There are many checkpoints on the way to the NFL Draft.

A few include college all-star showcases, the combine in Indianapolis and pro days across the country. Another, which seemingly heeds more attention every cycle, is the unleashing of Dane Brugler's draft guide "The Beast." Produced by The Athletic, it's touted as "The world's most detailed NFL Draft guide."

That claim is very likely true. Brugler's handbook to the league's incoming players features 402 profiles, 2,700 rankings, 45,000 verified measurements and a writer's most proud stat — almost 300,000 words.

Brugler warns that the printable version is over 600 pages. The online one is available right here.

While there are countless media members who do a fine job assessing NFL prospects and contextualizing information for fans, we think Brugler's annual manual lives up to its moniker and gives readers the most comprehensive look at who might develop into stars and starters and valuable backups and role players; with exhaustive position rankings and detailed reports, it's easier to grasp what the 2026 class is offering.

Maybe you're curious what Brugler sees in Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman, who has been the most popular pick in mock drafts for Minnesota at No. 18. Brugler's "one-liner" on Thieneman, who began at Purdue, is he's "A durable, versatile safety who could start in almost any coach's defensive scheme."

Brugler shared strengths and weaknesses for his No. 2 safety (ranked after Ohio State's Caleb Downs):

Strengths include …

• Versatile athlete who can make an impact from the backend, near the box or as a nickel
• Sees things quickly and attacks without hesitation
• Has ability to stay in phase and position himself in coverage to contest windows
• Sorts through route movements quickly to match, redirect and close space
• Good hands and hand-eye coordination to finish interceptions

And weaknesses include …

• Adequate size, with a muscular frame, but appears maxed out physically
• Mediocre burst and hip turn when covering downfield corners/posts
• Better stride acceleration than initial twitch when covering crossers
• Arrives hot as a tackler, which leads to inconsistent angles from depth

Of course, there are levels to "The Beast" and so much more info than nuggets from film analysis.

Brugler also provides extensive background notes on the players he scouted, in addition to a summary that paints a clear picture of that player's projection. For instance, in Thieneman's profile, we learned he had two older brothers who walked on at Purdue and became scholarship safeties, and he took a liking to Pro Football Hall of Fame safety Troy Polamalu when he was growing up. He reminds Brugler of Saints safety Justin Reid, a two-time Super Bowl Champion with the Chiefs and 2018 third-round draft pick of the Texans, because "his scheme-friendly recognition skills and eagerness to get busy as a run defender."

There's plenty left to unpack regarding Thieneman, and so much more about hundreds of other players.

Brugler puts it all in one place with "The Beast."

ESPN's pre-draft status check

We're two weeks from the start of the 2026 event, and ESPN on Thursday provided a status check for all 32 clubs' approaches and intentions for the draft, which runs April 23-25. The format included questions about the franchises, as well as a "what we're hearing about" the teams' approaches.

Kevin Seifert recalled the goals shared by high-ranking Vikings in the absence of an official general manager. Executive Vice President of Football Operations Rob Brzezinski has been tasked with building consensus between the personnel department and coaching staff since late January and does have the ability to break any ties. Seifert noted Brzezinski saying he hopes for "complete and total collaboration" between scouts and coaches.

As far as ongoing discussions behind the curtain, draft analyst Matt Miller mentioned Thieneman as the most mocked player to the Vikings (which could be less meaningful than it sounds) and a potential fit.

Additionally, Miller stated Minnesota must have a higher hit rate on Day 2 picks and reported he has heard the Vikings will therefore target players with "higher college production over potential or traits."

If you're interested in the rest of the teams, check out ESPN's article here.

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