From FCS dominance to a puzzling draft slide, Jeff Caldwell now gets a chance to develop with Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid

NEW DELHI: Its not often that bowlers dominate in a format known for big hitting, but thats exactly what happened at Chepauk on Sunday as Gujarat Titans outplayed Chennai Super Kings. On a pitch offering extra bounce, GTs bowlers kept things tight and restricted CSK to 158/7.Batting first, CSK never really got going. Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad played a fighting knock, remaining unbeaten on 74 off 60 balls, hitting six fours and four sixes. However, he lacked strong support from the other end.GT pacer Mohammed Siraj set the tone early with his bounce and accuracy. Sanju Samson scored 11 and reached his 5000 IPL runs milestone but couldnt convert his start. Kagiso Rabada also chipped in with key wickets as CSK batters struggled to adjust to the conditions.Sudharsan leads the chaseIn reply, GT chased down the target comfortably, thanks to a brilliant knock from Sai Sudharsan. He scored 87 off 46 balls, showing how to bat smartly on a tricky surface by picking the right balls to attack.He was well supported by skipper Shubman Gill, who made 33 off 23 balls. The duo added 58 runs for the first wicket, giving GT a strong start and putting CSK under pressure early in the chase.After Gills dismissal, Sudharsan continued to dominate, hitting seven sixes and keeping the scoreboard moving. Jos Buttler then finished the job with an unbeaten 39, as GT reached the target with 20 balls to spare.Clinical finish boosts GTCSK bowlers struggled to contain the flow of runs, with only Noor Ahmad and Akeal Hosein picking up a wicket each. GTs batters showed better understanding of the pitch, which made the difference.With this win, Gujarat Titans moved up the table and kept their campaign on track, while CSK were left to reflect on missed opportunities.

Grading a draft immediately after it concludes is akin to giving your compliments to the chef before the meal has been served. Sure, the food might sound good (or bad) based on the ingredients listed on the menu, but the true evaluation won't come until after the product has been tested. It will take at least three years before we can truly assess how the 32 NFL teams fared over the weekend. But what is readily apparent is the different approaches that were taken, from going for the best available talent to focusing on team needs to gambling on character concerns and long-term potential. AFC East Buffalo Bills Entering the draft with no pick between Nos. 26 and 91, the Bills traded down twice, dropping out of the first round entirely and picking up extra selections to reshape the roster in new head coach Joe Bradys vision. The Bills still added a quality edge rusher in T.J. Parker, who I thought was going to come off the board on Day 1. He is already a well-rounded and productive player and is still just scratching the surface of his potential. While Parker will understandably get most of the attention, I thought GM Brandon Beane found quality value and stylistic fits throughout the draft. Cornerback Davison Igbinosun and offensive tackle Jude Bowry were two of my favorite "second-tier" prospects at their respective positions. Wideout Skyler Bell and safeties Jalon Kigore and Zane Durant also have the athleticism that suggests they could be future NFL starters. Perhaps my favorite Day 3 pick for the Bills, however, was TCU linebacker Kaleb Elarms-Orr, a heat-seeking missile who might compete for a starting role immediately. Grade: A Miami Dolphins With an NFL-high 13 draft picks used, no team was better positioned to make a splash in the 2026 draft than the Miami Dolphins but Im not convinced this class will prove much better than a belly flop. Dont get me wrong, there are some prospects added that I think are going to be quality NFL players. Specifically, I love the selections of cornerback Chris Johnson, wideout Chris Bell and linebacker Kyle Louis, and I like the additions of Jacob Rodriguez and Kevin Coleman, as well. But the Dolphins started off the class with, literally and figuratively, one of the "biggest" gambles of the draft in Alabamas Kadyn Proctor. There are teams that could afford such a roll of the dice, but I dont believe the Dolphins are one of them. Similarly, while I like Texas Tech wideout Caleb Douglas, I dont see him as a future No. 1 wideout in the NFL or, frankly, appreciably better than the two pass-catchers GM Jon-Eric Sullivan nabbed later in Bell and Coleman. The Dolphins are in the midst of a complete roster rebuild, so I have no doubt that most of these players will make the team. But will Miami be one that wins more than a handful of games next year? I have my doubts. Grade: D New England Patriots Making the roster of any NFL team is difficult, and it is exponentially harder for one coming off a Super Bowl appearance. Thats why I appreciated the Patriots strategy of getting pro-ready contributors with two of their three top-100 selections and gambling on athletic upside in the later rounds. Interestingly enough, the pro-ready players I'm referring to, however, are second-round edge Gabe Jacas and third-round tight end Eli Raridon. First-rounder Caleb Lomu has all the traits needed to eventually be a high-end starting left tackle in the NFL, but I dont believe that he's currently strong enough for this role. It will be interesting to see if the Patriots do push him to start as a rookie, potentially moving last years top pick Will Campbell inside to guard. While I like the Patriots strategy and appreciate the difficulty of finding players who can make an impact on a team this talented and deep their class feels long on potential and short on immediate help. Grade: B New York Jets Trading back into the first round to have three cracks at the top 32, the Jets are ready to ascend. It is easy to gush about top pick David Bailey, whose burst and bend off the edge make him a strong candidate for Defensive Rookie of the Year. I dont believe Kenyon Sadiq is going to make a splashy statistical contribution as a rookie, but I love the threat of his speed down the seam and his explosiveness as a blocker. I do love the addition of two champions from Indiana in wideout Omar Cooper Jr. and cornerback DAngelo Ponds. Cooper might just become Geno Smiths favorite target as a rookie and Ponds might remind head coach Aaron Glenn of himself as an undersized but playmaking corner. I also like the fourth-round gamble on quarterback Cade Klubnik, who has a chance to make a case for himself as the long-term future quarterback without the pressure to perform immediately. With three first-round picks next year, as well, the Jets are well-positioned to address the QB position again should Smith and Klubnik not help the Jets take flight in 2026. Grade: B AFC North Baltimore Ravens Following the loss of All-Pro center Tyler Linderbaum in free agency, it was critical that the Ravens reinvested in the interior, and Vega Ioane was one of the few blue-chip prospects available in this class. Eric DeCosta came back in the second round with another player in Missouri defensive end Zion Young one of the most violent and competitive players of this class seemingly born to play for the Ravens. I liked the mid-round gambles on big receivers JaKobi Lane and Elijah Sarratt. While they play the same position and have similar size, they are quite different, with the former excelling as a vertical threat and the latter as more of a possession receiver. Both can help Lamar Jackson. I liked the similar double-dip at tight end with Matthew Hibner and Josh Cuevas on Day 3 and the addition of toolsy big back Adam Randall. My favorite late-round pick for Baltimore, however, was fifth-round cornerback Chandler Rivers, a four-year starter at Duke who plays much bigger than his size suggests (5-9, 185). With 11 draft picks, DeCosta had plenty of "shots at the basket," and I think this class will have plenty of swishes though I was disappointed to not see the Ravens make selecting a true center more of a priority given this years quality class at the position. Grade: A- Cincinnati Bengals The Bengals invested the No. 10 overall selection in one of the most powerful defensive tackles in the NFL in veteran Dexter Lawrence and complemented this by adding a pass rushing ace in Cashius Howell at No. 41 overall. The duo should help unlock the potential of previous first-round picks along Cincinnatis defensive front. The Bengals nabbed one of the most underrated cornerbacks of this class in Washingtons long and speedy Tacario Davis at No. 72. Had he not struggled with injury in 2026, he might have been selected a round earlier. Similarly, the Bengals grabbed their future starting center in Connor Lew in the fourth round and made sure that the pivot is secure with Brian Parker II two rounds later. The double-dip at center will be panned by some but not me protecting Joe Burrow is priority No. 1, and both players are quality prospects. Grade: B Cleveland Browns Long-suffering Browns fans, it appears that logic has finally descended upon Cleveland with the club stringing together one of their better collections of talent in my 26 years of professionally evaluating NFL drafts. The Browns needed a left tackle and got the most athletic one in Spencer Fano at No. 6 overall, followed by a pair of promising WR selections. The combination of KC Concepcions elusiveness and straight-line speed alongside Denzel Bostons size and body control give Cleveland its first truly formidable receiving corps in a decade or more, perhaps providing the quarterbacks on the roster (or one coming next year) a true chance at success. Rangy free safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warrens draft-day slide ended with a soft landing in Cleveland, where the Browns stellar pass rush should help him keep up his playmaking ways. The quarterback room in Cleveland is already full, but Im as intrigued as anyone by Taylen Greens upside and understand the roll of the dice in the sixth round. Grade: B Pittsburgh Steelers The Steelers did a remarkable job of hosting the draft this year and GM Omar Khan put together one of this years better classes, as well, thrilling the home crowd. I like the investment in gifted young tackle Max Iheanachor at No. 21 overall, even if it was a pivot after the Eagles swooped in to nab wideout Makai Lemon a pick earlier. If the Steelers were at all soured by losing out on Lemon, Khan turned it into lemonade a round later by nabbing Germie Bernard, a similarly versatile weapon. Pittsburgh added a special teams ace in Kaden Wetjen, one of the best guards of this class in Gennings Dunker, a cornerback with the traits worthy of developing in Daylen Everette and perhaps most importantly, a quarterback with the size and big arm to push Aaron Rodgers either back onto the roster or into retirement. Im not as high on Allar as others and that is reflected in my grade, but I love the swing for the fences at this point in the draft. Finally, I love the exclamation point at the end of the draft with the selection of Navys do-everything star Eli Heidenreich. Whether Allar lives up to his upside or not, this was the kind of draft Steelers fans deserved and it kicks off the Mike McCarthy era in fine form. Grade: A- AFC South Houston Texans It is funny how certain teams adopt the mentality of their head coach, and the Texans certainly are doing that with top picks Keylan Rutledge and Kayden McDonald playing with the same tenacity and physicality that helped former linebacker DeMeco Ryans star in the NFL. Both have the look of longtime franchise anchors. Im just not so sure the Texans got optimum value with their next few picks Michigan tight end Marlin Klein, Oklahoma guard Febechi Nwaiwu and Clemson linebacker Wade Woodaz. But I do like the versatility and instincts of USC safety Kamari Ramsey to lead off the fifth round my favorite of Houstons five Day 3 selections. Grade: C+ Indianapolis Colts Trading for cornerback Sauce Gardner a year ago left the Colts without a first-round pick, but GM Chris Ballard nabbed two All-SEC defenders in linebacker C.J. Allen and safety A.J. Haulcy on Day 2 that will provide plenty of big plays, as well as the alpha personalities and playing styles to build around. Not surprisingly, Im highest on the Colts top two selections from Day 3 guard Jalen Farmer and linebacker Bryce Boettcher. Farmer has the talent to be a quality NFL starter, with the physicality to excel in the Colts run-heavy system. Boettcher has the intensity and underrated athleticism to help the Colts special teams units immediately and might be hard to get out of the starting lineup if given an opportunity. Of the Colts' later picks, I like the contrast of their edge rushers, George Gumbs Jr. a former wide receiver and Caden Curry, who might lack elite traits but certainly performed well in his lone starting season for the Buckeyes. Grade: B Jacksonville Jaguars Last years bold trade up for Travis Hunter meant that the Jaguars werent on the clock until No. 56 overall, and some Jacksonville fans might wish they had waited even longer after using their first pick on Texas A&M tight end Nate Boerkircher, a player who I (and many others) projected to be available well into Day 3. Unfortunately, the trend continued throughout the entire draft with the Jaguars repeatedly selecting players who ranked much lower on my board than theirs. The Jaguars made 11 selections in the 2026 draft and only three of them Oregon offensive guard Emmanuel Pregnon, Duke defensive end Wesley Williams and Baylor wideout Josh Cameron cracked my personal Top 150. GM James Gladstone may ultimately get the last laugh with this class but, at least at this point, his group offers more quantity than quality. Grade: D Tennessee Titans Tennessee general manager Mike Borgonzi made a titanic decision at No. 4 overall to give Cam Ward the No. 1 target needed to take his game to the next level, choosing offense over higher-rated defenders. I wont quibble with this decision because I am a big fan of Tates game and love how the Titans bounced back with their next two picks to add two future front-seven standouts in Keldric Faulk and linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. each of whom I like in Robert Salehs scheme. I thought Tennessee also received good value on Day 3 with underrated blockers Fernando Carmono and center Pat Coogan, as well as a proven workhorse back in Nicholas Singleton. Grade: B+ AFC West Denver Broncos The Dolphins invested their first-round pick in speedy NFL wideout Jaylen Waddle and didnt make their first selection until pick No. 66 overall, nabbing twitchy defensive tackle Tyler Onyedim. His burst alongside one of the NFLs best (and frankly, most underrated) rushers, Zach Allen, gives Denver an intriguing 1-2 punch when they want to switch to more of a four-man front. With six running backs already on the roster including 2025 second-rounder R.J. Harvey, I cant deny that I was surprised to see the Broncos select Washingtons Jonah Coleman in the third round. But given his ability and the attrition at that position, I also cant disagree with it. Coleman might lack Harveys breakaway speed, but hes otherwise a carbon copy in running style and an excellent third down back due to his elite pass protection always important to Sean Payton. Denvers early Day 3 selections of offensive lineman Kage Casey (who I think will ultimately be a guard) and tight end Justin Joly boost positions that needed a bit more depth. Grade: B Kansas City Chiefs Needing to replace three starters in their secondary, I loved the aggression the Chiefs showed in trading up to get the top cornerback in the draft in Mansoor Delane, who is equal parts athlete and technician, projecting as an immediate starter with high-end potential. I would have liked to see the Chiefs continue to make their secondary the top priority, but instead the club pivoted to applying pressure on opposing quarterbacks, nabbing one of the few penetrating defensive tackles of this class in Peter Woods and a quick-twitch edge rusher in R Mason Thomas, two players who fit well in Steve Spagnuolos scheme. Kansas City went back to cornerback with its fourth-round pick of Jadon Canady, who makes up for a lack of ideal size with great quickness and lateral agility, projecting best at nickel in the NFL. This draft was almost all about the Chiefs defense, but I have to mention one of my favorite prospects in this class former Nebraska running back Emmett Johnson, whose elusiveness and soft hands will quickly make him a favorite of both Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes and a steal in the fifth round. Grade: A Las Vegas Raiders Armed with the No. 1 overall selection and making 10 total picks, GM John Spytek was well-positioned to turn over the roster in his and head coach Klint Kubiaks vision. But talking about it and doing it are far different things, and I love how this draft unfolded for the Raiders starting off, of course, with Fernando Mendoza, an ideal schematic and personality match for Las Vegas. I also loved the instant chemistry that former Arizona teammates Treydan Stukes (No. 38 overall) and Dalton Johnson (No. 150) will add to the Raiders secondary, as well as the gamble on cornerback Jermod McCoy, whose cloudy medical grades pushed the first-round talent all the way to Day 3. Edge rusher Keyron Crawford has the twitch to serve as a wonderful complement to returning star Maxx Crosby. Similarly, Mike Washington Jr.s long-strides and breakaway speed make him a wonderful change-of-pace option to last years top pick, Ashton Jeanty. I even like late-rounders Hezekiah Masses and Malik Benson, who profile as quality special teams additions, as well as playmakers on offense and defense, respectively. The Raiders desperately needed a roster rebuild and this draft class one of my very favorites was a wonderful start. Grade: A Los Angeles Chargers There may not be a head coach in the NFL who values the line of scrimmage more than Jim Harbaugh and this draft class just reinforces that, with the Chargers dedicating six of their eight selections to the burly brawlers up front on both sides of the ball. Size, physicality and pro-readiness are clearly traits Harbaugh and the Los Angeles scouts prioritize, with former Miami defensive lineman Akheem Mesidor personifying these attributes. His ability to rush off the edge or reduce inside should pay immediate dividends, with burly two-gapping defensive tackle Nick Barrett the total opposite, but also a clean schematic fit for the Chargers front. Even more importantly, the Chargers made protecting Justin Herbert a clear priority, adding some of the most physical and battle-tested blockers of this class in center Jake Slaughter, tackle Travis Burke and late-round guards Logan Taylor and Alex Harkey, the latter of which played right tackle at Oregon but projects best inside in the NFL. Fourth-round exceptions to the buffet bashers wideout Brenen Thompson and safety Genesis Smith are flashy athletes who should serve as fun complementary pieces. Grade: B NFC East Dallas Cowboys With two first-round picks to play with following last years Micah Parsons trade, it was clear the Cowboys had the potential to be active in this draft, but they were even more flexible than expected, aggressively trading up to nab star safety Caleb Downs at No. 11 and recouping picks by dropping back and still getting an explosive edge rusher in Malachi Lawrence at No. 23. Given where he was selected, Im similarly excited about the potential of linebacker/rusher Jaishawn Barham, whose experience at both positions and undeniable athleticism makes him an exciting ball of clay for defensive coordinator Christian Parker to develop. Of Dallas Day 3 selections, Im most intrigued by the versatility LT Overton provides as well as the long-term upside of tackle Drew Shelton, who needs to add strength but possesses the length and agility to ultimately be an NFL starter. The Cowboys needed to take advantage of their two first-round selections and did so. The duo will immediately upgrade what was one of the NFLs most porous defenses of a year ago. Grade: A- New York Giants The John Harbaugh era started off in true "Big Blue" fashion with arguably the best overall prospect stolen at No. 5 overall and the best blocker a few picks later. Arvell Reese is a virtual ball of clay whose ability as a rusher and off-ball linebacker should unleash the talent of recent first-round picks Abdul Carter and Kayvon Thibodeaux, among others. And while he wont get as much attention, Im similarly excited about Francis Mauigoa. He starred at right tackle for Miami, but I like him as a mauling right guard for the Giants. Sixth-rounder J.C. Davis is also well-suited for this role, if needed. Cornerback Colton Hood bounced around at three different schools over his college career and that probably is what pushed him into the second round, but his tape this past season was outstanding. Wideout Malachi Fields has the size, strong hands and body control to become Jaxson Darts favorite downfield target, as well. And dont sleep on BYU LB Jack Kelly, the type of blue-collar brawler Harbaugh has won with for years. Grade: B Philadelphia Eagles The popular expression "Fly Eagles Fly" took on new meaning with Philadelphia adding swift pass-catchers Makai Lemon and Eli Stowers with its first two selections. Lemon is a playmaking dynamo whose competitiveness and ability to create before and after the catch should quickly make him a favorite of Jalen Hurts and Philadelphias fan base. Stowers, similarly, has the explosiveness to project as a big-play threat and provides the Eagles with a young option behind Dallas Goedert. Speaking of contingency plans, I especially liked the selection of massive right tackle Markel Bell and exciting developmental quarterback Cole Payton. Dont sleep on twitchy seventh-round edge rusher Keyshawn James-Newby, either. Reinforcing a roster as talented as the Eagles is difficult, and GM Howie Roseman does it creatively and effectively every year, lengthening the teams Super Bowl window. Grade: A- Washington Commanders With only six draft picks including just two among the first 146 picks the Commanders had fewer opportunities than most. Any evaluation of their class should also note the second and fourth-round picks peddled earlier, however, for veteran left tackle Laremy Tunsil. Nevertheless, Washington found a future star at linebacker in Sonny Styles and one of my favorite wideouts in Antonio Williams. Styles sideline-to-sideline speed will be maximized in Dan Quinns defense, and Im also excited to see twitchy edge rusher Joshua Josephs development in this system. Grade: C NFC North Chicago Bears The NFL Draft is all about value, and few teams added more of that in the first round than Chicago, stealing a future Pro Bowl-caliber safety in Dillon Thieneman at No. 25 overall. Center Logan Jones wasnt perhaps quite as economical a selection at No. 57 overall, but I think hell start as a rookie with the mentality and rugged playing style to project as a long-term anchor inside. Similarly, Stanford tight end Sam Roush isnt flashy, but I like his physicality (and underrated receiving skills) as a nice complement to last years star rookie Colston Loveland. Speaking of complements, dont be surprised if speedy wideout and returner Zavion Thomas winds up producing better numbers in Ben Johnsons wide-open attack than he did at the collegiate level. I also really like the value Chicago got on Day 3 with cornerback Malik Muhammad and linebacker Keyshawn Elliott. The former lacks ideal bulk, but he has legitimate cover talent and the latter has the physicality and closing speed to boost a Bears linebacker corps needing an upgrade of both. Grade: B+ Detroit Lions Detroit is a blue-collar town and the Lions have adopted that mentality under general manager Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell. This class reflects those principles with reinforcement along the line of scrimmage coming in the form of ironman Blake Miller in the first round and powerful Michigan edge rusher Derrick Moore in the second. I also liked the Lions approach on Day 3, with inside linebacker Jimmy Rolder and mighty cornerback Keith Abney II each playing with the instincts and tenacity one normally wouldnt expect given the formers lack of starting experience and the latters size. Both, however, will prove starters sooner than later. Campbells fiery coaching style has made him a favorite for many NFL fans, but Holmes and his scouts also deserve a lot of credit for turning the Lions into a contender. Grade: B+ Green Bay Packers Last year's blockbuster trade for Micah Parsons meant that the Packers had to wait until No. 52 overall for Brian Gutekunst to make his first selection, and he opted to focus almost exclusively on defense, starting with cornerback Brandon Cisse. The toolsy corner was considered a potential first-round selection, so getting him at this point in the draft was a coup. Chris McClellan lacked the flashy stats of some of this years other interior, but I think his size and style suggest hell be a longtime NFL starter, as might edge rusher Dani Dennis-Sutton. I thought Green Bay couldve boosted its depth at offensive tackle and running back in this class, so this grade is tempered, but I liked the gamble on traits with sixth-round cornerback Domani Jackson and I think that McClellan, in particular, is going to ultimately outplay his selection as a mid-Day 3 pick. Grade: C+ Minnesota Vikings Interim general manager Rob Brezinzski and head coach Kevin OConnell put together one of the more entertaining and intriguing draft classes in the NFL. After moving on from veterans Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen, the Vikings added two prospects who might prove immediate upgrades in Caleb Banks and Domonique Orange, sandwiched around a do-it-all linebacker in Jake Golday, whose size and speed could make him a star in Brian Flores system. Safety Jakobe Thomas gives Florida a foursome of possible rookie standouts with each offering undeniable upside. Each also, however, carries significant risk, with Banks struggling with durability, Golday and Thomas flashier than finished products, and Orange a bit of a one-trick pony as a run-specialist. Similarly, while I like OL Caleb Tiernans toughness and think he has the core strength to handle the anticipated move inside, it will be hard for Kyler Murray (or JJ McCarthy) to throw over the top of him, given his nearly 6-foot-8 frame. This is a class that could pay off big or completely flop. Grade: C+ NFC South Atlanta Falcons After trading the rights to their first-round selection a year ago to nab James Pearce Jr., the Falcons had to wait until No. 48 overall to make their first choice. But they certainly made it worth it, bringing Avieon Terrell to town to play with his older brother, A.J., already a Pro Bowler for the club. The good vibes continued into the third round with Atlanta nabbing local product Zachariah Branch at No. 79 overall. The Georgia wideout will offer this offense even more burst and big-play potential. However, after the fun start, the Falcons crash-landed on Day 3, by taking fliers on twitchy (but highly inconsistent) rushers Anterio Thompson and Harold Perkins. Grade: C Carolina Panthers The unfortunate injury to Ikem Ekwonu in the playoffs this past winter made it critical that GM Dan Morgan add a talented tackle early in this draft. Monroe Freeling started only one year at Georgia and therefore comes with inherent risk, but he has the traits to project as a future frontline NFL left tackle, so this selection makes a lot of sense. I love the addition of burly defensive tackle Lee Hunter in the second round, as well as wideout Chris Brazzell II as a vertical threat in the third. My favorite of the Panthers Day 3 selections was Kansas States Sam Hecht, whose quickness, agility and clean technique could make him a future starter perhaps as early as this year. This wasnt a flashy draft, but I thought it was a smart one with quality players added at positions of concern. Grade: B New Orleans Saints Im excited to see how Tyler Shough and the Saints' offense grows in Year 2 under Kellen Moore after a draft class that gives him four new pass-catchers, starting with Jordyn Tyson at No. 8 overall. Tysons struggles with durability have been well documented, but hes a proven difference-maker when healthy. The production has not been as consistent with the other pass-catchers GM Mickey Loomis drafted this year, but I love the upside offered by tight end Oscar Delp and Day 3 wideouts Bryce Lance and Barion Brown. It wouldnt be a Loomis-led draft without reinforcements along the line of scrimmage. Christen Miller is one of my favorite prospects in this class, and Im intrigued by the size and physicality of former Auburn guard Jeremiah Wright, as well. I also like the contrast between Combine superstar Lorenzo Styles Jr. and T.J. Hall, who might lack Styles straight-line speed but makes up for it with instincts. This isnt the splashiest draft and I think the Saints couldve used more help on defense but this was one of the better all-around classes this year. Grade: B Tampa Bay Buccaneers Speaking of help on defense, the Bucs added three alphas in edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr., linebacker Josiah Trotter and defensive back Keionte Scott with three of their first four picks. In between, the Bucs nabbed one of the most exciting receiver prospects of this class in Ted Hurst, who might have been a first-round prospect had he starred at Georgia rather than Georgia State in college. Hurst has a long ways to go before being considered any kind of replacement for free-agent departure Mike Evans, but like the longtime Bucs star, he offers a unique combination of size and speed. Given all the big names selected before them, fifth-rounders Demonte Capehart and Billy Schrauth will be overlooked by many, but I see both as early contributors. This is another quality class from Jason Licht and one that was needed, given all the turnover on the roster this offseason. Grade: B NFC West Arizona Cardinals General manager Monti Ossenfort has come under plenty of criticism, with each of the four players hes selected in the first round (OT Paris Johnson, WR Marvin Harrison Jr., edge Darius Robinson and DT Walter Nolen) failing to play up to expectations, thus far. That is among the reasons why I like the willingness to take a "cant-miss" talent like Jeremiyah Love at No. 3 overall this year, providing new head coach Mike LaFleur with a bankable star to build around. Quarterback Carson Beck is an undeniable talent whose accuracy, smarts and pro-readiness also make him an intriguing fit for LaFleur, with guard Chase Bisontis a plug-and-play upgrade at guard. Of Arizonas Day 3 selections, Im especially excited about small-school product Kaleb Proctor of Southeastern Louisiana, who quieted critics of his level of competition with impressive performances against LSU, as well as at the Senior Bowl and Combine. His agility and competitiveness might light a fire for a Cardinals defense that finished 30th in sacks last year. Grade: C+ Los Angeles Rams Prior to the draft, I listed the Rams as one of the cleanest fits for Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson. His pre-snap recognition and accuracy project quite well to Sean McVays offense, and with Matthew Stafford already in place, Simpson will have the opportunity to learn from the sideline, rather than get pushed onto the field prematurely. However, I thought the Rams had a unique opportunity to add an immediate difference-maker at No. 13 overall and further propel a possible Super Bowl run. Instead, GM Les Snead opted to plan for the future. He may prove a genius in doing so, but McVay and Rams fans might be left wondering "what if" should that not occur. Frankly, I was just as mystified by the Rams second selection of tight end Max Klare at No. 61 overall. I like Klare and think he, too, is a good fit in the Rams scheme, but L.A. has invested more at tight end recently than any other team in the league. Frankly, in terms of immediate impact, my favorite pick for the Rams was Keagan Trost, a massive right tackle who might push Warren McClendon this upcoming season. The undeniable upside that Simpson and Klare offer keeps this from being the worst grade outright, but frankly, I was hoping for more and I think many Rams fans feel the same. Grade: D San Francisco 49ers While I didnt always like where the 49ers made their selections, I do like the players GM John Lynch picked and lets face it isnt that the point? Plenty will quibble with the perceived value of the No. 33 overall pick and the selection of Mississippi wideout DeZhaun Stribling, for example. But with wide receiver a glaring need for this club, the 6-foot-2, 207-pounder with elite speed (4.36), a track record of production at three different programs and a taste for run blocking certainly makes him a fit. Similarly, plenty will point out that the 49ers used a third-round pick on a running back that wasnt even invited to the Combine, but I thought Indianas Kaelon Black was one of the biggest Combine snubs Id ever seen in over a quarter-century of evaluating the draft, and I love his fit in Kyle Shanahans offense. I also like the pass rushing potential of speedy edge Romello Height and the slipperiness of defensive tackle Gracen Halton. Carver Willis was a tackle at Washington, but I like him better inside at guard and wouldnt be surprised if the fourth-round pick starts as a rookie, as well. San Franciscos draft ended in the fifth round, but I bet the time spent off the clock was dedicated on recruiting players who went undrafted, so dont be surprised when San Francisco has a UDFA (or three) who make this club a difficult task for a team as talented (and well-paid) as this one. Grade: B Seattle Seahawks The defending Super Bowl champion Seahawks entered the draft with an NFL-low four selections, but even after attempted trade-down opportunities evaporated while on the clock at No. 32 overall, GM John Schneider doubled his picks, ultimately adding eight players. The clear star of the class is running back Jadarian Price, an instinctive runner well-suited to the wide-zone scheme new offensive coordinator Brian Fleury will keep in Seattle. The Seahawks needed to find a back with Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III now with the Chiefs, and the club filled holes at safety and cornerback with its next picks in TCUs ball-hawking Bud Clark and the ascending and highly aggressive Julian Neal at No. 99 overall. Day 3 went from a yawner to the Seahawks most active day of the draft, with the club turning one pick into five, adding pro-ready guard Beau Stephens, Minnesota ironman Deven Eastern, toolsy wideout (and special teams ace) Emmanuel Henderson and two more developmental cornerbacks in Andre Fuller and Michael Dansby. This class wasnt as flashy as the one a year ago, which helped power the Seahawks to its second championship in franchise history, but it was an impressive haul that improved one of the deepest rosters in the league even with the club having already invested two middle-round picks at the trade deadline for Rashid Shaheed. Grade: B

Chennai Super Kings captain Ruturaj Gaikwad admitted that his side struggled to adapt to challenging pitch conditions as they slumped to an eight-wicket defeat against the Gujarat Titans in IPL 2026.

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Cincinnati The Tigers were a credible road team last year, going 41-40. So far this season, not so much.They had already been swept out of Arizona (three games) and Minnesota (four games) this season. And they were nine outs away from getting broomed out of Cincinnati, as well.Until AJ Hinch played one of his lefty-slayer cards off the bench and altered the narrative.Down 3-2 in the top of the seventh, he sent up rookie Hao-Yu Lee to pinch-hit against lefty reliever Sam Moll with a runner on and no outs.Lee unloaded on a four-seam fastball, driving it 402 feet into the right-centerfield stands. His first big-league homer couldnt have come at a better time because it propelled the Tigers to an 8-3 victory over the Reds in the series finale at Great American Ball Park.Lees homer triggered a four-run inning.The Tigers capitalized on another pitching decision by Reds manager Terry Francona. He brought in right-hander Pierce Johnson to face righty-swinging Spencer Torkelson, who had already doubled in the previous inning.Torkelson detonated an elevated, 95-mph four-seamer. The ball left his bat at 107-mph and flew 421 feet into the left field seats.Torkelson has homered in five straight games, tying the Tigers franchise record, last achieved by Marcus Thames in 2008. Hank Greenberg, Willie Horton, Rudy York and Vic Wertz are the only others to homer in five straight games.From there, it was like the damn broke and the runs kept flowing.Kerry Carpenter, who doubled in the Tigers first two runs, tripled and scored on a sacrifice fly by Matt Vierling to complete the four-run inning.In the eighth, Gleyber Torres, took a 94.6 mph heater from Jose Franco into the right field seats for his second homer of the season.Torkelson ended up with two doubles, a walk and a homer. He was 6 for 11 in the series with three doubles, three homers and three RBI.Keider Montero battled his way through five innings, getting dinged by a couple of solo home runs Nathaniel Lowe hit his fourth of the series and JJ Bleday his first as a Red.All five hits against Montero were extra-base hits.The Tigers bullpen, which had been hard-used in this series and had allowed 10 runs in the first two games, was back in lockdown mode.Brant Hurter, Will Vest, Kyle Finnegan and Brenan Hanifee, just called up from Toledo Sunday morning to replace Connor Seabold (ankle), each pitched a scoreless inning. Rookie Kevin McGonigle extended his on-base streak to 24 starts with a single and a walk. The last 21-year-old Tiger to have an on-base streak of at least that length was Mr. Tiger, Al Kaline, who ran off a 34-game streak in 1956.This story will be updated@Chris.McCosky@detroitnews.com@cmccoskyThis article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Detroit Tigers salvage series finale vs. Cincinnati Reds

Jos Mourinho is reportedly eyeing a return to Real Madrid. The Portuguese tactician believes he has unfinished business in Spain and with a unique release clause in his Benfica contract expiring soon, Los Blancos have a narrow window to secure his services as they evaluate their managerial options. Mourinho communicates return desire According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Mourinho is eyeing a second stint in charge at Real. While the veteran coach currently manages Benfica, he has shifted his focus back to the Santiago Bernabu as Madrid assess their long-term plans. "Real Madrid is already aware of Mourinhos desire to return. He has made it clear to those close to him that he would like a second chance at the club. Real Madrid will soon decide who their next manager will be," Romano said regarding the manager's ambitions. Release clause deadline approaching Although the manager is under contract in Lisbon, a legal loophole could facilitate a swift and cost-free exit. Reports suggest his agreement includes a specific break clause allowing him to depart without a fee if a deal is completed within a strict timeframe. This vital clause expires roughly 10 days after Benfica play their final match of the current campaign, anticipated around mid-May. Competition for the managerial role Despite his enthusiasm, Mourinho is not the undisputed front-runner to take over the dugout. Real Madrid are currently conducting a comprehensive market evaluation, and several high-profile candidates reportedly sit higher on their wishlist. Former Liverpool manager Jrgen Klopp has emerged as a preferred option for the hierarchy, while Mauricio Pochettino remains under serious consideration, largely benefiting from Florentino Perez's long-standing admiration. Consequently, Mourinho faces substantial competition to convince decision-makers that his tactical brilliance and prior experience navigating the immense pressure of the Spanish capital make him the ideal candidate for the job. Jos Mourinhos tenure at Real Madrid (20102013) was mostly defined by a fierce rivalry with Pep Guardiolas Barcelona. He transformed Madrid into a lethal counter-attacking force, peaking in the 201112 season where they won La Liga with an unprecedented 100 points and 121 goals. While he broke Baras domestic dominance and ended Madrids "Round of 16 curse" in the Champions League, his time ended in bitterness. Dressing room rifts with Iker Casillas and Sergio Ramos eventually overshadowed his tactical brilliance, leaving a complicated yet transformative legacy. What the future holds for Madrid Looking ahead, the ball is firmly in Madrid's court as they prepare to make a definitive choice. Even if the club miss the mid-May free-transfer window, hiring Mourinho later remains a low-risk economic gamble. For now, though, Alvaro Arbeloa remains in charge of the senior team, and will be back on the touchline when Real take on Espanyol in their next La Liga game.

Gujarat Titans notched a comprehensive win over Chennai Super Kings in their IPL game but captain Shubman Gill admitted that "finishing an innings" has been a problem.

A pair of rookie lefties top the sleeper pitchers for Week 6

ST LOUIS, MISSOURI - APRIL 26: JJ Wetherholt #26 of the St. Louis Cardinals hits a solo home run against the Seattle Mariners in the third inning at Busch Stadium on April 26, 2026 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images) | Getty ImagesMichael McGreevy gave the St. Louis Cardinals a crucial quality start and JJ Wetherholt and Nathan Church provided the power, but the bullpen wasted all of it as the Mariners pulled out a late inning victory 3-2. Both Emerson Hancock for the Mariners and Michael McGreevy for the Cardinals gave their teams strong starts Sunday. Both offenses were quiet until the bottom of the 3rd inning when JJ Wetherholt turned on a pitch and deposited it in the right-field bullpen with an exit velocity of 107.4 mph traveling 375 feet making it 1-0 Cardinals.The Seattle Mariners answered in the top of the 4th inning when Cal Raleigh showed proof that his bat is starting to wake up hammering a McGreevy pitch over the wall to tie the game 1-1.Michael McGreevys performance was remarkable. He threw 6 solid innings only surrendering 5 hits and 1 earned run with 6 strikeouts and no walks. He gave the St. Louis Cardinals an absolutely crucial long start at a time when the bullpen need it most. To give credit where credit is due, Emerson Hancock also threw a strong game completing 6 innings allowing 7 hits and 2 earned runs striking out 4 and walking 2. The St. Louis Cardinals offense would flex its muscle again in the bottom of the 6th inning when Nathan Church unloaded on a Hancock pitch and deposit it in the right-field stands giving the Cardinals a 2-1 lead. Can you say 110 mph exit velocity? Yes, you can and Nathan Church did. Matt Svanson gave the Cardinals an efficient start to the 7th inning getting two quick outs including a great defense play by Ramn Uras at third base. However, Connor Joe would double and then score on a 2-strike broken bat single by Young tying the game 2-2. The Cardinals would threaten in the bottom of the 7th inning when JJ Wetherholt barely missed another home run flying out to deep right-center with a ball caught up against the wall by Rodriguez. Ivan Herrera walked, but was out on a force play when Alec Burleson grounded out. Burleson the pitch before had yanked a foul ball with home run distance. Jordan Walker grounded out to end the Cardinals threat in the 7th. Ryne Stanek entered the game in the top of the 8th inning for the Cardinals to face the top of the Mariners lineup and he was sharp. He got Crawford out looking thanks to a nice ABS challenge by Herrera. Stanek would also punch out Cal Raleigh thanks to a 100 mph corner painter. He would strike out Rodriguez, too, with his 22nd pitch of the 8th inning which was a 101 heater that Rodriguez missed. The only Cardinals highlight in the bottom of the 8th inning wasnt a player, but a fan. After Nathan Church flied out to deep left field, Randy Arozarena flipped the ball into the stands which was caught by a gentleman who, without hesitation, handed the ball to a young girl. Well done, sir. JoJo Romero came in to pitch the 9th for the Cardinals. He was able to retire Arazorena on a flyout to Jordan Walker in right field. However, Rob Refsnyder ruined everyones day with a pinch-hit home run into the Mariners bullpen in left field giving Seattle a 3-2 lead. Jose Ferrer was brought in by the Mariners to face the Cardinals in the bottom of the 9th. He got Ramn Uras to flyout to Arazorena in left field. Yohel Pozo pinch-hit for Victor Scott II. He grounded out for the second out. That brought up JJ Wetherholt who popped out to third to end the game. The St. Louis Cardinals begin a crucial 4-game series in Pittsburgh Monday night as Dustin May will get the start for the Cardinals. The Pirates have yet to announce their starter as of now. First pitch scheduled for 5:40pm central time at PNC Park in Pittsburgh.