben Bain Jr. is his 30⅞-inch arm length, which ranks as the fourth shortest among edge rushers measured since 1999. That is a bigger issue when you consider his game leans more on power than pure speed. Without ideal length, it becomes harder to lock out offensive tackles, control their chest, and consistently convert speed to power on bull rushes. Despite that concern, the Tennessee Titans and Cincinnati Bengals appear to have a strong interest in him.

Bears thin draft board

Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles said on the The Todd McShay Show that the Bears will have one of their smallest draft boards in years. That likely signals the team does not carry high grades on many late-round prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft. With two seventh-round picks, do not be surprised if Chicago packages at least one of them to move up and target a player they value higher rather than sitting back and selecting from a thin board.

Drew Allar impresses

One quarterback that impressed me in his throwing session is Drew Allar from Penn State. He showed excellent placement on most of his throws and demonstrated the arm strength and accuracy to consistently hit the deep ball. This was particularly impressive after his Penn State career was cut short by injury. One team he met with in Indianapolis is the Pittsburgh Steelers, which could be a logical landing spot in the middle of the draft, especially since head coach Mike McCarthy has a proven track record of improving quarterbacks’ footwork, an area Allar still needs to develop.

The rich keep getting richer

The Seattle Seahawks rode a dominant pass rush to a Super Bowl title this season, and do not be surprised if they look to reinforce that strength in the NFL Draft. One player they have met with is R Mason Thomas from Oklahoma who is a dynamic edge rusher who has recorded 15.5 sacks over the past two seasons. He could serve as a potential replacement for Boye Mafe, who is scheduled to hit free agency this offseason.

Don’t let slow 40-time fool ya

A player who struggled at the NFL Combine is Emmett Johnson from Nebraska, who ran the slowest 40-yard dash among running backs at 4.56 seconds. Despite that, scouts should not overlook him, as he is one of the most underrated players in the 2026 NFL Draft. Johnson showcased a multi-dimensional game, rushing for 1,451 yards this season and catching 46 passes, the second-highest single-season total for a Nebraska running back. His top traits include impressive vision and contact balance, which helped him force 68 missed tackles this season, according to PFF. The Denver Broncos and Minnesota Vikings have both shown interest in him.

One more player who disappointed

Another player who struggled at the NFL Combine and could go undrafted is Miles Kitselman from Tennessee. He ran the slowest 40-yard dash among tight ends at 4.9 seconds and posted the fifth-worst vertical jump. This comes on the heels of a down season, during which he dropped five passes and was named NFL Mock’s tight end coming off a disappointing year. Going into the Combine, I had him graded as a fifth-round prospect, but it’s starting to look like he could be a very late pick or go undrafted.