Emma Raducanu bounced back from her split with coach Francisco Roig to ease past Greet Minnen in straight-sets at the Winners Open in Romania.
The 2021 US Open champion suffered a disappointing 7-6 (3) 6-2 defeat to Amanda Potapova in the second round of the Australian Open last month.
Raducanu’s partnership with Rafael Nadal’s old coach Roig subsequently ended after her early exit in Melbourne, but the top seed in Transylvania produced an accomplished display to get the better of Minnen by a 6-0 6-4 score.
In a comprehensive showing, Raducanu sent down three aces and forced four breaks of serve across 70 minutes of action.
The 23-year-old will face Kaja Juvan of Slovenia next in the second round of the WTA 250 event on Wednesday.
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Raducanu, whose father is Romanian, said in her on-court interview: “I’m very happy.
“I think I played a great match, super aggressive from the beginning and the crowd from the minute I walked out was incredible so thank you very much for all the support.
“Today I think was a great performance. I really wanted to put my game out on the court, it’s a little bit easier indoors so I am really pleased I could use that.”
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) icon Virat Kohli was a notable absentee from the field during Mumbai Indians’ (MI) chase at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday. Kohli, who struck a composed 38-ball 50 earlier in the day, was sidelined by an ankle issue, with Jacob Bethell taking his place in the outfield for the high-stakes chase. Coincidentally, as Kohli was spotted watching from the RCB dressing room, MI’s Rohit Sharma was also forced to leave the field after sustaining a hamstring injury. The sight of both these modern-day greats struggling with fitness concerns during the same match has left fans anxious about their availability for the remainder of the season.
Earlier in the day, Kohli scripted a huge record, becoming the first player to score 1,000 runs against Mumbai Indians.
During his knock, Virat held one end steady as Phil Salt and skipper Rajat Patidar fired massive sixes, scoring 50 in 38 balls, with five fours and a six, at a strike rate of over 131.
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Now against MI, Virat has scored 1,030 runs in 36 innings at an average of 32.18 and a strike rate of 129.23, with a best score of 92* and seven fifties.
In his four innings in this edition of the season so far, Virat has made 179 runs at an average of 59.66, with a strike rate of 162.72, including two fifties and a best score of 69*.
In 23 matches and innings at Wankhede Stadium, Virat has made 888 runs at an average of 55.5, with a strike rate of 148.49, with nine fifties and a best score of 92*.
Virat also had a century partnership with Phil Salt, registering his 47th century partnership in T20s, the most by a batter in T20s, outdoing Chris Gayle, who was involved in 46 such stands.
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A 120-run stand between Salt (78 in 36 balls, with six fours and six sixes) and Virat and a 65-run stand between Virat (50 in 38 balls, with five fours and a six) and skipper Patidar (53 in 20 balls, with four boundaries and five sixes) and later some brutal hitting from David (34* in 16 balls, with two fours and three sixes) pushed RCB to a massive score of 240/4 in 20 overs.
(With ANI Inputs)
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Tushar Deshpande’s Brilliant Final Act Ensures Thrilling Win For RR Over Gujarat Titans
AUGUSTA, Ga. — When the moment of consequence arrived for Rory McIlroy on Masters Saturday afternoon, I had the best seat in the house.
Not from the side of the 11th fairway, where you can see everything on the opening hole of Amen Corner, or from the grandstand on 12 tee, where a great vantage point looks down over the action on the 11th green. Not even on the CBS broadcast, where the team bounced between shots from a frenetic afternoon at Augusta National, including up ahead on the closing stretch, where Cameron Young was on his way to briefly seizing the clubhouse lead.
Nope, I was instead watching on Prime Video, where a new Masters feed brought the biggest story in golf to life like nowhere else.
Before McIlroy’s approach on the 11th landed in the water, setting off an Amen Corner spiral that defined Masters Saturday and reopened the tournament as we knew it, the team on Amazon’s “Inside Amen Corner” stream had noticed something interesting. McIlroy had gotten the member’s kick of his life on his tee shot, which bounced off a tree and back into the center of the fairway. But the contact meant his ball had landed more than 60 yards behind where he’d wound up on the previous two days.
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“McIlroy had better be careful on this approach shot,” John Wood, the stream’s analyst, said forebodingly. “Right is fine. The green is fine. Everywhere else is not.”
As McIlroy talked through his 213-yard approach with his caddie, Harry Diamond, the Prime team flashed a graphic on the stream that told the story, showing the difference in detail among the approaches on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and contextualizing how that difference affected McIlroy’s next shot, which might come to decide the tournament.
“This is a very different shot than he’s had the last two days,” said Justin Kutcher, the stream’s host, building the tension even further.
For reasons that are not difficult to understand, you almost never spend as long watching a player prepare for one of the most pivotal shots in a tournament as the Amazon team spent lingering over McIlroy’s decision on 11. Traditional golf broadcasts have a duty and an obligation to show as much of the action from as much of the course as possible. They can zoom in when necessary, but rarely to the depth they’d like, largely because there’s always another shot to show.
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Augusta National debuted “Inside Amen Corner”on Amazon Prime this year to reverse that trend, giving the club’s new streaming partner a broadcast that married the club’s preposterously deep well of tournament data with the most drama-rich corner of the property. This is the kind of stats-driven storytelling that has made Prime’s work with Thursday Night Football so compelling, where a special stats feed called PrimeVision provides deeper, nerdier insight than anywhere else in football.
As with every second of broadcast coverage from the Masters, CBS Sports is responsible for the production of “Inside Amen Corner” this week. And, as with every second of broadcast coverage from the Masters, the team is the beneficiary of a truly delirious trove of data collected by the club for the use of improving the tournament.
It’s all an expansion upon the dance in quantum superposition Augusta National explores every April: Not a tournament that’s old or new, but old and new at the same time. Few ideas typify this tightrope walk better than the new broadcast, in which a streaming company leans on state-of-the-art technology to tell stories from the most timeless location in golf.
This week at the Masters, “Inside Amen Corner” has existed in this state of quantum superposition with a delicate touch. The Prime team has obsessed over the moments, players and decisions that decide holes Nos. 11, 12 and 13 — working with dedicated statisticians and graphics teams (and with new cameras and gadgets) to explain the how and why of Amen Corner in deeper detail and richer color than ever. The crew reacts in real-time to the actions and trends of the tournament, collects data and individualized stats for each player, and brings ideas from the club’s prolific research database to three-dimensional execution in the span of only a few seconds — all in pursuit of the best possible story.
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The result has been moments like McIlroy’s approach on 11, which eventually tumbled into the water, setting up his first double-bogey of the tournament and dramatically altering the leaderboard. While the moment was plenty dramatic on CBS — and no doubt thrilling in Amen Corner — it was even more rewarding on the Prime stream, where producer Josh Weingardt had the time and bandwidth to zoom in on the gravity of McIlroy’s situation from all angles before the man in the arena finally made contact. By the time McIlroy finally did draw back his club, the story was complete but for the outcome — and the outcome was amplified by the story’s richness.
You did not have to be a stats geek to enjoy the fun on “Inside Amen Corner”— you needed only a thirst for the most interesting version of the story.
On Saturday, I found just that during McIlroy’s approach on 11, and it looked like nothing I’d seen on golf television before.
BALTIMORE — Zach Eflin is looking forward to 2027, less than a week after Tommy John surgery on his 32nd birthday.
He left his March 31 season debut after striking out seven and allowing one run in 3 2/3 innings against Texas. He had elbow reconstruction surgery Wednesday.
“I’m in a lot better spot than I was a week, a week and a half ago,” Eflin said Sunday. “I knew something happened on the field. Really felt like my heart was ripped out of my chest. I was going through so much this offseason to come back on time and I honestly never felt better in my career before.”
Eflin was 6-5 with a 5.93 ERA in 14 starts while making three trips to the injured list last season. Back trouble ending his season after a July 28 start.
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Baltimore re-signed Eflin to a $10 million, one-year deal in December that includes a $25 million mutual option for 2027 with a $2 million buyout.
Baltimore hoped the 11-year veteran would be a steady rotation presence, and his 7 1/3 scoreless innings in two spring training starts offered promise.
“I had felt amazing for three games, and there in the fourth inning it took one pitch,” Eflin said. “It was an up-and-away heater or cutter and it just felt like a hamstring cramp in my elbow. Literally out of nowhere. I’d never felt anything in elbow before.”
Eflin, 68-67 with a 4.28 ERA in 201 big league appearances with Philadelphia, Tampa Bay and Baltimore, hopes to spend as much time as possible around the Orioles this summer as he works to recover and make it back to the majors next year.
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“I think that’s why I got it done so early,” Eflin said. “I want to be back as quickly as possible. I’ve been through too much in my life to let this affect me and let this be the thing that brings me down. I’m going to absolutely crush rehab and be back better than ever.”
Manchester City needed a talisman to step up at Stamford Bridge and Rayan Cherki delivered in the way Kevin De Bruyne used to
18:48, 12 Apr 2026
Rayan Cherki swung the corner into the box as Manchester City looked for an opener. It was the Frenchman’s shot that had earned the set-piece, but his final delivery was rubbish and went straight to the first man.
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City got another go though, because Marc Cucurella’s clearance went straight out for another corner and the Blues could keep their foot on the gas. This was three minutes into the second half and summed up how badly both teams had been misfiring.
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From nowhere, City had swarmed Chelsea and – even better – they did not let up. After 10 minutes of dominance to start the second half, another good ball from Cherki found Marc Guehi and the former Chelsea youngster controlled and finished like Erling Haaland to send the away end into rapture.
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City found themselves with an unexpected opportunity in West London after Arsenal’s surprise home defeat to Bournemouth on Saturday. Win here and the pressure would firmly be on the league leaders when they travel to the Etihad, with the title race in the hands of both teams waiting to be grabbed.
But this is not the all-conquering City team of old, where experienced pros such as Fernandinho, Kevin De Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan would steer the side over the line. This is a new team that has been too inconsistent to take advantage of the other opportunities they have had, which is why they are not closer to the top of the table.
A sloppy first half threatened another one of those days, with Rodri setting the tone for an error-strewn opening where neither side looked good enough to win. With the pressure on though, Cherki and City raced through the gears and blew Chelsea away.
By the time Jeremy Doku had stroked home a third after disarray from Robert Sanchez and Moises Caicedo, the delirious City fans were asking Arsenal if they were watching. If Mikel Arteta and his players were, it will have been with gritted teeth and through their fingers; a winning margin of three makes serious inroads on the goal difference front as well, with Arsenal now just leading by three.
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This may not be the City team of old but that doesn’t mean they are not dangerous. Needing a big performance to set up a grandstand of a game next week against the Gunners, the Blues delivered it in style.
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Akwa Ibom-born coach, Daniel Japhet, on Saturday, April 11, 2026, guided Atlantic Business FC to their first-ever TCC Cup title after a dramatic final victory over Dino FC.
The final, played at the Remo Stars Stadium, ended 1-1 after normal time before Atlantic Business FC won 3-2 on penalties to lift the trophy.
It was a historic moment for Coach Japhet, who has built a strong reputation in Nigerian football for his focus on player development, attacking football, and close relationship with his squad.
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The coach, who has previously worked with clubs such as Cofine FC, Akwa United, Vandrezzer FC and Dakkada FC, has now added a major trophy to his growing coaching profile, further boosting his reputation as one of the most promising young coaches in the country.
FINAL MATCH REPORT
The game started at a fast pace, with Dino FC striking first in the 3rd minute through Timi Destiny, who reacted quickest to a loose ball inside the box.
Atlantic Business FC responded strongly and gradually took control of the game. Their pressure paid off in the 37th minute when Adamu Terungwa dribbled past two defenders before curling in a fine equaliser.
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Atlantic Business FC celebrate the equalizing goal
Both teams pushed for a winner in the second half, but neither side could find a breakthrough, sending the match into penalties.
In the shootout, tension ran high as both teams missed crucial kicks. Samuel Obudu and Friday Cornelius missed for Dino FC, while Atlantic Business also had setbacks before holding their nerve in the decisive moments to seal a 3-2 win.
The victory marks a major breakthrough for Coach Daniel Japhet, who has long been praised for his ball-playing philosophy and ability to give young players freedom to express themselves on the pitch.
At Atlantic Business FC, he has steadily built a competitive team and came close to success in previous tournaments before finally securing a maiden trophy.
For Dino FC, it is another painful final defeat in the competition, while Atlantic Business FC celebrate a season to remember with their first TCC Cup triumph.
A close-up view of a Chicago Bears helmet is shown on Nov 10, 2019, at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois, capturing the team’s iconic navy shell and orange “C” logo before game action. The detailed shot highlights the franchise’s classic look as players prepared for kickoff in a traditional NFC North setting. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports.
Each week, we track our version of the “Nopedy Nopes” in the Minnesota Vikings’ orbit — the takes that miss, get weird, drift away from reality, or just plain fell flat compared to expectations.
Three fresh Vikings misses hit trade talk, quarterback chatter, and draft noise.
This round focuses on draft chatter, roster battles, and one wild podcast opinion as the regular season sits about five months out.
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This Week’s Nopedy Nopes Hit Chicago, Quarterback Talk, and Draft Buzz
The Vikings Nopedy Nopes with the draft 11 days out.
Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson stands on the field before kickoff on Aug 17, 2025, at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois, ahead of a preseason matchup against the Buffalo Bills. Johnson observed warmups and interacted with staff as Chicago prepared for early-season action in front of a home crowd. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images.
The Nopedy Nope: The Vikings will do trade business with the Bears in Round 1 of the draft.
ESPN’s Bill Barnwell recommended one trade for each NFL franchise that should consider during the draft, and here’s his proposal for the Vikings:
Minnesota Gets: Pick No. 25 (R1) Pick No. 60 (R2)
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Chicago Gets: Pick No. 18 (R1) Pick No. 163 (R5)
Barnwell explained, “Ryan Poles has already addressed some of his team’s weaknesses this offseason, but the Bears should still hope to add something meaningful on the edge. Montez Sweat is a very solid starter on one side of the line, but Dayo Odeyingbo is coming off a torn Achilles and didn’t look good in his debut season as a Bears player before the injury.”
“Odeyingbo has no guaranteed money due in 2027, so this trade would be for a rookie who can rotate with him in 2026 before taking over as the starter next year. The Bears have an extra second-round pick after trading DJ Moore to the Bills, which would make this deal easier to stomach in Chicago.”
The trade deal is quite intriguing, all things considered.
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“Brzezinski’s Vikings were the league’s third-oldest team on a snap-weighted basis last season, and that was with McCarthy and Max Brosmer taking the majority of the snaps at quarterback. Adofo-Mensah was wildly successful in free agency but struggled badly with his drafts, so the Vikings need to add more young talent to their core,” Barnwell continued.
“Picking up an extra second-round pick would make sense, especially after they made just one top-100 pick a year ago.”
The problem? The Vikings and Bears hardly ever do trade business.
The Verdict: Nopedy nope on the likelihood of a Vikings-Bears trade. Interdivisional trading is taboo.
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The Nopedy Nope: Kyler Murray will face a real quarterback competition at training camp.
NBC Sports’ Mike Florio opined on the Vikings’ QB setup this week, claiming, “The Vikings currently have four quarterbacks on the roster. There is no starter, for now. Coach Kevin O’Connell explained during a recent visit with PFT Live that, eventually, there will be a clear delineation of positions on the depth chart.”
“It will come down, undoubtedly, to Kyler Murray or J.J. McCarthy. O’Connell explained that he has no concern about McCarthy becoming disenchanted if he doesn’t win the job.”
Training camp will get underway in about 3.5 months.
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Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray appears courtside on Jan 28, 2020, at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, during a game between the Dallas Mavericks and Phoenix Suns. Murray watched second-quarter action while taking in the NBA matchup, drawing attention as a high-profile NFL presence at the arena. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images.
Florio added, “The best news for the Vikings is that, however it plays out, they’ll have a solid No. 2 and (if Carson Wentz makes the final 53) a third-stringer who can win games if need be.”
“Last year, Wentz showed up less than two weeks before Week 1, and he played better than anyone could have expected. This year, he’ll be involved throughout the offseason program and training camp.”
Minnesota will claim there’s a quarterback battle in spirit, but it’s window dressing.
The Verdict: Nopedy nope on a real Vikings quarterback battle; Murray will win it handily.
The Nopedy Nope: Cam Skattebo says CTE is fake, so that settles that.
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In March, Skattebo said CTE was an “excuse” and that all one needs to do to combat asthma is to “breathe.” He later walked back the comments, but Cris Carter opined on the topic this week.
Carter stopped by the Fully Loaded podcast and told the show’s host, “So as far as CTE, the thing that I know is ever since I’ve been in the Hall of Fame, it has hit closer, and it’s hit very, very different because I can see annually guys deteriorate.”
“I can see the greatest athletes in the world psychologically, mentally, and physically succumb to age, dementia, CTE, and some of them have died, and the studies came back immediately with them. I’m going out of my way so that I can be the healthiest version of myself, but I’m terrified. I don’t live life terrified, but I’m terrified of the potential.
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Cris Carter (81) reacts after a touchdown on Feb 5, 1995, at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, Hawaii, during the Pro Bowl. Carter’s 51-yard scoring reception highlighted his playmaking ability as he celebrated in an all-star setting alongside the league’s top talent. Mandatory Credit: RVR Photos-USA TODAY Sports.
About 10 years ago, Carter said on the same topic, “I’ve had teammates who killed themselves: Andre Waters, teammate of mine in Philadelphia. I’ve had good friends of mine: Junior Seau, Dave Duerson. Great men, guys that have done tremendous things in their community. All of a sudden they became violent and took their own lives. So I worry. I worry what my future is. I wonder what’s going to happen to our generation?”
It’s a serious matter for Carter, and rightfully so. To claim otherwise is immature, reckless, and dumb.
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The Verdict: Nopedy nope on Skattebo turning CTE into a debateable issue. It’s not.
Toni Storm has gone on a sudden hiatus from AEW. Now, a popular star has sent a heartbreaking message.
Mina Shirakawa has been linked to Toni Storm ever since her AEW debut. She first started feuding with the Timeless One. However, the two women have since formed a special bond together. They even participated in the tournament to crown the inaugural Women’s Tag Team Champions. They came close to winning the titles but fell short. Despite this, they continued their tag team partnership. However, recently, Toni was attacked by a mysterious attacker. This was done to write the former Women’s World Champion off TV. During a recent episode of Collision, Mina Shirakawa and Harley Cameron were in a backstage segment. Both women were feeling down since their respective tag teams broke up. Hence, the Japanese star suggested they drink.
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Following this segment, Mina Shirakawa took to social media to say that she is all alone after Storm’s hiatus.
“All alone…..”
Check out her tweet here:
Vince Russo commented on Toni Storm’s hiatus
Toni Storm is one of the top stars on the AEW roster. She has also been very entertaining with her Timeless gimmick. This has helped her get over with the fans and resulted in the company pushing her as the Women’s World Champion. Even after losing the Women’s World Title, she continued to be a prominent feature on TV as she continued to feud with Marina Shafir. She was set to compete against Marina Shafir on Dynamite, but she was taken out by a mystery attacker backstage and left in a pool of her own blood. This was done to write her off TV. Following this, it was reported that the Timeless One could be sidelined for the rest of the year.
“It’s no different than a pro athlete being out for a couple of years with an injury, and I hate that. That is so sad to me, man, especially when you’ve got a talent like Toni Storm. We get cheated. At the end of the day, the fan gets cheated.”
It will be interesting to see when Storm will make her return.
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No Minnesota Vikings fan knows for sure how Round 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft will shake down; that’s what happens when a franchise has no official general manager and the roster holes are arguably plentiful.
These are the clearest paths to Pick No. 18.
But here’s a look at the leading candidates to join the Vikings in 10 days. Minnesota has the 18th overall pick.
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8 Prospects Emerging as Minnesota’s Most Realistic 1st-Rounders
Ranked in ascending order (No. 1 = most likely Round 1 draft picks), this is the field for Minnesota.
Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee defensive back Colton Hood (8) celebrates with teammates after a key defensive stop against New Mexico State during NCAA action, Nov 15, 2025, as the Volunteers defense swarms following a momentum-shifting play in front of a home crowd at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Imagn Images
8. Colton Hood | CB, Tennessee
Hood just turned 21, and the Vikings haven’t connected on a rookie cornerback in about 10 years. For now, he lives at No. 35 on the Consensus Big Board, but he’s included on this list because in 2025, Donovan Jackson ranked No. 39, and Minnesota picked him anyway.
It’s also worth noting that Hood is an outside corner, which the Vikings could put to immediate use.
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7. Kenyon Sadiq | TE, Oregon
T.J. Hockenson reworked his contract last month, now scheduled to hit free agency in March 2027. If Minnesota believes Sadiq is the best player available at No. 18, there is absolutely no reason not to draft him and prepare for life after Hockenson.
Sadiq is a pass-catcher and a blocker; he’s the total package. He’s considered a physical freak and just turned 21.
6. Kayden McDonald | NT, Ohio State
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If the Vikings desire a “safe” draft selection after perhaps trading down 5-12 spots, McDonald is perfect. He’s a run-stopping nose tackle, and Minnesota hasn’t employed a genuine version of one of those since Linval Joseph and Dalvin Tomlinson.
McDonald is the No. 31 rookie on the Consensus Big Board. Minnesota, for example, could trade with the Miami Dolphins at No. 30, add two 3rd-Rounders, and draft McDonald.
5. Jermod McCoy | CB, Tennessee
McCoy would be higher on this list, but his recent draft momentum suggests he’ll be gone by the time Minnesota is called to the podium. He’s considered CB2 behind LSU’s Mansoor Delane, who will be picked somewhere in the Top 15 — probably Top 12.
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McCoy is 20 years old and recovering from a torn ACL that cancels his 2025 season at Tennessee. Like Hood, McCoy usually plays on the outside.
NFL Draft Buzzon McCoy: “McCoy belongs in the conversation as one of the most complete corners in this class, and the Pro Day removed the last real caveat attached to his evaluation. The 4.37 forty and 38-inch vertical, turned in on a surgically repaired knee, confirm the closing burst and recovery speed that his 2024 tape suggested but never got to prove against NFL-caliber testing.”
4. Keldric Faulk | EDGE, Auburn
Pretend the Jonathan Greenard trade rumors come true; the Vikings trade him to an EDGE-needy team for a 2nd-Rounder. Well, interim general manager Rob Brzezinski can somewhat easily draft Faulk minutes later.
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Auburn, Alabama, USA; Auburn defensive end Keldric Faulk (15) participates in position drills during the program’s pro day at the Woltosz Performance Center, Mar 24, 2026, as NFL scouts and team personnel evaluate his athleticism, movement skills, and readiness for the next level. Mandatory Credit: Jake Crandall-Imagn Images
Faulk is almost a forgotten man behind rookie EDGEs David Bailey, Arvel Reese, Rueben Bain, and Akheem Mesidor. But his current draft slot aligns with the Vikings’ long-term OLB need if they trade Greenard.
The best way for Minnesota to get McNeil-Warren is probably a trade down a handful of spots, adding a 2nd- or 3rd-Round pick and still filling the safety void that will be evident if Harrison Smith retires.
McNeil-Warren has the prototypical safety size, he’s rangy, and he forces turnovers. Drafting safeties in Round 1 may not be totally ideal, but the Toledo product might just be worth it.
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2. Peter Woods | DT, Clemson
One month ago, the Vikings ended the one-year stays of Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave. They don’t work here anymore. Combined, those two played over 1,300 defensive snaps at DT for the 2025 Vikings.
One might think that a rookie defensive tackle is on the way; Allen and Hargrave leaving is sufficient evidence.
If Minnesota sticks-and-picks at No. 18 and wants a young defensive tackle, Woods is the pick.
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1. Dillon Thieneman | S, Oregon
If you’re reading an article like this, you’ve probably scanned at least 10+ NFL mock drafts by now. There’s a decent chance that Thieneman landed with the Vikings in 90% of them.
Thieneman reminds everyone of Harrison Smith, and Smith could retire at any time. Therefore, probably needing a safety as early as now, Thieneman has morphed into Minnesota’s mock-draft darling.
Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Texas Tech running back J’Koby Williams (20) is brought down by Oregon defensive back Dillon Thieneman (31) during second-half action of the Orange Bowl playoff quarterfinal, Jan 1, 2026, as both teams battle for field position in a high-stakes postseason matchup. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
The Athletic‘s Dane Brugler on Thieneman: “With his open-field athleticism, Thieneman has a lot to offer in the NFL because of his versatility making plays over the top in coverage or downhill versus the run. He shows impressive range and anticipation from the deep half of the field, as well as the intelligence to understand what opponents are trying to do.”
“Although he doesn’t always play up to his testing numbers, he can guard both sidelines and sort through routes. He can clean up some things in the run game, too — he has a nose for the ball and doesn’t hesitate flying to the contact point.”
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Draft heads perceived him as a 2nd-Rounder two months ago, but he balled out at the Combine, and now the world believes he’ll be a Viking.
2017 winner Sergio Garcia shattered his driver after taking his anger out on the second tee box of the legendary golf course.
Paired with fellow Spaniard and 2023 winner Jon Rahm, Garcia slammed his club into the turf twice after hitting a shot that ended up in the bunker. Then he took a swipe at a table with a green cooler on it.
Sergio Garcia of Spain finishes his first round at the Masters golf tournament at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia, on April 9, 2026.(Eric Gay/AP)
That left the head of his driver dangling from the shaft, and he reached over and yanked it off completely. Garcia eventually received a code of conduct warning.
Garcia entered the day well out of contention and then bogeyed the first hole, so his anger is understandable.
Sergio Garcia lines up a putt on the second green during the first round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia, on April 9, 2026.(Michael Madrid/Imagn Images)
Later on that second hole, things turned comical when Garcia started carrying Rahm’s bag while Rahm’s caddie was tending to the bunker. The crowd applauded when Rahm took the bag from Garcia and started carrying it himself as caddie Adam Hayes hustled to catch up to the players.
Garcia was disqualified in 2019 at the Saudi International for damaging greens in frustration. This time he got control of himself before it got to that point, although he eventually received the warning.
According to club officials, Geoff Yang in his role as chairman of the competitions committee spoke to Garcia on the fourth tee and issued the code of conduct warning.
Masters champion Sergio Garcia of Spain carries his bag as he walks off the fairway on the No. 2 hole during the final round of the Masters at Augusta National Golf Club on April 12, 2026.(Logan Whitton/Augusta National/Getty Images)
Rory McIlroy and Cameron Young are tied for the lead at 11 under and tee off at 2:25 p.m. ET.
Jannik Sinner is the Monte Carlo champion after a 7-6, 6-3 win over Carlos Alcaraz.
The victory secures his first title in Monte Carlo and continues a good run at Masters level.
Sinner has now won four consecutive Masters 1000 titles and is on a 22-match winning streak in these events. He has also won 44 of his last 45 sets in Masters tournaments.
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The Italian will return to world No. 1 when the rankings update.
After the match, Sinner said:
“It means a lot to me. At the same time, the ranking is secondary. I’m very happy to win at least one big trophy on this surface. I haven’t done it before. It means a lot to me.”
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On his approach during the match, he added:
“I felt close on the return games. I had a feeling the new balls helped me. The ball change was at 2-1. I tried to stay there mentally. Trying to keep pushing. I felt a bit tired. I tried to keep up with the right mentality. Having this trophy with me now means a lot to me. It’s a completely different tournament, I come here, sleeping at home and everything. It means a lot.”
Sinner also took time to acknowledge his opponent:
“Carlos, congrats to you and your team. You’re doing amazing things year after year. You keep showing why you are the player you are.”
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“Facing you especially in finals in the end of the tournaments makes it even more special. Thank you so much and wish you all the best for the rest of the season.”
Alcaraz responded with praise of his own:
“It’s impressive what you’re achieving right now… it’s something incredible. It’s so difficult to make that happen. Congratulations for everything and for the work you’re doing with your team.”
With this win, Sinner becomes just the second player after Novak Djokovic to win Indian Wells, Miami, and Monte Carlo in the same season.
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