Now that the NFL offseason is officially underway, every team from the Las Vegas Raiders, who finished with the league’s worst record, to the Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks is evaluating ways to improve. In this week’s Draft Notebook, we break down why the Raiders might move Maxx Crosby, a potential Patriots solution at left tackle, and other NFL Draft storylines to watch.
Raiders could have even more NFL Draft capital
The Las Vegas Raiders already have massive draft capital, holding the number one pick and a total of 10 selections. That total could grow if the team trades five-time Pro Bowl pass rusher Maxx Crosby. A trade would likely net several picks, including at least one first-rounder this season and a first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. This move would make sense, as Crosby will be 29 next season and the Raiders are still years away from being a true contender.
Patriots answer at left tackle
One thing became clear in the Super Bowl. Left tackle Will Campbell looks like a better long-term fit at offensive guard. Moving him inside creates a new hole at left tackle, and one possible first-round solution is Georgia’s Monroe Freeling. Freeling has the length Campbell lacks at 6-foot-7, and in his first full season as a starter he earned second-team All-SEC honors. Along with his size, he flashes natural power that should continue to develop as his technique improves, giving the Patriots a potential long-term answer on the blind side.
Chiefs showing interest in Duke lineman
The Kansas City Chiefs met with Duke offensive lineman Brian Parker II at the East-West Shrine Bowl, signaling potential mid-round interest. Parker’s value lies in his versatility, having started at both right and left tackle in college while also taking reps at guard and center during Shrine Bowl practices. That flexibility fits a Chiefs offense that prioritizes adaptable linemen and needs improvement in the run game after averaging just 106 rushing yards per game last season, making Parker a logical developmental target who could provide depth and physical run-blocking help up front.
Intriguing Day 3 prospect
Wake Forest offensive tackle Fa’alili Fa’amoe is a Day Three prospect with real upside due to his athletic traits. He moves well in pass protection, slides smoothly against speed rushers, and uses that mobility to reach the second level as a run blocker. The reason he is likely to slide in the 2026 NFL Draft is technical. Poor footwork, inconsistent pad level, and a lack of play strength limit his effectiveness right now. Even so, his athletic ceiling gives him a real chance to outperform his draft slot with proper coaching.
Falcons replacement for James Pearce Jr.
With Falcons outside linebacker James Pearce Jr. facing serious legal trouble, the team may need to look to the 2026 NFL Draft for a potential replacement. That task is more difficult without a first-round pick after trading it away to acquire Pearce, making it harder to find a true impact edge defender. Still, one name to watch in the second round is Oklahoma’s R. Mason Thomas, a quick and dynamic pass rusher who could help fill the void off the edge.
Speed concerns
According to Tony Pauline of Essentially Sports, the reason Toledo safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren pulled out of the Senior Bowl was concerns about his speed. If that is accurate, it could push him all the way into Day Three of the NFL Draft. McNeil-Warren is coming off an impressive season in which he earned AP third-team All-American honors and was the only safety in the country with 90.0-plus PFF grades in both run defense and coverage. However, he lacks bulk at 6-foot-2, 202 pounds, played at the Group of Five level, and carries speed questions. That combination makes it difficult for a team to justify taking him before the fourth round.
Man in the middle for the Panthers
One of the Panthers’ top offseason needs is center, and a potential Day Two option who could step in immediately is Texas A&M’s Trey Zuhn III. Zuhn started at left tackle for the Aggies, but his shorter arm length projects him inside at the NFL level. He is an athletic lineman who excels in pass protection. Last season, he was PFF’s highest-graded pass blocker in college football and won the Jacobs Blocking Trophy as the SEC’s top offensive lineman. His pass-protection ability would be a major boost in keeping the pocket clean for Bryce Young.
Veteran QB on the move
One veteran quarterback who could be on the move without costing much draft capital is New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr. Carr retired last season due to a shoulder injury but has been throwing recently and appears fully recovered. One team that could part with a late-round pick for him is the Arizona Cardinals, who are reportedly looking to move on from Kyler Murray. Carr would be a strong fit in Mike LaFleur’s offense due to his intelligence, accuracy, and leadership at the position.
Speedy wide receiver who could fit in Seattle
While the Seahawks will likely prioritize re-signing Rashid Shaheed, a potential replacement with the 32nd overall pick is Georgia wideout Zachariah Branch. Branch is a speedster who can stretch defenses like Shaheed and also contributes as a returner. He averaged 20.5 yards per kickoff return and 12 yards per punt return, earning the 2023 Jet Award as the nation’s top return specialist, which is an area Seattle would need to address if Shaheed departs in free agency.
ZACHARIAH BRANCH HIT THE SIU AFTER THE TD 🔥 pic.twitter.com/YWZZLAg0cb
— ESPN (@espn) December 7, 2025
Small hands
While LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier had a strong Senior Bowl week, one number that will likely raise red flags for NFL scouts is his hand size. He measured just 8 6/8 inches, which could affect his accuracy and ball control, especially in poor weather. Combined with a lackluster 2025 season, this could cause Nussmeier to slide to the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft.