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.
Adam Vinatieri’s Hall of Fame Resume is Unlike Any Kicker in NFL History
What sets Adam Vinatieri apart from other legendary NFL kickers? NFL Writer Daniel Rios tells you why he's above them all
Ranking the Washington Commanders’ Last 10 First-Round Draft Picks
NFL Writer Daniel Rios ranks the last 10 first round picks made by the Washington Commanders to see how they've drafted in the last decade
Adam Vinatieri’s Greatest Game: How the Tuck Rule Game Cemented His NFL Legacy
What was Adam Vinatieri's biggest game in his legendary career? NFL Writer Daniel Rios picks out one game that stands out among the rest
Ranking the Last 10 First-Round Draft Picks of the New York Giants
NFL Writer Daniel Rios ranks the New York Giants' first-round picks over their last 10 selections from best to worst
Ranking the New England Patriots’ Last 10 First-Round Draft Picks
How have the Patriots drafted with their last 10 first-round picks? Here they are ranked from best to worst
2027 NFL Draft: Top 5 Interior Offensive Lineman heading into the 2026 College Football Season
NFL Writer Daniel Rios ranks his top 5 interior offensive lineman for the 2027 NFL Draft with one honorable mention
NFL Defensive Playcaller Rankings: The 10 Best Defensive Minds in 2026
NFL writer Daniel Rios ranks the top 10 NFL defensive play callers heading into the 2026 NFL season. Which coordinators made the list?
Ranking the Last 10 First-Round Draft Picks by the Buffalo Bills
The Bills have become one of the NFL's most consistent teams over the past decade. Here's their last 10 first-round picks ranked
Ranking the NFL’s 10 Best Offensive Playcallers Entering the 2026 Season
Which NFL teams have the best play callers driving their offensive success? Here are the top 10 playcallers heading into the 2026 season
Ranking Every Miami Dolphins First-Round Draft Picks of the Last Decade
How have the Dolphins drafted in the past decade? Here are their last 10 players taken in the first-round ranked from best to worst
Ranking the 10 Best NFL Players of Larry Fitzgerald’s Era
Where does Larry Fitzgerald rank amongst the players of his era? NFL Writer Daniel Rios ranks him in the top 10
The Night Larry Fitzgerald Became Immortal: How He Sent the Cardinals to the Super Bowl
What was Larry Fitzgerald's biggest game in his career. He has a ton of options to choose from, but one game in the 2008 season stands out
