NFL mock draft 2026: Updated projection after Giants acquire second top-10 pick in big trade The 2026 NFL Draft gets underway in Pittsburgh in just a few short days, but the week begins with a shocker. The New York Giants sent defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence to the Cincinnati Bengals, in exchange for the No. 10 pick in the draft. New York now owns a pair of picks inside the top ten, and the Giants are one of several teams — along with the Jets, the Cowboys, the Browns, the Chiefs, and the Dolphins — with a pair of picks in the first round.As the week begins, here is our latest look at how the first round could unfold. For those wondering, this is more of a predictive mock, trying to sift through the latest reporting and rumors to predict how the first 32 picks will come off the board. In some cases — see No. 10 for example — there is an element of “what I would do” that plays a role.Here are the picks in this predictive mock, with deeper thoughts on how this top ten would play out.PickTeamPlayerPositionSchool1Las Vegas RaidersFernando MendozaQBIndiana2New York JetsDavid BaileyEDGETexas Tech3Dallas Cowboys (via ARI)Arvell ReeseEDGE/LBOhio State4Tennessee TitansJeremiyah LoveRBNotre Dame5New York GiantsFrancis MauigoaOTMiami6Cleveland BrownsCarnell TateWROhio State7Washington CommandersSonny StylesLBOhio State8New Orleans SaintsRueben Bain Jr.EDGEMiami9Kansas City ChiefsJordyn TysonWRArizona State10New York Giants (via CIN)Caleb DownsSOhio State11Miami DolphinsMansoor DelaneCBLSU12Arizona Cardinals (via DAL)Monroe FreelingOTGeorgia13Los Angeles Rams (via ATL)Makai LemonWRUSC14Baltimore RavensKenyon SadiqTEOregon15Tampa Bay BuccaneersOlaivavega IoaneIOLPenn State16New York Jets (via IND)Omar Cooper Jr.WRIndiana17Detroit LionsBlake MillerOTClemson18Minnesota VikingsDillon ThienemanSOregon19Carolina PanthersEmmanuel McNeil-WarrenSToledo20Dallas Cowboys (via GB)Colton HoodCBTennessee21Pittsburgh SteelersKC ConcepcionWRTexas State22Los Angeles ChargersAkheem MesidorEDGEMiami23Philadelphia EaglesKadyn ProctorOTAlabama24Cleveland Browns (via JAX)Max IheanachorOTArizona State25Chicago BearsKayden MacDonaldDTOhio State26Buffalo BillsKeldric FaulkEDGEAuburn27San Francisco 49ersTJ ParkerEDGEClemson28Houston TexansChase BisontisIOLTexas A&M29Kansas City Chiefs (via LAR)Avieon TerrellCBClemson30Arizona Cardinals (via MIA)Ty SimpsonQBAlabama31New England PatriotsZion YoungEDGEMissouri32Seattle SeahawksChris JohnsonCBSan Diego StateLet’s dive into these top ten selections.1. Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza, QB, IndianaThis remains perhaps the only selection anyone feels confident about inside the top five, let alone the top ten.2. New York Jets: David Bailey, EDGE, Texas TechOpinions on the Texas Tech pass rusher are mixed, and for the bulk of the pre-draft process it looked as if Arvell Reese from Ohio State would be the Jets’ selection in this spot. But the conversation has shifted heavily to Bailey, with reports from New York beat writers indicating that the organization believes Bailey can help them immediately, while Reese will need a little development as he moves to the edge full-time.3. Dallas Cowboys: Arvell Reese, EDGE, Ohio StateOne of the worst-kept secrets in the league right now is that the Dallas Cowboys want to move up in the draft, to land a premium defensive prospect. Earlier in the pre-draft process the rumors held that Dallas would move to No. 6 in a deal with the Cleveland Browns, but as the draft gets closer there are rumblings of a move even higher.Here, they jump to No. 3 and land Reese in a deal with the Arizona Cardinals, who have been rumored to be moving back as the draft approaches. Using the NFL Trade Calculator from OverTheCap, the cost for such a move? Dallas’ 2027 second-round pick .4. Tennessee Titans: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre DameWith the defensive front no longer a pressing need, the Tennessee Titans can turn to the offense and add some help for Cam Ward.Jeremiyah Love is an explosive play waiting to happen in the NFL, both on offense and on defense.5. New York Giants: Francis Mauigoa, OT, MiamiYes, for the longest time a defensive player was the pick here.But now the New York Giants have a pair of picks inside the top ten, giving them some flexibility. Since he was hired, John Harbaugh has stressed that the offensive line is a work in progress. Now, with two picks inside the top ten, the Giants can address that group while still adding a premium player on the defense side of the ball in a few selections.6. Cleveland Browns: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio StateEvery report indicates that the Cleveland Browns need to come out of the first round with an upgrade at WR, and an upgrade on the offensive line.Here, they check the first box by adding Carnell Tate, the latest in a long line of talented Ohio State wide receiver prospects.7. Washington Commanders: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio StateWashington is another team that could be willing to trade back, given the massive gulf between this pick at No. 7 and their next pick, which comes at No. 71 late on Day 2.But facing a pressing need to upgrade their defense, and the talented Ohio State linebacker falling to them at No. 7, they run to the podium to take Styles as a means of fixing that defensive front.8. New Orleans Saints: Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, MiamiThe New Orleans Saints could go in a number of different directions here, including wide reciever. But with pass rusher Rueben Bain Jr. sliding to them at eight, he makes a ton of sense for the Saints.Yes, there are rumblings of a further slide for Bain, between the arm length concerns and the recent reporting about the car accident he was involved in during 2024. However, several general managers have indicated that the accident was already factored into their evaluation of Bain as a prospect. Is a further slide possible? Perhaps, but I do believe any slide ends here.9. Kansas City Chiefs: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona StateWhen both Mel Kiper Jr. and Peter Schrager are making this connection, it is worth paying attention to.Plus, with the Giants now on the clock right behind the Chiefs at No. 10, it makes even more sense that Jordyn Tyson is the selection here.10. New York Giants: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio StateBetween Francis Mauigoa and now Caleb Downs, we have the makings of a John Harbaugh football team.Lest we forget, Harbaugh was the head coach in Baltimore when the Ravens made safety Kyle Hamilton the 14th selection in his draft class. Harbaugh wants a defensive leader, and while Downs is more of a box safety than Hamilton, his versatility, experience, and ability to play against the run from anywhere on the field makes him an ideal piece to build around in New York. #NFL #mock #draft #Updated #projection #Giants #acquire #top10 #pick #big #trade

NFL mock draft 2026: Updated projection after Giants acquire second top-10 pick in big trade
The 2026 NFL Draft gets underway in Pittsburgh in just a few short days, but the week begins with a shocker. The New York Giants sent defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence to the Cincinnati Bengals, in exchange for the No. 10 pick in the draft. New York now owns a pair of picks inside the top ten, and the Giants are one of several teams — along with the Jets, the Cowboys, the Browns, the Chiefs, and the Dolphins — with a pair of picks in the first round.
As the week begins, here is our latest look at how the first round could unfold. For those wondering, this is more of a predictive mock, trying to sift through the latest reporting and rumors to predict how the first 32 picks will come off the board. In some cases — see No. 10 for example — there is an element of “what I would do” that plays a role.
Here are the picks in this predictive mock, with deeper thoughts on how this top ten would play out.
Pick
Team
Player
Position
School
1 Las Vegas Raiders Fernando Mendoza QB Indiana
2 New York Jets David Bailey EDGE Texas Tech
3 Dallas Cowboys (via ARI) Arvell Reese EDGE/LB Ohio State
4 Tennessee Titans Jeremiyah Love RB Notre Dame
5 New York Giants Francis Mauigoa OT Miami
6 Cleveland Browns Carnell Tate WR Ohio State
7 Washington Commanders Sonny Styles LB Ohio State
8 New Orleans Saints Rueben Bain Jr. EDGE Miami
9 Kansas City Chiefs Jordyn Tyson WR Arizona State
10 New York Giants (via CIN) Caleb Downs S Ohio State
11 Miami Dolphins Mansoor Delane CB LSU
12 Arizona Cardinals (via DAL) Monroe Freeling OT Georgia
13 Los Angeles Rams (via ATL) Makai Lemon WR USC
14 Baltimore Ravens Kenyon Sadiq TE Oregon
15 Tampa Bay Buccaneers Olaivavega Ioane IOL Penn State
16 New York Jets (via IND) Omar Cooper Jr. WR Indiana
17 Detroit Lions Blake Miller OT Clemson
18 Minnesota Vikings Dillon Thieneman S Oregon
19 Carolina Panthers Emmanuel McNeil-Warren S Toledo
20 Dallas Cowboys (via GB) Colton Hood CB Tennessee
21 Pittsburgh Steelers KC Concepcion WR Texas State
22 Los Angeles Chargers Akheem Mesidor EDGE Miami
23 Philadelphia Eagles Kadyn Proctor OT Alabama
24 Cleveland Browns (via JAX) Max Iheanachor OT Arizona State
25 Chicago Bears Kayden MacDonald DT Ohio State
26 Buffalo Bills Keldric Faulk EDGE Auburn
27 San Francisco 49ers TJ Parker EDGE Clemson
28 Houston Texans Chase Bisontis IOL Texas A&M
29 Kansas City Chiefs (via LAR) Avieon Terrell CB Clemson
30 Arizona Cardinals (via MIA) Ty Simpson QB Alabama
31 New England Patriots Zion Young EDGE Missouri
32 Seattle Seahawks Chris Johnson CB San Diego State
Let’s dive into these top ten selections.
1. Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
This remains perhaps the only selection anyone feels confident about inside the top five, let alone the top ten.
2. New York Jets: David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech
Opinions on the Texas Tech pass rusher are mixed, and for the bulk of the pre-draft process it looked as if Arvell Reese from Ohio State would be the Jets’ selection in this spot. But the conversation has shifted heavily to Bailey, with reports from New York beat writers indicating that the organization believes Bailey can help them immediately, while Reese will need a little development as he moves to the edge full-time.
3. Dallas Cowboys: Arvell Reese, EDGE, Ohio State
One of the worst-kept secrets in the league right now is that the Dallas Cowboys want to move up in the draft, to land a premium defensive prospect. Earlier in the pre-draft process the rumors held that Dallas would move to No. 6 in a deal with the Cleveland Browns, but as the draft gets closer there are rumblings of a move even higher.
Here, they jump to No. 3 and land Reese in a deal with the Arizona Cardinals, who have been rumored to be moving back as the draft approaches. Using the NFL Trade Calculator from OverTheCap, the cost for such a move? Dallas’ 2027 second-round pick .
4. Tennessee Titans: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
With the defensive front no longer a pressing need, the Tennessee Titans can turn to the offense and add some help for Cam Ward.
Jeremiyah Love is an explosive play waiting to happen in the NFL, both on offense and on defense.
5. New York Giants: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami
Yes, for the longest time a defensive player was the pick here.
But now the New York Giants have a pair of picks inside the top ten, giving them some flexibility. Since he was hired, John Harbaugh has stressed that the offensive line is a work in progress. Now, with two picks inside the top ten, the Giants can address that group while still adding a premium player on the defense side of the ball in a few selections.
6. Cleveland Browns: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
Every report indicates that the Cleveland Browns need to come out of the first round with an upgrade at WR, and an upgrade on the offensive line.
Here, they check the first box by adding Carnell Tate, the latest in a long line of talented Ohio State wide receiver prospects.
7. Washington Commanders: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
Washington is another team that could be willing to trade back, given the massive gulf between this pick at No. 7 and their next pick, which comes at No. 71 late on Day 2.
But facing a pressing need to upgrade their defense, and the talented Ohio State linebacker falling to them at No. 7, they run to the podium to take Styles as a means of fixing that defensive front.
8. New Orleans Saints: Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami
The New Orleans Saints could go in a number of different directions here, including wide reciever. But with pass rusher Rueben Bain Jr. sliding to them at eight, he makes a ton of sense for the Saints.
Yes, there are rumblings of a further slide for Bain, between the arm length concerns and the recent reporting about the car accident he was involved in during 2024. However, several general managers have indicated that the accident was already factored into their evaluation of Bain as a prospect. Is a further slide possible? Perhaps, but I do believe any slide ends here.
9. Kansas City Chiefs: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
When both Mel Kiper Jr. and Peter Schrager are making this connection, it is worth paying attention to.
Plus, with the Giants now on the clock right behind the Chiefs at No. 10, it makes even more sense that Jordyn Tyson is the selection here.
10. New York Giants: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
Between Francis Mauigoa and now Caleb Downs, we have the makings of a John Harbaugh football team.
Lest we forget, Harbaugh was the head coach in Baltimore when the Ravens made safety Kyle Hamilton the 14th selection in his draft class. Harbaugh wants a defensive leader, and while Downs is more of a box safety than Hamilton, his versatility, experience, and ability to play against the run from anywhere on the field makes him an ideal piece to build around in New York.
#NFL #mock #draft #Updated #projection #Giants #acquire #top10 #pick #big #trade

Sports news nfl April 20, 2026

The 2026 NFL Draft gets underway in Pittsburgh in just a few short days, but the week begins with a shocker. The New York Giants sent defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence to the Cincinnati Bengals, in exchange for the No. 10 pick in the draft. New York now owns a pair of picks inside the top ten, and the Giants are one of several teams — along with the Jets, the Cowboys, the Browns, the Chiefs, and the Dolphins — with a pair of picks in the first round.

As the week begins, here is our latest look at how the first round could unfold. For those wondering, this is more of a predictive mock, trying to sift through the latest reporting and rumors to predict how the first 32 picks will come off the board. In some cases — see No. 10 for example — there is an element of “what I would do” that plays a role.

Here are the picks in this predictive mock, with deeper thoughts on how this top ten would play out.

Pick	Team	Player	Position	School
1	Las Vegas Raiders	Fernando Mendoza	QB	Indiana
2	New York Jets	David Bailey	EDGE	Texas Tech
3	Dallas Cowboys (via ARI)	Arvell Reese	EDGE/LB	Ohio State
4	Tennessee Titans	Jeremiyah Love	RB	Notre Dame
5	New York Giants	Francis Mauigoa	OT	Miami
6	Cleveland Browns	Carnell Tate	WR	Ohio State
7	Washington Commanders	Sonny Styles	LB	Ohio State
8	New Orleans Saints	Rueben Bain Jr.	EDGE	Miami
9	Kansas City Chiefs	Jordyn Tyson	WR	Arizona State
10	New York Giants (via CIN)	Caleb Downs	S	Ohio State
11	Miami Dolphins	Mansoor Delane	CB	LSU
12	Arizona Cardinals (via DAL)	Monroe Freeling	OT	Georgia
13	Los Angeles Rams (via ATL)	Makai Lemon	WR	USC
14	Baltimore Ravens	Kenyon Sadiq	TE	Oregon
15	Tampa Bay Buccaneers	Olaivavega Ioane	IOL	Penn State
16	New York Jets (via IND)	Omar Cooper Jr.	WR	Indiana
17	Detroit Lions	Blake Miller	OT	Clemson
18	Minnesota Vikings	Dillon Thieneman	S	Oregon
19	Carolina Panthers	Emmanuel McNeil-Warren	S	Toledo
20	Dallas Cowboys (via GB)	Colton Hood	CB	Tennessee
21	Pittsburgh Steelers	KC Concepcion	WR	Texas State
22	Los Angeles Chargers	Akheem Mesidor	EDGE	Miami
23	Philadelphia Eagles	Kadyn Proctor	OT	Alabama
24	Cleveland Browns (via JAX)	Max Iheanachor	OT	Arizona State
25	Chicago Bears	Kayden MacDonald	DT	Ohio State
26	Buffalo Bills	Keldric Faulk	EDGE	Auburn
27	San Francisco 49ers	TJ Parker	EDGE	Clemson
28	Houston Texans	Chase Bisontis	IOL	Texas A&M
29	Kansas City Chiefs (via LAR)	Avieon Terrell	CB	Clemson
30	Arizona Cardinals (via MIA)	Ty Simpson	QB	Alabama
31	New England Patriots	Zion Young	EDGE	Missouri
32	Seattle Seahawks	Chris Johnson	CB	San Diego State

Let’s dive into these top ten selections.

1. Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana

This remains perhaps the only selection anyone feels confident about inside the top five, let alone the top ten.

2. New York Jets: David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech

Opinions on the Texas Tech pass rusher are mixed, and for the bulk of the pre-draft process it looked as if Arvell Reese from Ohio State would be the Jets’ selection in this spot. But the conversation has shifted heavily to Bailey, with reports from New York beat writers indicating that the organization believes Bailey can help them immediately, while Reese will need a little development as he moves to the edge full-time.

3. Dallas Cowboys: Arvell Reese, EDGE, Ohio State

One of the worst-kept secrets in the league right now is that the Dallas Cowboys want to move up in the draft, to land a premium defensive prospect. Earlier in the pre-draft process the rumors held that Dallas would move to No. 6 in a deal with the Cleveland Browns, but as the draft gets closer there are rumblings of a move even higher.

Here, they jump to No. 3 and land Reese in a deal with the Arizona Cardinals, who have been rumored to be moving back as the draft approaches. Using the NFL Trade Calculator from OverTheCap, the cost for such a move? Dallas’ 2027 second-round pick .

4. Tennessee Titans: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame

With the defensive front no longer a pressing need, the Tennessee Titans can turn to the offense and add some help for Cam Ward.

Jeremiyah Love is an explosive play waiting to happen in the NFL, both on offense and on defense.

5. New York Giants: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami

Yes, for the longest time a defensive player was the pick here.

But now the New York Giants have a pair of picks inside the top ten, giving them some flexibility. Since he was hired, John Harbaugh has stressed that the offensive line is a work in progress. Now, with two picks inside the top ten, the Giants can address that group while still adding a premium player on the defense side of the ball in a few selections.

6. Cleveland Browns: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State

Every report indicates that the Cleveland Browns need to come out of the first round with an upgrade at WR, and an upgrade on the offensive line.

Here, they check the first box by adding Carnell Tate, the latest in a long line of talented Ohio State wide receiver prospects.

7. Washington Commanders: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

Washington is another team that could be willing to trade back, given the massive gulf between this pick at No. 7 and their next pick, which comes at No. 71 late on Day 2.

But facing a pressing need to upgrade their defense, and the talented Ohio State linebacker falling to them at No. 7, they run to the podium to take Styles as a means of fixing that defensive front.

8. New Orleans Saints: Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami

The New Orleans Saints could go in a number of different directions here, including wide reciever. But with pass rusher Rueben Bain Jr. sliding to them at eight, he makes a ton of sense for the Saints.

Yes, there are rumblings of a further slide for Bain, between the arm length concerns and the recent reporting about the car accident he was involved in during 2024. However, several general managers have indicated that the accident was already factored into their evaluation of Bain as a prospect. Is a further slide possible? Perhaps, but I do believe any slide ends here.

9. Kansas City Chiefs: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State

When both Mel Kiper Jr. and Peter Schrager are making this connection, it is worth paying attention to.

Plus, with the Giants now on the clock right behind the Chiefs at No. 10, it makes even more sense that Jordyn Tyson is the selection here.

10. New York Giants: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

Between Francis Mauigoa and now Caleb Downs, we have the makings of a John Harbaugh football team.

Lest we forget, Harbaugh was the head coach in Baltimore when the Ravens made safety Kyle Hamilton the 14th selection in his draft class. Harbaugh wants a defensive leader, and while Downs is more of a box safety than Hamilton, his versatility, experience, and ability to play against the run from anywhere on the field makes him an ideal piece to build around in New York.

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Former Mumbai cricketer Kiran Powar named head coach of Assam Ranji team <div id="content-body-70884428" itemprop="articleBody">Former Mumbai and Baroda first-class cricketer Kiran Powar has been appointed head coach of the Assam men’s team for the 2026-27 domestic season.The 50-year-old left-hander, who has represented Mumbai, Baroda and Assam, is the elder brother of former India off-spinner and ex-women’s team head coach Ramesh Powar. Last season, Kiran was in charge of the Mumbai Under-23 side, and this will be his first independent assignment with a senior team.“I am delighted to be appointed Assam’s Ranji team coach and am really looking forward to working with the side,” Kiran, who scored nearly 3,500 runs in 71 senior matches across formats, told PTI.Kiran said he was impressed with the vision of the Assam Cricket Association (ACA) during his visit with the Mumbai Under-23 team for the C.K. Nayudu Trophy, which influenced his decision to take up the role.ALSO READ: <a href="https://sportstar.thehindu.com/cricket/ipl/mumbai-indians-poor-start-ipl-2026-analysis/article70883486.ece#google_vignette" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Inside Mumbai Indians’ early-season collapse in IPL 2026: What’s going wrong?</a>“I was really impressed with their vision when I had come here as Mumbai Under-23 coach,” he added.He also thanked Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) president Ajinkya Naik for his support.“My sincere thanks to the MCA and its president Ajinkya Naik, who backed me when many were against me. I am leaving Mumbai with a heavy heart. Whatever I am today is because of Mumbai cricket,” he said.Published on Apr 20, 2026</div> #Mumbai #cricketer #Kiran #Powar #named #coach #Assam #Ranji #team

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KBFC 2-1 FCG Highlights, ISL 2025-26: Fallou bags winner as Kerala Blasters beats FC Goa
Kerala Blasters will be the happier of the two sides heading into the break, as it has managed to sustain FC Goa’s threat for most of the half.
With a five-man backline while defending, KBFC has stopped the opposition from finding any spaces in behind with a through ball or a cross.
Goa, however, should have taken the lead in the closing stage of the half, but Dejan Drazic uncharacteristically sent the ball off target with only the goalkeeper to beat.
At the other end, Vibin got KBFC’s best chance of the half, but a good save from Bob stopped the home side from taking the lead.
#KBFC #FCG #Highlights #ISL #Fallou #bags #winner #Kerala #Blasters #beats #Goa

Deadspin | Guardians look to keep Tigers down, stay atop division May 17, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians designated hitter Jose Ramirez (11) celebrates after hitting a home run during the eighth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images The first-place Cleveland Guardians can extend their American League Central Division lead when they visit Detroit to face the slumping Tigers for the first of a four-game series Monday. Cleveland has won five of its last six games, including a 10-3 pounding of the Cincinnati Reds on Sunday. The Tigers have lost 10 of their last 12 games. Framber Valdez (2-2, 4.32 ERA) will start the opener of the four-game series for Detroit. The veteran left-hander delivered a solid performance in his previous outing after serving a five-game league suspension for beaning a Boston batter. Valdez limited the New York Mets to two runs and five hits while striking out seven in 6 2/3 innings last Wednesday. “Framber was dominating both sides of the plate,” utility man Zach McKinstry said. “It’s fun to play behind him when he’s dominating like that.” Valdez was working with a one-run lead before issuing a two-out walk to the Mets’ No. 9 hitter, Luis Torrens, who eventually scored the tying run. “This start mattered to him, just getting him back into the season,” manager A.J. Hinch said. “He worked hard to get into the game and I thought he threw the ball extremely well. The two-out walk will haunt him and it’ll haunt us a little bit. But we asked a ton out of him (Wednesday) and he delivered.” Valdez has been a Guardians killer during his career. He’s won all five of his appearances (four starts) against them, posting a 2.30 ERA. He will be opposed by right-hander Slade Cecconi (2-4, 5.60). It’s been a rocky beginning to the season for Cecconi, who has allowed four or more earned runs in five of his nine starts. He has shown signs of improvement in his last two starts. Cecconi limited the Kansas City Royals to two runs in 5 1/3 innings, then tossed four scoreless innings against the Los Angeles Angels. He posted seven strikeouts but required 89 pitches to record 12 outs. He’s 1-1 with a 2.25 ERA in two career starts against the Tigers. Valdez will try to cool down Angel Martinez. The Guardians outfielder has been on a power surge, homering in four of his last five games. He’ll carry a six-game hitting streak into the contest. He’s scored eight runs and knocked in eight during that span. Martinez has nine homers this season, compared to 11 in 139 games last season. “Honestly, I’m trying to not get too high,” Martinez said. “(Whether) you’re having a good day, you have a good week, good month, I try not to get too high. This game can humble you really quick. I’m just enjoying the moment, and what happened today, it doesn’t matter tomorrow.” Manager Stephen Vogt believes Martinez’s improvement is a natural progression for the talented 24-year-old. “I think every young hitter continues to grow and understand, ‘If I can shrink the strike zone, and I can bring that pitcher into the strike zone, I’ve got a lot better chance to hit it hard,'” Vogt said. “We’ve seen Angel struggle with chase at times. But when he does keep that pitcher in the zone, man, is he dynamic and hits the ball hard.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Guardians #Tigers #stay #atop #division

#Deadspin #Guardians #Tigers #stay #atop #division">

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May 17, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians designated hitter Jose Ramirez (11) celebrates after hitting a home run during the eighth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

The first-place Cleveland Guardians can extend their American League Central Division lead when they visit Detroit to face the slumping Tigers for the first of a four-game series Monday.

Cleveland has won five of its last six games, including a 10-3 pounding of the Cincinnati Reds on Sunday. The Tigers have lost 10 of their last 12 games.

Framber Valdez (2-2, 4.32 ERA) will start the opener of the four-game series for Detroit. The veteran left-hander delivered a solid performance in his previous outing after serving a five-game league suspension for beaning a Boston batter.

Valdez limited the New York Mets to two runs and five hits while striking out seven in 6 2/3 innings last Wednesday.

“Framber was dominating both sides of the plate,” utility man Zach McKinstry said. “It’s fun to play behind him when he’s dominating like that.”

Valdez was working with a one-run lead before issuing a two-out walk to the Mets’ No. 9 hitter, Luis Torrens, who eventually scored the tying run.

“This start mattered to him, just getting him back into the season,” manager A.J. Hinch said. “He worked hard to get into the game and I thought he threw the ball extremely well. The two-out walk will haunt him and it’ll haunt us a little bit. But we asked a ton out of him (Wednesday) and he delivered.”

Valdez has been a Guardians killer during his career. He’s won all five of his appearances (four starts) against them, posting a 2.30 ERA.

He will be opposed by right-hander Slade Cecconi (2-4, 5.60). It’s been a rocky beginning to the season for Cecconi, who has allowed four or more earned runs in five of his nine starts.

He has shown signs of improvement in his last two starts. Cecconi limited the Kansas City Royals to two runs in 5 1/3 innings, then tossed four scoreless innings against the Los Angeles Angels. He posted seven strikeouts but required 89 pitches to record 12 outs.

He’s 1-1 with a 2.25 ERA in two career starts against the Tigers.

Valdez will try to cool down Angel Martinez. The Guardians outfielder has been on a power surge, homering in four of his last five games. He’ll carry a six-game hitting streak into the contest. He’s scored eight runs and knocked in eight during that span.

Martinez has nine homers this season, compared to 11 in 139 games last season.

“Honestly, I’m trying to not get too high,” Martinez said. “(Whether) you’re having a good day, you have a good week, good month, I try not to get too high. This game can humble you really quick. I’m just enjoying the moment, and what happened today, it doesn’t matter tomorrow.”

Manager Stephen Vogt believes Martinez’s improvement is a natural progression for the talented 24-year-old.

“I think every young hitter continues to grow and understand, ‘If I can shrink the strike zone, and I can bring that pitcher into the strike zone, I’ve got a lot better chance to hit it hard,'” Vogt said. “We’ve seen Angel struggle with chase at times. But when he does keep that pitcher in the zone, man, is he dynamic and hits the ball hard.”

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Guardians #Tigers #stay #atop #division">Deadspin | Guardians look to keep Tigers down, stay atop division

May 17, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians designated hitter Jose Ramirez (11) celebrates after hitting a home run during the eighth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

The first-place Cleveland Guardians can extend their American League Central Division lead when they visit Detroit to face the slumping Tigers for the first of a four-game series Monday.

Cleveland has won five of its last six games, including a 10-3 pounding of the Cincinnati Reds on Sunday. The Tigers have lost 10 of their last 12 games.

Framber Valdez (2-2, 4.32 ERA) will start the opener of the four-game series for Detroit. The veteran left-hander delivered a solid performance in his previous outing after serving a five-game league suspension for beaning a Boston batter.

Valdez limited the New York Mets to two runs and five hits while striking out seven in 6 2/3 innings last Wednesday.

“Framber was dominating both sides of the plate,” utility man Zach McKinstry said. “It’s fun to play behind him when he’s dominating like that.”

Valdez was working with a one-run lead before issuing a two-out walk to the Mets’ No. 9 hitter, Luis Torrens, who eventually scored the tying run.

“This start mattered to him, just getting him back into the season,” manager A.J. Hinch said. “He worked hard to get into the game and I thought he threw the ball extremely well. The two-out walk will haunt him and it’ll haunt us a little bit. But we asked a ton out of him (Wednesday) and he delivered.”

Valdez has been a Guardians killer during his career. He’s won all five of his appearances (four starts) against them, posting a 2.30 ERA.

He will be opposed by right-hander Slade Cecconi (2-4, 5.60). It’s been a rocky beginning to the season for Cecconi, who has allowed four or more earned runs in five of his nine starts.

He has shown signs of improvement in his last two starts. Cecconi limited the Kansas City Royals to two runs in 5 1/3 innings, then tossed four scoreless innings against the Los Angeles Angels. He posted seven strikeouts but required 89 pitches to record 12 outs.

He’s 1-1 with a 2.25 ERA in two career starts against the Tigers.

Valdez will try to cool down Angel Martinez. The Guardians outfielder has been on a power surge, homering in four of his last five games. He’ll carry a six-game hitting streak into the contest. He’s scored eight runs and knocked in eight during that span.

Martinez has nine homers this season, compared to 11 in 139 games last season.

“Honestly, I’m trying to not get too high,” Martinez said. “(Whether) you’re having a good day, you have a good week, good month, I try not to get too high. This game can humble you really quick. I’m just enjoying the moment, and what happened today, it doesn’t matter tomorrow.”

Manager Stephen Vogt believes Martinez’s improvement is a natural progression for the talented 24-year-old.

“I think every young hitter continues to grow and understand, ‘If I can shrink the strike zone, and I can bring that pitcher into the strike zone, I’ve got a lot better chance to hit it hard,'” Vogt said. “We’ve seen Angel struggle with chase at times. But when he does keep that pitcher in the zone, man, is he dynamic and hits the ball hard.”

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Guardians #Tigers #stay #atop #division

The complete NFL schedule for each team was released on Thursday night, and now we have a full picture of how things could shape up. There isn’t a lot when it comes to who “won” with their slate of games outside of favorable bye weeks, or easy opening runs to set up the season — but there are definitely a handful of teams who really got screwed over when it comes to their schedules.

These are the four teams that got an added layer of complexity added to their seasons due to scheduling.

The Cardinals will need to reconcile two opposing aims in 2026: Establishing Mike LaFleur as a winning coach, while also trying to ensure they tank the hell out of the season so they can find their quarterback of the future in the 2027 draft, because lol no, Carson Beck isn’t the answer.

It’s all well and good to say “just tank the year, and give LaFleur a season of grace,” but that’s easier said than done when you’re trying to establish a winning culture inside a locker room. The main issue is that there’s no good place on the Arizona slate where you can find them to at least grab a few wins and prove to themselves that the path is working.

An absolutely brutal run kicks the season off due to playing in the NFC West and getting a rough schedule as a result. Look at this opponent run up to the Week 14 bye: Chargers, Seahawks, 49ers, Giants, Lions, Rams, Broncos, Cowboys, Seahawks, Rams, Chiefs, Commanders, Eagles. That is just horrific for a team trying to find a way to win. I don’t know what the Cardinals did to deserve having FIVE divisional matchups before their bye.

No. 2: Los Angeles Chargers

The big thing with the Chargers’ slate is how well rested all of their opponents will be heading into their games. This chart really tells the whole story, with Los Angeles having an incredible 24 fewer days of rest over the course of the season compared to their opponents.

Not only this, but the Chargers have a bye week that falls too early in the season. They will be off Week 7, and still have the bulk of their games ahead of them. It’s especially rough when you factor in that the rest of the AFC West got fairly beneficial schedules for 2026 and that adds more difficulty for them.

No. 3: San Francisco 49ers

The 49ers’ have two international games, kicking off in Australia against the Rams, then heading to Mexico City later in the season. That would be difficult enough with irregular travel adding to the challenges of playing in the NFC West, but San Francisco also had a brutal run after their game against the Vikings in Mexico City, which comes at a critical time when they will be eyeing the playoffs.

From Week 13 until the end of the season here are their opponents in order: Seahawks, Giants, Rams, Chargers, Chiefs, Eagles, Cardinals.

The only gimme on the slate is Arizona, with so many tough games coming on the road to the playoffs. It’s incredibly easy to hit a skid, lose confidence, and limp into the playoffs at best. In addition, the 49ers have some brutal travel with their trip to Australia, as well as heading cross-country to New York and Atlanta. Overall this was just a brutal lineup of games.

This has much less to do with the fact that the Bears face the toughest strength of schedule in the NFL, and far more to do with their game scheduling. Across the 17 game regular season we see Chicago play five games in primetime, two with 4:25 p.m. ET kickoffs, and they play on both holidays. This means that over half the season sees Chicago moving around days, slots, and zones — which is really difficult when you’re trying to build routine and consistency.

Obviously, Ben Johnson is the kind of coach who can get solid performances out of his players, but there’s no doubt this is a tricky way to operate in a season with all the pressure of national games, the attention they bring, and changing up preparation from week to week. Throw that in with a tough opponent slate and it might be tricky for the Bears to have as much success this season.

#NFL #teams #royally #screwed #schedule">

4 NFL teams who got royally screwed over by the schedule The complete NFL schedule for each team was released on Thursday night, and now we have a full picture of how things could shape up. There isn’t a lot when it comes to who “won” with their slate of games outside of favorable bye weeks, or easy opening runs to set up the season — but there are definitely a handful of teams who really got screwed over when it comes to their schedules.These are the four teams that got an added layer of complexity added to their seasons due to scheduling.The Cardinals will need to reconcile two opposing aims in 2026: Establishing Mike LaFleur as a winning coach, while also trying to ensure they tank the hell out of the season so they can find their quarterback of the future in the 2027 draft, because lol no, Carson Beck isn’t the answer.It’s all well and good to say “just tank the year, and give LaFleur a season of grace,” but that’s easier said than done when you’re trying to establish a winning culture inside a locker room. The main issue is that there’s no good place on the Arizona slate where you can find them to at least grab a few wins and prove to themselves that the path is working.An absolutely brutal run kicks the season off due to playing in the NFC West and getting a rough schedule as a result. Look at this opponent run up to the Week 14 bye: Chargers, Seahawks, 49ers, Giants, Lions, Rams, Broncos, Cowboys, Seahawks, Rams, Chiefs, Commanders, Eagles. That is just horrific for a team trying to find a way to win. I don’t know what the Cardinals did to deserve having FIVE divisional matchups before their bye.No. 2: Los Angeles ChargersThe big thing with the Chargers’ slate is how well rested all of their opponents will be heading into their games. This chart really tells the whole story, with Los Angeles having an incredible 24 fewer days of rest over the course of the season compared to their opponents.Not only this, but the Chargers have a bye week that falls too early in the season. They will be off Week 7, and still have the bulk of their games ahead of them. It’s especially rough when you factor in that the rest of the AFC West got fairly beneficial schedules for 2026 and that adds more difficulty for them.No. 3: San Francisco 49ersThe 49ers’ have two international games, kicking off in Australia against the Rams, then heading to Mexico City later in the season. That would be difficult enough with irregular travel adding to the challenges of playing in the NFC West, but San Francisco also had a brutal run after their game against the Vikings in Mexico City, which comes at a critical time when they will be eyeing the playoffs.From Week 13 until the end of the season here are their opponents in order: Seahawks, Giants, Rams, Chargers, Chiefs, Eagles, Cardinals.The only gimme on the slate is Arizona, with so many tough games coming on the road to the playoffs. It’s incredibly easy to hit a skid, lose confidence, and limp into the playoffs at best. In addition, the 49ers have some brutal travel with their trip to Australia, as well as heading cross-country to New York and Atlanta. Overall this was just a brutal lineup of games.This has much less to do with the fact that the Bears face the toughest strength of schedule in the NFL, and far more to do with their game scheduling. Across the 17 game regular season we see Chicago play five games in primetime, two with 4:25 p.m. ET kickoffs, and they play on both holidays. This means that over half the season sees Chicago moving around days, slots, and zones — which is really difficult when you’re trying to build routine and consistency.Obviously, Ben Johnson is the kind of coach who can get solid performances out of his players, but there’s no doubt this is a tricky way to operate in a season with all the pressure of national games, the attention they bring, and changing up preparation from week to week. Throw that in with a tough opponent slate and it might be tricky for the Bears to have as much success this season. #NFL #teams #royally #screwed #schedule

mwasimuddin125 0

The complete NFL schedule for each team was released on Thursday night, and now we have a full picture of how things could shape up. There isn’t a lot when it comes to who “won” with their slate of games outside of favorable bye weeks, or easy opening runs to set up the season — but there are definitely a handful of teams who really got screwed over when it comes to their schedules.
These are the four teams that got an added layer of complexity added to their seasons due to scheduling.
The Cardinals will need to reconcile two opposing aims in 2026: Establishing Mike LaFleur as a winning coach, while also trying to ensure they tank the hell out of the season so they can find their quarterback of the future in the 2027 draft, because lol no, Carson Beck isn’t the answer.
It’s all well and good to say “just tank the year, and give LaFleur a season of grace,” but that’s easier said than done when you’re trying to establish a winning culture inside a locker room. The main issue is that there’s no good place on the Arizona slate where you can find them to at least grab a few wins and prove to themselves that the path is working.
An absolutely brutal run kicks the season off due to playing in the NFC West and getting a rough schedule as a result. Look at this opponent run up to the Week 14 bye: Chargers, Seahawks, 49ers, Giants, Lions, Rams, Broncos, Cowboys, Seahawks, Rams, Chiefs, Commanders, Eagles. That is just horrific for a team trying to find a way to win. I don’t know what the Cardinals did to deserve having FIVE divisional matchups before their bye.
No. 2: Los Angeles Chargers
The big thing with the Chargers’ slate is how well rested all of their opponents will be heading into their games. This chart really tells the whole story, with Los Angeles having an incredible 24 fewer days of rest over the course of the season compared to their opponents.
Not only this, but the Chargers have a bye week that falls too early in the season. They will be off Week 7, and still have the bulk of their games ahead of them. It’s especially rough when you factor in that the rest of the AFC West got fairly beneficial schedules for 2026 and that adds more difficulty for them.
No. 3: San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers’ have two international games, kicking off in Australia against the Rams, then heading to Mexico City later in the season. That would be difficult enough with irregular travel adding to the challenges of playing in the NFC West, but San Francisco also had a brutal run after their game against the Vikings in Mexico City, which comes at a critical time when they will be eyeing the playoffs.
From Week 13 until the end of the season here are their opponents in order: Seahawks, Giants, Rams, Chargers, Chiefs, Eagles, Cardinals.
The only gimme on the slate is Arizona, with so many tough games coming on the road to the playoffs. It’s incredibly easy to hit a skid, lose confidence, and limp into the playoffs at best. In addition, the 49ers have some brutal travel with their trip to Australia, as well as heading cross-country to New York and Atlanta. Overall this was just a brutal lineup of games.
This has much less to do with the fact that the Bears face the toughest strength of schedule in the NFL, and far more to do with their game scheduling. Across the 17 game regular season we see Chicago play five games in primetime, two with 4:25 p.m. ET kickoffs, and they play on both holidays. This means that over half the season sees Chicago moving around days, slots, and zones — which is really difficult when you’re trying to build routine and consistency.
Obviously, Ben Johnson is the kind of coach who can get solid performances out of his players, but there’s no doubt this is a tricky way to operate in a season with all the pressure of national games, the attention they bring, and changing up preparation from week to week. Throw that in with a tough opponent slate and it might be tricky for the Bears to have as much success this season.

#NFL #teams #royally #screwed #schedule">4 NFL teams who got royally screwed over by the schedule

These are the four teams that got an added layer of complexity added to their seasons due to scheduling.

No. 2: Los Angeles Chargers

No. 3: San Francisco 49ers

From Week 13 until the end of the season here are their opponents in order: Seahawks, Giants, Rams, Chargers, Chiefs, Eagles, Cardinals.

#NFL #teams #royally #screwed #schedule

Pick

Team

Player

Position

School

Pick

Team

Player

Position

School

1. Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana

2. New York Jets: David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech

3. Dallas Cowboys: Arvell Reese, EDGE, Ohio State

4. Tennessee Titans: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame

5. New York Giants: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami

6. Cleveland Browns: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State

7. Washington Commanders: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

8. New Orleans Saints: Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami

9. Kansas City Chiefs: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State

10. New York Giants: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

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No. 2: Los Angeles Chargers

No. 3: San Francisco 49ers

No. 2: Los Angeles Chargers

No. 3: San Francisco 49ers

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