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Vikings May Ignore a Popular Draft Theory

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Kevin O’Connell introduces Brian Flores during a press conference at Vikings facility.
Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell introduces defensive coordinator Brian Flores during a press session at the TCO Performance Center on July 2024 in Eagan, Minnesota. Flores discusses his background and defensive vision after joining Minnesota, bringing experience from previous roles with the Patriots, Dolphins, and Steelers into the organization. Mandatory Credit: YouTube.

Are you itching for the Minnesota Vikings to draft a cornerback early in the draft? If so, it may not be in Round 1, says one popular analyst.

Minnesota could bypass the cornerback early and trust its board.

The Athletic‘s Alec Lewis, who is plugged into the Vikings’ interworkings, claimed this week that cornerback may not be on the menu in Round 1.

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Minnesota Has More Than One Path if CB Waits until Day 2

If not a CB, then what?

Brian Flores watches the field from the sideline during a playoff game. Vikings draft cornerback
Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores surveys the field from the sideline during NFC wild card action on Jan. 13, 2025, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Flores tracks formations and personnel while coordinating calls, managing adjustments in real time during a high-stakes postseason road matchup against a playoff-caliber opponent. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.

Lewis: CB May Not Be the Pick for Vikings

Sizing up the draft in nine days, Lewis opined this week, “Coaching input will be weighed heavily. And unlike previous seasons, the Vikings have a bevy of picks in the top 100. The team’s leadership knows it needs to find hits.”

“The Vikings haven’t used a first- or second-round pick on a cornerback since Flores arrived, and I don’t expect them to start now, especially after signing free agent James Pierre.”

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Until Lewis’s declaration, cornerback felt like a draft need — and probably still is — especially in January and February.

The Defense Is Great without Elite CBs

Listen, if you want an argument to suggest the Vikings don’t need a cornerback in Round 1, well, the team has it. These are the defensive numbers under Flores:

Vikings Defense Ranking,
Per EPA/Play,
Under Brian Flores:

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2023: 17th
2024: 2nd
2025: 3rd
Overall Since 2023: 2nd

Meanwhile, the Vikings have featured these cornerbacks with Flores in charge:

  • Byron Murphy Jr.
  • Isaiah Rodgers
  • Stephon Gilmore
  • Akayleb Evans
  • Mekhi Blackmon
  • Shaquill Griffin
  • Andrew Booth
  • Jeff Okudah
  • Fabian Moreau

Flores hasn’t needed elite cornerbacks — or even young ones — to generate the NFL’s second-best defense over the last three years. This might just be his modus operandi.

The Precedent

Want to know why Lewis is probably onto something? The evidence from precedent is already lurking. In 2023, the Vikings could’ve drafted a Round 1 corner; they picked wide receiver Jordan Addison. In 2024, the Vikings could’ve drafted a Round 1 corner; they picked quarterback J.J. McCarthy and outside linebacker Dallas Turner. In 2025, the Vikings could’ve drafted a Round 1 corner; they picked guard Donovan Jackson.

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In each of the last three drafts, cornerback was considered a vivid draft need. Minnesota didn’t take any until after the 1st Round.

Kevin O’Connell talks at a press conference during the Vikings’ Ireland trip. Vikings draft cornerback
Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell addresses reporters during a press conference on Sep. 26, 2025, at the Sport Ireland Campus in Dublin, Ireland. The session captures O’Connell discussing preparation, logistics, and team messaging as the Vikings navigate international travel and represent the franchise during the NFL’s global schedule. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images.

One might ask: Why would Flores start needing cornerbacks now? The only answer might be that former general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah is out of the way. He was fired on January 30th, mainly for poor drafting habits and offseason quarterback decision-making.

Moreover, when Flores coached the Miami Dolphins from 2019 to 2021, his employer drafted just one 1st-Round cornerr.

In contrast, Zone Coverage‘s Chris Schad noted on the Vikings draft this week, “Grabbing a cornerback would be a pick that satisfies Flores but also gives the Vikings a premium position at a potential discount. The same would go for edge rusher. Minnesota already has Jonathan Greenard, Dallas Turner, and Andrew Van Ginkel. However, they could easily be in a different situation if they trade Greenard and let Van Ginkel walk at the end of his contract.”

“The offense could also use help at offensive tackle and wide receiver. That may be enough to keep Flores salivating at the thought of a top safety for another round or two. Minnesota’s defense definitely needs some help, and Dillon Thieneman could contribute. But they also must be careful not to lean too heavily into Flores’ demands and build a team that can compete long after he heads to his next coaching destination.”

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The Draft Options if No R1 CB

After Round 1, a cornerback feels like fair game, particularly as Minnesota has nine picks overall. These are the corners to know between Round 2 and 4, men whom Minnesota could pick and expect to blossom into something before too long:

  • Avieon Terrell (Clemson | R1-R2)
  • Colton Hood (Tennessee | R2)
  • Chris Johnson (San Diego State | R2)
  • Brandon Cisse (South Carolina | R2)
  • D’Angelo Ponds (Indiana | R2)
  • Treydan Stukes (Arizona | R2)
  • Keionte Scott (Miami (FL) | R2)
  • Keith Abney II (Arizona State | R3)
  • Davison Igbinosun (Ohio State | R3)
  • Julian Neal (Arkansas | R3)
  • Chandler Rivers (Duke | R3)
  • Malik Muhammad (Texas | R3)
  • Devin Moore (Florida | R4)
  • Daylen Everette (Georgia | R4)
  • Will Lee II (Texas A&M | R4)
  • Tacario Davis (Washington | R4–R5)
  • Ephesians Prysock (Washington | R4–R5)
  • Hezekiah Masses (California | R4–R5)
Jermod McCoy celebrates after recovering a fumble during a Tennessee game. Vikings draft cornerback
Tennessee defensive back Jermod McCoy reacts after recovering a fumble during second-quarter action on Nov. 30, 2024, at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee. The play highlights his awareness and quick response as he secures possession and shifts momentum during a competitive conference matchup late in the regular season. Mandatory Credit: Stephanie Amador-Imagn Images.

SI.com‘s Will Ragatz mock-drafted Stukes to the Vikings earlier this month, explaining, “If the Vikings don’t take a safety in the first round, Stukes is one of my favorite targets at that position in round two. He’s listed as a cornerback in some spots, but he’s really a versatile defensive back who projects as either a slot corner or strong safety in the NFL.”

“Stukes is an older prospect, having spent six years at Arizona, where he went from walk-on to team captain and star. Last season, he bounced back from a 2024 ACL tear and recorded four interceptions with a 90.4 PFF coverage grade.”

Minnesota hasn’t successfully drafted a cornerback with staying power since Trae Waynes and Mackensie Alexander — a decade ago.

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Noble Yeats death: Tributes paid to former Grand National winner after death aged 11

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Noble Yeats, the former Grand National winner, has died after a bout of colic aged 11.

The horse created history in 2022 by pulling off one of the greatest upsets in Grand National history to clinch victory as a 50-1 outsider.

Noble Yeats was connected with amateur jockey Sam Waley-Cohen, with that famous ride around Aintree the last of his career.

“He gave us one of the great days of our lives and fulfilled our dreams,” said Waley-Cohen, who added that “his ability outstripped his looks,” having “grown into a great champion.”

Noble Yeats, without Waley-Cohen now, made two further appearances at the National, finishing fourth behind Corach Rambler in 2023 and then out of contention behind I Am Maximus in 2024.

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Harry Cobden riding Noble Yeats at Cheltenham
Harry Cobden riding Noble Yeats at Cheltenham (Getty)

“He was brilliant for us and was one of those special horses,” Waley-Cohen said, with the horse winning seven of his 24 races and earning more than £750,000 in prize-money.

Noble Yeats, trained by Emmet Mullins, also won the Cleeve Hurdle at Cheltenham in 2024 under Harry Cobden, and made his last appearance in 2024 in the Savills Hurdle at Leopardstown, pulling up before the decision was made to retire due to arthritis.

Owner Robert Waley-Cohen, who had purchased Noble Yeats just two months before victory in the greatest race of them all, described the “grim moment” after Noble Yeats’ health took a turn for the worse.

He said: “He looked very uncomfortable on Wednesday, so the vet came out and everybody was up all night treating him and hoping he would pull through, but unfortunately he went the other way.

(PA)

“He was living the life of a retired horse in the field with [2011 Gold Cup winner] Long Run and [2011 Grand National runner-up] Oscar Time.”

He added: “He was enormous fun at the National and afterwards. The memories of the National are unbelievable – you could not have a better day. It’s the dream of a lifetime to win the National, and to win it with your son made it even more special.”

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“His Mom Makes Food And Brings It To Hotel”: Preity Zinta’s Big Revelation About Punjab Kings Star

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Punjab Kings co-owner Preity Zinta heaped praise on star batter Prabhsimran Singh while commenting on a social media post on Saturday. A user shared the inspiring journey of the PBKS opener, and co-owner Preity could not stop herself from reacting to it. She lauded Prabhsimran’s behaviour while also revealing that his mother cooks and brings food to the hotel for the entire team every Indian Premier League season. The player has been a part of the PBKS squad since IPL 2019. He was initially bought for Rs 4.80 crore. The wicketkeeper-batter currently earns Rs 4 crore per season from the franchise.

“He is also soft spoken, well behaved and extremely sweet. His mom makes food and brings it to the hotel ( Best Kadi Chawal & Bhartha among other things ) for the entire team every IPL. I never heard him complain or come late when he sat on the bench. Watching him shine fills me up with so much joy cuz nothing is more rewarding than to see a good guy win. Sorry I couldn’t help commenting on ur write up as it popped up in my timeline (sic),” wrote Preity Zinta, reacting to the post on Prabhsimran.

Table-toppers Punjab Kings will bank on their strong batting to continue their winning run against a struggling Lucknow Super Giants, who are sweating over skipper Rishabh Pant‘s injury, in their IPL 2026 match in Mullanpur on Sunday.

PBKS, the only unbeaten side so far, have looked ominous this season with four wins from five matches, with one game against Kolkata Knight Riders washed out. The Shreyas Iyer-led side boasts a healthy net run rate of +1.067, thanks to their strong batting displays that have powered clinical chases.

The Kings have won nine of their last 11 matches while chasing since the 2025 season, underlining their dominance, and it was also seen in their recent win over Mumbai Indians. It will take something special from LSG to halt the home team’s momentum.

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Lucknow, currently seventh in the points table, are reeling from back-to-back losses, and Pant’s elbow injury in the previous match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru has further dented their campaign.

(With PTI Inputs)


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Women’s World Cup qualifying: Lessons to be learned as Wales chase top spot

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“It was about the three points but lessons need to be learned,” former Wales striker Gwennan Harries told Match of the Day Wales.

Wilkinson’s side had overwhelmed Albania in a 4-0 win in Wrexham four days earlier, when the hosts’ only frustration was that they did not score more goals.

But the return fixture had a very different look, with Wales struggling for fluency in possession as Albania sat deep but carried a threat on the counter-attack.

“At the minute, we’re probably not seeing Wales at their best and we’ve struggled at times to break down teams who sit back,” said another ex-Wales striker Helen Ward on BBC Radio Wales.

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“That’s where a Jess Fishlock can do something magic.

“We don’t have her anymore, so someone else is going to have to take that responsibility.”

The one goal Wales did manage was as scrappy as their performance, Roberts bundling home from a Lily Woodham cross with Albania claiming the ball had gone in off the veteran defender’s arm.

There were other opportunities for Wales, Mared Griffiths coming close on a couple of occasions and Ingle shooting straight at Albania keeper Rajmonda Spahiu having seen an earlier effort ruled out for offside.

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Had one or two of those chances been converted, the evening would have had a different feel.

As it was, there was tension in the air right up until the final whistle, with Safia Middleton-Patel making a late save from Fortesa Berisha having earlier seen Ilarja Zarka’s drive rattle the bar.

“I thought Albania were really good,” said Ingle. “They blocked up, made it hard for us.

“They defended really well and they nearly punished us on a few transition attacks, so we were quite lucky at times.”

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Tony Bellew makes Usyk vs Moses Itauma prediction: “Nobody will beat him”

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Tony Bellew has considered whether Oleksandr Usyk, who dealt him an eighth-round stoppage defeat in 2018, can be beaten by heavyweight prodigy Moses Itauma.

Having become a three-time, two-division undisputed champion, there is little more the Ukrainian can achieve to further cement his greatness in the sport.

He has, after all, beaten Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois on two occasions, respectively, and therefore solidified himself as the greatest heavyweight of this era.

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The only way he can go one step further, it seems, is by making his mark on the next generation, which many predict will be dominated by Itauma.

Having become the WBO’s leading challenger, awaiting his mandatory shot at the world title, the 21-year-old has already established himself as a formidable contender.

This much was evident during his fifth-round finish over Jermaine Franklin last month, when Itauma stormed past the typically durable customer in emphatic fashion.

But while the dynamic southpaw has expressed an interest in facing the heavyweight king, Usyk is understandably less eager to present him with this opportunity.

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Instead, the 39-year-old is gearing up to face Dutch kickboxer Rico Verhoeven on May 23, defending his WBC world title at Egypt’s Pyramids of Giza.

Even if his next opponent happened to be Itauma, though, former world champion Bellew has told Seconds Out that he doubts Usyk would be defeated.

“He’s beaten everybody in front of him – there’s nothing more he can do.

“He’s entitled to what he’s doing in this next fight [against Verhoeven] and he’s earned the right to call the shots. He’s the boss.

“Absolutely nobody [will beat him].”

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After experiencing the full force of Usyk’s brilliance, albeit in 2018, Bellew is perhaps better-placed than most to give an honest assessment of Itauma’s chances against the Olympic gold medallist.

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Charley Hull shares throwback snap with Welsh golf veteran

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Charley Hull caught the people’s attention with her picture on social media. She shared a snap with Welsh professional golfer Mark Mouland on her Instagram story.

She shared the throwback picture on her social media story on Saturday and tagged the golfer in the caption. They posed at the Nailcote Hall Cromwell Course. Hull wore a pink top and black shorts for the outing.

Charley Hull shares throwback snap with Welsh golf veteranCharley Hull shares throwback snap with Welsh golf veteran
Charley Hull shares throwback snap with Welsh golf veteran

Away from the field, Charley Hull is enjoying a good time. Her last outing was at the Aramco Championship, where she carded four rounds of 70, 78, 75, and 70. She settled with a score of 5 over in a tie for 15th position.

On April 6, she shared a slew of a few pictures of her outing from the Aramco Championship. She posted the snaps with a sweet caption. She wrote:

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“What happens in Vegas… 😏 Fun week at Aramco Championship, nice T15 finish and memories made at Cirque du Soleil 🤸🎪 Next stop, Augusta”

In the post, she added snaps of her playing golf, and also of the outing she enjoyed in Las Vegas.


Charley Hull offers a glimpse of her practice session

Although Charley Hull is not playing in any official tournament this week, she made sure to practice her game. She offered a glimpse of her practice session on her Instagram account on Friday. She shared the post along with a sweet caption.

“It’s always great to be back playing & practising where I grew up as a little girl playing. I love this grass driving range. I really do have the best memories on it as a kid with my Dad & Kevin growing up. Very wholesome. ⛳️ Very impressed with the condition of Kettering golf club for this time of year,” she wrote.

For her outing, Hull wore a black T-shirt and matching pants.

She started her campaign this season on the LPGA Tour at the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions. She carded three rounds of 70, 71, and 74 to settle in T17 place.

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She then played at the HSBC Women’s World Championship, which wrapped up with its finale on February 26. She carded four rounds of 72, 67, 74, and 69 to settle with a score of 6 under. She was tied for 10th place in the event.

This season on the LPGA Tour, Hull also played at the Ford Championship, where she played two rounds of 71 and 70. She, however, struggled with her game and missed the cut.

Meanwhile, in the last season, she played in 16 tournaments and made the cut in 14 of them. She recorded four finishes in the top 10 and won the Kroger Queen City Championship.