Sports
Wizards’ Anthony Davis (hand) needs more time to heal
Mar 8, 2026; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Washington Wizards forward Anthony Davis (23) watches during the first half against the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images The Washington Wizards will have to continue to wait for Anthony Davis to make his debut since a Feb. 5 trade, with the forward/center needing more time to heal the ligament damage in his left hand, the team announced Friday.
Davis was re-evaluated Thursday by Dr. Steven Shin of Los Angeles’ Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, who determined that despite positive progress in Davis’ recovery, the volar plate tissue has not fully healed.
The Wizards said Davis will continue with “conservative treatment and advance his basketball activity as tolerated.”
The 33-year-old will be re-evaluated at the end of March, per the team.
Davis had been cleared to begin limited individual on-court basketball activities on March 5.
He has not played since Jan. 8 while with the Dallas Mavericks. There has been heavy speculation that he won’t return this season.
Davis appeared in just 20 games this season with Dallas and averaged 20.4 points, 11.1 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.7 blocks. He has career averages of 24.0 points and 10.7 rebounds in 807 games (800 starts) over 14 seasons with the New Orleans Hornets/Pelicans (2012-19), Los Angeles Lakers (2019-25) and Mavericks (2025-26).
A 10-time All-Star, Davis was the centerpiece of the blockbuster trade in February 2025 that sent Dallas star Luka Doncic to the Lakers. After joining the Mavericks, Davis played only nine games last season because of injuries.
–Field Level Media
Colorado State‘s version of a spring game is here.
The traditional version of a spring game is fast disappearing in college football and CSU is calling this a “Spring Spotlight” on April 11 at Canvas Stadium.
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It will likely look like part practice and part scrimmage, but the event is a chance for fans to see the new-look team under coach Jim Mora.
Here’s what to know about the event and what to watch:
When is the ‘Spring Spotlight’?
The scrimmage portion of the CSU football team’s on-field work will be held from about 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 11.
After the scrimmage, players will be available for autographs and pictures on the field.
Youth sports camp
Prior to the football showcase, all kids in eighth grade and under are invited to participate in a free “Youth Sports Experience” on the field at Canvas Stadium. It will run from 8:30 to 9:15 a.m. and registration is required.
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Other details, including parking and concessions
Parking is free and fans are encouraged to use CSU lots 240 and 425 or Meridian Avenue.
Select concession stands will be open on the west concourse. The New Belgium Porch will also be open.
What to watch from CSU football team
For most, this will be a first in-person chance to see a team with more than 60 new players. Here are a few things to watch for as the Rams prepare for the 2026 season:
Quarterbacks: CSU has a fascinating QB battle ongoing with UConn transfer K’saan Farrar and Oklahoma State transfer Hauss Hejny the likely two competing for the top spot. In addition to the battle, the style of play will look different for CSU fans. CSU’s quarterbacks are quite mobile, often work out of the pocket and are running threats.
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Defensive playmakers: The Tyson Summers defense is built on attacking aggressively. It’s hard to get the full taste of it in in-house scrimmages when top quarterbacks can’t be hit, but there will still be glimpses. Who stands out? UConn transfer Oumar Diomande (linebacker), Kenyon Agurs (jack/linebacker) and Elijah Mc-Cantos (safety) are just a few of the defensive players to watch for.
Huge tight ends: The tight ends are massive. CSU doesn’t list heights and weights under Mora, but here’s a sampling. Juice Vereen was listed at 6-foot-4, 220-pounds at UConn. Dominic Toy (also UConn) was listed at 6-6, 225. Nader Chirchi (also UConn) was listed at 6-6, 248. Grant Houser was listed at 6-6, 230 at Louisville. Brock Camp was listed at 6-6, 245 last season by CSU. (Georgia transfer Pearce Spurlin III was listed at 6-7 but has been limited in on-field action in camp). The tight ends will be an important part of the offense and they’re very noticeable.
Kicking game: CSU struggled in field goal kicking last season. North Texas transfer Kali Nguma has been brought in to fix it. He’s hit from beyond 50 in camp. How well he does won’t really be known until pressure in-game moments but this will be a chance to see if the kicking game seems improved.
Good on good: Mora does not have No. 1 units face backups. It’s good on good, always. It makes for some fun, and feisty, battles.
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Sports reporter Kevin Lytle can be found on social media on X, Instagram and Threads @Kevin_Lytle and on Bluesky.
This article originally appeared on Fort Collins Coloradoan: What to watch at Colorado State football spring game
The Grand National remains a highlight of the UK sporting calendar and one of the most prestigious races in horse racing, which in turn makes it one of the biggest betting events of the year.
A whole range of people bet on the National, from novices to seasoned punters and everyone in between.
And ahead of the 2026 event, those looking to bet on the Grand National will be interested to know that several online bookmakers are running Grand National free bet offers.
Having examined a range of offers, we’ve compiled this guide to the best Grand National free bets, providing vital information on the offers themselves, how to access them and how to use them.
Best free Grand National bet offers for 2026
The table below shows our recommendations for the best Grand National free bet offers for 2026, with details relating to relevant offers and the bookies themselves.
|
Rank |
Bookmaker |
Grand National Free Bets |
|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Paddy Power |
Paddy Power will also give out £30 in free bets, but the qualifying stake is larger at £5. New customers can use promo code YSKAST when signing up, then place a min £5 bet on the sportsbook at odds of 1/1 or greater to get £30 in free bets. Free bet credits are valid for 30 days, so you can place your qualifying stake well in advance of the Grand National. |
|
2 |
Betfair |
Betfair also have a bet £10 get £50 sign up offer for the Grand National. Place a £10 bet at minimum odds of evens and get £50 worth of free bet credit on bet settlement. However, there are some restrictions, as all five are £10 free bet tokens reserved for accumulators or bet builders, but they’re valid for 30 days. |
|
3 |
PricedUp |
PricedUp’s Grand National sign up offer isn’t the best, as you have to bet £40 in order to get just £20 in free accumulator bets, but they make up for this shortfall in other areas. Once signed up, new and existing customers can benefit from PricedUp’s main speciality – Price Boosts. They’ll have several boosts on the National and other Aintree races. |
|
4 |
Tote |
Tote have a bet £5 get £20 sign up offer for new customers. Simply place a sports bet of £5 or more – with odds of 1/1 or higher – and you’ll receive £10 in Tote Credit and a £10 free sports bet which can be used on the Grand National. |
|
5 |
247Bet |
One of the best new betting sites, 247Bet are giving new customers up to £50 in a matched deposit on Grand National weekend. The minimum deposit is £20 and the bonus funds have x5 wagering requirements. If you don’t fancy their sign up offer, you’ll find enhanced odds, cash out options under their promotions section. |
|
6 |
Grosvenor |
The Grosvenor sign up offer allows newcomers to double the odds of their first bet, even if that’s on the Grand National. The maximum bet is £10, but with long odds available on the race you’ll have hugely inflated odds whichever runner you pick. |
|
7 |
NRG |
Sign up using promo code b20g10 to get a £10 free bet after placing your first bet of £20 or more. NRG are also one of the best new betting sites for price boosts with several options to choose from on the Grand National. |
|
8 |
Bet365 |
The Bet365 sign-up offer gives new users £30 in free bets – which can be used entirely on the Grand National – when they open an account, deposit £10 and stake £10 or more on any sports at odds of 1/5 or greater. |
|
9 |
Quickbet |
QuickBet’s Grand National welcome offer is beginner friendly as you’ll get a £10 free bet when you sign up and bet £10 on the race. |
|
10 |
BetTom |
BetTom have a stacked racing promotions section, including Best Odds Guaranteed, extra places (6 at 1/5 odds) and double result payout for amended results. New customers can get up to £25 back in free bets in first day losses. |
How to place a bet on the Grand National
Types of Grand National free bet offers
In this section, we’ve broken down the most common types of Grand National free bet offers that punters are likely to find in the build up to the race at Aintree.
Grand National sign-up offers
Grand National sign up offers are only available to new customers, but they can add to your betting bankroll via free bets or matched deposits.
However, those looking for a Grand National free bet via welcome offers should check if there are any restrictions placed upon the free bets and any winnings.
There are dozens of sign up offers that will be tailored to the Grand National around the time of the meeting, but as an example, Bet365 offer a bet £10, get £30 in free bets welcome offer in which the free bet tokens can be used to wager entirely on the Grand National if you please.
Bet and Get Offers
Bet and get offers from bookmakers reward punters for betting on a specific event, or wagering a certain amount of money.
Punters will need to meet the requirements set by the bookmaker to unlock the free bets, which may not be credited until any qualifying bets are settled.
There were plenty of examples of this type of offer during Cheltenham, such as when LiveScore Bet gave punters a free bet if they wagered on the opening racing of each day.
Money-Back Races
Money back races are a popular offer with horse racing betting sites and will be available for the Grand National.
There are often different conditions for money back races, such as a punter’s selection finishing 2nd or 3rd, falling at the final hurdle or losing to a horse that went off at certain odds.
Depending on the betting site, punters will receive their refunds either in the form of cash or free bets, so remember to check the offer terms.
For example, BetGoodwin will give punters up to £100 back as a free bet if your horse is leading but falls at the last fence.
Acca Free Bets
Some UK bookmakers reward bettors who regularly place accumulators with free bets.
These free bets can usually only be used for accumulators, but some bonuses can be spent however a punter wishes.
As an example, BoyleSports give users a £5 free acca bet for every five accumulators they place, so long as they wager £5 or more on a bet that has five or more selections and combined odds of 3/1 or greater.
Free Bet Clubs
Bettors can unlock Grand National free bets via free bet clubs, which are available at several bookmakers.
These promotions work by punters opting in and then wagering a certain amount to claim the free bets.
For example, Betway’s free bet club gives players £10 in free bets for the Grand National.
Just opt in to the promotion and wager £25 on multiples (three or more selections at combined odds of 2/1) to claim £10 in free bets each week.
Remember that other conditions may apply when it comes to unlocking a free Grand National bet, such as the minimum odds of the qualifying wagers, the sport qualifying bets are placed on, or the general type of bet.
How to claim and use Grand National free bets for 2026
The step-by-step guide below provides a general overview of how most Grand National sign up offers work.
Remember to check the terms and conditions for any specific demands that you may be required to meet.
- Step 1: Choose a bookmaker from the list above and check their Grand National free bet offer.
- Step 2: Sign up for an account and complete the verification process.
- Step 3: Make a qualifying deposit (if required) – remember to check the T&Cs for accepted payment methods.
- Step 4: Place a qualifying bet according to the offer terms.
- Step 5: Receive your free bet once the qualifying wager is settled.
- Step 6: Use the free bet on a Grand National market such as win or each-way.
Here’s a round up of alternative Grand National promo codes for the 2026 renewal, with all offers applying to new customers only.
|
Bookie |
Cheltenham Promo Code |
Cheltenham offer |
|---|---|---|
|
Bet365 |
INDY2026 |
Bet £10 get £30 in bonus funds |
|
Betfair |
ZSKAOL |
Bet £10 get £50 in free multi bets |
|
Paddy Power |
YHRCHS |
Bet £10 get £50 in racing free bets |
|
Matchbook |
NEW30 |
Bet £20 get £30 free bets |
|
LuckyMate |
LM10 |
Bet £10 get £10 free bet |
Grand National betting news
UK bookmakers are bracing for one of the biggest betting events of the year ahead of Saturday’s Grand National, with William Hill estimating that more than £150 million will be wagered on the race.
The operator expects turnover to be more than six times higher than last month’s Cheltenham Gold Cup, underlining the National’s status as the most heavily backed race in the UK calendar.
From a liabilities perspective, Panic Attack has emerged as the standout concern for the bookies.
The Dan Skelton-trained mare has been heavily supported throughout the season, shortening dramatically from 66/1 to 7/1, and would make history as the first mare in 75 years to win the race.
Final Orders and Haiti Couleurs are also among the most significant results for the bookmaker heading into the weekend, according to William Hill.
Betting should only ever be considered a form of entertainment – it will never be a reliable way to make money.
Picking the winner of the Grand National is extremely difficult so if you are going to wager on the race, assume you’ll lose and therefore, only bet what you can afford.
Betting can also be addictive, so please take steps to remain in control of your time and budget.
Make sure you use the safer gambling tools offered by betting companies such as deposit limits, reality checks, loss limits, time-outs and self-exclusion.
The same applies if you’re gambling on casino sites, poker sites, bingo sites or any other type of betting site.
If you have gambling-related concerns, then seek independent help. There are several UK charities and institutions that offer support, advice and information, with a few listed below:
FAQs: Grand National free bets
Can I get a free bet for the Grand National?
Yes, there are plenty of free Grand National bets on offer from several gambling sites in days and hours leading up to the Grand National, from ‘bet and get’ offers to welcome promotions and more.
Do I need to deposit to claim a free bet?
In most cases – such as for benefitting from welcome offers – users will have to deposit certain amounts in order to claim an additional free bet. Be sure to check the offer terms and conditions before depositing and staking.
Can I use Grand National free bets on any market?
Usually, free bets for the Grand National are available to use on any market, such as the win or place market, specials or accumulators. However, some free bets will be tailored to certain markets or bet types, so be sure to check the terms before signing up.
Do Grand National free bets expire?
Free bets tailored to the race itself will likely expire once the race begins at 4pm, whereas general free bets will usually expire within seven days. However, some bookies place an expiry date of 30 days on their free bet credits.
When is the Grand National?
The 2026 Aintree Grand National takes place on Saturday 11 April at 4pm at Aintree Racecourse.
We may earn commission from some of the links in this article, but we never allow this to influence our content. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.
Apr 9, 2026; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Mammoth goaltender Karel Vejmelka (70) celebrates with defenseman Nate Schmidt (88) after defeating the Nashville Predators in the third period at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images Dylan Guenther and Nick Schmaltz each had a goal and an assist for the Utah Mammoth, who clinched a playoff berth shortly after earning a 4-1 victory over the Nashville Predators on Thursday in Salt Lake City.
The Anaheim Ducks’ subsequent 6-1 win over the San Jose Sharks allowed Utah to seal a postseason bid in its second season.
Clayton Keller had three primary assists for the Mammoth, who won their fifth straight game. Kailer Yamamoto and Lawson Crouse also scored goals, and Logan Cooley added two assists. Karel Vejmelka finished with 29 saves.
Erik Haula scored a goal and Juuse Saros made 23 saves for Nashville, which had a four-game point streak (3-0-1) snapped. The Predators are one point behind the Los Angeles Kings for the second Western Conference wild-card spot.
Penguins 5, Devils 2
Tommy Novak and Egor Chinakhov scored nine seconds apart for Pittsburgh, which clinched its first playoff spot since 2022 by winning in Newark, N.J.
Bryan Rust, Evgeni Malkin and Erik Karlsson also scored for the Penguins. Chinakhov and Sidney Crosby had a pair of assists apiece, while Malkin and Karlsson both added a helper. Stuart Skinner stopped 19 shots.
Paul Cotter and Jack Hughes were the goal-scorers for the Devils. Jake Allen made 25 saves.
Avalanche 3, Flames 1
Nathan MacKinnon and Martin Necas had a goal and two assists each as Colorado beat Calgary in Denver to clinch the top overall seed for the postseason.
MacKinnon set a career high with his 52nd goal, Gabriel Landeskog also scored and Mackenzie Blackwood turned away 28 shots, helping the Avalanche clinch the Presidents’ Trophy for the fourth time.
Tyson Gross scored his first NHL goal in his third career game and Dustin Wolf made 38 saves for the Flames, who have dropped four of their past five games (1-3-1).
Hurricanes 7, Blackhawks 2
Logan Stankoven had two goals and an assist and Mark Jankowski scored twice to lift visiting Carolina to a victory over Chicago.
The Hurricanes moved two points ahead of Buffalo for home-ice advantage in the Eastern Conference playoffs. Frederik Andersen made 23 saves for Carolina while William Carrier earned three assists. Taylor Hall recorded a goal and an assist, and K’Andre Miller and Sean Walker also scored.
The Blackhawks sputtered to their seventh loss in eight games (1-6-1). Anton Frondell scored twice for Chicago, Louis Crevier had two assists, and Spencer Knight stopped 15 shots.
Senators 5, Panthers 1
Fabian Zetterlund scored twice, Jake Sanderson had two assists and Linus Ullmark made 22 saves as Ottawa inched closer to a playoff berth with a victory over visiting Florida.
Drake Batherson, Artem Zub and Claude Giroux also scored for Ottawa, which completed a 4-1 homestand and stayed three points ahead of the Islanders and the Red Wings for the Eastern Conference’s second wild-card slot. The Senators also moved within two points of the idle Boston Bruins for the first wild-card slot.
Jesper Boqvist scored with 5:43 remaining in the game for the Panthers, slipping the puck past Ullmark to avoid the shutout. Sergei Bobrovsky turned away 23 of 27 shots.
Islanders 5, Maple Leafs 3
Matthew Schaefer tied the rookie record for goals by a defenseman (23) as New York, in its first game with Peter DeBoer as head coach, defeated visiting Toronto.
Calum Ritchie had a goal and an assist and Tony DeAngelo returned from an injury absence to register two assists as the Islanders snapped a four-game skid. Ilya Sorokin made 13 saves.
The Maple Leafs got goals from Steven Lorentz, Easton Cowan and Morgan Rielly. Artur Akhtyamov stopped 39 of 44 shots in his first NHL start.
Red Wings 6, Flyers 3
Dylan Larkin recorded a hat trick and an assist to highlight Detroit’s resounding victory over visiting Philadelphia.
Alex DeBrincat became the first Red Wings player with 40 goals in a season since Marian Hossa in 2009. Moritz Seider had a goal and four assists and Patrick Kane added a goal and two helpers for Detroit, which had lost seven of its previous nine games (2-6-1).
Porter Martone had a goal and an assist for the Flyers, who had won three in a row. Christian Dvorak and Luke Glendening also scored for Philadelphia.
Sabres 5, Blue Jackets 0
Colten Ellis made 37 saves for his first career shutout in host Buffalo’s win over Columbus.
Josh Doan had two goals and Peyton Krebs, Jack Quinn and Rasmus Dahlin also scored for the first-place Sabres, who won their third straight game and remained two points up on Montreal in the Atlantic Division. Josh Norris and Logan Stanley had two assists each.
Jet Greaves stopped 19 shots for the Blue Jackets, who are 1-6-1 in their past eight as their playoff chances absorbed a potentially mortal blow.
Canadiens 2, Lightning 1
Juraj Slafkovsky scored with 1:04 remaining in the third period and host Montreal edged Tampa Bay.
Cole Caufield notched his 50th goal of the season for the Canadiens. Suzuki had two assists, Slafkovsky tallied a goal and an assist and Jakub Dobes made 17 saves.
Darren Raddysh tallied and Andrei Vasilevskiy made 19 saves for the Lightning, who have lost three straight and trail the second-place Canadiens by two points and the first-place Sabres by four in the Atlantic Division.
Jets 3, Blues 2
Mark Scheifele reached 99 points on the season with two assists as Winnipeg won its third straight, prevailing at St. Louis.
Alex Iafallo, Josh Morrissey and Jonathan Toews scored for the Jets. Connor Hellebuyck made 20 saves as Winnipeg kept its faint playoff hopes alive. The loss all but guaranteed the Blues will miss the postseason.
Dylan Holloway had a goal and an assist for St. Louis. Colton Parayko also scored, and Jordan Binnington made 31 stops.
Kraken 4, Golden Knights 3 (SO)
Rookie Berkly Catton sparked a rally from a two-goal deficit in the third period and scored the winner in the fifth round of a shootout as Seattle kept its slim postseason hopes alive with a victory against visiting Vegas.
Jared McCann and Bobby McMann also scored in regulation and Vince Dunn had two assists for the Kraken, who snapped a six-game skid (0-5-1). Joey Daccord made 31 saves and stopped four of five shootout attempts.
Mark Stone scored twice, Brett Howden also tallied and Adin Hill stopped 30 shots for the Golden Knights, who lost for the first time in five games under new coach John Tortorella. Vegas is tied with the Anaheim for second in the Pacific Division, both teams one point behind Edmonton.
Stars 5, Wild 4
Mikko Rantanen, Wyatt Johnston and Colin Blackwell each had a goal and an assist in Dallas’ comeback win over visiting Minnesota. The game was a postseason preview, as the teams will meet in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Cameron Hughes scored his first career goal and Esa Lindell had two assists for the Stars. Jake Oettinger stopped 27 shots.
The Wild got two goals from Kirill Kaprizov and a goal and an assist from Quinn Hughes. Ryan Hartman also scored, Mats Zuccarello had three assists, and Matt Boldy added two helpers. Filip Gustavsson made 15 saves.
Kings 4, Canucks 1
Adrian Kempe scored two goals and Anton Forsberg stopped 24 of 25 shots as Los Angeles gave its playoff hopes a huge boost with a victory over visiting Vancouver.
Trevor Moore and Joel Armia scored goals and Artemi Panarin had two assists for the Kings, who vaulted past the Predators in the race for the final wild-card berth in the Western Conference.
Marcus Pettersson scored and Nikita Tolopilo made 22 saves for the Canucks, who lost their fourth straight game.
Ducks 6, Sharks 1
John Carlson’s first career hat trick paced Anaheim to a win over visiting San Jose.
Leo Carlsson, Alex Killorn and Frank Vatrano had the other goals as the Ducks snapped a six-game skid (0-5-1). Beckett Sennecke, Pavel Mintyukov, Troy Terry and Mikael Granlund chipped in a pair of helpers each, and Lukas Dostal made 18 saves.
Shakir Mukhamadullin tallied and Yaroslav Askarov stopped 24 shots for the Sharks, who have dropped back-to-back games.
–Field Level Media
The NCAA is reportedly considering a “5 for 5” rule that gives athletes 5 years of eligibility to compete.
The exceptions are extremely limited, but BYU would not be forgotten.
On today’s episode of Locked On College Football, Spencer McLaughlin discusses Ohio State’s star WR Jeremiah Smith saying he could have gotten $10 million to transfer out of Columbus.
Who would offer that?
Clemson heads into 2026 looking to put Dabo Swinney’s tampering/transfer debacle with LB Luke Ferrelli behind them.
Can they bounce back after a massive letdown in 2025?
00:00 NCAA eligibility rules and BYU missions
04:47 Debating NCAA athlete eligibility rules
07:46 Challenges in college football today
13:59 Jeremiah Smith’s college football impact
16:46 College football player salary speculation
24:54 Clemson’s schedule and key matchups
Rogers has played 88 times for Scarlets as well as winning 13 caps for Wales, including scoring a hat-trick against New Zealand last November.
“The Ospreys have had a lot of success over the years and I’m really looking forward to testing myself in a different environment,” said Rogers.
“I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank all of the Scarlets fans for their support during my time at the club, it has always meant a lot to me.”
Despite the loss of a promising Wales international Davies said he remains positive about the current project to re-build a Scarlets squad who have struggled in URC this season.
“Our focus now is very clear. We are building a squad that is aligned, competitive and capable of driving this club forward,” he said.
“We have real strength and depth developing across the back three, with a group that combines international quality with exciting young talent coming through our pathway. That gives us a strong platform to build from.
“There is real momentum building here and we are excited about what lies ahead.”
His stock has cooled because of injury over the last month, but not long ago, Florida defensive tackle Caleb Banks was considered a 1st-Round shoo-in. And according to NFL.com’s Chad Reuter, who accurately predicted that the Vikings would draft Lewis Cine and Andrew Booth to start the 2022 NFL Draft, Banks will join Minnesota’s depth chart at Pick No. 18 in two weeks.
A familiar mock-draft voice has the Vikings targeting defense again in 2026.
Cine and Booth were not ironclad locks for Minnesota’s draft choices four years ago, but Reuter nailed it regardless.
Banks and Ponds Would Continue Minnesota’s Defensive Draft Trend
Cross out your Dillon Thieneman mock drafts for a day, and explore Banks.
Reuter: Banks to MIN in R1
Banks has fallen off the Vikings’ Round 1 mock draft radar, but Reuter evidently isn’t buying it. He wrote about Banks to Minnesota, “Banks is a run stuffer with the ability to get in the face (and passing lanes) of opposing quarterbacks. Solid long-term investment for Minnesota’s D-line.”
In this edition, the Vikings notably passed on tight end Kenyon Sadiq, who was picked by the Carolina Panthers at No. 19.
The aforementioned Thieneman, the Vikings’ main mock draft darling, wound up with the Chicago Bears at No. 25.
The Banks Scouting Report
Standing at 6’6″ and weighing 330 pounds, Banks immediately commands attention. At 23, his fully developed physique and strength suggest a smoother transition into an NFL program.
Beyond his imposing physical attributes, Banks demonstrates impressive skills. He explodes off the line with exceptional quickness, frequently defeating interior blockers with his initial burst. This, combined with his powerful hands and natural strength, allows him to collapse the pocket and disrupt quarterbacks before plays develop.
His statistics support his on-field performance. Over 34 games at Louisville and Florida, he recorded 10.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks, showcasing his ability to pressure the quarterback while remaining a stout run defender.
The Ringer’s Todd McShay on Banks: “Banks is one of the most talented players and one of the top defensive tackle prospects in this class. Concerns about his durability will hurt his draft stock, but he still has a chance to be the first Florida defensive lineman drafted in the first round since Taven Bryan in 2018.”
“Foot injuries have raised concerns about his long-term durability, but Banks possesses a rare blend of size, length, and lower-body explosiveness. He had the longest arms of any defensive tackle at the combine (and the rest of his testing numbers were equally impressive), and he uses that length to press blockers off his frame.”
The Vikings haven’t drafted a defensive tackle in Round 1 since Sharrif Floyd in 2013.
McShay added, “He can track the ball and disengage in time to make plays. He’s also quick, he slips blocks, and he disrupts plays in the backfield. He does play high, but he’s big and strong enough to get away with it most of the time. He has some upside as a pass rusher.”
The Other Draft Choices from Reuter
Reuter’s mock draft included five rounds; here’s the full haul for Minnesota:
- Round 1: Caleb Banks (DT, Florida)
- Round 2: D’Angelo Ponds (CB, Indiana)
- Round 3: Genesis Smith (S, Arizona)
- Round 3: Sam Hecht (C, Kansas State)
- Round 5: Demond Claiborne (RB, Wake Forest)
If Reuter follows up his 2022 masterclass prediction of nailing Cine and Booth, Banks and Ponds will be Vikings within the next two weeks.
Minnesota has also strongly hinted that it will draft a rookie center, so the Hecht pick makes sense, too.
The Vikings hosted Claiborne, the Round 5 running back, for a pre-draft visit last month.
What’s Missing from the Mock?
Reuter’s forecast is missing one thing, which he’d evidently leave for Round 7, where the Vikings have three selections: a wide receiver.
Minnesota let Jalen Nailor leave last month in free agency for the Las Vegas Raiders, and the only WR3-in-waiting right now is Tai Felton, who barely played as a rookie in 2025. Assuming the Vikings draft no WRs in Rounds 1 through 5, they may have to pursue a free agent like DeAndre Hopkins, Tyreek Hill, Stefon Diggs, or Deebo Samuel, all unsigned in early April.
Banks ranks No. 37 on the Consensus Big Board — the same territory where the Vikings’ 1st-Round pick last year lived: Donovan Jackson, No. 39.
If Minnesota wants a defensive tackle, but Banks is not the preference, the other key names to know are Peter Woods (Clemson), Kayden McDonald (Ohio State), Christen Miller (Georgia), and Lee Hunter (Texas Tech).
With R. Praggnanandhaa out of contention, focus has shifted to his sister R. Vaishali, who enters Round 11 of the Women’s Candidates tournament as the sole leader, boosting her chances of sealing the title when play resumes on Saturday after the rest day. Vaishali, on six points, faces Russia’s Aleksandra Goryachkina in the next round, aiming to extend her lead and strengthen her bid for the title, which would earn her a shot at reigning world champion Ju Wenjun later this year.
With four rounds remaining, Vaishali has been the standout among the three Indian players, ahead of her younger brother R. Praggnanandhaa, who is competing in the Open section, and Divya Deshmukh.
She holds a half-point lead over Ukraine’s Anna Muzychuk and China’s Zhu Jiner. The trio of Kateryna Lagno, Aleksandra Goryachkina, and Kazakhstan’s Bibisara Assaubayeva are tied for fourth on five points, while Divya Deshmukh is another half-point behind.
Former women’s world champion Tan Zhongyi sits in last place with 3.5 points.
Vaishali has been in the spotlight for her bold, attacking play, with three wins and just one loss so far. The Indian has shown strong intent, balancing ambition with calculated risk-taking.
After her clash with Goryachkina, she still has games against two Chinese players and Kateryna. With four rounds left, the tournament remains wide open, and a strong finish could still secure the title and a shot at world champion Wenjun later this year.
The ‘Open’ section has turned into a one-sided race, with Sindarov in commanding form on eight points out of 10. The Uzbek has been relentless, scoring six wins alongside four draws, and is now well placed to secure a shot at India’s D. Gukesh in this year’s World Championship match, barring a dramatic collapse in the final rounds.
Sindarov remains firmly in control, with the closest challenger Anish Giri trailing by two points and needing a near-miracle to stay in contention for the title.
Such has been Sindarov’s dominance that third-placed Fabiano Caruana is a further point behind Giri and effectively out of the race. Hikaru Nakamura, Wei Yi, and Matthias Bluebaum share fourth place on 4.5 points.
Praggnanandhaa is in seventh spot with just four points to his credit after a promising start, while Andrey Esipenko, on 3.5 points, is in the last spot.
A win for Sindarov against Caruana in the next round could virtually settle the title in his favour, while even a draw would move him closer to glory.
Giri faces Andrey Esipenko and will look to cut into the gap if he wins, while Praggnanandhaa takes on Bluebaum, who has shown solid form throughout the event.
In another Round 11 encounter, Nakamura will aim to improve his standing against Wei Yi.
Pairings (Round 11): Fabiano Caruana (USA, 5) vs Javokhir Sindarov (Uzb, 8); R Praggnanandhaa (Ind, 4) vs Matthias Bluebaum (Ger, 4.5); Hikaru Nakamura (USA, 4.5) vs Wei Yi (Chn, 4.5); Anish Giri (Ned, 6) vs Andrey Esipenko (Rus, 3.5).
Women: Aleksandra Goryachkina (Rus, 5) vs R Vaishali (Ind, 6); Tan Zhongyi (Chn, 3.5) vs Bibisara Assaubayeva (Kaz, 5); Kateryna Lagno (Rus, 5) vs Anna Muzychuk (Ukr, 5.5); Zhu Jiner (Chn, 5.5) vs Divya Deshmukh (Ind, 4.5).
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
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Not everybody representing the red, white and blue sounded necessarily ecstatic about doing so in the Olympics.
Freeskier Hunter Hess said he had “mixed emotions” representing the U.S. in Milan, while skier Mikaela Shiffrin said she wanted to represent her own “values” in Milan, and it was “tough to reconcile” violence in America while “competing for medals at an Olympic event.”
But for two-time gold medalist Jordan Stolz, there were no problems.
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Gold medalist Jordan Stolz of the U.S. celebrates after the men’s 500-meter speedskating race at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy, on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026. (Ben Curtis/AP Photo)
In a recent interview with Fox News Digital, the speedskater who won gold twice in Italy, Stolz said he paid no mind to any other athletes’ comments.
“I didn’t really pay attention to it, but I’m always happy to represent the USA,” Stolz said.
“I think we’re the best country.”
It was not just winter Olympians who shared unease about representing the United States on the grandest stage. In an interview with Fox News Digital months before the 2024 Summer Olympics, Noah Lyles said representing the U.S. was “bittersweet” and came with a “heavy heart,” saying Black people in America have “a lot to deal with.”
Noah Lyles of the United States poses after winning the gold medal in the men’s 200 meters final at the World Athletics Championships. The event took place in Tokyo on Sept. 19, 2025. (Matthias Schrader/AP)
OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALIST DISCUSSES BALANCE BETWEEN CELEBRATING ONE VICTORY WHILE VYING FOR OTHERS
Hess said it was “a little hard” to represent the United States, because “there’s obviously a lot going on that I’m not the biggest fan of, and I think a lot of people aren’t.” Those comments prompted President Donald Trump to call him a “real loser.”
“Just because I’m wearing the flag doesn’t mean I represent everything that’s going on in the U.S. I just kind of want to do it for my friends and my family and the people that support me getting here,” Hess said in February.
Shriffin said, “I think there’s a lot of hardship in the world globally, and there’s a lot of heartbreak. There’s a lot of violence. It can be tough to reconcile that when you’re also competing for medals at an Olympic event.”
Ahead of the World Baseball Classic, Bryce Harper, who played for Team USA, said it was “crazy” to not fully embrace wearing the Stars and Stripes.
United States Bryce Harper celebrates after hitting a two-run home run during the eighth inning in the championship game of the World Baseball Classic against Venezuela, Tuesday, March 17, 2026, in Miami. (Lynne Sladky/AP)
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The Philadelphia Phillies first baseman said no matter where one may stand politically, it is always the greatest honor to represent the United States.
“Obviously, there’s things that are going on in the country that, you know, aren’t good or people don’t believe in or whatever, right? Politics aside, for me, when you’re going and representing your country, you’re representing your country, man. Like, block all that out. It’s sports.
“We want to put something on the TV that is happy and good and just great for everybody to watch, right? So, representing your country, there’s nothing greater than representing your country. There’s really nothing at all.
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The Calgary kid who almost hijacked the Presidents’ Trophy party in Denver Thursday night wasn’t even supposed to be in the lineup.
Tyson Gross, a 23‑year‑old college free agent who was supposed to be watching this one from the press box until Ryan Strome fell ill, nearly authored the Flames’ feel‑good moment of the season.
Down 2–0 late, with Dustin Wolf miraculously keeping things close by making 38 saves, Ryan Huska tapped Gross on the shoulder for an offensive‑zone draw with the goalie pulled. A show of trust for a kid playing just his third NHL game.
Gross rewarded him by winning it, as he did on eight of ten attempts, and then going straight to the blue paint.
Seconds later, he was living the dream.
A rebound popped loose at the top of the crease, and Gross, on his backhand, shoveled it home with three minutes left.
His first NHL goal. The bench erupted.
“Obviously it’s something you dream of your entire life, so to be able to get it is special,” he told reporters after the game.
“It’ll go in my parents’ house for sure.”
As he told Sportsnet’s Brendan Parker, “I kind of blanked out a little bit. It took a second to realize I scored a goal in the NHL.”
And then, just a few minutes later, he did it again, prompting captain Mikael Backlund to stare wide-eyed from the bench and mouth the words all Flames fans were thinking: “Wow.”
Alas, the celebration lasted only long enough for the replay to hit the Jumbotron.
Colorado challenged for offside, and it didn’t take long to see why. Gross had entered the zone early on a Matt Coronato pass. The dramatic, “is this really happening” goal was wiped out.
It ruined the type of story Flames fans hope to see much more of, as the Flames’ youth movement is bound to produce all sorts of milestone moments from its future stars as they try to gain footing in the bigs.
“Unfortunately the second one didn’t go in to tie the game up,” Gross said.
“But hopefully more opportunities in the future.”
The Avs added an empty‑netter moments later to seal a 3–1 win, leaving the kid who grew up 20 minutes west of the Saddledome with a souvenir puck on its way to being mounted and presented to his family.
Huska, who is doing well to give all sorts of youngsters primo chances to make impacts, couldn’t hide his pride in the rookie.
“He did a really good job winning draws and he went right to the net,” the coach said.
“We’re quite excited for him to score his first goal in the NHL at a big moment. He should leave here feeling a lot more confident.”
Gross became just the ninth Calgary‑born player ever to score for the Flames.
The college season came to an end in the Frozen Four semifinal for Flames prospects Abram Wiebe, Cole Reschny and Cade Littler Thursday when North Dakota lost 2-1 to Wisconsin. The Flames sent assistant GM Brad Pascall and director of player development Ray Edwards to take in the action in Vegas, and will do their best to ink Wiebe to an NHL contract while they are there. The 6-foot-3, 210-pound left-shot defenceman was acquired in the Rasmus Andersson trade, and will graduate one year early, meaning the clock is ticking on the Flames signing him before he is eligible to be a free agent. The Flames have saved one of their two open contract spots for Wiebe, and would love to see the third-year finance major make his NHL debut next week when the Flames wrap up the season with three games at home.
Wiebe, 22, was a seventh-round pick of the Golden Knights who had five goals and 29 points in 39 games.
Reschny, who was the Flames’ 18th pick overall last summer, had a solid freshman season, with 35 points in 35 games, not to mention a stellar world juniors showing.
The Flames said they want to talk to the 19-year-old Saskatchewan native about his future plans before helping him map out what’s best for his development.
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Three more veterans were scratched from the lineup Thursday, including Kevin Bahl, who left two shifts into the team’s last game with a lower body injury.
After making awkward contact with Thomas Harley along the end boards, Bahl immediately grabbed his left knee and limped off the ice in obvious discomfort. He left for the dressing room soon thereafter and was sent back to Calgary for further observation.
Strome was ill, and Blake Coleman missed the game as he had rushed back to Dallas to attend the birth of his fourth child.
The Flames played in Dallas Tuesday, where he got to spend time with his family, but after flying to Denver with the team he was immediately summoned by his wife Jordan to return in time to meet little Cade, who decided to show up a little earlier than expected.
The Avs played without former Flame Nazem Kadri, who left Colorado’s last game after blocking a shot. The team hopes to have the veteran centre back in time for the playoffs.
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The Minnesota Vikings have five selections after Round 4 of the 2026 NFL Draft, and one of those late picks might be used on Miami wide receiver CJ Daniels.
Minnesota is still digging into wideout help ahead of the draft’s middle rounds.
Daniels flew into the Twin Cities this week for a pre-draft visit, a decent indicator that the franchise has a keen eye on the Hurricane.
Daniels Brings Production, Experience, and Midround Upside
The Vikings are widely known for drafting productive wideouts.
Daniels to MIN for Pre-Draft Visit
Daniels showed up in Eagan on Wednesday, and NFL writer Dave Holcomb noted, “The Minnesota Vikings will again feature a potential top wide receiver duo with Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison next season. But that doesn’t mean the Vikings won’t add a receiver in the later rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft. Should that happen, Minnesota targeting a potential sleeper such as CJ Daniels could make a lot of sense.”
“The Vikings are doing their research on Daniels two weeks ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft. NFL writer Arye Pulli reported Wednesday that the Vikings are hosting Daniels on a pre-draft visit. Pulli called the wideout a natural pass catcher and Day 3 sleeper.”
Daniels ranks No. 193 on the Consensus Big Board as of April 9th, making him a 6th-Round prospect with the draft two weeks away.
Daniels’s Scouting Report
The short story on Daniels? He’s “old” (24) and slow — but polished, technically-refined, and handsy (in a good way). He logged 50 catches for 557 yards and 7 touchdowns last year at Miami. The main knock on him, causing his late-round draft stock, is a lack of speed and contested-catch process.
NFL Draft Buzz‘s Wyatt Brooks on Daniels: “Here’s the deal with Daniels: he fits best in an offense that values precision over explosiveness. Concepts built around timing throws, screen packages, and route combinations that create space through design rather than pure athleticism will get the most out of him.”
“He’s not going to be a number one target at the next level, but as a complementary piece who can block, move the chains, and give you professional route running from multiple alignments, there’s genuine day-two value here. His six years of college experience and the fact that he produced at three different programs show a player who adapts quickly and earns trust wherever he goes.”
There’s actually a healthy debate on Daniels’s draft placement; some pundits peg him as high as a 3rd-Rounder. Others claim he’s an undrafted free-agent-to-be.
Brooks added, “That kind of reliability goes a long way on Sundays. Daniels is the type of receiver who probably won’t light up a room during the pre-draft process, but put his tape on and you see a guy who understands how to play the position. His route craft is legitimate.”
“He uses his lower body to deceive defenders, changes pace within his stems, and consistently wins out of breaks with quickness rather than raw speed. The savvy is real, and it shows up week after week regardless of the uniform he’s wearing.”
Age a Slight Concern
By the time Week 18 rolls around — hopefully the Vikings are competing for the NFC North crown and a playoff spot — Daniels will turn 25. Yes, a 25-year-old rookie.
Is that a death sentence? Absolutely not. But when Daniels turns 25, some wide receivers from years past would be negotiating a second contract or already have one. Or — consider this: Daniels will be 25 in January, and he hasn’t been drafted yet. Jordan Addison turned 24 this offseason.
Some draft heads hyperfocus on a rookie’s age; others don’t care. Choose your fighter.
The Need for Daniels
Tai Felton is the Vikings’ WR3 on paper right now. That might be great; it could be terrible. Minnesota drafted him in Round 3 last year, and as a rookie, he hardly played on offense, instead seeing action on special teams. Drafting WRs in Round 3 generally indicates a role on offense, not just special teams assignments.
Then, Minnesota allowed Jalen Nailor to leave in free agency one month ago. He landed with the Las Vegas Raiders, reuniting with Kirk Cousins and Klint Kubiak in the AFC West. If Minnesota does not trust Felton as the WR3 this season, it needs an alternative, either a rookie or a free agent from the open market.
Because of Daniels’s “advanced age” as a rookie, he’s a curveball option for WR3. And the Vikings are clearly curious about him; he’s at team headquarters this week.
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