The 2027 NFL Draft in Washington, D.C., is poised to be a historic event, with projections surpassing one million attendees, according to Washington Commanders owner Josh Harris and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. This significant milestone would break the current record, set in Detroit in 2025, when over 750,000 fans attended. The event will be held on the National Mall, with the Capitol building serving as a stunning backdrop.

The announcement made by President Donald Trump, alongside Goodell and Harris, also coincides with plans for a new stadium near the Capitol, aiming to attract future NFL events, including the Super Bowl. The NFL Draft has increasingly become a celebrated event, with massive economic impacts reported in past host cities. The draft is not just a selection event, but a cultural celebration, showcasing the sport's influence and the progress of the nation's capital.

Mike Tomlin's nearly two-decade tenure as head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers has seen its share of NFL draft successes and failures. While Tomlin has achieved a great deal in his career, some of his draft picks have left fans scratching their heads. The list of ten of the worst selections includes players like Kenny Pickett, who was taken in the first round in 2022 despite a lack of enthusiasm from other teams for the quarterback class.

Other notable disappointments include Chase Claypool, whose performance failed to meet expectations, and Devin Bush, who was acquired at a high price but struggled to make an impact. Tomlin's selections like Ziggy Hood and Artie Burns also highlight the ongoing challenges of scouting and drafting effectively in the NFL. The narrative of Tomlin's draft history serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of talent evaluation at the professional level.

The Pittsburgh Panthers made a significant impact during the 2025 NFL Draft, with three players selected and several more receiving undrafted contracts or rookie minicamp invites. Notable among them is defensive end Nate Matlack, who had a solid season with the Panthers, recording 5 sacks and demonstrating his potential as he received invites from the Pittsburgh Steelers and Kansas City Chiefs.

Safety P.J. O'Brien is on a similar path, having been invited to minicamp by the Steelers after a noteworthy college career. He excelled particularly in his final season, achieving career highs in interceptions and tackles. Additionally, guard Jason Collier, who transitioned from tight end, is also aiming for a spot in the NFL after receiving minicamp invitations from both the Chiefs and New York Giants.

Other Panthers making the leap to professional football include Gavin Bartholomew (TE - Vikings), Branson Taylor (G/T - Chargers), and Konata Mumpfield (WR - Rams), showcasing the depth of talent coming out of Pittsburgh.

The New York Giants have emerged from the 2025 NFL draft with a sense of optimism, highlighted by the commendable performance of GM Joe Schoen, who made strategic picks that bolster both immediate and future needs. Key additions include linebacker Abdul Carter, lauded as a top prospect, and quarterback Jaxson Dart, secured through a trade back into the first round. With these selections, Schoen aims to turn the team's fortunes around after a difficult previous season.

However, not all players are enjoying the same momentum. Quarterback Tommy DeVito, despite being re-signed, finds himself on the roster bubble, overshadowed by the arrival of Dart and veteran Russell Wilson. Defensive coordinator Shane Bowen also sees potential synergy with a revamped defense, featuring rookies Carter and Darius Alexander, but faces pressure to deliver results with this upgraded unit.

Anticipation for the 2026 NFL Draft is already heating up, with Mike Fanelli's way-too-early mock draft shining a spotlight on potential first-round picks. Leading the pack is Garrett Nussmeier, quarterback from LSU, projected to the New Orleans Saints. Despite selecting Tyler Shough in 2025, the Saints may pivot to Nussmeier, whose lineage with the team's offensive coordinator adds intrigue.

The Cleveland Browns are also eyeing a quarterback, Drew Allar from Penn State, as their pick. Despite investing in the position in the previous draft, his impressive stats could compel them to make another move. Meanwhile, the New York Jets hope for Justin Fields to stabilize their quarterback situation enough not to select another, possibly bolstering their defensive line instead with Peter Woods from Clemson.

Other notable selections include Anthony Hill Jr. for the Panthers, who is seen as the solution to their linebacker woes, and Keldric Faulk for the Raiders, aimed at enhancing their edge rush against tough divisional rivals. The mock provides a comprehensive look at the evolving needs of teams and possible draft strategies as they prepare for the next big NFL event.