Senior NFL Writer
Daniel Rios is a Senior NFL Writer at EssentiallySports who specializes in trade and roster analysis, along with team projections and the season's major storylines.
A graduate of the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University, Daniel has written for Sports Illustrated, the LA Daily News, and Sports360AZ. During his time at Arizona State, he covered major events including the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl and the NFL Combine, gaining hands-on experience at some of football's biggest stages.
A lifelong football fan, Daniel has a particular passion for the NFL Draft. He has hosted live draft shows alongside NFL legend Brian Urlacher and produced coverage around the event, and he brings that same energy to his daily reporting for EssentiallySports.
Three 2026 NFL Free-Agent Signings That Could Define Their New Teams’ Seasons
NFL Writer Daniel Rios recaps some key veteran free-agent signings the NFL has seen over the past couple of days
NFL Fantasy Football Injury Report: Rookies and Stars to Monitor Before Week 1
NFL Writer Daniel Rios highlights some injuries that are worth paying attention with big fantasy implications ahead of the NFL season
NFL Preseason Week 1: Top Five Rookie Quarterback Performances – From Ty Simpson’s Stunning Debut to an Undrafted Surprise
NFL Writer Daniel Rios ranks the top five rookie quarterback performances throughout the first week of NFL preseason action
2027 NFL Draft: Top Five Safety Prospects Ranked
NFL Writer Daniel Rios ranks his top 5 safeties in the 2027 draft class ahead of the 2026 college football season
Fernando Mendoza’s Preseason Debut Answered Every Question Raiders Fans Had About Their Rookie QB
How did Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza do in his preseason debut? NFL Writer Daniel Rios answers that question
From Jordan Love to Jordan Morgan: Ranking Every Packers First-Round Pick Since 2018 Ranked From Best to Worst
NFL Writers Daniel Rios brings you a ranking of the last 10 first round picks by the Green Bay Packers ranked from best to worst
26 Rookies and Young Players Who Could Make or Break Their NFL Careers in Thursday’s Preseason Games
NFL Writer Daniel Rios highlights 26 players you should keep an eye on during Thursday's NFL preseason action.
Ranking the Last 10 First-Round Detroit Lions Draft Picks
NFL Writer Daniel RIos brings you a list of the last 10 first-round picks by the Detroit Lions, ranked from best to worst
2026 NFL Award Predictions: Picking MVP, Offensive/Defensive Rookies of the Year and More
NFL Writer Daniel Rios brings you his predictions for every major award in the NFL before the 2026 season kicks off
Ranking the Last 10 First-Round Picks By the Chicago Bears
NFL Writer Daniel Rios ranks the last 10 first-round picks from the Chicago Bears from best to worst. Where does Caleb Williams land?
Carson Beck and Haynes King Make Strong Statements in NFL Preseason Debuts: A Detailed Film Breakdown
NFL Writer Daniel Rios dives into the film and breaks down how Carson Beck and Haynes King truly did in the Hall of Fame game
NFL Training Camp 2026: Major Injuries, Standout Performers and Contract Extensions That Could Define the Season
There is a lot of NFL news dominating headlines with training camp going on. NFL Writer Daniel Rios brings you what you need to know
