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Deadspin | Lawrence Okolie fails drug test, bout vs. Tony Yoka canceled Aug 6, 2016; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Lawrence Okolie (GBR, red) reacts after defeating Igor Pawel Akubowski (POL, blue) in their men’s heavy preliminary bout at Riocentro – Pavilion 6 during the Rio 2016 Summer Olympic Games. Mandatory Credit: Dan Powers-Imagn Images British heavyweight boxer Lawrence Okolie has failed a drug test, forcing the cancellation of his bout Saturday in Paris against 2016 Olympic champion Tony Yoka of France. The Times of London reported the substance discovered in his Voluntary Anti-Doping Association test was GHRP 2, which is designed to increase the body’s own growth hormone production. It can aid in recovery, increase muscle mass and also assist in fat loss. “(On Monday night), the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) informed Queensberry that Lawrence Okolie returned an adverse finding following an anti-doping test conducted ahead of the show in Paris this Saturday,” fight promoter Queensberry posted on X. “A further update regarding the event will be made in due course.” Okolie, 33, didn’t waste much time posting on social media himself. “Before anyone starts imagining the worst, following my bicep injury last year, I sustained an elbow injury on the same arm during this camp,” he posted on Instagram, along with a picture of his elbow. “I had a treatment on it and now we are here. I truly hope sense prevails. “I will of course be fully cooperating with all relevant authorities and I’m confident any investigation will clear my name. I won’t be making any further comment at this time. Thank you for all your support and see you soon.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Lawrence #Okolie #fails #drug #test #bout #Tony #Yoka #canceled

Deadspin | Lawrence Okolie fails drug test, bout vs. Tony Yoka canceled
Deadspin | Lawrence Okolie fails drug test, bout vs. Tony Yoka canceled Aug 6, 2016; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Lawrence Okolie (GBR, red) reacts after defeating Igor Pawel Akubowski (POL, blue) in their men’s heavy preliminary bout at Riocentro – Pavilion 6 during the Rio 2016 Summer Olympic Games. Mandatory Credit: Dan Powers-Imagn Images British heavyweight boxer Lawrence Okolie has failed a drug test, forcing the cancellation of his bout Saturday in Paris against 2016 Olympic champion Tony Yoka of France. The Times of London reported the substance discovered in his Voluntary Anti-Doping Association test was GHRP 2, which is designed to increase the body’s own growth hormone production. It can aid in recovery, increase muscle mass and also assist in fat loss. “(On Monday night), the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) informed Queensberry that Lawrence Okolie returned an adverse finding following an anti-doping test conducted ahead of the show in Paris this Saturday,” fight promoter Queensberry posted on X. “A further update regarding the event will be made in due course.” Okolie, 33, didn’t waste much time posting on social media himself. “Before anyone starts imagining the worst, following my bicep injury last year, I sustained an elbow injury on the same arm during this camp,” he posted on Instagram, along with a picture of his elbow. “I had a treatment on it and now we are here. I truly hope sense prevails. “I will of course be fully cooperating with all relevant authorities and I’m confident any investigation will clear my name. I won’t be making any further comment at this time. Thank you for all your support and see you soon.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Lawrence #Okolie #fails #drug #test #bout #Tony #Yoka #canceledAug 6, 2016; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Lawrence Okolie (GBR, red) reacts after defeating Igor Pawel Akubowski (POL, blue) in their men’s heavy preliminary bout at Riocentro – Pavilion 6 during the Rio 2016 Summer Olympic Games. Mandatory Credit: Dan Powers-Imagn Images

British heavyweight boxer Lawrence Okolie has failed a drug test, forcing the cancellation of his bout Saturday in Paris against 2016 Olympic champion Tony Yoka of France.

The Times of London reported the substance discovered in his Voluntary Anti-Doping Association test was GHRP 2, which is designed to increase the body’s own growth hormone production. It can aid in recovery, increase muscle mass and also assist in fat loss.

“(On Monday night), the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) informed Queensberry that Lawrence Okolie returned an adverse finding following an anti-doping test conducted ahead of the show in Paris this Saturday,” fight promoter Queensberry posted on X. “A further update regarding the event will be made in due course.”


Okolie, 33, didn’t waste much time posting on social media himself.

“Before anyone starts imagining the worst, following my bicep injury last year, I sustained an elbow injury on the same arm during this camp,” he posted on Instagram, along with a picture of his elbow. “I had a treatment on it and now we are here. I truly hope sense prevails.

“I will of course be fully cooperating with all relevant authorities and I’m confident any investigation will clear my name. I won’t be making any further comment at this time. Thank you for all your support and see you soon.”

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Lawrence #Okolie #fails #drug #test #bout #Tony #Yoka #canceled

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Aug 6, 2016; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Lawrence Okolie (GBR, red) reacts after defeating Igor Pawel Akubowski (POL, blue) in their men’s heavy preliminary bout at Riocentro – Pavilion 6 during the Rio 2016 Summer Olympic Games. Mandatory Credit: Dan Powers-Imagn Images

British heavyweight boxer Lawrence Okolie has failed a drug test, forcing the cancellation of his bout Saturday in Paris against 2016 Olympic champion Tony Yoka of France.

The Times of London reported the substance discovered in his Voluntary Anti-Doping Association test was GHRP 2, which is designed to increase the body’s own growth hormone production. It can aid in recovery, increase muscle mass and also assist in fat loss.

“(On Monday night), the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) informed Queensberry that Lawrence Okolie returned an adverse finding following an anti-doping test conducted ahead of the show in Paris this Saturday,” fight promoter Queensberry posted on X. “A further update regarding the event will be made in due course.”

Okolie, 33, didn’t waste much time posting on social media himself.

“Before anyone starts imagining the worst, following my bicep injury last year, I sustained an elbow injury on the same arm during this camp,” he posted on Instagram, along with a picture of his elbow. “I had a treatment on it and now we are here. I truly hope sense prevails.

“I will of course be fully cooperating with all relevant authorities and I’m confident any investigation will clear my name. I won’t be making any further comment at this time. Thank you for all your support and see you soon.”

–Field Level Media

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FIVB revokes Volleyball Federation of India’s provisional recognition due to non-compliance of requirements <div id="content-body-70890078" itemprop="articleBody"><p>The Volleyball Federation of India’s provisional recognition has been “revoked with immediate effect” due to non-compliance of the legal and administrative requirements, FIVB, the world body for volleyball, said on Tuesday.</p><p>“In accordance with Articles 1.5.3 and 1.9.1 of the FIVB General Regulations, the FIVB Board of Administration has determined that the legal and administrative requirements established by the FIVB have not been respected by the interim leadership of the Volleyball Federation of India (VFI). As such, the VFI’s provisional recognition has been revoked with immediate effect,” a FIVB statement read.</p><p>Moreover, to “ensure continuity, stability and proper governance during this transitional period”, the FIVB has given the administrative responsibilities of the VFI to a Steering Committee.</p><p><i>More to follow…</i></p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 21, 2026</p></div> #FIVB #revokes #Volleyball #Federation #Indias #provisional #recognition #due #noncompliance #requirements

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Deadspin | Nationals have hands full with Matt Olson, Braves: ‘They’re really good’ Apr 15, 2026; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves first baseman Matt Olson (28) reacts as he runs after hitting a home run against the Miami Marlins during the seventh inning at Truist Park. All players are wearing number 42 today in honor of Jackie Robinson. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images Matt Olson will look to continue his success at Nationals Park when the Atlanta Braves visit the Washington Nationals for the second game of their four-game series Tuesday night. The Atlanta first baseman smacked a two-run homer to center and added a sacrifice fly in the Braves 9-4 win on Monday night, their sixth in a row. Washington’s James Wood also robbed Olson of a homer at the fence in right field. “We hit a lot of balls hard tonight,” Braves manager Walt Weiss said Monday. “That wind was blowing in. The fact that that ball Olson hit got out to center was a miracle the way the wind was blowing in. He might have had three homers tonight without any wind.” Olson’s numbers might be ready for a boost anyway given his history at Nationals Park. Over the course of the 32-year-old’s career, Olson has played 30 games at the stadium. He has 13 homers, 35 RBIs and a batting average of .367. The 13 home runs are more than he has hit in every stadium except the two parks he has called home — he previously played for the Athletics — and Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, where he has parked 15 balls over the outfield wall. Atlanta’s Ronald Acuna, Jr. left the game in the sixth inning after being hit by a Jake Irvin pitch for the second time in the game, this one on the left hand. Acuna is day-to-day and Weiss said X-rays were negative. “We feel pretty good about it,” Weiss said. “That’s where we’re at. We don’t have any plans for an MRI.” Irvin said neither pitch was intentional. “We’re trying to go in,” he said. “It’s unfortunate. Atlanta right-hander Reynaldo Lopez (1-0, 2.18) will oppose left-hander Foster Griffin (2-0, 3.05) on Tuesday. Griffin turned in three strong starts to open the season but struggled the last time out against Pittsburgh on Thursday. He held the Pirates scoreless for the first four innings but ultimately gave up four runs on eight hits over 5 1/3 innings, striking out seven and walking one. The Nationals pulled off an 8-7 win in 10 innings, but Griffin didn’t figure into the decision. He has never faced the Braves. Lopez is 0-1 with a 4.76 ERA in four career starts against the Nationals. He gave up four runs (three earned) on five hits in five innings of a no-decision against the Miami Marlins in his April 14 start, won 6-5 by the Braves. It was the first time in four starts that he had given up more than one earned run. The Nationals took the lead twice on Monday but could not hold it. Daylen Lile homered, but Washington was held to three hits and fell to 2-8 at home on a night that they committed two errors in addition to hitting Acuna. “We know we have to play really good baseball against this team; they’re really good,” Nationals manager Blake Butera said after the game on Monday. “We made too many mistakes tonight to beat this club. We’ll address it, we’ll fix it and be ready to go tomorrow.” Lile has hits in 18 of 22 games played this year. Irvin was perfect through three innings but was later lifted after five innings and 68 pitches. He gave up four runs (three earned). Atlanta’s Drake Baldwin had two hits, drove in two runs and scored twice. He has 10 multi-hit games this season. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Nationals #hands #full #Matt #Olson #Braves #Theyre #goodApr 15, 2026; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves first baseman Matt Olson (28) reacts as he runs after hitting a home run against the Miami Marlins during the seventh inning at Truist Park. All players are wearing number 42 today in honor of Jackie Robinson. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

Matt Olson will look to continue his success at Nationals Park when the Atlanta Braves visit the Washington Nationals for the second game of their four-game series Tuesday night.

The Atlanta first baseman smacked a two-run homer to center and added a sacrifice fly in the Braves 9-4 win on Monday night, their sixth in a row. Washington’s James Wood also robbed Olson of a homer at the fence in right field.

“We hit a lot of balls hard tonight,” Braves manager Walt Weiss said Monday. “That wind was blowing in. The fact that that ball Olson hit got out to center was a miracle the way the wind was blowing in. He might have had three homers tonight without any wind.”

Olson’s numbers might be ready for a boost anyway given his history at Nationals Park. Over the course of the 32-year-old’s career, Olson has played 30 games at the stadium. He has 13 homers, 35 RBIs and a batting average of .367.

The 13 home runs are more than he has hit in every stadium except the two parks he has called home — he previously played for the Athletics — and Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, where he has parked 15 balls over the outfield wall.

Atlanta’s Ronald Acuna, Jr. left the game in the sixth inning after being hit by a Jake Irvin pitch for the second time in the game, this one on the left hand. Acuna is day-to-day and Weiss said X-rays were negative.

“We feel pretty good about it,” Weiss said. “That’s where we’re at. We don’t have any plans for an MRI.”

Irvin said neither pitch was intentional.

“We’re trying to go in,” he said. “It’s unfortunate.


Atlanta right-hander Reynaldo Lopez (1-0, 2.18) will oppose left-hander Foster Griffin (2-0, 3.05) on Tuesday.

Griffin turned in three strong starts to open the season but struggled the last time out against Pittsburgh on Thursday. He held the Pirates scoreless for the first four innings but ultimately gave up four runs on eight hits over 5 1/3 innings, striking out seven and walking one. The Nationals pulled off an 8-7 win in 10 innings, but Griffin didn’t figure into the decision.

He has never faced the Braves.

Lopez is 0-1 with a 4.76 ERA in four career starts against the Nationals.

He gave up four runs (three earned) on five hits in five innings of a no-decision against the Miami Marlins in his April 14 start, won 6-5 by the Braves. It was the first time in four starts that he had given up more than one earned run.

The Nationals took the lead twice on Monday but could not hold it. Daylen Lile homered, but Washington was held to three hits and fell to 2-8 at home on a night that they committed two errors in addition to hitting Acuna.

“We know we have to play really good baseball against this team; they’re really good,” Nationals manager Blake Butera said after the game on Monday. “We made too many mistakes tonight to beat this club. We’ll address it, we’ll fix it and be ready to go tomorrow.”

Lile has hits in 18 of 22 games played this year.

Irvin was perfect through three innings but was later lifted after five innings and 68 pitches. He gave up four runs (three earned).

Atlanta’s Drake Baldwin had two hits, drove in two runs and scored twice. He has 10 multi-hit games this season.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Nationals #hands #full #Matt #Olson #Braves #Theyre #good">Deadspin | Nationals have hands full with Matt Olson, Braves: ‘They’re really good’ Apr 15, 2026; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves first baseman Matt Olson (28) reacts as he runs after hitting a home run against the Miami Marlins during the seventh inning at Truist Park. All players are wearing number 42 today in honor of Jackie Robinson. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images Matt Olson will look to continue his success at Nationals Park when the Atlanta Braves visit the Washington Nationals for the second game of their four-game series Tuesday night. The Atlanta first baseman smacked a two-run homer to center and added a sacrifice fly in the Braves 9-4 win on Monday night, their sixth in a row. Washington’s James Wood also robbed Olson of a homer at the fence in right field. “We hit a lot of balls hard tonight,” Braves manager Walt Weiss said Monday. “That wind was blowing in. The fact that that ball Olson hit got out to center was a miracle the way the wind was blowing in. He might have had three homers tonight without any wind.” Olson’s numbers might be ready for a boost anyway given his history at Nationals Park. Over the course of the 32-year-old’s career, Olson has played 30 games at the stadium. He has 13 homers, 35 RBIs and a batting average of .367. The 13 home runs are more than he has hit in every stadium except the two parks he has called home — he previously played for the Athletics — and Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, where he has parked 15 balls over the outfield wall. Atlanta’s Ronald Acuna, Jr. left the game in the sixth inning after being hit by a Jake Irvin pitch for the second time in the game, this one on the left hand. Acuna is day-to-day and Weiss said X-rays were negative. “We feel pretty good about it,” Weiss said. “That’s where we’re at. We don’t have any plans for an MRI.” Irvin said neither pitch was intentional. “We’re trying to go in,” he said. “It’s unfortunate. Atlanta right-hander Reynaldo Lopez (1-0, 2.18) will oppose left-hander Foster Griffin (2-0, 3.05) on Tuesday. Griffin turned in three strong starts to open the season but struggled the last time out against Pittsburgh on Thursday. He held the Pirates scoreless for the first four innings but ultimately gave up four runs on eight hits over 5 1/3 innings, striking out seven and walking one. The Nationals pulled off an 8-7 win in 10 innings, but Griffin didn’t figure into the decision. He has never faced the Braves. Lopez is 0-1 with a 4.76 ERA in four career starts against the Nationals. He gave up four runs (three earned) on five hits in five innings of a no-decision against the Miami Marlins in his April 14 start, won 6-5 by the Braves. It was the first time in four starts that he had given up more than one earned run. The Nationals took the lead twice on Monday but could not hold it. Daylen Lile homered, but Washington was held to three hits and fell to 2-8 at home on a night that they committed two errors in addition to hitting Acuna. “We know we have to play really good baseball against this team; they’re really good,” Nationals manager Blake Butera said after the game on Monday. “We made too many mistakes tonight to beat this club. We’ll address it, we’ll fix it and be ready to go tomorrow.” Lile has hits in 18 of 22 games played this year. Irvin was perfect through three innings but was later lifted after five innings and 68 pitches. He gave up four runs (three earned). Atlanta’s Drake Baldwin had two hits, drove in two runs and scored twice. He has 10 multi-hit games this season. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Nationals #hands #full #Matt #Olson #Braves #Theyre #good

Deadspin | Raiders pick No. 1, then Ohio State draft takeover begins Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Arvell Reese (8), linebacker Sonny Styles (6), safety Caleb Downs (2) and cornerback Davison Igbinosun (1) work out during spring football practice at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center on March 17, 2025. Ohio State is not the reigning national champion in college football, and the Buckeyes are not expected to produce a fourth No. 1 overall selection when the 2026 NFL Draft kicks off with the Las Vegas Raiders on the clock Thursday night. But you can bet your most sacred scarlet that the Buckeyes are money in the bank to pad their all-time total — 97 and counting — first-round selections soon after Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza is selected by the Raiders. Anywhere between nine and 13 Ohio State players are projected to be drafted into the NFL this week, and five carry first-round grades one year removed from the 2025 national championship roster that produced four first-rounders: wide receiver Emeka Egbuka (No. 21, Buccaneers), offensive lineman Donovan Jackson (24, Vikings), defensive tackle Tyleik Williams (28, Lions) and offensive tackle Josh Simmons (32, Chiefs). The 2021 Alabama team and the 2004 Miami squad share the record with six first-round selections in a single draft. The wait for the Ohio State takeover of the 2026 draft might not be long. In fact, that first selection could come right after Mendoza hears his name called. Buckeyes linebackers Sonny Styles and Arvell Reese are candidates to be selected No. 2 overall by the Jets. Styles put on an epic athletic display at the NFL Scouting Combine in February and Reese, who played a variety of positions in Matt Patricia’s defense, was right there with him. At 6-foot-4 and 243 pounds, Reese is being compared to Penn State-era Micah Parsons, the No. 12 pick in the 2021 draft and a three-time NFL All-Pro. Reese is dripping with upside. He had 6.5 sacks at Ohio State in 2025 but was only a part-time pass rusher. Only 20, Reese could add significant weight and convert to defensive end or focus on an edge/outside linebacker role. Because of his speed and power, there are also teams that discussed using him inside. The Cleveland native met with the Browns but he might not stick around long enough to stay in Ohio; the Browns have picks No. 6 and 24. He also had multiple meetings with the Arizona Cardinals, who pick third overall. “I played everywhere from inside linebacker to (strong-side) to edge. I was comfortable everywhere,” Reese said, noting NFL teams are complimentary of his versatility. “It changes (with) each team, so it depends on the system and how the defensive coordinator thinks he’ll use me.” Styles is a second-generation NFL prospect. His dad, Lorenzo Styles, was an NFL linebacker for the St. Louis Rams and Atlanta Falcons for six seasons. Lorenzo Styles Jr. is also part of the 2026 draft class. A Notre Dame transfer, Lorenzo Styles Jr. played safety — and started 11 games — for the Buckeyes last season. At 6-5, 244, Sonny Styles stole the show at the combine. He ran a 4.46 40-yard dash, had a 43 1/2-inch vertical, broad jumped 11 feet, 2 inches and clocked a 4.26-second 20-yard shuttle. It points to his high school background as a five-star safety recruit. The top tackler on Ohio State’s dynamic defense, Sonny Styles had only one missed tackle all season — and it came in the College Football Playoff — by the count of Buckeyes’ staff. “I think the way I can improve the run defense is just being in the middle,” said Styles, a self-described film junkie. “I feel like I had a great feel of what was coming.” Safety Caleb Downs is listed as a top-10 prospect by many evaluators, and he will be in the draft green room Thursday with his linebacker teammates, wide receiver Carnell Tate and defensive tackle Kayden McDonald. All six could be selected in the opening round. Downs and Toledo’s Emmanuel McNeil-Warren are vying to be the top player picked at the position and Tate is another likely first-round receiver produced by the Buckeyes. He averaged 17.2 yards per reception last season and caught 14 TD passes in three seasons at Ohio State. McDonald turned 21 last month and was the Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year in 2025. He had 65 tackles and nine tackles for loss last season as the thick and powerful roadblock to interior linemen trying to get their hands on Reese and Styles. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Raiders #pick #Ohio #State #draft #takeover #beginsOhio State Buckeyes linebacker Arvell Reese (8), linebacker Sonny Styles (6), safety Caleb Downs (2) and cornerback Davison Igbinosun (1) work out during spring football practice at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center on March 17, 2025.

Ohio State is not the reigning national champion in college football, and the Buckeyes are not expected to produce a fourth No. 1 overall selection when the 2026 NFL Draft kicks off with the Las Vegas Raiders on the clock Thursday night.

But you can bet your most sacred scarlet that the Buckeyes are money in the bank to pad their all-time total — 97 and counting — first-round selections soon after Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza is selected by the Raiders.

Anywhere between nine and 13 Ohio State players are projected to be drafted into the NFL this week, and five carry first-round grades one year removed from the 2025 national championship roster that produced four first-rounders: wide receiver Emeka Egbuka (No. 21, Buccaneers), offensive lineman Donovan Jackson (24, Vikings), defensive tackle Tyleik Williams (28, Lions) and offensive tackle Josh Simmons (32, Chiefs).

The 2021 Alabama team and the 2004 Miami squad share the record with six first-round selections in a single draft.

The wait for the Ohio State takeover of the 2026 draft might not be long. In fact, that first selection could come right after Mendoza hears his name called.

Buckeyes linebackers Sonny Styles and Arvell Reese are candidates to be selected No. 2 overall by the Jets. Styles put on an epic athletic display at the NFL Scouting Combine in February and Reese, who played a variety of positions in Matt Patricia’s defense, was right there with him. At 6-foot-4 and 243 pounds, Reese is being compared to Penn State-era Micah Parsons, the No. 12 pick in the 2021 draft and a three-time NFL All-Pro.

Reese is dripping with upside. He had 6.5 sacks at Ohio State in 2025 but was only a part-time pass rusher.

Only 20, Reese could add significant weight and convert to defensive end or focus on an edge/outside linebacker role. Because of his speed and power, there are also teams that discussed using him inside. The Cleveland native met with the Browns but he might not stick around long enough to stay in Ohio; the Browns have picks No. 6 and 24. He also had multiple meetings with the Arizona Cardinals, who pick third overall.


“I played everywhere from inside linebacker to (strong-side) to edge. I was comfortable everywhere,” Reese said, noting NFL teams are complimentary of his versatility. “It changes (with) each team, so it depends on the system and how the defensive coordinator thinks he’ll use me.”

Styles is a second-generation NFL prospect. His dad, Lorenzo Styles, was an NFL linebacker for the St. Louis Rams and Atlanta Falcons for six seasons. Lorenzo Styles Jr. is also part of the 2026 draft class. A Notre Dame transfer, Lorenzo Styles Jr. played safety — and started 11 games — for the Buckeyes last season.

At 6-5, 244, Sonny Styles stole the show at the combine. He ran a 4.46 40-yard dash, had a 43 1/2-inch vertical, broad jumped 11 feet, 2 inches and clocked a 4.26-second 20-yard shuttle. It points to his high school background as a five-star safety recruit.

The top tackler on Ohio State’s dynamic defense, Sonny Styles had only one missed tackle all season — and it came in the College Football Playoff — by the count of Buckeyes’ staff.

“I think the way I can improve the run defense is just being in the middle,” said Styles, a self-described film junkie. “I feel like I had a great feel of what was coming.”

Safety Caleb Downs is listed as a top-10 prospect by many evaluators, and he will be in the draft green room Thursday with his linebacker teammates, wide receiver Carnell Tate and defensive tackle Kayden McDonald.

All six could be selected in the opening round. Downs and Toledo’s Emmanuel McNeil-Warren are vying to be the top player picked at the position and Tate is another likely first-round receiver produced by the Buckeyes. He averaged 17.2 yards per reception last season and caught 14 TD passes in three seasons at Ohio State.

McDonald turned 21 last month and was the Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year in 2025. He had 65 tackles and nine tackles for loss last season as the thick and powerful roadblock to interior linemen trying to get their hands on Reese and Styles.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Raiders #pick #Ohio #State #draft #takeover #begins">Deadspin | Raiders pick No. 1, then Ohio State draft takeover begins Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Arvell Reese (8), linebacker Sonny Styles (6), safety Caleb Downs (2) and cornerback Davison Igbinosun (1) work out during spring football practice at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center on March 17, 2025. Ohio State is not the reigning national champion in college football, and the Buckeyes are not expected to produce a fourth No. 1 overall selection when the 2026 NFL Draft kicks off with the Las Vegas Raiders on the clock Thursday night. But you can bet your most sacred scarlet that the Buckeyes are money in the bank to pad their all-time total — 97 and counting — first-round selections soon after Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza is selected by the Raiders. Anywhere between nine and 13 Ohio State players are projected to be drafted into the NFL this week, and five carry first-round grades one year removed from the 2025 national championship roster that produced four first-rounders: wide receiver Emeka Egbuka (No. 21, Buccaneers), offensive lineman Donovan Jackson (24, Vikings), defensive tackle Tyleik Williams (28, Lions) and offensive tackle Josh Simmons (32, Chiefs). The 2021 Alabama team and the 2004 Miami squad share the record with six first-round selections in a single draft. The wait for the Ohio State takeover of the 2026 draft might not be long. In fact, that first selection could come right after Mendoza hears his name called. Buckeyes linebackers Sonny Styles and Arvell Reese are candidates to be selected No. 2 overall by the Jets. Styles put on an epic athletic display at the NFL Scouting Combine in February and Reese, who played a variety of positions in Matt Patricia’s defense, was right there with him. At 6-foot-4 and 243 pounds, Reese is being compared to Penn State-era Micah Parsons, the No. 12 pick in the 2021 draft and a three-time NFL All-Pro. Reese is dripping with upside. He had 6.5 sacks at Ohio State in 2025 but was only a part-time pass rusher. Only 20, Reese could add significant weight and convert to defensive end or focus on an edge/outside linebacker role. Because of his speed and power, there are also teams that discussed using him inside. The Cleveland native met with the Browns but he might not stick around long enough to stay in Ohio; the Browns have picks No. 6 and 24. He also had multiple meetings with the Arizona Cardinals, who pick third overall. “I played everywhere from inside linebacker to (strong-side) to edge. I was comfortable everywhere,” Reese said, noting NFL teams are complimentary of his versatility. “It changes (with) each team, so it depends on the system and how the defensive coordinator thinks he’ll use me.” Styles is a second-generation NFL prospect. His dad, Lorenzo Styles, was an NFL linebacker for the St. Louis Rams and Atlanta Falcons for six seasons. Lorenzo Styles Jr. is also part of the 2026 draft class. A Notre Dame transfer, Lorenzo Styles Jr. played safety — and started 11 games — for the Buckeyes last season. At 6-5, 244, Sonny Styles stole the show at the combine. He ran a 4.46 40-yard dash, had a 43 1/2-inch vertical, broad jumped 11 feet, 2 inches and clocked a 4.26-second 20-yard shuttle. It points to his high school background as a five-star safety recruit. The top tackler on Ohio State’s dynamic defense, Sonny Styles had only one missed tackle all season — and it came in the College Football Playoff — by the count of Buckeyes’ staff. “I think the way I can improve the run defense is just being in the middle,” said Styles, a self-described film junkie. “I feel like I had a great feel of what was coming.” Safety Caleb Downs is listed as a top-10 prospect by many evaluators, and he will be in the draft green room Thursday with his linebacker teammates, wide receiver Carnell Tate and defensive tackle Kayden McDonald. All six could be selected in the opening round. Downs and Toledo’s Emmanuel McNeil-Warren are vying to be the top player picked at the position and Tate is another likely first-round receiver produced by the Buckeyes. He averaged 17.2 yards per reception last season and caught 14 TD passes in three seasons at Ohio State. McDonald turned 21 last month and was the Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year in 2025. He had 65 tackles and nine tackles for loss last season as the thick and powerful roadblock to interior linemen trying to get their hands on Reese and Styles. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Raiders #pick #Ohio #State #draft #takeover #begins

Omar Cooper, WR, Indiana

It would make a lot of sense for the 49ers to go offensive line here and plan for the eventual exit of Trent Williams. Defensive line would also be no surprise, but, even after the signing of Mike Evans, wide receiver appears likely to take priority. Cooper can give San Francisco a bona-fide YAC threat who has also the ability to win downfield and who can operate inside and out. He’s an ideal wide receiver for Kyle Shanahan and would quickly become a favourite of Brock Purdy.

#Omar #Cooper #San #Francisco #49ers #pick #Niners #Nation #Nations #community #mock #draft">Omar Cooper Jr. goes to San Francisco 49ers at pick No. 27 thanks to Niners Nation in SB Nation’s community mock draft Omar Cooper, WR, IndianaIt would make a lot of sense for the 49ers to go offensive line here and plan for the eventual exit of Trent Williams. Defensive line would also be no surprise, but, even after the signing of Mike Evans, wide receiver appears likely to take priority. Cooper can give San Francisco a bona-fide YAC threat who has also the ability to win downfield and who can operate inside and out. He’s an ideal wide receiver for Kyle Shanahan and would quickly become a favourite of Brock Purdy. #Omar #Cooper #San #Francisco #49ers #pick #Niners #Nation #Nations #community #mock #draft

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