NFL Player News

The Jaguars selected Koziol in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft, 164th overall.

Koziol fell almost to the sixth round over concerns that he just doesn't have what it takes to be a blocker at the NFL level. At 6-foot-7, 247 pounds Koziol is big in general, but his height (93rd percentile, according to Mockdraftable) rapidly outpaces his weight (27th percentile). There's also the suspicion that Koziol just doesn't have tight-end temperament -- he truly might be a gigantic wide receiver. Finally, the good news: as a pass catcher Koziol clearly has NFL ability. Koziol drew targets at a rapid frequency at both Ball State and Houston, proving beyond any doubt that he will draw targets at a standout per-snap basis. The concern is that Koziol's lack of blocking ability and/or intent could result in a very low snap count, even if he makes the team. Long shot as he might be, Koziol is still a preferable fantasy target to Jaguars second-round pick Nate Boerkircher.

The Chiefs selected Johnson in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft, 161st overall.

Johnson (5-foot-10, 202 pounds) broke out in 2025, his fourth season with Nebraska, starting all 12 games and totaling 251 carries for 1,451 yards (No. 1 in the Big Ten) and 12 touchdowns while adding 46 catches for 370 receiving yards and another three scores. While Johnson's production, lateral agility and pass-catching chops stand out, his testing numbers were merely average, though he improved on his 4.56-second NFL Combine 40-yard dash with a 4.49-second total at Nebraska's pro day. Despite falling to the fifth round, Johnson's landing spot in head coach Andy Reid's offense is intriguing, with Emari Demercado and Brashard Smith representing his most notable competition for reserve work behind new No. 1 running back Kenneth Walker. Johnson's upside case may be limited to that of a change-of-pace role behind Walker, but he'll be a solid candidate to produce with such a gig if he can secure consistent opportunities.

The Vikings selected Demmings in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft, 163rd overall.

Demmings (6-foot-1, 193 pounds) heads to Minnesota after five years at Stephen F. Austin, serving as a starter for the final 3.5 seasons. He never recorded more than 18 tackles in a season, but he piled up 39 pass breakups and eight interceptions over 32 games through his final three years. With a 4.41 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, Demmings has the tools and experience to develop into a starter in the NFL, and his physicality should provide an immediate boost on special teams.

The Ravens selected Rivers in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft, 162nd overall.

Rivers was a steady starter for Duke from 2023 to 2025, and he was named to the All-ACC Second-Team in his senior year after posting 59 total tackles, one forced fumble and 10 pass defenses (two interceptions) across 13 games. He primarily played on the outside but also saw some work at the nickel corner, the latter of which could be his position as he enters the NFL. Rivers' 5-foot-9 frame is a little underwhelming and might limit his effectiveness as a run stopper, but his speed and fluidity made him difficult for opposing receivers to shake off. Rivers will compete with the likes of Marlon Humphrey, T.J. Tampa and Chidobe Awuzie for a consistent role and snaps in the Ravens secondary.

The Buccaneers selected Schrauth in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft, 160th overall.

Schrauth boasts solid size (6-5, 310 pounds) and athletic ability, and he started 19 games over his last two seasons at Notre Dame. However, he also missed a significant chunk of contests during his college career, so there is some reason to question his ability to stay healthy. Schrauth does a good job staying in front of defenders but can struggle on occasion getting to quicker rushers and linebackers, and his arm length isn't deal for his position, which can cause some issues. Schrauth will slot into a depth role on the Buccaneers' offensive line, perhaps developing into a contributing role.

The Vikings selected Bredeson in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft, 159th overall.

For a fullback to go in the fifth round these days is to all but set aside a roster spot for him, though Bredeson's lack of athletic testing makes it difficult to assess how notable of a fullback prospect he might be. Either way, the Michigan product has a good chance to make the Minnesota roster following the retirement of longtime standout fullback C.J. Ham.

The Dolphins selected Taaffe in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft, 158th overall.

Taaffe, out of Texas, started all 26 games over his final two collegiate seasons and generated 148 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, 3.0 sacks, 15 pass breakups and four interceptions. He's an extremely aggressive safety who is comfortable as a run stopper and in coverage. His size is a serious question mark, however, as he measured in at 6-foot, 190 pounds while having some of the smallest arms for a safety in the draft. Taaffe's skills may not be enough to overcome his physical limitations, but there should be a clear path to a role on special teams.

The Colts selected Gumbs in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft, 156th overall.

Gumbs (6-foot-4, 245 pounds) spent time transitioning between multiple positions early in his career at Northern Illinois, including wide receiver and tight end, before settling in as an edge rusher in 2023 and then transferring to Florida in 2024 and starting one-and-half seasons. As a rookie, the 23-year-old will be a solid candidate to carve out a rotational role in Indianapolis' deep pass rush corps that includes Laiatu Latu, JT Tuimoloau, Micheal Clemons and Arden Key, as well as defensive tackles DeForest Buckner (neck) and Grover Stewart.

The Lions selected Abney in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft, 157th overall.

Abney mostly served as an outside corner during his three-year college career at Arizona State, and he was named to the All-Big 12 First-Team in 2025 after posting 44 total tackles, including 1.0 sacks, two forced fumbles and 12 pass defenses (two interceptions) across 12 games. Abney allowed a completion rate of just 44.4 percent when targeted in 2025, a testament to how feisty he can be given his slightly undersized 5-foot-10 frame. He has the athletic instincts and anticipation to thrive both in zone defense and man-to-man and could establish himself as a key piece to the Lions' secondary if he can continue to develop his technique and discipline. Abney figures to enter training camp battling for a depth role at cornerback behind Terrion Arnold (shoulder) and D.J. Reed, with Rock Ya-Sin, Roger McCreary and Christian Izien also in the mix.

The Buccaneers selected Capehart in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft, 155th overall.

Capehart boasts an ample frame (6-foot-5, 313 pounds) and played 1-technique at Clemson, so there is some potential here for Capehart to develop, but he wasn't a full-time starter in college. The Bucs are taking a lottery ticket on a guy with plenty of potential. However, after racking up 21 tackles and 3.0 sacks as a senior, Capehart will likely require some development.