Lewis Steele reveals the real reason Liverpool signed Ronald AraujoLiverpool Unlikely to Sign Another Defender After Ronald Araujo ArrivalLiverpools defensive business may already be finished for the summer.Jeremy Jacquet has arrived, Ronald Araujo has joined on a season long loan from Barcelona, and according to Lewis Steele, the clubs attention is now moving firmly towards the forward line.Speaking to Dave Davis on Anfield Indexs Media Matters podcast, Steele addressed Liverpools defensive situation, including Jacquets fitness, Araujos role and the likelihood of another defender arriving before the transfer deadline.His assessment was fairly clear.I dont think so, Steele said when asked whether Liverpool should be expected to make another defensive signing. But you never know.For now, the priority appears to have shifted elsewhere.I think the word internally is forwards, forwards, forwards now.Jeremy Jacquet Fitness Remains a ConcernLiverpools defensive planning has been complicated by Jeremy Jacquets fitness.Davis highlighted how the expected timeline for Jacquets return had changed during pre season, with the defender still waiting to get properly involved.Steele admitted that the situation remained a concern.This is part of the reason why all summer Ive been saying they need to sign a defender, which you now obviously have, he said.Steele also explained why Liverpool could not simply rely on Jacquet and Giovanni Leoni immediately.I dont think you can trust Jacquet or Leoni this first half of the season anyway, because A, theyre not fit.He added that even when both become available, there will still be another challenge.Theyre going to take time to bed in.That concern helps explain why Liverpool moved for Araujo.Ronald Araujo Adds Experience and VersatilitySteele believes Araujo gives Liverpool something that Jacquet and Leoni cannot yet provide, experience at the highest level.Discussing the Uruguay international, Steele said: Hes won three La Ligas. Hes played, you know, best part of, what is it, three hundred-ish games for Barca.Steele also stressed that Araujo is not necessarily arriving to become an automatic first choice centre back.I think hes not coming in as the second choice centre back. I think we need to make that clear. Hes coming in to provide a cover.That cover could be valuable because of Araujos ability to operate in more than one position.He can do that at both centre half and right back, which I think ticks a lot of boxes, to be honest.For Liverpool, that versatility appears to reduce the need for another defensive addition.Steele also pointed towards Araujos personality and mentality.Hes versatile, hes a leader, hes experienced.That profile, in Steeles view, fills an obvious gap.Its exactly something that Liverpool have been lacking for the last, or since Konate left, lets say.Photo: liverpoolfc.comLiverpool Defensive Business Could Be CompleteDavis directly asked whether Liverpool supporters should now expect the club to stop recruiting defensively.Steeles response suggested that is currently the most likely outcome.I dont think so. I dont think so. But you never know.He then made the clubs current focus clear.I think the word internally is forwards, forwards, forwards now.Steele did mention Myles Lewis Skelly as a player whose reported availability raised an interesting question because of his ability to operate in midfield and at left back.However, he immediately returned to Liverpools current position.As it stands, not expecting more defenders to come through the door.There was also an acknowledgement that left back could still be debated, although Steele framed that around quality rather than numbers.Not light, theyve got the numbers, its more of a quality thing, I think.Liverpool Hope Defensive Crisis Is Beginning to EaseLiverpool still have injury issues to manage.Steele said Jacquet was expected to return to training soon, while Araujo would also begin working with the squad.The defensive crisis is slowly starting to ease, he said.He also suggested Leoni could return around mid September, while Conor Bradley remained further away.Theres worries, but I think theyre starting to see a bit of light at the end of the tunnel of the defensive crisis.That appears to be the calculation Liverpool are making.Jacquet has already arrived, Araujo adds experience and positional flexibility, and injured defenders should gradually return.Unless circumstances change, Steeles information suggests Liverpool are now prepared to leave the defence alone and concentrate their remaining efforts further forward.With the transfer deadline approaching, the emphasis has shifted.As Steele put it, Liverpools focus now is simple: forwards, forwards, forwards.

President Trumpone of the most corrupt U.S. presidents everthinks that it would be a terrible mistake for FIFA to push out Gianni Infantino, the organizations embattled president.FIFA would be making a terrible mistake if, for any reason, they even considered replacing President Gianni Infantino. He is fantastic, having just presided over the most successful World Cup, by four times, ever presented, Trump wrote Monday night on Truth Social. If he is gone, it will never be as successful or profitable again! Thank you for your attention to this matter.Much of the soccer world sees Infantinos tenure much differently. After a secret plan concocted by Infantino to sell a substantial stake of the World Cup to private investors leaked, the soccer confederations that lead Europe, Asia, and North and Central America and the Carribean turned on the FIFA chief. UEFA, which governs European football, is currently boycotting all FIFA competitions until Infantino leaves office; earlier this week, the three confederations accused Infantino of a fundamental breach of trust and deception in anopen letter and announced that they would hold their own competitions if he remained in power. Leadership in football is not a possession. It is not about holdingor demanding power to be held. It is a duty of service to the football family that entrusts it, the letter reads.When trust is broken through deception, when an individual places himself above the collective that entrusted him with authority, that duty has been abandoned.Even still, Trumps support for Infantino makes sense. The two have been closely linked since Trump returned to the White House; last December, Infantino awarded Trump the FIFA Peace Prizea pitiful, sham of an award that was given solely to curry favor with Trump while he continued to mope about not winning the Nobel Peace Prize. Now Trump is returning the favor, sort of. An unhinged post on social media, after all, is probably his equivalent of a made-up prize.

If it makes you happy.Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee and Mizzou alum Sheryl Crow will sing the national anthem before Missouri footballs season-opening game against Arkansas-Pine Bluff on Thursday, Sept. 3, in Columbia, the university and singer announced Tuesday.All we wanna do is Kickoff in CoMo Sheryl Crow is ready. @MizzouFootball is ready. Are you ready?: https://t.co/JtOHuUTVlxpic.twitter.com/6UKGq9sqnX Mizzou Athletics (@MizzouAthletics) August 11, 2026Crow, who is from Kennett, Missouri, earned a degree in music education from the University of Missouri in 1984 and later was awarded an honorary doctorate. She is a nine-time Grammy-winning artist, including Record of the Year in 1995 for the song All I Wanna Do.In 2023, Crow was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.Hey, Mizzou fans, I'm so excited to see all of you guys at the Kickoff in CoMo home opener, Crow said in a news release. Can't wait to get back in town. M-I-Z!More: WR Cayden Lee landed at Missouri thanks to this NFL QB | ExclusiveMore: Who are Missouri football fall camp standouts from Week 1?The Sept. 3 game against UAPB also will be the Tigers first matchup in front of the recently renovated north end zone. The $250-million stadium renovation, which added premium seating and connected the north concourse to the east and west stands at Memorial Stadium, is expected to be completed in August.The Thursday night game is scheduled to kick off at 7 p.m. and will air live on SEC Network.Missouri is offering four tickets for $80 to attend the season-opening game. Tickets also are available via Stubhub on the secondary market, with prices starting at $28.Get Missouri football tickets on StubhubWere thrilled to invite Mizzou fans to welcome Sheryl Crow back home to Mizzou and Memorial Stadium for what promises to be a special night to kick off our 2026 football season, Mizzou deputy director of athletics and chief of external operations Eric Morrison said in the release. Sheryl is an incredibly accomplished artist, a proud Missouri native and an outstanding ambassador for the University of Missouri and Mizzou athletics. Were excited to have her back where her Mizzou story began and to share this special moment with Tiger fans.This article originally appeared on Columbia Daily Tribune: Rock and Roll Hall of Famer to sing national anthem at Missouri football opener

With theamount of talent inUConnsrunning back room,dontexpect to see one guy carry the ball 30 times.UConn offensive coordinatorNunzio Campanilehad made thatclear."I don't think you want guystaking25 to 30 carries a game, Campanile said onmedia day. I thinkit'sreally importanttoo, because we want them to play in every game, soit'simportant for us to use them for the things thatthey'regood at.It'simportant for us to make sure thatif guys can help us, we get them on the field. And I think thatwe have the type of room thatwe can get multiple backs on the fieldatone time, which obviously helps spread some of those carriesoutand you know makes us a little tougher to defend."UConn's offensive coordinator overhauled the Huskies' backfield this offseason, bringing in six transfer running backs with wildly different skill sets a bruiser here, a burner there, a converted punt returner in the mix.It'sa departure from the feature-back approach many programs lean on, and Campanile made his philosophy clear: spread the carries, keep everyone fresh, and make the group hard to game-plan against.Here'sa breakdown ofwho'sin thatroom and whateach back brings to it:Kenji Christian,ToledotransferChristian comes into UConn with NFL-ready traits.At6-foot-2, 207 pounds, the Birmingham, Alabama nativeaveraged 5.0 yards per carry for Toledo last season. He finished with528 yardsand four touchdowns.While Campanile made clear thatcarries will be splitamongthis group, Christian profiles as a big-down back. In two seasonsatNorth Carolina A&Tand oneatToledo, Christianshowed he can break through the line of scrimmage and make big play after big play.He was recently added to TheAthleticsFreak Listby college football writer Bruce Feldman, who described Christian as abig-play backwhocan bench up to 345 pounds.He'saneverydown back thatyou feellikecouldpound the ball, Campanile said.He'sgot speed. You could use him as a receiver.Cyncir Bowers,VirginiatransferBowers profiles to be a perfectcomplementto Christian.The former West Virginiarunning back flashed his big-play abilities last season,mostnotably against Arizona Statewhen hetook a screen pass 90 yards to the end zone.Across 10 games last season, Bowers rushed for249 yardsand two touchdowns on 63 carries.He finished second on West Virginias roster in rushing amongst a running back room where four different playershad50 or more carries.Cyncir has got elite speed, Campanile said. He also gotgreatvision.He'sphysical. I think he can line up all over the field.Trey Cornist, CentralMichigantransferCornist is the most physical back out of the group.In his two stopsatTulane and Central Michigan, Cornist shined as a power back.AtCentral Michigan in 2025, Cornist split snaps with two other running backs but still managed to finish third in rushing (496 yards), averaging 4.5 yards per carry.Cornist and Christian are the only two seniors in the running back room and could splitmost ofthe snaps to start theseason.Campanile said he liked the way Cornist adjusted after struggling to open the spring.Trey Cornistis a big guy thathad a greatspring, Campanile said. "It took him maybe a couple practices to get comfortable, and then all of a sudden you see him, and he's likea bowling ball or a butcher knife. Youdon'twant to tackle thatguy.Who else is in the mix?To add to an already competitive running back room, UConn also addedtransfersJaden Hart (Syracuse), Dashun Reeder (Northwestern) and Shawn Simeon (Toledo).Hart is a jack-of-all-trades back, who spent two seasons with Campanile. The Michigan nativeonly had 71 rushing yards on 18 carries across twoyears butalso returned punts for the Orange.I had the opportunity to coach Jaden Hart for a couple years, and he's a versatile back, Campanile said. "He can do a lot of things. He can catch the ball. He can block.Reeder rushed for222 yardsand a touchdown for Northwestern last year. He recorded one of the longest rushing touchdowns in school history when herushed79 yards for a score against Oregon.Simeondidntplay much for Toledo in2025, butwas a three-star recruit coming out of high school.This article originally appeared on The Bulletin: UConn football's crowded running back room built to spread the workload

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Jacksonville Jaguars WR/CB Travis Hunter had another typical training camp day in terms of his split between offense and defense on Aug. 11 at the Miller Electric Center, during 11-on-11 team periods.He had more defensive snaps, which has been the case in every practice except one, where he split 9-9 in snaps on either side of the ball on Day 3, including a 7-on-7 period.Hunter had his first camp day with more than one reception, grabbing two, both from Trevor Lawrence. The first was on a short pattern in the flat and the other was down the left sideline, beating Montaric Brown.He also was open down the sideline on another play but Lawrence didn't see him and scrambled to the other side.Hunter made one good defensive play in run support, shedding a block by tight end Hunter Long but also got beat deep by Parker Washington on a pass from Lawrence down the left sideline.But hey, who hasn't been beaten deep by Washington in camp this summer?How many snaps did Travis Hunter have on Day 11 of training camp?Hunter had eight defensive snaps and six offensive snaps, his lightest workday since Day 2 of camp when he had four offense and eight defense.Get Jaguars season ticketsFor the season, Hunter has 60 snaps on offense and 98 on defense in 11-on-11 team periods and the mock game (and not counting a walk-through on Aug. 8). He's averaging 15.8 plays per practice in those periods, 6.0 on offense and 9.8 on defense.This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Jaguars' Travis Hunter gets more work on defense, but productive on offense

Tight End Premium scoring is now available on Yahoo and our Fantasy staff didnt waste any time getting together for a 12-team, 15-round TE premium mock draft.To learn more about TE Premium, head here. While player ADPs are sure to move over the next few weeks, this should help provide valuable insights on what to expect in each round of your upcoming drafts.Join or create a Yahoo Fantasy Football league for the 2026 NFL seasonThe scoring format for this mock is a full point per reception for tight ends and half-PPR for every other position. Meanwhile, the roster breakdown is: QB, RB, RB, WR, WR, TE, FLEX, DEF, K, BN, BN, BN, BN, BN, BN.A big thank you goes out to everyone who participated.My Full RosterQB: Jalen Hurts, PHIRB: Ashton Jeanty, LVRB: David Montgomery, HOUWR: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, SEAWR: DeVonta Smith, PHITE: Tucker Kraft, GBFLEX: Mike Evans, SFDEF: TexansK: Eddy Pineiro, SFBench: Jonathon Brooks, CARBench: Makai Lemon, PHIBench: Jonah Coleman, DENBench: KC Concepcion, DENBench: Rashid Shaheed, SEABench: Kenyon Sadiq, NYJRound 1PickPlayerTeam1Jahmyr Gibbs, RB1Justin Weaver2Bijan Robinson, RB2Scott Pianowski3Brock Bowers, TE1Mo Castillo4Puka Nacua, WR1Hayden Winks5Ja'Marr Chase, WR2Joel Smyth6Amon-Ra St. Brown, WR3Josh Norris7Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR4Justin Boone8Christian McCaffrey, RB3Benjamin Zweiman9Jonathan Taylor, RB4Collin Brennan10James Cook, RB5Matt Harmon11CeeDee Lamb, WR5Jason Klabacha12Saquon Barkley, RB6Eric FrotonYou immediately see the impact of tight end premium scoring with Brock Bowers vaulting up inside the top-three picks overall. While my projections have Bowers ranked sixth in this format, its hard to argue with getting a tight end that could put up top-five fantasy receiver numbers in real life. Remember, Bowers had 112 catches, 1,194 yards and five touchdowns during his rookie season, which would have made him equivalent to the fifth-highest scoring WR that year. The only thing that prevented another similar stat line last year was injuries. If Bowers stays healthy in Klint Kubiaks new offense and capitalizes on the upgraded quarterback play and improved offensive line, he could break TE Premium leagues wide open.My pick: My fellow drafters made this decision very easy on me, by allowing Jaxon Smith-Njigba to fall to me at 1.07. Though I dont expect him to match his lofty totals from last year (119 receptions, 1,793 yards, 10 TDs), JSN is positioned for another massive campaign in a Seahawks offense that might need to throw the ball a little more. I was happy to scoop Smith-Njigba up two spots later than I have him in my TE premium rankingsRound 2PickPlayerTeam13Drake London, WR6Eric Froton14Justin Jefferson, WR7Jason Klabacha15Trey McBride, TE2Matt Harmon16Colston Loveland, TE3Collin Brennan17Tyler Warren, TE4Benjamin Zweiman18Ashton Jeanty, RB7Justin Boone19Kenneth Walker III, RB8Josh Norris20Omarion Hampton, RB9Joel Smyth21Chase Brown, RB10Hayden Winks22Derrick Henry, RB11Mo Castillo23De'Von Achane, RB12Scott Pianowski24George Pickens, WR8Justin WeaverThis is where the TE premium format really begins to shake up the draft, with three more tight ends going off the board in the first half of the second round. I feel confident that this trio deserves to be the next players selected at the position, so the only question is whether this is a few spots early for Loveland and Warren, who both project to have monster sophomore seasons, but arent yet proven household names like Bowers and McBride. Speaking of McBride, his epic 2025 campaign would have made him the second-highest scoring WR behind only Puka Nacua, so getting him after the first seven receivers is solid value even though I expect his numbers to dip slightly from last year.My pick: I would have drafted McBride or Loveland if they had been available to me in this round. However, in my eyes Warren is more of a late second-rounder in this format, so he wasnt going to be my pick here despite my affinity for his fantasy outlook. Instead, I chose the best player available in Ashton Jeanty, who has all the same upgrades to his environment that I mentioned above for Bowers. Though some fantasy managers were disappointed in Jeantys rookie year, the fact that he delivered 1,321 scrimmage yards, 10 TDs and 55 receptions (fifth most among RBs) in a bad Raiders offense was promising. Better days and bigger stats are on the way in 2026.Round 3PickPlayerTeam25Breece Hall, RB13Justin Weaver26A.J. Brown, WR9Scott Pianowski27Kyren Williams, RB14Mo Castillo28Nico Collins, WR10Hayden Winks29Jeremiyah Love, RB15Joel Smyth30Malik Nabers, WR11Josh Norris31DeVonta Smith, WR12Justin Boone32Chris Olave, WR13Benjamin Zweiman33Josh Allen, QB1Collin Brennan34Tee Higgins, WR14Matt Harmon35Zay Flowers, WR15Jason Klabacha36Javonte Williams, RB16Eric FrotonRound 3 is our first frame without a tight end getting picked, so it looks a little more like what youre used to seeing in most drafts this summer. Thanks to the TE Premium scoring, we see a couple players like Nico Collins and A.J. Brown slip into the third, where they are excellent values. Also, given the positive developments about his recovery, fantasy managers should no longer fear drafting Malik Nabers. In my latest rankings update, I have him 23rd overall.My pick: DeVonta Smith is dealing with a hamstring injury thats caused him to miss practice at Eagles camp recently, but its not enough to scare me away from an underrated star on the verge of a career year. With A.J. Brown no longer in Philadelphia, were about to see the best version of Smith yet. Playing alongside Brown, Smith finished as a top-21 fantasy WR three times in the last four seasons, including WR17 (2024), WR21 (2023) and WR16 (2022). However, in the five games without Brown over the last few years Smith averaged nine targets and 88 yards per contest. The Eagles wideouts also face the easiest fantasy WR schedule.Round 4PickPlayerTeam37Emeka Egbuka, WR16Eric Froton38Josh Jacobs, RB17Jason Klabacha39Jaylen Waddle, WR17Matt Harmon40Ladd McConkey, WR18Collin Brennan41Rashee Rice, WR19Benjamin Zweiman42Tucker Kraft, TE5Justin Boone43Garrett Wilson, WR20Josh Norris44Harold Fannin, TE6Joel Smyth45Travis Etienne Jr., RB18Hayden Winks46Terry McLaurin, WR21Mo Castillo47Sam LaPorta, TE7Scott Pianowski48D'Andre Swift, RB19Justin WeaverThis is the area in drafts where managers start to worry that they havent secured a tight end yet and dont want to be left empty handed in the coming rounds when the TE1s start flying off the board. Its no surprise we see three more tight ends taken here in Tucker Kraft, Harold Fannin Jr. and Sam LaPorta. Well get to Kraft, who was my pick, in the next section. LaPorta is fresh off an injury-impacted campaign where he averaged 11.9 fppg in PPR, while Fannin had an impressive rookie debut averaging 11.7 fppg. In this format, that would have made LaPorta the WR14 and Fannin the WR15 last year, yet they are drafted around WR20. Thats fine value, especially since we are quickly approaching a clear tier break at the position in the next round or two.My pick: When I cant come away with one of the top-four tight ends, my next two targets at the position are Kraft and George Kittle. In this draft, I didnt want to live with the possibility of missing out on both players, so I scooped up Kraft in the fourth. Before getting hurt last year, Kraft was tied as the TE1 overall in PPR through the first eight weeks, averaging 16.2 fppg. Returning from a torn ACL doesnt come without risk, but Kraft is looking good on the practice field and inching towards a Week 1 return. When healthy, hes one of the few tight ends who could compete with the elite options. I just wish I knew Kittle was going to last two more rounds, cause I would have waited on him instead. Round 5PickPlayerTeam49Kyle Pitts, TE8Justin Weaver50Tetairoa McMillan, WR22Scott Pianowski51Christian Watson, WR23Mo Castillo52Cam Skattebo, RB20Hayden Winks53Luther Burden, WR24Joel Smyth54Quinshon Judkins, RB21Josh Norris55David Montgomery, RB22Justin Boone56Bhayshul Tuten, RB23Benjamin Zweiman57D.J. Moore, WR25Collin Brennan58Bucky Irving, RB24Matt Harmon59TreVeyon Henderson, RB25Jason Klabacha60Jadarian Price, RB26Eric FrotonAfter this round, we now have seven managers who have already secured their starting tight end. Kyle Pitts Sr. is a solid choice in this frame, but the real story here is Luther Burden IIIs falling stock due to the groin injury thats expected to sidelined him until Week 1. You never want a player to deal with an injury before the season, especially a younger talent who could use the practice reps. However, this seems like a scenario that people are going to overreact to. Even if Burden isnt back by the opener, hell return in the opening month barring a setback. Were not winning a fantasy championship in September anyway, so dont let a breakout candidate in a superior offense drop too much. Youll regret it in October when hes healthy and performing just as originally projected.My pick: One of the reasons I felt comfortable taking Kraft in Round 4 was because there were enough quality RB2 options on the board who could make it back to me a round later. Youre playing a dangerous game if you dont select your RB2 before Round 6 arrives this year, but fortunately there were a couple names for me to choose from when I got on the clock. David Montgomery is a solid back with a proven track record, joining a Texans offense that watched Woody Marks start for a portion of last season and decided to trade for veteran help. This is reminiscent of Joe Mixon arriving in Houston a couple years ago, which resulted in 1,325 scrimmage yards, 12 touchdowns and an RB5 fantasy finish. Montgomery likely wont come anywhere close to that, but hes a strong fantasy RB2.Round 6PickPlayerTeam61Jameson Williams, WR26Eric Froton62Lamar Jackson, QB2Jason Klabacha63Rome Odunze, WR27Matt Harmon64Parker Washington, WR28Collin Brennan65Davante Adams, WR29Benjamin Zweiman66Mike Evans, WR30Justin Boone67George Kittle, TE9Josh Norris68Carnell Tate, WR31Joel Smyth69Jayden Daniels, QB3Hayden Winks70Tony Pollard, RB27Mo Castillo71Rhamondre Stevenson, RB28Scott Pianowski72Jaylen Warren, RB29Justin WeaverAs I mentioned above, Kittle represents my biggest regret from this draft. With his recovery coming along very well and it seeming almost likely that hell be back on the field in the opening weeks, it was shocking to see Kittle still fall to the sixth round in this format. If Kittle can get back even close to full health, hes the last tight end on the board with a truly elite ceiling. Kittle has been a top-three fantasy tight end in per game scoring in seven of the last eight years. For the record, he finished fifth in that eighth year.My pick: While I could have taken Kittle as a flex option, I instead went with his new teammate Mike Evans. Entering his age-33 season, Evans has durability concerns of his own, but when healthy he should push for top-24 weekly WR stats. His touchdown scoring alone makes him a very intriguing flex option. If Kittle regains his form and Evans cant bounce back to his 2024 state, Ill regret this pick even more.Round 7PickPlayerTeam73DK Metcalf, WR32Justin Weaver74Brian Thomas, WR33Scott Pianowski75Joe Burrow, QB4Mo Castillo76Jordyn Tyson, WR34Hayden Winks77Chuba Hubbard, RB30Joel Smyth78Marvin Harrison, WR35Josh Norris79Jonathon Brooks, RB31Justin Boone80Chris Godwin Jr., WR36Benjamin Zweiman81J.K. Dobbins, RB32Collin Brennan82Rico Dowdle, RB33Matt Harmon83Stefon Diggs, WR37Jason Klabacha84Michael Wilson, WR38Eric FrotonWith a clear tier drop at tight end occurring before Round 7 and three teams left without a starter at the position, managers elected to go in a different direction this frame. The receiver talent is hard to ignore, led by first-round rookie Jordyn Tyson, whos being steamed up by everyone around the Saints. Tyson will be a star at some point this season and should be a high-priority target in fantasy drafts. Stefon Diggs is also someone I was taking everywhere before he signed with Washington and Im still adding him even though his ADP has gone up several rounds. Diggs is a fantasy WR3 with legitimate WR2 catching passes from Jayden Daniels.My pick: Though I considered taking a quarterback in this spot, the reality in a mock with savvy drafters is that people will wait on QBs. Knowing that, I spent my seventh round pick on a pure upside RB in Jonathon Brooks. While I have my concerns about a player coming back from two major knee injuries, its impossible to ignore the steady drumbeat out of Carolina. Whether its the positive remarks from people in and around the Panthers organization or his practice highlights making catches and breaking runs, Brooks is checking all the boxes in his return. The former second-round pick is just 23 years old and still has a chance to emerge as a difference-making lead back. By contrast, theres been very little hype about Chuba Hubbard this summer.Round 8PickPlayerTeam85Kyle Monangai, RB34Eric Froton86Blake Corum, RB35Jason Klabacha87Drake Maye, QB5Matt Harmon88RJ Harvey, RB36Collin Brennan89Dalton Kincaid, TE10Benjamin Zweiman90Jalen Hurts, QB6Justin Boone91Justin Herbert, QB7Josh Norris92Alec Pierce, WR39Joel Smyth93Isaiah Likely, TE11Hayden Winks94Josh Downs, WR40Mo Castillo95Travis Kelce, TE12Scott Pianowski96Dak Prescott, QB8Justin WeaverIf you dont have a starting tight end by Round 8 in TE Premium, this is the final call for players with real upside. Though the elite range might be out of their reach, Dalton Kincaid and Isaiah Likely have paths to being mid-to-high-end TE1s, while Travis Kelce is still a serviceable top-12 option. Its interesting to see two managers grab their second tight ends in this round, which is not a bad move. The top 20 or so tight ends are all viable flex plays in this format.My pick: There were still a ton of quality quarterbacks available in this round, but I made the decision to pounce since I expected a run on QBs would happen soon. Not only does Hurts offer QB1 overall upside, but he gives me a nice pairing with DeVonta Smith. Hurts has a lot to prove this season, after a down year and now dealing with the departure of A.J. Brown and Sean Mannions arrival should help him rebound. The initial returns are positive with Mannions scheme expected to breathe some life into an Eagles passing attack that struggled at times in 2025. The 2024 Super Bowl MVP has also shown up to training camp looking leaner and quicker than previous years. It doesnt hurt that Philadelphia has the friendliest schedule for fantasy quarterbacks this season.Round 9PickPlayerTeam97Quentin Johnston, WR41Justin Weaver98Trevor Lawrence, QB9Scott Pianowski99Jordan Mason, RB37Mo Castillo100Dallas Goedert, TE13Hayden Winks101Caleb Williams, QB10Joel Smyth102Jacory Croskey-Merritt, RB38Josh Norris103Makai Lemon, WR42Justin Boone104Jaxson Dart, QB11Benjamin Zweiman105Jayden Reed, WR43Collin Brennan106Chris Rodriguez Jr., RB39Matt Harmon107Mark Andrews, TE14Jason Klabacha108Jake Ferguson, TE15Eric FrotonThe quarterback run that I anticipated came to fruition with five passers being selected during the second half of Round 8 and into Round 9. However, there are still a few strong low-end QB1s available. On the tight end front, if you dont secure one of the high-end options, pairing an upside pick like Isaiah Likely with a solid veteran like Dallas Goedert is a smart approach. It gives you a better chance to hit on an impact TE starter, while also providing a path to a potential flex option.My pick: With very few players worthy of being drafted at 9.07, I chased the potential of Makai Lemon. Even with the hamstring issues that sidelined him for most of OTAs and a chunk of training camp so far, Lemon is still a first-round wideout in an offense that needs him to succeed. When hes healthy, the opportunity will be there to prove himself and in the ninth round theres no risk on my end. He also gives me a nice stack with Hurts and Smith, as well as some insulation if Smith ever missed time.Round 10PickPlayerTeam109Jayden Higgins, WR44Eric Froton110Rachaad White, RB40Jason Klabacha111Michael Pittman Jr., WR45Matt Harmon112Jalen Coker, WR46Collin Brennan113Kenneth Gainwell, RB41Benjamin Zweiman114Jonah Coleman, RB42Justin Boone115Jordan Addison, WR47Josh Norris116Chig Okonkwo, TE16Joel Smyth117Matthew Golden, WR48Hayden Winks118Courtland Sutton, WR49Mo Castillo119Wan'Dale Robinson, WR50Scott Pianowski120Romeo Doubs, WR51Justin WeaverReceivers dominated Round 10, as the enticing tight ends started to dry up. There are still some longer shots at the position, but everyone remaining comes with uncertainty. Meanwhile, you could easily see all of the wideouts drafted in this round turning into WR3/flex options this season. My favorite dart throws from this group include Jayden Higgins, Jalen Coker, Matthew Golden and WanDale Robinson.My pick: Jonah Coleman has been one of my most frequent selections in Round 10 and beyond. In addition to earning a ton of praise from coaches, teammates and beat writers, Coleman is also one of the few backs whos one injury away from a starting job, despite being No. 3 on the depth chart. RJ Harvey is locked into his pass-catcher plus role behind 27-year-old J.K. Dobbins (turns 28 in December), who has never completed a full NFL campaign due to injuries. We even got a reminder of Dobbins fragility when he left practice with a soft tissue ailment this week. If Dobbins gets sidelined again, Coleman would likely step into the bulk of the veterans snaps, making him an important late-round selection in one of the best offenses in football.Round 11PickPlayerTeam121Juwan Johnson, TE17Justin Weaver122Aaron Jones, RB43Scott Pianowski123De'Zhaun Stribling, WR52Mo Castillo124Keaton Mitchell, RB44Hayden Winks125Deebo Samuel, WR53Joel Smyth126Brenton Strange, TE18Josh Norris127KC Concepcion, WR54Justin Boone128Tyler Allgeier, RB45Benjamin Zweiman129Greg Dulcich, TE19Collin Brennan130Hunter Henry, TE20Matt Harmon131Tyrone Tracy, RB46Jason Klabacha132Zach Charbonnet, RB47Eric FrotonNormally I would never advise spending late-round picks on backup tight ends, but in TE Premium thats a worthwhile way to use those selections. If you hit on a sleeper at the position, you could easily slide them into your flex spot. All four of the tight ends who were chosen in this range fit that description.My pick: While I didnt plan on using three consecutive picks on rookies, they all offer immediate return on value during their debut campaigns. Concepcion is having his value held in check due to being on the Browns offense, but this is a new era in Cleveland with Todd Monken as head coach. We should expect the team to throw more and with Concepcion, Denzel Boston and Harold Fannin Jr., they have the start of a quality passing attack. If they can even get average quarterback play, we should see at least two of those pass-catchers produce for fantasy. Boston is getting more camp hype, but Concepcion was the better prospect with higher draft capital.Round 12PickPlayerTeam133Bo Nix, QB12Eric Froton134Ryan Flournoy, WR55Jason Klabacha135Jakobi Meyers, WR56Matt Harmon136Malik Washington, WR57Collin Brennan137Khalil Shakir, WR58Benjamin Zweiman138Rashid Shaheed, WR59Justin Boone139Alvin Kamara, RB48Josh Norris140Brock Purdy, QB13Joel Smyth141Xavier Worthy, WR60Hayden Winks142Kyler Murray, QB14Mo Castillo143Jared Goff, QB15Scott Pianowski144Tank Bigsby, RB49Justin WeaverEvery time we hold a mock draft, I feel the need to hammer this point home look at the quarterback value in the late rounds. Though its tough to pass on some of the bigger names in the early to middle rounds, guys like Brock Purdy, Bo Nix, Jared Goff and Kyler Murray are often available well outside the top-100 picks. Each name on that list has finished as a top-12 fantasy quarterback multiple times in the past. So unless youre in a superflex league, dont feel compelled to draft quarterbacks ahead of ADP ever.My pick: Rashid Shaheed is a very specific type of pick in the late rounds. Hes flashed startable fantasy production in the past, but hasnt sustained it over a full season. Getting acclimated in Seattle after a midseason trade couldnt have been easy last year, so I want to see what he can do with a full offseason to prepare. Many of the beat writers have indicated that Shaheed has been much busier in practices as he prepares to take on a larger role in the offense. Im willing to use a 12th-round pick on the chance that occurs. If it doesnt, then Shaheed will be one of my first drops for an early-season waiver wire pickup.Heres how the rest of the draft unfolded, as managers took shots on late-round sleepers while also selecting their kickers and defenses.Round 13PickPlayerTeam145Travis Hunter, WR61Justin Weaver146Brandon Aubrey, K1Scott Pianowski147Denzel Boston, WR62Mo Castillo148Patrick Mahomes, QB16Hayden Winks149Ray Davis, RB50Joel Smyth150Terrance Ferguson, TE21Josh Norris151Kenyon Sadiq, TE22Justin Boone152Dontayvion Wicks, WR63Benjamin Zweiman153Jaydon Blue, RB51Collin Brennan154MarShawn Lloyd, RB52Matt Harmon155Jalen McMillan, WR64Jason Klabacha156Woody Marks, RB53Eric FrotonRound 14PickPlayerTeam157T.J. Hockenson, TE23Eric Froton158Rams, DEF1Jason Klabacha159Ka'imi Fairbairn, K2Matt Harmon160Broncos, DEF2Collin Brennan161Seahawks, DEF3Benjamin Zweiman162Texans, DEF4Justin Boone163Eagles, DEF5Josh Norris164Cameron Dicker, K3Joel Smyth165Patriots, DEF6Hayden Winks166Cam Little, K4Mo Castillo167Chargers, DEF7Scott Pianowski168Bills, DEF8Justin WeaverRound 15PickPlayerTeam169Jason Myers, K5Justin Weaver170Jalen Nailor, WR65Scott Pianowski171Steelers, DEF9Mo Castillo172Jake Bates, K6Hayden Winks173Vikings, DEF10Joel Smyth174Tyler Loop, K7Josh Norris175Eddy Pineiro, K8Justin Boone176Harrison Butker, K9Benjamin Zweiman177Evan McPherson, K10Collin Brennan178Ravens, DEF11Matt Harmon179Harrison Mevis, K11Jason Klabacha180AJ Barner, TE24Eric Froton

Cavaliers expected to part ways with $117M 13-year veteran to make room for Peyton Watson originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.The Cleveland Cavaliers have been pursuing NBA champion Jonathan Kuminga for most of the summer as they look to acquire a starting wing. However, that pursuit has been largely unsuccessful, with Kuminga seeking a contract that Cleveland has not been willing to offer.Cleveland officially put the Kuminga idea on hold last week and instead checked in with the Denver Nuggets about a potential sign-and-trade for restricted free-agent forward Peyton Watson.Meanwhile, the Cavaliers have recently called to express interest in a sign-and-trade for Denver Nuggets restricted free-agent forward Peyton Watson, league sources told HoopsHype," HoopsHype's Michael Scotto wrote.It has become clear what Cleveland is trying to do over the last week. Instead of continuing to prioritize a deal for Kuminga to become their next young star, the Cavaliers have put their focus on Watson.The Cavaliers appear to be prioritizing Peyton Watson now over Jonathan Kuminga as their Plan B wing option after missing out on LeBron James. Cleveland would offer Max Strus or Dennis Schrder alongside a future swap. The Nuggets remain in a serious bind due to apron issues," NBA reporter EvanSidery wrote.However, if the Cavaliers want to land Watson, they are going to have to create some financial flexibility on their roster. Cleveland is reportedly shopping veteran Dennis Schrder as it looks to clear room for a potential deal.The Cavaliers are actively exploring scenarios to offload Dennis Schrder as they make progress on a sign-and-trade with the Nuggets for Peyton Watson. Cleveland is aggressively pursuing Watson as their key wing addition. Schrder could soon be on his 12th NBA team in 14 years, Sidery posted.If the Cavaliers can get Schrder off the books, it would be a major development in their pursuit of Watson. The NBA champion is on the verge of becoming an elite 3-and-D wing, which would give Cleveland another versatile player on both ends of the floor.Schrder has made $117 million throughout his career. Cleveland knows the veteran provides valuable experience and leadership, but Watson fills a much bigger positional need for the organization right now. Moving on from Schrder could be the key to helping Cleveland complete a sign-and-trade for Watson.More NBA news:Cavaliers reportedly heavily pursuing $11M NBA champion, breakout 3-and-D to pair with James HardenCeltics predicted to outbid Heat, Cavs for $305M future Hall of Famer to pair with Jayson TatumWarriors legend Steph Curry gets major update on future with Golden State going into seasonHeat interested in $945M trio for final two roster spots to pair with Giannis Antetokounmpo

The Los Angeles Rams have emerged as the top landing spot for free-agent wide receiver Tyreek Hill, according to Bleacher Report's Moe Moton, who argues the team's Super Bowl-caliber roster gives the eight-time Pro Bowler the runway he needs to recover from a devastating knee injury.The team that signs Tyreek Hill must be patient. So, he's a logical fit for a playoff contender who can allow him to fully recover from surgeries on his knee. In all likelihood, Hill won't be ready to play until late in the season, which wouldn't be a problem for the Los Angeles Rams.Los Angeles can sign Hill on a modest contract and keep him on the shelf until late in the campaign when it's time to make a title run. With his ability to line up in the slot, he would fill a need at the No. 3 wide receiver spot as a complement to Puka Nacua and Davante Adams.If the Rams are interested, it should be appealing to Hill. He could compete in another Super Bowl before his career comes to an end.Hill's free agency stems from one of the more gruesome injuries of the 2025 season. He tore his ACL and dislocated his left knee in Week 4 against the Jets, ending his year after just four games (21 catches, 265 yards, one touchdown). He underwent surgery on Sept. 29 and, as of late July, said he still had "no power" in his left leg. Miami released him in February, creating roughly $28.2 million in dead cap space for the Dolphins.Even diminished, Hill's resume speaks for itself: an eight-time Pro Bowler and five-time first-team All-Pro who racked up 340 catches for 4,733 yards and 27 touchdowns over four seasons in Miami, including a league-leading 1,799-yard, 13-touchdown campaign in 2023. The 32-year-old also won a Super Bowl with Kansas City during the 2019 season.In Los Angeles, Hill wouldn't need to carry the offense. Sean McVay's system has increasingly leaned on a big-play WR3 to stretch the field behind Nacua and Adams a role Tutu Atwell filled the last two seasons as a vertical, slot-heavy deep threat. McVay and general manager Les Snead had done similar deals in the past. If Hill signed midseason, he would also mirror what Odell Beckham Jr. did in 2021 when he joined the Rams in November the year L.A. won the Super Bowl. If Hill can recapture even a fraction of his top-end speed by the postseason, he'd give the Rams a home-run threat that Atwell never quite offered, without needing to be a Week 1 workhorse.This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Rams named best landing spot for veteran WR