Rob and Annabel Archibald could see their five entrants for Anzac Day’s key Randwick race trimmed to three, splitting forces with some bound for Tamworth instead of Sydney.
Acceptors Hellsing and Formal Display in the First Australian Imperial Force Handicap (1500m) on Saturday are also in the $200,000 Tamworth Cup (1400m) Friday feature, granting Big Dance access.
“One or two might end up in Tamworth. We’ll compare the two races,” Rob Archibald said.
Barring their northern trip, the Archibalds line up three in Randwick’s Benchmark 100: Cristal Clear, easing after the Doncaster Mile (1600m) non-place, with Depth Of Character and Port Lockroy returning from spells.
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His Ajax Stakes (1500m) win first-up earned Cristal Clear the Group 1 tilt last start, where Rob Archibald cited a real issue for the four-year-old’s thrashing.
“The saddle slipped back the other day in the Doncaster, so it was just a write-off,” Archibald said.
“I’m confident he can bounce back.”
Since rallying to seventh off a wide trip in the Gold Coast’s January Magic Millions Cup (1400m), Depth Of Character returns.
Port Lockroy, Railway Stakes (1600m) winner in Perth during 2024’s Group 1, raced in premium fields since and meets benchmark rivals anew at Randwick.
“Depth of Character and Port Lockroy are both getting underway,” Rob Archibald said.
“They probably both run just as starting points, and they will potentially build up to bigger targets in Brisbane.
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Depth Of Character has a tricky gate (barrier 14) and he’s not a horse you want to fire up early, so he’s probably going to have to go back from draw, but no doubt he will be running on well. He’s a talented horse.
He’s had a nice break after he went over to Perth and then Queensland, although whatever he does he will improve on.”
Formal Display ($4.80 Randwick, $2.70 Tamworth second fav) and Hellsing ($7/$8.50) placement sways markets.
The stable’s top pick is Cristal Clear ($8), then Depth Of Character ($13), Port Lockroy ($34).
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Despite leading quotes in both races, Provincial-Midway Championships Final winner Lord Of Biscay will go to Tamworth Cup per trainer Kris Lees. Explore racing betting markets for the Randwick First Australian Imperial Force Handicap.
McDonald Jones Stadium will play host to Sunday’s
Round 8 NRL game between Newcastle Knights and
Penrith Panthers. The game kicks off at 2:00 pm with Penrith Panthers heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the Newcastle Knights vs.
Penrith Panthers
game and give you our free tips and bets.
Penrith continue to set the benchmark with their composure under pressure and defensive resilience. Even when challenged, the Panthers find a way to execute in key moments, a trait that remains unmatched. Newcastle have been competitive this season, particularly in effort areas, but may struggle to break down Penrith’s disciplined defence. Expect the Panthers to control the tempo and capitalise when it matters most.
Newcastle Knights vs Penrith Panthers Teams
Knights team: 1. Fletcher Sharpe 2. Dominic Young 3. Dane Gagai 4. Fletcher Hunt 5. James Schiller 6. Sandon Smith 7. Dylan Brown 8. Jacob Saifiti 9. Phoenix Crossland 10. Trey Mooney 11. Francis Manuleleua 12. Jermaine McEwen 13. Mathew Croker 14. Harrison Graham 15. Pasami Saulo 16. Cody Hopwood 17. Elijah Leaumoana 18. Asu Kepaoa 19. Kyle McCarthy 20. Peter Hola 21. Lachlan Crouch 22. Wilson De Courcey Panthers team: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Thomas Jenkins 3. Paul Alamoti 4. Casey McLean 5. Brian To’o 6. Blaize Talagi 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Freddy Lussick 10. Lindsay Smith 11. Isaiah Papali’i 12. Luke Garner 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Jack Cogger 15. Scott Sorensen 16. Kalani Going 17. Billy Phillips 18. Izack Tago 19. Jack Cole 20. Luron Patea 21. Billy Scott 22. Sione Fonua
Rio Ferdinand moved his family to Dubai last summer after leaving England following his departure from TNT Sports over a decade after becoming a television pundit
Rio Ferdinand’s seven-bedroom Kent mansion is up on the market eight months after the former Manchester United player moved to Dubai.
Ferdinand, 47, is said to have paid around £2.7million for the property back in 2008, the year he won the Champions League and a third Premier League title. Approaching two decades on, its guide price is £10.5million.
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Selling at that price would see Ferdinand make almost £8million in profit on a house the family no longer lives in. They – his wife, Kate, 34, and children Cree, five, Shae, two, and Tia, 14 – relocated from Orpington last summer.
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The 12,500 sq ft property is in a gated enclave of Farnborough Park inside the M25, and its entire plot is around 1.5 acres. Despite the Mail stating that Ferdinand bought it in 2008, online listings state that Durtnells built it four years later, in 2012.
Inside is a gym and studio as well as an indoor pool complex. However, any new owner would need to reinstate the latter feature after Ferdinand went away from the original design.
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He spoke about tax rises in the UK contributing to their move last year. Ferdinand even appeared on LBC to talk taxation.
Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package
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Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.
Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.
The pundit said: “If things like the health service, for example, were absolutely flying and working perfectly well, then I think people wouldn’t mind paying tax.
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“But when there arethere’s things that are falling apart and going wrong in the country, then I sit there and go, ‘we pay towards tax, and is it really going towards the things that are actually benefiting the people that live here?’
“And that’s the big question that needs answering, I think a lot of us know the answer to that.” Ferdinand also spoke about the move being for their children.
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He added: “In Dubai, it feels like they’re valued, and the lifestyle means that they’re happy and vibrant with good energy for the kids. Lifestyle, safety, weather – it’s just a new life.”
Kate said at the time: “A new chapter, a fresh start — because if we don’t try, we’ll never know. Ahhh!”
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“We’ve talked about this for so long, and now it’s finally real… we’re here, we are making a new home in the place we met! Missing some of our specials already & a bit scared, excited & nervous — but more than anything, ready for fresh starts and new beginnings
Former Super Eagles defender Sam Sodje has shared his thoughts on the Nigeria Football Federation’s move to attract William Osula to represent the national team.
The Nigeria Football Federation has reportedly opened talks with the Denmark-born striker as part of efforts to strengthen the Super Eagles following recent setbacks.
Osula, 22, has represented Denmark U21 and Denmark U19, but he is yet to play for the senior side. This leaves him free to switch allegiance, with Nigeria hoping to convince him to commit ahead of upcoming fixtures, including the Unity Cup and friendly matches against Poland national football team and Portugal national football team in June.
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Nigeria have already boosted their squad with the addition of Arthur Okonkwo, whose international switch from England was recently approved by FIFA.
Sodje backs move but calls for local development
Sodje, who was born abroad but chose to play for Nigeria during his career, believes the NFF are right to pursue Osula. However, he also stressed the importance of developing players within the domestic league.
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“It’s always good to bring in top players if they are eligible to play for Nigeria,” Sodje said. “But at the same time, we must continue to build and support talents from our local league.
“He’s Nigerian, so I don’t see why he shouldn’t be invited. He will improve the team and give more strength in attack. It’s a good step, but we should also give home-based players the same opportunity.”
Osula’s rising profile
Osula is gradually establishing himself at Newcastle United under manager Eddie Howe. The forward has impressed this season and recently scored in a 2-1 victory over Manchester United.
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Despite his progress at club level, the young striker is still eligible to play for multiple countries, including Nigeria, Denmark, France, and England.
Should he choose Nigeria, Osula could become a key figure in the team’s rebuilding process under head coach Eric Chelle. However, the final decision on his international future remains in his hands.
Florida’s Sam Bennett took home the Conn Smythe Trophy last season — the trophy awarded to the most valuable player of the Stanley Cup playoffs.
With the Panthers out of the postseason, a new player will take the crown in 2026.
Who will it be?
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Let’s take a look at the odds at DraftKings Sportsbook as of April 24, along with a look at the winners over the last 20 years.
This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports.
The Favorite: It’s no surprise that Colorado center Nathan MacKinnon is the favorite in this spot. Since getting drafted by the Avalanche with the first pick of the 2013 NHL Draft, he’s tallied 126 points in the postseason, including 24 in 2022, when the Avalanche last hoisted the Cup. While he’s never won the Conn Smythe Trophy, some of his career accolades include the Ted Lindsay Award (NHL’s most outstanding player in the regular season), NHL First All-Star Team and the Hart Trophy (regular-season MVP trophy).
Ones to Watch: Cale Makar and Connor McDavid are ones to watch in this market. McDavid won this award in 2024, despite the fact his Edmonton Oilers were on the losing side of the Stanley Cup Final that year. Makar — MacKinnon’s teammate — secured the trophy in 2022 when the Avalanche won it all. Currently, Makar & Co. are up 3-0 on the Kings in the best-of-seven Round 1 series. McDavid and his Oilers are tied 1-1 with Anaheim.
Past NHL Conn Smythe Trophy winners
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2025: Sam Bennett, Florida Panthers 2024: Connor McDavid, Edmonton Oilers* 2023: Jonathan Marchessault, Vegas Golden Knights 2022: Cale Makar, Colorado Avalanche 2021: Andrei Vasilevskiy, Tampa Bay Lightning 2020: Victor Hedman, Tampa Bay Lightning 2019: Ryan O’Reilly, St. Louis Blues 2018: Alex Ovechkin, Washington Capitals 2017: Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins 2016: Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins 2015: Duncan Keith, Chicago Blackhawks 2014: Justin Williams, Los Angeles Kings 2013: Patrick Kane, Chicago Blackhawks 2012: Jonathan Quick, Los Angeles Kings 2011: Tim Thomas, Boston Bruins 2010: Jonathan Toews, Chicago Blackhawks 2009: Evgeni Malkin, Pittsburgh Penguins 2008: Henrik Zetterberg, Detroit Red Wings 2007: Scott Niedermayer, Anaheim Ducks 2006: Cam Ward, Carolina Hurricanes
* Asterisk indicates that player was a member of the losing team in the Stanley Cup Final
The Athletic reported Friday that Jim France is stepping down as NASCAR’s CEO, and his replacement will be the first non-France family member to run the ship.
The outlet noted that France, who will remain NASCAR’s chairman, will be replaced by NASCAR resident Steve O’Donnell.
President Donald Trump is greeted by NASCAR Chairman and CEO Jim France and Sen. Rick Scott before the NASCAR Cup Series Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla., Feb. 16, 2025.(Chris Graythen/AFP)
France’s father founded NASCAR in 1948, and it has grown into the most popular motorsport in the United States.
Ben Kennedy, France’s great-nephew, will also be promoted from executive vice president and chief venue and racing innovations officer to NASCAR’s chief operating officer.
All the changes are expected to be announced on Saturday at Talladega Superspeedway, where the Jack Link’s 500 will be run on Sunday.
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Jim France, chairman and CEO of NASCAR, and team owner Rick Hendrick celebrate as the No. 24 NASCAR Next Gen Chevrolet ZL1 finishes the 100th anniversary of the 24 Hours of Le Mans at the Circuit de la Sarthe in Le Mans, France, on June 10, 2023.(Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
France took on both roles in August 2018, shortly after his nephew, Brian, stepped down.
France’s 54% ownership stake of NASCAR will remain unchanged. Kennedy’s mother owns the other 46%.
This is hardly the first seismic change for NASCAR this year. Steve Phelps announced in January he was stepping down as commissioner after two racing teams, including one owned by Michael Jordan, filing an antitrust lawsuit against the company.
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The suit unearthed inflammatory text messages Phelps sent during contentious revenue-sharing negotiations. Jordan’s 23XI Racing and NASCAR settled their suit in December.
He was named NASCAR’s first commissioner last season after a courting process for the same role by the PGA Tour. The opportunity with the PGA was revealed during December testimony in the trial.
NASCAR Chairman and CEO Jim France congratulates NBA Hall of Famer and 23XI Racing co-owner Michael Jordan in victory lane after Tyler Reddick won the NASCAR Cup Series Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla., Feb. 15, 2026.(Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
France, however, is reportedly insistent that the lawsuits had nothing to do with his decision to step down, and it has been a thought for a long while.
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Fox News’ Jackson Thompson and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Jan 1, 2026; New Orleans, LA, USA; Mississippi Rebels wide receiver De’Zhaun Stribling (1) celebrates on the field after defeating the Georgia Bulldogs during the 2026 Sugar Bowl and quarterfinal game of the College Football Playoff at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images.
Night No. 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft is in the books, as the Minnesota Vikings shocked the world by selecting Florida defensive tackle Caleb Banks. Now, it’s time for Rounds 2 and 3 on Friday night, and VikingsTerritory‘s writers have recommendations.
The board still offers value. Minnesota needs the right fit.
We asked our staff to name one player the Vikings absolutely cannot leave Friday night without, and here’s how they replied.
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Day 2 Brings Minnesota a Chance to Balance the Roster
Need Vikings-themed draft recommendations for Friday night? We got ’em.
Maryland defensive lineman Christian Teague (91) drives upfield during the second half at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee, on Dec 30, 2023, battling Auburn offensive lineman Connor Lew (75) as he works to pressure the pocket in a physical matchup between the Terrapins and Tigers. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-USA TODAY Sports.
1. Connor Lew | C, Auburn
Recommender: Henrique Gucciardi
I initially didn’t like the Banks pick, but I feel better about it after sleeping on it. If they are comfortable enough to pick Banks coming off an injury-riddled season, then selecting Lew at either 82 or 97, who, to me, is the best center in the Draft, coming off a torn ACL, is a likely scenario.
2. A.J. Haulcy | S, LSU
Recommender: Adam New
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Haulcy lands the Vikings the true deep safety that they desperately need. Getting to 49 would be a great result.
3. Malachi Fields | WR, Notre Dame
Recommender: Brevan Bane
I have been pounding the table all offseason for the big-body WR out of Notre Dame, and the Vikings passed on Makai Lemon in the first round. Fields would give the Vikings a loaded WR room without the first-round investment some were scared of this year.
4. Sam Hecht | C, Kansas State
Recommender: Cole Smith
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There are several positions the Vikings should address, but I’ll be shocked if they don’t end the night with a new center. I think Kansas State’s Sam Hecht is their preference, but Florida’s Jake Slaughter, Auburn’s Connor Lew, and Iowa’s Logan Jones are viable options as well in the third round. It’s Hecht for me.
5. Germie Bernard | WR, Alabama
Recommender: Sean Borman
Bernard has sure hands, can line up anywhere, and can get after it in the open field. Giving Kyler Murray 3 legit WR’s and Hockenson (and maybe a rookie TE) to target is a good way to ensure you’ll be able to move the ball consistently on offense. Not to mention the Jordan Addison insurance.
6. Treydan Stukes | DB, Arizona
Recommender: Josh Frey
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The Vikings added a big-body to their DT room last night, but there’s still work to be done on the defensive side of the ball. Treyden Stukes can serve as the new free safety for the Vikings, and this is a team that is still trying to find a replacement for Camryn Bynum.
7. Jonah Coleman | RB, Washington — or — Jaishawn Barham | EDGE, Michigan
Recommender: Dustin Baker
The Vikings cannot delay the young running back predicament any longer — they need one. Jadarian Price would’ve been a sweet prize in Round 2, but the Seattle Seahawks ruined that.
Washington running back Jonah Coleman (1) pushes through traffic against Maryland at SECU Stadium in College Park, Maryland, on Oct 4, 2025, leaning into contact as he advances upfield while the Huskies rely on their ground attack during a competitive game against the Terrapins. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-Imagn Images.
Minnesota should draft Coleman in Round 3, either at pick No. 82 or 97. He’s the best pass-blocking tailback after Jeremiyah Love in this class, meaning when he morphs into the RB1, he won’t have to come off the field on 3rd Down.
If Coleman isn’t an option, the Vikings should draft Michigan EDGE Jaishawn Barham at No. 82. Andrew Van Ginkel will be a free agent in 2027; let’s plan for his possible off-ramp.
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t8. Emmanuel McNeil-Warren | S, Toledo
Recommender: Tony Schultz
After last night’s surprise pick of Caleb Banks, the Vikings need to address the best player available and a position of need. He may be the third choice at the position, but let’s hope that McNeil-Warren is still on the board.
Taking him will patch a lot of the hurt that fans think they have endured for not following everyone’s mock drafts. He can make it to 49 because the path is pretty clear, with the number of good corners available and the team’s needs ahead of him. If they can add Sam Hecht and Emmett Johnson, that’s just icing on the cake.
t8. Emmanuel McNeil-Warren | S, Toledo
Recommender: Janik Eckardt
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Everyone sent safety Dillon Thieneman to the State of 10,000 Lakes in mock draft season, but the Vikings went in a different direction. Some, however, thought Toledo’s McNeil-Warren would be an even better fit. Safety remains a need for Minnesota, and McNeil-Warren is one of the top players on the board. It remains to be seen if he’s falling to 49; it might be time to call some other front offices to move up a little.
t10. De’Zhaun Stribling | WR, Mississippi
Reccomender: Kyle Joudry
Size, speed, and blocking. Looks like a very good option to compete at WR3.
t10. De’Zhaun Stribling | WR, Mississippi
Reccomender: Wes Johnson
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Mississippi wide receiver De’Zhaun Stribling (1) lines up against Miami during the College Football Playoff semifinal at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, on Jan 8, 2026, taking part in the Fiesta Bowl as both teams battle for a spot in the national championship game. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.
The Vikings need to come away with some combination of the following at the end of day 2 (WR, C, and S). Luckily, many players fit that bill. The Vikings have flirted with later-round WRs over the past few years, but let’s face it, historically, WRs taken after pick 60 are rarely anything more than serviceable.
The Vikings need impact after losing Jalen Nailor to the Raiders this offseason. Enter Top 30 prospect Stribling from Ole Miss. Stribling has been a late draft riser, and many view him as a plug-and-play pro. He’d be a can’t-miss selection in the 2nd or 3rd round.
Minnesota Vikings fans react during the fourth quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Nov 9, 2025, watching late-game action unfold as tension builds in the closing moments of a tightly contested matchup between two playoff-caliber teams. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images.
Was it Dillon Thieneman? How about Kenyon Sadiq? Nope — the Minnesota Vikings swerved in Round 1 on Thursday night, drafting Caleb Banks, a defensive tackle from Florida, who, heading into the draft, possessed 2nd-Round stock, according to pundits. Fans will warm up to the pick in time, but for now, one clear loser emerged from Round 1: existing Vikings DT Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins.
The depth chart changed, and one young defender now has a tougher, perhaps obsolete, path.
Ingram-Dawkins had a very tentative grasp on a starting job, but if Banks is ready by September, Ingram-Dawkins will remain a depth DT.
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Minnesota’s iDL Situation Got Crowded Fast
Can’t win ’em all.
Georgia defensive lineman Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins (93) lines up against TCU during the CFP National Championship at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, on Jan 9, 2023, battling at the line of scrimmage as the Bulldogs control the game against the Horned Frogs on college football’s biggest stage. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.
The Banks Pick and Fallout
Minnesota needed a defensive tackle; it hadn’t drafted one in Rounds 1, 2, or 3 since 2013, when Sharrif Floyd — also from the University of Florida — joined the purple team.
ESPN’s Kevin Seifert wrote, “The Minnesota Vikings made one of the boldest and riskiest selections Thursday in the first round of the NFL draft, choosing Florida defensive lineman Caleb Banks at No. 18. Banks has twice broken his left foot in the past year, costing him most of the 2025 season at Florida and requiring surgery after the NFL scouting combine in March.”
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“He sent a letter to NFL teams last week that identified the injury as a broken fourth metatarsal bone and projected he would be ready to resume football activities in June. He was healthy enough to participate in the Senior Bowl but rebroke the foot at the combine in what Banks called ‘a freak accident.’ Banks said he was practicing his drill starts the night before his on-field workouts and felt a pop.”
Banks now has a singular mission: make plays on Sundays, remain healthy, and completely erase the memory of fan-driven draft-night drama. In a couple of years, it won’t matter whether Minnesota selected him at No. 18 or No. 49, as long as he develops into a cornerstone of Brian Flores’ defense.
His path to being a 1st-Round pick was far from straightforward. As recently as December and January, most draft analysts projected Banks as a 1st-Rounder. They just did. He solidified this reputation at the Senior Bowl, and consistent mock drafts placed him in the latter half of Round 1. At that point, his stock appeared stable.
However, the NFL Combine brought an unexpected setback. Banks fractured a bone in his foot, an injury that immediately pushed him into 2nd-Round projections. That’s what happens with pre-draft injuries. From there, his draft stock continued to slide. Each passing week brought increased scrutiny and questions, particularly given his history of injuries and this new foot problem.
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Consequently, with his draft stock continuing to slide, he became a popular target for the Vikings at Pick No. 49 — a position that, only recently, had emerged as an ideal landing spot.
Ultimately, Minnesota chose not to wait and selected him in the 1st Round instead. The Vikings reached per pundits’ draft standards.
Ingram-Dawkins Takes a Backseat
Did Vikings fans expect Ingram-Dawkins to start in Week 1 of 2026? Not really. However, with all the mock-draft steam that singularly focused on the aforementioned Thieneman, a safety from Oregon, as the Vikings’ 1st-Round pick, one had to wonder if Ingram-Dawkins had impressed coaches behind the scenes. While that’s still possible, it was not enough to avoid the Banks pick. And yes, so long as Banks’s foot is good to go, he will start sooner rather than later. He’s already 23.
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Florida defensive lineman Caleb Banks is selected by the Minnesota Vikings with the 18th overall pick during the NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on Apr 23, 2026, marking a key moment as Minnesota adds a powerful interior presence to its defensive front. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images.
Ingram-Dawkins had to think there was an outside chance that he would be tapped on the shoulder to start next to Jalen Redmond this autumn. That outlook plunged and then some on Night No. 1 of the draft. As of Friday morning, Ingram-Dawkins looks like “just another 5th-Round pick.”
The Skinny on TID
Former general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah picked Ingram-Dawkins late in the draft last year, and he played about 250 defensive snaps as a rookie — significant playing time for a late-round defensive tackle. His knack for batting passes, evident from his Georgia tape, showed up right away.
The Vikings’ initial offseason moves have been particularly beneficial for him. With players such as Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargave moving on in free agency, the depth chart opened up. Had the 2025 season started in early April, Ingram-Dawkins likely would have been in the starting lineup.
Ingram-Dawkins will likely make the active roster late in August, but fans must revise his standing on the team.
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Possible Next Losers?
Ingram-Dawkins may not be the only “loser” on the Vikings’ roster. Minnesota has eight picks remaining, with three more before the end of Round 4.
Minnesota Vikings guard Blake Brandel (64) goes through pregame warmups at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida, on Nov 10, 2024, preparing for a matchup against the Jaguars while continuing to serve as a versatile piece along the offensive line during a stretch of lineup adjustments. Mandatory Credit: Morgan Tencza-Imagn Images.
These players could reasonably be demoted if general manager Rob Brzezinski selects a player from their position:
Blake Brandel (center)
Tai Felton (wide receiver)
Theo Jackson (safety)
James Pierre (cornerback)
Jay Ward (safety)
Pierre might be a reach to call him a “loser,” but if the Vikings draft Jermod McCoy, for example, McCoy will swoop in for a CB3 job before too long.
Minnesota is expected to draft a center on Friday night, making Brandel the top candidate for post-draft “loser” status.
4 Pines Park will play host to Sunday’s
Round 8 NRL game between Manly Sea Eagles and
Parramatta Eels. The game kicks off at 4:05 pm with Manly Sea Eagles heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the Manly Sea Eagles vs.
Parramatta Eels
game and give you our free tips and bets.
Manly host Parramatta in an intriguing clash between two sides coming off strong performances. The Sea Eagles have found success with a direct approach before shifting the ball wide, though life without Tom Trbojevic remains a key test. Parramatta impressed defensively last week and will need to replicate that effort here. This shapes as a balanced contest, with consistency likely to determine the outcome.
The 26-year-old, who scored a hat-trick in last weekend’s 4-1 win over Burnley, starred in a first-half rout as the Europa League semi-finalists established an eight-point gap to 18th-placed Tottenham, who only have five games left to play.
Aided and abetted by a shambolic defensive performance by Regis Le Bris’ men, Forest put the game to bed before the kettle for the half-time tea had even been filled with Trai Hume’s unfortunate own goal sparking a spectacular collapse amid which Chris Wood, Gibbs-White and Igor Jesus all scored inside six minutes before Elliot Anderson added a fifth at the death.
In the process, they extended their unbeaten run in all competitions to eight games and inflicted the Black Cats’ heaviest defeat since their return to the top flight as they conceded four in successive fixtures, prompting a rare, if mercifully short, chorus of boos at the break.
The visitors made the brighter start and Anderson saw his early strike blocked by Omar Alderete after Noah Sadiki had carelessly passed the ball straight to Omari Hutchinson, but Chris Rigg passed up a glorious opportunity to fire Le Bris’ side ahead when he shot tamely at keeper Matz Sels from Enzo Le Fee’s inviting through ball.
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Sunderland keeper Robin Roefs had to dive to his right to palm away Hutchinson’s well-struck 13th-minute attempt after Alderete had gifted possession to Jesus, but Forest went ahead in slightly fortuitous circumstances with 17 minutes gone.
Hutchinson worked a short corner with Anderson and crossed for Jesus to head the ball against the back of Hume’s head, and Roefs could only look on in horror as it flew past him at his near post.
The visitors who continued to look extended their lead 14 minutes before the break when Roefs’ attempted clearance was half-intercepted by Wood, who was on hand to slide the ball into the unguarded net when Gibbs-White played it back to him.
Forest were in dreamland three minutes later when Williams and Anderson worked another short corner for Jesus to head down for Gibbs-White, who thumped a first-time shot past the helpless Roefs.
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It was 4-0 with 37 minutes gone when, after Hutchinson’s cross had been cleared and Ola Aina’s initial attempt blocked, Jesus smashed the rebound home to leave the hosts with a mountain to climb.
Le Bris sent on Reinildo for Rigg at the break and switched to a back three, and they thought they had reduced the deficit when Ballard headed home from close range with 61 minutes gone, only for referee Darren England to be sent to the monitor and ultimately rule out the goal for a foul by Nordi Mukiele on Sels.
It took a sunning one-handed save by Sels three minutes from time to deny Le Fee a consolation goal, and it was Roefs who was picking the ball out of his net once again deep into stoppage time after Anderson arrived perfect on cue to complete the job.
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