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Top 2026 NFL Draft prospects reveal what teams will be getting if they call their name Thursday night
The long wait is over, as the 2026 NFL Draft is set to kick off on Thursday night in downtown Pittsburgh with what’s expected to be quite the entertaining first round.
It’s a virtual lock that the Las Vegas Raiders, owners of the No. 1 overall pick, select Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza to begin the draft in hopes he can be their franchise man for years to come. From there, the mock drafts are all over the place, which is always a sign for some fun, and even chaos, as the draft rolls along.
However, there are those who have cemented themselves as first-round talent entering Thursday night, whether it’s through the NFL Combine and Pro Day workouts, top-30 visits to different franchises, what they put on tape during their college careers, or all the above.
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Either way, the prospects have done all they can do — now it’s up to the teams to determine if they fit what they need to succeed.
Fox News Digital had the privilege of speaking to some of those potential first-round picks leading up to the start of the NFL Draft, and each of them was asked the same question: “What will an NFL team be getting from you if they were to call your name on draft night?”
Here are some of their answers:
OHIO STATE OLB ARVELL REESE: “I think an NFL team is going to get somebody who loves the game, who loves football. Then, they’re going to get somebody who plays the game violently. …On top of that, you have to play with relentless effort. So, I think an NFL team is getting that out of me — someone who plays with relentless effort, someone who looks forward to playing violently. You have to look forward to playing it violently.”
Reese is quite the physical specimen, standing running a sub-4.5 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine at 6-foot-4, 241 pounds, and many experts believe he can still grow into his body and his game on the field. He was named an All-American in 2025, racking up 6.5 sacks and 10 tackles for loss for the Buckeyes, though their season ended by the hands of the Miami Hurricanes in the first round of the College Football Playoff.
Now, Reese heads into the draft looking at a potentially short night when the clock starts ticking. Some have him mocked to the New York Jets at No. 2 overall, and many believe he won’t be available when the top 10 picks are made. Either way, the edge rusher is viewed as an immediate impact player on the defensive line wherever he lands.
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OHIO STATE S CALEB DOWNS: “I would describe [myself] as a very instinctual player with a great mind for the game, but also all the physical attributes that you’re going to need. A player that, wherever you feel like the ball’s at, that’s where you want him to be. Put him at the [point of attack] and he’s going to do what he does.”
A defensive Swiss Army knife, Downs has simply made plays all throughout his college career, which began at Alabama before transferring to the Buckeyes and helping them win the 2025 national championship.
Like his Ohio State teammate in Reese, Downs isn’t expected to be available after the first 10 picks, but where exactly he lands remains to be seen. The New York Giants at No. 5 has been a popular spot, especially considering the comparison to Kyle Hamilton, whom John Harbaugh coached with the Baltimore Ravens before moving on to New York. But teams like the Washington Commanders (No. 7), New Orleans Saints (No. 8) and Kansas City Chiefs (No. 9) are also intriguing to watch, as is a potential trade.
Downs had 164 solo tackles, 1.5 sacks, six interceptions and 12 passes defended throughout 44 career college games, earning himself two All-American nods in the process during his time at Ohio State. If a team is looking for a versatile defender, who can excel no matter the assignment, Downs has positioned himself as that man in this draft.
ALABAMA QB TY SIMPSON: “I think it starts with my personality and how I can take over a locker room and a franchise. Aa s quarterback, you want to go in there, rally the troops, and be an influence to people there. So, every 30 visits, every time I talked to a team, every time I Zoom’d with them, I hoped to show my personality, my leadership, but also my ball knowledge and football IQ. The tap speaks for itself, but a guy who gets people to elevate their play around him is what you want in a quarterback. I fully feel like I can do that.”
Simpson’s confidence is what makes him who he is on the football field, whether it’s threading a pass through defenders to his intended target, or using his legs to pick up crucial yardage. He told Fox News Digital that his Christian faith plays a large part in playing confident and free, and he fully intends to bring that to whichever NFL franchise wants him.
Will that be in the first round? While Simpson has maintained his position that he has first-round talent, it will be interesting to see if an NFL team thinks the same through the first 32 picks. If he doesn’t get taken on Thursday night, many mock drafts believe he will be taken quickly on Friday, perhaps to the Arizona Cardinals, the team with the No. 3 overall pick in the first round, but also the second overall pick in the second round. The Jets are also intriguing with four picks in the top 44 (Nos. 2, 16, 33, 44).
Either way, Simpson is excited to hit the ground running and prove his worth to whichever franchise takes him this week.
TEXAS TECH LB JACOB RODRIGUEZ: “I think they’re about to get somebody who’s consistent. Somebody who is of great character and integrity, and somebody you want to put in a leadership position. I think it’s somebody, especially in the middle of the defense, can fire guys up to get them ready to play and have somebody who’s going to be steady. I’m really excited to get to wherever I get the privilege of living and playing in, but more excited to meet the people, meet my teammates and all the people I’m going to be around.”
Rodriguez wasn’t always the epitome of the modern day middle linebacker — he wanted to be a quarterback coming out of high school in North Texas. He initially went to the University of Virginia with that in mind before the Red Raiders believed he could make the switch to defense, as they saw him as a safety or middle linebacker.
The transition was worth the risk, as Rodriguez quickly developed into a defensive anchor for Texas Tech, and he truly elevated his game, and draft stock, during the 2025 season. Rodriguez won the Chuck Bednarik, Bronko Nagurski, Dick Butkus and Vince Lombardi Awards in 2025, while being named a unanimous All-American after racked up a career-high 128 combined tackles (11 for loss), four interceptions, one sack, six passes defended and two fumble recoveries, one of which he brought back for six points. His seven forced fumbles led all of college football through 14 games.
Rodriguez’s tape has gotten better by the season, and perhaps he’s not even at his best yet considering the position change. But there’s no questioning his speed, aggression, and high football IQ should translate in the NFL.
Will he be a first-round pick? That remains to be seen, but he shouldn’t last long in the second round as someone who has cemented himself a top prospect in this year’s draft class.
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King Charles’ food preferences revealed by former royal chef ahead of Trump’s White House state dinner
When King Charles and Queen Camilla join President Donald Trump at the White House, the state dinner’s high-stakes menu is expected to dazzle.
On March 31, Buckingham Palace announced that the king and queen would travel to the U.S. to celebrate the 250th anniversary of American independence. Trump said they would visit from April 27 to 30. A state banquet will take place at the White House on April 28.
Darren McGrady, who was a personal chef to the late Queen Elizabeth II, Princess Diana and her sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, also cooked for Presidents Ford, Reagan, Clinton and both Presidents Bush. He told Fox News Digital that the British royal family can expect “the best of America” to be served.
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“I wouldn’t expect to see clotted cream on this banquet menu from President Trump, because that’s British produce,” McGrady explained.
“America has some incredible produce. But having said that, the palace would have been in touch, saying, ‘King Charles is not a great lover of chocolate, but the queen loves chocolate.’ Anything with chocolate on the menu, Camilla will love.
“If there’s a cheese course, the king will adore that, as he loves cheese. He also loves honey, grilled vegetables, risottos and especially lamb. There’s incredible lamb here. He would be honored if there was lamb.”
When it comes to food, impressing the monarch is far simpler than you might expect, according to McGrady.
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“For the king, it’s local produce,” he said. “It’s seeing goods coming into season, like asparagus, artichokes, peas, spinach and broccoli. The king would absolutely be thrilled if any of those were on the menu.”
Royal commentator Amanda Matta agreed.
“These events are tightly choreographed but also meant to feel warm and welcoming,” she explained. “Charles has long taken an interest in food, particularly seasonal ingredients. So, a thoughtfully curated American menu would absolutely appeal to him. Unlike a British state dinner, which retains a lot of continental French inspiration, a U.S. state dinner will feature a menu that’s American right down to its core.”
Matta shared that the White House “will absolutely” consult on dietary restrictions and known preferences to impress the royals.
“King Charles doesn’t eat foie gras, for example, and the royals are known to abstain from things like red sauces, garlic, or curry for practical reasons,” said Matta. “The meal needs to be elegant but not overly complicated, and easy to eat while conversing. That means no handheld dishes, no messy dishes, nothing too experimental and nothing that risks embarrassing guests. But the menu is ultimately the host’s call, making the choices very much a diplomatic flex.”
“This is the host nation’s moment to showcase its cuisine, domestic production, agriculture and identity,” Matta continued. “Every course, every wine pairing, every ingredient will be chosen to send a message about American excellence. That said, it’s not unusual for subtle nods to the guests to be woven in. We might also see a British-inspired dish or dessert, or ingredients that reference the U.K. in some way.”
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Helena Chard, British broadcaster and photographer, told Fox News Digital she wouldn’t be surprised if one of Charles’ favorites is served to woo the king.
“I would expect herb-crusted organic Virginia lamb with copious amounts of humble vegetables,” she said. “Minted organic peas sit at the top of the vegetable hierarchy. King Charles is obsessed with peas. Both Charles and Camilla adore artisan cheese and are partial to a slice of organic apple tart.”
It won’t just be the best of American cuisine doing the impressing. What’s in their glasses will be just as carefully chosen.
“The royal family would always have wine, beautiful wine, served at state banquets,” said McGrady. “And I know the White House does too. Prince Philip, when he came for a banquet, even at the White House, wouldn’t drink any wine. He would have a beer. A glass of stout was his favorite.
“But it’s all about making the guests feel welcome. And for President Trump hosting the banquet here, it’s about making King Charles feel welcome. There may be a nod to something British, but I think on the whole, the table is going to be very, very American.”
And if Charles’ beloved lamb is served, McGrady said it’s expected that only the best will be on the menu. He recalled going through every single ingredient and dish to ensure there were zero blemishes ahead of a dinner. He described that as “the standard.”
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Chard warned that there are certain ingredients that would be off limits.
“Royal protocol dictates that garlic and shellfish are strictly off the menu,” she said. “The menus will be planned weeks in advance. Much thought will be given to each course, especially as the king continues cancer treatment. Three test menus are drawn up, with the chosen option released 24 hours before the banquet.”
But the real magic happens after dinner, said Matta.
“The dinner itself is only part of the evening,” she explained. “A U.S. state dinner follows a fairly predictable rhythm: an arrival ceremony, a receiving line, cocktails, the formal meal, toasts or speeches and then entertainment.
“There might even be a musical performance when, after dinner, guests mingle more freely. The post-dinner revelry has also given us iconic moments over the years, like Diana dancing with John Travolta in 1985. It wasn’t part of the Reagan administration’s official program, but it became the defining image of the night.”
Camilla is also expected to wear a tiara in the royal couple’s attempt to charm audiences.
“She’ll likely choose something that carries cultural significance in an American context,” said Matta. “Or perhaps she’ll choose to nod back to Queen Elizabeth II, bringing back pieces she wore on her own visits to the White House. This could include the Girls of Great Britain and Ireland or Queen Alexandra’s Kokoshnik. It must be said they are fan favorites among royal watchers.”
“At its core, the goal of a state dinner at the White House is straightforward: relationship-building at the highest level and a chance for the American hosts to show that they can still cater to royalty at a high level,” Matta shared. “We might see Queen Camilla dancing with President Trump, or Melania in the arms of King Charles.”
“I wouldn’t rule anything out!” she added.
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Emails reveal reality TV crew’s behind-the-scenes access to sheriff now leading Nancy Guthrie probe
FIRST ON FOX: The Pima County Sheriff’s Department worked closely with a reality TV crew to provide footage and access to deputies — including video of arrests and use-of-force incidents that raised internal concerns — according to emails obtained by Fox News Digital.
The emails also reveal that the head of the department’s homicide and cold case units had been rotated out in the year before the suspected abduction of Nancy Guthrie from her home in Tucson’s Catalina Foothills. Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of “Today” co-host Savannah Guthrie, is believed to have been kidnapped months after filming for the show ended.
A June 18, 2025 email from show producer Amanda Riley shows she asked for the contacts of the sergeants running several units. In a reply two days later, Capt. Robert Koumal informed her that “the department has experienced some rotational re-assignments since last year,” and revealed that the leader of every team she’d asked about had changed.
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More than 220 pages of emails between PCSD officials and the show’s producers show behind-the-scenes exchanges in the creation of a reality show featuring a sheriff’s department that would soon become a household name as the Guthrie case played out. Her whereabouts remained unknown as of Friday.
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Some incidents included use-of-force and other behavioral concerns, including discussions over whether to provide bodycam where deputies were swearing to the show. In one case, authorities appeared concerned about an altercation in which the involved deputy didn’t start recording until after the fight with a suspect had ended.
Read the emails:
The emails were shared between members of the PCSD, its public information office, and producers from Twenty Twenty Productions, who worked on the A&E show, “Desert Law.” The series focuses on law enforcement in Pima County’s Sonoran Desert.
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While the TV crew went on a series of ride-alongs with PCSD patrols, show producers were generally interested in bodycam and other police-obtained video. They asked for a public information officer to be available to drive a marked SUV in order to create background footage, known as “B-roll.” Koumal agreed in a July 1 email, suggesting a deputy “take our new Tahoe.”
The producers also requested information from an infamous local case, the 1996 murder of Gary Triano.
Triano died in an explosion in the Catalina Foothills after his wife, Pamela Phillips, hired a hitman to plant a pipe bomb in his Lincoln Town Car. It exploded while he was driving home from a golf course. Friends and family were waiting to surprise him with a birthday party.
She was convicted in 2014 and is serving a life prison sentence, as is the bomber, Ron Young, who was arrested after a 2005 episode of “America’s Most Wanted.”
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Koumal, the captain overseeing the sheriff’s community services division and records management, also sent out a note encouraging deputies to proactively reach out to the show producers “if any incidents occur.”
Producer Tom Olney praised the cooperation, writing, “thank you as ever for all your continued support, its amazing and absolutely the best I’ve ever received from any law enforcement department!”
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He also repeatedly voiced concerns about the wait time for bodycam records and offered to discuss ways to expedite and prioritize the footage to meet show deadlines. In some cases, he asked for his newer requests to be replaced ahead of older ones, a request that officials granted at least once.
It’s unclear from the provided emails whether any of the TV crew’s requests took priority over those from the public.
It would be unusual for records keepers to allow certain requesters to skip the line. Typically, agencies process public records requests on a first-come, first-served basis.
The emails were sent between July and December 2025, well before the abduction of Nancy Guthrie, whose Feb. 1 disappearance from her home in the Catalina Foothills remains unsolved. PCSD is the lead agency on that case.
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MIKE DAVIS: Southern Poverty Law Center: A tale of a racism scam
Since the 1970s, the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) has characterized itself as an organization that combats extremist groups like the Ku Klux Klan (KKK). This week, because of an indictment that Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and FBI Director Kash Patel secured through stellar leadership, we learned that SPLC wasn’t fighting the Klan — but funding it using generous donations from people who thought they were helping fight racism.
James Alex Fields, a White supremacist, ran over and killed a Jewish woman named Heather Heyer at the Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, in August 2017.
Following the attack, the SPLC doubled its income, using the event to fundraise and claiming it needed more money to combat racism. Yet, thanks to the indictment, we learned that SPLC allegedly paid people to attend the rally and provided transportation.
The rally also spawned the “very fine people” hoax. Left-wing critics falsely claimed that President Donald Trump called neo-Nazis “very fine people.” In reality, the president said that there are very fine people on both sides of the debate over removing statues of historical figures like Gen. Robert E. Lee.
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Following the discourse, former President Joe Biden asserted that the Charlottesville event spurred him to run for the presidency in 2020, and even served as the vehicle for Biden’s “Soul of America” campaign theme.
The SPLC is also accused of paying people to post racist materials on online forums, fueling racial hatred. The organization sold its donors a bill of goods, doing exactly the opposite of what it promised.
Over a decade, millions of dollars in donations to SPLC went to hate groups like the Klan and Aryan affiliates. According to the indictment, the SPLC funneled this money through fictitious groups such as “Fox Photography” to mask the true source of the donations. In addition to donor fraud, the SPLC is also accused of lying to banks about its transactions.
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This indictment is profoundly important because the SPLC has played a significant role in American politics, especially in recent decades. The group labeled others as “extremists” and “hate groups,” and government agencies like the FBI relied on those designations.
That is why the FBI began investigating Moms for Liberty, a group of concerned mothers who attended school board meetings and voiced objections to parts of school curricula. Thanks to the SPLC, the FBI investigated the group as a potential domestic terrorist organization.
Then-FBI Director Christopher Wray absurdly said that White supremacy was the biggest domestic threat — a claim SPLC instigated.
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Turning Point USA and Charlie Kirk were also labeled by the group as “extremists” just months before a deranged leftist assassinated Kirk.
The SPLC gave the same designation to mainstream groups like the Family Research Council and Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF). The ADF has argued before the U.S. Supreme Court, along with federal and state courts, hundreds of times to protect Americans’ constitutional freedoms. Yet, according to the SPLC, the ADF is in the same league as the Klan — a group the SPLC allegedly funded.
While raking in donations from some of the largest corporations in the world — including Apple, JPMorgan and MGM Resorts — the SPLC sought to deplatform and debank people and groups it deemed “extremists.”
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The SPLC met with PayPal as part of its debanking efforts and urged Amazon not to sell conservative books. The SPLC also participated in social media censorship on platforms like Twitter before Elon Musk’s acquisition, urging Twitter, YouTube, Facebook and Instagram to ban those with views the SPLC disagreed with.
The group targeted advertisers for conservative shows, branding Fox News’ Laura Ingraham “the high priestess of hate.” Ingraham has had a distinguished media and legal career, having clerked for Justice Clarence Thomas on the U.S. Supreme Court. The SPLC attempted to destroy Ingraham because she represented a threat by articulating the case for conservatism.
If the indictment is accurate, the SPLC was running one of the biggest cons in American history. To secure donations, the SPLC fomented racial division because not enough genuine division existed.
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In reality, America has made such enormous strides toward equality that SPLC had to fund a fabrication to convince people the nation is racist. The SPLC must be held accountable, not only for donor fraud, but for the far more serious offense of poisoning American public discourse.
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The SPLC led Americans to believe racism was prevalent when, according to the indictment, the SPLC was causing much of the problem. Blanche and Patel heroically exposed the scam, and a superseding indictment hopefully will follow.
SPLC executives must pay a severe legal price for this monstrosity, which, in addition to the alleged massive donor and bank fraud, has done incalculable damage to public discourse.
The indictment is a wonderful start on the road to accountability, and people must go to prison for this unconscionable charade.
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