Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Tai Felton (13) fields the ball and turns upfield during first-quarter action against the Green Bay Packers, Jan. 4, 2026, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. Felton accelerates into space as Minnesota looks to generate early momentum in a key division matchup at home. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images.
On Sunday, we posted the “losers” from the Minnesota Vikings’ draft, a list of 10 players and coaches deep because Minnesota had so many selections this go-round. Now, it’s time for the winners.
Minnesota’s latest draft class reshaped the depth chart and opened new doors for several returning players.
These players and coaches clearly had to be all smiles during and after the event.
Advertisement
Turner Gets the Biggest Post-Draft Green Light
Ranked in ascending order (No. 1 = main winner), here’s who won the draft for the Vikings.
Jordan Mason bursts through the line with the football secured, pushing into open space as the Minnesota Vikings face the Houston Texans during first-quarter action on Aug 9, 2025, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. The running back, wearing No. 27, shows power and vision while gaining yardage early in preseason play. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images.
5. Jordan Mason (RB)
In theory, the Vikings could’ve found a way to draft Notre Dame’s Jadarian Price (Seahawks), Arkansas’s Mike Washington Jr. (Raiders), or Washington’s Jonah Coleman (Broncos) at running back, which would’ve put Mason’s trajectory as the long-term RB1 in jeopardy.
Instead, interim general manager Rob Brzezinski waited until Round 6 to pick Wake Forest’s Demond Claiborne. When a player is chosen that late, he is truly a lottery ticket. A scratch-off.
Advertisement
While Claiborne could become “the next De’Von Achane” with the tutelage of Frank Smith and Kevin O’Connell, Mason remains the somewhat youthful main option at tailback for the Vikings in 2026, with a splash of Aaron Jones, who could split the RB1 workload if he stays healthy.
4. Blake Brandel (C)
One month ago, O’Connell essentially nominated Brandel as his starting center in 2026 — and he wasn’t kidding.
He said to media members who asked about the center spot, “It is great that we feel that good about Blake’s versatility, but ultimately we want to do what’s best for Blake to ascend and reach his highest potential at one position or have the flexibility still to play multiple. What his offseason looks like, what his training camp looks like and what his work flow looks like leading into the season, we want to have him more than likely at that center spot and build on some things that he did last year.”
Advertisement
“It’s a position that’s got some really unique names in the draft, depending on where you may be looking to take one. There’s some guys with experience, there’s some guys with tremendous upside and then some guys that have that flex above the neck of really the smarts and the command that it takes to play center at the National Football League level. We’ll continue to work through it.”
The “tremendous upside” guys turned out to be a single human, named Gavin Gerhardt from the University of Cincinnati, a man extracted from Round 7. While Gerhardt could emerge in time, it’s probably Brandel’s job to lose at center this season.
3. Brian Flores (DC)
After the Vikings fired general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah at the end of January, fans assumed that Flores would have more say in the organization and the draft process.
Advertisement
Fans were right.
Zone Coverage‘sTom Schreier wrote over the weekend, “Ultimately, the issue with Adofo-Mensah is that he didn’t have a scouting background. The idea behind hiring him was that he would collaborate with the coaches and scouts to identify the best players, then use analytics to maximize draft picks and free-agent spending.”
“By replacing Rick Spielman with Adofo-Mensah, the Vikings were moving from a super scout as their general manager to a CEO.”
Brian Flores observes players moving through drills, tracking positioning and effort as the Minnesota Vikings conduct organized team activities on June 10, 2025, at the team’s training facility in Minneapolis. The defensive coordinator studies each rep closely, continuing to shape a unit that gained momentum during the previous season and enters a pivotal offseason stretch. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images.
Minnesota scouted oodles of wide receivers in February, March, and April. How many did they draft? Zilch.
Brzezinski and O’Connell said “no thanks” to dozens of promising wideouts, basically allowing Flores to cook from the section above. And — that turned out to be good news for Felton, who remains the Vikings’ WR3 right after the draft.
Advertisement
In theory, Minnesota could sign Deebo Samuel, Jauan Jennings, Tyreek Hill, DeAndre Hopkins, Stefon Diggs, or Keenan Allen — or even trade for Brandon Aiyuk — but for now, Felton is the WR3 on paper. Most fans didn’t expect that outcome in the fallout from the draft.
1. Dallas Turner (OLB)
For two seasons, Flores struggled to find full-time playing time for Turner, the team’s 1st-Round draft pick in 2024. Those days are over.
Dallas Turner lines up on defense during postseason action, focused on the snap as the Minnesota Vikings face the Los Angeles Rams in an NFC wild card game on Jan 13, 2025, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale. Wearing No. 15, the linebacker prepares to engage, bringing energy to a high-stakes playoff matchup. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.
Pro Bowl outside linebacker Jonathan Greenard was shipped to the Philadelphia Eagles for two 3rd-Round draft picks, completely paving the way for Turner to start in 2026. He received ample playing time down the stretch of 2025 when Greenard was hurt, but now Turner doesn’t have to sit around and wait for injuries to hear his name called.
In September and beyond, you will soon find out if the [very] expensive Turner trade, conducted by the aforementioned Adofo-Mensah, was worth it.
This weekend, David Benavidez steps up to cruiserweight for a challenging fight with reigning and unified champion Gilberto Ramirez. Now, just days out from the fight, two-division world champion Tim Bradley has altered his prediction for how the fight may play out.
Benavidez has claimed world honours at both super-middleweight and light-heavyweight, but the 25lb gap between light-heavyweight and cruiserweight could mean that he is in for his toughest test to date.
Against Ramirez, ‘The Mexican Monster’ is tasked with a man who has also ruled at super-middleweight, but has proven himself as a cruiserweight – where he has won four consecutive unanimous decisions, picking up the WBA and WBO straps.
“To be honest with you, it is a great fight. I think that Ramirez is kinda getting slept on. You gotta understand that he has been at this weight for some time now, he is acclimated, this is David’s first fight at cruiserweight, it is going to be different.
“I know that he has the right style to give Ramirez fits, if he can still have the punch volume that he punches with and the hand speed. I think that his mobility is going to be a little bit different too, [25lbs] that’s a lot of weight, man.
“Benavidez does have the style to give Ramirez some issues, but you have got to think about stamina, will his power translate at the heavier weight? There is a lot to think about in this fight, a lot of questions that need to be answered.
“I’m going to go with Benavidez, because I think that Benavidez is special. I think he has what is internal and needed, he can pull it off.”
Advertisement
“He is going to bring it out, he has got that dog in him. I think that he is going to take Ramirez to that brink, I don’t think that he is going to stop him but I know that he is going to put some work in.”
Zurdo vs. Benavidez takes place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday night.
Star Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat has accused authorities of deliberately blocking her return to competitive wrestling as the deadlines for the Asian and World Championships trials near. Vinesh, who hung up her boots after the Paris Olympics heartbreak, took a U-turn on her retirement last December. Speaking to The Indian Express, Vinesh said that while she was preparing to enter next month’s National Open Ranking tournament, she was unable to register because the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) portal stated that registrations had already closed.
Vinesh also revealed that while she tried reaching out to the WFI regarding the issues, the governing body is yet to respond to her.
“I am hoping to make a comeback at the National Open Ranking Tournament. The registration for it was open until April 30. However, when I tried to register, the portal said it was now closed. I have been trying to contact the administrative staff of the federation, but they haven’t responded to my calls,” said Vinesh.
Advertisement
Vinesh said she also faced similar hurdles at the Federation Cup, alleging that the selection criteria were changed at the 11th hour.
“I intended to compete there, too, but the team selection criteria were changed at the last minute, so I couldn’t take part. It feels like this is a deliberate attempt to stop me from competing, especially since this is an important tournament to remain in contention for the Asian Games and World Championship selection trials,” she added.
However, WFI chief Sanjay Singh refuted all the allegations made by Vinesh, insisting that many wrestlers faced the registration issue.
As per WFI’s Asian Games selection policy, only medal winners from the 2025 National Championships and the 2026 Federation Cup are eligible to compete in the senior selection trials. However, those who can secure medals at the Open Ranking tournament will earn a place in the national camp, which could also boost their bid to qualify for the trials.
Advertisement
“We received similar complaints from other wrestlers, too. They got in touch with our staff, and their issues were resolved. We are not going to stop anybody from competing, and the tournament remains open for everyone,” said Singh.
Featured Video Of The Day
IPL 2026 | Delhi Capitals Wins By 6 Wickets Against Mumbai Indians: Redemption For Sameer Rizvi
For the imported three-year-old Accidental Bid to run in the Group 1 South Australian Derby at Morphettville, a rival needs to scratch.
Now handled by Ciaron Maher having launched in Britain, Accidental Bid is next in line after Tuesday acceptances and barrier allocations for the South Australian Derby (2518m) this Saturday.
Drawing inside at barrier 2, Accidental Bid installed as $3 favourite upon field finalisation, John Allen retained to steer.
This imported youngster yields maturity to foes, though Russian Camelot, bred in the UK, triumphed in 2020 at COVID’s zenith, piloted by Allen.
Advertisement
Perfect record in Australia with two Pakenham wins since shipping over after initial UK pair.
National Assistant Trainer Jack Turnbull from the Ciaron Maher camp praised Accidental Bid’s staying aptitude.
“He literally turned three just three weeks ago,” Turnbull said.
“His run over the mile was very pleasing and then to back that up on a heavy track, he relished the ground.
Advertisement
I’m not sure what he beat, but he ran reasonable time and ran a good figure and given his profile and he should stay on.
We went to that race against older horses for the time between runs if we were to go to the Derby and thankfully it’s worked out.”
Turnbull revealed consideration for the Group 1 Queensland Derby (2400m) at Eagle Farm near month’s close, yet the colt’s form has them keen.
Maher’s secondary contender Amazake earned Turnbull’s nod as maybe the stable’s premier maiden.
Advertisement
Post-spring Victoria Derby bid, Amazake notched three reliable showings this time in, latest a third over 2400m at Caulfield.
“He was terribly unlucky last start,” Turnbull said.
“He ended up in an awkward position, and the race was off and gone before he made his run at them.
He’s one of the better maidens in our yard and if we can break that in the Derby, everything will be repaid.
Advertisement
He is a lot stronger, more furnished than he was last season when he ran in the Victoria Derby when he didn’t run out the trip and his last start says the trip will be OK this time.”
Mar 28, 2026; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Reynaldo Lopez (40) throws against the Kansas City Royals in the first inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Mady Mertens-Imagn Images
Braves right-hander Reynaldo Lopez is moving to the bullpen “for now” to work out a mechanical flaw in his delivery, Atlanta manager Walt Weiss told reporters Sunday.
Lopez began the season as Atlanta’s No. 2 starter after making just one start in 2025 before undergoing season-ending shoulder surgery. He had a 2.18 ERA through four starts this season before he gave up four runs on five hits and three walks in one inning of last Tuesday’s 11-4 loss at Washington.
“We see him as a starter,” Weiss said. “He’s working through some things, delivery wise, that type of thing, and he’s getting right there. And when he’s right, he’s one of our best starters. He was our No. 2 coming out of camp, even with some of the issues at the end of spring training.
“So we see him as a starter long term, but right now, trying to iron some things out. He’s going to help us out of the pen in the short term.”
Advertisement
Lopez has extensive experience both as a starter and reliever at the major league level. He’s posted a 48-55 career record and 3.93 ERA over 273 appearances (128 starts) over 11 seasons.
He earned his first All-Star nod and finished 11th in National League Cy Young Award voting during his first season with the Braves in 2024 when he finished with a 1.99 ERA, 148 strikeouts and 42 walks over 135 2/3 innings.
Atlanta kept 22-year-old right-hander JR Ritchie on its major league roster after he allowed two runs on five hits and struck out seven over seven innings in his major league debut Thursday vs. Washington. He’s set to make his first home start Wednesday against Detroit.
The Braves are also expecting right-hander Spencer Strider to make his season debut as soon as this weekend at Colorado after he started the season on the injured list with a strained oblique.
Jim Furyk is a curious choice, as a back-up choice and second-chance captain of next year’s U.S. Ryder Cup team. If the PGA of America, in consultation with its Ryder Cup committee, wanted to go down the been-there, done-that road, why not just bring back last year’s model, Keegan Bradley, fresh off his Lessons Learned Tour? Yes, Europe won that event, 15-13. But being a winner was not a prerequisite for the job, and Bradley’s 11 players had some rally-cap Sunday.
The team Furyk captained in 2018, in France, appeared to be sleep-walking through all three days of the event, losing 17.5 to 10.5. The American golfer Tiger Woods appeared to be sleep-sitting through Team USA’s au revoir press conference Sunday night. Woods hasn’t been in a Ryder Cup uniform since then, not in a playing role, not in a managing role, not in any role except sideline whisperer.
Woods was always a Furyk guy. He related to him, grinder to grinder. Bradley was a Phil Mickelson acolyte.
The elephant in the room here is the absence of Woods and Mickelson as Ryder Cup captains, at least for now and maybe forever. The two dominant figures of American golf over the past 30 years, with 127 PGA Tour wins between them, including six PGA Championships, nowhere to be seen. There is no faster summary of the costs of their off-course lives, than that, that neither of these titans of the game is in the Ryder Cup conversation.
Advertisement
Woods, without saying a word, has shown himself to be an irresponsible driver with deep levels of trauma in his life. Mickelson, using a torrent of words, turned his back on his home tour, costing it incalculable damage. Even in this age of metrics, there is no device that could measure the weirdness, or the void.
Once upon a time, it was easy to imagine Mickelson captaining the 2023 team in Italy and the 2025 team at Bethpage Black, and Woods managing the 2027 team in Ireland and the 2029 team at Hazeltine. Maybe it was all a pandemic fever dream. It seems, like the pandemic itself, forever ago.
So, just to put it in one place, here are your six recent-vintage U.S. Ryder Cup captains, plus the next one:
*2018, France, Jim Furyk;
Advertisement
*2021, Whistling Straits, Steve Stricker;
*2023, Italy, Zach Johnson;
*2025, Bethpage Black, Keegan Bradley;
*2027, Ireland, Jim Furyk.
Advertisement
Talk about tried-and-true. Four-for-five, right there. (No one saw Bradley coming, not at 39.) Once upon a time, Arnold Palmer, at age 34, was given the Ryder Cup reins, but that was then (1963). On this list, Steve Stricker is the outlier: He had never won a major! But he was a native son of Wisconsin. Stricker was too modest and too honest to claim any particular role in the U.S. victory in Kohler, Wisc. “Brooks and Bryson wanted to play together — that’s how much [this team] came together,” he said when it was all over. Brooks Koepka and Bryson DeChambeau. They may be frenemies now, but they weren’t then. Stricker did what any good manager, in any field, does: get his players in a place where they can do the thing they do, play golf at a high level. It’s not that complicated, despite the extreme efforts to make it seem so.
Broadly speaking, the PGA of America is in a tough spot. Waiting on Tiger, waiting and waiting for him to make a decision, didn’t help. The organization still must deal with the worst aspects of last year’s Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black on Long Island, where the PGA of America failed in its ultimate responsibilities, to provide a safe and appropriate atmosphere for spectators and to be a welcoming and gracious host to our European visitors.
The PGA Championship at Aronimink next month, on the far outskirts of Philadelphia, will be a major test, but also an opportunity, for an organization in a state of tumult. Four CEOs in an eight-year period, for one thing. The audacious move from Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., to Frisco, Texas, outside Dallas, for another. That has been a hard sell all the way around. Future PGA Championships are scheduled for the largely untested new course there, one owned and operated by the PGA of America. The unspoken goal is obvious: make more money. Never an inspiring comment for any true sports fan to hear. The greatness of the Ryder Cup is that it became a money-maker by accident. It became a phenomenon by way of Seve Ballesteros and Jose-Maria Olazabal, Paul Azinger and Payne Stewart, Paul McGinley and Ian Poulter, even Patrick Reed and Bryson DeChambeau. It became the Ryder Cup by dint of personality and the quality of the play, coupled with some exquisite American stages. Here’s looking at you, Oak Hill in early fall, in Rochester, N.Y.
The captain’s job, when you really get it to its essence, is to fill out a lineup card, help set the mood, engage the public. With Jim Furyk, who turns 56 next month, we know what we’re getting. His whole golfing life is rooted in relentless consistency, and it has served him well. DeChambeau, who is 32, would have been a wildcard as a Ryder Cup captain, and a wild choice. But if recent history on this narrow subject has shown us anything, don’t postpone joy. Do not postpone joy when picking Ryder Cup captains. The committee waited too long on Tiger and Lefty. Elvis has left the building. Tiger has, too.
HOUSTON, TEXAS – APRIL 26: Jabari Smith Jr. #10 of the Houston Rockets defends LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the second quarteri in Game Four of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Toyota Center on April 26, 2026 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
Sunday’s NBA playoff games saw four teams pick up important wins to keep their series alive.
The Houston Rockets avoided a sweep with a 115-96 win over the Los Angeles Lakers. After losing the first three games, Houston responded with an impressive performance; all five starters scored at least 16 points. Amen Thompson led the way with 23.
The Boston Celtics put themselves in control of their series with a 128-96 win over the Philadelphia 76ers. Boston built an early lead and kept it from there. Payton Pritchard scored 32 points off the bench, while Jayson Tatum finished with 30 points and 11 assists.
Advertisement
The San Antonio Spurs also took a 3-1 series lead after beating the Portland Trail Blazers 114-93. San Antonio turned the game around in the second half to secure the win. De’Aaron Fox scored 28 points, and Victor Wembanyama added 27.
In the final game, the Toronto Raptors beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 93-89 to tie their series at 2-2. Scottie Barnes led Toronto with 23 points in a low-scoring game.
Boston and San Antonio now lead their series 3-1, Houston has forced a Game 5, and Toronto has evened things up heading into the next round of games.
Twitch star Nicholas “Jynxzi’s” League of Legends account, which he purchased and did not level up himself, got permanently banned, as it violated Riot Games’ terms of service, which prohibits players from selling, transferring, or allowing others to access their account or login credentials.
During a livestream on April 27, 2026, Jynxzi discovered that his LoL account had been permanently banned after a manual review determined that the account he was using had been transferred between players.
An excerpt from the message shown on the Twitch streamer‘s client read:
“A manual review found that this account was transferred between players. This violates the User Rules (Section 7) of our Terms of Service. Players are expected to use only their own accounts. This protects fair play and helps create balanced matches. In the future, play only on accounts you’ve created. If someone else wants to play, encourage them to create their own account and progress naturally.”
Advertisement
Drew Levin, the Head of Business and Director of Product Management for League of Legends, spoke out on the situation on X, stating that “buying accounts is still illegal.”
He added:
“buying accounts still illegal fyi inb4 everyone asks me whether this means what they think this means if this didn’t mean what you think this means then why would you be here asking if this means what you think it means?”
Jynxzi admits to purchasing a League of Legends account, says he did not want to play Co-op vs AI mode to level it up
After Jynxzi‘s League of Legends account got permanently banned, he addressed the matter by admitting that he purchased it. While claiming that he did not want to play Co-op vs AI mode for 30 hours to level up a fresh account, the 24-year-old apologized for the situation.
Advertisement
He said:
“Honestly, bro, valid. Bro, chat, I bought my account because I didn’t want to play against, like, bots for 30 hours. Drew Levin, bro, listen, bro, I understand the ban, bro. I wasn’t trying to be Silver, bro. I was just trying to… I thought I would be Iron, but I just want to be Iron, bro. I’m sorry. I’m sorry, sir. I understand the ban. I just wanted to be Iron, bro.”
During the same livestream, Jynxzi claimed to have received a direct message from Drew Levin, informing him that the League of Legends Creator team had shared details for an account he could use to play the multiplayer game.
Dallas Mavericks first overall pick Cooper Flagg was named the 2025-26 NBA Rookie of the Year, and it was a thrillingly close vote in the end.
Flagg narrowly beat out Charlotte Hornets’ sharpshooter Kon Knueppel, his fellow Duke Blue Devils star who went three picks later than Flagg in last year’s draft, earning 56 first-place votes compared to Knueppel’s 44. So, Flagg finished with 412 total vote points to Knueppel’s 386.
Philadelphia 76ers guard VJ Edgecombe finished in third place with 96 points (93 third-place votes), while San Antonio Spurs’ Dylan Harper and Memphis Grizzlies Cedric Coward also got third-place votes.
Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg controls the ball in the second half against the Minnesota Timberwolves in Dallas, Texas, on March 30, 2026.(Gareth Patterson/AP Photo)
Flagg marked the second-youngest player to ever win the award, as the 19-year-old was only behind Los Angeles Lakers’ LeBron James.
For most of the season, it appeared Knueppel was going to win the award, but multiple voters came out publicly and said Knueppel’s Play-In Tournament struggles factored into them changing their minds for Flagg.
Knueppel had just six points on 2-of-12 shooting in 34 minutes during the Hornets’ electric 127-126 overtime win over the Miami Heat at the start of the tournament. Then, in the 121-90 loss to the Orlando Magic, he shot 3 of 11 for 11 points (4 of 5 from the free-throw line as well), and he posted a minus-26 while on the court.
Flagg noted being keen on what Knueppel was doing during the year, showing love to his fellow rookie.
Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg watches from the bench during the second quarter against the Orlando Magic at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, on April 3, 2026.(Jerome Miron/Imagn Images)
“I see the games every night. I can check the box scores,” he said about watching Knueppel’s stat lines closely, per ESPN. “I think also I was watching Kon just because that’s one of my brothers.
“We had such a good connection, and we’re gonna be there for each other for the rest of our lives. I was watching him as a fan, as well, but there was obviously that competition at the same time.”
Advertisement
Flagg averaged 21 points, 6.7 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game this year for the Mavericks. Those numbers had him among some NBA greats, as Larry Bird, Michael Jordan and Luka Doncic were the only rookiesMichael Jordan and Luka Doncic were the only rookies before Flagg to average at least 20 points, six rebounds and four assists since the NBA-ABA merger, ESPN pointed out. Flagg also led all rookies in scoring this season.
As for Knueppel, he dropped 18.5 points per game with 5.3 rebounds and 3.5 assists, but while Flagg had him beat in those categories, he reset the rookie 3-pointers made record with 273. That number also led the NBA this season. Knueppel was also a key piece in the Hornets getting into the Play-In Tournament to begin with, finishing 44-38 before being eliminated by the Magic.
Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg dribbles during the second half of an NBA game against the Los Angeles Lakers in Dallas on April 5, 2026.(LM Otero/AP)
Flagg and the Mavs didn’t fare too well this season, finishing 26-56, though he led the team in scoring, rebounding and assists this season. Despite the losses, Flagg continued to show that age didn’t matter, becoming the youngest player to ever have games with 35, 40, 45 and 50 points.
;)
You must be logged in to post a comment Login