The curious case of Cade Cunningham: Why the NBA should kill the 65-game rule

In 2006, former NBA commissioner David Stern and the league rolled out new synthetic basketballs that were made with a composite material instead of leather. They didn't bounce right. They didn't feel right. It got so bad that they made the players' hands bleed. It became a legitimate health concern.

Three months later, the NBA reversed course and rolled back the balls.

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It's time for the NBA to do the same with the 65-game rule. It was a foolish idea to begin with, thinking load management was the root cause of player absences and not a symptom of an increasingly taxing game. It's time to admit it solved nothing and created more problems than the one it tried to address. Like the ill-fated synthetic balls, the NBA may have a larger player health concern on its hands.

Will Cade Cunningham rush back?

By all accounts, Cade Cunningham has been one of the best players in the NBA this season, leading the Detroit Pistons to the top seed in the Eastern Conference and being the face of one of the feel-good stories in the league.

And then hecollided with Tre Johnsonearly in Tuesday's game against the tanking Washington Wizards. Before the game, Cunningham had been averaging 24.9 points, 10.1 assists and 5.6 rebounds. He was set to become the first Eastern Conference player since Oscar Robertson to average at least 24 points, 10 assists and 5 rebounds per game. He currently leads the NBA with 603 assists and no one is particularly close to eclipsing his total.

And yet, despite an incredible resumé throughout the season,Cunningham may not be eligibleto earn an All-NBA spot or receive any MVP votes this season.

That's because in 2023, the NBA implemented a 65-game rule intended to motivate players to play more. Instead, the rule has only exacerbated the NBA's perception problem, artificially drawing more attention to the player health epidemic and unfairly penalizing players for injuries out of their control.

Like, for instance, Cunningham's scary medical issue. On Thursday, it was announced thatCunningham is suffering from a collapsed lung, or what's known in the medical community as a pneumothorax, that will sideline him for the foreseeable future. The team indicated he would be re-evaluated in two weeks, a mark in the schedule that — coincidentally or not — allows him to returnjuuuuustin time to still be eligible for season-long awards.

If Cunningham is cleared in two weeks, in time for an April 2 tilt against Minnesota, there would be six games left in the Pistons' season. With 60 games on his ledger — his most recent game doesn't count because his five minutes played fall short of the league-mandated 15 — Cunningham would have to play a sufficient number of minutes in five of the Pistons' remaining six regular-season games.

Let's hope the timetable was determined purely for his health and not out of concern for his award eligibility under the 65-game rule. For what it's worth, thequickest returnof a collapsed lung in recent NBA history is two weeks by Terrence Jones in 2015, but players like CJ McCollum and Gerald Wallace needed between three and six weeks. The last thing the NBA wants to do is incentivize players to risk serious medical harm in order to fulfill the core tenets of its Player Participation Policy. But unfortunately, Cunningham's case raises legitimate questions about the incentives the league unnecessarily laid in front of the players.

As Iwrotein January, the 65-game rule is a cure worse than the disease. Because of the NBPA-ratified rule that was issued in order to promote player health, Cunningham now has more incentive to potentially rush back against medical advice and put his lungs in danger. Surely, medical professionals will have the final say and Cunningham's long-term health will be prioritized above all else, right?

Let's hope so. Thankfully for Cunningham, this medical concern arose this season and not last season when he qualified for a $45 million bonus by earning All-NBA status. He signed for the maximum 30% maximum and therefore is not eligible for any additional bonuses this season.

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In the case of Cunningham and the 65-game rule, we're left to believe that Cunningham's shortcoming is that he didn't play through injuries enough. Except this injury is not a rub-some-dirt-on-it affliction. A trauma pneumothorax isn't something the NBA wants a player to "tough out."

What is clear is that if the goal of the 65-game rule was to encourage stars to play more, it's not working.

NBA stars are missing more games

Your eyes aren't deceiving you. NBA stars really are more absent than ever. The NBA's official Player Participation Policy defines a star player as one who has been named to the All-Star or All-NBA team in any of the previous three seasons. By this definition, star players have been sidelined to an extent we have not yet seen.

Through every teams' first 68 games in the schedule, NBA stars have played just 67.5% of their games. In other words, stars are missing about one out of every three games. And we haven't even gotten to the final stretch in the season when playoff teams begin to rest stars ahead of the playoffs. It will likely get worse before it gets better.

To put this in perspective, 67.5% through 68 games is a massive drop from last season. At the same juncture last season, the play percentage for stars was 79.5%, a rate of playing four out of five games. Again, now it's just two out of every three. The season before that, in 2023-24, the inaugural season of the 65-game rule, star players played a tick more at this point, suiting up in 80.4% of their games.

Trends are going in the wrong direction, and it's creating a lot of unhappy fans and battered stars. The only star who may be happy about the 65-game rule is Karl-Anthony Towns. Believe it or not, he's the only member of last year's All-NBA team who is currently eligible for awards. That's right: the other 14 members of the All-NBA team are either already disqualified for missing too many games or in jeopardy of missing the criteria altogether.

Among All-NBA First Team members, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jayson Tatum have already been eliminated from postseason award qualification. Nikola Jokić can miss only one more game. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Donovan Mitchell are one moderate injury away from being ruled ineligible.

Elsewhere on the 2024-25 All-NBA list, Stephen Curry, LeBron James, Tyrese Haliburton and Jalen Williams have already been disqualified. Jalen Brunson and James Harden are on track to make the cut, but Anthony Edwards, Evan Mobley and Cunningham will need luck on their side.

As of Friday morning, only seven players from the 2024-25 All-NBA squad are on pace to be eligible for awards. Seven of the 15. That means more than half of the team is positioned to miss the cut. And that's not even considering other All-Stars from last year who have been too injured to qualify for All-NBA. Damian Lillard, Pascal Siakam, Trae Young, Darius Garland, Tyler Herro, Jaren Jackson Jr., Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving would also miss the All-NBA cut as well.

Towns being the only eligible reigning All-NBA player is a fitting face to the NBA's conundrum. The Knicks big man has seen his scoring plummet to levels unseen since his rookie season and his productivity measures are down across the board. Without the 65-game rule, he'd have little to no shot of making the team again. But with the 65-game rule, he might fall backwards onto the first-team honors and take the spot of more-deserving players like Cunningham.

What a difference a month makes. A few weeks ago,Cunningham was seen as the default MVPas a result of his star peers like Gilgeous-Alexander and Jokić falling prey to injury. Now, after a fluke elbow to his back, it's Cunningham who is in jeopardy of losing eligibility status for both MVP and All-NBA. Cunningham's trauma pneumothorax is a cold reminder that a player's health status can change instantly without their control.

Towns making All-NBA First Team by default is one thing, but there are trickle-down effects of these star-crossed injuries. We're not far away from a world in which Payton Pritchard or Towns' teammate Mikal Bridges make All-NBA simply because all the more deserving players caught the injury bug here and there. The Pritchards of the world certainly deserve praise for avoiding injuries that captured their peers. So, here's an idea: instead of a 65-game rule, why not go the other way and establish an Iron Man team?

Before we know it, the league awards will become a copy-and-paste Iron Man team across the board rather than celebrating greatness. Before the league incentivizes Cunningham or a future star to aggravate a serious medical condition, the 65-game rule should take its rightful place alongside the composite ball and go on the shelf of ill-fated NBA ideas.

byAnio Baumeister

in

March 20, 2026

The curious case of Cade Cunningham: Why the NBA should kill the 65-game rule

In 2006, former NBA commissioner David Stern and the league rolled out new synthetic basketballs that were made with a c...

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4 things to know for Friday’s March Madness action after a wild first day

Thefirst day of March Madnesswas chock full of upsets and quite a few nailbiters that make this tournament so great. And the best part? There's more coming on Friday.

Here are four things to look out for on the second day of the men's NCAA tournament and the first day of the women's NCAA tournament.

Miami (Ohio) looking to make a point

The RedHawkswent 31-0 in the regular seasonand then promptly lost their first game of the MAC tournament. Any Power 5 conference team with their record would have been a shoo-in for a berth in the round of 64 but their weak schedule relegated them to the First Four.

A victory over SMU puts them in the Big Dance now and they're eyeing Tennessee as their proving ground.

The first day of the tournament was all about mid-major teams beating Power 5 schools, making a point that mid-majors are not nearly as dead as some would have them believe. Perhaps High Point head coach Flynn Clayman said it best after his team upset Wisconsin, telling CBS: "Looks pretty obvious to me that high-majors need to play mid-majors early in the season. Because they said we didn't play nobody. We played somebody now."

Miami is definitely bringing that same energy to the tournament and it's looking to prove that its season wasn't the product of a weak schedule but instead proof of a team full of winners. They take on Tennessee at 4:25 p.m. ET.

Top seeds are on notice

Listen, Florida and Arizona are going to be a lot of people's picks to win the whole thing. They'll be expecting their games against Prairie View A&M and Long Island University, respectively, to go relatively smoothly as they get ready for tougher roads ahead.

But if the experience of Duke and Michigan on Thursday are any indication, the top teams will not be easing into the round of 32.

While Michigan eventually pulled away from Howard – they won 101-80 but led by only four at halftime – and Duke eventually got past Siena after trailing for much of the game, both of the No. 1 seeds that played on Thursday were tested.

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There are no real cakewalks in March and – as Thursday proved – upsets are always on the cards. The Gators and Wildcats better be locked in from the start.

Alabama takes the court without a star

The Crimson Tide seemed prime for a strong run in the tournament after a seasonfull of controversies. Instead they are now dealing with the loss of a top star after a shocking legal revelation.

Aden Holloway was arrestedon Monday, just after the Crimson Tide received a 4-seed in the Big Dance and a matchup with No. 13 Hofstra. He's accused of being in possession for more than two pounds of marijuana and he was immediately suspended by the team while the legal process plays out. He's facing up to 10 years in prison.

Holloway started 27 games for the Tide and averaged nearly 17 points per game and was their top shooter from beyond the arc.

It was a truly shocking development and one that tosses the Crimson Tide's tournament future into doubt. The CAA champion Hofstra Pride are another mid-major looking to make a big statement in the tournament and the Tide will have a lot of work to do to make up for Holloway's shooting prowess.

National title contenders get started

The women's tournament tips off and there are some top teams who are expecting to go all the way to the desert for the Final Four.

Texas, Michigan, LSU all get going on their quest to get to Phoenix. The Longhorns are especially considered to be one of the national title favorites and Michigan and LSU are both dark horses to go deep in the tourney.

The SEC champions are a favorite to go to the Final Four and largely have a clear path until a potential matchup with second-seeded Michigan in the Elite Eight. They play Missouri State at 4 p.m. ET on ESPN.

Men's games scheduled for Friday

• No. 7 Kentucky vs. No. 10 Santa Clara at 12:15 p.m. ET on Friday in St. Louis (CBS)

• No. 5 Texas Tech vs. No. 12 Akron at 12:40 p.m. ET on Friday in Tampa, Florida (truTV)

• No. 1 Arizona vs. No. 16 Long Island University at 1:35 p.m. ET on Friday in San Diego (TNT)

• No. 3 Virginia vs. No. 14 Wright State at 1:50 p.m. ET on Friday in Philadelphia (TBS)

• No. 2 Iowa State vs. No. 15 Tennessee State at 2:50 p.m. ET on Friday in St. Louis (CBS)

• No. 4 Alabama vs. No. 13 Hofstra at 3:15 p.m. ET on Friday in Tampa (truTV)

• No. 8 Villanova vs. No. 9 Utah State at 4:10 p.m. ET on Friday in San Diego (TNT)

• No. 6 Tennessee vs. No. 11 Miami (Ohio)at 4:25 p.m. ET Friday in Philadelphia (TBS).

• No. 8 Clemson vs. No. 9 Iowa 6:50 p.m. ET on Friday in Tampa (TNT)

• No. 5 St. John's vs. No. 12 Northern Iowa 7:10 p.m. ET on Friday in San Diego, California (CBS)

• No. 7 UCLA vs. No. 10 University of Central Florida 7:25 p.m. ET on Friday in Philadelphia (TBS)

• No. 2 Purdue vs. No. 15 Queens at 7:35 p.m. ET on Friday in St. Louis (truTV)

• No. 1 Florida vs. No. 16 Prairie View A&M at 9:25 p.m. ET Friday in Tampa (TNT).

• No. 4 Kansas vs. No. 13 California Baptist University 9:45 p.m. ET on Friday in San Diego (CBS)

• No. 2 UConn vs. No. 15 Furman 10 p.m. ET on Friday in Philadelphia (TBS)

• No. 7 Miami (Florida) vs. No. 10 Missouri 10:10 p.m. ET on Friday in St. Louis (truTV)

Women's games scheduled for Friday

• No. 3 Duke vs. No. 14 Charleston at 11:30 a.m. ET on ESPN2

• No. 3 TCU vs. No. 14 UC San Diego at noon ET on ESPN

• No. 8 Oregon vs. No. 9 Virginia Tech at 1:30 p.m. ET on ESPN2

• No. 6 Baylor vs. No. 11 Nebraska at 2 p.m. ET on ESPN

• No. 6 Washington vs. No. 11 South Dakota State at 2:30 p.m. ET on ESPNEWS

• No. 5 Maryland vs. No. 12 Murray State at 3 p.m. ET on ESPNU

• No. 5 Ole Miss vs. No. 12 Gonzaga at 3:30 p.m. ET on ESPN2

• No. 1 Texas vs. No. 16 Missouri State at 4 p.m. ET on ESPN

• No. 2 Michigan vs. No. 15 Holy Cross at 5:30 p.m. ET on ESPN2

• No. 4 North Carolina vs. No. 13 Western Illinois at 5:30 p.m. ET on ESPNEWS

• No. 2 LSU vs. No. 15 Jacksonville at 6 p.m. ET on ESPN

• No. 4 Minnesota vs. No. 13 Green Bay at 6 p.m. ET on ESPNU

• No. 5 Michigan State vs. No. 12 Colorado State at 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPNEWS

• No. 7 NC State vs. No. 10 Tennessee at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN

• No. 7 Texas Tech vs. No. 10 Villanova at 8:30 p.m. ET ESPNU

• No. 4 Oklahoma vs. No. 13 Idaho at 10 p.m. ET on ESPN

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byAnio Baumeister

in

March 20, 2026

4 things to know for Friday’s March Madness action after a wild first day

Thefirst day of March Madnesswas chock full of upsets and quite a few nailbiters that make this tournament so great. And...

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Dave Grohl has been attending therapy '6 days a week' since fathering child outside of his marriage

Dave Grohlis speaking out about his infidelity and mental health after announcing that he'dwelcomed a child out of wedlock in 2024.

TheFoo Fightersfrontman andNirvanadrummer, 57, toldThe Guardianthat he is currently attending "therapy six days a week" and has been for the last "70 weeks." He added, "I did the math the other day: over 430 sessions."

The experience has taught him to be more communicative "not only with others, but with myself," Grohl said. He also acknowledged that "there were so many things that led me to this therapy," not just his infidelity.

Still, when asked about his extramarital affair, the "Monkey Wrench" singer explained that the lyrics on the band's upcoming 12th studio album,Your Favorite Toy, say everything he wants to about the situation.

"I have to be perfectly honest. Writing songs and writing lyrics about these things is sometimes enough," Grohl said. "As far as having a deeper, longer conversation about them, I still do reserve a lot of this for my own personal life, as impersonal and public as it may seem."

He continued, "But I think that for many reasons, I wound up in a place that I needed to stop and sit with myself and re-evaluate myself. It's an ongoing process."

In his September 2024 statement, Grohl announced that he'd "become the father of a new baby daughter, born outside of my marriage" and was "doing everything I can to regain [his family's] trust and earn their forgiveness."The rocker has been married to his second wife, Jordyn Blum, since 2003, and the pair share three daughters together: Violet, Harper, and Ophelia.

Grohl also opened up about how he handled the public's reaction to his announcement.

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"I had to turn everything off, one of those things being my concern for what other people think," he said. "Being able to shut off that part of yourself can be sometimes a very healthy exercise in considering life within your immediate radius. Not giving all of that so much currency within yourself that it can completely destroy yourself."

Get your daily dose of entertainment news, celebrity updates, and what to watch with ourEW Dispatch newsletter.

Grohl also looked back at a period in his life over several years during which he spread himself thin crafting the 2014 HBO docuseriesSonic Highways, penning his 2021 memoirThe Storyteller, and performing around the world.

"I'm like, God, what was I trying to prove? There is such a thing as addiction to achievement, and it's dangerous," Grohl said. "You'll set a goal for yourself and you put everything you have into it; the world disappears. Then you achieve that finish line, and it feels good for 24 f---ing hours, and that feeling immediately goes away. And there's that hole again, there's that emptiness, and you're like, shit, I need to fill it up with something else."

When asked if that somehow contributed to his infidelity, Grohl responded, "No. I think that's how I ended up overextending myself and getting lost."

He continued, "I wasn't sitting with myself and really letting [feelings] go from my head into my heart. Getting to the point where I was just like, I need to stop, turn everything off and find my heart."

Foo Fighters' new albumYour Favorite Toyis out April 24.

Read the original article onEntertainment Weekly

byAnio Baumeister

in

March 20, 2026

Dave Grohl has been attending therapy '6 days a week' since fathering child outside of his marriage

Dave Grohlis speaking out about his infidelity and mental health after announcing that he'dwelcomed a child out of w...

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'Secret Lives of Mormon Wives' cast raised Taylor Frankie Paul concerns with ABC executives

Cast members from Hulu's "The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives" told ABC executives at a meeting earlier this month they had concerns about continuing the show if "MomTok" founder Taylor Frankie Paul remained involved, according to audio obtained by NBC News.

The roughly 30-minute Zoom meeting came on March 7, followingan incidentinvolving Paul and her on-again-off-again partner, Dakota Mortensen. Aspokesperson for the Draper Police Department in Utahsaid earlier this week that there is an open "domestic assault investigation" regarding Paul and Mortensen from February.

During the call, stars from "Mormon Wives" voiced concerns over thefuture of their careers, the show's brand and the allegations surrounding Paul and Mortensen. They also brought up alleged abuse involving Paul, who has three children, one who she shares with Mortensen.

In 2023, Paul was charged with assault, criminal mischief and domestic violence in the presence of a child, according to Salt Lake County sheriff's records. The arrest stemmed from allegations of a separate domestic violence dispute with Mortensen in 2023, which was part of the storyline in Season One of "Mormon Wives." Court records indicate that Paul pleaded guilty in abeyance to an aggravated assault charge in August 2025, and the other four charges were dismissed with prejudice.

One cast member said they did not feel comfortable filming as long as Paul is being investigated.

"It's a dangerous situation, it's a sad situation, and we don't know how to navigate it, because Taylor is our friend," the cast member said to ABC brass at the virtual meeting.

According to a source with knowledge of the situation, "the purpose of the March 7 zoom was to tell 'The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives' cast that we care about their safety, and they should not feel pressured to do press or film the show."

"The production company engaged a seasoned law firm to conduct an investigation of the competing and conflicting allegations that Taylor and Dakota had toward one another," the source added, "and it would have been inappropriate to engage in a dialogue regarding an ongoing investigation."

There were three Disney executives at the meeting in March, including Rob Mills, the executive vice president of unscripted and alternative entertainment at Walt Disney Television, the person who shared the recording said.

Cast members gave accounts of Paul's alleged behavior at the meeting, according to the audio. Mills said on the call, "I don't know a lot, nor do I want to know too much."

Mills could not speak about the investigation, the source with knowledge of the situation said.

"This is not me putting my head in the sand, but it's not me — you know, I don't want to inquire, because I don't know what that does," Mills later said.

Several cast members repeatedly referenced "distressing" and "upsetting" video recordings of Paul's alleged conduct, but did not detail the contents of them or play them on the call.

A cast member called it "concerning" that no one at Disney or Hulu seemed to want to know what is in the videos.

Hulu executives visited Utah to see "Mormon Wives" film during Season Five, and while there they "witnessed" discussions of domestic violence,NBC News previously reported.

On Thursday,TMZ published a videothat appears to be recorded by Mortensen and shows Paul pushing and kicking Mortensen as he repeatedly asks her to stop, saying, "let me go."

The recording, which does not capture what led up to the interaction, reportedly shows an incident for which Paul was arrested in 2023, according to TMZ.

Paul is also seen throwing three barstools at Mortensen. Shortly after the stool is thrown, her daughter, who was nearby on the sofa during the fight, can be heard crying.

"This is called physical abuse," Mortensen said in the video. When Paul begins hurling the stools at Mortensen, he can be heard saying, "Your daughter is right here."

The video ismentioned in the 2023 indictment against Paul, which notes that Mortensen had "redness and swelling around his eyes, swelling on his elbow, scratches on his fingers, and a laceration on his neck" from the incident. The indictment also notes that in the video, Paul's daughter is struck in the head while she was lying on the couch.

NBC News has not independently verified theTMZ videoand has not viewed the original full video.

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A spokesperson for Paul told NBC News on Thursday, after TMZ released the video, that the recording is the "latest installment of [Mortensen's] never-ending, desperate, attention-seeking, destructive campaign to harm Taylor without any regard for the consequences for their child."

At the meeting, one cast member asked Mills if he's "aware she's hurt a child?" He replied, "I don't think for us getting into it is right."

At the meeting, Mills stressed that the company is "never going to hide anything that is wrong for the sake of business."

He encouraged cast members to speak out about their concerns on the show, but declined to promise that what they said wouldn't be cut in edits.

The cast also expressed concern that Paul got paid more than them, which Mills denied.

Ultimately, the cast agreed to pause filming for "The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives" until legal action plays out, according to the audio recording.

Paul was set to take the spotlight as lead of ABC's "The Bachelorette" this season, but the networkpulled the plug onThursday.

"In light of the newly released video just surfaced today, we have made the decision to not move forward with the new season of 'The Bachelorette' at this time, and our focus is on supporting the family," Disney said in its statement regarding the decision.

There are no current public allegations against Mortensen.

Following news of the cancellation, a spokesperson for Paul said she's "gaining strength to face her accuser and taking steps to ensure that she and her children are protected from any further harm."

"There are too many women who are suffering in silence as they survive aggressive, jealous ex-partners who refuse to let them move on with their lives," the spokesperson said. "Taylor has remained silent out of fear of further abuse, retaliation, and public shaming. She is currently exploring all of her options, seeking support, and preparing to own and share her story."

Mills did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Thursday.

Representatives for Disney declined to provide additional statements on the matter.

Several authorities have been reviewing the allegations.

The West Jordan Police Department in Utah confirmed to NBC News on Wednesday that the department received a domestic violence allegation via phone call involving Paul, but declined to give details about the allegation or any potential charges. They also did not know the exact date or time of the reported incident.

A police department spokesperson said detectives are working on establishing the facts of the case.

The Draper Police Department in Utah told People earlier this week that there is an open "domestic assault investigation" regarding Paul and Mortensen and that "allegations have been made in both directions." The police spokesperson said that "contact was made with involved parties on [Feb] 24th and 25th."

Reached by NBC News on Monday, the police department declined to confirm the reports of a domestic dispute, saying its practice is "not to release details related to active investigations."

On Thursday, Mortensen, through his attorney, filed for a protective order against Paul. The filing was sent back for a correction and an amended petition, Salt Lake County District Court records show.

During the meeting, Mills suggested "staying close" with the cast as the investigation unfolds to continue the conversation about the future of "Mormon Wives."

"I want this to continue, and I want everyone to continue really being successful, both with this show and and beyond it," Mills told those on the call, "But I think really, just navigating through this thing and taking care of each other is the most important thing right now."

byAnio Baumeister

in

March 20, 2026

'Secret Lives of Mormon Wives' cast raised Taylor Frankie Paul concerns with ABC executives

Cast members from Hulu's "The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives" told ABC executives at a meeting earlier this ...

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AI NFL mock draft features head-scratching picks for Chiefs, Patriots

A month and a half after the Microsoft Copilot AI chatbot crafteda reasonable and well-constructed 2026 NFL mock draft, USA TODAY Sports decided to retry the experiment.

The main takeaway? NFL mock draft analysts won't need to worry about AI taking their jobs any time soon.

In the original experiment, Copilot successfully created a full, first-round mock in advance of Super Bowl 60 using just one prompt: "Can you create your own 2026 NFL mock draft for the first 32 picks?"

This time, Copilot struggled to interpret the prompt. This wasn't a major surprise – as some Large Language Models (LLMs) have trouble keeping up with the latest sports news and updates – but the errors in this iteration were more unorthodox than usual.

Originally, the chatbot produced a mock draft that not only featured an incorrect draft order, but also consisted entirely of players the AI had seemingly created itself. After several re-prompts, Copilot was able to use the correct draft order, but it struggled to keep track of which players were draft-eligible in 2026. That led to players already on NFL teams – like Pittsburgh Steelers quarterbackWill Howard– being included in its mock draft.

After enough tinkering, Copilot finally produced a 2026 NFL mock draft featuring the correct draft order and only players eligible for this year's draft. The prompt utilized to create it was as follows:

• Can you create your own 2026 NFL mock draft for the first 32 picks using the official 2026 NFL Draft order, only players eligible for the 2026 NFL Draft and without having the same prospect being selected twice within the mock?

Even so, Copilot's mock featured several head-scratching picks, including inexplicably mocking a quarterback to the New England Patriots at the end of Round 1.

Here's a summation of Microsoft Copilot's latest mock draft, along with a human assessment of how the AI chatbot fared in its mock drafting efforts.

OT Tytus Howard: Traded to Cleveland Browns (previous team: Houston Texans)

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> CB Trent McDuffie: Traded to Los Angeles Rams (previous team: Kansas City Chiefs)

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> RB David Montgomery: Traded to Houston Texans (previous team: Detroit Lions)

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> WR DJ Moore: Traded to Buffalo Bills (previous team: Chicago Bears)

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" />

2026 NFL offseason tracker: Player signings, trades

OT Tytus Howard:Traded to Cleveland Browns(previous team: Houston Texans)

2026 NFL mock draft: First-round AI picks

1.Las Vegas Raiders: QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana

The Raiders are basically locked into taking Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick. Copilot praised his "NFL‑ready traits" while identifying him as the right fit in Las Vegas. So far, so good for the chatbot.

2.New York Jets: RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame

OK, this is the right range for Love, who Copilot called "elite" and an "explosive three‑down weapon." The only issue is the Jets don't really need a running back, as they franchise-taggedBreece Hallduring the offseason. It's hard to imagine the Jets using the No. 2 overall pick on one of the few positions at which they don't have a need. So, unless New York trades Love, this seems exceedingly unlikely.

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3.Arizona Cardinals: Edge Rueben Bain Jr., Miami (FL)

Copilot forgot to include Bain in its last mock draft. This time, it has him going No. 3 overall, as "a disruptive defender with elite pressure numbers" who would provide a boost to Arizona's pass rush. Bain is a feasible selection, but seeing him go ahead of both Arvell Reese and David Bailey would be a surprise, especially considering the concerns about the Miami product's arm length.

4.Tennessee Titans: LB Arvell Reese, Ohio State

Copilot identified linebacker as a "major defensive need" for the Titans and noted it likes Reese's "sideline‑to‑sideline range." Tennessee needs a long-term partner forCedric Gray, and off-ball linebacker was one of the few positions the team didn't address in free agency. Nice work, Copilot!

5.New York Giants: S Caleb Downs, Ohio State

Back-to-back Ohio State players come off the board, as Copilot believes the Giants will be intrigued by Downs' "versatility, instincts, and physicality." John Harbaughhas always had strong safety play with the Ravens, and pairing Downs withJevon Hollandwouldgive the Giants one of the best safety tandems in the NFL.

6.Cleveland Browns: OT Francis Mauigoa, Miami (FL)

The Browns are actively rebuilding their offensive line, and Copilot is continuing that process with their first-round pick. The chatbot likes Mauigoa as a "massive, powerful" blocker who will help Cleveland become a ground-dominant team.

7.Washington Commanders: LB Sonny Styles, Ohio State

Copilot has the Commanders rolling with Styles over a top-end pass rusher like David Bailey. Why? The chatbot likes Styles' versatility, calling him "a modern chess piece" for Dan Quinn to use. Commanders general manager Adam Peters was part of the 49ers front office when they selectedFred Warner, so he knows the importance of having a top-end linebacker.

8.New Orleans Saints: WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State

Copilot believes Tate will "fit perfectly" alongsideChris Olavethanks to his "separation skills and deep‑threat ability." It's hard to argue with that logic, and it would behoove the Saints to continue investing in their offensive weaponry aroundTyler Shough.

9.Kansas City Chiefs: WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State

Copilot sees Tyson as a "legitimate WR1" and noted the Chiefs have been seeking such a player in recent seasons. Some may view Kansas City's tandem ofRashee RiceandXavier Worthyas good enough, but Rice isunder NFL investigation for domestic abuse allegations. The Chiefs will need to replace him if he is suspended again, so the chatbot's process in giving the team Tyson is sensible.

10.Cincinnati Bengals: DL Peter Woods, Clemson

Would the Bengals really go with Woods over David Bailey? Probably not, considering the team's need for edge rush depth and talent in addition toShemar StewartandBoye Mafe. Still, Copilot likes the idea of Cincinnati adding "youth and power" to its defensive line in Woods.

11.Miami Dolphins: Edge David Bailey, Texas Tech

This probably represents Bailey's floor, as he could go as early as the No. 2 overall pick come April. If he lasts this long, the Dolphins would love to add the productive pass-rusher, whom Copilot highlighted as a strong scheme fit for Jeff Hafley's defense.

12.Dallas Cowboys: CB Mansoor Delane, LSU

Copilot likes the idea of Dallas building up its secondary early in the 2026 NFL Draft. It believes the "physical" Delane is the perfect candidate to accomplish that goal with the No. 12 overall pick.

13.Los Angeles Rams(fromAtlanta): OT Spencer Fano, Utah

The Rams are well-positioned to take one of the best players available with the 13th selection after upgrading their cornerback room considerably during the offseason. Copilot called Fano a "technically refined, athletic tackle," and it's easy to see his potential positional versatility quickly turning him into an asset for Los Angeles.

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14.Baltimore Ravens: Edge T.J. Parker, Clemson

The Ravens still have a need on the edge across fromTrey Hendricksonafterbacking out of the Maxx Crosby trade. This may be on the earlier side for Parker, but Copilot called him "explosive, long and productive" while opining he will fit well into Jesse Minter's defense.

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15.Tampa Bay Buccaneers: WR Makai Lemon, USC

Would this fit Lemon's draft range? Absolutely. However, it's hard to imagine the Buccaneers taking a first-round receiver even afterlosing Mike Evans to free agency. The team spent a first-round pick onEmeka Egbukalast season and also hasChris Godwin,Jalen McMillanandTez Johnsonon the roster. So, despite Copilot insisting Lemon would "immediately contribute" in Tampa Bay, this doesn't seem like the best fit.

16. New York Jets (fromIndianapolis): QB Ty Simpson, Alabama

Copilot likes the idea of the Jets selecting a "high‑upside quarterback" to pair withGeno Smithafter spending its first selection on a blue-chip player. This strategy is probably the only way the Jets can land both a blue-chip player and their quarterback of the future, so the AI chatbot deserves credit for following this approach.

17.Detroit Lions: OT Monroe Freeling, Georgia

The Lions have a big need at left tackle after Dan Skipper retired andTaylor Decker demanded his release. Copilot saw that clearly and also noticed Freeling rising because of his "length and movement skills." If Freeling lasts this long, he would be a great fit in Detroit, as Dan Campbell and Hank Fraley can develop him into a strong starter. Well done, Copilot.

18.Minnesota Vikings: CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee

The Vikings need a cornerback and Copilot believes McCoy "fits Brian Flores' defensive style perfectly." McCoy didn't play in 2025 while recovering from a torn ACL, but he was one of college football's best cornerbacks the previous season.

19.Carolina Panthers: WR Denzel Boston, Washington

The Panthers have spent back-to-back first-round picks on wide receivers (Xavier LegetteandTetairoa McMillan) in an effort to improveBryce Young's supporting cast. Boston may have "strong contested‑catch ability" and "add physicality" to Carolina's receiving corps, according to Copilot, but it's hard to imagine the team using yet another first-round asset on a wide-out.

20. Dallas Cowboys (fromGreen Bay): OT Caleb Lomu, Utah

The Cowboys have spent three of their last four first-round picks on offensive linemen. Would they really do it again? Copilot thinks it's possible, but Dallas seems more likely to double-dip on defense with its two first-round picks.

21.Pittsburgh Steelers: DL Caleb Banks, Florida

Copilot believes Banks' "size and raw power" would make him a strong fit on Pittsburgh's interior defensive line.Cameron Heywardis turning 37 in May, so adding a long-term partner for 2025 first-round pickDerrick Harmonwould be a smart move.

22.Los Angeles Chargers: CB Chris Johnson, San Diego State

Johnson performed well at San Diego State at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, but this is still probably a little early for him. The Chargers have bigger needs along the interior offensive line and at edge rusher, so this doesn't seem overly likely.

23.Philadelphia Eagles: TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon

The Eaglesbrought back Dallas Goedert on a one-year deal, but they could use a long-term successor for the 31-year-old. Copilot called Sadiq a "matchup weapon" and believes he will develop into a key target for the team. This is a good value pick; no notes.

A.J. BROWN TRADE RUMORS:Are Rams out on Eagles WR?

24. Cleveland Browns (fromJacksonville): OT Kaydn Proctor, Alabama

It may not be as likely for the Browns to double-dip along the offensive line in the first round after acquiring three potential starters during NFL free agency. Nonetheless, Copilot has Cleveland doing just that and targeting Proctor thanks to his "elite frame and raw strength." Proctor would certainly fill a big need at left tackle, but again, it isn't clear whether the team would draft two first-round tackles afterpaying trade acquisition Tytus Howardto be its right tackle.

25.Chicago Bears: WR Omar Cooper Jr., Indiana

Copilot likes the idea of giving the Bears a replacement forDJ Moore. It views Cooper as a "strong route runner with reliable hands" and thinks he would pair well withRome OdunzeandLuther Burden III. That might be true, but the Bears have larger needs along the defensive front, so it's hard to imagine them spending another top-end resource on a receiver.

26.Buffalo Bills: S Dillon Thieneman, Oregon

The Bills brought in a couple of veteran safeties –C.J. Gardner-JohnsonandGeno Stone– in free agency but could use a long-term complement toCole Bishopat the position. Copilot likes Thieneman's "instincts and range," and this looks like a solid value with Thieneman getting first-round buzz after blowing up the 2026 NFL combine.

27.San Francisco 49ers: Edge Keldrick Faulk, Auburn

Copilot opined Faulk matches the prototype San Francisco tends to pursue while looking at edge defenders. The 49ers had a league-low 20 sacks last season so it makes sense for the team to target pass rush help, even after spending a 2025 first-round pick onMykel Williams.

28.Houston Texans: LB Anthony Hill Jr., Texas

Copilot wanted to give the Texans a "versatile second‑level weapon." Enter Hill, a do-it-all defender who totaled 249 tackles, 31.5 TFL, 17 sacks and three interceptions across 40 games played at Texas. This is about the top of Hill's potential draft range, but he interests the teams picking in the late first round.

29. Kansas City Chiefs (from Los Angeles): WR KC Concepcion, Texas A&M

The Browns aren't the only team Copilot has double-dipping at a position in the first round. It also has the Chiefs taking two receivers, with Concepcion representing "a dynamic YAC specialist" to pair withPatrick Mahomes. As fun as it would be to see that partnership come to fruition, it is beyond improbable Kansas City will spend its top-two picks at receiver, especially considering how desperate the team is for cornerback help.

30. Miami Dolphins (from Denver): OT Blake Miller, Clemson

Austin Jacksonis under contract with the Dolphins for one more season, so bringing in competition and a potential long-term successor for him makes sense. Copilot sees Miller as a "sturdy right tackle" who could emerge as a plug-and-play starter for the rebuilding Dolphins.

31.New England Patriots: QB Garrett Nussmeier, LSU

Oh boy. Did Copilot not pay attention to the 2026 NFL season?Drake Mayefinished as the MVP runner-up in his sophomore campaign while the Patriots made it all the way to Super Bowl 60. New England has no need for help at quarterback, so adding Nussmeier in the first round would be nonsensical. This is easily Copilot's most egregious mock draft selection.

32.Seattle Seahawks: CB Avieon Terrell, Clemson

At least Copilot is ending on a high note. Terrell – who it describes as a "twitchy, reactive cover corner" – could sneak into the top 20 if all goes well. Seattle would be ecstatic to land him here and help replaceRiq Woolen, who the team lost in free agency.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:NFL mock draft 2026: Microsoft Copilot AI predicts entire first round

byAnio Baumeister

in

March 20, 2026

AI NFL mock draft features head-scratching picks for Chiefs, Patriots

A month and a half after the Microsoft Copilot AI chatbot crafteda reasonable and well-constructed 2026 NFL mock draft, ...

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