2026 NFL Draft profile: Texas DT Cole Brevard

Texas Longhorns defensive tackle Cole Brevard is looking to make the leap to the NFL in the 2026 NFL Draft. While he isn’t expected to hear his name called, Brevard’s size, experience, and flashes of potential give him a chance to compete for a roster spot.

As the No. 19 defensive tackle in the country as a high school recruit according to 247Sports, Brevard signed with Penn State. But struggled to receive snaps, playing in one game during two seasons in Happy Valley and elected to transfer to Purdue. sweetbonanza-app.com

Brevard showcased his skills over three seasons as a Boilermaker, including a 2024 campaign that resulted in 19 tackles, two sacks, and 13 pressures. According to PFF, he graded at 72.4 against the run and 68.6 as a pass rusher.

Following that season, Brevard transferred to Texas to replenish a depleted interior defensive line. As a Longhorn, Brevard recorded 18 tackles and two passes defended.

Like many college players, Brevard’s career has been nonlinear. He’s attended three schools and played for a host of different coaches. Throughout his time, his ability to stop the run has been a strong point.

Brevard’s capabilities were best showcased in the season opener against Ohio State. He recorded two tackles and graded at 84.0 in run defense, according to PFF.

Brevard’s experience as a rotational player will serve him well in his pursuit of an NFL roster spot. He’s proved himself a physical interior defender that can stop the run and provide depth to a defensive line rotation. His tape also highlights an ability to clog space up front and handle double teams, two skills that will entice NFL coaches.

In addition, his size — 6’3, 346 pounds — and strength puts him well within the range needed to play at the professional level.

As a whole, Brevard’s path to an NFL roster spot will be uphill, but not impossible. He has the physical size, experience, and situational skill set that will allow him to compete during training camp.

The Kansas City Chiefs are looking ahead to Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft on Friday. The organization has only pick No. 40 over Rounds 2 and 3.

The Arrowhead Pride community was asked to vote for the position they believe the Chiefs will select with their lone pick today. Right now, the poll showed a clear majority of respondents expect Kansas City to take a defensive end, adding to Thursday’s investments in the defense: cornerback Mansoor Delane and defensive tackle Peter Woods.

AP commenter RockRossFan laid out the possible picks to think about at the consensus position.

Zion Young, T.J. Parker or Gabe Jacas. I’m fine with any of this 3, my order of preference would be Jacas, Parker, Young.

The clean sweep of defenders among the three top-40 picks would be a shot in the arm (or two, or three!) to the Chiefs’ defense.

There is a decent portion of voters who believe wide receiver will be the focus today, but those are basically the only two positions on Chiefs fans’ minds with Round 2 upcoming.

The Chargers decided to address their pass rush in the first round on Thursday night, selecting University of Miami edge rusher Akheem Mesidor.

It was a significant need, especially after losing Odafe Oweh in free agency, so Mesidor will come in as the third edge rusher alongside Khalil Mack and Tuli Tuipulotu.

"It's fire, as the young people would say," Harbaugh said about the trio.

Chargers GM Joe Hortiz chimed in, saying, "it's lit.”

You know what would be lit? Getting a left guard to protect quarterback Justin Herbert. He was sacked and hit a combined 129 times, which led the league. One of the lasting images from the playoff loss against the Patriots was linebacker K'Lavon Chaisson and defensive lineman Elijah Ponder twisting him like a pretzel, forcing the ball loose. Herbert remained on the ground in pain as Zion Johnson, Mekhi Becton, and Bradley Bozeman stood over him.

They brought in Tyler Biadasz at center and Cole Strange at right guard, but the unit still needs improvement, even with Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater returning from injury. They need a left guard.

There are several offensive linemen they could target in the second round, including Texas A&M’s Chase Bisontis, Oregon’s Emmanuel Pregnon, Iowa’s Gennings Dunker, and Kentucky’s Jalen Farmer.

© Chris Pietsch/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Oregon’s Emmanuel Pregnon, center, takes the field before the game against Oklahoma State at Autzen.

During the press conference with Hortiz and Harbaugh, both anticipated questions about the offensive line.

"This is a good, deep draft," Hortiz said. "There's going to be players in the second, in the third, in the fourth. I'm telling you, there's going to be linemen there available."

Hortiz said he and Harbaugh discussed it before the press conference, acknowledging the importance of solidifying the offensive line.

Other names to watch on Day 2 include Kansas State center Sam Hecht, Duke’s Brian Parker, Tennessee CB Jermod McCoy, Georgia WR Malachi Fields, LSU S A.J. Haulcy, Oklahoma DT Gracen Halton, and USC WR Ja'Kobi Lane, to name a few.

The Chargers are in win-now mode, especially after selecting Mesidor. They need players who can come in and make an immediate impact. As Seattle showed last year, a strong draft and contributions from young players can make all the difference.

The agent of Inter Milan youngster Issiaka Kamate has claimed there is a lot of interest in the 21-year-old French midfielder, as uncertainty lingers over his future with the Nerazzurri.

The former Montfermeil youth prospect joined the Inter academy in 2021 and has risen up through the ranks.

Indeed, last season he spent six months on loan with Modena in Serie B to modest success.

This season, the youngster made an appearance for the Inter first team in a Coppa Italia match, whilst playing regularly for the U23s in Serie C.

Kamate Agent Puts Inter Milan Future In Doubt

Speaking to L’Interista, Kamate’s agent, Fabio Sommella said that there is ‘lots of foreign interest’ in him, leading to questions as to whether or not he will remain an Inter player after the summer.

Whilst he picked up an assist in his Coppa Italia cameo, there is not a clear pathway currently for him into the first team.

Therefore, if Inter can cash in, they may choose to.

Indeed, they could even structure a deal in a similar way to that of Aleksandar Stankovic.

With a buy-back clause inserted into any sale, the Nerazzurri could therefore guarantee first dibs on the player if he grows under the influence of more first team minutes elsewhere.

Cruzeiro Eye Igor Júlio Move as Brighton Defender Faces Uncertain Future

Transfer Interest Builds Around Igor Júlio

Brazilian football’s transfer window may still sit on the horizon, but the groundwork is already being laid. As reported by ESPN, Cruzeiro have stepped up their interest in Brighton defender Igor Júlio, a player whose future in England appears increasingly fragile.

The 28-year-old centre back has quietly become one of the more intriguing names in the upcoming market. Cruzeiro’s board have renewed contact with his representatives, signalling that this is not a passing enquiry but a pursuit with substance. Their interest stretches back months, even surfacing publicly when Igor himself acknowledged contact with the club during an Instagram exchange with a supporter.

Brighton Exit Looms Amid European Options

There is a growing expectation that Igor Júlio is not expected to stay at Brighton for next season. That uncertainty has opened the door to multiple suitors, with clubs in Italy, Germany, and England all making approaches. Yet, for all the continental appeal, there is an emotional pull at play.

Photo: IMAGO

Cruzeiro’s approach has clearly resonated. The defender has previously spoken of a desire to represent the club, and that sentiment appears to have been rekindled. He was, according to reports, “stirred up” by the renewed contact, a phrase that hints at something deeper than professional curiosity.

Still, the player’s preference remains to continue in Europe, where the level and visibility of competition offer a different stage. That tension between ambition and affinity may ultimately define his next move.

Barboza Also on Cruzeiro Radar

Igor Júlio is not the only defensive option under consideration. Cruzeiro are also pursuing Alexander Barboza, currently with Botafogo. The 31-year-old has emerged as a viable alternative, particularly given his contractual situation.

With his deal expiring at the end of the year, Barboza will be free to negotiate a pre-contract from July. However, renewal talks with Botafogo have stalled. His camp is reportedly seeking assurances around the club’s sporting direction, including the retention of key personnel, before committing to an extension.

Cruzeiro’s dual-track strategy reflects a club attempting to balance immediacy with opportunity, targeting both a player in his prime and one approaching contractual freedom.

Strategic Timing Ahead of Transfer Window

The timing of these moves is no coincidence. Brazil’s transfer window opens on July 20, giving Cruzeiro a defined window to act. Early engagement allows them to shape negotiations before competition intensifies.

In Igor Júlio, they see a player capable of anchoring a defence with European pedigree. In Barboza, they see experience and potential value. The question is not whether Cruzeiro will sign a defender, but which profile they ultimately prioritise.

As one observer close to the situation noted, “This is a club thinking ahead, not reacting late. They are building options, not chasing desperation.”

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From a Brighton perspective, this situation feels familiar. The club has built its recent success on smart recruitment and timely exits, and Igor Júlio may simply be the next chapter in that cycle.

There is, however, a sense that Igor has not fully settled into the rhythm of the Premier League. His performances have been mixed rather than transformative, and in a system that demands tactical fluidity, that can be limiting. If he moves on, it would likely be viewed as a natural progression rather than a loss that disrupts the squad.

What intrigues Brighton fans is the level of interest. Clubs across Europe are circling, and now Cruzeiro have entered the conversation with emotional leverage. That suggests Igor still carries significant value, even if his role at Brighton has not fully crystallised.

Ultimately, this is less about departure and more about continuity. Brighton’s model thrives on evolution, and Igor Júlio’s uncertain future fits neatly into that pattern.