×
Deadspin | NFL Draft Rounds 2 & 3: Ohio State DT Kayden McDonald lands with Texans Apr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defensive tackle Kayden McDonald poses on the red carpet before the 2026 NFL Draft at Point State Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images Kayden McDonald was in Pittsburgh for the NFL draft on Thursday night, and the defensive tackle watched 15 of his peers make the walk from the backstage green room to the stage to be announced as first-round selections. The only player left in that room when the 32-player round ended was McDonald. McDonald returned to the scene Friday night, and he didn’t have to wait long. He heard his name called early in the second round when the Houston Texans chose him with the 36th overall pick, the fourth made on Friday. The Ohio State product who was a consensus All-American last season had tears flowing during the entire walk toward the stage. He stopped for a second to tap the Texans display on the wall. When he got to the stage, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell and McDonald conducted a long embrace, and Goodell was doing a lot of talking. In essence, the long wait was over for McDonald, who was one of seven Buckeyes drafted in the first two rounds. “This is emotional,” McDowell said on the ESPN broadcast. “I know I’m supposed to be here. I’m just so blessed and thankful.” The Texans traded with the Las Vegas Raiders to move up two spots on a night in which the second and third rounds were held. When the Raiders chose at No. 38, they tabbed safety Treydan Stukes of Arizona. The second round had a heavy defensive flavor with 22 players on that side of the ball being selected. There was also was an impact trade announced as the Minnesota Vikings sent veteran linebacker Jonathan Greenard to the Philadelphia Eagles for a third-round pick in this year’s draft and a third-rounder in 2027. The Eagles also received a seventh-rounder this year in the deal. The San Francisco 49ers started off the festivities by selecting receiver De’Zhaun Stribling, who played for Ole Miss last season after spending two seasons apiece at Washington State (2021-22) and Oklahoma State (2023-24). Two other wideouts went in the second round — Denzel Boston of Washington to the Cleveland Browns at No. 39 and Germie Bernard of Alabama to the Pittsburgh Steelers at No. 47. Tennessee cornerback Colton Hood went 37th overall to the New York Giants. He was another player thought to be a possible first-rounder. “Of course it was disappointing,” Hood said. “I know God does everything for a reason. He was probably preventing me from something or he had something better in store for me, and that being the Giants. “I’m super excited to go into this next chapter of my life and will just go in there and give my best and give my all and be the best version of myself.” Hood also played for Auburn (2023) and Colorado (2024) during his college career. The Miami Dolphins appear to have made one of the best picks in the round by grabbing Texas Tech consensus All-America linebacker Jacob Rodriguez with the No. 43 pick. Rodriguez was the face of the Red Raiders’ stunning season last year and loaded up on postseason awards, including the Bednarik Award as the nation’s top defender. He led the nation with seven forced fumbles and also intercepted four passes. At No. 48, the Falcons tabbed Clemson cornerback Avieon Terrell, the younger brother of Atlanta’s A.J. Terrell, who is entering his seventh season as a starting corner for the Falcons. The New York Jets chose cornerback D’Angelo Ponds of national champion Indiana with the 50th overall pick. The 5-foot-8 Ponds played his first season (2023) at James Madison before following coach Curt Cignetti to Indiana and becoming one of the Hoosiers’ top defensive players. In the first round, four Buckeyes were selected: receiver Carnell Tate, (No. 4, Tennessee Titans); linebacker Arvell Reese (No. 5, Giants); linebacker Sonny Styles (No. 7, Washington Commanders) and safety Caleb Downs (No. 11, Dallas Cowboys). After McDonald went in the second, tight end Max Klare (No. 61, Los Angeles Rams) and cornerback Davison Igbinosun (No. 62, Buffalo Bills) went back-to-back near the end of the round. The Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks took TCU safety Bud Clark with the 64th and final pick of the second round. After no quarterbacks were selected in the second round, Carson Beck and Drew Allar were picked in the third. Arizona opened the round by selecting Beck with the 65th pick. He led Miami to the College Football Playoff title game last season after previously playing four-plus seasons at Georgia. Beck passed for 11,725 yards and 88 touchdowns and started 43 games in his college career. Eleven picks later, the Pittsburgh Steelers selected Allar, who ranks fourth in Penn State history in passing yardage (7,402) and third in touchdown passes (61). Beck could find a path to the field in Arizona after the franchise parted ways with Kyler Murray. In addition, Jacoby Brissett, who started 12 games last season, is unhappy with his contract. The other veteran option is recent pick-up Gardner Minshew II. “Experience matters and obviously having a ton of experience in college and having played a ton of games, you see how experience continues to teach you and continues to better you,” Beck told reporters. “Obviously just coming in with an open heart, open mind, and just trying to be a sponge and learn everything I can.” Meanwhile, Pittsburgh is still waiting for word from Aaron Rodgers on whether he will play in 2026. The Steelers also have journeyman Mason Rudolph and second-year-pro Will Howard on the roster. The selections of Beck and Allar made it four quarterbacks to be picked in 100 selections over three rounds. The others were No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza (Indiana) by the Las Vegas Raiders and No. 13 Ty Simpson (Alabama) to the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday. Only three running backs were selected in the first three rounds and two of them were first-rounders from Notre Dame — Jeremiyah Love (No. 3 overall) to the Cardinals and Jadarian Price (No. 32, Seahawks). Indiana’s Kaelon Black went in the third round (No. 90) to the 49ers. The draft will conclude with the fourth through seventh rounds on Saturday. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #NFL #Draft #Rounds #Ohio #State #Kayden #McDonald #lands #Texans

Deadspin | NFL Draft Rounds 2 & 3: Ohio State DT Kayden McDonald lands with Texans
Deadspin | NFL Draft Rounds 2 & 3: Ohio State DT Kayden McDonald lands with Texans Apr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defensive tackle Kayden McDonald poses on the red carpet before the 2026 NFL Draft at Point State Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images Kayden McDonald was in Pittsburgh for the NFL draft on Thursday night, and the defensive tackle watched 15 of his peers make the walk from the backstage green room to the stage to be announced as first-round selections. The only player left in that room when the 32-player round ended was McDonald. McDonald returned to the scene Friday night, and he didn’t have to wait long. He heard his name called early in the second round when the Houston Texans chose him with the 36th overall pick, the fourth made on Friday. The Ohio State product who was a consensus All-American last season had tears flowing during the entire walk toward the stage. He stopped for a second to tap the Texans display on the wall. When he got to the stage, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell and McDonald conducted a long embrace, and Goodell was doing a lot of talking. In essence, the long wait was over for McDonald, who was one of seven Buckeyes drafted in the first two rounds. “This is emotional,” McDowell said on the ESPN broadcast. “I know I’m supposed to be here. I’m just so blessed and thankful.” The Texans traded with the Las Vegas Raiders to move up two spots on a night in which the second and third rounds were held. When the Raiders chose at No. 38, they tabbed safety Treydan Stukes of Arizona. The second round had a heavy defensive flavor with 22 players on that side of the ball being selected. There was also was an impact trade announced as the Minnesota Vikings sent veteran linebacker Jonathan Greenard to the Philadelphia Eagles for a third-round pick in this year’s draft and a third-rounder in 2027. The Eagles also received a seventh-rounder this year in the deal. The San Francisco 49ers started off the festivities by selecting receiver De’Zhaun Stribling, who played for Ole Miss last season after spending two seasons apiece at Washington State (2021-22) and Oklahoma State (2023-24). Two other wideouts went in the second round — Denzel Boston of Washington to the Cleveland Browns at No. 39 and Germie Bernard of Alabama to the Pittsburgh Steelers at No. 47. Tennessee cornerback Colton Hood went 37th overall to the New York Giants. He was another player thought to be a possible first-rounder. “Of course it was disappointing,” Hood said. “I know God does everything for a reason. He was probably preventing me from something or he had something better in store for me, and that being the Giants. “I’m super excited to go into this next chapter of my life and will just go in there and give my best and give my all and be the best version of myself.” Hood also played for Auburn (2023) and Colorado (2024) during his college career. The Miami Dolphins appear to have made one of the best picks in the round by grabbing Texas Tech consensus All-America linebacker Jacob Rodriguez with the No. 43 pick. Rodriguez was the face of the Red Raiders’ stunning season last year and loaded up on postseason awards, including the Bednarik Award as the nation’s top defender. He led the nation with seven forced fumbles and also intercepted four passes. At No. 48, the Falcons tabbed Clemson cornerback Avieon Terrell, the younger brother of Atlanta’s A.J. Terrell, who is entering his seventh season as a starting corner for the Falcons. The New York Jets chose cornerback D’Angelo Ponds of national champion Indiana with the 50th overall pick. The 5-foot-8 Ponds played his first season (2023) at James Madison before following coach Curt Cignetti to Indiana and becoming one of the Hoosiers’ top defensive players. In the first round, four Buckeyes were selected: receiver Carnell Tate, (No. 4, Tennessee Titans); linebacker Arvell Reese (No. 5, Giants); linebacker Sonny Styles (No. 7, Washington Commanders) and safety Caleb Downs (No. 11, Dallas Cowboys). After McDonald went in the second, tight end Max Klare (No. 61, Los Angeles Rams) and cornerback Davison Igbinosun (No. 62, Buffalo Bills) went back-to-back near the end of the round. The Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks took TCU safety Bud Clark with the 64th and final pick of the second round. After no quarterbacks were selected in the second round, Carson Beck and Drew Allar were picked in the third. Arizona opened the round by selecting Beck with the 65th pick. He led Miami to the College Football Playoff title game last season after previously playing four-plus seasons at Georgia. Beck passed for 11,725 yards and 88 touchdowns and started 43 games in his college career. Eleven picks later, the Pittsburgh Steelers selected Allar, who ranks fourth in Penn State history in passing yardage (7,402) and third in touchdown passes (61). Beck could find a path to the field in Arizona after the franchise parted ways with Kyler Murray. In addition, Jacoby Brissett, who started 12 games last season, is unhappy with his contract. The other veteran option is recent pick-up Gardner Minshew II. “Experience matters and obviously having a ton of experience in college and having played a ton of games, you see how experience continues to teach you and continues to better you,” Beck told reporters. “Obviously just coming in with an open heart, open mind, and just trying to be a sponge and learn everything I can.” Meanwhile, Pittsburgh is still waiting for word from Aaron Rodgers on whether he will play in 2026. The Steelers also have journeyman Mason Rudolph and second-year-pro Will Howard on the roster. The selections of Beck and Allar made it four quarterbacks to be picked in 100 selections over three rounds. The others were No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza (Indiana) by the Las Vegas Raiders and No. 13 Ty Simpson (Alabama) to the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday. Only three running backs were selected in the first three rounds and two of them were first-rounders from Notre Dame — Jeremiyah Love (No. 3 overall) to the Cardinals and Jadarian Price (No. 32, Seahawks). Indiana’s Kaelon Black went in the third round (No. 90) to the 49ers. The draft will conclude with the fourth through seventh rounds on Saturday. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #NFL #Draft #Rounds #Ohio #State #Kayden #McDonald #lands #TexansApr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defensive tackle Kayden McDonald poses on the red carpet before the 2026 NFL Draft at Point State Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Kayden McDonald was in Pittsburgh for the NFL draft on Thursday night, and the defensive tackle watched 15 of his peers make the walk from the backstage green room to the stage to be announced as first-round selections.

The only player left in that room when the 32-player round ended was McDonald.

McDonald returned to the scene Friday night, and he didn’t have to wait long. He heard his name called early in the second round when the Houston Texans chose him with the 36th overall pick, the fourth made on Friday.

The Ohio State product who was a consensus All-American last season had tears flowing during the entire walk toward the stage. He stopped for a second to tap the Texans display on the wall.

When he got to the stage, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell and McDonald conducted a long embrace, and Goodell was doing a lot of talking.

In essence, the long wait was over for McDonald, who was one of seven Buckeyes drafted in the first two rounds.

“This is emotional,” McDowell said on the ESPN broadcast. “I know I’m supposed to be here. I’m just so blessed and thankful.”

The Texans traded with the Las Vegas Raiders to move up two spots on a night in which the second and third rounds were held. When the Raiders chose at No. 38, they tabbed safety Treydan Stukes of Arizona.

The second round had a heavy defensive flavor with 22 players on that side of the ball being selected.

There was also was an impact trade announced as the Minnesota Vikings sent veteran linebacker Jonathan Greenard to the Philadelphia Eagles for a third-round pick in this year’s draft and a third-rounder in 2027. The Eagles also received a seventh-rounder this year in the deal.

The San Francisco 49ers started off the festivities by selecting receiver De’Zhaun Stribling, who played for Ole Miss last season after spending two seasons apiece at Washington State (2021-22) and Oklahoma State (2023-24).

Two other wideouts went in the second round — Denzel Boston of Washington to the Cleveland Browns at No. 39 and Germie Bernard of Alabama to the Pittsburgh Steelers at No. 47.

Tennessee cornerback Colton Hood went 37th overall to the New York Giants. He was another player thought to be a possible first-rounder.

“Of course it was disappointing,” Hood said. “I know God does everything for a reason. He was probably preventing me from something or he had something better in store for me, and that being the Giants.

“I’m super excited to go into this next chapter of my life and will just go in there and give my best and give my all and be the best version of myself.”

Hood also played for Auburn (2023) and Colorado (2024) during his college career.


The Miami Dolphins appear to have made one of the best picks in the round by grabbing Texas Tech consensus All-America linebacker Jacob Rodriguez with the No. 43 pick.

Rodriguez was the face of the Red Raiders’ stunning season last year and loaded up on postseason awards, including the Bednarik Award as the nation’s top defender. He led the nation with seven forced fumbles and also intercepted four passes.

At No. 48, the Falcons tabbed Clemson cornerback Avieon Terrell, the younger brother of Atlanta’s A.J. Terrell, who is entering his seventh season as a starting corner for the Falcons.

The New York Jets chose cornerback D’Angelo Ponds of national champion Indiana with the 50th overall pick. The 5-foot-8 Ponds played his first season (2023) at James Madison before following coach Curt Cignetti to Indiana and becoming one of the Hoosiers’ top defensive players.

In the first round, four Buckeyes were selected: receiver Carnell Tate, (No. 4, Tennessee Titans); linebacker Arvell Reese (No. 5, Giants); linebacker Sonny Styles (No. 7, Washington Commanders) and safety Caleb Downs (No. 11, Dallas Cowboys).

After McDonald went in the second, tight end Max Klare (No. 61, Los Angeles Rams) and cornerback Davison Igbinosun (No. 62, Buffalo Bills) went back-to-back near the end of the round.

The Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks took TCU safety Bud Clark with the 64th and final pick of the second round.

After no quarterbacks were selected in the second round, Carson Beck and Drew Allar were picked in the third.

Arizona opened the round by selecting Beck with the 65th pick. He led Miami to the College Football Playoff title game last season after previously playing four-plus seasons at Georgia. Beck passed for 11,725 yards and 88 touchdowns and started 43 games in his college career.

Eleven picks later, the Pittsburgh Steelers selected Allar, who ranks fourth in Penn State history in passing yardage (7,402) and third in touchdown passes (61).

Beck could find a path to the field in Arizona after the franchise parted ways with Kyler Murray. In addition, Jacoby Brissett, who started 12 games last season, is unhappy with his contract. The other veteran option is recent pick-up Gardner Minshew II.

“Experience matters and obviously having a ton of experience in college and having played a ton of games, you see how experience continues to teach you and continues to better you,” Beck told reporters. “Obviously just coming in with an open heart, open mind, and just trying to be a sponge and learn everything I can.”

Meanwhile, Pittsburgh is still waiting for word from Aaron Rodgers on whether he will play in 2026. The Steelers also have journeyman Mason Rudolph and second-year-pro Will Howard on the roster.

The selections of Beck and Allar made it four quarterbacks to be picked in 100 selections over three rounds. The others were No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza (Indiana) by the Las Vegas Raiders and No. 13 Ty Simpson (Alabama) to the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday.

Only three running backs were selected in the first three rounds and two of them were first-rounders from Notre Dame — Jeremiyah Love (No. 3 overall) to the Cardinals and Jadarian Price (No. 32, Seahawks). Indiana’s Kaelon Black went in the third round (No. 90) to the 49ers.

The draft will conclude with the fourth through seventh rounds on Saturday.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #NFL #Draft #Rounds #Ohio #State #Kayden #McDonald #lands #Texans

Sports news

Apr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defensive tackle Kayden McDonald poses on the red carpet before the 2026 NFL Draft at Point State Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Kayden McDonald was in Pittsburgh for the NFL draft on Thursday night, and the defensive tackle watched 15 of his peers make the walk from the backstage green room to the stage to be announced as first-round selections.

The only player left in that room when the 32-player round ended was McDonald.

McDonald returned to the scene Friday night, and he didn’t have to wait long. He heard his name called early in the second round when the Houston Texans chose him with the 36th overall pick, the fourth made on Friday.

The Ohio State product who was a consensus All-American last season had tears flowing during the entire walk toward the stage. He stopped for a second to tap the Texans display on the wall.

When he got to the stage, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell and McDonald conducted a long embrace, and Goodell was doing a lot of talking.

In essence, the long wait was over for McDonald, who was one of seven Buckeyes drafted in the first two rounds.

“This is emotional,” McDowell said on the ESPN broadcast. “I know I’m supposed to be here. I’m just so blessed and thankful.”

The Texans traded with the Las Vegas Raiders to move up two spots on a night in which the second and third rounds were held. When the Raiders chose at No. 38, they tabbed safety Treydan Stukes of Arizona.

The second round had a heavy defensive flavor with 22 players on that side of the ball being selected.

There was also was an impact trade announced as the Minnesota Vikings sent veteran linebacker Jonathan Greenard to the Philadelphia Eagles for a third-round pick in this year’s draft and a third-rounder in 2027. The Eagles also received a seventh-rounder this year in the deal.

The San Francisco 49ers started off the festivities by selecting receiver De’Zhaun Stribling, who played for Ole Miss last season after spending two seasons apiece at Washington State (2021-22) and Oklahoma State (2023-24).

Two other wideouts went in the second round — Denzel Boston of Washington to the Cleveland Browns at No. 39 and Germie Bernard of Alabama to the Pittsburgh Steelers at No. 47.

Tennessee cornerback Colton Hood went 37th overall to the New York Giants. He was another player thought to be a possible first-rounder.

“Of course it was disappointing,” Hood said. “I know God does everything for a reason. He was probably preventing me from something or he had something better in store for me, and that being the Giants.

“I’m super excited to go into this next chapter of my life and will just go in there and give my best and give my all and be the best version of myself.”

Hood also played for Auburn (2023) and Colorado (2024) during his college career.

The Miami Dolphins appear to have made one of the best picks in the round by grabbing Texas Tech consensus All-America linebacker Jacob Rodriguez with the No. 43 pick.

Rodriguez was the face of the Red Raiders’ stunning season last year and loaded up on postseason awards, including the Bednarik Award as the nation’s top defender. He led the nation with seven forced fumbles and also intercepted four passes.

At No. 48, the Falcons tabbed Clemson cornerback Avieon Terrell, the younger brother of Atlanta’s A.J. Terrell, who is entering his seventh season as a starting corner for the Falcons.

The New York Jets chose cornerback D’Angelo Ponds of national champion Indiana with the 50th overall pick. The 5-foot-8 Ponds played his first season (2023) at James Madison before following coach Curt Cignetti to Indiana and becoming one of the Hoosiers’ top defensive players.

In the first round, four Buckeyes were selected: receiver Carnell Tate, (No. 4, Tennessee Titans); linebacker Arvell Reese (No. 5, Giants); linebacker Sonny Styles (No. 7, Washington Commanders) and safety Caleb Downs (No. 11, Dallas Cowboys).

After McDonald went in the second, tight end Max Klare (No. 61, Los Angeles Rams) and cornerback Davison Igbinosun (No. 62, Buffalo Bills) went back-to-back near the end of the round.

The Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks took TCU safety Bud Clark with the 64th and final pick of the second round.

After no quarterbacks were selected in the second round, Carson Beck and Drew Allar were picked in the third.

Arizona opened the round by selecting Beck with the 65th pick. He led Miami to the College Football Playoff title game last season after previously playing four-plus seasons at Georgia. Beck passed for 11,725 yards and 88 touchdowns and started 43 games in his college career.

Eleven picks later, the Pittsburgh Steelers selected Allar, who ranks fourth in Penn State history in passing yardage (7,402) and third in touchdown passes (61).

Beck could find a path to the field in Arizona after the franchise parted ways with Kyler Murray. In addition, Jacoby Brissett, who started 12 games last season, is unhappy with his contract. The other veteran option is recent pick-up Gardner Minshew II.

“Experience matters and obviously having a ton of experience in college and having played a ton of games, you see how experience continues to teach you and continues to better you,” Beck told reporters. “Obviously just coming in with an open heart, open mind, and just trying to be a sponge and learn everything I can.”

Meanwhile, Pittsburgh is still waiting for word from Aaron Rodgers on whether he will play in 2026. The Steelers also have journeyman Mason Rudolph and second-year-pro Will Howard on the roster.

The selections of Beck and Allar made it four quarterbacks to be picked in 100 selections over three rounds. The others were No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza (Indiana) by the Las Vegas Raiders and No. 13 Ty Simpson (Alabama) to the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday.

Only three running backs were selected in the first three rounds and two of them were first-rounders from Notre Dame — Jeremiyah Love (No. 3 overall) to the Cardinals and Jadarian Price (No. 32, Seahawks). Indiana’s Kaelon Black went in the third round (No. 90) to the 49ers.

The draft will conclude with the fourth through seventh rounds on Saturday.

–Field Level Media

Source link
#Deadspin #NFL #Draft #Rounds #Ohio #State #Kayden #McDonald #lands #Texans

Previous post

IPL 2026: Dhoni ‘on the road to recovery’, no urgency to have replacement for Mhatre at No. 3, says CSK coach Fleming <div id="content-body-70905563" itemprop="articleBody"><p>It seems home fans would have to wait longer for the much-anticipated return of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) talisman Mahendra Singh Dhoni.</p><p>“He’s progressing well. He’s on the road to recovery and doing everything that’s being asked of him,” head coach Stephen Fleming informed the media on Saturday ahead of the game against the Gujarat Titans (GT) at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium. The wicketkeeper-batter is currently undergoing rehabilitation for a calf strain.</p><p>Ayush Mhatre, who had been chipping in with valuable runs at No. 3, also picked up a hamstring injury during the game against Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 18 and has since been ruled out of the tournament.</p><p>While Urvil Patel could be considered a potential candidate to take up the India Under-19 captain’s role in the eleven, Fleming feels CSK is doing just fine. “Urvil Patel, who’s still itching to get a game, is quality as well. I know there’s been some commentary around him. But we’re lucky to have some quality aggressive players at the top, so the urgency to get a replacement is not necessarily there. We are looking, but we just don’t need to rush that at this point.”</p><p>Sarfaraz Khan had been promoted to No. 3 in CSK’s last fixture against Mumbai Indians.</p><p><b>ALSO READ | <a href="https://sportstar.thehindu.com/cricket/ipl/ravi-bishnoi-ipl-fresh-start-remodelled-action-length-control-wickets-analysis-rajasthan-royals-sangakkara/article70904794.ece" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">IPL 2026: Remodelled action, greater control — How Ravi Bishnoi has found a fresh start in IPL at Rajasthan Royals</a></b></p><p>CSK, fifth, is not where it would ideally want to be at this stage of the competition. With three wins, four losses, and six points from seven games, it is anybody’s guess that skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad’s form—currently averaging 14.86 with the bat—and captaincy skills have become a major talking point.</p><p>Fleming, however, isn’t the least bit concerned. “(For) Rutu, I have nothing but support. He’s a quality player and a young captain who’s working himself into the role and doing a good job. I know he’s getting a lot of heat from outside, but within, he’s got a lot of support, and he’s very well respected within the side. That will continue,” he said.</p><p>Although the match will be played on a wicket almost equidistant from either of the square boundaries, Fleming feels the batters don’t have much to worry about, given how the T20 format has evolved to favour their kind.</p><p>He said, “My understanding is the wicket is pretty much in the middle tomorrow, and the sides are some of the longer boundaries in the competition. We’re aware that we’ve got a little bit more distance to work with. But the power of the batters these days… It’s still not long enough.”</p><p>GT, having played a game at Bengaluru the previous night, didn’t host a press conference.</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 25, 2026</p></div> #IPL #Dhoni #road #recovery #urgency #replacement #Mhatre #CSK #coach #Fleming

Next post

Unicycle balancing trick

Related Posts

Deadspin | Phillies’ Zack Wheeler returns to rotation to face hot Braves Aug 10, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Zack Wheeler (45) throws during the first inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images Philadelphia ace Zack Wheeler will make his first start since last August when the Phillies bid to snap a 10-game losing streak on Saturday night against the host Atlanta Braves. The Braves have won nine of their last 10 games and beat the Phillies 5-3 on Friday to open the three-game set between the teams with the best and worst record, respectively, in the majors. The losing streak is the longest for Philadelphia since it dropped 11 in a row in 1999. Wheeler will oppose Atlanta’s Bryce Elder (3-1, 1.50 ERA) in a battle of right-handers. “Having Zack Wheeler on your 26-man roster makes you a better roster no matter what,” Philadelphia manager Rob Thomson said. “Because when he’s healthy and pitching, he’s one of the best, if not the best, pitcher in the National League.” Wheeler had a rib removed during vascular thoracic outlet decompression surgery in September after it was discovered he had a blood clot in his right shoulder. Wheeler made five rehab starts this spring before being activated, posting a 5.85 ERA. He struck out 23 and walked only five in 20 innings. He is expected to be on a pitch count when he makes his season debut. “I think he’s basically at the end of spring training,” Thomson said. “The fastball velocity has gone up. It’s not where it’s going to be, I don’t believe. The command has been some days good, some days not as good. But I’m expecting on a normal day, weather wise, that he’s going to have his command.” Wheeler has been one of the best pitchers in the National League and finished second to Atlanta’s Chris Sale for the 2024 NL Cy Young Award after going 16-7 with a 2.57 ERA. He has double-digit wins in each of the last seven full seasons. Wheeler has fared well against the Braves, going 13-9 with a 3.29 ERA in 32 career starts. Elder will make his sixth start of the season. In his last outing, against Washington on Monday, he worked 6 2/3 innings and allowed four runs, three earned, on three hits and two walks while striking out six in a 9-4 victory. Elder is 0-1 with a 6.41 ERA in four career starts against Philadelphia. The Braves will continue to be cautious with center fielder Michael Harris II. He was a late scratch on Friday with a tight left quad but entered the game as a pinch hitter in the sixth inning and produced a game-winning, two-run double. Atlanta manager Walt Weiss said there’s no guarantee that Harris will be in the lineup on Saturday. Harris could be the DH, with Mauricio Dubon going to center field. “We’ll put him through the test again (Saturday),” Weiss said. “We’re going to be cautious here. The soft-tissue stuff can be tricky, you know, so we want to use good judgment. We’ve got an off day coming up (Monday), but I’m hoping he can play (Saturday) for sure.” Over his last seven games, Harris is hitting .550 with 10 RBIs. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Phillies #Zack #Wheeler #returns #rotation #face #hot #BravesAug 10, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Zack Wheeler (45) throws during the first inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Philadelphia ace Zack Wheeler will make his first start since last August when the Phillies bid to snap a 10-game losing streak on Saturday night against the host Atlanta Braves.

The Braves have won nine of their last 10 games and beat the Phillies 5-3 on Friday to open the three-game set between the teams with the best and worst record, respectively, in the majors.

The losing streak is the longest for Philadelphia since it dropped 11 in a row in 1999.

Wheeler will oppose Atlanta’s Bryce Elder (3-1, 1.50 ERA) in a battle of right-handers.

“Having Zack Wheeler on your 26-man roster makes you a better roster no matter what,” Philadelphia manager Rob Thomson said. “Because when he’s healthy and pitching, he’s one of the best, if not the best, pitcher in the National League.”

Wheeler had a rib removed during vascular thoracic outlet decompression surgery in September after it was discovered he had a blood clot in his right shoulder.

Wheeler made five rehab starts this spring before being activated, posting a 5.85 ERA. He struck out 23 and walked only five in 20 innings. He is expected to be on a pitch count when he makes his season debut.

“I think he’s basically at the end of spring training,” Thomson said. “The fastball velocity has gone up. It’s not where it’s going to be, I don’t believe. The command has been some days good, some days not as good. But I’m expecting on a normal day, weather wise, that he’s going to have his command.”


Wheeler has been one of the best pitchers in the National League and finished second to Atlanta’s Chris Sale for the 2024 NL Cy Young Award after going 16-7 with a 2.57 ERA. He has double-digit wins in each of the last seven full seasons.

Wheeler has fared well against the Braves, going 13-9 with a 3.29 ERA in 32 career starts.

Elder will make his sixth start of the season.

In his last outing, against Washington on Monday, he worked 6 2/3 innings and allowed four runs, three earned, on three hits and two walks while striking out six in a 9-4 victory. Elder is 0-1 with a 6.41 ERA in four career starts against Philadelphia.

The Braves will continue to be cautious with center fielder Michael Harris II. He was a late scratch on Friday with a tight left quad but entered the game as a pinch hitter in the sixth inning and produced a game-winning, two-run double.

Atlanta manager Walt Weiss said there’s no guarantee that Harris will be in the lineup on Saturday. Harris could be the DH, with Mauricio Dubon going to center field.

“We’ll put him through the test again (Saturday),” Weiss said. “We’re going to be cautious here. The soft-tissue stuff can be tricky, you know, so we want to use good judgment. We’ve got an off day coming up (Monday), but I’m hoping he can play (Saturday) for sure.”

Over his last seven games, Harris is hitting .550 with 10 RBIs.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Phillies #Zack #Wheeler #returns #rotation #face #hot #Braves">Deadspin | Phillies’ Zack Wheeler returns to rotation to face hot Braves Aug 10, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Zack Wheeler (45) throws during the first inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images Philadelphia ace Zack Wheeler will make his first start since last August when the Phillies bid to snap a 10-game losing streak on Saturday night against the host Atlanta Braves. The Braves have won nine of their last 10 games and beat the Phillies 5-3 on Friday to open the three-game set between the teams with the best and worst record, respectively, in the majors. The losing streak is the longest for Philadelphia since it dropped 11 in a row in 1999. Wheeler will oppose Atlanta’s Bryce Elder (3-1, 1.50 ERA) in a battle of right-handers. “Having Zack Wheeler on your 26-man roster makes you a better roster no matter what,” Philadelphia manager Rob Thomson said. “Because when he’s healthy and pitching, he’s one of the best, if not the best, pitcher in the National League.” Wheeler had a rib removed during vascular thoracic outlet decompression surgery in September after it was discovered he had a blood clot in his right shoulder. Wheeler made five rehab starts this spring before being activated, posting a 5.85 ERA. He struck out 23 and walked only five in 20 innings. He is expected to be on a pitch count when he makes his season debut. “I think he’s basically at the end of spring training,” Thomson said. “The fastball velocity has gone up. It’s not where it’s going to be, I don’t believe. The command has been some days good, some days not as good. But I’m expecting on a normal day, weather wise, that he’s going to have his command.” Wheeler has been one of the best pitchers in the National League and finished second to Atlanta’s Chris Sale for the 2024 NL Cy Young Award after going 16-7 with a 2.57 ERA. He has double-digit wins in each of the last seven full seasons. Wheeler has fared well against the Braves, going 13-9 with a 3.29 ERA in 32 career starts. Elder will make his sixth start of the season. In his last outing, against Washington on Monday, he worked 6 2/3 innings and allowed four runs, three earned, on three hits and two walks while striking out six in a 9-4 victory. Elder is 0-1 with a 6.41 ERA in four career starts against Philadelphia. The Braves will continue to be cautious with center fielder Michael Harris II. He was a late scratch on Friday with a tight left quad but entered the game as a pinch hitter in the sixth inning and produced a game-winning, two-run double. Atlanta manager Walt Weiss said there’s no guarantee that Harris will be in the lineup on Saturday. Harris could be the DH, with Mauricio Dubon going to center field. “We’ll put him through the test again (Saturday),” Weiss said. “We’re going to be cautious here. The soft-tissue stuff can be tricky, you know, so we want to use good judgment. We’ve got an off day coming up (Monday), but I’m hoping he can play (Saturday) for sure.” Over his last seven games, Harris is hitting .550 with 10 RBIs. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Phillies #Zack #Wheeler #returns #rotation #face #hot #Braves

Former champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Gujarat Titans (GT), seven games in, are stuck in the Indian Premier League’s mid-table traffic with identical report cards: three wins, four losses, and six points. A nervous glance upward and one would know Punjab Kings (13 points), Royal Challengers Bengaluru (10), and Rajasthan Royals (10) aren’t courteously waiting around.

Chepauk’s afternoon fixture was originally scheduled to be played on May 21. But a swap of the reverse fixture had to be forced in view of the municipal corporation elections in some parts of Gujarat on Sunday. If the Titans could, they would have opted for a swap of the overall Net Run Rate (NRR) as well—CSK’s +0.118 has kept it afloat at fifth; GT is seventh with -0.790.

To add to Shubman Gill’s woes, CSK enters the contest with enormous momentum, having dismantled archrival Mumbai Indians (MI) at the Wankhede Stadium on Thursday. The 103-run margin made it to the record books of both franchises. CSK would remember the game as its biggest victory by runs, while MI would want to forget its heaviest loss ever.

The Samson factor

Sanju Samson, fresh off his second hundred this season, will be especially threatening at the top. His spin-bashing abilities, however, will be put to the test with the sensational Rashid Khan operating during the middle overs of a baking surface at the M. A. Chidambaram Stadium.

GT, blessed with a sensational bowling lineup, would, however, look to rip through CSK’s top order within the PowerPlay itself with Kagiso Rabada and Mohammed Siraj sharing the new ball. The duo has a combined tally of 17 wickets. Moreover, in the first six overs, the Titans have conceded only 9.23 runs every six balls. The said rate is only higher than that of Lucknow Super Giants (7.85) and RR (8.35).

ALSO READ | Dhoni ‘on the road to recovery’; no urgency to have replacement for Mhatre at No. 3, says CSK coach Fleming

If the ploy works out, Prasidh Krishna, GT’s highest wicket-taker thus far with 12, will be delighted to hit the deck against the likes of Sarfaraz Khan and Dewald Brevis, who have failed to convert their promising starts into big scores, in the middle overs.

“Nothing wrong with Brevis,” CSK head coach Stephen Fleming said on the eve of the game, before adding, “It’s obviously a more aggressive game that everyone is playing, so you’re going to get times where there are going to be starts, and then you get out. The role of the finisher is still important, but it’s not the traditional model that you build up to 16 (overs), and then you have someone like MS (Dhoni) come in and blaze it.”

Incidentally, Dhoni, out with a calf strain, faced throwdowns once again on Saturday, albeit in short bursts of about five minutes each.

Middle-order woes

GT’s middle-order, in the meantime, has caused its management a persistent headache. In fact, if batting positions between five and eight are considered, the 2022 winner has the second-worst average runs per wicket (19.18).

With CSK’s bowling attack, featuring Purple Cap holder Anshul Kamboj (14 wickets at an average of 15.78), having impressed of late, GT’s top three—Gill, B. Sai Sudharsan, and Jos Buttler—would be under immense pressure to face a substantial amount of deliveries.

The track, predominantly black-soil, will be expected to grip and turn as the game wears on. With dew not playing a part, the team winning the toss should look to defend its total.

Published on Apr 25, 2026

#CSK #IPL #Chennai #Super #Kings #Gujarat #Titans #clash #hopes #boosting #playoff #bid">CSK vs GT, IPL 2026: Chennai Super Kings, Gujarat Titans clash in hopes of boosting playoff bid Former champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Gujarat Titans (GT), seven games in, are stuck in the Indian Premier League’s mid-table traffic with identical report cards: three wins, four losses, and six points. A nervous glance upward and one would know Punjab Kings (13 points), Royal Challengers Bengaluru (10), and Rajasthan Royals (10) aren’t courteously waiting around.Chepauk’s afternoon fixture was originally scheduled to be played on May 21. But a swap of the reverse fixture had to be forced in view of the municipal corporation elections in some parts of Gujarat on Sunday. If the Titans could, they would have opted for a swap of the overall Net Run Rate (NRR) as well—CSK’s +0.118 has kept it afloat at fifth; GT is seventh with -0.790.To add to Shubman Gill’s woes, CSK enters the contest with enormous momentum, having dismantled archrival Mumbai Indians (MI) at the Wankhede Stadium on Thursday. The 103-run margin made it to the record books of both franchises. CSK would remember the game as its biggest victory by runs, while MI would want to forget its heaviest loss ever.The Samson factorSanju Samson, fresh off his second hundred this season, will be especially threatening at the top. His spin-bashing abilities, however, will be put to the test with the sensational Rashid Khan operating during the middle overs of a baking surface at the M. A. Chidambaram Stadium.GT, blessed with a sensational bowling lineup, would, however, look to rip through CSK’s top order within the PowerPlay itself with Kagiso Rabada and Mohammed Siraj sharing the new ball. The duo has a combined tally of 17 wickets. Moreover, in the first six overs, the Titans have conceded only 9.23 runs every six balls. The said rate is only higher than that of Lucknow Super Giants (7.85) and RR (8.35).ALSO READ | Dhoni ‘on the road to recovery’; no urgency to have replacement for Mhatre at No. 3, says CSK coach FlemingIf the ploy works out, Prasidh Krishna, GT’s highest wicket-taker thus far with 12, will be delighted to hit the deck against the likes of Sarfaraz Khan and Dewald Brevis, who have failed to convert their promising starts into big scores, in the middle overs.“Nothing wrong with Brevis,” CSK head coach Stephen Fleming said on the eve of the game, before adding, “It’s obviously a more aggressive game that everyone is playing, so you’re going to get times where there are going to be starts, and then you get out. The role of the finisher is still important, but it’s not the traditional model that you build up to 16 (overs), and then you have someone like MS (Dhoni) come in and blaze it.”Incidentally, Dhoni, out with a calf strain, faced throwdowns once again on Saturday, albeit in short bursts of about five minutes each.Middle-order woesGT’s middle-order, in the meantime, has caused its management a persistent headache. In fact, if batting positions between five and eight are considered, the 2022 winner has the second-worst average runs per wicket (19.18).With CSK’s bowling attack, featuring Purple Cap holder Anshul Kamboj (14 wickets at an average of 15.78), having impressed of late, GT’s top three—Gill, B. Sai Sudharsan, and Jos Buttler—would be under immense pressure to face a substantial amount of deliveries.The track, predominantly black-soil, will be expected to grip and turn as the game wears on. With dew not playing a part, the team winning the toss should look to defend its total.Published on Apr 25, 2026 #CSK #IPL #Chennai #Super #Kings #Gujarat #Titans #clash #hopes #boosting #playoff #bid

Dhoni ‘on the road to recovery’; no urgency to have replacement for Mhatre at No. 3, says CSK coach Fleming

If the ploy works out, Prasidh Krishna, GT’s highest wicket-taker thus far with 12, will be delighted to hit the deck against the likes of Sarfaraz Khan and Dewald Brevis, who have failed to convert their promising starts into big scores, in the middle overs.

“Nothing wrong with Brevis,” CSK head coach Stephen Fleming said on the eve of the game, before adding, “It’s obviously a more aggressive game that everyone is playing, so you’re going to get times where there are going to be starts, and then you get out. The role of the finisher is still important, but it’s not the traditional model that you build up to 16 (overs), and then you have someone like MS (Dhoni) come in and blaze it.”

Incidentally, Dhoni, out with a calf strain, faced throwdowns once again on Saturday, albeit in short bursts of about five minutes each.

Middle-order woes

GT’s middle-order, in the meantime, has caused its management a persistent headache. In fact, if batting positions between five and eight are considered, the 2022 winner has the second-worst average runs per wicket (19.18).

With CSK’s bowling attack, featuring Purple Cap holder Anshul Kamboj (14 wickets at an average of 15.78), having impressed of late, GT’s top three—Gill, B. Sai Sudharsan, and Jos Buttler—would be under immense pressure to face a substantial amount of deliveries.

The track, predominantly black-soil, will be expected to grip and turn as the game wears on. With dew not playing a part, the team winning the toss should look to defend its total.

Published on Apr 25, 2026

#CSK #IPL #Chennai #Super #Kings #Gujarat #Titans #clash #hopes #boosting #playoff #bid">CSK vs GT, IPL 2026: Chennai Super Kings, Gujarat Titans clash in hopes of boosting playoff bid

Former champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Gujarat Titans (GT), seven games in, are stuck in the Indian Premier League’s mid-table traffic with identical report cards: three wins, four losses, and six points. A nervous glance upward and one would know Punjab Kings (13 points), Royal Challengers Bengaluru (10), and Rajasthan Royals (10) aren’t courteously waiting around.

Chepauk’s afternoon fixture was originally scheduled to be played on May 21. But a swap of the reverse fixture had to be forced in view of the municipal corporation elections in some parts of Gujarat on Sunday. If the Titans could, they would have opted for a swap of the overall Net Run Rate (NRR) as well—CSK’s +0.118 has kept it afloat at fifth; GT is seventh with -0.790.

To add to Shubman Gill’s woes, CSK enters the contest with enormous momentum, having dismantled archrival Mumbai Indians (MI) at the Wankhede Stadium on Thursday. The 103-run margin made it to the record books of both franchises. CSK would remember the game as its biggest victory by runs, while MI would want to forget its heaviest loss ever.

The Samson factor

Sanju Samson, fresh off his second hundred this season, will be especially threatening at the top. His spin-bashing abilities, however, will be put to the test with the sensational Rashid Khan operating during the middle overs of a baking surface at the M. A. Chidambaram Stadium.

GT, blessed with a sensational bowling lineup, would, however, look to rip through CSK’s top order within the PowerPlay itself with Kagiso Rabada and Mohammed Siraj sharing the new ball. The duo has a combined tally of 17 wickets. Moreover, in the first six overs, the Titans have conceded only 9.23 runs every six balls. The said rate is only higher than that of Lucknow Super Giants (7.85) and RR (8.35).

ALSO READ | Dhoni ‘on the road to recovery’; no urgency to have replacement for Mhatre at No. 3, says CSK coach Fleming

If the ploy works out, Prasidh Krishna, GT’s highest wicket-taker thus far with 12, will be delighted to hit the deck against the likes of Sarfaraz Khan and Dewald Brevis, who have failed to convert their promising starts into big scores, in the middle overs.

“Nothing wrong with Brevis,” CSK head coach Stephen Fleming said on the eve of the game, before adding, “It’s obviously a more aggressive game that everyone is playing, so you’re going to get times where there are going to be starts, and then you get out. The role of the finisher is still important, but it’s not the traditional model that you build up to 16 (overs), and then you have someone like MS (Dhoni) come in and blaze it.”

Incidentally, Dhoni, out with a calf strain, faced throwdowns once again on Saturday, albeit in short bursts of about five minutes each.

Middle-order woes

GT’s middle-order, in the meantime, has caused its management a persistent headache. In fact, if batting positions between five and eight are considered, the 2022 winner has the second-worst average runs per wicket (19.18).

With CSK’s bowling attack, featuring Purple Cap holder Anshul Kamboj (14 wickets at an average of 15.78), having impressed of late, GT’s top three—Gill, B. Sai Sudharsan, and Jos Buttler—would be under immense pressure to face a substantial amount of deliveries.

The track, predominantly black-soil, will be expected to grip and turn as the game wears on. With dew not playing a part, the team winning the toss should look to defend its total.

Published on Apr 25, 2026

#CSK #IPL #Chennai #Super #Kings #Gujarat #Titans #clash #hopes #boosting #playoff #bid

When it comes to drafting in all of professional sports, they say that drafting the best player available instead of the best player for you is the better way to live. Eagles GM Howie Roseman has made a living off bringing the best players to Philly, even if it seems that a player isn’t in a position of need.

The Cardinals decided to test that theory on Thursday night by taking Jeremiyah Love with the third pick of the draft. From a talent perspective, Love should be able to fit right into any NFL locker room and provide immediate productivity for an offense that needs weapons. That being said, for an offense that did need more weapons, I’m not sure Love was the guy to pick.

When Arizona selected Jeremiyah Love, he became the highest-paid running back in NFL history without ever stepping on a football field. The pressure immediately placed upon his shoulders will be immense. Love will be entering the NFL, not only expected to adjust to the sport at the professional level, but also to do so at a near All-Pro level very early in his career.

I’m not saying that Love can’t do that, but it’s not a simple task for anyone who was drafted on Thursday.

Again, drafting the best available can be smart, and if you’re that high on Love, it’s not a crazy pick, but running back was absolutely unnecessary for Arizona. At 30-years-old, the Cardinals must think he won’t be able to bounce back from a season of only three games in 2025. They also had already signed Tyler Allegeir, so there’s some decent depth in the running back room.

Love is the most explosive player in a bad draft class, but I’m not sure he’s worth a third overall selection. The biggest issue is positional value. Drafting a running back that high in the first round is a poor return on investment. In the NFL, running backs already have so many miles on their legs, so you’re only going to have these guys for so long.

If you’re a team close to Super Bowl contention, it’s always a great idea to add a running back to put you over the edge. Another great move from Howie Roseman was signing Saquon Barkley to push Philly over the top in 2025. The Cardinals need way too much help on both sides of the ball; overpaying for a running back feels like a very poor decision on their end.

#Arizona #Cardinals #Drafting #Jeremiyah #Love #Doesnt #Sense #Deadspin.com">Arizona Cardinals Drafting Jeremiyah Love Doesn’t Make Any Sense | Deadspin.com When it comes to drafting in all of professional sports, they say that drafting the best player available instead of the best player for you is the better way to live. Eagles GM Howie Roseman has made a living off bringing the best players to Philly, even if it seems that a player isn’t in a position of need.The Cardinals decided to test that theory on Thursday night by taking Jeremiyah Love with the third pick of the draft. From a talent perspective, Love should be able to fit right into any NFL locker room and provide immediate productivity for an offense that needs weapons. That being said, for an offense that did need more weapons, I’m not sure Love was the guy to pick.When Arizona selected Jeremiyah Love, he became the highest-paid running back in NFL history without ever stepping on a football field. The pressure immediately placed upon his shoulders will be immense. Love will be entering the NFL, not only expected to adjust to the sport at the professional level, but also to do so at a near All-Pro level very early in his career.I’m not saying that Love can’t do that, but it’s not a simple task for anyone who was drafted on Thursday.Again, drafting the best available can be smart, and if you’re that high on Love, it’s not a crazy pick, but running back was absolutely unnecessary for Arizona. At 30-years-old, the Cardinals must think he won’t be able to bounce back from a season of only three games in 2025. They also had already signed Tyler Allegeir, so there’s some decent depth in the running back room.Love is the most explosive player in a bad draft class, but I’m not sure he’s worth a third overall selection. The biggest issue is positional value. Drafting a running back that high in the first round is a poor return on investment. In the NFL, running backs already have so many miles on their legs, so you’re only going to have these guys for so long.If you’re a team close to Super Bowl contention, it’s always a great idea to add a running back to put you over the edge. Another great move from Howie Roseman was signing Saquon Barkley to push Philly over the top in 2025. The Cardinals need way too much help on both sides of the ball; overpaying for a running back feels like a very poor decision on their end. #Arizona #Cardinals #Drafting #Jeremiyah #Love #Doesnt #Sense #Deadspin.com

made a living off bringing the best players to Philly, even if it seems that a player isn’t in a position of need.

The Cardinals decided to test that theory on Thursday night by taking Jeremiyah Love with the third pick of the draft. From a talent perspective, Love should be able to fit right into any NFL locker room and provide immediate productivity for an offense that needs weapons. That being said, for an offense that did need more weapons, I’m not sure Love was the guy to pick.

When Arizona selected Jeremiyah Love, he became the highest-paid running back in NFL history without ever stepping on a football field. The pressure immediately placed upon his shoulders will be immense. Love will be entering the NFL, not only expected to adjust to the sport at the professional level, but also to do so at a near All-Pro level very early in his career.

I’m not saying that Love can’t do that, but it’s not a simple task for anyone who was drafted on Thursday.

Again, drafting the best available can be smart, and if you’re that high on Love, it’s not a crazy pick, but running back was absolutely unnecessary for Arizona. At 30-years-old, the Cardinals must think he won’t be able to bounce back from a season of only three games in 2025. They also had already signed Tyler Allegeir, so there’s some decent depth in the running back room.

Love is the most explosive player in a bad draft class, but I’m not sure he’s worth a third overall selection. The biggest issue is positional value. Drafting a running back that high in the first round is a poor return on investment. In the NFL, running backs already have so many miles on their legs, so you’re only going to have these guys for so long.

If you’re a team close to Super Bowl contention, it’s always a great idea to add a running back to put you over the edge. Another great move from Howie Roseman was signing Saquon Barkley to push Philly over the top in 2025. The Cardinals need way too much help on both sides of the ball; overpaying for a running back feels like a very poor decision on their end.

#Arizona #Cardinals #Drafting #Jeremiyah #Love #Doesnt #Sense #Deadspin.com">Arizona Cardinals Drafting Jeremiyah Love Doesn’t Make Any Sense | Deadspin.com

When it comes to drafting in all of professional sports, they say that drafting the best player available instead of the best player for you is the better way to live. Eagles GM Howie Roseman has made a living off bringing the best players to Philly, even if it seems that a player isn’t in a position of need.

The Cardinals decided to test that theory on Thursday night by taking Jeremiyah Love with the third pick of the draft. From a talent perspective, Love should be able to fit right into any NFL locker room and provide immediate productivity for an offense that needs weapons. That being said, for an offense that did need more weapons, I’m not sure Love was the guy to pick.

When Arizona selected Jeremiyah Love, he became the highest-paid running back in NFL history without ever stepping on a football field. The pressure immediately placed upon his shoulders will be immense. Love will be entering the NFL, not only expected to adjust to the sport at the professional level, but also to do so at a near All-Pro level very early in his career.

I’m not saying that Love can’t do that, but it’s not a simple task for anyone who was drafted on Thursday.

Again, drafting the best available can be smart, and if you’re that high on Love, it’s not a crazy pick, but running back was absolutely unnecessary for Arizona. At 30-years-old, the Cardinals must think he won’t be able to bounce back from a season of only three games in 2025. They also had already signed Tyler Allegeir, so there’s some decent depth in the running back room.

Love is the most explosive player in a bad draft class, but I’m not sure he’s worth a third overall selection. The biggest issue is positional value. Drafting a running back that high in the first round is a poor return on investment. In the NFL, running backs already have so many miles on their legs, so you’re only going to have these guys for so long.

If you’re a team close to Super Bowl contention, it’s always a great idea to add a running back to put you over the edge. Another great move from Howie Roseman was signing Saquon Barkley to push Philly over the top in 2025. The Cardinals need way too much help on both sides of the ball; overpaying for a running back feels like a very poor decision on their end.

#Arizona #Cardinals #Drafting #Jeremiyah #Love #Doesnt #Sense #Deadspin.com

Post Comment