Oct 2, 2014; Green Bay, WI, USA; A Minnesota Vikings helmet sits on the sidelines during warmups prior to the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Green Bay won 42-10. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Kwesi Adofo-Mensah worked as the Minnesota Vikings’ general manager for four years before his shockingly timed termination at the end of January, making next week’s draft tricky to forecast. Rob Brzezinski is in charge and is auditioning for the full-time position. Accordingly, VikingsTerritory has predictions.
Minnesota enters draft weekend with a clear plan and several predictable paths.
The Vikings have nine picks this time; here’s what we expect to occur in the draft.
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Five Outcomes for Vikings’ Draft Weekend
Hold us accountable for the following prognostications.
Washington Huskies running back Jonah Coleman carries the ball during first-half action against the Washington State Cougars in the Apple Cup at Gesa Field at Martin Stadium, with the play unfolding on Sep 20, 2025 in Pullman. Coleman works through contact as Washington leans on its ground game in the rivalry matchup. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-Imagn Images.
1. The RB Pick Is Jonah Coleman or Emmett Johnson
Johnson is the hometown guy, and by the sounds of it, he really, really wants to play for the Vikings, a wise choice. He should be on the board when Minnesota makes two picks in Round 3. He also has the juice to become the long-term RB1 in the Twin Cities.
But Coleman of Washington is the best pass-blocking tailback after Jeremiyah Love in the class. The Vikings love their pass-blocking running backs, and in time, Coleman wouldn’t have to come off the field on 3rd Down.
It’s tough to know the inside of the war room, but let’s roll with the RB pick of Johnson or Coleman.
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2. Vikings Land a Center Who Projects to Start before Too Long
Minnesota dropped Garrett Bradbury a year ago, signed Ryan Kelly, and watched as neither is on the roster in the 2026 offseason. Bradbury was traded by the New England Patriots to the Chicago Bears. Kelly retired after multiple concussions.
Blake Brandel will probably start in September at center, but Minnesota will leave next week’s draft with his successor: Parker Brailsford (Alabama), Sam Coogan (Indiana), Sam Hecht (Kansas State), Connor Lew (Auburn), Logan Jones (Iowa), or Jake Slaughter (Florida).
Zone Coverage‘s Carter Cox wrote about Lew this month, “Lew is a 6’3″, 310 lb. center projected to be drafted in the second round, making him a perfect pick for the Vikings with the 49th-overall selection. He’s a third-year player with plenty of experience. He was in the starting lineup for Auburn late in 2023 as a freshman, even earning SEC freshman of the week in his first career start.”
“Lew is a 6’3″, 310 lb. center projected to be drafted in the second round, making him a perfect pick for the Vikings with the 49th-overall selection. He’s a third-year player with plenty of experience. He was in the starting lineup for Auburn late in 2023 as a freshman, even earning SEC freshman of the week in his first career start.”
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Lew will likely be drafted late in Round 2 or sometime in Round 3,
Carter continued, “Additionally, after the Vikings signed Kyler Murray, a smaller quarterback, the center position becomes even more important across all aspects of the game.
“Lew would be a perfect addition to the Vikings’ locker room, especially as a second-round pick with first-round potential.”
3. DBs Are Surprisingly Deprioritized
Some Vikings fans act like the defensive secondary is in shambles, while Minnesota finished the 2025 campaign with the league’s third-best defense overall. It might be safe to assume that Brian Flores doesn’t need otherworldly cornerbacks and safeties to marshal a Top 10 defense.
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New England Patriots linebackers coach Brian Flores patrols the sideline during a game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium, with the moment captured on Sep 11, 2016 in Glendale. Flores monitors defensive adjustments as New England navigates a close contest that ends with a narrow road victory. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.
Minnesota will leave the draft with a new safety and cornerback, but that won’t necessarily be from Round 1. Remember: Flores strutted into the 2025 campaign with cornerbacks Byron Murphy Jr., an unproven Isaiah Rodgers, and Jeff Okudah. He was perfectly content with that. Why would he suddenly need flashy young DBs?
4. The Vikings End Up with 5-6 Picks in the Top 100
The aforementioned Adofo-Mensah traded like a fiend, which was actually quite fun for fans as spectators. Brzezinski may not “trade just to trade,” but he came up under Rick Spielman, whose longtime nickname was “Trader Rick.”
The trading continues for the Vikings, and Brzezinski stockpiles Top 100 picks. The draft’s sweet spot is considered picks 30 through 70.
Brzezinski starts with four Top 100 picks. FYI.
5. Fans Leave the Draft Completely and Utterly Energized
In 2025, Vikings fans left the draft generally optimistic about Donovan Jackson, confused about the Tai Felton pick, upbeat about Tyrion-Ingram Dawkins, and indifferent about Kobe King and Gavin Bartholomew. The club had so few picks that there wasn’t much to get motivated about, especially with the aforementioned Adofo-Mensah’s draft track record.
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This year won’t be like that.
Minnesota Vikings executive Rob Brzezinski speaks during an on-site interview at the NFL Scouting Combine, discussing roster construction and offseason strategy with media members, with the exchange taking place on Feb 25, 2026 in Indianapolis. The longtime front-office leader outlines team-building philosophy as the Vikings prepare for the next phase of the offseason. Mandatory Credit: YouTube.
Minnesota should leave the event with at least 10 picks, and regrading five or more, fans will pound the table, particularly the new running back and probably the wide receiver.
Last year’s draft felt milquetoast. This year will feel like a return to a normal draft feeling, when all rookies can do no wrong for four months.
6. Peter Woods Is the First Vikings’ Pick of the Event
Minnesota’s draft needs are unusually flexible this year. While cornerback, safety, defensive tackle, or tight end are all possibilities, the Vikings could shift gears entirely depending on how the draft unfolds. The ambiguity makes it difficult to anticipate their strategy, unlike previous years when a clear position or player target emerged.
Predicting their moves was simpler in the past. In 2023, wide receiver was an obvious need, and they addressed it with Jordan Addison. Similarly, quarterback was a primary focus in 2024, and they secured J.J. McCarthy. After a 2024 playoff loss to the Rams — the game where Sam Darnold crumbled — the offensive line was the clear priority the following offseason, and they invested in it accordingly — Donovan Jackson.
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In those years, their intentions were quite obvious. But this year, not so much.
Despite this uncertainty, one area stands out: the defensive line. With the departures of Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave, this position has become a significant priority. Whether Minnesota stays at No. 18 or trades back, the focus consistently returns to this position.
Peter Woods, a DT from Clemson, emerges as a logical choice. Considered the top defensive tackle in a relatively weak class, he presents the Vikings with an immediate and long-term solution to a pressing need.
India captain Harmanpreet Kaur admitted her team is going through a tough phase but stressed the need to stick together and bounce back after suffering their second successive defeat to South Africa in the women’s T20 International series here on Sunday. India went down meekly by eight wickets in the second women’s T20I to trail 0-2 in the five-match series here on Sunday. Asked to bat first, India were all out for 147 and SA chased down the target quite comfortably, reaching 148 for 2 in 17.1 overs.
“Tough time. We as a team need to stay together,” Harmanpreet said at the post-match presentation.
“Hopefully, we’ll go (to Johannesburg for the third match on April 22) with positive approach. T20 format is like that: it’s about staying together.” Harmanpreet rued that her team could not do well in the death-over batting and powerplay bowling.
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“I think with bat, we were not able to contribute way we wanted. Last ten overs of the innings we did not bat well. We need to think how we go about next three matches. When you’re not getting the shots, rotating strike is a key point. We were discussing… we can rotate strike and it can help us through that time. But it’s a time when things didn’t work.
“Powerplay, while bowling, is not going our way.” Opener Shafali Verma was the lone bright spot for India with a 38-ball 57, which was studded with seven fours and two sixes.
“Shafali been a great talent for us. Attacking batter. Hope she’ll continue for us,” the skipper said.
South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt said restricting India to 147 all out was a good job done by her side.
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“Pretty good catching, one or two put down, but we took one or two good ones as well. After start they had, restricting them was great,” she said.
“Area we struggled with last season (death bowling), bowlers identified bowling slower ones into the wicket was helping. It’s something we’ve talked a lot about. Being present on the cricket field. Little things showing on the field.” “(We’re in) great position to be in. But India, world champs in ODI cricket, they’ll come back pretty hardly. Switch off tomorrow and then be ready for the next one.”
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
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Tushar Deshpande’s Brilliant Final Act Ensures Thrilling Win For RR Over Gujarat Titans
Bayern Munich came from behind to beat VfB Stuttgart at the Allianz Arena and secure the Bundesliga title for a record 35th time.
The Bavarians, who have been dominant this season with only one defeat, needed just a draw to be confirmed champions after Borussia Dortmund lost to Hoffenheim on Saturday.
However, Stuttgart made a bright start and nearly delayed the celebrations. Chris Führich opened the scoring in the 21st minute with a fine curling effort that left the home fans stunned.
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Bayern reacted quickly. Raphaël Guerreiro equalised 10 minutes later, before Nicolas Jackson, filling in for Harry Kane, put the hosts ahead just two minutes after the equaliser.
Alphonso Davies added a third goal before half-time, reacting smartly inside the box to guide the ball past Alexander Nübel after a pass from Luis Díaz.
Kane, who replaced Jamal Musiala at the break, made an instant impact. The England striker scored Bayern’s fourth goal just seven minutes into the second half, taking his league tally to 32 for the season.
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Stuttgart managed a late reply through Chema Andrés in the 88th minute, but it was not enough to stop Bayern’s celebrations.
The victory means Bayern have now won 13 titles in the last 14 seasons, underlining their dominance in German football. They remain on course for a possible treble, with important semi-final clashes against Bayer Leverkusen in the DFB-Pokal and Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League still to come later this month.
A total of two matches took place on Sunday, but the IPL 2026 points table saw only two teams swapping their positions. In the day game, Kolkata Knight Riders registered a comeback win by four wickets against Rajasthan Royals at Eden Gardens. With the win, the three-time champions rose to the ninth spot, with Mumbai Indians slipping to the bottom position in the points table. In the night game, Punjab Kings outplayed Lucknow Super Giants by a massive margin of 54 runs to retain their top position. Despite the loss, LSG remained in the eighth spot.
Explosive knocks from opener Priyansh Arya and Cooper Connolly helped table-toppers Punjab Kings hammer Lucknow Super Giants by 54 runs to stay unbeaten this season. Arya struck 93 off 37 balls, while fellow left-hander Connolly hit 87 to power Punjab to this season’s highest total of 254/7 after being invited to bat first in Chandigarh.
In reply, Lucknow managed just 200/5 as Punjab consolidated their top spot in the 10-team table with five wins and one no-result in six matches. An early reprieve for Connolly proved costly for Lucknow after skipper Rishabh Pant decided not to review an lbw call in the second over from Mohsin Khan, with replays suggesting the ball would have hit the stumps. Australia’s Connolly was on four at the time and went on to add 182 runs for the second wicket with Arya as the duo bludgeoned the opposition attack with 16 sixes between them.
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“It was exceptional, some of the shots were jaw-dropping,” said Punjab skipper Shreyas Iyer. “I was just talking to Cooper and Priyansh; we were challenging each other on who will hit the most sixes this season. They are up for it.”
Arya reached his second fifty of the season in just 19 balls, and soon the Lucknow attack had no answers for the batting blitz. Connolly went after Aiden Markram with three straight sixes, and Arya finished the over with two more in a 32-run 13th over as Punjab threatened to breach 300. However, pace bowler Prince Yadav dismissed Connolly, and Arya fell three balls later in the next over to miss out on a century.
Mohsin Khan then dismissed Iyer for five, but Australia’s Marcus Stoinis steered the team to a mammoth total with a 16-ball 29. Mitchell Marsh, who hit 40, and Ayush Badoni (35) handed Lucknow a brisk start, while Pant struck 43. However, regular wickets and the ever-increasing run rate kept the side behind the chase. Markram hit a valiant 42 off 22 balls, but despite a few dropped catches by Punjab fielders, Lucknow suffered their third straight loss.
“Definitely, we believe in this team for sure,” said Pant. “But at the same time, when the opposition is playing well, like Punjab is playing now, you’ve got to give credit to them for playing good, hard cricket.”
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In the first match of the day, Rinku Singh hit an unbeaten 53 to lead Kolkata Knight Riders to their first win of the IPL season as they beat Rajasthan Royals by four wickets. Rajasthan posted 155/9 as their batting faltered after 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi top-scored with 46 at Eden Gardens. Three-time champions Kolkata slipped to 85/6 before the left-handed Rinku steered the team home with two balls to spare.
(With AFP inputs)
Featured Video Of The Day
Tushar Deshpande’s Brilliant Final Act Ensures Thrilling Win For RR Over Gujarat Titans
Mazu, the standout eight-year-old, preserves his blistering speed and love for racing, leading all the way to bag his hat-trick in the Group 3 $250,000 Hall Mark Stakes (1200m) on Saturday.
Joe Pride’s veteran had prior Hall Mark successes on heavy tracks suited to his style, but he adapted superbly to the firm conditions, recording a swift 1m 8.19s for the win.
The result showcased Pride’s training prowess from various angles, most notably with the stable locking the trifecta as King’s Secret and Private Eye filled the next two berths, separated by less than half a length among the three.
The trainer’s fourth participant, Kerguelen, was a length-and-a-half behind in fifth.
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“To train the trifecta in any race, particularly a Group 3, is very satisfying,” Pride said. “All four of my horses ran great races.
“But Mazu, what a fantastic old warrior he is. We’ve won three of these in-a-row and done it on a dry track today.
“I think this track’s got a little bit of give in it because In Flight won here last week and she has a similar record where her best form is on wet tracks.”
Rachel King guided the $3.70 chance Mazu to a brave head verdict over $7.50 shot King’s Secret, as $3.30 market leader Private Eye surged late for third, a short neck back.
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“I think he knows this is his race; he loves it,” King said of Mazu.
“I was concerned with the firmer deck today, I just didn’t know how he’d let down on it.
“But that last 50m, he pinned his ears back and he just wanted to beat them.
“I love seeing an older horse like that, even if he only wins one race a year, he deserves it.”
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At Randwick, the Hall Mark Stakes provided Pride’s second feature trifecta in succession, emulating Chris Waller’s trio of Fireball over Campione D’Italia and Diameter in the Group 1 Champagne Stakes.
Mazu now has 10 wins from 46 attempts, elevating his stake money to $10.8 million courtesy of owners Triple Crown Syndications via Chris Ward and Sam Manion.
Pride assessed the runs of each sprinter in turn, opening with Mazu. “Mazu’s grumpy, he’s not the kind of guy you want to hang out with on a long-term sort of basis,” Pride said.”It has to be all on his terms and we let him do that. He does everything as he wants, we don’t tell him what he has to do. He’s enjoying his racing and hopefully there’s another season or two left in him.
“We might give him a break. He doesn’t do much in Brisbane generally, but we’ll get him home and have a look at him.
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“King’s Secret was really good. I think, out of the race, he’s probably the real eye-catcher because he’s not ready for all this yet, but I thought it was terrific.
“Private Eye’s probably looking for that a little bit further. Maybe just being a bit older, being first up is not as big an advantage as it used to be, but I thought he was good to the line.
“Kerguelen was super, he was really good from the back – so I couldn’t be happier with how it has worked out for the stable.”
Fans can check racing betting markets for similar sprint showdowns via online bookmakers.
Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer was left impressed after Priyansh Arya and Cooper Connolly produced a stunning batting display to power their side to a 54-run win over Lucknow Super Giants on Sunday. Arya, one of the country’s most talked about T20 batting talents alongside Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, smashed 93 off 37 balls, while Connolly, the highly rated Australian next-gen batter, struck 87 off 45 deliveries. Their 182-run partnership off just 80 balls laid the foundation for PBKS posting a massive 254 for 7. In reply, LSG could only manage 200 for 5 despite a fighting 43 from Rishabh Pant and 40 from Mitchell Marsh. Iyer was full of praise for the duo’s intent and mindset. He called the performance “exceptional” and said “some of the shots were jaw dropping”, highlighting the courage and composure shown at the crease. He also revealed a light-hearted challenge within the group, saying he had been “just talking to Cooper and Priyansh” about who would hit the most sixes this season, adding that both were “up for it”. The PBKS captain stressed the team environment gives young batters full freedom. “When you just let them be, go out and express themselves, they deliver,” he said, adding that he does not dictate how they should construct their innings as they follow their own routines and processes. Iyer also credited the support system around the team, mentioning Ricky Ponting’s involvement before games while he chips in with inputs. On the bowling group, he said PBKS have a largely international-quality attack and pointed to their execution levels as key to the win, while admitting the team takes “a lot of satisfaction” from reading and adapting to the wicket. The victory underlined PBKS’ growing confidence this season, built on aggressive intent and clarity in roles, as they continue to push towards a stronger campaign after finishing runners-up in 2025.
The New York Giants grabbed headlines on Saturday after trading away standout defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence to the Cincinnati Bengals for a No. 10 pick in the 2026 NFL draft.
The trade now gives Giants two top 10 picks for Thursday’s draft. However, the Bengals trading away the No. 10 pick for Lawrence has surprised several NFL coaches, per Connor Hughes.
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The NFL analyst reported that the coaches are “stunned” with the Bengals giving away top 10 pick for a “very good player” who is not worth the No. 10 pick.
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“Talking to several coaches around the NFL right now … they are STUNNED the #Giants got what they did for Dexter Lawrence. All agree: Very good player, but not worth No. 10. Age, injury and concerns regarding his conditioning pointed out.
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“Also that you need to limit the number of snaps he plays to maximize his production; really just a one position player. Needless to say: Great return for #NYG.”
The Giants were expected to move on from Lawrence, who was reportedly disgruntled over failed contract negotiations. The Bengals signed him on a one-year, $28 million extension after his trade on Sunday.
Bengals reportedly offered the “most” for Dexter Lawrence
While the Bengals traded for the veteran Pro Bowler, no their team reportedly offered a higher price than Cinccinati for Dexter Lawrence, a Giants source told ESPN.
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“They offered the most,” the Giants source said. “Nobody was going to beat the 10th pick.”
The Giants were expected to fetch a late first-round pick or an early second-round pick for Lawrence, but the Bengals have raised a few eyebrows with their offer.
Bayern Munich secured yet another Bundesliga title after beating Stuttgart 4-2 at home on Sunday.
Top scorer Harry Kane scored his 32nd goal of the season after coming on as a second-half substitute as the Bavarians won their 35th German league trophy.
“To finish the league off in the way we have with the goals we scored… credit to the lads… we still have a lot to play for… but all the hard work, this makes it all worth it,” said Kane.
Bayern Munich cruise to title
The win moved the Bavarian giants an unassailable 15 points clear of second-placed Borussia Dortmund with four games to spare.
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Germany captain Joshua Kimmich, who won his 10th league title with Bayern, called the victory “very special.”
“The way we did it, we were very consistent…and we haven’t achieved that form so often. I hope 10 more titles come on top of this,” he said.
The “Meisterschale” (“champions’ shield” in English) trophy is expected to be handed out after Bayern’s final game of the season at home to Cologne on May 16.
Vincent Kompany (center) became Bayern Munich head coach after Thomas Tuchel’s exit in 2024Image: Martin Agüera/kolbert-press/picture alliance
Another dominant campaign
Bayern have only suffered one defeat in the league this season, at home to fellow Bavarians Augsburg in January, and a league-low of four ties so far.
They have also scored 109 goals so far this season — another record.
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Bayern already clinched the Super Cup in August, also against Stuttgart, and will take on Bayer Leverkusen in the German Cup semi-final on Wednesday.
In Europe, Vincent Kompany’s team has reached the Champions League semi-finals, where they meet holders Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg on April 28.
“It is April 19 and we are in every competition. We have had lots of success with every player in the squad. We go to Leverkusen knowing anything can happen, but with real belief,” Kompany told DAZN.
Kompany, whose only previous job as head coach was at Premier League side Burnley, took over in 2024.
The Jets defense recorded only 26 sacks (31st) last year. The best way to improve your entire defense is to add defenders who can pressure QBs. Bailey was one of the best rushers in college football, a tone-setter who fits Aaron Glenn’s archetype and gives this defense the juice it desperately needs.
The NFC West is a QB gauntlet, with two Super Bowl-winning signal-callers (one MVP) and a third (Brock Purdy) who has already made a Super Bowl with a 67.3% career winning percentage. Defense is a must, and Reese is a violent, rangy defender.
Arguably the best player in the draft, Love can have a three-down impact on every offensive possession. If Tennessee wants to see growth from second-year QB Cam Ward, adding the best offensive weapon in the draft will help his development and give this offense an identity piece.
A young QB’s best friend is good protection. The Giants brought back Jermaine Eluemunor to protect the right side, but Mauigoa is too good to pass up here. If needed, he can become an All-Pro guard and turn what was once a weakness into a strength for the G-Men.
One of the more versatile offensive linemen in the draft with hot tape. Injuries and depth were issues for Cleveland last year on the O-line, and adding Fano helps erase those concerns. His versatility is the selling point.
Washington needs a WR2 with real upside, and Tate gives them a long-term answer while helping stabilize the uncertainty at the position outside of Terry McLaurin.
Cornerback is a huge need after losing Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson. Delane is plug-and-play with inside-outside versatility and gives Kansas City immediate help.
When healthy, Jordyn Tyson could be considered the best WR in this draft, and it sounds like he’s healthy. Malik Nabers, Isaiah Likely and Tyson — good luck slowing that trio down.
New Orleans trades back and still gets its guy. Bain is a Saints-type DL — violent, heavy-handed and a disruptive presence. The Big Easy won’t be easy for visiting QBs this year with his addition.
Baltimore loves unicorns, and Sadiq is a matchup nightmare who gives Lamar Jackson a new dimension. We’ve all seen the magic Jackson and Mark Andrews create, but Sadiq is a different magician. His tricks happen fast — 4.3 fast — and it’s hard to pass that up.
Ioane is the safest interior offensive lineman available. Last year, Tampa Bay’s running game was inconsistent, and Baker Mayfield took a beating at times. Ioane instantly improves both areas and gives the Bucs the O-line stability they need.
Minnesota needs a pass rush in a division full of high-end QBs, and Mesidor fits Brian Flores’ style. When you’re facing Jordan Love, Jared Goff and Caleb Williams, defensive pressure is a must.
Cooper is a football player who happens to play WR, a perfect fit for Sean McVay. He loves smart, tough, versatile receivers, so this is very on-brand.
Protecting Patrick Mahomes is the only correct answer. In 14 games, he was sacked 34 times, the second-most in his career, so keeping him upright is a must. Proctor has All-Pro traits.
Pittsburgh’s passing game lacked juice a year ago, and Concepcion brings a cooler full of it. He’s instant electricity with a four-down impact and gives the Steelers the explosive playmaker they need.
Interior pressure is the Chargers’ biggest defensive hole, especially in the AFC West. Woods is a high-upside swing, and his potential makes this a slam-dunk selection for L.A.
We saw last year how important the O-line is in Philly. Injuries and lack of depth derailed the entire offense. With Lane Johnson’s future uncertain after the 2026 season, this gives them a clear succession plan moving forward. Smart, boring, correct.
You never question linebackers from Georgia — they’re pro ready — and Buffalo needs a defensive leader. CJ Allen is smart and violent, which fits what Jim Leonard wants.
Houston stacking defensive talent is terrifying, and Banks is a luxury pick with massive upside. The rich get richer, and his potential in this defense won’t be fair for the AFC South.
Hood is one of the more patient CBs in this draft at the line of scrimmage and is very comfortable in press, reminding me of Jaylon Johnson. He fits the Cowboys’ new defensive identity and could be a Day 1 starter.
Miami’s secondary overhaul continues, and this revamped group could use the versatility Thieneman brings. The 4.35-second 40-yard dash he ran in Indy matches the speed you see on film.
Quarterback is a major need, and Simpson is the consensus No. 2 QB in this draft, so Arizona couldn’t afford to wait and risk missing on him. Simpson at 31 feels like the most realistic outcome for the Cardinals.
This is a Seahawks defender through and through: bendy and violent with a non-stop motor. Thomas is relentless and physical, and it won’t take long for him to fit in.
Erling Haaland and Gabriel endured a war on Sunday as Manchester City beat Arsenal 2-1 to take control of the Premier League title race
Manchester City striker Erling Haaland said he would never feign injury to get another player sent off after a controversial incident involving Arsenal centre-back Gabriel. With the Blues leading 2-1 thanks to Haaland’s second half strike, tempers flared when Haaland pushed the defender after a free kick was awarded in his favour.
The two players then squared up to each other with Gabriel appearing to be the aggressor as he moved his head towards Haaland. Instead of going to ground, the City man continued to face off with the Arsenal defender before both sets of players piled in to separate them.
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When asked about the incident at full time, Haaland told Sky Sports: “If I fell on the floor there, which I will not do unless someone really attacks me, then it would be red card. I’m not sure, I haven’t seen the situation. It is what it is, I will not fall on the floor. For me I don’t know why he comes up to my face.”
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Once the incident had settled, both Haaland and Gabriel were booked. Former Premier League referee Mike Dean said on commentary the defender was ‘very, very lucky’ not to be sent off and former Manchester United captain Gary Neville was equally confused by the decision.
Post-match, he told Sky Sports: “If Gabriel had scored later on or had some impact on the game, Pep Guardiola would’ve been fuming. It’s accepted in football you can put your head against each other, but once you push it forward, it’s usually a red. I was happy he didn’t send him off. I got sent off for it against Steve McManaman, I leant my head forward.”
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Former City and Arsenal midfielder Patrick Vieira added: “I really enjoyed that battle [between Haaland and Gabriel]. In the last couple of years those two players have been really hard for each other, but the referee managed it really well.
They were competitive, they were difficult, but these are the kind of games we want to see, that we enjoy watching. I don’t think Gabriel deserved a red card.”
On the game itself, Haaland concluded by paying tribute to Bernardo Silva who was awarded Man of the Match. “I told him, when he headed [a late cross beating Viktor Gyokeres to the ball] out: ‘You were like f****** [Fabio] Cannavaro today,” he said.
“Today, Bernie, I’m not going to make it emotional, you were amazing today as well. Every game is a final. On Wednesday we have a new final. When we have stopped speaking here, it’s about recovering for the Burnley game. Because the Burnley game just as important as this game. We need to stay focus, stay humble.”
BOSTON — Jayson Tatum had 25 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists in his first playoff game since rupturing his right Achilles tendon last season, and the Boston Celtics rolled past the Philadelphia 76ers 123-91 in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference first-round matchup on Sunday.
Jaylen Brown scored 26 points and Neemias Queta added 13 for the second-seeded Celtics.
Tatum scored 21 points in the first half, playing in just his 17th game this season following surgery last May to repair his Achilles tendon.
Boston never trailed, building a 35-point lead as coach Joe Mazzulla gave minutes to 12 players. The Celtics connected on 16 3-pointers.
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Game 2 is Tuesday night in Boston.
Tyrese Maxey had 21 points and eight assists for the 76ers, who played without Joel Embiid. The 2023 MVP continues to recover following an appendectomy on April 9. It’s unclear when he will be able to return.
Paul George scored 17 points and V.J. Edgecombe added 13. Philadelphia was 4 of 23 from three-point range.
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