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NFL mock draft: 2nd round projection with 49ers on the clock The first round of the 2026 NFL Draft is in the books, and it did not play out according to expectations.Fernando Mendoza came off the board at No. 1 to the Las Vegas Raiders, which was expected, but the draft began to veer into chaos-land shortly thereafter. Perhaps the biggest surprise came at No. 13, when the Los Angeles Rams addressed the future, not the present, and selected Ty Simpson as the eventual heir to Matthew Stafford’s throne.However, there are still 225 slots remaining in the 2026 NFL Draft, culminating with the Denver Broncos currently set to draft Mr. Irrelevant at pick No. 257. Check out our list of the best players still available after Day 1 here. Now that the dust has settled a bit from night one, here is a look at how the second round could unfold, with some thoughts following the picks.PickTeamPlayerPositionSchool33San Francisco 49ers (via NYJ)Denzel BostonWRWashington34Arizona CardinalsGarrett NussmeierQBLSU35Buffalo Bills (via TEN)Zion YoungEDGEMissouri36Las Vegas RaidersEmmanuel McNeil-WarrenSToledo37New York GiantsJermod McCoyCBTennessee38Houston Texans (via WAS)Kayden McDonaldDTOhio State39Cleveland BrownsA.J. HaulcySLSU40Kansas City ChiefsGermie BernardWRAlabama41Cincinnati BengalsAvieon TerrellCBClemson42New Orleans SaintsColton HoodCBTennessee43Miami DolphinsChris BellWRLouisville44New York Jets (via DAL)Brandon CisseCBSouth Carolina45Baltimore RavensCashius HowellEDGETexas A&M46Tampa Bay BuccaneersJacob RodriguezLBTexas Tech47Indianapolis ColtsCJ AllenLBGeorgia48Atlanta FalconsLee HunterDTTexas Tech49Minnesota VikingsTreydan StukesSArizona50Detroit LionsT.J. ParkerEDGEClemson51Carolina PanthersEli StowersTEVanderbilt52Green Bay PackersAnthony Hill Jr.LBTexas53Pittsburgh SteelersChristian MillerDTGeorgia54Philadelphia EaglesEmmanuel PregnonIOLOregon55Los Angeles ChargersChase BisontisIOLTexas A&M56Jacksonville JaguarsGabe JacasEDGEIllinois57Chicago BearsR Mason ThomasEDGEOklahoma58San Francisco 49ersDerrick MooreEDGEMichigan59Houston TexansKeionte ScottCBMiami60Chicago Bears (via BUF)Sam HechtIOLKansas State61Los Angeles RamsChris BrazzellWRTennessee62Denver BroncosJake GoldayLBCincinnati63New England PatriotsJosiah TrotterLBMissouri64Seattle SeahawksRomello HeightEDGETexas TechSan Francisco adds a wide receiverDenzel Boston was a popular selection near the end of mock drafts, often to the Buffalo Bills to give Josh Allen more help on the outside, but the Washington wide receiver slid out of the first round entirely.The San Francisco 49ers might be glad he did.While the 49ers did make some additions at wide receiver, including Mike Evans and Christian Kirk, questions remain regarding Brandon Aiyuk and Jauan Jennings. In Boston, the 49ers are getting a ball-winning receiver on the outside, and in San Francisco, Boston gets a chance to learn from one of the NFL’s best in Evans.Arizona gets their quarterbackMight this be too early for Garrett Nussmeier? Perhaps. But as we argued earlier this week, the revelation that Nussmeier was dealing with a cyst on his spine, which was pressing on a nerve and causing significant pain and discomfort, changes his evaluation.Nussmeier is still an undersized quarterback prospect, but the timing, rhythm, and anticipation he showed at LSU, particularly when healthy, is a strong foundation for his NFL journey. He also might be an ideal fit for what we expect this offense to look like under new head coach Mike LaFleur.Tampa Bay gets their Lavonte David replacementLavonte David’s retirement created a big hole in the heart of the Buccaneers’ defense.Tampa Bay fills that with linebacker Jacob Rodriguez, whose play-making skills and nose for the football saw him finish fifth in Heisman Trophy voting. He might give up the occasional big play in pass coverage, but his run-stopping skills and athleticism are fantastic building blocks for an NFL career.Jermod McCoy’s slide ends in New YorkOn film alone, Jermod McCoy’s draft profile is among the best in this entire class.However, as we saw last year with Will Johnson, injury concerns pushed McCoy out of the first round entirely. At some point, a team is going to accept the injury risk, and we think that will be John Harbaugh and the New York Giants tonight. McCoy’s 2024 tape is close to elite, with excellent footwork and movement skills. His press technique could use some refinement, but what I love about McCoy when he is in press alignment is his patience. He does not panic, and that trait was on display on this interception against Alabama:It’s one thing to stay calm as a press corner with the ball at midfield, it’s another to do so with your feet near the goal line. But this is a fantastic play from McCoy, who stays patient, is strong with the jam, and then gets his eyes and hand to the football.DeMeco Ryans gets more defensive helpLast season, the Houston Texans defense was terrifying.Imagine that defense … improving?In this mock draft, not only do the Texans get Kayden McDonald, one of the top defensive tackles in the class and a player who was in Pittsburgh as a potential first-round pick, but they add one of our favorite players in Keionte Scott, a slot corner who can create havoc all over the field. Just watch him blow up this screen against Texas A&M in the college football playoff:Or time up this blitz against Louisville:Dropping him into this Houston defense? That’s just mean. #NFL #mock #draft #2nd #projection #49ers #clock

NFL mock draft: 2nd round projection with 49ers on the clock

The first round of the 2026 NFL Draft is in the books, and it did not play out according to expectations.

Fernando Mendoza came off the board at No. 1 to the Las Vegas Raiders, which was expected, but the draft began to veer into chaos-land shortly thereafter. Perhaps the biggest surprise came at No. 13, when the Los Angeles Rams addressed the future, not the present, and selected Ty Simpson as the eventual heir to Matthew Stafford’s throne.

However, there are still 225 slots remaining in the 2026 NFL Draft, culminating with the Denver Broncos currently set to draft Mr. Irrelevant at pick No. 257. Check out our list of the best players still available after Day 1 here. Now that the dust has settled a bit from night one, here is a look at how the second round could unfold, with some thoughts following the picks.

Pick

Team

Player

Position

School

33San Francisco 49ers (via NYJ)Denzel BostonWRWashington
34Arizona CardinalsGarrett NussmeierQBLSU
35Buffalo Bills (via TEN)Zion YoungEDGEMissouri
36Las Vegas RaidersEmmanuel McNeil-WarrenSToledo
37New York GiantsJermod McCoyCBTennessee
38Houston Texans (via WAS)Kayden McDonaldDTOhio State
39Cleveland BrownsA.J. HaulcySLSU
40Kansas City ChiefsGermie BernardWRAlabama
41Cincinnati BengalsAvieon TerrellCBClemson
42New Orleans SaintsColton HoodCBTennessee
43Miami DolphinsChris BellWRLouisville
44New York Jets (via DAL)Brandon CisseCBSouth Carolina
45Baltimore RavensCashius HowellEDGETexas A&M
46Tampa Bay BuccaneersJacob RodriguezLBTexas Tech
47Indianapolis ColtsCJ AllenLBGeorgia
48Atlanta FalconsLee HunterDTTexas Tech
49Minnesota VikingsTreydan StukesSArizona
50Detroit LionsT.J. ParkerEDGEClemson
51Carolina PanthersEli StowersTEVanderbilt
52Green Bay PackersAnthony Hill Jr.LBTexas
53Pittsburgh SteelersChristian MillerDTGeorgia
54Philadelphia EaglesEmmanuel PregnonIOLOregon
55Los Angeles ChargersChase BisontisIOLTexas A&M
56Jacksonville JaguarsGabe JacasEDGEIllinois
57Chicago BearsR Mason ThomasEDGEOklahoma
58San Francisco 49ersDerrick MooreEDGEMichigan
59Houston TexansKeionte ScottCBMiami
60Chicago Bears (via BUF)Sam HechtIOLKansas State
61Los Angeles RamsChris BrazzellWRTennessee
62Denver BroncosJake GoldayLBCincinnati
63New England PatriotsJosiah TrotterLBMissouri
64Seattle SeahawksRomello HeightEDGETexas Tech

San Francisco adds a wide receiver

Denzel Boston was a popular selection near the end of mock drafts, often to the Buffalo Bills to give Josh Allen more help on the outside, but the Washington wide receiver slid out of the first round entirely.

The San Francisco 49ers might be glad he did.

While the 49ers did make some additions at wide receiver, including Mike Evans and Christian Kirk, questions remain regarding Brandon Aiyuk and Jauan Jennings. In Boston, the 49ers are getting a ball-winning receiver on the outside, and in San Francisco, Boston gets a chance to learn from one of the NFL’s best in Evans.

Arizona gets their quarterback

Might this be too early for Garrett Nussmeier? Perhaps. But as we argued earlier this week, the revelation that Nussmeier was dealing with a cyst on his spine, which was pressing on a nerve and causing significant pain and discomfort, changes his evaluation.

Nussmeier is still an undersized quarterback prospect, but the timing, rhythm, and anticipation he showed at LSU, particularly when healthy, is a strong foundation for his NFL journey. He also might be an ideal fit for what we expect this offense to look like under new head coach Mike LaFleur.

Tampa Bay gets their Lavonte David replacement

Lavonte David’s retirement created a big hole in the heart of the Buccaneers’ defense.

Tampa Bay fills that with linebacker Jacob Rodriguez, whose play-making skills and nose for the football saw him finish fifth in Heisman Trophy voting. He might give up the occasional big play in pass coverage, but his run-stopping skills and athleticism are fantastic building blocks for an NFL career.

Jermod McCoy’s slide ends in New York

On film alone, Jermod McCoy’s draft profile is among the best in this entire class.

However, as we saw last year with Will Johnson, injury concerns pushed McCoy out of the first round entirely. At some point, a team is going to accept the injury risk, and we think that will be John Harbaugh and the New York Giants tonight. McCoy’s 2024 tape is close to elite, with excellent footwork and movement skills. His press technique could use some refinement, but what I love about McCoy when he is in press alignment is his patience. He does not panic, and that trait was on display on this interception against Alabama:

It’s one thing to stay calm as a press corner with the ball at midfield, it’s another to do so with your feet near the goal line. But this is a fantastic play from McCoy, who stays patient, is strong with the jam, and then gets his eyes and hand to the football.

DeMeco Ryans gets more defensive help

Last season, the Houston Texans defense was terrifying.

Imagine that defense … improving?

In this mock draft, not only do the Texans get Kayden McDonald, one of the top defensive tackles in the class and a player who was in Pittsburgh as a potential first-round pick, but they add one of our favorite players in Keionte Scott, a slot corner who can create havoc all over the field. Just watch him blow up this screen against Texas A&M in the college football playoff:

Or time up this blitz against Louisville:

Dropping him into this Houston defense? That’s just mean.

#NFL #mock #draft #2nd #projection #49ers #clock

Sports news

The first round of the 2026 NFL Draft is in the books, and it did not play out according to expectations.

Fernando Mendoza came off the board at No. 1 to the Las Vegas Raiders, which was expected, but the draft began to veer into chaos-land shortly thereafter. Perhaps the biggest surprise came at No. 13, when the Los Angeles Rams addressed the future, not the present, and selected Ty Simpson as the eventual heir to Matthew Stafford’s throne.

However, there are still 225 slots remaining in the 2026 NFL Draft, culminating with the Denver Broncos currently set to draft Mr. Irrelevant at pick No. 257. Check out our list of the best players still available after Day 1 here. Now that the dust has settled a bit from night one, here is a look at how the second round could unfold, with some thoughts following the picks.

Pick

Team

Player

Position

School
33 San Francisco 49ers (via NYJ) Denzel Boston WR Washington
34 Arizona Cardinals Garrett Nussmeier QB LSU
35 Buffalo Bills (via TEN) Zion Young EDGE Missouri
36 Las Vegas Raiders Emmanuel McNeil-Warren S Toledo
37 New York Giants Jermod McCoy CB Tennessee
38 Houston Texans (via WAS) Kayden McDonald DT Ohio State
39 Cleveland Browns A.J. Haulcy S LSU
40 Kansas City Chiefs Germie Bernard WR Alabama
41 Cincinnati Bengals Avieon Terrell CB Clemson
42 New Orleans Saints Colton Hood CB Tennessee
43 Miami Dolphins Chris Bell WR Louisville
44 New York Jets (via DAL) Brandon Cisse CB South Carolina
45 Baltimore Ravens Cashius Howell EDGE Texas A&M
46 Tampa Bay Buccaneers Jacob Rodriguez LB Texas Tech
47 Indianapolis Colts CJ Allen LB Georgia
48 Atlanta Falcons Lee Hunter DT Texas Tech
49 Minnesota Vikings Treydan Stukes S Arizona
50 Detroit Lions T.J. Parker EDGE Clemson
51 Carolina Panthers Eli Stowers TE Vanderbilt
52 Green Bay Packers Anthony Hill Jr. LB Texas
53 Pittsburgh Steelers Christian Miller DT Georgia
54 Philadelphia Eagles Emmanuel Pregnon IOL Oregon
55 Los Angeles Chargers Chase Bisontis IOL Texas A&M
56 Jacksonville Jaguars Gabe Jacas EDGE Illinois
57 Chicago Bears R Mason Thomas EDGE Oklahoma
58 San Francisco 49ers Derrick Moore EDGE Michigan
59 Houston Texans Keionte Scott CB Miami
60 Chicago Bears (via BUF) Sam Hecht IOL Kansas State
61 Los Angeles Rams Chris Brazzell WR Tennessee
62 Denver Broncos Jake Golday LB Cincinnati
63 New England Patriots Josiah Trotter LB Missouri
64 Seattle Seahawks Romello Height EDGE Texas Tech

San Francisco adds a wide receiver

Denzel Boston was a popular selection near the end of mock drafts, often to the Buffalo Bills to give Josh Allen more help on the outside, but the Washington wide receiver slid out of the first round entirely.

The San Francisco 49ers might be glad he did.

While the 49ers did make some additions at wide receiver, including Mike Evans and Christian Kirk, questions remain regarding Brandon Aiyuk and Jauan Jennings. In Boston, the 49ers are getting a ball-winning receiver on the outside, and in San Francisco, Boston gets a chance to learn from one of the NFL’s best in Evans.

Arizona gets their quarterback

Might this be too early for Garrett Nussmeier? Perhaps. But as we argued earlier this week, the revelation that Nussmeier was dealing with a cyst on his spine, which was pressing on a nerve and causing significant pain and discomfort, changes his evaluation.

Nussmeier is still an undersized quarterback prospect, but the timing, rhythm, and anticipation he showed at LSU, particularly when healthy, is a strong foundation for his NFL journey. He also might be an ideal fit for what we expect this offense to look like under new head coach Mike LaFleur.

Tampa Bay gets their Lavonte David replacement

Lavonte David’s retirement created a big hole in the heart of the Buccaneers’ defense.

Tampa Bay fills that with linebacker Jacob Rodriguez, whose play-making skills and nose for the football saw him finish fifth in Heisman Trophy voting. He might give up the occasional big play in pass coverage, but his run-stopping skills and athleticism are fantastic building blocks for an NFL career.

Jermod McCoy’s slide ends in New York

On film alone, Jermod McCoy’s draft profile is among the best in this entire class.

However, as we saw last year with Will Johnson, injury concerns pushed McCoy out of the first round entirely. At some point, a team is going to accept the injury risk, and we think that will be John Harbaugh and the New York Giants tonight. McCoy’s 2024 tape is close to elite, with excellent footwork and movement skills. His press technique could use some refinement, but what I love about McCoy when he is in press alignment is his patience. He does not panic, and that trait was on display on this interception against Alabama:

It’s one thing to stay calm as a press corner with the ball at midfield, it’s another to do so with your feet near the goal line. But this is a fantastic play from McCoy, who stays patient, is strong with the jam, and then gets his eyes and hand to the football.

DeMeco Ryans gets more defensive help

Last season, the Houston Texans defense was terrifying.

Imagine that defense … improving?

In this mock draft, not only do the Texans get Kayden McDonald, one of the top defensive tackles in the class and a player who was in Pittsburgh as a potential first-round pick, but they add one of our favorite players in Keionte Scott, a slot corner who can create havoc all over the field. Just watch him blow up this screen against Texas A&M in the college football playoff:

Or time up this blitz against Louisville:

Dropping him into this Houston defense? That’s just mean.

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#NFL #mock #draft #2nd #projection #49ers #clock

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AJ Dybantsa’s Decision Proves NIL Still Can’t Compete With NBA Money | Deadspin.com <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-0 py-0 pb-4 undefined"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-1200/1777032882870" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-1200/1777032882870" alt="Mar 12, 2026; Kansas City, MO, USA; BYU Cougars forward AJ Dybantsa (3) protects the ball from Houston Cougars guard Milos Uzan (7) during the second half at T-Mobile Center. Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-Imagn Images" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Mar 12, 2026; Kansas City, MO, USA; BYU Cougars forward AJ Dybantsa (3) protects the ball from Houston Cougars guard Milos Uzan (7) during the second half at T-Mobile Center. Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>Future top-5 NBA draft pick, AJ Dybantsa, announced via his social media that he will be declaring for the draft, forgoing his final three years of eligibility at BYU.</p> </section><section id="section" class="undefined w-full"/><br/><section id="section-3"> <p>This comes as <a href="https://deadspin.com/aj-dybantsa-might-be-the-real-no-1-pick-in-the-nba-draft/" target="_blank">no surprise to anyone with a brain</a>, as Kalshi’s markets show that Dybantsa has a 75% chance of being taken first overall at the draft this June. </p><p>Last year’s first overall pick, Cooper Flagg, signed a four-year deal, totaling $62-million, the highest in NBA history up until this point. This number will only be higher in 2026, so Dybantsa will likely be making over $15 million in his rookie year if he’s taken with the top selection.</p> </section> <p><span class="inline-block mr-3 uppercase shrink-0 font-bold">Our Current Best Offers</span></p><p>Channel debug: <span class="font-semibold text-gray-700">basketball</span></p><section id="section-5"> <p>During his time at BYU, it was rumored that Dybantsa had NIL packages <a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/fact-check-aj-dybantsa-paid-211102400.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAANrdCvw8OURgRHdY3zM7yx204IFvWbXRG8YTHY3qllqw0NyyMKufBXNSPIWZ3bQaf1ug4PQj4-xUQSzmVPEH9tNGmBBOOUuEDebO7tBWuebFf7cO7kPXQgTwnVYTUNUBvDmLw47yXwl1r8gy0xQdKeLSj9wvYfLaa7oNvj1Bk-xf" target="_blank">totaling over $7 million</a>, one of the highest in the short history of NIL. If he returned for a sophomore season, he would’ve had a chance to improve on that, but would still likely be making a good chunk less than any NBA contract, before even considering additional brand deals.</p><p>Dybantsa had joked before that his mom was going to make him stay in college for four years to earn his degree, but generational wealth can definitely change that mindset. Moreso, I’m kinda over top draft picks pretending like they’re actually going to come back for a second year of college basketball.</p><p>I’m sure most of these guys had the time of their lives at college. Being the king of the campus, where the red carpet is always laid out for you, has to be awesome at 18 or 19, but what’s even cooler than that is millions of dollars and not having to go to college classes.</p><p>Of course, people try to argue that NIL could offset those lost years, not making NBA money, but those people have a fundamental misunderstanding of NBA contracts. The younger you are, the more money you can make in the NBA. Of course, injuries and players struggling to adjust to the NBA level can prevent that from occurring, but the statement is true for most cases.</p><p>If a young, top draft pick even shows flashes of All-Star potential, teams are kind of forced into paying these guys max contracts as early as possible. At just 23 years old, guys can be making $40+ million if they leave college after their rookie seasons. If these players continue to blossom and have productive, long NBA careers, the number of max deals they can sign increases over time.</p><p>A player that sticks around for four college seasons wouldn’t reach a max deal until their 26 or 27. One-and-done athletes will be looking at their second max deal at that same point. It’s financially irresponsible for kids to turn down this level of wealth just to play a little bit more college hoops.</p><p>Also, being the big man on campus at BYU can’t even be that great. I could understand why a guy from Wisconsin or Arizona State might want to stick around college, but being an NBA superstar has to be cooler than being a BYU superstar. Quit pretending you’re going back to college; these guys are never turning down NBA money.</p> </section><p><span class="inline-block mr-3 uppercase shrink-0 font-bold">Our Current Best Offers</span></p><p>Channel debug: <span class="font-semibold text-gray-700">basketball</span></p> </div> #Dybantsas #Decision #Proves #NIL #Compete #NBA #Money #Deadspin.com

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Deadspin | Brewers open division play vs. Paul Skenes, Pirates Apr 18, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Paul Skenes (30) delivers a pitch against the Tampa Bay Rays during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images The Milwaukee Brewers will turn to veteran Brandon Woodruff as they finally face a National League Central opponent when they host the Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday night in the opener of a three-game series. Woodruff (2-0, 3.42 ERA) will oppose fellow right-hander Paul Skenes (3-1, 3.27), the reigning National League Cy Young Award winner. Milwaukee lost 5-4 at Detroit on Thursday on Spencer Torkelson’s walk-off solo homer in the ninth inning off Abner Uribe. The Brewers dropped back-to-back games to finish their road trip at 3-3. The Pirates lost at Texas 6-1 on Thursday, with their only run on Oneil Cruz’s team-leading eighth homer of the season. Pittsburgh starter Bubba Chandler allowed a season-high six runs in four innings. The Brewers, the three-time defending NL Central champions, will play a division rival for the first time after 24 games, including 18 against American League opponents. Each team in the NL Central is above .500. Woodruff, still returning to form after a late-September injury that kept him out of the playoffs, went a season-high seven innings in his last start. He allowed one run on three hits in a 5-2 victory Saturday at Miami, striking out four and walking one in an efficient 92-pitch outing. “Woody was tremendous,” Brewers manager Pat Murphy said afterward. “It just goes to show you, old-school command and keeping them off-balance. Woodruff is 8-3 with a 3.05 ERA in 19 career games (17 starts) against the Pirates. He was 1-0 in two starts last season vs. them and did not give up a run in 10 innings. Milwaukee, without injured regulars Jackson Chourio, Andrew Vaughn and Christian Yelich, are tied for 25th in the majors with just 19 homers. The Brewers, however, lead in stolen bases with 35. Jake Bauers and Gary Sanchez, with five homers each, and Brice Turang with four, have accounted for 14 of Milwaukee’s 19 long balls. Milwaukee has won eight straight games against the Pirates, who have not lost consecutive games this season since falling in their first two games. Skenes has a 1.27 ERA over his last four starts, allowing just three runs in 21 1/3 innings. In his most recent outing, he allowed three hits over four scoreless innings against Tampa Bay but did not return after a lengthy rain delay. Pittsburgh lost 8-7 in 13 innings. “Short outing, but you know, felt like the execution was pretty good,” Skenes said afterward. Skenes is 1-2 with a 3.86 ERA in four career starts vs. the Brewers. He was 0-2 with a 5.79 ERA in three starts against them last season, allowing nine runs in 14 innings. Two-time AL Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal started for Detroit against Milwaukee on Thursday. With the Brewers scheduled to face Skenes on Friday, they will go against Cy Young Award winners in consecutive games, a rarity. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Brewers #open #division #play #Paul #Skenes #PiratesApr 18, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Paul Skenes (30) delivers a pitch against the Tampa Bay Rays during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

The Milwaukee Brewers will turn to veteran Brandon Woodruff as they finally face a National League Central opponent when they host the Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday night in the opener of a three-game series.

Woodruff (2-0, 3.42 ERA) will oppose fellow right-hander Paul Skenes (3-1, 3.27), the reigning National League Cy Young Award winner.

Milwaukee lost 5-4 at Detroit on Thursday on Spencer Torkelson’s walk-off solo homer in the ninth inning off Abner Uribe. The Brewers dropped back-to-back games to finish their road trip at 3-3.

The Pirates lost at Texas 6-1 on Thursday, with their only run on Oneil Cruz’s team-leading eighth homer of the season. Pittsburgh starter Bubba Chandler allowed a season-high six runs in four innings.

The Brewers, the three-time defending NL Central champions, will play a division rival for the first time after 24 games, including 18 against American League opponents. Each team in the NL Central is above .500.

Woodruff, still returning to form after a late-September injury that kept him out of the playoffs, went a season-high seven innings in his last start. He allowed one run on three hits in a 5-2 victory Saturday at Miami, striking out four and walking one in an efficient 92-pitch outing.

“Woody was tremendous,” Brewers manager Pat Murphy said afterward. “It just goes to show you, old-school command and keeping them off-balance.


Woodruff is 8-3 with a 3.05 ERA in 19 career games (17 starts) against the Pirates. He was 1-0 in two starts last season vs. them and did not give up a run in 10 innings.

Milwaukee, without injured regulars Jackson Chourio, Andrew Vaughn and Christian Yelich, are tied for 25th in the majors with just 19 homers. The Brewers, however, lead in stolen bases with 35.

Jake Bauers and Gary Sanchez, with five homers each, and Brice Turang with four, have accounted for 14 of Milwaukee’s 19 long balls.

Milwaukee has won eight straight games against the Pirates, who have not lost consecutive games this season since falling in their first two games.

Skenes has a 1.27 ERA over his last four starts, allowing just three runs in 21 1/3 innings. In his most recent outing, he allowed three hits over four scoreless innings against Tampa Bay but did not return after a lengthy rain delay. Pittsburgh lost 8-7 in 13 innings.

“Short outing, but you know, felt like the execution was pretty good,” Skenes said afterward.

Skenes is 1-2 with a 3.86 ERA in four career starts vs. the Brewers. He was 0-2 with a 5.79 ERA in three starts against them last season, allowing nine runs in 14 innings.

Two-time AL Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal started for Detroit against Milwaukee on Thursday. With the Brewers scheduled to face Skenes on Friday, they will go against Cy Young Award winners in consecutive games, a rarity.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Brewers #open #division #play #Paul #Skenes #Pirates">Deadspin | Brewers open division play vs. Paul Skenes, Pirates Apr 18, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Paul Skenes (30) delivers a pitch against the Tampa Bay Rays during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images The Milwaukee Brewers will turn to veteran Brandon Woodruff as they finally face a National League Central opponent when they host the Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday night in the opener of a three-game series. Woodruff (2-0, 3.42 ERA) will oppose fellow right-hander Paul Skenes (3-1, 3.27), the reigning National League Cy Young Award winner. Milwaukee lost 5-4 at Detroit on Thursday on Spencer Torkelson’s walk-off solo homer in the ninth inning off Abner Uribe. The Brewers dropped back-to-back games to finish their road trip at 3-3. The Pirates lost at Texas 6-1 on Thursday, with their only run on Oneil Cruz’s team-leading eighth homer of the season. Pittsburgh starter Bubba Chandler allowed a season-high six runs in four innings. The Brewers, the three-time defending NL Central champions, will play a division rival for the first time after 24 games, including 18 against American League opponents. Each team in the NL Central is above .500. Woodruff, still returning to form after a late-September injury that kept him out of the playoffs, went a season-high seven innings in his last start. He allowed one run on three hits in a 5-2 victory Saturday at Miami, striking out four and walking one in an efficient 92-pitch outing. “Woody was tremendous,” Brewers manager Pat Murphy said afterward. “It just goes to show you, old-school command and keeping them off-balance. Woodruff is 8-3 with a 3.05 ERA in 19 career games (17 starts) against the Pirates. He was 1-0 in two starts last season vs. them and did not give up a run in 10 innings. Milwaukee, without injured regulars Jackson Chourio, Andrew Vaughn and Christian Yelich, are tied for 25th in the majors with just 19 homers. The Brewers, however, lead in stolen bases with 35. Jake Bauers and Gary Sanchez, with five homers each, and Brice Turang with four, have accounted for 14 of Milwaukee’s 19 long balls. Milwaukee has won eight straight games against the Pirates, who have not lost consecutive games this season since falling in their first two games. Skenes has a 1.27 ERA over his last four starts, allowing just three runs in 21 1/3 innings. In his most recent outing, he allowed three hits over four scoreless innings against Tampa Bay but did not return after a lengthy rain delay. Pittsburgh lost 8-7 in 13 innings. “Short outing, but you know, felt like the execution was pretty good,” Skenes said afterward. Skenes is 1-2 with a 3.86 ERA in four career starts vs. the Brewers. He was 0-2 with a 5.79 ERA in three starts against them last season, allowing nine runs in 14 innings. Two-time AL Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal started for Detroit against Milwaukee on Thursday. With the Brewers scheduled to face Skenes on Friday, they will go against Cy Young Award winners in consecutive games, a rarity. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Brewers #open #division #play #Paul #Skenes #Pirates

Meanwhile, the Eagles got absolutely bailed out of their WR mess by their in-division rival. Philadelphia were staring down the barrel of either needing to reach for a pass catcher, or take a different position, potentially be forced to trade AJ Brown, and get left with an incomplete offense. Now with DeVonta Smith and Makai Lemon they’re set — and both players came to the Eagles via trades with the Cowboys.

Time will tell how all this shakes out. Maybe Iheanachor will turn into a stud, Lemon will be a bust and everything will play out … or this could be a moment that haunts the Steelers forever.

#exact #moment #Steelers #Eagles #ruined #draft #plans">This was the exact moment the Steelers found out the Eagles ruined their draft plans The Pittsburgh Steelers were on the receiving end of the most embarrassing, soul-crushing moment of the NFL Draft’s first round on Thursday night — and it came courtesy of their in-state rival, the Philadelphia Eagles, just to rub salt in the wound.GM Omar Khan was on the phone with USC wide receiver Makai Lemon, telling the prospect that he was going to be picked at No. 21 and become a Steeler. Then all the oxygen got sucked from Pittsburgh’s war room when Lemon told Khan, “Why is Philly calling?”The Steelers jumped the gun in making the call. They reached out to Lemon when the Cowboys were on the clock, assuming there was no way that Dallas was going to take a wide receiver — and also likely assuming that they wouldn’t trade in-division with the Eagles, who were the most-likely team to take a receiver at that point.It led to a bit of a mess. Pittsburgh ended up making a decent choice in offensive tackle Max Iheanachor, but he was definitely more of a reach based on consensus big boards, whereas Lemon would have been a steal. It’s also unclear how Iheanachor makes the Steelers immediately better, seeming more like Broderick Jones insurance than a home run in his own right. Find every pick of the 2026 NFL Draft with our tracker.Meanwhile, the Eagles got absolutely bailed out of their WR mess by their in-division rival. Philadelphia were staring down the barrel of either needing to reach for a pass catcher, or take a different position, potentially be forced to trade AJ Brown, and get left with an incomplete offense. Now with DeVonta Smith and Makai Lemon they’re set — and both players came to the Eagles via trades with the Cowboys.Time will tell how all this shakes out. Maybe Iheanachor will turn into a stud, Lemon will be a bust and everything will play out … or this could be a moment that haunts the Steelers forever. #exact #moment #Steelers #Eagles #ruined #draft #plans

Meanwhile, the Eagles got absolutely bailed out of their WR mess by their in-division rival. Philadelphia were staring down the barrel of either needing to reach for a pass catcher, or take a different position, potentially be forced to trade AJ Brown, and get left with an incomplete offense. Now with DeVonta Smith and Makai Lemon they’re set — and both players came to the Eagles via trades with the Cowboys.

Time will tell how all this shakes out. Maybe Iheanachor will turn into a stud, Lemon will be a bust and everything will play out … or this could be a moment that haunts the Steelers forever.

#exact #moment #Steelers #Eagles #ruined #draft #plans">This was the exact moment the Steelers found out the Eagles ruined their draft plans

The Pittsburgh Steelers were on the receiving end of the most embarrassing, soul-crushing moment of the NFL Draft’s first round on Thursday night — and it came courtesy of their in-state rival, the Philadelphia Eagles, just to rub salt in the wound.

GM Omar Khan was on the phone with USC wide receiver Makai Lemon, telling the prospect that he was going to be picked at No. 21 and become a Steeler. Then all the oxygen got sucked from Pittsburgh’s war room when Lemon told Khan, “Why is Philly calling?”

The Steelers jumped the gun in making the call. They reached out to Lemon when the Cowboys were on the clock, assuming there was no way that Dallas was going to take a wide receiver — and also likely assuming that they wouldn’t trade in-division with the Eagles, who were the most-likely team to take a receiver at that point.

It led to a bit of a mess. Pittsburgh ended up making a decent choice in offensive tackle Max Iheanachor, but he was definitely more of a reach based on consensus big boards, whereas Lemon would have been a steal. It’s also unclear how Iheanachor makes the Steelers immediately better, seeming more like Broderick Jones insurance than a home run in his own right. Find every pick of the 2026 NFL Draft with our tracker.

Meanwhile, the Eagles got absolutely bailed out of their WR mess by their in-division rival. Philadelphia were staring down the barrel of either needing to reach for a pass catcher, or take a different position, potentially be forced to trade AJ Brown, and get left with an incomplete offense. Now with DeVonta Smith and Makai Lemon they’re set — and both players came to the Eagles via trades with the Cowboys.

Time will tell how all this shakes out. Maybe Iheanachor will turn into a stud, Lemon will be a bust and everything will play out … or this could be a moment that haunts the Steelers forever.

#exact #moment #Steelers #Eagles #ruined #draft #plans

RCB bowler Rasikh Salam walked off the field due to cramps against Gujarat Titans at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Friday night.

Rasikh was set to bowl the last over of the first innings but mid way through his run up on the first ball, he slowed down, stopped, and went down, holding his feet.

The 26-year-old faced a similar issue during RCB’s match against Mumbai Indians a week ago, when the bowler had to be treated multiple times by the physios and the match was interrupted on more than one occasion.

While Rasikh managed to carry on against MI, he was unable to continue against GT and after an assessment by the physios, the team management decided to take him off the field.

Krunal Pandya bowled the last over in place of Rasikh as GT ended with 205 on the board. Rasikh registered figures of 0/28 off his three overs tonight before he was forced to walk off the field.

Published on Apr 24, 2026

#RCB #IPL #Rasikh #Salam #walks #field #cramps #Gujarat #Titans">RCB vs GT IPL 2026: Rasikh Salam walks off the field with cramps against Gujarat Titans RCB bowler Rasikh Salam walked off the field due to cramps against Gujarat Titans at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Friday night.Rasikh was set to bowl the last over of the first innings but mid way through his run up on the first ball, he slowed down, stopped, and went down, holding his feet.The 26-year-old faced a similar issue during RCB’s match against Mumbai Indians a week ago, when the bowler had to be treated multiple times by the physios and the match was interrupted on more than one occasion.While Rasikh managed to carry on against MI, he was unable to continue against GT and after an assessment by the physios, the team management decided to take him off the field.Krunal Pandya bowled the last over in place of Rasikh as GT ended with 205 on the board. Rasikh registered figures of 0/28 off his three overs tonight before he was forced to walk off the field.Published on Apr 24, 2026 #RCB #IPL #Rasikh #Salam #walks #field #cramps #Gujarat #Titans

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