Michael Schwartz

1 day ago | usatoday.com | Michael Schwartz

Editor's note: This story is a part of a series by USA TODAY Sports called Project: June. We will publish at least one NFL-themed story every day throughout the month because fans know the league truly never sleeps. The top of every NFL draft typically features at least a handful of players who have been well-known figures for some time. But plenty can change over the course of a year – and several prospects typically ensure there's somewhat of a shake-up.

1 week ago | usatoday.com | Michael Schwartz

No player's path to the NFL draft resembles a straight line. While it's typical for prospects to enjoy steady and sometimes even exponential growth on their way to the pros, there's no single way to reach the next level.

1 week ago | usatoday.com | Michael Schwartz

Anyone looking for the next Cam Ward might want to settle in for an extended wait. To most, the No. 1 pick of the Tennessee Titans in this year's NFL draft didn't clear the threshold of a "generational" talent that his future team first floated months before his selection. But his path to the point is a unique one unlikely to be followed anytime soon.

3 weeks ago | usatoday.com | Michael Schwartz

When it comes to scheduling, the NFL is hardly a meritocracy. Spotlighting the top teams can be one of the driving factors for the league as it pieces together the intricate puzzle of a 272-game regular season. But an operation intent on attracting the most viewers doesn't rely solely on records from the previous year to determine who should receive the most exposure in marquee broadcasts.

3 weeks ago | usatoday.com | Michael Schwartz

If variety is the spice of life, the NFL's prime-time schedule is typically the broadcast equivalent of an unseasoned chicken breast. Few enterprises can match the league when it comes to commanding attention throughout the country. Of the top 100 live event broadcasts in 2024, more than two-thirds belonged to the NFL. While that figure was actually down from 93 a year ago, it reinforced that there's no singular entity that can compete with the league when it comes to getting people to tune in.