The Minnesota Vikings booted two starting defensive tackles from their roster this offseason, and that’s usually something a franchise does before drafting a rookie replacement. So when Clemson’s Peter Woods found his way back into the Vikings’ mock-draft orbit this week, well, it made sense.
Minnesota still needs interior defensive line help, and Peter Woods keeps surfacing as a logical first-round fit.
Pete Prisco did the honors, giving Minnesota a rest from the nonstop Dillon Thieneman mock-draft takes.
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Woods Checks Some Boxes for Minnesota at a DT Need
Yes, the Vikings need a defensive tackle.
Clemson football defender Peter Woods speaks with reporters at the Smart Family Media Center, sharing thoughts with media members Aug 27, 2024, in Clemson, South Carolina, as the Tigers prepare for a high-profile matchup against Georgia at Mercedes-Benz Stadium later that week in Atlanta. Mandatory Credit: Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY NETWORK
Pete Prisco: Peter Woods to Min at 18
Two weeks remaining before the 2026 NFL Draft, and if Prisco has it right, Woods will be a Viking. He wrote this week in a just-published mock draft, “The interior of their defensive line needs a boost after they let go of Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave. Woods was dominant in 2024, but his play tailed off some last year. The talent is there.”
Most mock drafts expect Minnesota to pick a safety in Round 1, either the aforementioned Thieneman from Oregon or Toledo’s Emmanuel McNeil-Warren.
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Some others believe Minnesota could select a cornerback like Avieon Terrell (Clemson) or Jermod McCoy (Tennessee).
The Bio for Woods
Woods is 6’2″ and 300 pounds. He runs a 4.75 forty — pretty fantastic for a defensive tackle — and is known for his first-step explosion and flexibility. His swipe move is also impressive, and on the whole, he’s a freak athlete for DT standards. Woods banked 5 sacks in the last two seasons at Clemson.
The Athletic‘sDane Brugler on Woods: “Woods flashes the ability to win with quickness, strength and hand usage — and the next step in his development is for him to do so more consistently. He offers scheme diversity, although he projects best as a three-/4i-technique DT.”
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“A two-and-a-half-year starter at Clemson, Woods shuffled up and down the line in defensive coordinator Tom Allen’s four-man front. After earning Freshman All-American honors in 2023, he received All-ACC honors in each of the last two seasons.”
Woods is also young; he just turned 21.
Brugler added, “He was tabbed as a potential top-five draft pick entering his junior season, but he struggled to match that hype in 2025, posting up-and-down tape and poor production (14 pressures, 3.5 tackles for loss and two sacks over 12 games). Draft projections for Woods will depend on a team’s willingness to grade to his flashes.”
“He moves with big-man twitch and has the foot quickness to elude blocks in tight quarters. However, for a player with his explosive traits, he doesn’t have many quick wins on his tape and needs to learn how to diversify his rush approach.”
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Vikings’ DT Setup for 2026
It’s not breaking news, but it’s unfinished business: the Vikings need a defensive tackle. The franchise parted ways with two starters last month, cutting Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave, a pair that played over 1,300 snaps in Brian Flores’s 2025 defense.
Clemson defensive lineman Peter Woods (11) lines up during the second quarter at Memorial Stadium, working against the offensive front Sep 6, 2025, in Clemson, South Carolina, as he battles in the trenches during game action with teammates surrounding the line of scrimmage. Mandatory Credit: Ken Ruinard-Imagn Images
Without Woods, a different rookie, or a free agent like Christian Wilkins or D.J. Reader, Minnesota would roll into 2026 with this interior defensive line group:
Jalen Redmond
Levi Drake Rodriguez
Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins
Elijah Williams
Taki Taimani
Jaylon Hutchings
That might work; it might not. The DT unit is one Redmond injury away from disaster. Therefore, an extra defensive tackle is probably on the way.
Other Draft DT Options
It’s a safe bet to assume the Vikings leave the draft with a defensive tackle; it’s just unclear if Woods will be the guy. If not, these are the DT options before the end of Round 4, according to the Consensus Big Board in early April:
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Kayden McDonald (Ohio State)
Caleb Banks (Florida)
Lee Hunter (Texas Tech)
Christen Miller (Georgia)
Domonique Orange (Iowa State)
Gracen Halton (Oklahoma)
Darrell Jackson Jr. (Florida State)
Kaleb Proctor (Southeastern Louisiana)
Chris McClellan (Missouri)
Dontay Corleone (Cincinnati)
Xzavian Harris (Mississippi)
Rayshaun Benny (Michigan)
Zane Durant (Penn State)
Vikings fans have taken a shine to Hunter from Texas Tech because he should be available at Minnesota’s 49th pick, and he’s huge at over 330 pounds, known for stopping the run as a true-blue nose tackle.
Sep 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; New England Patriots linebackers coach Brian Flores stands on the sideline during a game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium, tracking defensive alignments and communicating with players as New England edges Arizona in a close early-season matchup. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Brugler noted on Hunter: “Hunter doesn’t have the pass-rush skill set to consistently impact the quarterback, but he is instinctive as a run defender and has heavy hands to make stops at the line of scrimmage. He projects as a scheme-diverse, two-gapping nose.”
The Vikings have drafted three players from Clemson in the last decade: safety Jayron Kearse, cornerback Mackensie Alexander, and cornerback Andrew Booth. So, too, did elite DT Dexter Lawrence, a trade candidate, go to Clemson. Maybe a Woods/Lawrence twosome materializes at some point.
USA Basketball announced their four player roster on Tuesday for the 2026 FIBA 3×3 Women’s Series. The tournament begins on May 1 in Chengdu, China.
USA Basketball’s roster comprises Joyce Edwards, Mikaylah Williams, MiLaysia Fulwiley, and Sahara Williams. The college basketball stars will look to guide the basketball powerhouse to a gold medal.
According to USAB.com, more athletes might be added to the roster as the season progresses. This year’s tournament starts with the 3×3 Women’s Series Chengdu event in Chengdu, China. Team USA is in Pool D, and they’ll play against the winner of Qualifying Draw B at 2:00 a.m. ET followed by Australia at 3:40 a.m. ET.
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Team USA’s FIBA 3×3 Women’s Series roster packs NCAA experience
Team USA’s squad is made up of four players from high-level collegiate teams. Mikaylah Williams and MiLaysia Fulwiley play for the LSU Tigers, Joyce Edwards is the leading scorer for the South Carolina Gamecocks, and Sahara Williams stars for the Oklahoma Sooners.
Edwards played for the 2025 3×3 Nations League Team, which went 14-2 en route to winning the Americas Conference title. She’s won three gold medals with Team USA.
Fulwiley suited up alongside Edwards at the 2025 3×3 Nations League. The LSU Tigers guard was also part of the 2025 USA Basketball 3×3 development camp in Phoenix.
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Mikaylah Williams was a member of the 3×3 World Cup Team that finished sixth in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. She did contribute in the 2022 FIBA U17 World Cup gold medal win.
Sahara Williams played with Mikaylah Williams at the 2025 3×3 World Cup. She’s also a two-time gold medalist at the 3×3 U18 World Cup Teams in 2022 and 2023.
The Team USA quartet will fancy their chances. If they win their upcoming games, they’ll be set for the quarterfinals and semifinals on May 2.
Further down their calendar is the 3×3 Women’s Series Manila, May 6-8, in Manila, Philippines. Other dates will be announced in due time.
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Trump National Doral’s Blue Monster course hosted its first PGA Tour round in 10 years on Thursday at the 2026 Cadillac Championship. While the course used to present a difficult challenge to the best golfers in the world, that was not the case in Round 1.
Those stars called it “straightforward,” and described it as “right in front of you” and “not super tricky,” all of which suggests some of the “Monster” has been taken out of the Blue Monster course.
Stars go low at Trump Doral: ‘Right in front of you, they don’t hide anything’
While many players went low in the opening round of the Cadillac Championship, none went lower than Young. The 2026 Players Champion fired an eight-under 64 on Thursday to take the early lead.
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Despite windy conditions, Young’s round featured eight birdies and, most notably, zero bogeys.
While Young called the Blue Monster a “good solid golf course” after his round, he also described the challenge it presents as “pretty much right in front of you,” that it “doesn’t hide anything,” that “learning the course wasn’t a huge deal” and that the greens are not “particularly firm.”
“Yeah I think it’s pretty much right in front of you for the most part. I think most of the tee shots are pretty apparent, which is what good courses give you,” Young said of Trump Doral’s Blue Monster. “I think it doesn’t try to hide anything. So learning the course wasn’t a huge deal… I think you can be pretty aggressive into a lot of the greens. They’re not particularly firm.”
He continued: “I think it’s a good solid golf course. Right in front of you, they don’t hide anything. It’s kind of what you want.”
Scheffler didn’t fare as well as Young on Thursday. Surprisingly, Scheffler was only able to get to one under through his first 18 holes, though that’s a first-round trend he’s experienced this season.
Despite not having the best day, Scheffler did not suggest that the course was any harder than Young had.
Scheffler called it “straightforward” and said that the course does not demand “a ton of strategy” or a “ton of decisions off the tee.”
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“I think a golf course like this there’s, this golf course is I don’t want to say straightforward, but most of it is in front of you. You can see what you need to do and there’s not a ton of like strategy, I don’t know if that’s the right word,” Scheffler said on Thursday. “There’s not a ton of decisions off the tee. There’s some lines and stuff and maybe some areas you can play from if you’re not playing your best, but outside of that it’s like you can definitely learn enough from a couple of days.”
Spieth admitted he only played one 9-hole practice round at the Blue Monster to prepare for this week, not counting Wednesday’s pro-am. Despite that, Spieth shot a seven-under 65 on Thursday to get within one shot of Young.
When asked to explain why he was able to perform so well on a course he’d barely seen, Spieth said “it’s not super tricky,” and then elaborated on his opinion.
“It’s not super tricky. During the pro-am you’re still looking, all right, here’s this corner. Michael is saying, Hey, check this is out. This pin will be in the middle of the greens in the pro-am, and you’re like there were some I wanted to see and write down the grain changes, when you’re hitting a wedge into this one, just nerdy stuff that helped knowing on a few of the pins.”
He continued: “It’s not tricky, so it was more just getting back out and recognizing what do I need to prioritize on the range, what shots am I really going to have throughout the week versus others. And you have quite a few long irons, more long irons than I think you have a lot of other places and so I’ve been trying to prioritize kind of up the bag getting good control of those clubs and I did today.”
Brian Harman, the 2023 Open champion, shared a different opinion, calling the Blue Monster course “very difficult.”
“I never played here. So it’s my first look at it. It’s very difficult especially coming in, 17, 18 with the wind blowing a little bit now. There is, 18’s as hard of a finishing hole as I can think of,” Harman said. “It’s very difficult because if you’re out of position there’s really not a lot of spots that are very easy to get up-and-down from. So it’s like you really need to drive it good and then you really need to iron it good and then make some putts. So if you’re out of position it’s tough. But I got fortunate.”
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But despite his opinion on the course’s difficulty, Harman went out a shot a four-under 68 on Day 1. His round was also bogey-free.
Nov 24, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings offensive tackle Brian O’Neill (75) celebrates the win after the game against the New England Patriots at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports.
Back in the 2018 NFL Draft, the Minnesota Vikings did tremendously well when opting for Pittsburgh’s Brian O’Neill in the late 2nd. He has since been a fantastic player who is rightly regarded as a cornerstone player.
Is that soon to change?
Recent seasons have seen the Vikings investing in the offensive line. Last year, the move was to launch a total renovation of the interior offensive line. Welcoming all of LG1 Donovan Jackson (1st Round), C1 Ryan Kelly (FA), and RG1 Will Fries (FA) meant that the front five was going to be formidable. The issue? Some combination of injury, underperformance, and a poor approach to the offense’s play calling.
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The crew is now largely similar moving into 2026. Mr. Kelly has been subtracted, stepping away from football altogether due to retirement. Blake Brandel is the leader in the clubhouse for the starting center job as continuity reigns.
Any chance, though, that the upcoming season is the final one for Mr. O’Neill in the Twin Cities?
The Vikings, Brian O’Neill, & The Evolving OL
The veteran can still play. However, Minnesota has made an effort to reinforce the tackle depth.
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Back in March, the decision was to opt for Buffalo’s Ryan Van Demark. Doing so signalled the end of Justin Skule as the main backup at offensive tackle. Taken in isolation, the Van Demark deal is about the OT3 spot and little else. Good chance, folks, that that perspective still has plenty of merit.
Nov 23, 2025; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Blake Cashman (51) and offensive tackle Brian O’Neill (75) take the field prior to a game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images.
But then there was the decision to choose OT Caleb Tiernan in the 2026 NFL Draft. Doing so has some importance both now and in the future.
Many draft nerds felt as though Tiernan should have gone much higher than No. 97. Consider what Lance Zierlein had to say in his scouting report: “Highly experienced college tackle who is likely to kick inside due to a lack of length that affects his protection projection. Tiernan is tall but carries the denseness of frame and core strength of a guard. Feet feature good initial quickness and he takes excellent angles on the move. He often finds early positioning advantages as a base blocker but lacks the anchor and play strength to consistently fortify/sustain. Leaky edges in pass pro will be less concerning with smaller spaces to patrol, while his punch timing and lateral quickness provide advantages. ‘Solid’ feels like the ceiling for Tiernan as a guard/swing tackle who can eventually elevate into a starting role.”
Plenty of optimism within that assessment even if there’s some skepticism about how high the rookie’s upside is. Mr. Zierlein knows far more about draft prospects than yours truly, but it’s not hard to see why Minnesota holds the newcomer in high regard.
Tiernan is a 6’8″ monster with impressive athleticism and compete. So, too, is he defiant in his insistence that he can play despite criticisms about his arm length (or lack thereof). Similarly notable is that he has spent plenty of time watching Brian O’Neill as someone who grew up watching NFC North football. Quite possibly, Tiernan will be O’Neill’s replacement in the future.
Rolling into 2026, Brian O’Neill is the locked-in starter at right tackle. His cap charge sits at a beefy $23,115,657 (OTC). Cutting him (not going to happen) means freeing north of $19 million whereas an extension can free beyond $14 million.
Is that extension still going to happen? Many thought the Vikings would do a deal already (myself included), but Brian O’Neill is moving into his final season under contract.
Very little drop off, if any at all, has been evident in O’Neill’s game. What’s worth noting, though, is that he’s going to turn 31 in September and has had some injuries in recent seasons. Partnering those basic ideas with being expensive at least opens the possibility of the Vikings moving on, especially since the roster boasts possible replacements.
The NFL truly is a place where actions speak louder than words. Extending O’Neill would silence a lot of the external chatter. Indeed, that would be a tangible action that clarifies Minnesota’s intention to continue working with the veteran right tackle.
On the other end of things has been the tangible decisions that have been taken. Minnesota made it a priority to bring in Ryan Van Demark, made evident in the aggressive RFA contract. There was then the real decision to draft a young, huge offensive tackle who can sit for a season behind Minnesota’s well-established starters.
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Dec 5, 2021; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Minnesota Vikings offensive tackle Brian O’Neill (75) leads his team to the field to play the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: David Reginek-USA TODAY Sports
Another sneaky detail: Walter Rouse is still in town. He appears to be pretty far down the depth chart after getting scooped up in the 6th of the 2024 NFL Draft, but he’s on the roster competing.
Combined, that’s a trio of OT options who are all pressing on O’Neill.
Of course, there’s the possibility that one of those OTs starts pushing Christian Darrisaw for work, but that’s harder to foresee given the LT1’s youth, upside, and contract that extends for many more years. Indeed, Darrisaw just saw his deal restructured, pushing cap charges into the future. Does it make sense to push money into the future before then cutting him?
Brian O’Neill, 30, stands at 6’7″ and weighs 310 pounds. He remains a rugged, athletic player who is far better than given credit for within league-wide assessments of top tackles. There’s zero debate about his starting job for the upcoming season but there’s plenty of in-house competition thereafter.
Naoya Inoue defends his undisputed super-bantamweight titles against Junto Nakatani this Saturday at the Tokyo Dome.
The bout headlines a sold-out show of around 55,000 fans and is widely being billed as the biggest fight in Japanese boxing history, with both men featuring on the current pound-for-pound lists and entering the ring undefeated.
Inoue puts all four major belts on the line at 122lbs, while Nakatani steps up for just his second fight in the division. It’s seen as one of the undisputed champion’s toughest tests in years, with Nakatani bringing range, power and momentum into the fight as he looks to become a four-weight world champion and knock ‘The Monster’ off his perch.
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Speaking to ESPN ahead of the historic clash, former three-weight world champion Jorge Linares weighed up the advantages for each man.
“Something specific for Nakatani to do should be using his lead jab and left-handed counterpunches a lot more. Nakatani is a southpaw, and Inoue doesn’t really like fighting left-handers … Inoue doesn’t throw that many punches, but the ones he does throw are very powerful. And his timing is impeccable, too. It’s impressive, precise, especially the counterattack.”
When making his prediction, Linares sided with the underdog to become the first man to beat Inoue.
“This is a tough fight to predict – honestly, it’s 50-50 – and the first time I’ve seriously questioned whether Inoue could lose. I think it’s going to be very close, very close. I’ll go with Nakatani.”
After celebrating its 25th anniversary last year, Fusion Lifestyle has called in administrators after a “prolonged period of financial difficulty.”
The trust said it had not been able to identify a viable pathway to ensure its long-term financial stability, despite efforts to restructure and secure investment.
“The leisure sector has faced sustained financial pressures, including rising operational costs, particularly energy costs, reduced government funding and ongoing post-pandemic recovery challenges,” said a statement from Fusion Lifestyle.
The trust has appointed Nadeem Sweiss and Adam Stephens of S&W Partners LLP to oversee the organisation with the aim of securing a new operator for the leisure centres.
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Fusion Lifestyle is telling customers it’s “business as usual”.
A statement on the website said: “One of the advantages of administration is that it allows for the charity to continue trading while the joint administrators work to ensure the continued opening and continuity of the leisure centres.”
Somerset Council has stepped in to protect its five facilities and is looking for a new operator to take over after the interim period.
South Hams District Council has already awarded Parkwood Leisure a short-term contract to run its four leisure centres in Devon.
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In a statement the council said: “For several years, we’ve repeatedly stepped in to support Fusion to keep these centres open but a few weeks ago, it warned us that it was likely to enter administration, or possibly liquidation if agreement could not be reached over the funding of the period of administration.
“As a result, whilst we worked with Fusion to avoid liquidation and the centres closing, we also started looking for alternatives to ensure that the services could transfer as quickly as possible.”
Parkwood Leisure has also picked up a contract to run two further leisure centres from West Devon Borough Council.
Charnwood Borough Council in the Midlands, which has three leisure centres, expects to appoint a new operator in the coming months. It is still planning a £2.7 million investment in a new heating system at Loughborough Leisure Centre.
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Tunbridge Wells Borough Council has already appointed Serco Leisure in partnership with Leisure Solutions Community Trust to manage its sports centres going forward.
Active Lambeth will take over the operation of Brockwell Lido.
Buckinghamshire Council is keeping Wycombe Rye Lido open as it looks at future options.
The City of London Corporation has said that Golden Lane Leisure Centre in London will close on 30 April. A £10.4 million refurbishment is scheduled to start in December and the City Corporation is beginning the process of finding another operator for the facility when it reopens. It is also looking at ways to keep tennis courts open and exploring local alternatives for centre users.
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Fusion Lifestyle’s last set of accounts for the year to end of December 2022 showed income of £50 million, costs of £58 million and losses of around £11 million.
The organisation reported over £86 million of income and £14 million profit in 2019 and lost £13 million in 2021 and £6.9 million in 2022.
The organisers of the eagerly-anticipated bout, which is due to take place before the end of the year, are looking for “an iconic UK act” to entertain fans after it emerged that Dua Lipa, who was wanted by Saudi financier Turki Alalshikh, is unlikely to be involved.
Fury’s manager Spencer Brown told Sky Sports: “I’m sure that British fans will get over it.
“We’d still like to pursue an iconic UK act on the show – someone like Noel Gallagher, Robbie Williams, Manic Street Preachers, Elton John or even Rod Stewart – but that’s entirely up to Turki Alalshikh and Netflix because without them, none of this would be possible.
“I’m sure one of these artists would love to take her place. It’s going to be an iconic night of British boxing, a fantastic spectacle.
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“Please be sure the fight will happen on what will be the biggest night and the biggest fight British boxing has ever seen.”
The date and venue for the fight have yet to be fixed, but the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and Wembley are reportedly among the possibilities.
Promoter Eddie Hearn confirmed earlier this week that the two former world champions would go head-to-head in a contest which has been mooted for almost a decade.
Fury, 37, came out of retirement to beat Arslanbek Makhmudov in London earlier this month, while 36-year-old Joshua, who survived a road accident in which two of his close friends and members of his team were killed in December, is due to face Kristian Prenga on July 25.
Nov 12, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens linebacker Jadeveon Clowney (24) runs on the field with a member of the U.S. Army during a pregame Veterans Day ceremony at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
The Minnesota Vikings traded Jonathan Greenard to the Philadelphia Eagles on Friday, April 24th, transforming their top roster strength into a spot that needs a little love. And as a straightforward solution, the club should sign free-agent pass rusher Jadeveon Clowney, and call it good.
Minnesota can patch its EDGE3 problem without overthinking the market.
Free agency is seven weeks old, but Clowney remains there for the taking.
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A Veteran Pass Rusher Still Makes Sense for Brian Flores
Do the thing, and secure a veteran EDGE — is our formal recommendation.
Jadeveon Clowney watches from the field during second-half action, tracking the flow of play as Dallas faced Green Bay, Sep. 28, 2025, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington. The veteran edge defender remained engaged along the sideline, observing adjustments and situational tendencies in a competitive NFC matchup late in the regular season. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images.
The OLB Group without Greenard
Before the draft, Minnesota was all set at outside linebacker. Fans bragged about the room; the depth was sweet. Following Greenard’s exodus, the stakes have changed.
This is the current OLB corps for defensive coordinator Brian Flores:
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OLB1: Andrew Van Ginkel OLB2: Dallas Turner OLB3: Bo Richter OLB4: Tyler Batty OLB5: Chaz Chambliss OLB6: Cam’Ron Stewart OLB7: Jordan Botelho OLB8: Arden Walker
That is certainly enough human bodies for the regular season roster in four months, but after Batty and Chambliss, it is unclear if Stewart, Botelho, or Walker will be a part of the 53-man fun.
Interim general manager Rob Brzezinski should sign Clowney and plop him at OLB3.
For the 2025 Dallas Cowboys, Clowney played 373 defensive snaps while still managing to bank 8.5 sacks. A starting outside linebacker, for example, could play double that count, which, in theory, would plop Clowney firmly over 15 sacks.
Of course, Minnesota doesn’t need Clowney to start — it has Turner and Van Ginkel for that — but the OLB3 production has the potential to be stellar. Clowney’s next contract should pay him between $5 million and $8 million per season. He earned about $5.5 million last year.
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Jadeveon Clowney (90) stands along the sideline during third-quarter play, monitoring defensive adjustments as Cleveland battled Carolina, Sep. 11, 2022, at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte. The Browns edge rusher stayed active between series, communicating with teammates and coaches while preparing for the next defensive sequence. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports.
Zone Coverage‘s Trevor Ripley on the Clowney-to-MIN scenario: “Clowney is a savvy vet. Despite being a one-year import, he offers far more skill and experience than Minnesota has at rotational edge. Behind Turner and Andrew Van Ginkel, the next two men up would likely be Tyler Batty and Bo Richter, who have combined for 24 tackles and 0 sacks in their short careers.”
“Batty or Richter could develop into impact players. Still, much like Tai Felton’s case, Batty and Richter still have a ways to go before Brian Flores trusts them with meaningful snaps, especially in the event of a serious injury to a starter. Some project that second-round pick Golday could slide down to edge at times. However, for the low, low price of a few million bucks, Clowney still feels more secure.”
Playoff-Contending Teams Need OLB Depth
The Eagles won the Greenard sweepstakes. Why did they want him? The answer is simple: the NFL’s best teams habitually stockpile EDGE rushers to surge toward the playoffs and Super Bowl. It’s just the way it goes. In fact, the Vikings’ willingness to trade Greenard is a little weird in that regard.
Still, there’s a world where Minnesota threads the needle, unable to afford Greenard, but managing to land a semi-big fish like Clowney as a consolation. It would ease the pain of losing Greenard, and truth be told, Clowney somehow plays fewer snaps in 2026 but records 5.5 sacks.
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Jadeveon Clowney (7) moves through pregame warmups, loosening up ahead of kickoff as Carolina prepared to face New York, Aug. 17, 2024, at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte. The linebacker worked through drills and positioning exercises, focusing on readiness before taking the field against the Jets in a preseason matchup. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports.
Otherwise, Flores would turn to Richter, Batty, or Stewart, hoping for the best from a player who has never shown sustainable production.
The Non-Clowney Solutions
To be clear, Clowney isn’t the only EDGE option on the wire right now. He’s probably the best, however. After Clowney, the market looks like this:
Joey Bosa
Cameron Jordan
Von Miller
Kyle Van Noy
A.J. Epenesa
Marcus Davenport
Denico Autry
Derek Barnett
Haason Reddick
Dante Fowler Jr.
Leonard Floyd
Michael Danna
Those players should start to find new homes in May, as teams evaluate their pass-rushing depth after the draft. Many didn’t get all they wanted at the EDGE spot; that happens.
Clowney turned 33 this offseason and has played for five different teams since the start of 2020. He knows the lay of the land in the NFL.
The 2026 Preakness Stakes is unfolding under unique circumstances, as this year’s race is set to take place at Laurel Park while Pimlico undergoes renovations. The final field will only be confirmed closer to race day, leaving room for ongoing developments that will shape expectations.
The weeks leading up to the race are critical, as performances, announcements, and market reactions continue to influence perceptions of each contender.
For horse racing enthusiasts, understanding how this buildup affects the odds provides valuable insight into how the second leg of the Triple Crown is shaping up this year.
How the Road to Laurel Park Shapes Early Odds
The journey to the Preakness begins long before the horses arrive at Laurel Park, with graded stakes races forming the foundation of early odds.
Performances in key prep races such as the Arkansas Derby and the Federico Tesio Stakes provide measurable indicators of form, class, and readiness. These races serve as the first major benchmarks that oddsmakers use to construct the initial Preakness odds board.
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Standout victories in these events often establish an early hierarchy among contenders. Horses that dominate their prep races typically receive shorter prices, reflecting strong market confidence in their ability to carry that form forward. Meanwhile, less consistent runners are priced more cautiously, highlighting the importance of recent performance data.
Tracking Preakness Stakes odds today 2026 during this phase reveals how quickly perceptions can form. Tangible results shape early odds, but those odds also reflect evolving narratives as analysts and bettors interpret each prep race outcome and other factors.
Kentucky Derby Fallout and Its Odds Consequences
The Kentucky Derby represents a turning point for the Preakness odds market, with its results triggering immediate adjustments across the board. The Derby winner typically sees a significant shift in positioning, as attention turns toward the possibility of continuing success in the Triple Crown series. This heightened focus often translates into shorter odds in early Preakness projections.
Runner-up performances and strong finishes from other contenders also influence market recalibration. Horses that show resilience or encounter challenging race conditions may receive renewed attention, prompting adjustments in their projected standing. Conversely, highly regarded entrants who underperform may see their odds drift as confidence recalibrates.
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Decisions by connections play an equally important role during this period. Not all Derby participants go on to the Preakness, and announcements about participation can cause rapid changes in the odds landscape. This combination of performance analysis and strategic planning ensures that the post-Derby phase remains one of the most dynamic periods in shaping the field.
Trainer and Owner Statements Influence Market Movement
Public statements from trainers and ownership groups are among the most influential factors affecting Preakness odds in the buildup to the race. When a prominent trainer confirms a horse’s intention to run, it often triggers immediate adjustments, reflecting increased certainty around field composition. These declarations provide clarity in an otherwise fluid environment.
Conversely, uncertainty or hesitation from connections can lead to fluctuating odds. Horses without confirmed plans may see their positions shift as the market responds to speculation. This dynamic underscores the importance of timing, as even a single announcement can ripple across the entire odds board.
Following credible racing media, interviews, and official stable updates offers valuable insight into these developments. These sources often provide early indications of which horses are being targeted for the Preakness. As a result, staying informed about the trainer’s and owner’s intentions helps build a clearer picture of how the race is likely to unfold.
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How New Shooter Buzz Is Influencing the Odds Board
New shooter contenders, horses that bypass the Kentucky Derby, continue to generate significant attention in the Preakness buildup. Their absence from the Kentucky Derby introduces an element of uncertainty that both challenges and reshapes the odds market. Without direct comparison to Derby runners, these horses are more difficult to evaluate.
This uncertainty often leads to wider odds ranges, as oddsmakers balance recent performances against unknown variables. Freshness is frequently cited as an advantage, particularly in a race that follows the demanding conditions of the Derby. This factor can elevate interest in new shooters, prompting noticeable shifts in the market.
As buzz around these contenders grows, their presence can influence perceptions of the entire field. Their inclusion adds complexity to the race narrative, creating opportunities for unexpected outcomes. For enthusiasts tracking the odds, new shooters are among the most dynamic elements in the evolving Preakness landscape.
What the Current Odds Trajectory Tells Bettors
The trajectory of Preakness odds provides a comprehensive view of how the race is unfolding as new information emerges. Each phase of the buildup, prep races, Derby results, trainer declarations, and new shooter developments, contributes to a layered understanding of the field. Observing how these factors interact provides valuable context.
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Consistent support for certain horses often indicates sustained confidence in their prospects, while fluctuating odds can highlight uncertainty or changing perceptions. These movements reflect the collective assessment of performance data, preparation, and strategic decisions made by connections.
By following the progression of the odds from early projections to the days leading up to the race, enthusiasts can gain a clearer sense of which contenders are being taken most seriously. This evolving picture ultimately reflects how the market interprets the available information as the Preakness approaches.
A Changing Landscape Ahead of Race Day
As the 2026 Preakness Stakes draws closer, the buildup continues to shape expectations in meaningful ways. With the race set at Laurel Park and the final field still to be confirmed, the evolving odds reflect a dynamic interplay of performance, preparation, and public perception. Each development, from standout prep races to last-minute trainer declarations, adds another layer to the narrative surrounding the contenders.
For horse racing enthusiasts, tracking these changes offers a deeper understanding of how the race is being evaluated.
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From early prep races like the Arkansas Derby to late-stage announcements about Derby participants and new shooters, as well as late scratches or weather shifts, can dramatically alter market dynamics right up until post time.
Every factor contributes to the final outlook. As race day approaches, the shifting odds provide a clear window into the market’s view of the field. Bettors who follow this trajectory gain valuable insight into which horses carry genuine momentum and which narratives are truly driving wagering action.
Minnesota Vikings fan Brian Foss shows off his custom prosthetic eye featuring the team’s logo during a lively fan gathering on Apr. 25, 2025, in Ashwaubenon, Wisconsin, drawing attention from fellow supporters as one of the more unique displays of loyalty at the Super Fan Summit Tailgate Party. Mandatory Credit: Sarah Kloepping-USA TODAY NETWORK.
Since January, the Minnesota Vikings have lacked a clear leader in the building. GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah was fired after four years and no replacement has been hired. Rob Brzezinski was named interim GM, set to guide the franchise through the draft, but hasn’t gotten the full-time promotion.
While Brzezinski has had final say, it’s fair to speculate about who has really made the calls in the draft room. The coaching staff was more involved than in most franchises, some suspect.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler wrote an article about the draft and what executives and coaches said about the peers’ classes.
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About the Vikings, Fowler wrote, “The Vikings conducted this draft while in a transitional state, with longtime team executive Rob Brzezinski holding the interim GM tag through the draft. While Minnesota improved its defense, some around the league had questions about the overall haul. ‘How much influence did Brian Flores have [on the selections]?’ one AFC exec asked. ‘It felt like a lot. Felt like a coach-heavy draft.’”
Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores watches from the sideline during a game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field, on Oct 15, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois, observing defensive alignments and communication as Minnesota adjusted its coverage and pressure packages throughout the second half of a physical NFC North matchup. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-Imagn Images
The draft board tilted towards the defensive side of the ball early in the event. The first three picks and four of the five selections in rounds 1-3 were reinforcements for Flores’ group.
Flores has certainly earned the benefit of the doubt, as he keeps delivering elite units capable of carrying the operation. Throughout his three-year tenure, the Vikings have had the second-best defense in EPA/Play, only trailing the Cleveland Browns. That includes a 2023 season with a roster that was clearly not built for his scheme.
Conversely, the offense led by head coach Kevin O’Connell ranks 24th in the same span and metric. Quarterback play in 2023 and 2025 surely hurt his rankings.
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The defensive coordinator was a coveted man this offseason, adding to his interview tally. He once again failed to land a head coaching job and subsequently extended his contract in the Twin Cities. Perhaps having more say in roster decisions was one of the perks he received in the process.
Either way, the defensive-coded draft could help him remain at or near the top of the league in defensive output.
Fowler added, “The first-round selection of Florida defensive tackle Caleb Banks felt risky to some, due to multiple foot surgeries. But his upside is high. Third-round safety Jakobe Thomas (Miami) was considered more of a mid-to-late Day 3 pick to multiple scouts. Scouts lauded the second-round selection of Cincinnati linebacker Jake Golday, one of the top off-ball backers in the draft who should be able to contribute right away.”
Apr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Florida Gators defensive lineman Caleb Banks is selected by the Minnesota Vikings as the number 18 pick during the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Banks is widely considered the top interior lineman who lost some attraction due to his second major foot injury. If his foot checks out, he could end up becoming a franchise cornerstone along the defensive line.
Safety Thomas was a massive reach according to various draft analysts, but it’s noteworthy that his skill set resembles that of a player built for a Flores defense. He thrives in the box and in a versatile role near the line of scrimmage. The same can be said about linebacker Golday, who can play on the edge and as an off-ball linebacker. Cincinnati frequently used him in the slot.
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We might never know how much influence Flores had in the draft room, but he has earned that luxury. Notably, he started in New England as a scout.
In the meantime, the Vikings have kicked off their search for a new general manager. Ownership has emphasized that they want to keep the past structure of having a GM at the top of the decision-making pyramid, who reports to them. A new strong man in the organization will arrive sooner rather than later, unless Brzezinski gets the promotion after all.
Until then, Flores might continue to have a strong voice.
Fulham manager Marco Silva hopes his side can capitalise on any potential nerves and anxiety that could spread around the Emirates Stadium during Saturday’s visit to Premier League leaders Arsenal.
The Gunners are currently in pursuit of their first Premier League title in 22 years, and sit three points clear at the top of the table, having played a game more than closest rivals Manchester City.
Fulham manager Silva, whose 10th-placed side harbour their own ambitions of European qualification, vowed his team would battle fiercely to secure a shock result amid what he anticipates could be a tense atmosphere in north London.
“Let’s hope we can use that,” Silva stated during a press conference, referring to the potential for tension.
Marco Silva hopes his team can capitalise on any nerves inside the Emirates on Saturday (PA)
“That depends on us, it depends on them, and it depends on many things. Whether the environment is tense or not depends on how we play and whether we are good enough to make it happen. Simple as that.”
There has been an edgy atmosphere at the Emirates in recent times, with Arsenal losing to Bournemouth just under three weeks ago before picking up an unconvincing 1-0 win over Newcastle last weekend.
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Despite their recent struggles with finding their best form, Silva is still expecting a formidable challenge as he acknowledged Arsenal’s quality.
“Arsenal are a top side, a side that are title contenders, that play to win all of their games, but are also the most solid team in the league,” he said.
“They are a team, that even if they are not playing at their best level, they have other ways to punish the opposition.”
Nevertheless, the Portuguese coach was resolute that his team would not be intimidated by the task at hand.
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“We just have to look at ourselves and be competitive to fight for the three points. Three points to fight for – and we will fight.”
;)
;)
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