Sports
The 11 Worst Picks of the 2026 Draft [Ranked]
The 2026 NFL Draft is now in the books. In total, 257 college standouts found a new home in the league, with there being plenty of drama along the way.
However, some of the 32 teams involved will be happier than others with how they fared in Pittsburgh over the past three days. While some nailed their requirements exactly, others made baffling calls that still have fans scratching their heads over the decisions that were made in Pittsburgh.
Below is a look at the 11 worst selections from the 2026 NFL Draft, from the perspective of how much value they bring to the teams who made them.
11
San Francisco 49ers Picking Kaelon Black
Round 3, Pick 90
Originally tipped to be taken around the fourth or fifth round, Indiana running back went in the third round. Kyle Shanahan moved quickly to snap up the 25-year-old with the 90th pick, even though projections suggested that he could have waited and taken Black with a later draft pick. The 49ers potentially missed out on adding some of the exciting talent that was still available in the third round, but didn’t want to run the risk of missing out on Black. Time will tell if it was the right decision.
10
Chicago Bears Picking Zavion Thomas
Round 3, Pick 89
LSU wide receiver Thomas was predicted to still be available in the seventh round. The 21-year-old is tipped to have great potential as a punt returner, but the Bears took a gamble by taking him far earlier than expected in the third round. It may yet prove to be an inspired decision, although with only 488 yards and four touchdowns in 2025, his college numbers were not mind-blowing by any means.
9
Miami Dolphins Picking Caleb Douglas
Round 3, Pick 75
While most didn’t see Douglas as a top 100 draft prospect, the Dolphins disagreed. Taking the wide receiver out of Texas Tech at pick 75, Miami showed their faith in a player that has plenty of speed, despite the 22-year-old having seven drops to his name last year.
8
Houston Texans Picking Marlin Klein
Round 2, Pick 59
Expected to still be on the board in the third round, the Texans took a chance on the 23-year-old German with the 59th pick of the draft. The tight end out of Michigan has limited college experience, with 38 career catches (four touchdowns, one drop). The six-foot, six-inch 248-pounder has undeniable potential, but would likely have been available at a later stage of proceedings had Houston waited until the later rounds.
7
San Francisco 49ers Picking De’Zhaun Stribling
Round 2, Pick 33
The 49ers opened up the second round of the draft with a curious pick in the shape of Ole Miss wide receiver Stribling. Coach Shanahan had already added depth to the franchise’s wide receiver chart during the offseason, but still opted to select Stribling with what was the team’s first pick of the 2026 draft. The 23-year-old put up 811 yards and six touchdowns in his final year in college and the 49ers clearly liked what they saw.
6
Miami Dolphins Picking Chris Johnson
Round 1, Pick 27
When the Dolphins took Johnson towards the back end of the first-round, he became just the second cornerback taken off the board. Miami were keen to get their man, too, as they traded up from 30th to 27th (with the 49ers) in order to select the San Diego State alum. In making the picks, the Dolphins left the likes of Jermond McCoy and Colton Hood available for the Raiders and the Giants, respectively, to scoop up in later rounds. It remains to be seen if Miami made the right call.
5
Dallas Cowboys Picking Malachi Lawrence
Round 1, Pick 22
Some pre-draft projections had UCF edge rusher being available as late as the third round. The Cowboys, though, took the 22-year-old off the board towards the end of the first round. Dallas has been light on pass rushers ever since trading Micah Parsons to Green Bay, but the decision to pick Lawrence so early took many by surprise.
4
Pittsburgh Steelers Picking Max Iheanachor
Round 1, Pick 21
Arizona State offensive tackle Iheachor was a shock first round selection for many, given that he has only been playing the game since junior college. The 22-year-old has the speed and movement to develop into an NFL starter, but the Steelers are likely to have to be patient with the young prospect in order to get the best out of him. He’s not necessarily destined to go down as a ‘bad’ pick, but the franchise could likely have traded down and still got their man.
3
Minnesota Vikings Picking Caleb Banks
Round 1, Pick 18
Many projections had Banks, a defensive tackle out of Florida, as a second round pick. The Vikings didn’t agree with that assessment, though, selecting the 23-year-old 18th overall. The tape on Banks suggests that he lacks consistency and still has a number of technical shortcomings. However, he does possess the physical attributes to grow into a serious talent. It was a big surprise when he became the first defensive tackle taken off the board and the Vikings will have serious questions to answer if the move doesn’t pan out.
2
Miami Dolphins Picking Kadyn Proctor
Round 1, Pick 12
For a player picked 12th overall, Alabama offensive tackle Proctor has a lot to work on. With concerns from many over his playing weight as well as his technique. For a team in a rebuilding phase, the Dolphins have taken a major risk in selecting Proctor so early. However, the 20-year-old comes battle-tested having played at the SEC level and if the Miami coaching staff can arm him with the tools he needs for success, the pick could yet turn out to be an inspired one.
Iran played out a 2-2 draw with New Zealand in their opening Group G fixture at this summer’s World Cup, but the result in Los Angeles was overshadowed by frustrations away from the pitch.
Instead of a routine recovery and build-up to their next game, talk soon turned to how the team has been treated logistically since arriving, with them already switching their training base to Mexico, despite all of their group matches being in the United States, just weeks before the tournament started.
Iran Claim World Cup Training Camp Has Been Moved From Planned US, Arizona, Location
FIFA has reportedly approved the move.
It’s a tournament Iran arrived at already under the spotlight, with the team having been at the centre of plenty of politically charged discussions before the World Cup, following recent conflict in the Middle East. Concerns have since grown inside the camp about scheduling decisions made with little input from the Iranian side, leaving players and staff increasingly unhappy with how things have been handled.
Iran Boss Hits Out at Travel Demands
Head coach Amir Ghalenoei didn’t hold back when discussing the situation. Iran had been informed they had to fly straight back to their training base in Tijuana immediately after the New Zealand match, rather than staying overnight for a recovery session as originally planned.
“We’ve been asked to get on a plane and return to our camp in Tijuana and we are really troubled by that, they are forcing us to go back early. They are making the situation more and more difficult, more hurdles, but we’re not going to let that stop us from doing our best.”
What FIFA ‘Forced’ Iran to Do After World Cup Opener as Infantino Visits Dressing Room
Iran played their first game at the 2026 World Cup in the United States of America, but were given clear instructions after the whistle.
He went further, branding Iran “the most oppressed” team at the entire World Cup:
“I think our team is the most oppressed one in the whole World Cup. Our federation isn’t here, our media isn’t here, our management isn’t here.”
Federation Confirms Formal Complaint
It has since emerged that Iran will only be allowed to land in Los Angeles 24 hours before their game against Belgium, despite requesting extra time to arrive given the match kicks off at midday.
A spokesperson said: “The football federation of Iran believes that such restrictions are inconsistent with the principle of providing equal conditions for all participating teams and may negatively affect teams’ preparation processes.”
“Consequently, the federation will formally express its dissatisfaction and lodge an official complaint with FIFA through the appropriate channels.”
They went on to say that despite the complaint and the limitations on their travel, Iran will continue as instructed in their preparation for their match with the Belgians.
You scored
out of 20
Manchester United have got the green light to complete a deal for West Ham United winger Crysencio Summerville, as further details emerge from journalist Shaun Irvine.
Man United‘s main focus in this summer transfer window has been on ensuring they have a strong midfield ahead of their return to the Champions League next season, with that area of the pitch the one that needed the most work.
With Casemiro leaving and Manuel Ugarte expected to go too following an underwhelming two-year spell at Old Trafford, Kobbie Mainoo would be left as one of the only specialist senior players in central midfield.
Captain Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount can play there if needed, but they are much better suited to playing further forward in the No.10 position.
United have already bolstered the position with one completed deal for Atalanta midfielder Ederson, who will seal his move to Old Trafford once he returns from the 2026 World Cup with Brazil.
The Red Devils are now pursuing West Ham United star Mateus Fernandes as they look to add another player to their engine room, while some reports have suggested they could even bring in a third midfielder too.
United are looking at other positions on the pitch too, including in attack.
Summerville’s Agent Gives Green Light to Man United
GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed all summer that United are looking to add a left-sided attacker to their squad this summer, and a move is likely to ramp up should Marcus Rashford complete a switch away from Old Trafford.
The Red Devils have been linked with players such as Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers, RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande and AC Milan’s Rafael Leao in recent weeks, with Michael Carrick and director of football Jason Wilcox known to be big fans of the former in particular.
However, a new name has emerged recently in Mateus Fernandes’ West Ham teammate Summerville.
Like Fernandes, the Netherlands international is said to have no intention of playing in the Championship after the Irons were relegated, with the player reportedly valued at £50m by the east London outfit.
According to the United source, posting on X, the World Cup star’s agent has given the green light to United to complete a move, with personal terms being no issue.
⚽
England World Cup Quiz
You scored
out of 20
Man United Could Seal £120m Double Deal
The Telegraph have reported that United are ready to launch a £120m double transfer raid on West Ham to land two of their top summer targets.
With the Irons valuing their Portuguese star at between £80-85m and Summerville at £50m, it seems unlikely that a bid of £120m would be accepted by the Hammers, who are determined to remain strong on their valuation, unless it included a significant amount upfront.
Fernandes’ quality has been there for all to see at West Ham and Southampton in the last two seasons, and the thought of him linking up with compatriot Bruno at Old Trafford is mouthwatering.
Meanwhile, Summerville has often played from the left for the Irons, but he showcased his versatility by scoring a fine goal from the right for the Netherlands at the World Cup.
Manchester United have been given the green light to complete a deal for West Ham United winger Crysencio Summerville, as further details emerge from journalist Shaun Irvine.
Man United‘s main focus in this summer transfer window has been on ensuring they have a strong midfield ahead of their return to the Champions League next season, with that area of the pitch the one that needed the most work.
With Casemiro leaving and Manuel Ugarte expected to go too following an underwhelming two-year spell at Old Trafford, Kobbie Mainoo would be left as one of the only specialist senior players in central midfield.
Captain Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount can play there if needed, but they are much better suited to playing further forward in the No.10 position.
United have already bolstered the position with one completed deal for Atalanta midfielder Ederson, who will seal his move to Old Trafford once he returns from the 2026 World Cup with Brazil.
The Red Devils are now pursuing West Ham United star Mateus Fernandes as they look to add another player to their engine room, while some reports have suggested they could even bring in a third midfielder too.
United are looking at other positions on the pitch too, including in attack.
Summerville’s Agent Gives Green Light to Man United
GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed all summer that United are looking to add a left-sided attacker to their squad this summer, and a move is likely to ramp up should Marcus Rashford complete a switch away from Old Trafford.
The Red Devils have been linked with players such as Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers, RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande and AC Milan’s Rafael Leao in recent weeks, with Michael Carrick and director of football Jason Wilcox known to be big fans of the former in particular.
However, a new name has emerged recently in Mateus Fernandes’ West Ham teammate Summerville.
Like Fernandes, the Netherlands international is said to have no intention of playing in the Championship after the Irons were relegated, with the player reportedly valued at £50m by the east London outfit.
According to Irvine, posting on X, the World Cup star’s agent has given the green light to United to complete a move, with personal terms being no issue.
⚽
England World Cup Quiz
You scored
out of 20
Man United Could Seal £120m Double Deal
The Telegraph have reported that United are ready to launch a £120m double transfer raid on West Ham to land two of their top summer targets.
With the Irons valuing their Portuguese star at between £80-85m and Summerville at £50m, it seems unlikely that a bid of £120m would be accepted by the Hammers, who are determined to remain strong on their valuation, unless it included a significant amount upfront.
Fernandes’ quality has been there for all to see at West Ham and Southampton in the last two seasons, and the thought of him linking up with compatriot Bruno at Old Trafford is mouthwatering.
Meanwhile, Summerville has often played from the left for the Irons, but he showcased his versatility by scoring a fine goal from the right for the Netherlands at the World Cup.
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