Ready for the Minnesota Vikings to draft another quarterback? Inside a draft not known for quarterback talent? That’s the latest and greatest theory from former Chicago Bears and Detroit Lions passer Chase Daniel, who says Minnesota should get into bed with Alabama’s Ty Simpson.

The Simpson idea exists, though the roster board points the Vikings in other directions.

The Vikings would probably have to spend their 18th overall pick on Simpson, and some are not enthused by the idea.

Minnesota Should Pass on the Alabama Quarterback

Simpson is expected to be the second signal-caller off the board after Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza.

Chase Daniel: Vikings Should Consider Ty Simpson

Simpson to Minnesota should be a thing, says Daniel.

He said in a video on Twitter (X) late last week, “The second that Kyler signed with KOC, in my opinion, J.J.’s done there. They’re not giving J.J. a chance to win the QB1 job. It would surprise me, very much so. You don’t sign there to be a backup to J.J. McCarthy. I think J.J. McCarthy’s days with the Vikings are done.”

“I do, and so that’s why I think you have to entertain drafting Ty Simpson. You’re not sure what Kyler’s going to do. It’s a one-year deal, $1.3 million. I just think if Ty can go to KOC, and there’s a lot of things that can happen, but with that offense, come on, man.”

Vikings fans saw Daniels’s video and largely rolled their eyes. He also claimed on the same platform over the weekend that Carson Wentz’s new $3 million contract means McCarthy is on his way out. Generally speaking, Daniel is known as a hot-take merchant on social media.

The Vikings Have Enough QB Options Right Now

Listen, the Vikings have roster needs at the moment — center, cornerback, safety, defensive tackle, and perhaps [a young] running back — but quarterback isn’t one, not after signing Murray and Wentz in the last week and a half.

Murray is in line to start at QB1, barring a surprise upset from McCarthy, who will evidently battle for his old job at training camp and in the preseason. Wentz will likely fill the QB3 job, unless he scores an upset over McCarthy at the QB2 hole.

And the franchise has last year’s undrafted free agent Max Brosmer. The University of Minnesota alumnus struggled tremendously in the regular season after a strong preseason, but he remains in the team’s roster orbit.

Unless Vikings fans and NFL media are severely overvaluing the Vikings’ opinion of Murray and McCarthy, Simpson isn’t needed. There’s no room.

Simpson’s Scouting Report

Simpson is expected to be picked somewhere in Round 1, likely in the middle or back half. He could also fall to Round 2, as this particular draft is weak at the quarterback spot and seems to be saving the main event for 2027.

The Alabama alumnus is comparable to NFL passers like Case Keenum, Jake Browning, Taylor Heinicke, and Mac Jones.

NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein on Simpson:

Former five-star prospect who waited his turn at Alabama and raised his profile in a single season as the Tide’s starter. Simpson is mechanically sound from a footwork and release perspective, providing a favorable foundation to work from. He’s above average as a processor and decision-maker, but timing and anticipation remain works in progress. Arm talent and velocity are average, which limits his success. His repeatable process should help iron out ball placement inconsistencies the more he plays. Simpson is unfazed by shell coverages and is decisive when attacking intermediate zone pockets for chunk gains. He can break contain and move the sticks with his legs, too. Learning to cut bait and avoid sacks needs to be prioritized. One-year starters rarely “boom” so he’ll need a patient staff and a clear developmental roadmap to fill in the missing pieces.

Avoiding the “Kenny Pickett” Mistake

In 2021, the NFL draft showcased a similarly dry QB crop and didn’t even have a Fernando Mendoza at the top of the board. So, needing a quarterback, the Pittsburgh Steelers reached for Kenny Pickett, who didn’t last long on Mike Tomlin’s team and has been passed around the NFL since the start of 2024.

Because this class features Mendoza and then “the rest,” a team might be tempted to draft Simpson early, solely because it needs a young quarterback in the pipeline. Think of it this way: next year, Simpson might be considered a non-1st-Rounder, as that class will have many more options.

Therefore, on top of the Vikings not needing a quarterback right now, they should avoid Simpson and a Steelers-like reach. If the Murray trial flops, Minnesota can explore a quarterback next year from the draft, if needed.

The ongoing conflict in West Asia is beginning to ripple through global supply chains, and even cricket has not remained untouched. Among the latest concerns is the availability of the Dukes cricket ball — a staple of Test and county cricket in England — whose complex manufacturing process makes it particularly vulnerable to international disruptions.

With England’s domestic season approaching, questions have emerged around supply consistency. While Dukes owner Dilip Jajodia has assured that provisions are in place to meet top-level demand, early signs suggest that the broader ecosystem of the sport could feel the strain.

Global supply chain exposed to disruption

Unlike many other cricket balls, Dukes is produced through a highly internationalised process. The leather is sourced from Aberdeen Angus cattle in Scotland and undergoes tanning locally before being shipped to South Asia — primarily India and Pakistan — where skilled artisans hand-stitch each ball. The semi-finished products are then sent back to England for final finishing and quality checks.

This multi-stage, cross-border chain is efficient under stable conditions but becomes fragile when global logistics are disrupted. The ongoing conflict in West Asia has affected key air corridors and cargo routes, forcing the rerouting of shipments, increasing transit times, and raising freight costs.

Priority given to elite cricket

Despite these challenges, Dukes has moved to protect the most critical segment of the game — first-class and Test cricket. Jajodia has indicated that the company anticipated potential disruptions and built sufficient inventory to ensure that top-tier matches proceed without interruption.

This prioritisation reflects the central role of the Dukes ball in England’s cricketing identity, where its pronounced seam and sustained swing are integral to match conditions. Ensuring uninterrupted supply for these fixtures has become the company’s primary objective.

However, this approach has had a knock-on effect. Reports suggest that some county teams have received reduced allocations, particularly for practice sessions and second-tier matches. While not severe enough to halt cricketing activities, these adjustments highlight the pressure building beneath the surface.

Seasonal demand intensifies pressure

The timing of the disruption has further complicated matters. England’s cricket season begins in April, a period when demand for Dukes balls rises sharply across all levels — from international fixtures to club cricket.

Typically, Dukes produces between 4,000 and 5,000 balls for first-class and Test cricket each summer, in addition to supplying leagues and recreational competitions. Even in normal conditions, this surge places considerable stress on the supply chain.

The current logistical uncertainty has amplified that pressure. Clubs and leagues, which rely on consistent access to match balls, are particularly vulnerable. Dukes has acknowledged the challenge and indicated that while supply may be stretched, efforts are being made to ensure minimum allocations across stakeholders.

Skilled craftsmanship limits rapid expansion

One of the defining characteristics of the Dukes ball is its craftsmanship. Each ball is hand-stitched by experienced workers, and maintaining consistency requires precision at every stage of production.

This reliance on skilled labour makes rapid scaling difficult. Unlike mass-produced goods, output cannot simply be increased at short notice without risking variations in quality. The process is also dependent on natural leather, which introduces its own variability.

As a result, even if demand rises due to supply gaps, Dukes cannot significantly accelerate production without compromising the very qualities that define the ball. This structural limitation makes the current disruption harder to offset through increased manufacturing alone.

Concerns persist over durability

The supply concerns come against the backdrop of recent criticism surrounding the Dukes ball’s performance. During India’s tour of England in 2025, players from both sides repeatedly raised issues about the ball losing hardness earlier than expected.

Even so, the overlap of supply concerns and performance debates has placed the ball under increased scrutiny ahead of a crucial season.

Limited alternatives for English conditions

While Dukes remains the standard in England and the West Indies, other manufacturers dominate different regions. The Kookaburra ball is widely used in Australia, South Africa, and ICC events, while the SG ball is preferred in India.

However, switching to an alternative is not a straightforward solution. Each ball behaves differently, shaped by its construction and the conditions it is designed for. The Dukes ball, with its prominent seam and ability to swing for extended periods, is uniquely suited to English pitches and weather.

Any shift away from Dukes would fundamentally alter the balance between bat and ball, impacting everything from swing to seam movement. For this reason, despite the current challenges, the ECB and counties are unlikely to consider a change unless absolutely necessary.

James McDonald brings along a piece of paper to racetracks on competition days, listing four concise mantras.

‘See it. Feel it. Win it. Enjoy it.’

Saturday saw the premier jockey live out each phrase, ascending to Australia’s record-holding Group 1 pilot courtesy of Autumn Boy’s triumph yielding his 130th premier win in the Rosehill Guineas (2000m).

Alongside this, McDonald reached 100 Group 1s within Australia, while his alliance with Chris Waller exceeded the historic 54 Group 1s tally shared by Tommy Smith and George Moore over many years.

He shared that social media was off-limits during the week to zero in on history, with a supportive note from former All Blacks head Sir Stephen Hansen arriving on Golden Slipper Day morning to solidify his approach.

“He said, ‘Walk straight into it. Grab it with both hands and walk straight into it’”, McDonald said.

“I was thinking to myself, imagine him sitting down with the All Blacks, a fifteen squad of men, our greatest sport in New Zealand, and he’s saying, ‘Walk into it. Embrace it’.

“I thought that was quite special.”

Notably impressive about McDonald’s record is his youthfulness.

Turning 34 puts him at the entry to peak form for jockeys generally, though the reserved Kiwi attributes it to strong assistance and superior bloodstock.

“It’s lovely, but it’s a testament to the horses that I ride because they are phenomenal,” he said.

“There’s no two ways about it, that I do ride the best horses and most favourites each race and I’m blessed to have that opportunity.”

The record eclipsed belonged to his lifelong inspiration Damien Oliver, heightening the significance.

“To get to a mark like this, it’s obviously special. Especially with how I look up to Damien Oliver,” he said.

“When I was growing up as a ten-year-old kid, he was riding Melbourne Cup winners. One that comes to mind is Media Puzzle when he went through so much adversity and still had the vivacity to come out on top.”

The $2.45 favourite Autumn Boy shone in the Guineas with a clear two-length verdict over $21 shot Green Spaces, overshadowed only by McDonald’s milestone.

Waller hesitated on the ATC Australian Derby (2400m) path, keen to review the full Golden Slipper Day before finalizing plans.

Nevertheless, the 2000m handling positions him well for a Cox Plate bid in the upcoming spring.

“We’ve ticked the box for 2000 metres. His dad (The Autumn Sun) won it. He’s won it. I’ll pick out some nice races in the spring,” Waller said.

Visit leading betting sites to access racing odds for key events like the Rosehill Guineas.

New Zealand coach Dave Rennie has purged all but one of Scott Robertson’s assistants while appointing former All Blacks skipper and Moana Pasifika boss Tana Umaga as defence coach.

Rennie, who replaced the sacked Robertson three weeks ago, also named Neil Barnes, coach of New Zealand provincial side Taranaki, as his lone senior assistant coach, while handing his Kobe Steelers assistant Mike Blair the attack portfolio.

Forwards coach Jason Ryan is the sole Robertson assistant retained in the All Blacks setup, with Scott Hansen, Tamati Ellison and Bryn jettisoned.

“Neil provides outstanding leadership and strategic support; Jase (Ryan) has proven himself as one of the best forwards coaches in the game,” Rennie said in a New Zealand Rugby statement on Tuesday.

“Tana brings immense ‘mana’ and defensive insight and Mike will bring his innovative approach and attention to detail to our attack.

“I know this group will challenge and support both me and our players to bring the best out of us all.”

Umaga, who played 74 tests for New Zealand, with 22 as captain, said he was thrilled to land the All Blacks job even if it meant sacrificing his personal life.

“I’ve been fortunate enough to actually captain this side and that was a big job,” he told New Zealand media on Tuesday.

“I had to understand that, then also understand what comes with that. The sacrifices that not just yourself, but your family have to make.

“I’m fortunate that I’ve felt that pressure before and … I know what I’m getting myself into.”

Rennie also brought in Phil Healey as head of performance, having worked with the strength and conditioning trainer at the Waikato Chiefs, Glasgow Warriors and Kobe Steelers.

Rennie, the first New Zealand head coach with Pacific islander heritage, will see out Kobe’s season in Japan before preparing the All Blacks for the inaugural Nations Championship tests in July against France, Italy and Ireland.

NZR said Ellison had been appointed Maori Blacks head coach to replace Ross Filipo who left New Zealand last season for a coaching role in Japan.

On March 24, Channel A reported that BTS’ Gwanghwamun comeback concert projections estimated nearly 260,000 visitors. Based on this, nearby convenience stores increased stock levels, added extra refrigerators, and prepared items such as kimbap, drinks, and desserts for expected demand.

However, the actual crowd was far lower. Police estimates placed attendance at around 40,000. Due to strict safety control and restricted access, foot traffic remained limited. As a result, large volumes of perishable food went unsold. In several cases, stores reportedly discarded 600 to 700 kimbap in a single day. Hence, daily losses were estimated at 1 to 2 million won.

At the same time, dairy products and packaged items continued to pile up. Meanwhile, store owners questioned the origin of the 260,000 estimate, stating that on-site conditions did not reflect such numbers. With this, backlash has grown, pointing to inaccurate crowd forecasting and uneven stock planning. However, another section of fans is defending BTS.

“The report is about only one store because it brought excessively large quantities. This is not BTS’s fault—Seoul has several stores,” an X user commented.

Fans keep questioning what is BTS’ fault is here if stores choose to purchase more items.

Others criticize the situation, calling it “overhyped” and saying the excessive preparation made the outcome seem disproportionate.

BTS performance drives surge in Gwanghwamun store sales

On the other hand, sales at convenience stores near Gwanghwamun Square increased on March 21 during the BTS performance, based on industry data released the following day. CU reported that revenue at 10 stores in the area rose by 270.9% compared to March 14.

In the case of the three outlets closest to the venue, sales grew by 547.8%, which is more than five times the usual level. Customer traffic began building hours before the performance, and later, after the event ended, another rise in transactions was recorded.

Product data showed that items for immediate use led demand. Bottled water increased by 831.4%, iced drinks by 813.4%, and coffee by 460.8%. Food items followed, with kimbap up by 1380.4%, sandwiches by 1146.7%, and triangle kimbap by 884.3%. At the same time, outdoor-use goods also rose. Battery sales increased by 50.7 times, hot packs by 12.8 times, and portable chargers by 11.9 times. BTS albums recorded a 214.3 times increase, with the top four sales positions taken by these products.

GS25 reported that sales at five nearby stores increased by 233.1%compared with March 14, while customer volume rose by 181.2%. Stores located along main movement routes recorded higher growth, with sales rising to 378.4%. Sales of simple meal items increased, including kimbap at 379.1%, rice balls at 290.0%, sandwiches at 309.0%, and bread at 560.7%.

Beverage and snack categories also rose, with bottled water at 541.8%, coffee drinks at 255.5%, snacks at 333.5%, and milk at 240.6%. Outdoor-related products showed higher increases. Hot packs rose by 5698.8%, portable chargers by 2016.9%, and batteries by 3530.8%. Transport cards increased by 647.5%. Fandom-related consumption also contributed, as IGIN Highball rose by 1742.3%. Limited items such as key rings and perfumes recorded combined sales exceeding 10 million won.

E-Mart 24 reported that sales across 36 stores in the Gwanghwamun and Jongno area increased by 39% compared to the previous week. Meanwhile, some stores recorded increases of up to 301%. 7-Eleven reported that sales across 40 stores in the Gwanghwamun and Myeongdong area increased by 117% compared to the previous month. Five major stores near the venue recorded increases of up to seven times.

BTS’ schedule began on March 20 with the ARIRANG album release, followed by a comeback live concert in Seoul on March 21. Promotions continue with the Spotify SWIMSIDE event in New York on March 23, leading into the release of BTS: The Return documentary on March 27. From April 9 onward, the ARIRANG World Tour begins in Goyang.