Deadspin | NHL roundup: Knights rally past Kraken to clinch Pacific Division Apr 15, 2026; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Carter Hart (79) celebrates with right wing Reilly Smith (19) and defenseman Shea Theodore (27) after the Golden Knights defeated the Seattle Kraken 4-1 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images Reilly Smith scored twice during Vegas’ three-goal third period and also had an assist as the Golden Knights rallied for a 4-1 victory over the Seattle Kraken to clinch the Pacific Division title on Wednesday in Las Vegas. It was the 31st multi-goal game of Smith’s career and his second of the season. Jack Eichel had two assists and Shea Theodore and Mitch Marner added goals for Vegas (39-26-17, 95 points), which will face the Utah Mammoth in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs. Carter Hart finished with 22 saves for the Golden Knights, who extended their point streak to a season-high 10 games (7-0-3). It is the third Pacific Division title in four years and sixth in nine seasons for Vegas, which improved to 7-0-1 since John Tortorella replaced Bruce Cassidy as head coach. Shane Wright scored a goal for Seattle (34-36-11, 79 points), which is 2-7-1 over its past 10 games. Nikke Kokko made 22 saves for the Kraken, who play their final game of the season on Thursday at Colorado. Stars 4, Sabres 3 (SO) Wyatt Johnston scored the shootout winner for Dallas in a victory at Buffalo. Esa Lindell and Justin Hryckowian finished with a goal and an assist each for the Stars, who ended the regular season on a five-game winning streak. Mavrik Bourque added his 20th goal of the season, and Jake Oettinger made 21 saves. Zach Benson had a goal and an assist for the Sabres, whose four-game winning streak ended. Buffalo also got regulation goals from Josh Norris and Alex Tuch. Owen Power logged two assists, and Colten Ellis stopped 25 shots. Senators 3, Maple Leafs 1 Drake Batherson and Warren Foegele scored power-play goals and Ottawa defeated visiting Toronto in the regular-season finale for both teams. Dylan Cozens added an empty-net goal for the Senators, and Claude Giroux contributed two assists. Former Maple Leafs goalie James Reimer stopped 19 shots for the Senators, who won the season series with Toronto 3-1-0. William Nylander scored for Toronto in a game that lacked much of the bite that usually is associated with a Battle of Ontario clash. Dennis Hildeby made 35 saves. Panthers 8, Red Wings 1 Mike Benning scored his first two NHL goals, Wilmer Skoog tallied his first two assists in his third game and Mikulas Hovorka got his first point in his fourth contest as Florida dominated Detroit in Sunrise, Fla. Luke Kunin had two goals and an assist, Cole Reinhardt added a goal and an assist, Matthew Tkachuk and Marek Alscher each had two assists and Daniil Tarasov made 24 saves for the Panthers. Justin Faulk scored the lone goal for the Red Wings, who went 2-6-2 in their last 10 games of the season. Cam Talbot made eight saves in relief of John Gibson, who allowed four goals on 11 shots and exited in the second period after getting hit in the face with the puck. Rangers 4, Lightning 2 Tye Kartye scored the game’s first two goals in a three-point showing and visiting New York ended its season on a high note with a win over playoff-bound Tampa Bay. Mika Zibanejad notched a power-play goal and an assist, Gabe Perreault netted a goal and J.T. Miller dished out two assists. Goaltender Dylan Garand made 29 saves and moved to 2-0-1. Oliver Bjorkstrand and Corey Perry scored goals for the Lightning. In his second appearance this season, Brandon Halverson stopped 17 shots. Blackhawks 5, Sharks 2 Louis Crevier scored two third-period goals and Chicago scored five straight to rally for a season-ending win against visiting San Jose. Sam Rinzel, Ryan Greene and Nick Lardis also scored, Connor Bedard had two assists and Spencer Knight made 15 saves for the Blackhawks, who had lost four in a row and nine of 10 (1-8-1). Mario Ferraro and Michael Misa scored, Kiefer Sherwood had two assists and Yaroslav Askarov made 19 saves and turned away a penalty shot for the Sharks, who have lost four of five (1-3-1) entering their finale on Thursday at Winnipeg. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #NHL #roundup #Knights #rally #Kraken #clinch #Pacific #Division

Deadspin | NHL roundup: Knights rally past Kraken to clinch Pacific Division
Apr 15, 2026; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Carter Hart (79) celebrates with right wing Reilly Smith (19) and defenseman Shea Theodore (27) after the Golden Knights defeated the Seattle Kraken 4-1 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

Reilly Smith scored twice during Vegas’ three-goal third period and also had an assist as the Golden Knights rallied for a 4-1 victory over the Seattle Kraken to clinch the Pacific Division title on Wednesday in Las Vegas.

It was the 31st multi-goal game of Smith’s career and his second of the season. Jack Eichel had two assists and Shea Theodore and Mitch Marner added goals for Vegas (39-26-17, 95 points), which will face the Utah Mammoth in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs.

Carter Hart finished with 22 saves for the Golden Knights, who extended their point streak to a season-high 10 games (7-0-3). It is the third Pacific Division title in four years and sixth in nine seasons for Vegas, which improved to 7-0-1 since John Tortorella replaced Bruce Cassidy as head coach.

Shane Wright scored a goal for Seattle (34-36-11, 79 points), which is 2-7-1 over its past 10 games. Nikke Kokko made 22 saves for the Kraken, who play their final game of the season on Thursday at Colorado.

Stars 4, Sabres 3 (SO)

Wyatt Johnston scored the shootout winner for Dallas in a victory at Buffalo.

Esa Lindell and Justin Hryckowian finished with a goal and an assist each for the Stars, who ended the regular season on a five-game winning streak. Mavrik Bourque added his 20th goal of the season, and Jake Oettinger made 21 saves.

Zach Benson had a goal and an assist for the Sabres, whose four-game winning streak ended. Buffalo also got regulation goals from Josh Norris and Alex Tuch. Owen Power logged two assists, and Colten Ellis stopped 25 shots.

Senators 3, Maple Leafs 1

Drake Batherson and Warren Foegele scored power-play goals and Ottawa defeated visiting Toronto in the regular-season finale for both teams.

Dylan Cozens added an empty-net goal for the Senators, and Claude Giroux contributed two assists. Former Maple Leafs goalie James Reimer stopped 19 shots for the Senators, who won the season series with Toronto 3-1-0.

William Nylander scored for Toronto in a game that lacked much of the bite that usually is associated with a Battle of Ontario clash. Dennis Hildeby made 35 saves.

Panthers 8, Red Wings 1

Mike Benning scored his first two NHL goals, Wilmer Skoog tallied his first two assists in his third game and Mikulas Hovorka got his first point in his fourth contest as Florida dominated Detroit in Sunrise, Fla.

Luke Kunin had two goals and an assist, Cole Reinhardt added a goal and an assist, Matthew Tkachuk and Marek Alscher each had two assists and Daniil Tarasov made 24 saves for the Panthers.

Justin Faulk scored the lone goal for the Red Wings, who went 2-6-2 in their last 10 games of the season. Cam Talbot made eight saves in relief of John Gibson, who allowed four goals on 11 shots and exited in the second period after getting hit in the face with the puck.

Rangers 4, Lightning 2

Tye Kartye scored the game’s first two goals in a three-point showing and visiting New York ended its season on a high note with a win over playoff-bound Tampa Bay.

Mika Zibanejad notched a power-play goal and an assist, Gabe Perreault netted a goal and J.T. Miller dished out two assists. Goaltender Dylan Garand made 29 saves and moved to 2-0-1.

Oliver Bjorkstrand and Corey Perry scored goals for the Lightning. In his second appearance this season, Brandon Halverson stopped 17 shots.

Blackhawks 5, Sharks 2

Louis Crevier scored two third-period goals and Chicago scored five straight to rally for a season-ending win against visiting San Jose.

Sam Rinzel, Ryan Greene and Nick Lardis also scored, Connor Bedard had two assists and Spencer Knight made 15 saves for the Blackhawks, who had lost four in a row and nine of 10 (1-8-1).

Mario Ferraro and Michael Misa scored, Kiefer Sherwood had two assists and Yaroslav Askarov made 19 saves and turned away a penalty shot for the Sharks, who have lost four of five (1-3-1) entering their finale on Thursday at Winnipeg.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #NHL #roundup #Knights #rally #Kraken #clinch #Pacific #Division

Sports news April 16, 2026

Apr 15, 2026; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Carter Hart (79) celebrates with right wing Reilly Smith (19) and defenseman Shea Theodore (27) after the Golden Knights defeated the Seattle Kraken 4-1 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

Reilly Smith scored twice during Vegas’ three-goal third period and also had an assist as the Golden Knights rallied for a 4-1 victory over the Seattle Kraken to clinch the Pacific Division title on Wednesday in Las Vegas.

It was the 31st multi-goal game of Smith’s career and his second of the season. Jack Eichel had two assists and Shea Theodore and Mitch Marner added goals for Vegas (39-26-17, 95 points), which will face the Utah Mammoth in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs.

Carter Hart finished with 22 saves for the Golden Knights, who extended their point streak to a season-high 10 games (7-0-3). It is the third Pacific Division title in four years and sixth in nine seasons for Vegas, which improved to 7-0-1 since John Tortorella replaced Bruce Cassidy as head coach.

Shane Wright scored a goal for Seattle (34-36-11, 79 points), which is 2-7-1 over its past 10 games. Nikke Kokko made 22 saves for the Kraken, who play their final game of the season on Thursday at Colorado.

Stars 4, Sabres 3 (SO)

Wyatt Johnston scored the shootout winner for Dallas in a victory at Buffalo.

Esa Lindell and Justin Hryckowian finished with a goal and an assist each for the Stars, who ended the regular season on a five-game winning streak. Mavrik Bourque added his 20th goal of the season, and Jake Oettinger made 21 saves.

Zach Benson had a goal and an assist for the Sabres, whose four-game winning streak ended. Buffalo also got regulation goals from Josh Norris and Alex Tuch. Owen Power logged two assists, and Colten Ellis stopped 25 shots.

Senators 3, Maple Leafs 1

Drake Batherson and Warren Foegele scored power-play goals and Ottawa defeated visiting Toronto in the regular-season finale for both teams.

Dylan Cozens added an empty-net goal for the Senators, and Claude Giroux contributed two assists. Former Maple Leafs goalie James Reimer stopped 19 shots for the Senators, who won the season series with Toronto 3-1-0.

William Nylander scored for Toronto in a game that lacked much of the bite that usually is associated with a Battle of Ontario clash. Dennis Hildeby made 35 saves.

Panthers 8, Red Wings 1

Mike Benning scored his first two NHL goals, Wilmer Skoog tallied his first two assists in his third game and Mikulas Hovorka got his first point in his fourth contest as Florida dominated Detroit in Sunrise, Fla.

Luke Kunin had two goals and an assist, Cole Reinhardt added a goal and an assist, Matthew Tkachuk and Marek Alscher each had two assists and Daniil Tarasov made 24 saves for the Panthers.

Justin Faulk scored the lone goal for the Red Wings, who went 2-6-2 in their last 10 games of the season. Cam Talbot made eight saves in relief of John Gibson, who allowed four goals on 11 shots and exited in the second period after getting hit in the face with the puck.

Rangers 4, Lightning 2

Tye Kartye scored the game’s first two goals in a three-point showing and visiting New York ended its season on a high note with a win over playoff-bound Tampa Bay.

Mika Zibanejad notched a power-play goal and an assist, Gabe Perreault netted a goal and J.T. Miller dished out two assists. Goaltender Dylan Garand made 29 saves and moved to 2-0-1.

Oliver Bjorkstrand and Corey Perry scored goals for the Lightning. In his second appearance this season, Brandon Halverson stopped 17 shots.

Blackhawks 5, Sharks 2

Louis Crevier scored two third-period goals and Chicago scored five straight to rally for a season-ending win against visiting San Jose.

Sam Rinzel, Ryan Greene and Nick Lardis also scored, Connor Bedard had two assists and Spencer Knight made 15 saves for the Blackhawks, who had lost four in a row and nine of 10 (1-8-1).

Mario Ferraro and Michael Misa scored, Kiefer Sherwood had two assists and Yaroslav Askarov made 19 saves and turned away a penalty shot for the Sharks, who have lost four of five (1-3-1) entering their finale on Thursday at Winnipeg.

–Field Level Media

Source link
#Deadspin #NHL #roundup #Knights #rally #Kraken #clinch #Pacific #Division

4 NFL Draft bold predictions for 2026 class on QBs, sleepers, and more <div id="zephr-anchor"><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">The 2026 NFL Draft is just over one week away.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Let’s start getting spicy.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Mark Schofield and James Dator sat down to make their bold predictions for the 2026 NFL Draft, and as you will see, they are not exactly on the same page when it comes to one position in particular.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">And where they land might surprise you.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p><h4 class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup">KC Concepcion is the second WR off the board – James</h4></p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">This flies in the face of every draft projection, but the more tape I watch the more I’m <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/1110299/kc-concepcion-nfl-draft-scouting-report-riser-first-round">convinced that Texas A&M’s KC Concepcion is going to be an absolute stud in the NFL</a> – and I think teams will come to the same conclusion.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Carnell Tate will be the No. 1 receiver off the board without question, but when you hit that second bracket of Jordyn Tyson and Makai Lemon neither of them are locks to be great pros. Neither has the ideal route fluidity you really want from a future X receiver, nor do they have size that mitigates those shortcomings.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">It’s here where Concepcion enters the picture. He doesn’t have X receiver size either, but he is DRIPPING with everything you want from a Y/Z hybrid player. Concepcion has quick feet, amazing ability to shake press defenders, and a knack for finding open space on the field. A team who takes him in the draft will need to understand he slots in best as a secondary option – but that is <em>fine</em> if it means you’re getting an elite second receiver talent, which I think Concepcion can be.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">This slots nicely into the draft. The Saints at No. 8 are a team who need a complimentary piece to Chris Olave, Kansas City at No. 9 is a place where he could land too, taking pressure off Rashee Rice – while the Rams at No. 13 could be looking for someone to add to their room (potentially even replace Puka Nacua down the road).</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Three offensive-minded coaches run these teams, all need receiving help to varying degrees, and with Tate off the board I think there’s a lot more upside with someone like Concepcion to come in and help immediately, rather than hoping Tyson or Lemon could become primary threats.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p><h4 class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup">Three quarterbacks will be drafted in the first round – James</h4></p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">There’s a pattern that keeps emerging in the NFL Draft: Take the number of QBs you expect to go in the first round, then add one.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">In 2025 Jaxson Dart snuck into the first round. In 2024 it was Bo Nix. This year we know Fernando Mendoza is going to go No. 1 overall, and that Ty Simpson could likely be drafted in the 20s – but I think one more guy is going to sneak into the round, and I think it’s going to be Arkansas’ Taylen Green. Hear me out.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Green is undoubtedly a project, but one that isn’t dissimilar in size and athleticism to Anthony Richardson who went No. 5 overall in 2023. That might not be a glowing endorsement, but someone is going to fall in love with the dual-threat upside he brings to the table. If you’re looking at a QB who needs some seasoning before being ready to play then it’s absolutely imperative you get the guy in the first round to secure the 5th year option.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">This is why I think either the Jets or Cardinals could get froggy and move up from the top of the 2nd round to the end of the 1st and take someone like Green. There’s also a possibility they like someone like Carson Beck for the same reasons the Saints like Tyler Shough a year ago, in that they think he can help them win immediately. At this point though I see the upside of Green as as 6’6 QB with a 4.36 in the forty.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Want a wild card? Todd Monken is the new coach of the Browns and his entire offense in Baltimore was predicated around a dual threat QB. I don’t care that they took Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders a year ago, they can’t do what Green does.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">There’s just this nagging feeling in the back of my head that the athleticism is going to make someone fall in love.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p><h4 class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup">Jacob Rodriguez goes in the first round – Mark</h4></p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Before diving into my two bold predictions, I want to start with this little tidbit:</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Food for thought, indeed.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">I think there are three factors at play here. First, the lack of elite talent in this quarterback class. James is right in that we might still see some quarterbacks move up boards, but I’m still not sure that we see that many come off the board in the first round. We might see players slide up to Day 2 from Day 3, or to Day 3 from being priority UDFA-type players, but I’m not sure we see a ton of movement into the first round. Maybe I’m wronte.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Second, the expectations around the 2027 QB class are starting to take hold. <a href="https://www.si.com/nfl/albert-breer-takeaways-prospect-who-makes-sense-for-jets-nfl-draft-2026#inline-text-59">Albert Breer wrote</a> this earlier this week:</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><blockquote class="duet--article--blockquote _1teeyfa0 ls9zuh9"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _1teeyfa8 ls9zuh1"><em>The 2027 class affects that, too. </em>The list is long: Oregon’s Dante Moore, Texas’s Arch Manning, Notre Dame’s CJ Carr, Ohio State’s Julian Sayin, USC’s Jayden Maiava, South Carolina’s LaNorris Sellers, LSU’s Sam Leavitt, Texas Tech’s Brendan Sorsby, Ole Miss’s Trinidad Chambliss, Oklahoma’s John Mateer, Miami’s Darian Mensah and UCLA’s Nico Iamaleava.</p><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _1teeyfa8 ls9zuh1">You get the picture. Throw in dark-horse transfers such as DJ Lagway at Baylor and Drew Mestemaker at Oklahoma State, and you have 14 quarterbacks who at least have a chance of being taken high in 2027.</p></blockquote></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">I really think teams are going to kick the QB decision to next spring.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">The final factor? The strength in this class comes from positions like safety, offensive and defensive lines and yes, linebacker.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">That leads me to Jacob Rodriguez.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">The NFL does seem to be coming back around to the running game. Maybe not to a massive extent, but look at the Seattle Seahawks last season, and look at this from <em>Yahoo </em>analyst Nate Tice:</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Defending the run might matter again.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">That leads us to Rodriguez, who parlayed a stunning season into Heisman Trophy buzz a year ago, where he ultimately finished fifth in voting, one of the highest finishes from a pure defensive player in history.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">His draft stock has slowly increased even since the end of the season, thanks to a strong performance at the NFL Scouting Combine. If positional value is truly out the window this year, his production at the college level will push him into the first round.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p><h4 class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup">More safeties than quarterback go in the first — Mark</h4></p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">As a card-carrying member of the quarterback union, I might get kicked out after this one.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">While my dear friend James thinks three quarterbacks go into the first round, I remain unconvinced. I think at most we see Fernando Mendoza at 1, and Ty Simpson at some point late on Thursday night, perhapse to the Arizona Cardinals via a trade back into the first round.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Assuming two quarterbacks go in the first round, I think we see three safeties come off the board.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">First is Caleb Downs, who was one of my favorite players to study this entire cycle. His profile fits as more of a box safety in the NFL — which is the only reason stopping me from having him at the top of our soon-to-be-released big board — but I think he comes off the board inside the top five.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">I think Oregon’s Dillon Thieneman comes off the board next, either to Minnesota at 18 or Carolina at 19.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Then there are the New England Patriots, who could be a landing spot for Toledo’s Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, as could be the Chicago Bears.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">In all, I think we see two quarterbacks in the first, and three safeties.</p></div></div> #NFL #Draft #bold #predictions #class #QBs #sleepers

Deadspin | Jose Caballero, Yankees walk-off Angels for 2nd time in series Apr 15, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees shortstop Jose Caballero reacts after being doused by right fielder Aaron Judge after his ninth inning two run walkoff hit against the Los Angeles Angels at Yankee Stadium. All MLB players are wearing number 42 today to honor Jackie Robinson. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images Jose Caballero hit a game-ending two-run double with one out in the ninth inning off Jordan Romano, and the New York Yankees earned a 5-4 victory over the visiting Los Angeles Angels on Wednesday night. The Yankees had runners on first and second after Jazz Chisholm Jr. reached on an infield single when his pop up fell between Zach Neto and third baseman Oswald Peraza. After Chisholm stole second, Wells worked out a full-count walk. Caballero followed by lining a 1-2 slider from Romano (0-2) to center field to easily score Chisholm. Mike Trout fielded the ball and made a relay throw to shortstop Zach Neto. Wells scored from first base, as the throw was to the first base side of the plate. Wells slid in ahead of the throw and just avoided the tag of catcher Logan O’Hoppe. His run was upheld after the Angels challenged the call by plate umpire Lance Barksdale. Caballero factored in New York’s second walk-off in three nights. On Monday he scored the game-winning run in the ninth on Romano’s wild pitch to give the Yankees an 11-10 win. The Yankees won for the second time in eight games after losing an early three-run lead. Trout hit a two-run homer with one out in the fifth off Luis Gil to give the Yankees a 4-3 lead. O’Hoppe started the fifth with a homer, and Adam Frazier homered in the third off Gil. Trout became the first visiting player to homer in three straight days at Yankee Stadium since Miguel Cabrera Aug. 9-11, 2013, for the Detroit Tigers. Los Angeles starter Jack Kochanowicz allowed three runs on four hits in 6 2/3 innings. Aaron Judge homered for the fourth time in as many games hitting a 1-2 sinker to right field in the first inning. Trent Grisham hit a two-run single in the second when five of New York’s first 10 hitters reached base. Gil allowed four runs on five hits in five innings. The right-hander struck out five and walked two. Four relievers followed Gil with four scoreless innings and David Bednar (1-2) pitched the ninth to set up the rally. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Jose #Caballero #Yankees #walkoff #Angels #2nd #time #series

#Deadspin #Jose #Caballero #Yankees #walkoff #Angels #2nd #time #series">

mwasimuddin125 0

Apr 15, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees shortstop Jose Caballero reacts after being doused by right fielder Aaron Judge after his ninth inning two run walkoff hit against the Los Angeles Angels at Yankee Stadium. All MLB players are wearing number 42 today to honor Jackie Robinson. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Jose Caballero hit a game-ending two-run double with one out in the ninth inning off Jordan Romano, and the New York Yankees earned a 5-4 victory over the visiting Los Angeles Angels on Wednesday night.

The Yankees had runners on first and second after Jazz Chisholm Jr. reached on an infield single when his pop up fell between Zach Neto and third baseman Oswald Peraza. After Chisholm stole second, Wells worked out a full-count walk.

Caballero followed by lining a 1-2 slider from Romano (0-2) to center field to easily score Chisholm. Mike Trout fielded the ball and made a relay throw to shortstop Zach Neto. Wells scored from first base, as the throw was to the first base side of the plate.

Wells slid in ahead of the throw and just avoided the tag of catcher Logan O’Hoppe. His run was upheld after the Angels challenged the call by plate umpire Lance Barksdale.

Caballero factored in New York’s second walk-off in three nights. On Monday he scored the game-winning run in the ninth on Romano’s wild pitch to give the Yankees an 11-10 win.

The Yankees won for the second time in eight games after losing an early three-run lead.

Trout hit a two-run homer with one out in the fifth off Luis Gil to give the Yankees a 4-3 lead. O’Hoppe started the fifth with a homer, and Adam Frazier homered in the third off Gil.

Trout became the first visiting player to homer in three straight days at Yankee Stadium since Miguel Cabrera Aug. 9-11, 2013, for the Detroit Tigers.

Los Angeles starter Jack Kochanowicz allowed three runs on four hits in 6 2/3 innings.

Aaron Judge homered for the fourth time in as many games hitting a 1-2 sinker to right field in the first inning. Trent Grisham hit a two-run single in the second when five of New York’s first 10 hitters reached base.

Gil allowed four runs on five hits in five innings. The right-hander struck out five and walked two.

Four relievers followed Gil with four scoreless innings and David Bednar (1-2) pitched the ninth to set up the rally.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Jose #Caballero #Yankees #walkoff #Angels #2nd #time #series">Deadspin | Jose Caballero, Yankees walk-off Angels for 2nd time in series

Apr 15, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees shortstop Jose Caballero reacts after being doused by right fielder Aaron Judge after his ninth inning two run walkoff hit against the Los Angeles Angels at Yankee Stadium. All MLB players are wearing number 42 today to honor Jackie Robinson. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Jose Caballero hit a game-ending two-run double with one out in the ninth inning off Jordan Romano, and the New York Yankees earned a 5-4 victory over the visiting Los Angeles Angels on Wednesday night.

The Yankees had runners on first and second after Jazz Chisholm Jr. reached on an infield single when his pop up fell between Zach Neto and third baseman Oswald Peraza. After Chisholm stole second, Wells worked out a full-count walk.

Caballero followed by lining a 1-2 slider from Romano (0-2) to center field to easily score Chisholm. Mike Trout fielded the ball and made a relay throw to shortstop Zach Neto. Wells scored from first base, as the throw was to the first base side of the plate.

Wells slid in ahead of the throw and just avoided the tag of catcher Logan O’Hoppe. His run was upheld after the Angels challenged the call by plate umpire Lance Barksdale.

Caballero factored in New York’s second walk-off in three nights. On Monday he scored the game-winning run in the ninth on Romano’s wild pitch to give the Yankees an 11-10 win.

The Yankees won for the second time in eight games after losing an early three-run lead.

Trout hit a two-run homer with one out in the fifth off Luis Gil to give the Yankees a 4-3 lead. O’Hoppe started the fifth with a homer, and Adam Frazier homered in the third off Gil.

Trout became the first visiting player to homer in three straight days at Yankee Stadium since Miguel Cabrera Aug. 9-11, 2013, for the Detroit Tigers.

Los Angeles starter Jack Kochanowicz allowed three runs on four hits in 6 2/3 innings.

Aaron Judge homered for the fourth time in as many games hitting a 1-2 sinker to right field in the first inning. Trent Grisham hit a two-run single in the second when five of New York’s first 10 hitters reached base.

Gil allowed four runs on five hits in five innings. The right-hander struck out five and walked two.

Four relievers followed Gil with four scoreless innings and David Bednar (1-2) pitched the ninth to set up the rally.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Jose #Caballero #Yankees #walkoff #Angels #2nd #time #series

IPL 2026: Gujarat Titans eyes hat-trick of wins as winless Kolkata Knight Riders visits Gujarat Titans returns to the familiar comforts of the Narendra Modi Stadium with momentum on its side as it gears up to face Kolkata Knight Riders in Friday’s Indian Premier League clash.Back-to-back away wins have lent a certain assurance to Shubman Gill’s side, and more importantly, its core has begun to click. Gill’s silken touch at the top has been complemented by Jos Buttler rediscovering his fluency – the duo laying the foundation for totals of substance. It has, in many ways, echoed Titans’ tried-and-tested template — a dominant top order setting the tone.With the batters doing the heavy lifting, Rashid Khan’s return to the wickets column has further rounded off a unit that suddenly looks well-balanced. The Afghan leg-spinner’s knack of striking in the middle overs adds bite to an attack that thrives on control as much as it does on breakthroughs.ALSO READ | From MRF Pace Foundation to IPL spotlight—Charting Praful Hinge and Sakib Hussain’s meteoric riseWith the top-three firing and Rashid regaining rhythm, Titans will fancy their chances of completing a hat-trick of wins.If Titans arrive with wind in their sails, Kolkata Knight Riders finds itself searching for direction. The only winless team so far in IPL 2026, Ajinkya Rahane’s side has been hamstrung by injuries and an unsettled combination.The lack of continuity has reflected in its performances, with neither the batting nor the bowling unit managing to stamp authority. Cameron Green will look to justify his hefty price tag with a match-defining contribution against GT.
| Photo Credit:
R RAGU

Cameron Green will look to justify his hefty price tag with a match-defining contribution against GT.
| Photo Credit:
R RAGU
Much of the spotlight will be on Cameron Green to justify his hefty price tag with a match-defining contribution. With Matheesha Pathirana unavailable despite being cleared by Sri Lanka Cricket, KKR’s bowling responsibilities will rest heavily on Kartik Tyagi, who has shown promise, and the seasoned spin duo of Varun Chakaravarthy and Sunil Narine.For KKR, rediscovering its spin chokehold could be the key. But against a Gujarat side finding its groove, the task at hand appears anything but straightforward.Published on Apr 16, 2026 #IPL #Gujarat #Titans #eyes #hattrick #wins #winless #Kolkata #Knight #Riders #visits — Cameron Green will look to justify his hefty price tag with a match-defining contribution against GT. | Photo Credit: R RAGU

#IPL #Gujarat #Titans #eyes #hattrick #wins #winless #Kolkata #Knight #Riders #visits">

mwasimuddin125 0

Gujarat Titans returns to the familiar comforts of the Narendra Modi Stadium with momentum on its side as it gears up to face Kolkata Knight Riders in Friday’s Indian Premier League clash.
Back-to-back away wins have lent a certain assurance to Shubman Gill’s side, and more importantly, its core has begun to click. Gill’s silken touch at the top has been complemented by Jos Buttler rediscovering his fluency – the duo laying the foundation for totals of substance. It has, in many ways, echoed Titans’ tried-and-tested template — a dominant top order setting the tone.
With the batters doing the heavy lifting, Rashid Khan’s return to the wickets column has further rounded off a unit that suddenly looks well-balanced. The Afghan leg-spinner’s knack of striking in the middle overs adds bite to an attack that thrives on control as much as it does on breakthroughs.
ALSO READ | From MRF Pace Foundation to IPL spotlight—Charting Praful Hinge and Sakib Hussain’s meteoric rise
With the top-three firing and Rashid regaining rhythm, Titans will fancy their chances of completing a hat-trick of wins.
If Titans arrive with wind in their sails, Kolkata Knight Riders finds itself searching for direction. The only winless team so far in IPL 2026, Ajinkya Rahane’s side has been hamstrung by injuries and an unsettled combination.
The lack of continuity has reflected in its performances, with neither the batting nor the bowling unit managing to stamp authority.
Cameron Green will look to justify his hefty price tag with a match-defining contribution against GT. | Photo Credit: R RAGU
Cameron Green will look to justify his hefty price tag with a match-defining contribution against GT. | Photo Credit: R RAGU
Much of the spotlight will be on Cameron Green to justify his hefty price tag with a match-defining contribution. With Matheesha Pathirana unavailable despite being cleared by Sri Lanka Cricket, KKR’s bowling responsibilities will rest heavily on Kartik Tyagi, who has shown promise, and the seasoned spin duo of Varun Chakaravarthy and Sunil Narine.
For KKR, rediscovering its spin chokehold could be the key. But against a Gujarat side finding its groove, the task at hand appears anything but straightforward.
Published on Apr 16, 2026

#IPL #Gujarat #Titans #eyes #hattrick #wins #winless #Kolkata #Knight #Riders #visits">IPL 2026: Gujarat Titans eyes hat-trick of wins as winless Kolkata Knight Riders visits

Gujarat Titans returns to the familiar comforts of the Narendra Modi Stadium with momentum on its side as it gears up to face Kolkata Knight Riders in Friday’s Indian Premier League clash.

Back-to-back away wins have lent a certain assurance to Shubman Gill’s side, and more importantly, its core has begun to click. Gill’s silken touch at the top has been complemented by Jos Buttler rediscovering his fluency – the duo laying the foundation for totals of substance. It has, in many ways, echoed Titans’ tried-and-tested template — a dominant top order setting the tone.

With the batters doing the heavy lifting, Rashid Khan’s return to the wickets column has further rounded off a unit that suddenly looks well-balanced. The Afghan leg-spinner’s knack of striking in the middle overs adds bite to an attack that thrives on control as much as it does on breakthroughs.

ALSO READ | From MRF Pace Foundation to IPL spotlight—Charting Praful Hinge and Sakib Hussain’s meteoric rise

With the top-three firing and Rashid regaining rhythm, Titans will fancy their chances of completing a hat-trick of wins.

If Titans arrive with wind in their sails, Kolkata Knight Riders finds itself searching for direction. The only winless team so far in IPL 2026, Ajinkya Rahane’s side has been hamstrung by injuries and an unsettled combination.

The lack of continuity has reflected in its performances, with neither the batting nor the bowling unit managing to stamp authority.

Cameron Green will look to justify his hefty price tag with a match-defining contribution against GT. | Photo Credit: R RAGU

Cameron Green will look to justify his hefty price tag with a match-defining contribution against GT. | Photo Credit: R RAGU

Much of the spotlight will be on Cameron Green to justify his hefty price tag with a match-defining contribution. With Matheesha Pathirana unavailable despite being cleared by Sri Lanka Cricket, KKR’s bowling responsibilities will rest heavily on Kartik Tyagi, who has shown promise, and the seasoned spin duo of Varun Chakaravarthy and Sunil Narine.

For KKR, rediscovering its spin chokehold could be the key. But against a Gujarat side finding its groove, the task at hand appears anything but straightforward.

Published on Apr 16, 2026

#IPL #Gujarat #Titans #eyes #hattrick #wins #winless #Kolkata #Knight #Riders #visits

Deadspin | Rangers end last-place campaign with upset of Lightning Apr 15, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; New York Rangers left wing Conor Sheary (43) shoots the puck against the Tampa Bay Lightning in the second period at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images Tye Kartye scored the match’s first two goals in a three-point showing and the visiting New York Rangers ended their season on a high note with a 4-2 win over the playoff-bound Tampa Bay Lightning on Wednesday night. Finishing in last place of the Eastern Conference, the Rangers (34-39-9, 77 points) claimed the season series 2-1-0 but missed the postseason for the second straight season. Mika Zibanejad notched a power-play goal and an assist, Gabe Perreault netted one and J.T. Miller dished out two assists. Making his third NHL start, goaltender Dylan Garand made 29 saves and moved to 2-0-1. Alexis Lafreniere had an assist to match his career-high of 57 points set in 2023-24. The Metropolitan Division club ended 20-19-2 on the road. Finishing second in the Atlantic Division behind the Buffalo Sabres, Tampa Bay (50-26-6, 106 points) lost for the first time in three games and will have home-ice advantage in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs against the Montreal Canadiens. Oliver Bjorkstrand and Corey Perry scored goals. In his second appearance this season, Brandon Halverson made 17 saves. Chasing the Art Ross Trophy, Nikita Kucherov started four points behind Edmonton’s Connor McDavid for the NHL lead in points but was held scoreless, ending with 130 (44 goals, 86 helpers). In a battle of AHL netminders between Hartford’s Garand and Syracuse’s Halverson, Garand made the first big save by stopping Kucherov from eight feet away in the first minute, but the Rangers beat Halverson 4:02 into the match. Up high near the blue line in the offensive zone, Zibanejad recorded his 44th assist with a cross-ice feed that Kartye, claimed off waivers from the Seattle Kraken in late February, shot past Halverson’s glove. Kartye tallied again in the second period after Miller dumped a puck that bounced out to the left circle, one-timing his eighth goal for a 2-0 lead at the 1:29 mark. Perreault added a seeing-eye shot from deep that hit the net 3:20 later with Kartye notching the secondary assist. Bjorkstrand netted the Lightning’s first goal on a rebound at 11:15, but Zibanejad restored the three-goal margin by tapping in his 34th goal on the man advantage 91 seconds later. Perry slipped one through Garand’s pads in the first minute of the third for the final tally. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Rangers #lastplace #campaign #upset #Lightning

#Deadspin #Rangers #lastplace #campaign #upset #Lightning">

mwasimuddin125 0

Apr 15, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; New York Rangers left wing Conor Sheary (43) shoots the puck against the Tampa Bay Lightning in the second period at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Tye Kartye scored the match’s first two goals in a three-point showing and the visiting New York Rangers ended their season on a high note with a 4-2 win over the playoff-bound Tampa Bay Lightning on Wednesday night.

Finishing in last place of the Eastern Conference, the Rangers (34-39-9, 77 points) claimed the season series 2-1-0 but missed the postseason for the second straight season.

Mika Zibanejad notched a power-play goal and an assist, Gabe Perreault netted one and J.T. Miller dished out two assists. Making his third NHL start, goaltender Dylan Garand made 29 saves and moved to 2-0-1.

Alexis Lafreniere had an assist to match his career-high of 57 points set in 2023-24.

The Metropolitan Division club ended 20-19-2 on the road.

Finishing second in the Atlantic Division behind the Buffalo Sabres, Tampa Bay (50-26-6, 106 points) lost for the first time in three games and will have home-ice advantage in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs against the Montreal Canadiens.

Oliver Bjorkstrand and Corey Perry scored goals. In his second appearance this season, Brandon Halverson made 17 saves.

Chasing the Art Ross Trophy, Nikita Kucherov started four points behind Edmonton’s Connor McDavid for the NHL lead in points but was held scoreless, ending with 130 (44 goals, 86 helpers).

In a battle of AHL netminders between Hartford’s Garand and Syracuse’s Halverson, Garand made the first big save by stopping Kucherov from eight feet away in the first minute, but the Rangers beat Halverson 4:02 into the match.

Up high near the blue line in the offensive zone, Zibanejad recorded his 44th assist with a cross-ice feed that Kartye, claimed off waivers from the Seattle Kraken in late February, shot past Halverson’s glove.

Kartye tallied again in the second period after Miller dumped a puck that bounced out to the left circle, one-timing his eighth goal for a 2-0 lead at the 1:29 mark.

Perreault added a seeing-eye shot from deep that hit the net 3:20 later with Kartye notching the secondary assist.

Bjorkstrand netted the Lightning’s first goal on a rebound at 11:15, but Zibanejad restored the three-goal margin by tapping in his 34th goal on the man advantage 91 seconds later.

Perry slipped one through Garand’s pads in the first minute of the third for the final tally.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Rangers #lastplace #campaign #upset #Lightning">Deadspin | Rangers end last-place campaign with upset of Lightning

Apr 15, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; New York Rangers left wing Conor Sheary (43) shoots the puck against the Tampa Bay Lightning in the second period at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Tye Kartye scored the match’s first two goals in a three-point showing and the visiting New York Rangers ended their season on a high note with a 4-2 win over the playoff-bound Tampa Bay Lightning on Wednesday night.

Finishing in last place of the Eastern Conference, the Rangers (34-39-9, 77 points) claimed the season series 2-1-0 but missed the postseason for the second straight season.

Mika Zibanejad notched a power-play goal and an assist, Gabe Perreault netted one and J.T. Miller dished out two assists. Making his third NHL start, goaltender Dylan Garand made 29 saves and moved to 2-0-1.

Alexis Lafreniere had an assist to match his career-high of 57 points set in 2023-24.

The Metropolitan Division club ended 20-19-2 on the road.

Finishing second in the Atlantic Division behind the Buffalo Sabres, Tampa Bay (50-26-6, 106 points) lost for the first time in three games and will have home-ice advantage in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs against the Montreal Canadiens.

Oliver Bjorkstrand and Corey Perry scored goals. In his second appearance this season, Brandon Halverson made 17 saves.

Chasing the Art Ross Trophy, Nikita Kucherov started four points behind Edmonton’s Connor McDavid for the NHL lead in points but was held scoreless, ending with 130 (44 goals, 86 helpers).

In a battle of AHL netminders between Hartford’s Garand and Syracuse’s Halverson, Garand made the first big save by stopping Kucherov from eight feet away in the first minute, but the Rangers beat Halverson 4:02 into the match.

Up high near the blue line in the offensive zone, Zibanejad recorded his 44th assist with a cross-ice feed that Kartye, claimed off waivers from the Seattle Kraken in late February, shot past Halverson’s glove.

Kartye tallied again in the second period after Miller dumped a puck that bounced out to the left circle, one-timing his eighth goal for a 2-0 lead at the 1:29 mark.

Perreault added a seeing-eye shot from deep that hit the net 3:20 later with Kartye notching the secondary assist.

Bjorkstrand netted the Lightning’s first goal on a rebound at 11:15, but Zibanejad restored the three-goal margin by tapping in his 34th goal on the man advantage 91 seconds later.

Perry slipped one through Garand’s pads in the first minute of the third for the final tally.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Rangers #lastplace #campaign #upset #Lightning

Related Posts

Post Comment Cancel reply