Deadspin | Skidding Phillies say skipper Rob Thomson not on hot seat Apr 21, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Philadelphia Phillies manager Rob Thomson (49) in the dugout before a game against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images Despite an underwhelming 8-15 start and a current seven-game skid, Philadelphia Phillies manager Rob Thomson does not appear to be on the hot seat. President of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski said he is focused on improving the team’s overall play amid its longest losing streak since June 2019. “We just haven’t played very well. It’s really every portion of our game,” Dombrowski said before Tuesday’s 7-4 loss to the Chicago Cubs. “There’s been some individual players that have done fine, by all means, who are doing well. As a group, I don’t think any part of our team has excelled: offensively, pitching-wise, starting pitching-wise, defensively.” Thomson, 62, has an overall record of 354-266 (.571) since taking over in 2022, reaching the playoffs in each of the past four seasons. His Phillies fell in six games to the Houston Astros in the 2022 World Series. Dombrowski said he is not considering a managerial change … yet. “Put it this way. We’re not,” Dombrowski said. “But if we were, that’s not something we’ve ever shared. Rob Thomson’s been a good manager for us since (2022). We always look at everything that’s taking place, but no. “Generally, I’ve said about 40 games of the season is when you start to say, ‘OK, where are we shaping up? Guys have had enough time.’ But there’s no magic in that number. Sometimes it’s a little bit more; sometimes it’s a little bit less. They’re not happy with their performances. Shoot, I’m responsible for putting the club on the field, so I’m not happy with the way it’s going. But I think you just balance that all the time on a daily basis.” The Phillies have been outscored 49-14 during their current losing streak. For the season, they rank 28th out of 30 clubs in team batting average (.218) and 28th in team ERA (4.99). The Phillies play two more games in Chicago on Wednesday and Thursday before heading to Atlanta for a three-game weekend series. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Skidding #Phillies #skipper #Rob #Thomson #hot #seat

Deadspin | Skidding Phillies say skipper Rob Thomson not on hot seat
Deadspin | Skidding Phillies say skipper Rob Thomson not on hot seat Apr 21, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Philadelphia Phillies manager Rob Thomson (49) in the dugout before a game against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images Despite an underwhelming 8-15 start and a current seven-game skid, Philadelphia Phillies manager Rob Thomson does not appear to be on the hot seat. President of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski said he is focused on improving the team’s overall play amid its longest losing streak since June 2019. “We just haven’t played very well. It’s really every portion of our game,” Dombrowski said before Tuesday’s 7-4 loss to the Chicago Cubs. “There’s been some individual players that have done fine, by all means, who are doing well. As a group, I don’t think any part of our team has excelled: offensively, pitching-wise, starting pitching-wise, defensively.” Thomson, 62, has an overall record of 354-266 (.571) since taking over in 2022, reaching the playoffs in each of the past four seasons. His Phillies fell in six games to the Houston Astros in the 2022 World Series. Dombrowski said he is not considering a managerial change … yet. “Put it this way. We’re not,” Dombrowski said. “But if we were, that’s not something we’ve ever shared. Rob Thomson’s been a good manager for us since (2022). We always look at everything that’s taking place, but no. “Generally, I’ve said about 40 games of the season is when you start to say, ‘OK, where are we shaping up? Guys have had enough time.’ But there’s no magic in that number. Sometimes it’s a little bit more; sometimes it’s a little bit less. They’re not happy with their performances. Shoot, I’m responsible for putting the club on the field, so I’m not happy with the way it’s going. But I think you just balance that all the time on a daily basis.” The Phillies have been outscored 49-14 during their current losing streak. For the season, they rank 28th out of 30 clubs in team batting average (.218) and 28th in team ERA (4.99). The Phillies play two more games in Chicago on Wednesday and Thursday before heading to Atlanta for a three-game weekend series. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Skidding #Phillies #skipper #Rob #Thomson #hot #seatApr 21, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Philadelphia Phillies manager Rob Thomson (49) in the dugout before a game against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images

Despite an underwhelming 8-15 start and a current seven-game skid, Philadelphia Phillies manager Rob Thomson does not appear to be on the hot seat.

President of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski said he is focused on improving the team’s overall play amid its longest losing streak since June 2019.

“We just haven’t played very well. It’s really every portion of our game,” Dombrowski said before Tuesday’s 7-4 loss to the Chicago Cubs. “There’s been some individual players that have done fine, by all means, who are doing well. As a group, I don’t think any part of our team has excelled: offensively, pitching-wise, starting pitching-wise, defensively.”

Thomson, 62, has an overall record of 354-266 (.571) since taking over in 2022, reaching the playoffs in each of the past four seasons. His Phillies fell in six games to the Houston Astros in the 2022 World Series.


Dombrowski said he is not considering a managerial change … yet.

“Put it this way. We’re not,” Dombrowski said. “But if we were, that’s not something we’ve ever shared. Rob Thomson’s been a good manager for us since (2022). We always look at everything that’s taking place, but no.

“Generally, I’ve said about 40 games of the season is when you start to say, ‘OK, where are we shaping up? Guys have had enough time.’ But there’s no magic in that number. Sometimes it’s a little bit more; sometimes it’s a little bit less. They’re not happy with their performances. Shoot, I’m responsible for putting the club on the field, so I’m not happy with the way it’s going. But I think you just balance that all the time on a daily basis.”

The Phillies have been outscored 49-14 during their current losing streak. For the season, they rank 28th out of 30 clubs in team batting average (.218) and 28th in team ERA (4.99).

The Phillies play two more games in Chicago on Wednesday and Thursday before heading to Atlanta for a three-game weekend series.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Skidding #Phillies #skipper #Rob #Thomson #hot #seat

Sports news

Apr 21, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Philadelphia Phillies manager Rob Thomson (49) in the dugout before a game against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images

Despite an underwhelming 8-15 start and a current seven-game skid, Philadelphia Phillies manager Rob Thomson does not appear to be on the hot seat.

President of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski said he is focused on improving the team’s overall play amid its longest losing streak since June 2019.

“We just haven’t played very well. It’s really every portion of our game,” Dombrowski said before Tuesday’s 7-4 loss to the Chicago Cubs. “There’s been some individual players that have done fine, by all means, who are doing well. As a group, I don’t think any part of our team has excelled: offensively, pitching-wise, starting pitching-wise, defensively.”

Thomson, 62, has an overall record of 354-266 (.571) since taking over in 2022, reaching the playoffs in each of the past four seasons. His Phillies fell in six games to the Houston Astros in the 2022 World Series.

Dombrowski said he is not considering a managerial change … yet.

“Put it this way. We’re not,” Dombrowski said. “But if we were, that’s not something we’ve ever shared. Rob Thomson’s been a good manager for us since (2022). We always look at everything that’s taking place, but no.

“Generally, I’ve said about 40 games of the season is when you start to say, ‘OK, where are we shaping up? Guys have had enough time.’ But there’s no magic in that number. Sometimes it’s a little bit more; sometimes it’s a little bit less. They’re not happy with their performances. Shoot, I’m responsible for putting the club on the field, so I’m not happy with the way it’s going. But I think you just balance that all the time on a daily basis.”

The Phillies have been outscored 49-14 during their current losing streak. For the season, they rank 28th out of 30 clubs in team batting average (.218) and 28th in team ERA (4.99).

The Phillies play two more games in Chicago on Wednesday and Thursday before heading to Atlanta for a three-game weekend series.

–Field Level Media

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Deadspin | 2-time Stanley Cup champion Trevor Lewis retires <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-4 py-0 pb-4 !mx-0 !px-0"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/25665153.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/25665153.jpg" alt="NHL: St. Louis Blues at Los Angeles Kings" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Mar 5, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Kings center Trevor Lewis (61) skates against the St. Louis Blues during the second period at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Alex Gallardo-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>Two-time Stanley Cup champion Trevor Lewis retired from the NHL on Wednesday after 17 seasons.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>Lewis, 39, last played in the NHL during the 2024-25 season, recording 12 points (six goals, six assists) in 60 games with the Los Angeles Kings. The forward spent 14 seasons with the Kings and won the Stanley Cup with the club in 2012 and 2014.</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>“As a kid growing up in Utah, I could have never imagined this journey,” Lewis posted on social media. “Playing over 1,000 games and winning two Stanley Cups. Those milestones aren’t just numbers to me, they represent years of sacrifice, perseverance and a deep love for the game.”</p> </section><br/><section id="section-4"> <p>Lewis totaled 237 points (104 goals, 133 assists) in 1,034 career games with the Kings, Winnipeg Jets and Calgary Flames. He was selected by Los Angeles with the 17th overall pick of the 2006 NHL Draft.</p> </section> <section id="section-5"> <p>“I want to especially thank the Los Angeles Kings organization for believing in me from day one,” he wrote. “You gave me an opportunity to chase this dream, and together we built something I will carry with me for the rest of my life.</p> </section><section id="section-6"> <p>“Hockey has given me more than I could ever ask for — brothers in the locker room, lessons that shaped me as a man, and memories that will last forever.”</p> </section><section id="section-7"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section></div> #Deadspin #2time #Stanley #Cup #champion #Trevor #Lewis #retires

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Deadspin | Phillies C J.T. Realmuto (back) placed on 10-day injured list Mar 29, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto (10) at bat against the Texas Rangers at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images The slumping Philadelphia Phillies placed catcher J.T. Realmuto on the 10-day injured list with back spasms on Wednesday. Realmuto, 35, sat out two games before returning Tuesday and going 0-for-4 in a 7-4 road loss to the Chicago Cubs, Philadelphia’s seventh straight defeat. The three-time All-Star and two-time Gold Glove backstop is batting .259 with one home run and four RBIs through 17 games this season. The Phillies are calling up catcher Garrett Stubbs from Triple-A Lehigh Valley to fill Realmuto’s roster spot and split time behind the plate with Rafael Marchan. To make room for Stubbs on the 40-man roster, Philadelphia transferred right-hander Max Lazar (oblique strain) to the 60-day IL. Realmuto is a lifetime .270 hitter with 181 homers and 681 RBIs in 1,390 career games with the Miami Marlins (2014-18) and Phillies (2019-26). Stubbs, 32, is a career .215 hitter with seven home runs and 45 RBIs in 197 games across seven seasons with the Houston Astros (2019-21) and Phillies (2022-25). He’s hit .289 with three home runs and eight RBIs in 10 Triple-A games this season. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Phillies #J.T #Realmuto #10day #injured #listMar 29, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto (10) at bat against the Texas Rangers at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

The slumping Philadelphia Phillies placed catcher J.T. Realmuto on the 10-day injured list with back spasms on Wednesday.

Realmuto, 35, sat out two games before returning Tuesday and going 0-for-4 in a 7-4 road loss to the Chicago Cubs, Philadelphia’s seventh straight defeat.

The three-time All-Star and two-time Gold Glove backstop is batting .259 with one home run and four RBIs through 17 games this season.


The Phillies are calling up catcher Garrett Stubbs from Triple-A Lehigh Valley to fill Realmuto’s roster spot and split time behind the plate with Rafael Marchan. To make room for Stubbs on the 40-man roster, Philadelphia transferred right-hander Max Lazar (oblique strain) to the 60-day IL.

Realmuto is a lifetime .270 hitter with 181 homers and 681 RBIs in 1,390 career games with the Miami Marlins (2014-18) and Phillies (2019-26).

Stubbs, 32, is a career .215 hitter with seven home runs and 45 RBIs in 197 games across seven seasons with the Houston Astros (2019-21) and Phillies (2022-25). He’s hit .289 with three home runs and eight RBIs in 10 Triple-A games this season.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Phillies #J.T #Realmuto #10day #injured #list">Deadspin | Phillies C J.T. Realmuto (back) placed on 10-day injured list Mar 29, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto (10) at bat against the Texas Rangers at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images The slumping Philadelphia Phillies placed catcher J.T. Realmuto on the 10-day injured list with back spasms on Wednesday. Realmuto, 35, sat out two games before returning Tuesday and going 0-for-4 in a 7-4 road loss to the Chicago Cubs, Philadelphia’s seventh straight defeat. The three-time All-Star and two-time Gold Glove backstop is batting .259 with one home run and four RBIs through 17 games this season. The Phillies are calling up catcher Garrett Stubbs from Triple-A Lehigh Valley to fill Realmuto’s roster spot and split time behind the plate with Rafael Marchan. To make room for Stubbs on the 40-man roster, Philadelphia transferred right-hander Max Lazar (oblique strain) to the 60-day IL. Realmuto is a lifetime .270 hitter with 181 homers and 681 RBIs in 1,390 career games with the Miami Marlins (2014-18) and Phillies (2019-26). Stubbs, 32, is a career .215 hitter with seven home runs and 45 RBIs in 197 games across seven seasons with the Houston Astros (2019-21) and Phillies (2022-25). He’s hit .289 with three home runs and eight RBIs in 10 Triple-A games this season. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Phillies #J.T #Realmuto #10day #injured #list

Deadspin | Top draft needs for all 32 teams Seattle Seahawks general manager John Schneider speaks to the press at the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images Wily general managers attempt to sell their plan to select the “best player available” prior to every draft. But front-office personnel of teams drafting at the top are not fortunate enough to ignore roster needs if they’d like to stick around for next year’s draft. With free agency all but in the books and a few straggling items still up for bidding on the trade market, here’s how we view the primary roster needs for all 32 teams before the 2026 NFL Draft begins. Arizona Cardinals Farewell to No. 1 pick Kyler Murray, which means the Cardinals can start at QB1 and work their way down if they want to rebound in the NFC West. Position needs: QB, OT, WR, LB, EDGE Atlanta Falcons Without knowing the ultimate direction of the offense, we can say Kevin Stefanski and his QB1 to be named later would benefit from a polished offensive line and skill-position help. Position needs: WR, OT, CB, LB Baltimore Ravens Not securing three-time Pro Bowl C Tyler Linderbaum might haunt the Ravens if they can’t find suitable starters at center and guard in the draft. Signing Trey Hendrickson can beef up the pass rush, but more premium talent is coveted on the edge. Position needs: IOL, OLB, DL, WR, CB Buffalo Bills Slings and arrows at Keon Coleman were not the ideal motivation for a draft-and-develop philosophy. Spending big at QB and RB tightens margin for error in Buffalo. Position needs: WR, S, EDGE, LB, CB Carolina Panthers Restocking the secondary and maybe even a third wide receiver in three years selected in the top 32 would be wins for the Panthers. Position needs: CB, S, TE, OT, WR Chicago Bears Division and playoff push aside, the Bears didn’t sport a shutdown defense most of the year and survived on scraps and takeaways. Position needs: Edge, DL, C, CB Cincinnati Bengals Swapped the No. 10 pick for DT Dexter Lawrence. With a fortunate break they could still score a pass rusher in a draft with an abundance of options, even if no perfect fit for this defense. Position needs: Edge, CB, OL, TE, LB Cleveland Browns Your vantage point on the latest reset in Cleveland might add or subtract a position on this list. Position needs: OL, WR, QB, CB, LB, EDGE Dallas Cowboys If only the Cowboys could find a versatile pass rusher like Micah Parsons, right? Position needs: Edge, DL, LB, S, CB Denver Broncos No first-round pick, no problem for the Broncos. They’ve unearthed mid-round gems each year under the current regime. Position needs: TE, LB, EDGE, DL Detroit Lions Pairing a speed demon with Aidan Hutchinson is the next-level move for Detroit’s defense. Position needs: Edge, OL, LB, CB Green Bay Packers Protect Jordan Love first, and that might require a premium pick. Then make sure he has ample receiving options at a position where injuries have been a hurdle. And fetch a pass rusher with Micah Parsons coming back from injury and Rashan Gary gone. Position needs: OT, WR, Edge, DL, CB Houston Texans Another 12-win season and a pretty productive offseason to date funnels the Texans into a draft where the focus is on offensive line and defensive line reinforcements. Position needs: OL, DL, LB, DB, Edge Indianapolis Colts One of the sharpest offenses in the NFL the first half of last season crumbled down the stretch. GM Chris Ballard argues Sauce Gardner, acquired for Indy’s first-round pick at the trade deadline, is the Colts’ 2026 first-rounder. His job might depend on mining more gems in the middle of the draft. Position needs: OT, WR, EDGE, LB, S Jacksonville Jaguars There is always a chance the leadership of the Jaguars makes a dramatic play on draft night. If an elite defender is falling Thursday, don’t be surprised to see the Jacksonville draft room pop up on your screen. Position needs: DT, S, Edge, LB, CB Kansas City Chiefs Good news: Two first-round picks (9, 29). Bad news: We count six positions where the starter is uncertain or replacement level and more with contextual question marks. The secondary makeover is incomplete with a legitimate No. 1 corner to replace Trent McDuffie. Position needs: CB, Edge, OL, WR, DL Los Angeles Chargers For all the Chargers have invested in the offensive line — draft capital and real dollars — it’s not there yet. Position needs: OL, WR, Edge, DL, DB Los Angeles Rams Matthew Stafford is closer to AARP than his physical prime, which begs the question: How long can the Rams get away with not having a QB of the future? Position needs: LB, QB, DL, S, Edge Las Vegas Raiders No team drafts first overall without countless roster concerns to help put them at the bottom of the NFL standings. Position needs: QB, OT, DT, WR Miami Dolphins Can’t list everything on the shopping list in South Beach. Jeff Hafley and Jon Eric-Sullivan are in charge, have two first-round picks and more needs than Michael has Jordans. Position needs: WR, CB, S, TE, Edge Minnesota Vikings The QB competition in the Twin Cities takes all the headlines, although attention and some assembly is going to be required for this defense to be up to snuff by September. Position needs: LB, S, RB, DL, TE New England Patriots Watching the Super Bowl, there were a few takeaways postgame well before anyone thought, “the Patriots will be back.” Maybe Mike Vrabel can just add magic and Drake Maye will resume plowing the MVP track. Or maybe New England excelled at covering up fatal flaws which were exposed by the Seahawks. Position needs: OT, LB, Edge, WR, DT New Orleans Saints Retooling on defense is a work in progress and if the Saints want Tyler Shough to take another step in his pro development, weapons are not in great supply at wide receiver or running back. Position needs: Edge, CB, DL, WR, OL New York Giants John Harbaugh should see a lot to like with two top-10 picks. O-line and d-line are the likely highest priorities. Position needs: DT, LB, IOL, WR, CB New York Jets How are we feeling about running it back with Geno Smith, Jets fans? That’s what we thought. Position needs: QB, CB, Edge, WR Philadelphia Eagles Philly always invests in the line, and if there’s a playmaker at safety that makes sense, this could be the year to jump the queue to go get him. Position needs: Edge, S, WR, OL, TE Pittsburgh Steelers Make it six consecutive years an NFL team waits as Aaron Rodgers contemplates whether to return. But he’s 42, so even if we get Vintage Aaron one more season, a Plan B is a must for the Steelers. Position needs: QB, OL, WR, TE, LB Seattle Seahawks Zero doubt GM John Schneider has called every team in the league offering to drop out of the first round to add to the team’s current haul of four total picks. Position needs: CB, EDGE, WR, OL San Francisco 49ers Left tackle Trent Williams maintains dog status when he’s healthy. The offense, not just the line, isn’t the same when he’s unavailable. Position needs: OL, WR, TE, S Tampa Bay Buccaneers Head coach Todd Bowles prefers a more dominant front seven to spearhead the defense. Position needs: Edge, CB, WR, LB Tennessee Titans We aren’t going to list running back because Tony Pollard was better-than-average last season. We would understand the rationale of selecting Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love early, but if the Titans get a crack at a blue-chip pass rusher they can’t look away. Position needs: Edge, WR, LB, OL, TE Washington Commanders Erasing last season is one thing, forgetting the why behind Washington’s decline would be another. Jayden Daniels rarely had enough playmakers on the field and even a spendy offseason on defense this spring hasn’t plugged all of the problematic leaks. Position needs: WR, Edge, OL, DB, RB –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Top #draft #teamsSeattle Seahawks general manager John Schneider speaks to the press at the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

Wily general managers attempt to sell their plan to select the “best player available” prior to every draft. But front-office personnel of teams drafting at the top are not fortunate enough to ignore roster needs if they’d like to stick around for next year’s draft.

With free agency all but in the books and a few straggling items still up for bidding on the trade market, here’s how we view the primary roster needs for all 32 teams before the 2026 NFL Draft begins.

Arizona Cardinals

Farewell to No. 1 pick Kyler Murray, which means the Cardinals can start at QB1 and work their way down if they want to rebound in the NFC West.

Position needs: QB, OT, WR, LB, EDGE

Atlanta Falcons

Without knowing the ultimate direction of the offense, we can say Kevin Stefanski and his QB1 to be named later would benefit from a polished offensive line and skill-position help.

Position needs: WR, OT, CB, LB

Baltimore Ravens

Not securing three-time Pro Bowl C Tyler Linderbaum might haunt the Ravens if they can’t find suitable starters at center and guard in the draft. Signing Trey Hendrickson can beef up the pass rush, but more premium talent is coveted on the edge.

Position needs: IOL, OLB, DL, WR, CB

Buffalo Bills

Slings and arrows at Keon Coleman were not the ideal motivation for a draft-and-develop philosophy. Spending big at QB and RB tightens margin for error in Buffalo.

Position needs: WR, S, EDGE, LB, CB

Carolina Panthers

Restocking the secondary and maybe even a third wide receiver in three years selected in the top 32 would be wins for the Panthers.

Position needs: CB, S, TE, OT, WR

Chicago Bears

Division and playoff push aside, the Bears didn’t sport a shutdown defense most of the year and survived on scraps and takeaways.

Position needs: Edge, DL, C, CB

Cincinnati Bengals

Swapped the No. 10 pick for DT Dexter Lawrence. With a fortunate break they could still score a pass rusher in a draft with an abundance of options, even if no perfect fit for this defense.

Position needs: Edge, CB, OL, TE, LB

Cleveland Browns

Your vantage point on the latest reset in Cleveland might add or subtract a position on this list.

Position needs: OL, WR, QB, CB, LB, EDGE

Dallas Cowboys

If only the Cowboys could find a versatile pass rusher like Micah Parsons, right?

Position needs: Edge, DL, LB, S, CB

Denver Broncos

No first-round pick, no problem for the Broncos. They’ve unearthed mid-round gems each year under the current regime.

Position needs: TE, LB, EDGE, DL

Detroit Lions

Pairing a speed demon with Aidan Hutchinson is the next-level move for Detroit’s defense.

Position needs: Edge, OL, LB, CB

Green Bay Packers

Protect Jordan Love first, and that might require a premium pick. Then make sure he has ample receiving options at a position where injuries have been a hurdle. And fetch a pass rusher with Micah Parsons coming back from injury and Rashan Gary gone.

Position needs: OT, WR, Edge, DL, CB

Houston Texans

Another 12-win season and a pretty productive offseason to date funnels the Texans into a draft where the focus is on offensive line and defensive line reinforcements.

Position needs: OL, DL, LB, DB, Edge

Indianapolis Colts

One of the sharpest offenses in the NFL the first half of last season crumbled down the stretch. GM Chris Ballard argues Sauce Gardner, acquired for Indy’s first-round pick at the trade deadline, is the Colts’ 2026 first-rounder. His job might depend on mining more gems in the middle of the draft.

Position needs: OT, WR, EDGE, LB, S

Jacksonville Jaguars

There is always a chance the leadership of the Jaguars makes a dramatic play on draft night. If an elite defender is falling Thursday, don’t be surprised to see the Jacksonville draft room pop up on your screen.

Position needs: DT, S, Edge, LB, CB

Kansas City Chiefs

Good news: Two first-round picks (9, 29). Bad news: We count six positions where the starter is uncertain or replacement level and more with contextual question marks. The secondary makeover is incomplete with a legitimate No. 1 corner to replace Trent McDuffie.


Position needs: CB, Edge, OL, WR, DL

Los Angeles Chargers

For all the Chargers have invested in the offensive line — draft capital and real dollars — it’s not there yet.

Position needs: OL, WR, Edge, DL, DB

Los Angeles Rams

Matthew Stafford is closer to AARP than his physical prime, which begs the question: How long can the Rams get away with not having a QB of the future?

Position needs: LB, QB, DL, S, Edge

Las Vegas Raiders

No team drafts first overall without countless roster concerns to help put them at the bottom of the NFL standings.

Position needs: QB, OT, DT, WR

Miami Dolphins

Can’t list everything on the shopping list in South Beach. Jeff Hafley and Jon Eric-Sullivan are in charge, have two first-round picks and more needs than Michael has Jordans.

Position needs: WR, CB, S, TE, Edge

Minnesota Vikings

The QB competition in the Twin Cities takes all the headlines, although attention and some assembly is going to be required for this defense to be up to snuff by September.

Position needs: LB, S, RB, DL, TE

New England Patriots

Watching the Super Bowl, there were a few takeaways postgame well before anyone thought, “the Patriots will be back.” Maybe Mike Vrabel can just add magic and Drake Maye will resume plowing the MVP track. Or maybe New England excelled at covering up fatal flaws which were exposed by the Seahawks.

Position needs: OT, LB, Edge, WR, DT

New Orleans Saints

Retooling on defense is a work in progress and if the Saints want Tyler Shough to take another step in his pro development, weapons are not in great supply at wide receiver or running back.

Position needs: Edge, CB, DL, WR, OL

New York Giants

John Harbaugh should see a lot to like with two top-10 picks. O-line and d-line are the likely highest priorities.

Position needs: DT, LB, IOL, WR, CB

New York Jets

How are we feeling about running it back with Geno Smith, Jets fans? That’s what we thought.

Position needs: QB, CB, Edge, WR

Philadelphia Eagles

Philly always invests in the line, and if there’s a playmaker at safety that makes sense, this could be the year to jump the queue to go get him.

Position needs: Edge, S, WR, OL, TE

Pittsburgh Steelers

Make it six consecutive years an NFL team waits as Aaron Rodgers contemplates whether to return. But he’s 42, so even if we get Vintage Aaron one more season, a Plan B is a must for the Steelers.

Position needs: QB, OL, WR, TE, LB

Seattle Seahawks

Zero doubt GM John Schneider has called every team in the league offering to drop out of the first round to add to the team’s current haul of four total picks.

Position needs: CB, EDGE, WR, OL

San Francisco 49ers

Left tackle Trent Williams maintains dog status when he’s healthy. The offense, not just the line, isn’t the same when he’s unavailable.

Position needs: OL, WR, TE, S

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Head coach Todd Bowles prefers a more dominant front seven to spearhead the defense.

Position needs: Edge, CB, WR, LB

Tennessee Titans

We aren’t going to list running back because Tony Pollard was better-than-average last season. We would understand the rationale of selecting Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love early, but if the Titans get a crack at a blue-chip pass rusher they can’t look away.

Position needs: Edge, WR, LB, OL, TE

Washington Commanders

Erasing last season is one thing, forgetting the why behind Washington’s decline would be another. Jayden Daniels rarely had enough playmakers on the field and even a spendy offseason on defense this spring hasn’t plugged all of the problematic leaks.

Position needs: WR, Edge, OL, DB, RB

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Top #draft #teams">Deadspin | Top draft needs for all 32 teams Seattle Seahawks general manager John Schneider speaks to the press at the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images Wily general managers attempt to sell their plan to select the “best player available” prior to every draft. But front-office personnel of teams drafting at the top are not fortunate enough to ignore roster needs if they’d like to stick around for next year’s draft. With free agency all but in the books and a few straggling items still up for bidding on the trade market, here’s how we view the primary roster needs for all 32 teams before the 2026 NFL Draft begins. Arizona Cardinals Farewell to No. 1 pick Kyler Murray, which means the Cardinals can start at QB1 and work their way down if they want to rebound in the NFC West. Position needs: QB, OT, WR, LB, EDGE Atlanta Falcons Without knowing the ultimate direction of the offense, we can say Kevin Stefanski and his QB1 to be named later would benefit from a polished offensive line and skill-position help. Position needs: WR, OT, CB, LB Baltimore Ravens Not securing three-time Pro Bowl C Tyler Linderbaum might haunt the Ravens if they can’t find suitable starters at center and guard in the draft. Signing Trey Hendrickson can beef up the pass rush, but more premium talent is coveted on the edge. Position needs: IOL, OLB, DL, WR, CB Buffalo Bills Slings and arrows at Keon Coleman were not the ideal motivation for a draft-and-develop philosophy. Spending big at QB and RB tightens margin for error in Buffalo. Position needs: WR, S, EDGE, LB, CB Carolina Panthers Restocking the secondary and maybe even a third wide receiver in three years selected in the top 32 would be wins for the Panthers. Position needs: CB, S, TE, OT, WR Chicago Bears Division and playoff push aside, the Bears didn’t sport a shutdown defense most of the year and survived on scraps and takeaways. Position needs: Edge, DL, C, CB Cincinnati Bengals Swapped the No. 10 pick for DT Dexter Lawrence. With a fortunate break they could still score a pass rusher in a draft with an abundance of options, even if no perfect fit for this defense. Position needs: Edge, CB, OL, TE, LB Cleveland Browns Your vantage point on the latest reset in Cleveland might add or subtract a position on this list. Position needs: OL, WR, QB, CB, LB, EDGE Dallas Cowboys If only the Cowboys could find a versatile pass rusher like Micah Parsons, right? Position needs: Edge, DL, LB, S, CB Denver Broncos No first-round pick, no problem for the Broncos. They’ve unearthed mid-round gems each year under the current regime. Position needs: TE, LB, EDGE, DL Detroit Lions Pairing a speed demon with Aidan Hutchinson is the next-level move for Detroit’s defense. Position needs: Edge, OL, LB, CB Green Bay Packers Protect Jordan Love first, and that might require a premium pick. Then make sure he has ample receiving options at a position where injuries have been a hurdle. And fetch a pass rusher with Micah Parsons coming back from injury and Rashan Gary gone. Position needs: OT, WR, Edge, DL, CB Houston Texans Another 12-win season and a pretty productive offseason to date funnels the Texans into a draft where the focus is on offensive line and defensive line reinforcements. Position needs: OL, DL, LB, DB, Edge Indianapolis Colts One of the sharpest offenses in the NFL the first half of last season crumbled down the stretch. GM Chris Ballard argues Sauce Gardner, acquired for Indy’s first-round pick at the trade deadline, is the Colts’ 2026 first-rounder. His job might depend on mining more gems in the middle of the draft. Position needs: OT, WR, EDGE, LB, S Jacksonville Jaguars There is always a chance the leadership of the Jaguars makes a dramatic play on draft night. If an elite defender is falling Thursday, don’t be surprised to see the Jacksonville draft room pop up on your screen. Position needs: DT, S, Edge, LB, CB Kansas City Chiefs Good news: Two first-round picks (9, 29). Bad news: We count six positions where the starter is uncertain or replacement level and more with contextual question marks. The secondary makeover is incomplete with a legitimate No. 1 corner to replace Trent McDuffie. Position needs: CB, Edge, OL, WR, DL Los Angeles Chargers For all the Chargers have invested in the offensive line — draft capital and real dollars — it’s not there yet. Position needs: OL, WR, Edge, DL, DB Los Angeles Rams Matthew Stafford is closer to AARP than his physical prime, which begs the question: How long can the Rams get away with not having a QB of the future? Position needs: LB, QB, DL, S, Edge Las Vegas Raiders No team drafts first overall without countless roster concerns to help put them at the bottom of the NFL standings. Position needs: QB, OT, DT, WR Miami Dolphins Can’t list everything on the shopping list in South Beach. Jeff Hafley and Jon Eric-Sullivan are in charge, have two first-round picks and more needs than Michael has Jordans. Position needs: WR, CB, S, TE, Edge Minnesota Vikings The QB competition in the Twin Cities takes all the headlines, although attention and some assembly is going to be required for this defense to be up to snuff by September. Position needs: LB, S, RB, DL, TE New England Patriots Watching the Super Bowl, there were a few takeaways postgame well before anyone thought, “the Patriots will be back.” Maybe Mike Vrabel can just add magic and Drake Maye will resume plowing the MVP track. Or maybe New England excelled at covering up fatal flaws which were exposed by the Seahawks. Position needs: OT, LB, Edge, WR, DT New Orleans Saints Retooling on defense is a work in progress and if the Saints want Tyler Shough to take another step in his pro development, weapons are not in great supply at wide receiver or running back. Position needs: Edge, CB, DL, WR, OL New York Giants John Harbaugh should see a lot to like with two top-10 picks. O-line and d-line are the likely highest priorities. Position needs: DT, LB, IOL, WR, CB New York Jets How are we feeling about running it back with Geno Smith, Jets fans? That’s what we thought. Position needs: QB, CB, Edge, WR Philadelphia Eagles Philly always invests in the line, and if there’s a playmaker at safety that makes sense, this could be the year to jump the queue to go get him. Position needs: Edge, S, WR, OL, TE Pittsburgh Steelers Make it six consecutive years an NFL team waits as Aaron Rodgers contemplates whether to return. But he’s 42, so even if we get Vintage Aaron one more season, a Plan B is a must for the Steelers. Position needs: QB, OL, WR, TE, LB Seattle Seahawks Zero doubt GM John Schneider has called every team in the league offering to drop out of the first round to add to the team’s current haul of four total picks. Position needs: CB, EDGE, WR, OL San Francisco 49ers Left tackle Trent Williams maintains dog status when he’s healthy. The offense, not just the line, isn’t the same when he’s unavailable. Position needs: OL, WR, TE, S Tampa Bay Buccaneers Head coach Todd Bowles prefers a more dominant front seven to spearhead the defense. Position needs: Edge, CB, WR, LB Tennessee Titans We aren’t going to list running back because Tony Pollard was better-than-average last season. We would understand the rationale of selecting Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love early, but if the Titans get a crack at a blue-chip pass rusher they can’t look away. Position needs: Edge, WR, LB, OL, TE Washington Commanders Erasing last season is one thing, forgetting the why behind Washington’s decline would be another. Jayden Daniels rarely had enough playmakers on the field and even a spendy offseason on defense this spring hasn’t plugged all of the problematic leaks. Position needs: WR, Edge, OL, DB, RB –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Top #draft #teams

Deadspin | Saint Mary’s star F Paulius Murauskas follows coach to Arizona State Mar 19, 2026; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Saint Mary’s (CA) Gaels forward Paulius Murauskas (23) dribbles the ball during a first round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images Former Saint Mary’s star forward Paulius Murauskas said Wednesday that he’s transferring to Arizona State to once again play for coach Randy Bennett. Murauskas blossomed in two seasons under Bennett and was one of the best players in the West Coast Conference this past season when he averaged 18.4 points, 7.6 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 33 games (32 starts). The Gaels made the NCAA Tournament for the fifth straight season. Bennett departed Saint Mary’s after the season to take over the Sun Devils. “I followed my heart and chose the place where I trust the people and feel valued not just as a player, but as a person,” Murauskas said in an Instagram post. “I want to finish my college journey with the people who made the last two years so amazing and helped me become who I am now as a person and a player.” Murauskas averaged 15.1 points and 7.6 rebounds in 68 games (67 starts) in his two seasons at Moraga, Calif. The lone time he didn’t start came in last month’s first-round NCAA Tournament loss to Texas A&M when he was battling an illness and came in off the bench and played 23 minutes. “Money is important, but the people in your life matter more,” Murauskas said. “Let’s finish where everything started.” The 6-foot-8 Murauskas, from Lithuania, began his college career at Arizona and saw limited action during the 2023-24 season before moving on to Saint Mary’s. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Saint #Marys #star #Paulius #Murauskas #coach #Arizona #StateMar 19, 2026; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Saint Mary’s (CA) Gaels forward Paulius Murauskas (23) dribbles the ball during a first round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

Former Saint Mary’s star forward Paulius Murauskas said Wednesday that he’s transferring to Arizona State to once again play for coach Randy Bennett.

Murauskas blossomed in two seasons under Bennett and was one of the best players in the West Coast Conference this past season when he averaged 18.4 points, 7.6 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 33 games (32 starts). The Gaels made the NCAA Tournament for the fifth straight season.

Bennett departed Saint Mary’s after the season to take over the Sun Devils.


“I followed my heart and chose the place where I trust the people and feel valued not just as a player, but as a person,” Murauskas said in an Instagram post. “I want to finish my college journey with the people who made the last two years so amazing and helped me become who I am now as a person and a player.”

Murauskas averaged 15.1 points and 7.6 rebounds in 68 games (67 starts) in his two seasons at Moraga, Calif. The lone time he didn’t start came in last month’s first-round NCAA Tournament loss to Texas A&M when he was battling an illness and came in off the bench and played 23 minutes.

“Money is important, but the people in your life matter more,” Murauskas said. “Let’s finish where everything started.”

The 6-foot-8 Murauskas, from Lithuania, began his college career at Arizona and saw limited action during the 2023-24 season before moving on to Saint Mary’s.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Saint #Marys #star #Paulius #Murauskas #coach #Arizona #State">Deadspin | Saint Mary’s star F Paulius Murauskas follows coach to Arizona State Mar 19, 2026; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Saint Mary’s (CA) Gaels forward Paulius Murauskas (23) dribbles the ball during a first round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images Former Saint Mary’s star forward Paulius Murauskas said Wednesday that he’s transferring to Arizona State to once again play for coach Randy Bennett. Murauskas blossomed in two seasons under Bennett and was one of the best players in the West Coast Conference this past season when he averaged 18.4 points, 7.6 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 33 games (32 starts). The Gaels made the NCAA Tournament for the fifth straight season. Bennett departed Saint Mary’s after the season to take over the Sun Devils. “I followed my heart and chose the place where I trust the people and feel valued not just as a player, but as a person,” Murauskas said in an Instagram post. “I want to finish my college journey with the people who made the last two years so amazing and helped me become who I am now as a person and a player.” Murauskas averaged 15.1 points and 7.6 rebounds in 68 games (67 starts) in his two seasons at Moraga, Calif. The lone time he didn’t start came in last month’s first-round NCAA Tournament loss to Texas A&M when he was battling an illness and came in off the bench and played 23 minutes. “Money is important, but the people in your life matter more,” Murauskas said. “Let’s finish where everything started.” The 6-foot-8 Murauskas, from Lithuania, began his college career at Arizona and saw limited action during the 2023-24 season before moving on to Saint Mary’s. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Saint #Marys #star #Paulius #Murauskas #coach #Arizona #State

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