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.
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
2027 NFL Draft Cornerback Rankings: Leonard Moore Leads CB Class
NFL writer Daniel Rios ranks his top cornerbacks for the 2027 NFL Draft ahead of the 2026 college football season
Ranking the Minnesota Vikings’ Last 10 First-Round Draft Picks
NFL Writer Daniel Rios brings you a ranking of the last 10 first round picks by the Minnesota Vikings from best to worst
Where do Kyle Hamilton and Tyler Linderbaum Rank Among the Ravens’ Last 10 First-Round Picks?
NFL Writer Daniel RIos brings you a ranking of the last 10 first round picks by the Baltimore Ravens from best to worst
5 NFL Training Camp Standouts Turning Heads Ahead of the 2026 Season
With training camp entering its second week of action, players are starting to stand out. Daniel Rios brings you 5 players who have
5 Players to Watch in the 2026 NFL Hall of Fame Game: Cardinals vs. Panthers
With Thursday's NFL game likely not having starters in it. NFL Writer Daniel Rios ranks five players to look out for in the Hall of Fame game.
Ranking the Best and Worst of the Steelers’ Last Ten First-Round Picks
NFL Writer Daniel Rios brings you the last 10 first round picks by the Pittsburgh Steelers ranked from best to worst
