Jack Grealish joined Everton on loan from Man City during the summer transfer window – but his long-term future at the club remains uncertain
Former Manchester City midfielder Gareth Barry believes Jack Grealish won’t be short of interest this summer.
Grealish joined Everton on loan during the summer transfer window after falling out of favour with Pep Guardiola at the Etihad Stadium. One of the main reasons the 30-year-old moved to make the move happen was so he could have a chance to feature in England’s World Cup squad.
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Although Grealish impressed for David Moyes’ side, scoring twice and claiming six assists in all competitions, his campaign was cut short in January after he suffered a stress fracture in his foot, which required an operation. A £50m option to buy was included in the loan agreement by City, but that valuation was placed upon him for accounting purposes.
And while Grealish’s time at City looks to be over, Everton are keen to extend his stay into a second season, preferably on loan, and the plan is to formally explore that at the end of the current campaign. But Barry believes the attacker won’t be short of offers from other clubs this summer as he prepares to make a decision on where he goes next.
“I remember speaking last summer when all the noise was about and I thought it would be a great move for both the club and Jack,” the former midfielder told the Manchester Evening News, via BetMGM.
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“I knew he would be desperate to win a World Cup space and that is why he started on fire, but unfortunately injuries stopped that happening.
“He is the type of player that Everton fans love. He is going to get the fans off their seats, he is going to give 100% and he brings that little bit of X factor as well.
“Jack is going to have a big decision to make and see what options he has, but with my Everton head on, I would love to see him at Everton next season, but I’m sure there will be interest from elsewhere as well.”
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Barry, though, is in no doubt that former club Everton should be doing all they can to ensure that Grealish returns to the club next season.
“Yeah, if I’m involved with Everton and making these decisions, then I am trying to keep Jack Grealish, as I think he has brought a lot to the club this year,” he said.
“He started on fire and brought excitement to the fans; between him and Iliman Ndiaye on the opposite wing, you can’t ask for much more entertainment.
“If the numbers work, then I think Everton should try and keep Jack. He seems really happy there, and the transfer would improve Everton as well. They need to keep taking forward steps like they have since David Moyes came in.”
Kim Bum, born Kim Sang-bum, is a South Korean actor, singer and model. He has returned to the romantic comedy genre with his latest drama Sold Out on You, garnering wide attention from his fans who have been for his comeback to the genre.
Kim Bum began his career at a young age participating in the reality program Survival Star Audition, where he placed sixth among hundreds of contestants. Although he did not continue in the competition, he drew interest from industry professionals and soon began his acting career with the sitcom High Kick! (2006).
He continued to take on supporting roles before gaining wider recognition through East of Eden (2008), which earned him the Netizen Popularity Award at the Korea Drama Awards. The actor rose to prominence with his role as So Yi-jung in Boys Over Flowers (2009), a drama that significantly expanded his domestic and international fanbase.
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He then appeared in Padam Padam (2011), following which Kim encountered health issues, including degenerative arthritis, due to the significant weight loss he underwent while preparing for the drama. Even so, he continued to take on a wide range of roles across different genres such as Lee Rang in Tale of the Nine Tailed (2020) and Tale of the Nine Tailed 1938 (2023), and Han Joon-hwi in Law School (2021). In addition to acting, he also pursued music and released a studio album in 2012.
In Sold Out on You (2026), Kim Bum plays Seo Eric, the executive director of the global skincare brand L’Etoile. The character has spent much of his life in France and maintains a careful and reserved presence within a competitive corporate environment shaped by succession struggles.
His life begins to shift after he meets Dam Ye-jin. The drama premiered with its first two episodes on April 22 and 23, and Kim Bum’s portrayal of Seo Eric has drawn attention from the viewers.
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Kim Bum opens up about his romcom comeback with Sold Out on You
Sold Out on You (2026) is a romantic comedy that follows an unexpected relationship between Matthew Lee, played by Ahn Hyo-seop, and Dam Ye-jin, played by Chae Won-bin. Matthew is a meticulous farmer balancing multiple responsibilities, while Ye-jin is a successful home shopping host dealing with chronic insomnia. The story unfolds as their contrasting lives intersect, shaping a romance built on chance encounters and evolving emotions.
Alongside the central narrative, Kim Bum plays Seo Eric, whose storyline adds another layer to the drama. Eric shares a significant connection with Ye-jin that dates back three years.
He had developed feelings for her after a brief encounter and interpreting it as fate he arranged to meet her again. However, she never showed up, after which he left for France.
When they cross paths again in the present, Eric approaches the meeting with visible anticipation. His excitement gradually shifts to disappointment when Ye-jin does not recognise him, but he doesn’t give up.
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Eric’s perspective on their relationship is shaped by his belief in destiny. Even after being told that their connection may not be fated, he expresses a clear determination to change that outcome. This mindset drives his actions and sets up a key emotional thread in the series.
Kim Bum described Seo Eric in an interview with Herald Muse, as a character who was open about his feelings while remaining considerate toward others which made the script stand out. He says,
“When I read the script, I was drawn to the fact that Seo Eric is very honest and proactive about his emotions, yet possesses a caring heart for others rather than being immature or selfish. As an actor, I also wanted to portray the multi-dimensional aspects of Seo Eric.”
He notes that much of Eric’s emotional development is influenced by Ye-jin, and he has focused on portraying that shift and he focused on portraying that shift by prioritising the character’s responses to her rather than centring only on his own emotions.
Regarding his return to the romantic comedy genre, Kim Bum shared that he had received repeated suggestions from people around him to take on such a role. He viewed Sold Out on You as an opportunity to reconnect with the genre.
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During the press conference of the drama, as per a report of Chosun Biz, Kim Bum acknowledged that he had previously avoided romantic comedies.
“I avoided saying 20 years because it makes me sound old… I unintentionally ended up doing a rom-com for the first time. Maybe I was waiting for Sold Out Again. It was a genre I lacked confidence in. Fantasy and genre works have delicate settings that are created within the script, but I think rom-coms are a very delicate genre, so I thought I lacked confidence and avoided them,” explained the actor.
As per the report, in preparing for the role, he also paid attention to visual details, including experimenting with a distinctive hair colour designed to complement the character’s image and stand out on screen.
Sold Out on You is broadcast every Wednesday and Thursday at 9 pm KST, with episodes 3 and 4 scheduled to air on April 29 and 30.
Apr 23, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard CJ McCollum (3) steps back on New York Knicks guard Miles McBride (2) in the fourth quarter during game three of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
CJ McCollum scored 23 points and sank the game-winning basket with 12.7 seconds left, lifting Atlanta to a 109-108 win over the visiting New York Knicks on Thursday and giving the Hawks a 2-1 lead in their first-round Eastern Conference playoff series.
The Hawks led 96-85 with 8:06 to go in the fourth quarter, but the Knicks roared back to tie the game at 105-105 on a 3-pointer by Miles McBride with 1:41 remaining. Jalen Brunson followed with a three-point play at the 1:03 mark, putting the Knicks on top.
A bucket by Atlanta’s Jalen Johnson cut the gap to 108-107, and Brunson shot an airball on the next possession, and the Hawks got the ball on a shot-clock violation with 16.4 seconds left. After a timeout, the Hawks got it to McCollum, who made the 16-foot fadeaway to reclaim the lead. The Hawks then made a defensive stop on Brunson, forcing a loose ball that was recovered by Jonathan Kuminga as time expired.
Johnson had 24 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists while Kuminga came off the bench to score 21. New York got 29 points from OG Anunoby, 26 points from Brunson and 21 points and 17 rebounds from Karl-Anthony Towns.
Raptors 126, Cavaliers 104
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Scottie Barnes and RJ Barrett each scored 33 points and Toronto defeated visiting Cleveland in Game 3 of their first-round playoff series.
Reserve Jamison Battle scored all of his 14 points in the fourth quarter to ignite a Toronto surge that reduced Cleveland’s series lead to 2-1. Barnes added 11 assists and five rebounds for the Raptors. Rookie Collin Murray-Boyles had 22 points and eight rebounds, while Brandon Ingram scored 12 points.
James Harden scored 18 points for the Cavaliers, who made 22 turnovers in a careless performance. Donovan Mitchell was held to 15 points, and Max Strus and Evan Mobley also scored 15 each.
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Timberwolves 113, Nuggets 96
Jaden McDaniels led a spirited defensive effort, reserve Ayo Dosunmu delivered a team-high 25 points and Minnesota held Denver to a season-low shooting percentage en route to a victory in Game 3 of their Western Conference first-round playoff series in Minneapolis.
The Timberwolves hold a 2-1 edge in the best-of-seven set that continues Saturday night in Minneapolis. McDaniels finished with 20 points and 10 rebounds while Anthony Edwards chipped in 17 points for the sixth-seeded Timberwolves.
Hounded much of the night by McDaniels, Jamal Murray shot just 5-for-17, missed all five of his 3-point attempts and totaled just 16 points for the Nuggets, who shot just 34.1% overall. Nikola Jokic was the game’s leading scorer with 27 points and leading rebounder with 15, but went just 7-for-26 from the field and missed eight of his 10 attempts from beyond the arc.
The Ottawa Senators have undeniably made progress as a franchise the past two seasons. But the Sens will never take the next step until they stop constantly putting themselves behind the eight-ball.
Playing a must-have Game 3 on home ice Thursday night, Ottawa came up short, losing 2-1 to the Carolina Hurricanes. Now, for the second straight year, the Senators find themselves down 3-0 in a first-round playoff series.
The post-season appearances are great, but the Senators must find a way to grind out a win or two before their backs are completely against the wall. Even in the regular season, Ottawa dug itself a hole by being six points out of a playoff spot in early March. It’s all well and good that the club made a successful push to get in, but perhaps if the Senators had been accumulating points more consistently all year, they would have avoided drawing the top team in the East.
It’s easy to claim the Senators can hang with Carolina based on the fact all three games — especially a Game 2 overtime affair — have been tight contests. That said, how close is Ottawa, really, when you consider the club still has not held the lead for a single shift of this set? And what chance do you have when your power play is sitting at 0-for-12 in the series after an 0-for-5 showing in Game 3 that included a particularly uninspiring five-on-three?
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Worse yet, the Sens watched their top defenceman, Jake Sanderson, exit this game in the second period, never to return. After the contest, Ottawa coach Travis Green said the injury was caused by the illegal check to the head Carolina winger Taylor Hall received a minor penalty for. (Green also made it clear he believed the penalty should have been a major, and it’s hard to argue with his position).
If Sanderson is out for any stretch of time, it’s hard to imagine Ottawa — which did rally with a couple wins last year after going down 0-3 to the Toronto Maple Leafs — mustering the kind of push that could yet make this a series with the Hurricanes.
Losing an all-world defenceman is never a good thing, but it’s particularly damaging for a club that always seems to find itself with one foot in the grave.
Stankoven stars for Carolina
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If he didn’t arrive via blockbuster trade, it would be easy to forget Logan Stankoven wasn’t actually drafted by Carolina because the small guy with the huge motor really does seem born to be a Cane.
As was the case in Games 1 and 2, Stankoven opened the scoring in Game 3. The guy who arrived in Carolina about 13 months ago now has goals in five of his past six playoff outings, dating back to the 2025 Eastern Conference Final. Keeping Mikko Rantanen may have been Plan A last year for the Canes, but Stankoven — acquired in the deal that sent Rantanen to Dallas — is proving to be an incredible Plan B.
The entire line of Stankoven between Hall and Jackson Blake is thriving, as Blake buried the game-winner for the Canes in Game 3.
For a team that’s always looking for another goal or two this time of year, a strong second unit — and Stankoven, in particular — could be a major game-changer.
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In reality, it probably wasn’t that hard of a decision for Buffalo coach Lindy Ruff to turn to goalie Alex Lyon in Game 3. Starter Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen was likely in need of a mental-health day after allowing a goal from the red line in Game 2, and Lyon played 36 games for the Sabres in the regular season while posting a very respectable .906 save percentage.
Full marks to Lyon for validating his coach’s call by making 24 stops in a 3-1 Sabres win in Game 3. Boston took the lead on a short-side goal by Tanner Jeannot that probably had Buffalo fans wondering if they had a goaltending crisis on their hands, but Lyon shut the door after that, including staring down Viktor Arvidsson — who sniped a pair of goals in Game 2 — on a penalty shot.
“It’s so special and rare to play in the Stanley Cup Playoffs and it’s so hard to make the playoffs, I’m just trying to soak up every moment,” Lyon told the TNT broadcast crew after his team took a 2-1 series lead. “The guys played great tonight.”
Lyon’s performance was just one example of the Sabres’ depth providing a boost, as Noah Ostlund also drew into the lineup for the injured Josh Norris and — in the first Stanley Cup Playoff contest of his career — came through with the primary assist on Buffalo’s first goal and the empty-netter that sealed the crucial win.
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For the first time in the series, Buffalo got on the board before the third period thanks to Bowen Byram’s second tally of the set. If only the Sabres could get their sorry power play untracked — Buffalo has now failed to convert on its past 36 chances — the club would really be feeling good.
Artturi Lehkonen is the long-ago trade deadline pickup who just keeps on giving in Colorado.
Now in his fifth post-season with Colorado, the gritty Finn continues to be precisely the kind of support player who can make all the difference this time of year.
Cale Makar scored a dazzling goal in Colorado’s 4-2 Game 3 victory in L.A., dancing along the offensive blueline like he was in a Hollywood musical before whipping a puck to the top of the net.
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Who was providing the perfect screen in front? That would be No. 62 in blue and maroon, the guy who also happened to steal the puck behind the Kings net a few moments earlier to start the entire goal-scoring sequence.
Then, in the final frame, Lehkonen scored a shorty when a misfire by Adrian Kempe created a two-on-one the other way.
Lehkonen — whose team now has the Kings in a 3-0 headlock — always seems to do the little things that lead to big moments for the Avs.
Another update on the fitness of Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino has emerged from Spain, as he races to be fit after his foot surgery.
Photo by Gabriel Kuchta/Getty Images
Spanish outlet AS reports that Mikel Merino has been seen at Arsenal’s training ground without crutches, and that it’s estimated he’ll be able to run again in two or three weeks.
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If there are no setbacks in the player’s recovery, it’s expected that he should be ready for the World Cup.
AS add that Merino had to have a screw inserted in his heel as part of his operation, but the doctors and the player himself are convinced he’ll be fit in time for this summer’s tournament.
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Photo by Gabriel Kuchta/Getty Images
This update follows another recent report from Spain, with Sport claiming it was far from certain that Merino would feature at the World Cup.
Sport added that Spain boss Luis De La Fuente is prepared to wait until the last possible moment to include the player, but there are no guarantees.
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It seems AS are more confident, and perhaps their timeline even suggests the player could play for Arsenal before the season is out. But taking the two reports in aggregate, maybe the most realistic outcome is that Merino reaches full fitness just as the club season comes to an end.
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Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images
Merino had scored six and assisted three goals for Arsenal before his injury in January, but he’s already missed three months of football since then. It appears likely he’s facing another month out before a potential comeback.
Matt Cumani, trainer from Ballarat, recognises the Stakes-winning potential in colt Deal Done Fast, but the stable’s main aim is to notch up a maiden victory first.
Both goals might materialise this Saturday at Flemington in the Listed VRC St Leger (2800m), provided the colt mends his slow starts from the barriers.
With seven starts behind him yet winless, Deal Done Fast’s sluggish departures have led to specialised barrier drills by Cumani’s crew since his Australian Derby (2400m) effort at Randwick on April 4.
Earlier in the season, he secured third position in the Victoria Derby (2500m) at Flemington.
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“He threw his race away right at the beginning last time and I’m still trying to work out exactly what he did, but it’s starting to look like a pattern now,” Cumani said.
“I gave him a pass mark for the first two runs of the prep.
“In his first race, it was a short distance, and he got squeezed as he came out of the barriers, in his second race he wasn’t concentrating and for him to come out slowly for the third race of his prep, it was a worrying pattern.
“We’ve done a bit of barrier work, and he seems to be breaking well enough, and he has no issues in the gates but is just a bit slow into stride.
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“I’m hoping over 2800 metres at Flemington, that shouldn’t be a problem and if he happens to do it again, he’ll have plenty of time to make up the ground.”
Cumani’s prior St Leger success came in 2023 with Dunwoody at Sandown’s 3000m distance, postponed four days after Dean Holland’s deadly incident at Donald on Anzac Day’s eve.
“When we won it, it was with a horse that probably had no rights to win a Stakes race, but having said that it was 3000 metres and now it’s back to 2800 metres,” Cumani said.
“It’s a tougher race this year than when we won it.”
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By skipping a nomination for the Group 1 South Australian Derby (2500m) at Morphettville next Saturday week, Cumani removes one dilemma.
“There is another Derby left if we want to go down that path, but I just want to see him win a race,” Cumani said.
“He’s been an unlucky maiden.
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“He should have won his first race, he was beaten a bob of the head, so he’s still got that tag, and it would be nice to get that sorted first.
“If he could do it in the St Leger, that would be fantastic and if not, we might look at other options before we put him away for a break.”
Te Taniwha will represent Cumani in the Saturday contest as well.
“He’s been crying out for ground, and this has been a bit of a long-range plan for him,” Cumani said.
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“We would have liked to have seen him do a bit more in his last race, but it’s got such a long tail this race that its always worthwhile having a horse in it for the prize money and it gives everyone a nice day at Flemington.”
Discover leading betting sites offering racing odds for the VRC St Leger.
Sara Tendulkar and sister-in-law Saaniya Chandhok (Screengrabs)
NEW DELHI: Sara Tendulkar turned heads in Mumbai this week as she stepped out alongside her sister-in-law, Saaniya Chandhok, marking another high-profile appearances together since Saaniya’s marriage to Arjun Tendulkar. The duo’s effortless style and easy camaraderie quickly caught the attention of onlookers, adding a fresh layer of public curiosity around the Tendulkar family’s next generation.While Sara has long been in the public eye for her fashion choices and social presence, Saaniya is gradually finding her own footing in the spotlight. Their joint appearance signaled a growing comfort with public life, as well as a glimpse into their bond beyond the cameras.Watch: Away from the buzz of Mumbai’s social circuit, Arjun Tendulkar is focused on a different kind of stage. Now part of the Lucknow Super Giants squad for IPL 2026, the 26-year-old cricketer is navigating both professional expectations and personal milestones. In a recent candid conversation with podcaster Shubhankar Mishra, Arjun opened up about his life beyond cricket, offering a rare peek into his grounded routine.Speaking about Saaniya, Arjun was clear and understated. “She never said anything. She has been supportive,” he shared, brushing aside any speculation about personal pressures affecting his career decisions. His remarks reflected a calm, steady partnership, one that thrives quietly despite the constant public gaze.Arjun also revealed a simpler side of his life, far removed from stadiums and scrutiny. He spends much of his downtime in Goa with his five dogs, valuing moments of normalcy. Interestingly, he noted that most of his close friends are not from the cricketing world, highlighting his preference for a balanced, low-key social circle.
Feb 26, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Tennessee defensive back Jermod McCoy (DB20) speaks to media members during the NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images
Round 1 of the NFL Draft came and went on Friday, starting the slide for prospects who were once viewed as first-rounders. Here’s a look at the best players still available as we head into Round 2 of the draft:
Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee — McCoy missed the entire 2025 season due to a torn right ACL, and his drop isn’t surprising given the news that there was still some work to do in the healing process. McCoy still being on the board means that, on Day 2 of the draft, a team will get a high-level player in terms of pure football talent. McCoy’s best reps from the 2024 season would have cemented him as a top 10 player had they occurred this year, but with the time away from the sport, McCoy slid.
Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee — It wasn’t just an injured Tennessee secondary player who fell, as even a healthy one is still on the board. Hood being available in Round 2 is legitimately surprising, as his burst and physicality made him an obvious candidate for an early selection, not to mention his clean bill of health. You have to wonder if McCoy’s injury is hurting Hood’s stock. It will be interesting to keep track of what ultimately wins out, health or ability.
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo — While two safeties came off the board in Round 1 (somewhat of a rarity), McNeil-Warren was not one of them. Perhaps it was to do with his Group of 5 background, or because his man-coverage ability still needed some cleanup. His zone instincts and impressive athleticism should make McNeil-Warren one of the first players to come off the board in Day 2, turning the Toledo defensive back into an early starter for a team.
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Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M — Most of the edge rushers selected on Thursday came with standard measurements, outside of Rueben Bain Jr., who slid to No. 15. Howell is likely still on the board because of his arm length, measured between 30 and 31 inches, depending on who you ask. If a team is willing to take a chance on an unorthodox player, it will get one of this draft’s most prolific speed rushers with a habit of converting pressures into sacks. Howell also does strong work dropping into coverage, so he should be chosen pretty early in Round 2.
Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State — Four Ohio State players heard their names called Thursday night, but McDonald was not one of them. Teams may not have seen a lot of creativity with McDonald, who profiled primarily as a run-stopping nose tackle. While that evaluation could leave you believing McDonald had limited value, if a team needs an anchor in the defensive front, McDonald will hear his name called earlier in Round 2. Here’s a secret: His pass-rush reps aren’t so bad either.
Andre the Giant, the legendary wrestler and actor known for his formidable ring presence and gentle screen roles, has been honored with a roadside marker in his beloved adopted small town in North Carolina.
Officials unveiled the marker on Thursday in Ellerbe, a community of about 1,000 people where the wrestler, born Andre Rene Roussimoff, lived on a ranch just outside town.
This photo provided by the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources shows a newly-erected historical marker celebrating Andre the Giant along a highway near Ellerbe, N.C., on Thursday, April 23, 2026 (Leslie Leonard/North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources via AP)
Roussimoff was billed at 7ft 4in (2.24 metres) and 520 pounds (236 kilograms) during his time wrestling for the WWE in the 1970s and 1980s. A larger-than-life villain, he was touted as unbeatable until he faced Hulk Hogan in a match in 1987 at WrestleMania III, an event that launched the once regional wrestling company into a nationwide entertainment force.
Later that year, Mr Roussimoff appeared on film as the giant Fezzik in The Princess Bride. Fezzik was the gentle-hearted muscle for the antagonist and needed rhymes to remember his instructions.
Born in France, Roussimoff fell in love with the American South as he wrestled across the region, buying his North Carolina ranch and raising cattle on his land about 60 miles (97 kilometres) east of Charlotte.
He became a critical part of the Ellerbe community. In 1990, he taped TV and radio spots against a possible low-level radioactive landfill nearby. A pair of his size-26 cowboy boots are kept at a museum.
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Donald Trump holds the World Wrestling Federation Championship belt flanked by Hulk Hogan, left, and Andre the Giant at a news conference, March 15, 1988 (Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)
Roussimoff died in 1993 at age 46 in France, where he was visiting for his father’s funeral. They had a service for him there, but his body was cremated and his ashes spread at his beloved ranch.
Wrestler Vladimir Koloff, who befriended Roussimoff as he helped him get into the business, said his friend deserved the marker because he turned wrestling from a regional pastime into a huge international business. “The world of professional wrestling has given us a larger than life icon,” Koloff said just before helping take the cover off the marker.
The Richmond County marker at NC Highway 73 and Old NC Highway 220 simply says: “Andre The Giant. 1946-1993. Actor and professional wrestler. Was born Andre Roussimoff. Known for role in The Princess Bride in 1987. Lived nearby.”
Florida defensive lineman Caleb Banks speaks with reporters during SEC Media Days at the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta, Georgia, on July 16, 2025, addressing questions about his development and upcoming season while drawing attention from media members evaluating his presence ahead of the collegiate campaign. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-Imagn Images.
Minnesota Vikings fans sat in their living rooms — some attended the draft party at U.S. Bank Stadium — expecting interim general manager Rob Brzezinski to select safety Dillon Thieneman, defensive tackle Peter Woods, or tight end Kenyon Sadiq. Instead, Brzezinski picked Florida defensive tackle Caleb Woods.
The pick raised eyebrows right away. Minnesota clearly sees long-term upside.
The selection inspired mixed reviews among fans, as Banks was considered a firm 2nd-Round pick entering the draft.
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Flores Gets a New Interior Piece for His Defensive Front
A Gator is now a Viking.
Florida players gather and sing after a win against Tennessee at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Florida, on Sep 16, 2023, as quarterback Micah Leon (12), defensive lineman Caleb Banks (88), and quarterback Graham Mertz (15) celebrate together following the game in a spirited postgame moment with teammates and fans. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports.
It’s Banks for MIN
After careful deliberation by fans, the Vikings announced the pick on Thursday, and it was not who they expected.
Vikings.com’s Lindsey Young wrote, “The Vikings added extra length and a whole lotta power to their defensive line group Thursday. Minnesota opened the 2026 NFL Draft by tabbing former Florida defensive tackle Caleb Banks with the 18th overall pick. Listed at 6-foot-6 and 327 pounds, Banks boasted the longest wingspan at the NFL Combine, measuring a whopping 7 feet, 1.75 inches.”
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“That wingspan landed in the 99th percentile for defensive tackles and is the longest recorded at the combine since 1999. Banks is the third player ever drafted from Florida by Minnesota in the first round, joining Percy Harvin in 2009 and and Sharrif Floyd 2013 and 12th Gator ever selected by the Vikings.”
Banks began the draft cycle a few months ago as a sure-fire 1st-Rounder, but injury concerns sank his stock to Round 2. He recently sent a letter to all NFL general managers, reassuring them that his medicals were in good shape. Banks broke a bone in his foot at the NFL Combine at the end of February. From there, he became a no-brainer 2nd-Rounder — before the Vikings came knocking.
The Scouting Report
At 6’6″ and 330 pounds, 23-year-old Banks is a dominant force who already appears NFL-ready. His immense size is immediately evident on tape, where he explodes off the line with explosive burst, frequently bypassing interior blockers at the snap. Leveraging powerful hands and strength, he drives into the backfield, collapsing the pocket early.
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His statistics fully support these impressive on-field traits. Across 34 games at Louisville and Florida, he accumulated 10.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks, demonstrating consistent pressure and robust run defense.
ESPN’s Jordan Reid ranked Banks as the No. 46 prospect in the draft and noted, “After a breakout 2024, Banks entered last season regarded as one of the country’s top interior defenders, but foot surgery in September limited him to only two games. Despite the injury, Banks is a potential-laden defensive tackle who shows quick hands and disruptive ability.”
“He reminded many evaluators why he was once viewed as one of the top interior prospects in this year’s class at the Senior Bowl, consistently showing his ability to win quickly against interior blockers. Banks underwent foot surgery for an injury that he suffered the day before the combine. He is expected to make a full recovery and return to full football participation in June.”
If Banks remains healthy, he has the ceiling to be an All-Pro and not too far down the road. If the injuries emerge, all bets are off. It’s as simple as that.
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Yes, This Was a Reach
Banks, in the end, fell to No. 44 on the Consensus Big Board. Based on that ranking, the Vikings could’ve traded their No. 18 pick to a team for the 44th pick and also grabbed a selection in a similar range. The discrepancy between Picks No. 18 and No. 44 is the equivalent of the 46th overall pick.
Therefore, if the Consensus Big Board means anything at all — it apparently does not for the Vikings — Brzezinski left meat on the bone to the tune of a 2nd-Round pick.
Florida defensive lineman Caleb Banks (88) secures a fumble during the second half against LSU at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Florida, on Nov 16, 2024, turning a key moment into possession for the Gators as the defense capitalizes during a 27-16 victory in an SEC matchup. Mandatory Credit: Doug Engle-Imagn Images.
Ultimately, one must ask herself if trusting community, media-driven draftboards is smarter than Brian Flores’s personal scouting. Who knows more? A guy at Bleacher Report? Or Flores? Because there’s just no way that Flores didn’t have his fingerprints all over this pick.
The New-Look Defensive Line
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Once fans get over the shock of the Banks pick, they’ll warm up to this defensive front:
OLB: Jonathan Greenard DT: Jalen Redmond DT: Caleb Banks OLB: Dallas Turner OLB: Andrew Van Ginkel
Former NFL quarterback and NBC Sports pundit Chris Simms tweeted about the pick, “Whooaaaa Caleb Banks to the Vikings this is crazy!!! This is Chris Jones Part 2 #skol Hey Pro Football Talk baaaroooooooo.”
Florida defensive lineman Caleb Banks (88) interacts with fans during the second half against LSU at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Florida, on Nov 16, 2024, reaching toward the stands after a play as the Gators close out a 27-16 win in front of a home crowd. Mandatory Credit: Doug Engle-Imagn Images.
The Vikings have eight picks remaining on Friday and Saturday, with three lined up on Friday night, barring trades.
Keldon Johnson has been named the 2025–26 NBA Sixth Man of the Year.
The San Antonio Spurs forward was selected by a global media panel of 100 voters, finishing top of the voting with 404 points, including 63 first-place votes.
He set a Spurs record with 1,081 bench points, passing Manu Ginobili, who had previously held the mark with 927 during his 2007–08 Sixth Man of the Year campaign. With this win, Johnson becomes just the second Spurs player to claim the award, joining Ginóbili.
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Jaime Jaquez Jr. finished second in the voting with 361 points, while Tim Hardaway Jr. placed third.
The award recognises the best-performing player coming off the bench during the regular season, and Johnson’s impact made him the standout choice this year.
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