Nov 8, 2025; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Jeremiyah Love (4) runs the ball against the Navy Midshipmen during the second half at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael Caterina-Imagn Images
The NFL Combine has officially arrived, and things are heating up as we hurl towards the 2026 NFL Draft this April.
One of the more interesting positions in this year’s draft comes at the running back position. It’s a class that has a star at the top, a solid second tier of players, and then a third tier that very well could become immediate contributors at the NFL level. Here are my initial 2026 NFL Draft running back rankings.
1. Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame
Nov 15, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Jeremiyah Love (4) runs after a catch against the Pittsburgh Panthers during the second quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
There is very little that Jeremiyah Love can’t do, which is why he lands at the No. 1 spot of this list. It’s not particularly close, either.
Love’s athletic ability is elite and jumps off the screen every time he takes the field. His speed is about as untouchable as it gets, and he gets up to that top speed in a hurry out of the backfield. On top of that ridiculous athletic ability while carrying the ball, the Notre Dame product can immediately be plugged into an NFL offense’s passing scheme. He caught 25 of his 28 targets either behind the line of scrimmage or from 0-9 yards, and he averaged 9.7 yards after the catch.
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The one area where Love can be knocked is his ability in pass protection when he does stay near the pocket on passing downs. At 6 feet tall and 214 pounds, he isn’t particularly built to hold up as a blocker, but with his receiving ability, he shouldn’t be in this role too much to begin with.
2. Jonah Coleman, Washington
Oct 4, 2025; College Park, Maryland, USA; Washington Huskies running back Jonah Coleman (1) carries the ball against the Maryland Terrapins at SECU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-Imagn Images
Jonah Coleman is a bowling ball at the running back position at 5’9″ and 228 pounds, and that makes him a very difficult player for opposing defenses to tackle.
Coleman is a very physical player and absorbs contact as well as any running back in this draft class. He is very patient behind the line of scrimmage, is a great workhorse back, and he can also contribute in pass protection and as a receiver. He caught 31 passes this past season with the Washington Huskies. On top of that, his ball security is elite. He fumbled just twice throughout his collegiate career on 639 touches.
Coleman’s ceiling is limited by his lack of breakaway speed, meaning he probably won’t ever be a competitor to lead the NFL in rushing yards. Still, he should have a long, productive NFL career and could go down as the modern day version of Frank Gore if he lives up to his potential.
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3. Emmett Johnson, Nebraska
Nov 28, 2025; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers running back Emmett Johnson (21) runs against Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back Zach Lutmer (6) during the third quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dylan Widger-Imagn Images
It’s been awhile since Nebraska has had a high end running back, but Emmett Johnson changed the tides in the backfield this season for the Cornhuskers. He became the first Nebraska running back with 1000+ yards since Devine Ozigbo in 2018.
Johnson thrives in zone running schemes, and he was one of the most explosive playmakers out of the backfield in all of college football this season. His 36 carries of 10+ yards tied for sixth in the FBS. He also led all running backs in the FBS with 46 receptions.
At 5’11” and 200 pounds, Johnson has a sturdy frame to along with outstanding breakaway speed and ability to change directions on a dime. He needs to get better as a blocker if he wants to truly help an NFL passing game, but with the receiving ability, he can get away with being a checkdown option (or down the field receiver option) more than a blocking presence.
While Jeremiyah Love stole much of the spotlight at Notre Dame this past year, Jadarian Price should not be overlooked heading into this draft. In an offense that had a top Heisman candidate in Love, Price still managed to get 120 carries in 2024 and 113 carries in 2025.
There’s a reason for that: Price is a very effective player. Every movement Price makes in the backfield seems effortless and entirely intentional. He has a terrific ability to make cuts in the blink of an eye, leaving defenses with virtually no time to react, or he’ll be gone.
That being said, there are some questions that could impact his placement in the draft. We’ve never seen him be a lead running back at the collegiate level, which is a very unique position for a player who is widely considered to be a Day 2 selection. He could also have some trouble staying on the field on third downs, particularly in passing situations. He only caught 15 passes over the course of his three years at Notre Dame.
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5. Kaytron Allen, Penn State
Nov 29, 2025; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions running back Kaytron Allen (13) reacts after a rushing touchdown during the first half against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at SHI Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Like Coleman, Kaytron Allen has a very sturdy frame that keeps his legs churning through defenders. Of his 1303 rushing yards this season, 792 of them came after contact. That was the 16th-most in all of the FBS this past year.
Allen (5’11”, 229 pounds) has been a very productive player at Penn State since he arrived in 2022, totaling at least 167 carries in all four of his seasons with the Nittany Lions. He’s proven time and time again that he can be a workhorse, and a very explosive burst allows him to get to the second level of a defense in a hurry.
However, he also lacks that true home run speed like Coleman. Unlike Coleman, though, Allen also has struggled as a receiver, which may force him off the field on third down passing situations. In 2025, he caught 18 passes for just 68 yards.
6. Demond Claiborne, Wake Forest
Oct 11, 2025; Corvallis, Oregon, USA; Wake Forest Demon Deacons running back Demond Claiborne (1) runs the ball during the second half against the Oregon State Beavers at Reser Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images
Demond Claiborne is a home run hitter at the running back position. He has breakaway speed that few can keep up with in space, and he possesses outstanding lateral quickness, forcing missed tackles in open space.
On top of the abilities on offense, Claiborne can also contribute on special teams as a kick returner. He took two kickoffs to the house during his collegiate career before giving up the role during the 2025 season.
However, at 5’10” and 195 pounds, he doesn’t really have the build to be a lead back at the NFL level, which likely will limit his ceiling.
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7. Mike Washington, Arkansas
Nov 15, 2025; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks running back Mike Washington (4) runs against LSU Tigers safety Tamarcus Cooley (0) during the first half at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
Mike Washington has a real chance to be one of the steals of this draft class if he ends up falling into the middle rounds. He has elite size at 6’2″ and 228 pounds, and he almost certainly will threaten 4.4 speed in the 40 yard dash at the NFL Combine.
Washington has great vision in the backfield, patiently waiting for lanes to open up before using that explosive ability to pick up yards in a hurry with big strides. He also has a knack for falling forward which is what you want to see in a running back prospect to pick up an extra yard or two.
So what gives? Why is he not a top 5 running back in this class? Well, the fumble issues could be catastrophic for him at the NFL level. He fumbled 10 times during his five-year collegiate career, including seven fumbles over the past two seasons.
8. Le’Veon Moss, Texas A&M
Dec 20, 2025; College Station, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies running back Le’Veon Moss (8) runs the ball as Miami Hurricanes defensive back Ethan O’Connor (24) defends during the second half at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images
Like Mike Washington, Le’Veon Moss has the tools to be an NFL running back. He has a punishing running style and pushes through contact to gain extra yards (big, physical guys are a theme of this RB class if you haven’t noticed).
His balance and patience in the backfield is a notable strength that draws some comparison to Le’Veon Bell, and when he does decide to burst through a hole, he does it with explosive speed and power.
All that being said, injury troubles have followed Moss throughout his collegiate career. In four years, he never managed to play 10 games at Texas A&M, suffering serious ankle and knee injuries in his career. If he stays healthy, Moss can surpass this draft ranking, but it’s hard to bank too much on that right now.
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)
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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.
Minnesota Twins manager Derek Shelton was caught voicing his frustration in a hot mic moment before being ejected for arguing a check swing call during Saturday’s loss to the Cincinnati Reds.
The incident went down in the seventh inning after first base umpire Hunter Wendelstedt ruled that Reds star Elly De La Cruz didn’t swing, resulting in a ball on the pitch with the Twins leading, 4-2.
Minnesota Twins manager Derek Shelton walks to the dugout during the first inning of the Boston Red Sox game in Minneapolis on April 13, 2026.(Abbie Parr/AP)
“No swing?” could be heard shouted from the dugout, although it wasn’t immediately clear who shouted it. De La Cruz hit an RBI single on the next pitch, and Rece Hinds scored to narrow the Twins’ lead.
Shelton’s displeasure could be heard from the dugout, and just a few moments later, home plate umpire Nic Lentz ejected him.
The broadcast picked up Lentz telling Shelton, “I wasn’t going to hear it anymore.”
Shelton charged at him, denying the accusation and repeatedly shouting, “I’m not even f—ing talking to you,” and, “I didn’t say anything to you.”
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Manager Derek Shelton of the Minnesota Twins argues with home plate umpire Nic Lentz at Target Field in Minneapolis on April 18, 2026.(David Berding/Getty Images)
After the game, Shelton said the comment that got him tossed was made when his head was down.
“I had my head down when I made the comment I made,” he said, via The Minnesota Star Tribune. “He evidently thought I was making the comment at him, but I had my head down and I was not looking at any umpire after I made it.
“You guys can make the determination on the check swing what you think, but when I made the comment I made, I had my head down. I’ve been ejected a lot of times. In that one, I was not directing anything at anything except frustration down at our bench.”
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Minnesota Twins manager Derek Shelton argues with umpire Laz Diaz over a pitch challenge during the Orioles game, March 29, 2026, in Baltimore.(Gail Burton/AP)
This was the second time Shelton was ejected this season. Last month, he became the first manager to be ejected over the new Automated Balls and Strikes (ABS) system during a loss to Baltimore.
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