Tom Pelissero Profile

Tom Pelissero says most teams have fewer than 20 prospects with Round 1 grades in the 2023 NFL Draft class. So who'll fill out the back half of Thursday night's selections? Here are six potential surprise first-rounders.

The 2023 NFL Draft's quarterback class has been analyzed by draftniks for months, but what do NFL teams think of this crop? Tom Pelissero provides QB prospect rankings and evaluations based on dozens of conversations with league executives, scouts and coaches.

Jalen Hurts will be in Philadelphia for years to come. The Eagles and their superstar quarterback agreed to terms Monday on a five-year, $255 million contract extension that makes him the highest-paid player in NFL history.

The NFL is launching a nationwide campaign in partnership with other major pro sports leagues and leading public health, nonprofit and patient advocacy organizations to push every state to adopt policies to prevent fatal outcomes from sudden cardiac arrest among high school students.

Dre'Mont Jones isn't exactly a household name in the NFL, but the former third-round pick appears poised to break the bank in free agency. Tom Pelissero spotlights seven less-heralded players who could be in line for BIG second contracts.

Bills QB Josh Allen will not need surgery to repair the UCL sprain he suffered in his right elbow during the 2022 season and is expected to be fully recovered for the 2023 season, NFL Network Insiders Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport reported.

Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers will begin a four-day darkness retreat on Monday as he evaluates his future, and Green Bay is open to working with the QB regardless of whether his decision involves returning to the team or seeking a trade, NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero reported.

The Ravens are planning to give QB Lamar Jackson the franchise tag if no long-term deal is reached in the coming weeks, but a big offer could tempt Baltimore into trading the former MVP, NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport, Tom Pelissero and Mike Garafolo report.

The Colts will host Rich Bisaccia on Monday for a second interview for their head coaching job -- part of an expansive search that likely will continue with additional interviews this week, per sources, NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero reported.

Broncos owner and CEO Greg Penner flew to Ann Arbor, Mich., this week to meet in person with Jim Harbaugh about the team's head coaching job, according to sources informed of their situation.

NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero examine the head coaching searches for the Broncos, Cardinals, Colts, Panthers and Texans after the first week of interviews.

The Arizona Cardinals have been preparing in recent weeks for a potential coaching search as they weigh Kliff Kingsbury's future, but it remains unclear if those preparations will lead to change, NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero report.

The Denver Broncos plan to interview University of Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh for their head coaching job early this week, NFL Network Insiders Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport report.

Houston Texans head coach Lovie Smith's status is "very much up in the air," according to NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero.

After spending several days back home in Tulsa with his father, Marty, who underwent emergency heart surgery this week, Raiders RB Josh Jacobs will play Saturday versus the Chiefs as he aims to become the league's rushing champion of 2022.

NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero examine the head coach situations of the Broncos, Panthers, Colts, Texans and Cardinals with the 2022 season nearing its end.

The NFL told the Commanders that officials should have called defensive pass interference on Washington's final offensive play in last week's loss to the Giants, NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero reported.

Tom Pelissero surveys 26 high-ranking executives on MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, Coach of the Year and three other top individual honors. Who receives the most votes for each award?

At last week's winter meeting, the league's general manager advisory committee discussed a potential one- or two-week extension to the trade deadline, and the momentum is building among teams to make that change, NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero report.

All options are on the table for Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady, who at age 45 feels good enough to keep playing and will be a free agent should he continue doing so into 2023, NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero report.

Multiple teams have been doing background work recently on Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh, per NFL Network Insiders Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport.

The NFL's salary cap for the 2023 season could hit a record high of more than $220 million per club, according to NFL Network Insiders Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport.

There have been no decisions to shut down Green Bay Packers QB Aaron Rodgers yet as the team is 4-8, per NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero.

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson is on track to be reinstated by the NFL on Monday, NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero reports.

Vikings WR Justin Jefferson tells NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero that his turf toe injury won't threaten his availability in Sunday's game against the Cowboys.

Needing to spark a struggling offense, Broncos head coach Nathaniel Hackett will be handing over the offensive play-calling duties to QBs coach Klint Kubiak, NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero reports.

The Cowboys and Giants have emerged as two of the favorites to sign free-agent receiver Odell Beckham Jr., who plans to visit both NFC East rivals after this week's Thanksgiving holiday, sources tell Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport.

For the sixth year in a row, Tom Pelissero compiles a list of coaching prospects under 45 to keep an eye on. Will the Broncos' Ejiro Evero, Lions' Ben Johnson or 49ers' DeMeco Ryans become a head coach in the near future?

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Leonard Fournette had a passport scare heading into the team's game in Munich, Germany, per NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero.

Colts owner Jim Irsay made the stunning decision to hire former Pro Bowl center Jeff Saturday as the team's interim head coach over the advice of his team's top executives, who tried to talk Irsay out of it, NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero report.

The Packers stood pat at this year's trade deadline, but it wasn't for a lack of trying, NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero report.

Who are the big buyers and sellers with the Nov. 1 NFL trade deadline looming? NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport, Tom Pelissero and Mike Garafolo identify the teams and players who could be traded before Tuesday's deadline.

Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson has a partially torn hamstring, per NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero.

NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported cornerback William Jackson III would like a new home, and the Commanders have engaged in active trade talks centered around him with hopes of making that happen.

Commanders quarterback Carson Wentz will start Thursday night's game against the Bears, despite dealing with a biceps tendon strain that raised questions about his availability on a short week, per sources.

Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa will return to the field and throw on Wednesday as part of his progression through concussion protocol, NFL Network Insiders Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport reported.

Dak Prescott, who is still recovering from thumb surgery four weeks ago, would need to make significant strides to be ready to return next week from his fractured right thumb, per sources.

Broncos QB Russell Wilson underwent a procedure on Friday in hopes of relieving discomfort near his throwing shoulder, but isn't expected to miss any games, NFL Network Insiders Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport report.

Dolphins defensive tackle Christian Wilkins plans to appeal a $13,261 fine for grabbing Bills quarterback Josh Allen near the groin area in a pile last Sunday -- an act Wilkins denies, sources say.

The NFL and NFL Players Association have agreed to parameters of updated concussion protocols that will rule out players who exhibit gross motor instability, NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero reported Saturday.

The Cleveland Browns have identified and plan to ban a fan who threw a bottle that struck team owner Jimmy Haslam late in Sunday's 31-30 loss to the New York Jets, per sources.

NFL Players Association executive director DeMaurice Smith will step down by 2025 and may move into an onboarding and consulting role, NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero reports.

With opening week upon us, the dust is settling around some of the league's quarterback situations. With that in mind, let's take a look at the signal-caller situations of the 49ers, Steelers and Titans.

The 2022 NFL Draft might not offer a surplus of ELITE prospects, but this class is deep and talented. Consequently, we should expect the unexpected in Round 1. With that in mind, Tom Pelissero identifies seven potential surprise first-round picks.

Is Malik Willis the clear-cut No. 1 QB in the 2022 NFL Draft? What is Kenny Pickett's ceiling? What do teams like best about Sam Howell? Tom Pelissero has the lowdown on the 2022 quarterback class.

Might former Bears quarterback Mitchell Trubisky be in line for a hefty payday? Tom Pelissero names seven NFL players who could get more money than one might expect as free agents in 2022.

Despite Tom Brady's retirement, the Bucs are leaving the door open for a potential return of the legendary QB while also shifting their focus on a replacement, NFL Network's Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport report.

The Vikings plan to conduct in-person second interviews with Rams OC Kevin O'Connell and 49ers DC DeMeco Ryans, but could Jim Harbaugh land an interview? NFL Network's Tom Pelissero has the latest from Minnesota.

Kevin Colbert, who has successfully run personnel for the Steelers since 2000, is expecting the 2021 season to be his last one as general manager. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero provide the details.

The Browns will head into the offseason with plans to retain Baker Mayfield as their QB for 2022. Plenty of scenarios have been rumored, including Mayfield wanting to move on and Cleveland wanting to move on. Barring a dramatic shift, it doesn't appear either development is on the horizon, Ian Rapoport writes.

An end of an era could be coming today in Minnesota. Longtime head coach Mike Zimmer could be coaching his final game with the Vikings, Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero report.

The Texans will evaluate their entire football operation -- including the future of head coach David Culley -- in the coming days as they embark on a critical offseason that could yield a long-awaited trade of quarterback Deshaun Watson before free agency opens in March, Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport report.

Vic Fangio's future as the Broncos head coach remains up in the air entering Saturday's finale against the Chiefs. NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, Ian Rapoport and James Palmer detail the brewing situation in Denver.

Tom Pelissero surveys 23 high-ranking executives on MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, Coach of the Year and three other top individual honors. Who receives the most votes for each award?

NFL Network's Tom Pelissero details the tumultuous first season of Jaguars coach Urban Meyer, who has generated more scathing headlines this season than positive results on the football field.

Luke Fickell has taken the University of Cincinnati to the verge of the College Football Playoff. He also has placed himself squarely on the radar of NFL teams.

The NFL's salary cap is set to get back on track in 2022 -- and spending should be back as well, with another anticipated jump in the cap for 2023. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero detail the story.

For the fifth year in a row, Tom Pelissero compiles a list of coaching prospects under 45 to keep an eye on. Will the Packers' Nathaniel Hackett, the Buccaneers' Byron Leftwich or the Giants' Patrick Graham snag a top job soon?

Members of the NFL's officiating department who reviewed the game acknowledged that referee Tony Corrente and his crew erred on at least three separate critical calls and non-calls that went against the Bears in their loss to the Steelers, per Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero.

The NFL informed Bears pass rusher Cassius Marsh on Friday he's being fined $5,972 for unsportsmanlike conduct, NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported.

Multiple NFL teams offered packages including three first-round draft picks and two third-round picks for Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson in talks with the Texans before last week's trade deadline, NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported.

Dak Prescott is pushing to play Sunday night, and the Dallas Cowboys plan to have their star quarterback go through his normal pregame warmup routine to test his strained calf before making a final decision on whether he'll start against the Minnesota Vikings, sources say.

The NFL plans to inform owners at the league's fall meeting Tuesday of new enhancements to the Rooney Rule for the upcoming hiring cycle, including mandating at least one in-person interview with an external minority candidate for head coach and general manager jobs.

A calf injury has cast a shadow over Dak Prescott during the Cowboys' bye week. Barring an unforeseen setback, however, Dallas doesn't expect its star QB to be too affected by the ailment entering Week 8.

Jon Gruden's departure cast a dark cloud over the entire Raiders organization. All eyes will be on owner Mark Davis in the months ahead to see how the club rebounds from the debacle. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero examine what's next for Davis and the Raiders.

Raiders DE Maxx Crosby plans to appeal a $6,971 fine for allegedly spitting on Steelers G Trai Turner last Sunday -- an act that Crosby denies and game officials admitted they didn't see on the field.

After Hurricane Ida displaced the team last month and a small fire started on the roof of the Caesars Superdome this past week, the governor of Louisiana and mayor of New Orleans informed the NFL that the Caesars Superdome is ready to host the Saints' home game next Sunday, Oct. 3, against the New York Giants.

Multiple NFL teams have reached out in recent days to five-time Pro Bowl cornerback Richard Sherman, who has been undergoing therapy since a July arrest. The veteran expects to be on the field at some point in 2021.

The NFL fined Browns safety Ronnie Harrison $12,128 for last week's shoving match with Chiefs running backs coach Greg Lewis, who received a warning from the league after the incident that led to Harrison's ejection in last Sunday's opener, NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reports.

Ahead of Carson Wentz's debut with the Indianapolis Colts, coach Frank Reich updates NFL Network's Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport on the QB's rapid progress within the past week.

The Cowboys have encountered adversity again in 2021 with Dak Prescott's shoulder injury, but Tom Pelissero found the QB and coach Mike McCarthy striking an upbeat tone -- and reaching a new level of synergy in their relationship -- when meeting with them at Dallas' camp.

Caleb Farley has dealt with a back injury for more than two years, and the Virginia Tech CB's draft stock is one of the bigger question marks as the 2021 NFL Draft approaches, Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport report.

The ramp up to the 2021 NFL Draft has been unique in myriad ways, so it's probably wise to expect the unexpected when the event begins on Thursday night. With that in mind, Tom Pelissero identifies six potential surprise first-rounders.

Does Trevor Lawrence have a weakness? Which traits stand out for Justin Fields? What is Mac Jones' ceiling? NFL execs, scouts and coaches dish to Tom Pelissero about the QBs in the 2021 NFL Draft.

NFL Network's Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport reported Wednesday that Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields has confirmed to NFL teams that he is managing epilepsy -- a neurological disorder that can cause seizures.

What questions do NFL evaluators have about the top five quarterback prospects in the 2021 NFL Draft? Tom Pelissero has the inside scoop from executives and scouts across the league.

With free agency right around the corner, the marketplace is as unsettled as any in recent memory. Tom Pelissero spotlights a dozen players who could get more money than you think.

The blockbuster trade involving Matthew Stafford and Jared Goff appears to just be the beginning of a crazy quarterback carousel with myriad teams looking for new signal-callers.

The Houston Texans are sending the same message to interested teams about Deshaun Watson that they've delivered publicly: They have no interest in trading their disgruntled star quarterback.

The Cowboys are expected to make a push to sign their quarterback to a long-term contract prior to the March 9 deadline for applying the franchise tag -- a sign they're confident in Prescott's ongoing recovery from multiple surgeries on the ankle he fractured in October.