Category Archives: Yahoo

Odell Beckham Jr. is reportedly signing with the Miami Dolphins, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.

The 31-year-old wide receiver is expected to a sign a one-year, $3 million deal, per ESPN's Marcel Louis-Jacques. Incentives can push the total value up to a maximum of $8.25 million.

Beckham played 14 games with the Baltimore Ravens last season. He did not play in 2022 after suffering a torn ACL during Super Bowl LVI when his Los Angeles Rams beat the Cincinnati Bengals.

The Dolphins were one of the teams Beckham visited after NFL free agency opened in March. General manager Chris Grier said before the NFL Draft that there was "nothing imminent" in regards to a contract.

"We always look at opportunities and work through it," Grier said. "We're always looking to add to the roster and have the most competitive roster we can to make the team better, as we've always talked, competition is what breeds excellence. For us, we'll keep looking like we've said post-draft like we've done here in the past. We'll keep looking and talking to people and see what happens."

Grier added wide receivers Malik Washington and Tahj Washington in the draft, but now with Beckham Jr. in the fold, the three-time Pro Bowler will slide in as the third option out wide for Tua Tagovailoa after Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle.

Before Beckham played his first game in Baltimore, he admitted that he was contemplating retiring when the season ended. That didn't happen and he recorded 35 receptions for 565 receiving yards and three touchdowns during the regular season and caught four passes for 34 yards during the Ravens' two playoff games. He didn't mention hanging up the cleats once the postseason ended.

Beckham spent his first five professional seasons with the New York Giants, who drafted him with the 12th overall pick. He notched 390 receptions for 5,476 yards and 44 touchdowns during his tenure there, earning 2014 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year honors.

He went on to play for the Cleveland Browns in 2019, tearing his ACL midway through the 2020 season. Beckham was released in November 2021, less than a week after his father criticized the team via social media. He landed with the Rams and caught 27 passes for 305 yards and five touchdowns over eight regular-season appearances.

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Odell Beckham Jr. reportedly signing 1-year, $8.25 million deal to join Dolphins - Yahoo Sports

The 150th Kentucky Derby is set for this Saturday, May 4. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

Its almost time for the 150th Run for the Roses AKA the 2024 Kentucky Derby. The annual race at Kentuckys Churchill Downs will be run this Saturday, May 4, with all 20 contestants expected to be out of the gates around 6:45 p.m. ET. The drawing of the Kentucky Derby post positions was held this past Saturday, and the odds for the most-watched horse racing event of the year are already in. Coverage of the first leg of the Triple Crown will begin at 2:30 p.m. this Saturday on NBC and streaming live on Peacock. Are you stocked up on Mint Julep ingredients? Heres everything you need to know about how to watch the 150th Kentucky Derby this weekend.

Date: Saturday, May 4

Time: (approximately) 6:57 p.m. ET

Location: Churchill Downs, Louisville, KY

TV channel: NBC

Streaming: Peacock

The Run for the Roses returns for its 150th Kentucky Derby this Saturday, May 4, 2024.

Coverage of the 150th Run for the Roses will begin on race day as early as 12 p.m. ET. The actual Kentucky Derby race wont begin until after 6:30. The current post time for the official Kentucky Derby race us 6:57 p.m.

The 150th Kentucky Derby will air on NBC and stream live on Peacock.

At $6 per month, a Peacock subscription is the easiest way to stream this years Kentucky Derby! An ad-supported Peacock subscription lets you stream live sports and events airing on NBC, including this upcoming NFL season's first Friday night game, Big Ten Saturday Night football games and more. Plus, you'll get access to thousands of hours of shows and movies, including beloved sitcoms such as Parks and Recreation and The Office. For $12 monthly you can upgrade to an ad-free subscription which includes live access to your local NBC affiliate (not just during designated sports and events) and the ability to download select titles to watch offline.

Dornoch (20-1)

Sierra Leone (3-1)

Mystik Dan (20-1)

Catching Freedom (8-1)

Catalytic (30-1)

Just Steel (20-1)

Honor Marie (20-1)

Just a Touch (10-1)

Encino (20-1)

T O Password (30-1)

Forever Young (10-1)

Track Phantom (20-1)

West Saratoga (50-1)

Endlessly (30-1)

Domestic Product (30-1)

Grand Mo the First (50-1)

Fierceness (5-2)

Stronghold (20-1)

Resilience (20-1)

Society Man (50-1)

The Kentucky Derbys sister race, the Kentucky Oaks (a race for three-year-old Thoroughbred fillies) will be held the day before the 150th Kentucky Derby, on Friday, May 3.

The Kentucky Oaks fillies race will air on USA Network and stream live on Peacock the day before the 2024 Derby. Coverage of the race will air from 1-6 p.m. ET.

The Kentucky Derby race distance measures 1 1/4 miles of racing (or 10 furlongs). Time-wise, the Derbys actual race time typically hovers around 2 minutes (only two horses have ever run the Kentucky Derby in under two minutes). But coverage of the 2024 race will begin as early as noon ET on Saturday.

This year, the winner of the Run for the Roses will receive a portion of a record $5 million. The prize money, or purse, is broken up amongst the top five finishers of the race.

Heres how the prize money breaks down:

1st place: $3.1 million

2nd place: $1 million

3rd place: $500,000

4th place: $250,000

5th place: $150,000

The Kentucky Derby winner's prize money is typically broken down like this: 80% of the winning purse is awarded to the owner(s) of the winning horse, and the winning trainer receives 10%. The winning jockey also gets 10%.

1. Dornoch: Danny Gargan, Luis Saez

2. Sierra Leone: Chad Brown, Tyler Gaffalione

3. Mystik Dan: Kenny McPeek, Brian Hernandez Jr.

4. Catching Freedom: Brad Cox, Flavien Prat

5. Catalytic: Saffie Joseph Jr., Jose Ortiz

6. Just Steel: D. Wayne Lukas, Keith Asmussen

7. Honor Marie: Whit Beckman, Ben Curtis

8. Just a Touch: Brad Cox, Florent Geroux

9. Encino: Brad Cox, Axel Concepcion

10. T O Password: Daisuke Takayanagi, Kazushi Kimura

11. Forever Young: Yoshito Yahagi, Ryusei Sakai

12. Track Phantom: Steve Asmussen, Joel Rosario

13. West Saratoga: Larry Demeritte, Jesus Castanon

14. Endlessly: Michael McCarthy, Umberto Rispoli

15. Domestic Product: Chad Brown, Irad Ortiz Jr.

16. Grand Mo the First: Victor Barboza Jr., Emisael Jaramillo

17. Fierceness: Todd Pletcher, John Velazquez

18. Stronghold: Phil DAmato, Antonio Fresu

19. Resilience: Bill Mott, Junior Alvarado

20. Society Man: Danny Gargan, Frankie Dettori

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How to watch the 2024 Kentucky Derby: Post positions, odds, where to stream and more - Yahoo Sports

Usually the Yahoo Friends & Family Baseball Draft is a March endeavor, but when scheduling became impossible this year, a novel idea hit me.

Why not have the F&F draft in-season? We can make it a fun exercise about market correction and how to pivot with the fresh season.

So on Monday night, I assembled friends and colleagues and we made a collective statement, selecting 338 players. Below is a detailed audit of the results, with a keen eye for rising and falling players and draft nuances and strategies.

We're using 5x5 scoring, and everything to this point is merely an audition the league scoring begins Tuesday, April 30. Managers were asked to fill 13 offensive players (one catcher, otherwise standard slotting) and nine pitchers. You're also allowed four bench players and two IL slots. Free agents will be distributed via twice-weekly FAB offers. There are no volume caps or restrictions.

Meet the managers and their draft slots:

1. Michael Lazarus, Fantasy Industry Vet, USC WR historian

2. Dalton Del Don, Yahoo, intrepid drafter and tireless TV critic

3. Steven Psihogios, Fantasy Industry Vet, unpronounceable last name

4. Scott Pianowski, Yahoo, reasonable guy, Rushmore alum

5. Jorge Martin, @FamiliaFBB and various, man of wisdom

6. Mo Castillo, Yahoo, rock of Gibraltar, Yankees fan

7. D.J. Short, Rotoworld, man of reason, indie rock fan

8. Fred Zinkie, various outlets, Canadian trade overlord

9. Andy Behrens, Yahoo trash talker, outrageously healthy

10. Eric Samulski, NBC Sports (first year in F&F), pitch-mix master

11. Jeff Erickson, Rotowire lefty, retired soccer coach

12. Frank Schwab, Yahoo, Rounders aficionado, Brewers fan

13. Scott Jenstad, Rotowire, defending champ, recently traded golf for tennis

And away we go:

1.01: Lazarus Mookie Betts (LAD - 2B,SS,OF)

1.02: Del Don Bobby Witt Jr. (KC - SS)

1.03: Psihogios Ronald Acua Jr. (ATL - OF)

1.04: Pianowski Shohei Ohtani (Batter) (LAD - Util)

1.05: Martin Elly De La Cruz (CIN - 3B,SS)

1.06: Castillo Kyle Tucker (HOU - OF)

1.07: Short Juan Soto (NYY - OF)

1.08: Zinkie Corbin Burnes (BAL - SP)

1.09: Behrens Fernando Tats Jr. (SD - OF)

1.10: Samulski Julio Rodrguez (SEA - OF)

1.11: Erickson Gunnar Henderson (BAL - 3B,SS)

1.12: Schwab Freddie Freeman (LAD - 1B)

1.13: Jenstad Aaron Judge (NYY - OF)

Acua drops to third overall after a full spring at the top spot. I can't fault Lazarus for wanting Betts, a three-position grabber on a loaded offense. De La Cruz has been fantasy's best player in April and he was going to land high in the first round it was just a matter of where. Erickson admitted that Henderson was a FOMO fill for him, but Henderson's production and tie to a loaded Baltimore lineup justifies the slot. Burnes was the only pitcher selected, landing on Team Zinkie. That's going to be an early theme.

My Pick: I had one of the early KDS slot picks and I decided the top of the draft was rich enough for me to slide up to Pick 4, even as it wasn't as centralized a pick as I normally like. I have Betts and Freeman shares on other teams but had yet to snag an Ohtani interest; it's nice to have more coverage on the buzziest team in baseball. It's really not too complicated; identify the best offenses and take the best hitters from those offenses. Let's try to keep doing that.

2.1: Jenstad Zack Wheeler (PHI - SP)

2.2: Schwab Trea Turner (PHI - SS)

2.3: Erickson Yordan lvarez (HOU - OF)

2.4: Samulski Austin Riley (ATL - 3B)

2.5: Behrens CJ Abrams (WSH - SS)

2.6: Zinkie Tarik Skubal (DET - SP)

2.7: Short Tyler Glasnow (LAD - SP)

2.8: Castillo Michael Harris II (ATL - OF)

2.9: Martin Matt Olson (ATL - 1B)

2.10: Pianowski Bryce Harper (PHI - 1B)

2.11: Psihogios Jos Ramrez (CLE - 3B)

2.12: Del Don Corbin Carroll (AZ - OF)

2.13: Lazarus Adolis Garca (TEX - OF)

Most of these players were early-round staples all spring, so this round felt standard and familiar. Abrams rose a round, and Skubal jumped significantly after a strong April again, to pitcher-gobbling Zinkie. I thought Carroll's horrible start to the year and the possible specter of a shoulder problem would push him later than this, but Del Don is always a fearless drafter. Glasnow's terrific push landed him a round earlier than his springtime ADP.

My Pick: Harper is an easy auto-punch for me, another star player tied to a deep, buoyant offense. Zero deliberation on this one.

3.1: Lazarus Jos Altuve (HOU - 2B)

3.2: Del Don Rafael Devers (BOS - 3B)

3.3: Psihogios Corey Seager (TEX - SS)

3.4: Pianowski Marcus Semien (TEX - 2B)

3.5: Martin Francisco Lindor (NYM - SS)

3.6: Castillo Mike Trout (LAA - OF) pick made before news of his injury

3.7: Short Pete Alonso (NYM - 1B)

3.8: Zinkie Freddy Peralta (MIL - SP)

3.9: Behrens Ozzie Albies (ATL - 2B)

3.10: Samulski Luis Castillo (SEA - SP)

13.1: Erickson Logan Gilbert (SEA - SP)

13.2: Schwab George Kirby (SEA - SP)

3.13: Jenstad Edwin Daz (NYM - RP)

This round started with seven straight hitters, making it 29 hitters out of the first 33 picks. But then the pitching run went into overdrive five pitchers filled the second half of the round, and at one point between Rounds 3 and 4 there were 10 straight pitchers taken. Seattle is the AL's safest pitching environment, so it's reasonable that their three aces were all selected in a row.

My Pick: I expected the starting pitcher market would be an eyelash depressed compared to spring trends, so I opted for another hitter. Semien has long been a favorite of mine, a volume grabber and durable pro who is going to fill every category.

4.1: Jenstad Pablo Lpez (MIN - SP)

4.2: Schwab Yoshinobu Yamamoto (LAD - SP)

4.3: Erickson Evan Phillips (LAD - RP)

4.4: Samulski Cole Ragans (KC - SP,RP)

4.5: Behrens Kevin Gausman (TOR - SP)

4.6: Zinkie Aaron Nola (PHI - SP)

4.7: Short Adley Rutschman (BAL - C)

4.8: Castillo Manny Machado (SD - 3B)

4.9: Martin Logan Webb (SF - SP)

4.10: Pianowski Jazz Chisholm Jr. (MIA - OF)

4.11: Psihogios Xander Bogaerts (SD - 2B,SS)

4.12: Del Don Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (TOR - 1B)

4.13: Lazarus Dylan Cease (SD - SP)

And here's the great Pitcher run of 2024, as most managers look to land their ace (and Team Zinkie loads up with the best SP4 in the land). Generally, I am not going to prioritize catchers in a one-fill league, but Rutschman has earned the right to be an outlier, tied to the AL's deepest offense. Guerrero is off to a mediocre start, but Del Don likes to focus on upside and not floor with early picks. That's not for everybody, but it's a reasonable strategy.

My Pick: Obviously, I misread the SP room and it put me on tilt; I didn't like the Chisholm pivot and made it with just a second or two left on my clock. I had hoped for Webb (primary target) or Gilbert (secondary target) as my presumed ace, and missing Webb by just one pick was an uppercut to my jaw. I feel it was right not to pick a pitcher just to take one since I felt like the tier was depleted but this still was an emotional jolt.

5.1: Lazarus William Contreras (MIL - C)

5.2: Del Don Joe Ryan (MIN - SP)

5.3: Psihogios Shota Imanaga (CHC - SP)

5.4: Pianowski Marcell Ozuna (ATL - OF)

5.5: Martin Zac Gallen (AZ - SP)

5.6: Castillo Ronel Blanco (HOU - SP,RP)

5.7: Short Emmanuel Clase (CLE - RP)

5.8: Zinkie Ha-Seong Kim (SD - 2B,3B,SS)

5.9: Behrens Kyle Schwarber (PHI - OF)

5.10: Samulski Christian Walker (AZ - 1B)

5.11: Erickson Anthony Volpe (NYY - SS)

5.12: Schwab Bo Bichette (TOR - SS)

5.13: Jenstad Oneil Cruz (PIT - SS)

Another pitching-influenced round, with Imanaga a notable riser from his March ADP. Volpe also received an April boost, landing in front of Bichette and Cruz. Behrens is going to keep drafting Schwarber every year until one of them retires. Blanco was a nobody a month ago; today, he's a fifth-round pick.

My Pick: Ozuna should have been my fourth-round pick, not Chisholm; something which occurred to me right after I clicked on Jazz. At least the wildly underrated Ozuna lasted to my next selection. He's been putting up borderline first-round stats for the past calendar year.

6.1: Jenstad Randy Arozarena (TB - OF)

6.2: Schwab Mason Miller (OAK - SP,RP)

6.3: Erickson Grayson Rodriguez (BAL - SP)

6.4: Samulski Ketel Marte (AZ - 2B)

6.5: Behrens Spencer Steer (CIN - 1B,2B,3B,OF)

6.6: Zinkie Teoscar Hernndez (LAD - OF)

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The Buzz: What would a fantasy baseball draft look like today? - Yahoo Sports

The NFL has adopted new procedures for kickoffs this season and Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey thinks he's positioned to take advantage of them.

Aubrey was a soccer player in college before leading the league in made field goals as a rookie in 2023 and he thinks that background is going to "absolutely" help him make the most of the change in kickoffs. Under the new rules, kickers will kick from their 35-yard-line while the rest of the kicking team will be on the opposing 40-yard-line. Most players on the receiving team will be between their 35- and 30-yard-lines and no one will be able to move until a returner, who lines up inside the 20-yard-line, catches the ball.

Aubrey said he loves the rule and believes it is "gonna save my leg and give me a chance to go out there and hit some unique balls."

"We're in the workshop right now," Aubrey said, via the team's website. "Hang time is a little less important and not being able to move until it's caught, so we're in the workshop don't wanna really give too much away. . . . It works with hitting the ball in different ways, putting my foot on the ball in different ways and wrapping my foot around it in certain ways. I think it will help. Being a soccer player is a skill I've taken with me to the NFL."

The way Aubrey and others approach the new kickoff will be one of the biggest things to watch as the 2024 season gets underway this fall.

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Brandon Aubrey thinks soccer background will "absolutely" help with new kickoffs - Yahoo Sports

Its almost time for the 2024 WNBA preseason to tip off! The short preseason begins this Friday, May 3 with Caitlin Clarks new team, the Indiana Fever, facing off against the Dallas Wings. The preseason will come to a close on May 11, and the regular WNBA season tips off Tuesday, May 14, when Caitlin Clark will make her official WNBA season debut. But the high profile Indiana Fever rookie wont be the only exciting new face on the court. The Fever also heads into the 2024 season with reigning Rookie of the Year, Aliyah Boston.

Are you ready to watch the 2024 WNBA preseason? Heres everything you need to know about how to tune into preseason games, including Fridays Indiana at Dallas match.

Dates: May 3 - May 11

TV channel: N/A, local regional sports networks

Streaming: WNBA League Pass

2024 WNBA preseason games tip off this Friday, May 3 with two matchups: The Chicago Sky vs. the Minnesota Lynx and the Indiana Fever vs. the Dallas Wings. There are preseason games scheduled through the following Saturday, May 11. The 2024 WNBA season will then tip off on Tuesday, May 14.

Unfortunately, 2024 WNBA preseason games wont be broadcast nationally. If you dont live close enough to catch the games on your local Regional Sports Network, you can keep up with your favorite team(s) through WNBA League Pass.

With WNBA League Pass, you can stream live out-of-market WNBA games (certain national exclusions and local blackouts apply), get access to full length and condensed replays of every game, rewatch hundreds of past classic games and use the platforms live game DVR. WNBA League Pass costs $35 for the entire season, but you can also buy a pass for a single game for $2.99/game, a great option if you're only looking to check out Caitlin Clark's two preseason games this week.

All times Eastern

Friday, May 3

Saturday, May 4

Tuesday, May 7

Wednesday, May 8

Thursday, May 9

Friday, May 10

Saturday, May 11

The Indiana Fever will play two games in the WNBA preseason:

Friday, May 3

Indiana Fever vs. Dallas Wings: 8 p.m. ET College Park Center, Arlington, TX (Streaming on WNBA League Pass)

Friday, May 10

Indiana Fever vs. Atlanta Dream: 7 p.m. ET Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, IN (Streaming on WNBA League Pass)

Originally posted here:

How to watch the 2024 WNBA preseason tonight: Caitlin Clark's first Indiana Fever game time, channel and more - Yahoo Sports

Fierceness is the overwhelming favorite ahead of Saturday's Kentucky Derby. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Fierceness has become an even bigger favorite ahead of Saturdays Kentucky Derby.

The horse is now at 9-5 to win the 150th running of the race. If he wins, Fierceness would be the first favorite to win the Kentucky Derby since 2018. Earlier in the week, Fierceness had official odds of 3-1.

The Todd Pletcher-trained horse has finished first and third in his two starts this season and won two of three starts in 2023. Fierceness won the Florida Derby in March by 13.5 lengths after pulling away down the stretch. Fierceness led wire-to-wire and had a 1.5-length lead at the three-quarter pole.

Sierra Leone remains the No. 2 favorite at 6-1. As Fierceness odds have gotten lower, Sierra Leones have grown. The horse was at 3-1 earlier in the week. Sierra Leone has won both of his starts this year and has three firsts and a second in four career starts. Sierra Leone is starting from the No. 2 post position while Fierceness launches from the 17th spot.

Overall, just four horses have odds better than 15-1. Forever Young is at 8-1 and Catching Freedom is at 9-1. Forever Young, a Japan-based horse, has never lost in his career with five wins in five starts. Catching Freedom has three wins and a third-place finish in five career starts.

If youre looking for a huge potential payout that you probably wont cash, the two biggest long shots entering the race are Society Man and Mugatu. Both horses are starting on the very outside. Society Man has the No. 20 post and is at 73-1 while Mugatu is at 87-1. Mugatu has made a lot of starts in his career and doesnt have many wins to show for it. In 12 career starts, Mugatu has one win, a second and three thirds with career earnings of just over $80,000. Thats why its the longest shot in the field.

Fierceness (Post 17): 9-5

Sierra Leone (2): 6-1

Forever Young (11): 8-1

Catching Freedom (4): 9-1

Dornoch (1): 15-1

Honor Marie (7): 16-1

Just A Touch (8): 17-1

Mystik Dan (3): 27-1

Resilience (19): 28-1

West Saratoga (13): 32-1

Just Steel (6): 34-1

Domestic Product (15): 38-1

Catalytic (5): 42-1

Stronghold (18): 43-1

Track Phantom (12): 52-1

Endlessly (14): 52-1

T O Password (10): 61-1

Epic Ride (21): 63-1

Grand Mo The First (16): 64-1

Society Man (20): 73-1

Mugatu (22): 87-1

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Kentucky Derby: Fierceness' odds keep shrinking ahead of the 150th race - Yahoo Sports

Sometimes, the move a team doesn't make in the NFL Draft is the best move.

Once it was clear the Washington Commanders had settled on Jayden Daniels with the second overall pick, there was a lot of interest from teams in the third pick. So much for the notion that Drake Maye's stock was dropping.

It couldn't have been an easy decision for the New England Patriots to stick with the third pick. The Minnesota Vikings and New York Giants were reportedly most interested in moving up. The Vikings offered two 2024 first-round picks, Nos. 11 and 23 overall, and a 2025 first-round pick for No. 3 and two mid-round picks, according to ESPN. The Patriots could have traded with the Giants and dropped only three spots to No. 6 overall. For a team that had many holes on its roster, it had to be tempting to trade down and grab the extra picks. And it would have been justified.

The Patriots resisted the urge to trade down and took Maye. Ultimately, if Maye is as good as many believe (including the Giants and Vikings, apparently) then that was the correct call.

Quarterback is the most important position in sports and addressing that with a player some thought was the QB1 in a loaded class should never be a bad thing. Maye has exciting skills, and it's hard to win in the NFL without a quarterback. The Patriots thought Maye could be a franchise quarterback, and you don't pass on that to stockpile picks. There's a reason good quarterbacks are getting at least $40 million a year.

The Patriots, under a new regime with Bill Belichick gone, were well aware of their biggest weakness going into the draft. They used seven of their eight picks on offense. There were two receivers, two linemen, one tight end and two quarterbacks (the Patriots also took a shot on intriguing Joe Milton III in the sixth round). The Patriots were in desperate need of a talent infusion, especially on an offense that was unwatchable the past two seasons, and they did well in their approach.

Like the Houston Texans last season, the Patriots have an interesting rookie head coach in Jerod Mayo and a shiny new toy at quarterback in Maye. Will it work out? Nobody ever knows with the draft. But the Patriots made the right decision on Maye. If he plays to his projection, the Patriots will be one of the biggest winners out of this deep NFL Draft.

Here are the power rankings for each team's moves over the draft (the Zero Blitz podcast this week had the draft grades for each team, and so did Yahoo Sports' Charles McDonald on the AFC and NFC teams):

You knew the Falcons would be No. 32. A lot of people will be writing apology letters if Michael Penix Jr. turns out to be a star. But in this moment the Falcons' process was completely flawed. Penix is an old rookie and he has to sit behind Kirk Cousins for a while. The Falcons might have been able to trade down and still get a pass rusher who could have helped now. And it wasn't a situation in which it was a shock that Penix fell way too far, like Aaron Rodgers did to the Packers back in the day. All we'll say is, this approach better work.

The Browns didn't have much draft capital because the Deshaun Watson trade continues to linger over everything. The Browns did fine with the picks they had, including defensive lineman Michael Hall Jr. in the second round, but it's a light class from an infamous trade.

It wasn't the type of class that will replicate last year's grand slam. They lacked a first-round pick after giving up that and more for Will Anderson Jr. last year. Their first pick, cornerback Kamari Lassiter at No. 42, seemed like a reach after two cornerbacks went with the picks right before Houston went on the clock. We'll see if any of the picks start right away for the Texans. It was hard to follow up last year's class.

The Saints had two picks in the top 149. One, offensive tackle Taliese Fuaga, should be fantastic right away. The buzz on cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry cooled a lot through last season, and the Saints had to pay to trade up for him. Then Spencer Rattler, the pick at No. 150, might work out but there's a reason a quarterback-centric league passed on him 149 times. It's not an exciting haul.

Ricky Pearsall is a good player and a good fit, but it also seems to be an admission that either Deebo Samuel or Brandon Aiyuk won't be around much longer. The rest of the draft was OK, fine for a team that didn't have many holes to fill.

The Titans are expecting JC Latham, who played right tackle in college, to move to left tackle. Latham has the talent to pull that off, but it's at least a little worrisome. Their second-round pick of TVondre Sweat has red flags and doesn't play a high-value position as a run-stuffing defensive tackle. The Titans didn't have a third-round pick. Kudos for the Latham pick because the Titans needed offensive line help. Overall, their draft feels underwhelming.

Trading back with the Vikings, who were willing to pay a lot to get Dallas Turner, and still getting receiver Brian Thomas Jr. at No. 23 was very nice. Thomas still has to prove himself as an all-around receiver. And the rest of the Jaguars' class seems average.

The Bills picked Keon Coleman and called it a day at receiver. That was their biggest need, this receiver class was one of the deepest ever, and Buffalo didn't use any of their final nine picks at that position. Curious. I'd have liked to have seen Buffalo be more aggressive and package some picks for prospects who can make an impact now. But it speaks to Buffalo's concerns over its depth.

The pick of defensive tackle Byron Murphy II in the first round fit a need. After that, it's hard to get too excited. UConn offensive lineman Christian Haynes was the only other Seattle pick in the top 117, as the Seahawks keep trying to fix the O-line. Murphy needs to be really good to make this a memorable class.

The Cowboys got offensive linemen Tyler Guyton and Cooper Beebe, which sandwiched edge rusher Marshawn Kneeland in the second round. It was fine. Not getting a running back was a potential mistake. It didn't seem like a class that will help too much immediately for a team with Super Bowl dreams. It's fine, not great.

It's surprising to see Bo Nix get trashed after the draft. Yes, it's scary to take the sixth quarterback off the board at No. 12 overall, but head coach Sean Payton will get the most out of Nix, who has good experience and finished third in the Heisman Trophy voting last season. Also, the Broncos didn't have to trade anything to get him. And some of the later picks, like receiver Troy Franklin and running back Audric Estime, were solid. If Nix hits, this is a good draft for the Broncos.

The Rams attacked the defensive line, which was necessary after Aaron Donald's retirement. Jared Verse is a solid pick, but Braden Fiske didn't come cheap as the Rams traded up to get him in the second round. I'm not convinced running back Blake Corum will end up being a good value pick. It was a little uninspiring.

The Panthers understood they made a mistake last season in putting practically nothing around Bryce Young. This year, they helped that by picking receiver Xavier Legette, running back Jonathon Brooks and tight end JaTavion Sanders with three of their four top-101 picks. There are questions over Legette being a one-year wonder in college (1,255 of his 1,678 career yards came in his final season) and if Brooks is really the smartest use of a second-round pick for a team that was 2-15 and didn't start the draft with a first-round pick. But it's a step in the right direction.

Left tackle Olu Fashanu was a good pick, but tight end Brock Bowers would have been such an exciting pick. And Fashanu and Tyron Smith are redundant at left tackle. It's not bad to grab a fairly safe left tackle prospect though. The Jets' only other pick until 134th overall was third-round selection Malachi Corley, a potential big-play receiver out of Western Kentucky. The Jets' class was fine. But Bowers would have made it a lot more fun.

Minnesota got J.J. McCarthy and Dallas Turner in the first round and it's hard to argue against either player. The cost for Turner was heavy. When factoring in the price to get the 23rd overall pick, which was flipped for the 17th pick to get Turner, the Vikings gave up second-, fifth- and sixth-round picks in 2024 and third-, fourth- and sixth-round picks in 2025. Whew. If he's great, then the cost won't be so bad and if McCarthy is a Pro Bowl quarterback nobody will care about anything else from the 2024 Vikings draft but that's a lot.

Maybe the Raiders didn't have a choice but to go to Plan B when six quarterbacks went before they made their first pick. Give the Raiders credit for transitioning and stocking the shelves for whoever that quarterback of the future ends up being. If we find out in 2025 that Shedeur Sanders is happy throwing to Brock Bowers (perhaps the best college tight end we've seen) and having interior offensive lineman Jackson Powers-Johnson protecting him, that's a good outcome.

The Giants clearly didn't like any of the quarterbacks past the top three. And it's a positive that they didn't force it by over-drafting one. Instead, they took LSU receiver Malik Nabers, who can be the Giants' most dominant receiver since Odell Beckham Jr. was in his prime. The Giants used their next two picks on safety Tyler Nubin and cornerback Andru Phillips, which helps the secondary. It was a solid approach.

If athletic edge rusher and first-round pick Chop Robinson hits then this could be one of the best draft classes. There were some good picks after the first round, like offensive tackle Patrick Paul, running back Jaylen Wright, edge rusher Mohamed Kamara and receiver Malik Washington. This could end up being a really deep class for Miami.

Despite any misgivings from Packers fans, Green Bay stuck to its philosophy. Offensive tackle Jordan Morgan should be a good one, Edgerrin Cooper can be a dynamic linebacker (and the Packers value linebackers), Javon Bullard is a good safety and MarShawn Lloyd could be an impact running back if he cleans up some parts of his game like a fumbling issue.

The Bengals needed defensive line help, and Kris Jenkins and McKinnley Jackson can help right away. The ranking hinges on what you think of the two big swings Cincinnati took: Georgia OT Amarius Mims, who barely played in college but has an impressive athletic profile, and Alabama WR Jermaine Burton, who might be a great Tee Higgins replacement but had some off-field issues. We believe in Mims and Burton, so the Bengals look good coming out of the draft.

It's hard to argue with anything the Buccaneers did. Graham Barton was a good pick on the offensive line. Chris Braswell could pop as a second-round edge rusher. The Bucs' draft was full of value picks. There were no cornerbacks and the Bucs are thin there, but overall it was a strong haul.

It's OK to do the obvious thing sometimes. The Cardinals probably could have moved down from No. 4 overall. But then they wouldn't have Marvin Harrison Jr. The term "generational prospect" is tossed around too often, but it fits for Harrison. The Cardinals had seven picks in the top 90 and did well with them (the biggest question is tight end Tip Reiman when the team already has tight end Trey McBride), and there was a lot of talent added to a team that needed it.

The Lions acted like a team that believes it's close to a Super Bowl, and they are. Cornerbacks Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw Jr. were smart picks to fill a need. LSU defensive tackle Mekhi Wingo was a potential steal in the sixth. Maybe this is the class to get Detroit over the hump.

The Ravens do the same thing every year. They wait on the best values, pick them and then develop them into impact players. They did the same this year, starting with cornerback Nate Wiggins. Edge rusher Adisa Isaac and cornerback T.J. Tampa were two other fine value picks. This is what the Ravens do, year after year.

The Steelers' draft was universally praised. A lot of that probably has to do with positive projections for receiver Roman Wilson and linebacker Payton Wilson, a pair of third-round picks. Pittsburgh did well to address the offensive line with Troy Fautanu and Zach Frazier early on. It was good, but maybe not the best draft class in the NFL.

The Colts took some interesting gambles early. If UCLA edge rusher Laiatu Latu had a clean bill of health he'd have gone closer to No. 5 overall than No. 15. His neck injury remains a potential issue. Texas receiver Adonai Mitchell has the ability to be the best receiver in this class outside of the top three, and the Colts weren't worried about reported off-field concerns. It's possible the Colts' gambles go horribly wrong. If they hit, this class could boost the franchise for a few years.

The Patriots' class is all about Drake Maye, but two receiver picks are important as well. Ja'Lynn Polk in the second round and Javon Baker in the fourth round both made sense. The Patriots have struggled for years to draft receivers, but this is a new era. They need at least one, and hopefully both, to hit.

The Chiefs having a great draft seems unfair. They have a thrilling receiver in Xavier Worthy, a tackle in Kingsley Suamataia who could have been a first-round pick, and other solid value picks. The rest of the NFL won't be happy to see the Chiefs getting better.

The Chargers aced Jim Harbaugh's first test back in the NFL. Getting a dominant offensive tackle in Joe Alt fits Harbaugh's philosophy of having a strong offensive line as the foundation of the team. It's hard to imagine them regretting having Alt, even if it meant passing on an elite receiver. Then the Chargers took a step in fixing their receiver problem by taking Georgia's Ladd McConkey in the second round. Linebacker Junior Colson was a good third-round pick as well. Very nicely done.

The praise for Eagles general manager Howie Roseman has been out of control for a while now, but this draft was pretty good. Picks for cornerbacks Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean were the perfect intersection of talent, team need and value. There were solid value picks later, and Roseman's nine trades helped get some extra draft capital for next year.

Washington did well. The Commanders got their quarterback of the future in Jayden Daniels, who is coming off a ridiculously productive Heisman season at LSU. Defensive tackle JerZhan Newton was an excellent value pick early in the second round. They had other solid picks through the draft. It's a little too easy to have the top two overall picks as the top two teams in these rankings, but the outlook for the Commanders is entirely different after last week.

The Bears did a great job not only getting in position for Caleb Williams remember, they had that pick because they wrecked the Panthers in a pre-draft trade last year but also putting good talent around Williams. Rome Odunze would be the WR1 in many drafts, and it's rare to get a home run QB and WR in the same draft. Offensive tackle Kiran Amegadjie could be a great pick, too, if he's healthy. Of course, a team with two picks in the top nine is going to have a good-looking draft, but the Bears really did a great job with the assets they had.

The rest is here:

NFL Power Rankings, draft edition: Did Patriots fix their offensive issues? - Yahoo Sports

Lynch reveals how he engaged Shanahan on 49ers GM job originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

John Lynch transitioned from broadcaster to NFL general manager when he joined the 49ers along with coach Kyle Shanahan seven years ago, and it all began with a phone call.

Speaking on ESPN's "The Pat McAfee Show" on Thursday, Lynch detailed how he first talked to Shanahan, the Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator at the time, about San Francisco's then-vacant general manager role.

I heard something like Kyle Shanahans going to get this Niners job and thats the one he wants but hes struggling to find a GM he wants to work with, Lynch told McAfee. And so something was on my mind, I had done a bunch of Kyles games that year and I gave him a cold call and I just said, 'Hey dude I want to thank you for all the time youve given me all year in these production meetings. I heard something that youre struggling to find a GM.'

"And he goes I am and its killing me, I think I am going to take that Niners job and he goes Why are you asking? and I said 'Consider me, I dont even know if Id do it but just think about that.'

Lynch explained that Shanahan was surprised by his call, but he was so impressed that he called him back offering the GM position to him.

And his first question was Dude, why would you do that? Youve got a great job, youve got a great life, and I said 'Go play your games' and he did and then he called me back and said, I cant stop thinking about what you said to me, would you want to do that? And 'I want you to come meet this guy Jed [York].

I came and met Jed and we flew cross country to Atlanta, I was offered the job on that flight. We meet with Kyle and the whole thing is wrapped up, I had not even talked to my wife or family yet, it all kind of moved so fast.

Given the importance of the GM and coach relationship, McAfee asked Lynch how he and Shanahan came to the same place in terms of team culture. The Pro Football Hall of Fame safety detailed that there were so many connections between himself, Shanahan and the San Francisco organization that it all came together.

Kyle and I just figured it out," Lynch said. "We had a lot of similar beliefs. Kyle started his professional coaching career on the defensive side at Tampa [Bay], working for Monte Kiffin who I played for, for years and so we were both big believers on getting guys that could knock down the quarterback.

We went about building a culture with the right type of people. We went to great lengths to define what we thought built a championship organization and this is a place that had a long history. I was drawn to the Niners because of the history, I went to school right up the road [at Sanford], Bill Walsh was my coach my senior year. And the Niners culture is special, I walk by the five [Vince Lombardi] Trophies all the time.

Weve been to five NFC Championship Games, been to a couple Super Bowls, but it kills me that weve come close, but we havent knocked down that wall, we need to add a sixth trophy and thats what Im committed to doing.

Since taking over the lead executive role in 2017, Lynch has spearheaded the 49ers' resurgence, as the team has posted a 64-51 regular-season record along with an 8-4 playoff record. The past three seasons have been particularly successful, with San Francisco advancing to the NFC Championship Game in each season.

Lynch will be tasked with keeping the 49ers' core together for one more season to make one more run at that elusive Super Bowl title. Star quarterback Brock Purdy has one year remaining on his cheap rookie contract before he is eligible for a lucrative contract extension, likely necessitating a big roster overhaul to create the necessary cap room.

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Lynch reveals how he engaged Shanahan on 49ers GM job - Yahoo Sports

Here is the May edition of my rest-of-season position rankings and overall top 300 for 5x5 leagues. Im using five-game eligibility, so plenty of players have added new positions since Opening Day. Because I love you, Ive also tweaked the top 300 to include previous rankings this year.

Listen to the Rotoworld Baseball Show for the latest player news, waiver claims, roster advice and more from our experts all season long. Click here or download it wherever you get your podcasts.

Click to see other May rankings:

Top 300 | SP | RP | OF | 1B | 2B | SS | 3B | C

Dropping off: Robert Stephenson (No. 26), Matt Brash (No. 33), Will Smith (No. 38), Chad Green (No. 52), Erik Swanson (No. 56), Tyler Kinley (No. 59)

Even though his performance has picked up of late, Tanner Scott slides eight spots here. Perhaps no major leaguer is more likely to be traded this summer, and its quite possible hed be a setup man elsewhere. Also, the Marlins should again have a quality alternative once A.J. Puk returns from some shoulder fatigue. I had Puk ranked as the No. 64 SP coming in, but that wasnt because I liked him nearly as much as a starting pitcher; I was still figuring hed get saves at some point. Of course, there is a chance that the Marlins will wind up trading both guys in July.

Kyle Finnegan has nine saves and a 2.19 ERA, but because of some of the flyballs hes given up, Statcast credits him with a 5.80 xERA. Hunter Harvey, meanwhile, has been truly impressive for the Nationals, posting a 19/3 K/BB and allowing no homers or barrels in 14 2/3 innings. Dave Martinez was pretty quick to turn to Harvey when Finnegan struggled last year, and there might come a time when he needs to make a switch again. Alas, both are trade candidates, too, or Id probably have them a little higher in the rankings.

Link:

May Reliever Rankings - Yahoo Sports

Kyle Hendricks pelted by a line drive during Double-A start originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago

Kyle Hendricks embarked on a rehab stint with the Double-A Tennessee Smokies this week. But during his start, meant to help him rehab from his back ailment, handed him another injury.

Here's what happened.

Hendricks got pelted with a line drive during a phenomenal start. The Smokies reported Hendricks is fine after the play. But that would've been annoying for the right-hander to incur another injury while trying to rehab back from one.

The Cubs veteran tossed a solid outing. He threw five innings and allowed two earned runs from six hits. He struck out seven batters and didn't walk any.

Hendricks hasnt pitched since April 21, but has struggled throughout the season. In five starts, he has posted a 12.00 ERA, with 28 runs allowed in just 21 innings of work. The Cubs haven't announced how long they plan to keep him in the minors for his rehab stint.

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Kyle Hendricks pelted by a line drive during Double-A start - Yahoo Sports