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Chelsea reaches FA Cup final as Fernandez header seals win over Leeds United Chelsea’s season might be unravelling, but it will still include an appearance in the FA Cup final.Enzo Fernandez’s 23rd-minute header secured Chelsea a 1-0 win over Leeds United in the semifinal on Sunday, setting up a meeting with Manchester City in the title clash on May 16.Chelsea’s run in the FA Cup is salvaging a campaign that has veered off the rails after a humiliating exit from the Champions League, losing 8-2 on aggregate to Paris Saint-Germain in the round of 16, and five straight defeats in the Premier League. That run marked the team’s worst sequence of league results in 114 years and led to the midweek dismissal of manager Liam Rosenior.Calum McFarlane, Rosenior’s little-known assistant, has taken charge of Chelsea until the end of the season and will now lead the side back out at Wembley Stadium next month in search of a ninth FA Cup title and a first since 2018.Fernandez met Pedro Neto’s cross from the right with a firm header low into the net for the only goal. The Argentina midfielder had recently courted controversy by speaking publicly about wanting to live in Madrid, which earned him a two-match suspension by the club.ALSO READ: Guardiola hails ‘extraordinary’ Man City reaction to make FA Cup historyLeeds, seeking to reach its first FA Cup final since 1973, piled on the pressure in the second half, and Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez notably produced a stunning one-handed save to deny Anton Stach’s piledriver.City rallied to beat second-tier Southampton 2-1 on Saturday to advance to the final and stay on course for a domestic treble. Pep Guardiola’s side has already won the English League Cup and is battling with Arsenal for the Premier League title.Chelsea most recently reached the final in 2022, when it lost to Liverpool on penalties.Published on Apr 26, 2026 #Chelsea #reaches #Cup #final #Fernandez #header #seals #win #Leeds #United

Chelsea reaches FA Cup final as Fernandez header seals win over Leeds United

Chelsea’s season might be unravelling, but it will still include an appearance in the FA Cup final.

Enzo Fernandez’s 23rd-minute header secured Chelsea a 1-0 win over Leeds United in the semifinal on Sunday, setting up a meeting with Manchester City in the title clash on May 16.

Chelsea’s run in the FA Cup is salvaging a campaign that has veered off the rails after a humiliating exit from the Champions League, losing 8-2 on aggregate to Paris Saint-Germain in the round of 16, and five straight defeats in the Premier League. That run marked the team’s worst sequence of league results in 114 years and led to the midweek dismissal of manager Liam Rosenior.

Calum McFarlane, Rosenior’s little-known assistant, has taken charge of Chelsea until the end of the season and will now lead the side back out at Wembley Stadium next month in search of a ninth FA Cup title and a first since 2018.

Fernandez met Pedro Neto’s cross from the right with a firm header low into the net for the only goal. The Argentina midfielder had recently courted controversy by speaking publicly about wanting to live in Madrid, which earned him a two-match suspension by the club.

ALSO READ: Guardiola hails ‘extraordinary’ Man City reaction to make FA Cup history

Leeds, seeking to reach its first FA Cup final since 1973, piled on the pressure in the second half, and Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez notably produced a stunning one-handed save to deny Anton Stach’s piledriver.

City rallied to beat second-tier Southampton 2-1 on Saturday to advance to the final and stay on course for a domestic treble. Pep Guardiola’s side has already won the English League Cup and is battling with Arsenal for the Premier League title.

Chelsea most recently reached the final in 2022, when it lost to Liverpool on penalties.

Published on Apr 26, 2026

#Chelsea #reaches #Cup #final #Fernandez #header #seals #win #Leeds #United

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Chelsea’s season might be unravelling, but it will still include an appearance in the FA Cup final.

Enzo Fernandez’s 23rd-minute header secured Chelsea a 1-0 win over Leeds United in the semifinal on Sunday, setting up a meeting with Manchester City in the title clash on May 16.

Chelsea’s run in the FA Cup is salvaging a campaign that has veered off the rails after a humiliating exit from the Champions League, losing 8-2 on aggregate to Paris Saint-Germain in the round of 16, and five straight defeats in the Premier League. That run marked the team’s worst sequence of league results in 114 years and led to the midweek dismissal of manager Liam Rosenior.

Calum McFarlane, Rosenior’s little-known assistant, has taken charge of Chelsea until the end of the season and will now lead the side back out at Wembley Stadium next month in search of a ninth FA Cup title and a first since 2018.

Fernandez met Pedro Neto’s cross from the right with a firm header low into the net for the only goal. The Argentina midfielder had recently courted controversy by speaking publicly about wanting to live in Madrid, which earned him a two-match suspension by the club.

ALSO READ: Guardiola hails ‘extraordinary’ Man City reaction to make FA Cup history

Leeds, seeking to reach its first FA Cup final since 1973, piled on the pressure in the second half, and Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez notably produced a stunning one-handed save to deny Anton Stach’s piledriver.

City rallied to beat second-tier Southampton 2-1 on Saturday to advance to the final and stay on course for a domestic treble. Pep Guardiola’s side has already won the English League Cup and is battling with Arsenal for the Premier League title.

Chelsea most recently reached the final in 2022, when it lost to Liverpool on penalties.

Published on Apr 26, 2026

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Deadspin | Oilers not saying if Tristan Jarry or Connor Ingram will man net in Game 4 Apr 7, 2026; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Edmonton Oilers goaltender Tristan Jarry (35) blocks a shot by the Utah Mammoth during the third period at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images Connor Ingram served as the Edmonton Oilers’ goaltender for the first three games of their Stanley Cup first-round playoff series against the Anaheim Ducks. But with the higher-seeded Oilers trailing 2-1 in this best-of-seven set heading into Game 4 in Anaheim, Calif., on Sunday night, might head coach Kris Knoblauch change goalies? Backup Tristan Jarry spent practice on Saturday in the net typically used by the next game’s starter, but Knoblauch said Saturday that wasn’t necessarily a tell. “We haven’t decided,” Knoblauch said. “I think going in (to this series), we were pretty sure (about our No. 1). And it was the same thing last year, and maybe the year before. Today in the NHL, very rarely do you have one goalie play all the games in the playoffs.” He continued: “Twenty years ago and before that, it was unheard-of to be swapping goalies. But we’ve got two good goalies. We feel confident they can both play. And going into the playoffs, we felt there was going to be a time where we’re going to have to make a switch at some time. Whether that’s for Game 4 or Game 5 or whatever it is, we have confidence in both of them.” Ingram, 29, who posted a 16-10-3 record with a 2.60 goals-against average and .899 save percentage in 32 regular-season games, has been less effective during the postseason. In the wake of Friday’s 7-4 win by the Ducks, Ingram has surrendered a league-high 14 goals and enters Game 4 with a 4.70 GAA and .849 save percentage. Jarry, who turns 31 this week, was acquired from the Pittsburgh Penguins on Dec. 12. He fashioned a 9-6-2 record with a 3.86 GAA and .858 save percentage in 19 appearances for the Oilers. He has not started a game since April 7 — a 6-5 overtime loss at Utah — and has not played since handling the final 20 minutes on April 8 in a 5-2 win against San Jose. If Jarry gets the Game 4 nod, it will mark his first Stanley Cup playoff appearance since a 4-3 overtime loss by the Pittsburgh Penguins against the New York Rangers on May 15, 2022. Jarry started eight postseason games for the Penguins from 2020-22 and produced a 2-6 record with a 3.00 GAA and .891 save percentage. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Oilers #Tristan #Jarry #Connor #Ingram #man #net #GameApr 7, 2026; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Edmonton Oilers goaltender Tristan Jarry (35) blocks a shot by the Utah Mammoth during the third period at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images

Connor Ingram served as the Edmonton Oilers’ goaltender for the first three games of their Stanley Cup first-round playoff series against the Anaheim Ducks.

But with the higher-seeded Oilers trailing 2-1 in this best-of-seven set heading into Game 4 in Anaheim, Calif., on Sunday night, might head coach Kris Knoblauch change goalies? Backup Tristan Jarry spent practice on Saturday in the net typically used by the next game’s starter, but Knoblauch said Saturday that wasn’t necessarily a tell.

“We haven’t decided,” Knoblauch said. “I think going in (to this series), we were pretty sure (about our No. 1). And it was the same thing last year, and maybe the year before. Today in the NHL, very rarely do you have one goalie play all the games in the playoffs.”

He continued: “Twenty years ago and before that, it was unheard-of to be swapping goalies. But we’ve got two good goalies. We feel confident they can both play. And going into the playoffs, we felt there was going to be a time where we’re going to have to make a switch at some time. Whether that’s for Game 4 or Game 5 or whatever it is, we have confidence in both of them.”


Ingram, 29, who posted a 16-10-3 record with a 2.60 goals-against average and .899 save percentage in 32 regular-season games, has been less effective during the postseason. In the wake of Friday’s 7-4 win by the Ducks, Ingram has surrendered a league-high 14 goals and enters Game 4 with a 4.70 GAA and .849 save percentage.

Jarry, who turns 31 this week, was acquired from the Pittsburgh Penguins on Dec. 12. He fashioned a 9-6-2 record with a 3.86 GAA and .858 save percentage in 19 appearances for the Oilers. He has not started a game since April 7 — a 6-5 overtime loss at Utah — and has not played since handling the final 20 minutes on April 8 in a 5-2 win against San Jose.

If Jarry gets the Game 4 nod, it will mark his first Stanley Cup playoff appearance since a 4-3 overtime loss by the Pittsburgh Penguins against the New York Rangers on May 15, 2022.

Jarry started eight postseason games for the Penguins from 2020-22 and produced a 2-6 record with a 3.00 GAA and .891 save percentage.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Oilers #Tristan #Jarry #Connor #Ingram #man #net #Game">Deadspin | Oilers not saying if Tristan Jarry or Connor Ingram will man net in Game 4 Apr 7, 2026; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Edmonton Oilers goaltender Tristan Jarry (35) blocks a shot by the Utah Mammoth during the third period at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images Connor Ingram served as the Edmonton Oilers’ goaltender for the first three games of their Stanley Cup first-round playoff series against the Anaheim Ducks. But with the higher-seeded Oilers trailing 2-1 in this best-of-seven set heading into Game 4 in Anaheim, Calif., on Sunday night, might head coach Kris Knoblauch change goalies? Backup Tristan Jarry spent practice on Saturday in the net typically used by the next game’s starter, but Knoblauch said Saturday that wasn’t necessarily a tell. “We haven’t decided,” Knoblauch said. “I think going in (to this series), we were pretty sure (about our No. 1). And it was the same thing last year, and maybe the year before. Today in the NHL, very rarely do you have one goalie play all the games in the playoffs.” He continued: “Twenty years ago and before that, it was unheard-of to be swapping goalies. But we’ve got two good goalies. We feel confident they can both play. And going into the playoffs, we felt there was going to be a time where we’re going to have to make a switch at some time. Whether that’s for Game 4 or Game 5 or whatever it is, we have confidence in both of them.” Ingram, 29, who posted a 16-10-3 record with a 2.60 goals-against average and .899 save percentage in 32 regular-season games, has been less effective during the postseason. In the wake of Friday’s 7-4 win by the Ducks, Ingram has surrendered a league-high 14 goals and enters Game 4 with a 4.70 GAA and .849 save percentage. Jarry, who turns 31 this week, was acquired from the Pittsburgh Penguins on Dec. 12. He fashioned a 9-6-2 record with a 3.86 GAA and .858 save percentage in 19 appearances for the Oilers. He has not started a game since April 7 — a 6-5 overtime loss at Utah — and has not played since handling the final 20 minutes on April 8 in a 5-2 win against San Jose. If Jarry gets the Game 4 nod, it will mark his first Stanley Cup playoff appearance since a 4-3 overtime loss by the Pittsburgh Penguins against the New York Rangers on May 15, 2022. Jarry started eight postseason games for the Penguins from 2020-22 and produced a 2-6 record with a 3.00 GAA and .891 save percentage. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Oilers #Tristan #Jarry #Connor #Ingram #man #net #Game

Najmul Hossain Shanto will lead a 15-member Bangladesh squad when it welcomes Pakistan for a two-Test series, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) announced on Sunday.

A new name amongst the ranks is wicketkeeper-batter Amite Hasan who received a maiden national team call-up after impressing in the domestic circuit. He has amassed 3650 runs in 49 First-Class matches.

Moreover, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, who’s been part of Bangladesh’s white-ball set-up since 2023, got his first Test team call-up.

The first Test will start on May 8 with the match being held at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka. The second Test will begin on May 16 at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium.

The Bangla Tigers are currently playing New Zealand at home in a multi-format white-ball series and have beaten the Kiwis 2-1 in the ODIs.

Bangladesh Test squad for Pakistan series

Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (vc), Shadman Islam, Mominul Haque Showrab, Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Kumer Das, Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Ebadot Hossain Chowdhury, Shoriful Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Nahid Rana, Tanzid Hasan, Amite Hasan.

Published on Apr 26, 2026

#Bangladesh #Test #squad #Pakistan #series #Shanto #leads #15member #team #Tanzid #uncapped #Amite #Hasan #called">Bangladesh Test squad for Pakistan series: Shanto leads 15-member team; Tanzid, uncapped Amite Hasan called up Najmul Hossain Shanto will lead a 15-member Bangladesh squad when it welcomes Pakistan for a two-Test series, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) announced on Sunday.A new name amongst the ranks is wicketkeeper-batter Amite Hasan who received a maiden national team call-up after impressing in the domestic circuit. He has amassed 3650 runs in 49 First-Class matches.Moreover, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, who’s been part of Bangladesh’s white-ball set-up since 2023, got his first Test team call-up.The first Test will start on May 8 with the match being held at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka. The second Test will begin on May 16 at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium.The Bangla Tigers are currently playing New Zealand at home in a multi-format white-ball series and have beaten the Kiwis 2-1 in the ODIs.Bangladesh Test squad for Pakistan seriesNajmul Hossain Shanto (c), Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (vc), Shadman Islam, Mominul Haque Showrab, Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Kumer Das, Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Ebadot Hossain Chowdhury, Shoriful Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Nahid Rana, Tanzid Hasan, Amite Hasan.Published on Apr 26, 2026 #Bangladesh #Test #squad #Pakistan #series #Shanto #leads #15member #team #Tanzid #uncapped #Amite #Hasan #called

Three Teams That Screwed Up 2026 NFL Draft | Deadspin.com The Jacksonville Jaguars’ first-round pick, Colorado Buffaloes wide receiver and defensive back Travis Hunter, left, answers questions as General Manager James Gladstone, right, sits next to him during a press conference Friday, March 25, 2025 at Miller Electric Center in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union] Not every team can take home a prized draft pick, especially if they are throwing darts nowhere near the top of the board.We can’t say enough great things about the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders, Dallas Cowboys and New York Jets and their stadium co-tenants, the Giants. From top to bottom, there’s a lot to love about the Panthers’ draft, too.But we have no worldly idea what a few other teams were thinking over the three-day NFL draft completed Saturday in Pittsburgh.Jacksonville JaguarsFrom all splash and sizzle in 2025 to … what-was-that vibes in 2026, maybe this is life with a 30-something general manager. We can’t say Travis Hunter, which cost Jacksonville a 2026 first-round pick in the deal with the Browns on draft night ’25, was a home run. Or even an infield single. And now we can’t say much at all about what the Jaguars did in this draft. The franchise is drafting “culture” and we’re anxious to find out how that computes year over year.San Francisco 49ers Dec 14, 2025; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) prepares to pass the ball during the first quarter against the Tennessee Titans at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images A jumbo receiver who would’ve been on the board 20 picks later De’Zhaun Stribling (Ole Miss) wasn’t entirely unexpected. But the 49ers signed Mike Evans and 2025 first-rounder Ricky Pearsall is being panned as a lead receiver. If these things compute internally, what’s the reward with Stribling? This isn’t a division where drafting depth over difference-makers can be a survival mode. Indiana RB Kaelon Black also would’ve been on the board later and he’s a niche player at best as long as the 49ers have the McCaffrey guy. So two of the top three picks are bit players in a division where everyone north of Arizona will be hyper competitive.Atlanta Falcons Jan 4, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich on the sideline against the New Orleans Saints in the first quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images Clemson cornerback Avieon Terrell brings immediate value and it’s fair to wonder if the Falcons are having buyer’s remorse over the trade of a first-round pick for James Pearce Jr. in 2025 given his off-field issues. The draft wasn’t deep enough to find high-end pass rushers or offensive tackles in the late rounds. Using their third draft pick this year on Kendal Daniels (Oklahoma) at No. 134 is evidence the Falcons are hoping to hit the lottery on upside. Where Daniels fits in this defense is nowhere near clear at the moment. #Teams #Screwed #NFL #Draft #Deadspin.comThe Jacksonville Jaguars’ first-round pick, Colorado Buffaloes wide receiver and defensive back Travis Hunter, left, answers questions as General Manager James Gladstone, right, sits next to him during a press conference Friday, March 25, 2025 at Miller Electric Center in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

Not every team can take home a prized draft pick, especially if they are throwing darts nowhere near the top of the board.

We can’t say enough great things about the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders, Dallas Cowboys and New York Jets and their stadium co-tenants, the Giants. From top to bottom, there’s a lot to love about the Panthers’ draft, too.

But we have no worldly idea what a few other teams were thinking over the three-day NFL draft completed Saturday in Pittsburgh.

Jacksonville Jaguars

From all splash and sizzle in 2025 to … what-was-that vibes in 2026, maybe this is life with a 30-something general manager. We can’t say Travis Hunter, which cost Jacksonville a 2026 first-round pick in the deal with the Browns on draft night ’25, was a home run. Or even an infield single. And now we can’t say much at all about what the Jaguars did in this draft. The franchise is drafting “culture” and we’re anxious to find out how that computes year over year.

San Francisco 49ers

Dec 14, 2025; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) prepares to pass the ball during the first quarter against the Tennessee Titans at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn ImagesDec 14, 2025; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) prepares to pass the ball during the first quarter against the Tennessee Titans at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

A jumbo receiver who would’ve been on the board 20 picks later De’Zhaun Stribling (Ole Miss) wasn’t entirely unexpected. But the 49ers signed Mike Evans and 2025 first-rounder Ricky Pearsall is being panned as a lead receiver. If these things compute internally, what’s the reward with Stribling? This isn’t a division where drafting depth over difference-makers can be a survival mode. Indiana RB Kaelon Black also would’ve been on the board later and he’s a niche player at best as long as the 49ers have the McCaffrey guy. So two of the top three picks are bit players in a division where everyone north of Arizona will be hyper competitive.

Atlanta Falcons

Jan 4, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich on the sideline against the New Orleans Saints in the first quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn ImagesJan 4, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich on the sideline against the New Orleans Saints in the first quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Clemson cornerback Avieon Terrell brings immediate value and it’s fair to wonder if the Falcons are having buyer’s remorse over the trade of a first-round pick for James Pearce Jr. in 2025 given his off-field issues. The draft wasn’t deep enough to find high-end pass rushers or offensive tackles in the late rounds. Using their third draft pick this year on Kendal Daniels (Oklahoma) at No. 134 is evidence the Falcons are hoping to hit the lottery on upside. Where Daniels fits in this defense is nowhere near clear at the moment.

#Teams #Screwed #NFL #Draft #Deadspin.com">Three Teams That Screwed Up 2026 NFL Draft | Deadspin.com The Jacksonville Jaguars’ first-round pick, Colorado Buffaloes wide receiver and defensive back Travis Hunter, left, answers questions as General Manager James Gladstone, right, sits next to him during a press conference Friday, March 25, 2025 at Miller Electric Center in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union] Not every team can take home a prized draft pick, especially if they are throwing darts nowhere near the top of the board.We can’t say enough great things about the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders, Dallas Cowboys and New York Jets and their stadium co-tenants, the Giants. From top to bottom, there’s a lot to love about the Panthers’ draft, too.But we have no worldly idea what a few other teams were thinking over the three-day NFL draft completed Saturday in Pittsburgh.Jacksonville JaguarsFrom all splash and sizzle in 2025 to … what-was-that vibes in 2026, maybe this is life with a 30-something general manager. We can’t say Travis Hunter, which cost Jacksonville a 2026 first-round pick in the deal with the Browns on draft night ’25, was a home run. Or even an infield single. And now we can’t say much at all about what the Jaguars did in this draft. The franchise is drafting “culture” and we’re anxious to find out how that computes year over year.San Francisco 49ers Dec 14, 2025; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) prepares to pass the ball during the first quarter against the Tennessee Titans at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images A jumbo receiver who would’ve been on the board 20 picks later De’Zhaun Stribling (Ole Miss) wasn’t entirely unexpected. But the 49ers signed Mike Evans and 2025 first-rounder Ricky Pearsall is being panned as a lead receiver. If these things compute internally, what’s the reward with Stribling? This isn’t a division where drafting depth over difference-makers can be a survival mode. Indiana RB Kaelon Black also would’ve been on the board later and he’s a niche player at best as long as the 49ers have the McCaffrey guy. So two of the top three picks are bit players in a division where everyone north of Arizona will be hyper competitive.Atlanta Falcons Jan 4, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich on the sideline against the New Orleans Saints in the first quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images Clemson cornerback Avieon Terrell brings immediate value and it’s fair to wonder if the Falcons are having buyer’s remorse over the trade of a first-round pick for James Pearce Jr. in 2025 given his off-field issues. The draft wasn’t deep enough to find high-end pass rushers or offensive tackles in the late rounds. Using their third draft pick this year on Kendal Daniels (Oklahoma) at No. 134 is evidence the Falcons are hoping to hit the lottery on upside. Where Daniels fits in this defense is nowhere near clear at the moment. #Teams #Screwed #NFL #Draft #Deadspin.com

splash and sizzle in 2025 to … what-was-that vibes in 2026, maybe this is life with a 30-something general manager. We can’t say Travis Hunter, which cost Jacksonville a 2026 first-round pick in the deal with the Browns on draft night ’25, was a home run. Or even an infield single. And now we can’t say much at all about what the Jaguars did in this draft. The franchise is drafting “culture” and we’re anxious to find out how that computes year over year.

San Francisco 49ers

Dec 14, 2025; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) prepares to pass the ball during the first quarter against the Tennessee Titans at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn ImagesDec 14, 2025; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) prepares to pass the ball during the first quarter against the Tennessee Titans at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

A jumbo receiver who would’ve been on the board 20 picks later De’Zhaun Stribling (Ole Miss) wasn’t entirely unexpected. But the 49ers signed Mike Evans and 2025 first-rounder Ricky Pearsall is being panned as a lead receiver. If these things compute internally, what’s the reward with Stribling? This isn’t a division where drafting depth over difference-makers can be a survival mode. Indiana RB Kaelon Black also would’ve been on the board later and he’s a niche player at best as long as the 49ers have the McCaffrey guy. So two of the top three picks are bit players in a division where everyone north of Arizona will be hyper competitive.

Atlanta Falcons

Jan 4, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich on the sideline against the New Orleans Saints in the first quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn ImagesJan 4, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich on the sideline against the New Orleans Saints in the first quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Clemson cornerback Avieon Terrell brings immediate value and it’s fair to wonder if the Falcons are having buyer’s remorse over the trade of a first-round pick for James Pearce Jr. in 2025 given his off-field issues. The draft wasn’t deep enough to find high-end pass rushers or offensive tackles in the late rounds. Using their third draft pick this year on Kendal Daniels (Oklahoma) at No. 134 is evidence the Falcons are hoping to hit the lottery on upside. Where Daniels fits in this defense is nowhere near clear at the moment.

#Teams #Screwed #NFL #Draft #Deadspin.com">Three Teams That Screwed Up 2026 NFL Draft | Deadspin.com
Three Teams That Screwed Up 2026 NFL Draft | Deadspin.com The Jacksonville Jaguars’ first-round pick, Colorado Buffaloes wide receiver and defensive back Travis Hunter, left, answers questions as General Manager James Gladstone, right, sits next to him during a press conference Friday, March 25, 2025 at Miller Electric Center in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union] Not every team can take home a prized draft pick, especially if they are throwing darts nowhere near the top of the board.We can’t say enough great things about the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders, Dallas Cowboys and New York Jets and their stadium co-tenants, the Giants. From top to bottom, there’s a lot to love about the Panthers’ draft, too.But we have no worldly idea what a few other teams were thinking over the three-day NFL draft completed Saturday in Pittsburgh.Jacksonville JaguarsFrom all splash and sizzle in 2025 to … what-was-that vibes in 2026, maybe this is life with a 30-something general manager. We can’t say Travis Hunter, which cost Jacksonville a 2026 first-round pick in the deal with the Browns on draft night ’25, was a home run. Or even an infield single. And now we can’t say much at all about what the Jaguars did in this draft. The franchise is drafting “culture” and we’re anxious to find out how that computes year over year.San Francisco 49ers Dec 14, 2025; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) prepares to pass the ball during the first quarter against the Tennessee Titans at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images A jumbo receiver who would’ve been on the board 20 picks later De’Zhaun Stribling (Ole Miss) wasn’t entirely unexpected. But the 49ers signed Mike Evans and 2025 first-rounder Ricky Pearsall is being panned as a lead receiver. If these things compute internally, what’s the reward with Stribling? This isn’t a division where drafting depth over difference-makers can be a survival mode. Indiana RB Kaelon Black also would’ve been on the board later and he’s a niche player at best as long as the 49ers have the McCaffrey guy. So two of the top three picks are bit players in a division where everyone north of Arizona will be hyper competitive.Atlanta Falcons Jan 4, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich on the sideline against the New Orleans Saints in the first quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images Clemson cornerback Avieon Terrell brings immediate value and it’s fair to wonder if the Falcons are having buyer’s remorse over the trade of a first-round pick for James Pearce Jr. in 2025 given his off-field issues. The draft wasn’t deep enough to find high-end pass rushers or offensive tackles in the late rounds. Using their third draft pick this year on Kendal Daniels (Oklahoma) at No. 134 is evidence the Falcons are hoping to hit the lottery on upside. Where Daniels fits in this defense is nowhere near clear at the moment. #Teams #Screwed #NFL #Draft #Deadspin.comThe Jacksonville Jaguars’ first-round pick, Colorado Buffaloes wide receiver and defensive back Travis Hunter, left, answers questions as General Manager James Gladstone, right, sits next to him during a press conference Friday, March 25, 2025 at Miller Electric Center in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

Not every team can take home a prized draft pick, especially if they are throwing darts nowhere near the top of the board.

We can’t say enough great things about the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders, Dallas Cowboys and New York Jets and their stadium co-tenants, the Giants. From top to bottom, there’s a lot to love about the Panthers’ draft, too.

But we have no worldly idea what a few other teams were thinking over the three-day NFL draft completed Saturday in Pittsburgh.

Jacksonville Jaguars

From all splash and sizzle in 2025 to … what-was-that vibes in 2026, maybe this is life with a 30-something general manager. We can’t say Travis Hunter, which cost Jacksonville a 2026 first-round pick in the deal with the Browns on draft night ’25, was a home run. Or even an infield single. And now we can’t say much at all about what the Jaguars did in this draft. The franchise is drafting “culture” and we’re anxious to find out how that computes year over year.

San Francisco 49ers

Dec 14, 2025; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) prepares to pass the ball during the first quarter against the Tennessee Titans at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn ImagesDec 14, 2025; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) prepares to pass the ball during the first quarter against the Tennessee Titans at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

A jumbo receiver who would’ve been on the board 20 picks later De’Zhaun Stribling (Ole Miss) wasn’t entirely unexpected. But the 49ers signed Mike Evans and 2025 first-rounder Ricky Pearsall is being panned as a lead receiver. If these things compute internally, what’s the reward with Stribling? This isn’t a division where drafting depth over difference-makers can be a survival mode. Indiana RB Kaelon Black also would’ve been on the board later and he’s a niche player at best as long as the 49ers have the McCaffrey guy. So two of the top three picks are bit players in a division where everyone north of Arizona will be hyper competitive.

Atlanta Falcons

Jan 4, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich on the sideline against the New Orleans Saints in the first quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn ImagesJan 4, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich on the sideline against the New Orleans Saints in the first quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Clemson cornerback Avieon Terrell brings immediate value and it’s fair to wonder if the Falcons are having buyer’s remorse over the trade of a first-round pick for James Pearce Jr. in 2025 given his off-field issues. The draft wasn’t deep enough to find high-end pass rushers or offensive tackles in the late rounds. Using their third draft pick this year on Kendal Daniels (Oklahoma) at No. 134 is evidence the Falcons are hoping to hit the lottery on upside. Where Daniels fits in this defense is nowhere near clear at the moment.

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