Make no mistake about it, this has been the year of the defenceman.
Sure, Nathan MacKinnon has put together a dazzling season, Connor McDavid continues to wow, Nikita Kucherov is scoring at a torrid pace and Macklin Celebrini is mesmerizing, but it’s been an incredible campaign for blueliners.
Six defencemen have already scored 20 goals, and Rasmus Dahlin could still make it seven. That’s the most in any season since 1992-93.
One of those players with 20 tucks is Evan Bouchard, who is having an excellent season. Unquestionably his best ever. But it’s almost happened quietly and even a little under the radar. With someone like Matthew Schaefer bursting on the scene to transform the New York Islanders or Quinn Hughes heading to the Minnesota Wild and instantly making them a major contender, Bouchard has been lost in the shuffle somewhat in 2025-26.
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That could be in part because most people have already made up their mind about Bouchard. He’s an immensely talented offensive player who is flawed defensively, critics might say. Someone who will never quite be looked at in the same way as Cale Makar and Hughes are, some might add. Bouchard, of course, was even passed over for Team Canada’s roster at the Olympics, they would point out.
However, this season, Bouchard is doing his best to rewrite his narrative. He leads all defenders in points, and momentum is building around him regarding the Norris conversation.
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With only a couple of games to go, Bouchard has 91 points, 10 more than Zach Werenski among blueliners. Bouchard became just the fifth defenceman since 1995 to score 90 points and it’s certainly not uncommon for the Norris winner to be the leader in points among defenders. That, combined with slightly down years from Hughes and Makar, could really open the door for Bouchard.
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While offence is always a big part of the award, most will point out that other factors besides points should be considered for the Norris. There are a number of strong candidates this season that don’t lean on just points for their resume. Werenski has posted his second straight 80-point season and has carried the Columbus Blue Jackets at times, while averaging more than 26 minutes per game. That’s the second most in the NHL, next to Hughes. Moritz Seider might be the most complete defenceman in the league and is a stalwart defensively with 178 blocked shots. And where would the Buffalo Sabres be without Rasmus Dahlin? He does a little bit of everything for Buffalo and has helped them finally end a lengthy playoff drought. There are probably as many as half a dozen candidates worthy of consideration for the Norris this season, but it does feel like Bouchard may be separating himself from the pack.
One of the things that really stands out from Bouchard this season is that he isn’t just an elite point producer among defencemen. From Jan. 17 onwards, only Nick Suzuki, McDavid and Kucherov have more points than Bouchard. He’s even outscored Nathan MacKinnon over that stretch. Not only that, but Bouchard has really stepped up his game since the Oilers lost Leon Draisaitl. Bouchard has 14 points in 12 games since Draisaitl went down and is plus-4, while playing over 24 minutes a night.
The Oilers have really needed Bouchard’s offence more than ever before this season, as they’ve struggled to get a save all year. Edmonton has the league’s 30th-ranked save percentage and has allowed at least four goals in almost half its games. Without a career year from Bouchard, there’s no way the Oilers are still in the mix to win the Pacific Division and would likely be on the playoff bubble instead.
If you put all the defencemen in the NHL right now in a draft, I’m not sure Bouchard would even be a top-five selection. But that doesn’t take away from the fact that in 2025-26, he’s having the best season among all his peers and is worthy of claiming the Norris Trophy.
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Not landing Quinn Hughes was the beginning of the end for Tom Fitzgerald in New Jersey
Tom Fitzgerald became the second general manager to lose his job in the span of a week, after he and the New Jersey Devils parted ways last Monday. The Devils will miss the playoffs this season, making it four times in six years during Fitzgerald’s tenure. That’s far too many for a team as talented as New Jersey. When you have Jack Hughes, Timo Meier, Jesper Bratt, Nico Hischier and others, the Devils needed to have a much better campaign than they delivered this year.
That said, what could’ve been the last straw for Fitzgerald was not landing Quinn Hughes back in December, when the Vancouver Canucks dealt him to the Minnesota Wild. The Hughes brothers haven’t exactly been hiding the fact that they all want to play together and the Devils have two of them. New Jersey was rumoured to be in the mix for Hughes when the Canucks were shopping him but couldn’t close the deal. Given how Hughes has taken the Wild to another level since his arrival, you’d have to think he would’ve been able to change New Jersey’s trajectory this season as well.
The Eastern Conference is wide open this year and adding a player like Hughes would’ve made a massive difference for the Devils. Not only that, but it also felt like the air really went out of the team after they missed out on the superstar blue liner. New Jersey endured a stretch where it lost eight of 10 games, not long after the Wild acquired Hughes. There were rumblings that the reason the Devils couldn’t bring Hughes in was because of cap issues and they couldn’t clear out enough contracts in time, which could’ve been complicated because of no-move clauses.
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Obviously, other things ultimately led to it not working out for Fitzgerald, but it really seemed like the organization couldn’t get over the fact that they didn’t secure Hughes. Given the brothers’ desire to play together, there was obviously a good chance Quinn would’ve signed long-term in New Jersey, too. What could have been.
Alex Tuch is destined to hit the open market in free agency
After a slow start, it’s been mostly a dream season for the Sabres. A lengthy playoff drought is over and there is excitement about hockey once again in Western New York, but if there is one concern around the Sabres right now, it’s Alex Tuch’s contract. The 29-year-old is set to be a free agent this summer, and he’s one of Buffalo’s most important players. Tuch will no doubt be looking for a major raise on the $4.75-million AAV he’s currently earning and the two sides have yet to bridge the gap. The Sabres forward could be hoping for something in the neighbourhood of Adrian Kempe’s recent extension, which is going to pay the Los Angeles Kings forward $10.6-million per year.
In a thin free agent class and with a rising cap, Tuch very well could be the best player available if he makes it to July 1 and Buffalo would be at risk of losing him if he hits the market.
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Usually if a player makes it into the spring without an extension, they’ll often test free agency, but that isn’t always the case. The Florida Panthers are a recent example of retaining players like Sam Reinhart, Sam Bennett and Brad Marchand on the eve of free agency and it happened with Steven Stamkos and the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2016 as well.
The key thing here for the Sabres is to keep a good thing going in the playoffs and go on a long run, which would ultimately make it harder for Tuch to leave. Buffalo looks like they are a good young team on the rise that’s going to have an excellent chance to compete for the foreseeable future, so that figures to be something Tuch would want to prioritize on a long-term deal. Keep in mind, Tuch is also from Western New York, which may give the Sabres an advantage in retaining him.
Ultimately, this feels like a situation that has been beneficial for both sides and there’s still plenty of time to reach an extension. It’s premature to think Tuch will definitely hit the market.
The Ducks are in danger of missing the playoffs
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Someone has to win the middling Pacific Division and it doesn’t look like it’s going to be the Anaheim Ducks. The Ducks appeared to be in control of their fate atop the division until a recent six-game slide opened the door for the Edmonton Oilers and Vegas Golden Knights to overtake them. That included some tough losses to teams like Toronto, Calgary and St. Louis, who are out of playoff contention. What’s worse? Anaheim could be at risk of missing the playoffs entirely. The Ducks are now just two points up on the final wild card spot and three up on the Nashville Predators, who are currently sitting in ninth in the West. It’s not inconceivable that Anaheim could end up on the outside looking in if this slump continues.
The Ducks are down to three games left with only one favourable matchup. They’ll take on the last-place Vancouver Canucks at home Sunday and then go on the road for contests against Minnesota and Nashville. The Predators are battling for the final spot in the West and the Ducks were recently embarrassed on home ice by a 5-0 score against Nashville.
Joel Quenneville’s team is really struggling defensively, as there are now only three teams in the league that have given up more high-danger chances than the Ducks. That led to Anaheim allowing at least four goals in every game during that aforementioned losing streak. If they don’t sort out their defensive woes soon, it wouldn’t be shocking to see the Ducks miss out on the post-season once again.
James Hagens will make a major impact for the Bruins in the playoffs
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Boston Bruins fans are eagerly awaiting the arrival of James Hagens and the timing couldn’t be better. The Bruins are a surprise playoff team this season and have now officially clinched their spot, so Hagens could be a big boost to the roster heading into the post-season. Hagens, the seventh-overall pick in the 2025 draft, notched 47 points earlier this year at Boston College and collected four more in six AHL contests in Providence. With the trade deadline long gone, the best way to add to your team at this time of year is often to bring in impactful college players to give your roster a jolt. Hagens would certainly fit the bill for the Bruins and could be a difference maker for Boston when the playoffs get underway.
Hagens is a tremendous talent and likely has a long NHL career ahead of him, but there are few things harder than jumping full speed into the NHL playoffs. Keep in mind, Hagens is just five-foot-11 and 177 pounds, so it’s a big ask for him to contribute meaningfully right away in the most physical hockey he’s ever played. My guess is the Bruins ease him in slowly and use him selectively in certain situations to highlight his skills and shelter him somewhat. Maybe he chips in some offence here and there on the power play, though it would be unfair to expect Hagens to do any heavy lifting this spring. Temper your expectations where Hagens is concerned.
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.
Spanish golfer Sergio Garcia made the cut at the 2026 Masters. The way his final round is going so far on Sunday, April 12, maybe he wishes he didn’t.
The 2017 Masters champion started the day at 5-over par and near the bottom of the leaderboard. That earned him a 9:28 a.m. ET tee time, meaning his day will be over by the time CBS begins coverage of the final round.
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The good news? Garcia got to play with countryman Jon Rahm, who also found himself far from contention.
Unfortunately, that didn’t seem to help Garcia’s mood. As shown by ESPN on X, Garcia broke his driver after an especially frustrating tee shot on the second hole.
On the 585-yard par 5, Garcia ripped a poor drive into a bunker. As the ball was in flight, he slammed his driver twice onto the tee box. Then, Garcia rapped the head of the club against a cooler, ensuring he wouldn’t have to use it again.
According to ESPN, Garcia is not permitted to replace the driver, per golf rules. Geoff Yang, the chairman of the competitions committee, spoke to Garcia on the fourth tee and issued the code of conduct warning.
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Later on No. 2, Garcia eased the tension by carrying Rahm’s clubs while his caddie tended to sand in the bunker.
Amazingly, Garcia parred the hole to remain at 6-over after bogeying his opening hole. But he bogeyed the next two holes to fall to 8-over.
Unperturbed, Rahm is 3-under for the day and stands 2-over for the tournament.
The 2017 Masters win, earned in a playoff over Justin Rose, is Garcia’s lone major title. He has 11 PGA Tour wins at 35 victories worldwide. Garcia has earned $55 million on the PGA Tour and an estimated $93.5 million overall.
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Rahm won the 2023 Masters by four strokes. He has claimed two career major, also taking home the top prize at the 2021 U.S. Open.
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Defending champion Rory McIlroy and Cameron Young share the lead at the 2026 Masters entering the final round. CBS begins coverage at 2 p.m. ET Sunday. The final round can be streamed on Paramount+ and Masters..com.
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