Draft speculation continues this weekend with South Carolina DB Jalon Kilgore discussed as Commanders’ 3rd round pick

OXFORD, MISSISSIPPI - NOVEMBER 1: Jalon Kilgore #24 of the South Carolina Gamecocks reacts against the Mississippi Rebels at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium on November 1, 2025 in Oxford, Mississippi. (Photo by Randy J. Williams/Getty Images) | Getty ImagesCommanders linksArticles

A to Z Sports

The Commanders have shown strong interest in DB Jalon Kilgore

Kilgore has been a fast riser throughout the draft process. He may not make it to pick No. 71 overall, but if he is, he might be the pick. NFL Draft analyst Aaron Wilson says Kilgore has a visit with many teams, including the Washington Commanders.

[Defensive coordinator Daronte] Jones wants experience, versatility, speed, and high IQ, and Kilgore can do it all.

Kilgore is just turning 21 years old, and one of the most versatile defenders in the NFL Draft. He played primarily as a nickel CB at South Carolina, but he also has over 300 snaps at safety over the last two season. Some teams see him as a safety at the next level, but he can play both at 6-1, 211 pounds.

Jalon Kilgore not only posted a 9.66 RAS score at the NFL Combine, but he's got true ability to take the ball away as a back-end Safety. A compilation of some of his 8 INT's at South Carolina from 2023-25.#SouthCarolina#NFLDraft#NFLCombinepic.twitter.com/b6oxBZxNrN

- All 22 Films (@All_22_NFL_Cuts) March 3, 2026

Kilgore is an athletic freak who ran a 4.40 40-yard dash with a 37'' vertical. He put up a 9.66 Relative Athletic Score, which the Commanders always love as well. He flashed his ball skills with seven interceptions over the last two seasons. Kilgore's speed helps him cover a lot of ground in coverage along with his instincts.

Kilgore is also one of the best run-stopping defensive backs in the draft this year, which has been a weakness for Washington as well. He's up there with Keionte Scott as options for the Washington Commanders at pick No. 71.

Keionte Scott is going to make some DC very happy pic.twitter.com/KH1RFwG4K6

- Brett Kollmann (@BrettKollmann) April 11, 2026

ESPN

2026 NFL draft: Latest Washington Commanders updates, intel, buzz

Commanders to host multiple WRs

Friday, April 10: The Commanders clearly want to add another receiver opposite Terry McLaurin - whether that comes with the seventh pick or lower remains uncertain.

They have hosted, or will host, receivers such as Carnell Tate (OSU) and Makai Lemon (USC) and Omar Cooper Jr. (Indiana). Because Washington doesn't pick again until the 71st selection, there's a good chance Cooper will be gone by that point.

They have met multiple times with Ted Hurst (Georgia State), whom one NFC assistant predicted would be gone by the third round. Analysts and teams consider this a deep receiver draft; the question for the Commanders becomes when do they take one? But while they've added more depth at the position, they need someone who can become a strong No. 2 at the very least.

"[KC Concepcion] looks like he's shot out of a cannon with the ball in his hands." @minakimes believes the WR prospect's upside is too tantalizing to pass up pic.twitter.com/jxXXpcZjNC

- NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) April 10, 2026

Our final WR Big Board is officially set!

Why did NDSU's Bryce Lance take the top spot over Carnell Tate and Makai Lemon?

It all comes down to traits and versatility.

Dive into the full rankings on today's Locked On Commanders!
#RaiseHail#Commanders#NFLDraft...

- David Harrison (@DHarrison82) April 11, 2026

From The Insiders on @NFLNetwork: @TomPelissero and I tackled several burning questions leading into the NFL Draft in less than two weeks. pic.twitter.com/nPUdeZvl6R

- Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 10, 2026

Commanders.com

Fred Smoot's guaranteed ballers' of 2026 draft class

Kenyon Sadiq | TE | Oregon
I love him. I think he is a faster version of Brock Bowers. I think he's a game breaker. There are some guys who are better in the pros than they are in college, and I think he'll be featured more as a pro because of his skill set. Just polish up his route running but as long as he has that speed, the quickness, and agility, I think he might be different."

Branden Thompson | WR | Mississippi State
You know he ran a 4.3 at the combine? He is a late-round steal who will provide big-time special teams play. He will be someone's #3 WR and a legit one at that."

Riggo's Rag

Unusual trade back prediction for the Commanders in next week's draft

The Commanders are without a second or fourth round pick in 2026 after their trade for left tackle Laremy Tunsil last offseason. While there is no doubt Peters would do that deal again in a heartbeat, it leaves him sort of premium capital. He could stand pat, but the front-office leader will also keep the phones open in case an offer to move back arrives.

NFL insider Jordan Schultz believes that scenario may come to fruition. Based on his conversations with several executives, there could be a flurry of activity in the top half of the first round. He also heard that teams are looking to acquire extra picks later in the draft, given the lack of blue-chip prospects at the top.

The expectation among many NFL teams is that the 2026 draft will be one of the more trade-heavy drafts in recent memory, according to multiple league sources. Several executives I've spoken with believe we're likely to see a flurry of activity in the first half of Round 1.

Additionally, because this specific draft lacks depth in the later rounds, many teams plan to pursue extra Day 2 and early Day 3 picks, per league sources."

It's a wait-and-see scenario. Peters acknowledged how unpredictable this year's draft is after Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza goes No. 1 overall to the Las Vegas Raiders. He'll be ready for anything, but it would have to be a pretty decent offer to move off a prospect high on their board.

Podcasts & videosPost-Signing 1-on-1: DB Amik Robertson | Free Agency Friday x Next Man Up | Washington Commanders

On this ep. of "All Ears with JP Finlay," @JPFinlayNBCS breaks down the latest mocks & talks #Commanders with @DanGrazianoESPN

We check in on the offseason in DAL, PHI & NY with @newyscruggs, @JClarkNBCS and @BruceBeck4NY

And fencing with @wisehog94!https://t.co/EAw7fxulXj

- NBC4 Sports (@NBC4Sports) April 10, 2026

NFC East links

Crossing Broad

Delusional Charles Omenihu Thinks 2023 49ers Were Better than 2024 Eagles

Former Chiefs DE Charles Omenihu on getting blown out by the Eagles in the Super Bowl: the 49ers Super Bowl team was better."

: @speakeasytlkshwpic.twitter.com/VXlHsuEVWF

- Victor Williams (@ThePhillyPod) April 10, 2026

Objectively speaking, that 49ers team went 12-5 in the regular season with losses to Cleveland, Minnesota, Cincy, Baltimore, and then the backups lost to the Rams, so that's a N/A. They got past the Packers and Lions in the playoffs by a field goal in each game. The Birds' Super Bowl team went 14-3, lost a fugazi game with Kenny Pickett in there, then hammered the Commanders and Chiefs in the playoffs while beating their other two playoff opponents by 12 points and 6 points.

BTW, Omenihu is a Washington Commander now. This guy is gonna get throttled by the Birds AGAIN.

Bleeding Green Nation

Dontayvion Wicks trade: Eagles acquire Packers wide receiver in exchange for draft picks

The Eagles are adding another wide receiver to the roster, as A.J. Brown trade speculation continues

EAGLES RECEIVE - Dontayvion Wicks

PACKERS RECEIVE - 2026 fifth-round pick, 2027 sixth-round pick

In addition, the Eagles are reportedly signing Wicks to a one-year, $12.5 million extension that will put him under contract through 2027.

Wicks is heading into his fourth year in the NFL and has 46 games of experience - and saw about 50 percent of the offensive snaps in those games. At 6-foot-1, 206 pounds, the 24-year-old receiver recorded 108 receptions for 1,328 yards and 11 touchdowns through his three seasons with the Packers.

He is just the latest addition to the Eagles' WR room, joining Hollywood Brown, and this move will only fan the flames of [expectations for] a future A.J. Brown trade. The move could also signal that the team is not planning to use a high draft pick on a rookie wide receiver, as some were speculating just weeks ahead of the event.

Bringing in Wicks gives the Eagles some added depth and experience. Plus he has familiarity with new Eagles offensive coordinator Sean Mannion, who spent the last two seasons on the Packers' coaching staff.

From The Insiders on @NFLNetwork: The #Eagles traded for #Packers WR Dontayvion Wicks, a deal that has wide-ranging ramifications. pic.twitter.com/Ev8jViOhSM

- Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 10, 2026

Big Blue View

Roseman steals Wicks while the Giants sleep

All they gave up is a low 5th and a 6th. Once again Roseman shows that you can use the trade market while the giants have dinosaur logic.

SB Nation/Blogging the Boys

SB Nation NFL Mock Draft: With the 12th pick the Dallas Cowboys select...

CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee

The Cowboys big needs coming into the draft are cornerback, edge rusher and linebacker. The run on top defensive talent early in this mock left only one blue-chip defender at pick 12, CB Jermod McCoy, but he certainly isn't a consolation prize.

McCoy and Mansoor Delane (taken earlier) are considered the best corners in the draft. McCoy's ACL recovery was the big red flag, but a stellar workout at his Pro Day shows he is in full recovery mode. By the time he plays his first NFL game, he will be 20 months removed from the injury, close to two years. Rumors are the Cowboys might be out on taking him, but they shouldn't be. They need a dominant corner, and McCoy looks like he fits the bill.

@dpbrugler

Could the #DallasCowboys really end up with Sonny Styles in two weeks after everything that's said and done?#NFL#NFLDraftpic.twitter.com/RSxH6thRsT

- Rich Eisen Show (@RichEisenShow) April 10, 2026

NFL league linksArticles

ESPN

Falcons pick up fifth-year option for RB Bijan Robinson

Robinson was fourth in the league in rushing yards (1,478) and led the league in scrimmage yards (2,298) this past season. The latter total was a Falcons franchise record. Robinson's 2025 performance earned him a first-team All-Pro honor.

The Falcons picking up the option was a formality. Schefter reported last month that there is an expectation that Robinson will get a contract extension this offseason.

ESPN

Sources: Colts agree to seek new team for CB Kenny Moore II

The Colts this offseason have already traded core players like wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (Steelers) and linebacker Zaire Franklin (Packers). Quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr., the fourth overall pick in the 2023 draft, has also been granted permission to seek a trade, though he remains on the roster.

Indianapolis owes Moore $10 million in base salary and per-game bonuses this season, which it would save if he is traded. But that sum likely complicates efforts to trade him as a team would have to take on that salary. A pre-June 1 trade would save the Colts more than $7 million in salary cap space.

With fellow cornerbacks Sauce Gardner and Charvarius Ward already on huge contracts, the Colts lead the NFL in salary cap spending at the position in 2026. Ward said in January that he was contemplating retirement after suffering three concussions last season but told Holder in February that he was reconsidering that position.

If Moore is traded, second-year cornerback Justin Walley would likely be asked to step up in the slot.

Last season, Moore was a part-time starter who missed three games due to an Achilles strain. He had one interception, two forced fumbles, 1.5 sacks and six passes defended in 2026.

Moore has spent the past nine seasons in Indianapolis, where he recorded 649 tackles, 21 interceptions and six forced fumbles. He was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2021.

Slow news day section

Pro Football Talk

Report: Dianna Russini will not be reporting" during internal investigation

Three days after The Athletic, owned and operated by the Times, issued a statement of unequivocal support in connection with photos obtained by the New York Post of Russini and Patriots coach Mike Vrabel, the Post now reports that Russini will not be reporting" while an internal investigation unfolds.

An unnamed source with knowledge of the situation told the Post that new details from the Page Six report and information from the investigation raised additional concerns that are now being reviewed further. The investigation is ongoing."

Added the source, to the Post: Her coverage is being reviewed. That process is expected to take time. She will not be reporting in the interim."

Ryan Glasspiegel of Front Office Sports reported on Friday afternoon the existence of an internal investigation. He noted a prior FOS report that Russini's contract expires in August 2026.

United Football League

Pro Football Talk

An odd UFL rule results in a Louisville penalty awarding the game to Orlando

In the NFL, a penalty on the defense on a two-point conversion attempt would result in the ball being moved half the distance to the goal line and another attempt being granted. But UFL overtime has different rules.

Orlando and Louisville were tied 27-27 at the end of the fourth quarter, sending the game into overtime. In UFL overtime, teams take turns trying two-point conversions to determine a winner. Neither team scored - but Louisville committed two defensive penalties, and under UFL rules, the second defensive penalty is considered a successful two-point conversion attempt. That gave Orlando the winning 29-27 score.

Dean Blandino, who both oversees the UFL officiating department and serves as an officiating analyst for Fox, said on the Fox broadcast that the rule was put in place to stop defenses from committing penalty after penalty to prevent an offense from ever scoring a two-point conversion.

WILD ENDING IN UFL OVERTIME

The Orlando Storm won the game after being awarded two points for a penalty during sudden death in overtime pic.twitter.com/C7tZS5zYFw

- SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) April 11, 2026

We wanted to make sure we had a winner and we got the game over with. we didn't want the team to continue to foul to prevent scores, so the second live ball foul by the same team during overtime results in the score being good," Blandino said.

Blandino said the rule is a fair way to make sure overtime doesn't go on too long.

You think about player safety and extra snaps, we've already been playing for over three hours," Blandino said. The second live ball foul during overtime by the same team results in a successful try."

aBit o'Twitter

A strong case for Caleb Downs possibly being the best player in this year's draft class. pic.twitter.com/KKsvSMTMMp

- Grant Paulsen (@GrantPaulsen) April 11, 2026

Frankie Luvu is perfect for the Brian Flores defense. So is Leo Chenal. You know who else would be?

One of the most athletic LB's in NFL Draft history, Sonny Styles. pic.twitter.com/yR9fHXpXQ1

- Grant Paulsen (@GrantPaulsen) April 11, 2026

What could the Commanders do with Sonny Styles?
-Green Dot MIKE
-Situational SAM in an under front
-Run-and-hit WILL
-TE eraser
-QB Spy
-High-Hole trigger man
-Green-Dog blitzer
-Cover RBs out of backfield
-Crosser equalizer
-Outside run neutralizer
-Screen game disruptor pic.twitter.com/O3XdYxyzJE

- Mark Tyler (Hogs Haven) (@Tiller56) April 10, 2026

1st down conversion rate allowed by defenses on 3rd & short last year:

81% - IND
79% - BUF
78% - ARI
77% - NE
75% - DAL
71% - CAR
70% - NO
70% - CLE
68% - LV
67% - ATL
67% - MIN
67% - KC
66% - JAX
65% - TEN
65% - NYG
65% - CHI
63% - GB
63% - SF
62% - LAR
61% - PHI
57% - NYJ
57%...

- Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) April 10, 2026

Film watchers probably don't like this clip...

It's THAT @CameronNewton highlight pic.twitter.com/dycyDp9db0

- NFL (@NFL) April 10, 2026

Roger Goodell on #49ers HC Kyle Shanahan not being a fan of playing in Australia:

His job is to win. His job is to play. ... We'll make it a great experience for the team."

Goodell added he can send Shanahan an app to help with jet lag.

I have not felt any jet lag at all. I... https://t.co/06SntweKjspic.twitter.com/Yyfe8KMlmm

- Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) April 10, 2026

The NFL's ongoing pivot to streaming has opened the door to the kind of governmental scrutiny no business wants. pic.twitter.com/iNnEXrUYx9

- ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) April 10, 2026

While it's a big weekend for the #Capitals who are still fighting for a spot in the playoffs, it'll also be a weekend where all eyes are on Alex Ovechkin as he plays what could potentially be his final game at Capital One Arena.

The wonderful @sammisilber put it so well: pic.twitter.com/SRjMmW9i2V

- Natalie Spala (@_nataliespala) April 10, 2026

BREAKING: NASA astronauts safely return home pic.twitter.com/I7LkbDoUN2

- Kalshi (@Kalshi) April 11, 2026