Sports
2026 NFL draft team needs: Depth chart holes, prospect fits
The main part of NFL free agency is over, so all 32 teams are now entirely focused on building out their draft boards. The 2026 NFL draft will take place April 23-25 in Pittsburgh, and will be broadcast on ESPN, ABC and the ESPN App. Teams will address remaining roster holes there across seven rounds.
Where is each roster looking to improve? We asked our NFL Nation reporters to identify the three most glaring positional needs for all 32 franchises entering the draft, ordered from largest to smallest. Then we had NFL draft analysts Matt Miller and Jordan Reid name prospects projected to be picked after Round 1 who could fill one of those needs.
Let’s get started with the Bills, who have some big holes to fill under first-time head coach Joe Brady.
Jump to a team:
ARI | ATL | BAL | BUF | CAR | CHI | CIN
CLE | DAL | DEN | DET | GB | HOU | IND
JAX | KC | LV | LAC | LAR | MIA | MIN
NE | NO | NYG | NYJ | PHI | PIT | SF
SEA | TB | TEN | WSH

AFC EAST
![]()
Top three needs: Edge, LB, WR. The Bills brought in a veteran for this edge group by signing 29-year-old Bradley Chubb, but adding to the future is important next to Greg Rousseau and Michael Hoecht. And though a big splash was made by trading for wide receiver DJ Moore, the Bills need to add at least another player to the pass-catcher group. Inside linebacker also hasn’t been addressed this offseason, and general manager Brandon Beane has spoken on the strength of this draft class at that position. — Alaina Getzenberg
Prospect to fill a need outside Round 1: Jaishawn Barham, Edge, Michigan. He is still learning the edge position after moving from linebacker, but Barham has the type of burst that the Bills have been missing. He’s a projected Round 3 prospect who could move up, depending on how many edge rushers go off the board in Round 1. — Miller
![]()
Top three needs: WR, Edge, CB. Trading Jaylen Waddle vaulted wide receiver to the top of Miami’s list of draft needs, with no No. 1 option in place. Signing Joshua Uche and David Ojabo is an improvement on the Dolphins’ pass rush, but that shouldn’t stop them from spending a first-round pick on the position. Early in the draft, Miami could also look at cornerback, which is one of the most unproven position groups on its roster despite free agent signings. — Marcel Louis-Jacques
Prospect to fill a need outside Round 1: Devin Moore, CB, Florida. The Dolphins are loaded with seven selections in the top 100 picks, but landing Moore late in Round 3 would offer an immediate boost to the secondary. At 6-foot-3, 200 pounds, he has the size and length to be a factor in the press-man scheme new coach Jeff Hafley will employ. — Miller
![]()
Top three needs: OL, Edge, LB. Team officials are optimistic about the projected starting offensive line: left tackle Will Campbell, left guard Alijah Vera-Tucker, center Jared Wilson, right guard Mike Onwenu and right tackle Morgan Moses. But they need to build better depth alongside top backup C/G Ben Brown. Also, Moses is 35 and entering his 13th NFL season; coach Mike Vrabel hinted that he’ll be managed by a reduced workload in training camp/practices.
Likewise, more depth on the edge is a need. Executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf said at the combine that the draft matches up nicely for the team because of the volume of quality prospects at that position. — Mike Reiss
Prospect to fill a need outside Round 1: Gabe Jacas, Edge, Illinois. A key area of need for New England is finding speed off the edge. At 6-foot-4 and 260 pounds, Jacas is well built but also has the first-step twitch that’s missing in Vrabel’s defense. — Miller
![]()
Top three needs: WR, QB, Edge. The bulk of free agency was devoted to the defense. Now, it’s time to get a playmaker to complement wide receiver Garrett Wilson. The receivers not named Wilson have combined for only two career TDs — both by Adonai Mitchell. The low-cost acquisition of Geno Smith provides a Band-Aid at quarterback, but the Jets need to add a young arm to the mix. They could add a developmental QB on Day 3, waiting until 2027 to make the big splash — when they have three first-round picks.
They signed Joseph Ossai to replace Jermaine Johnson (traded) on the edge, but there’s still a glaring need for a speed rusher opposite of Will McDonald IV. — Rich Cimini
Prospect to fill a need outside Round 1: Drew Allar, QB, Penn State. If the Jets opt to wait until Day 2 to select a quarterback, the traits of Allar are intriguing. The 6-foot-5, 228-pounder has the biggest arm in this draft class and plus mobility. An ankle injury derailed his final college season, but Allar’s potential is high if he’s developed. — Miller

AFC NORTH
![]()
Top three needs: IOL, DT, WR. The Ravens’ biggest need is clearly fortifying the interior offensive line for quarterback Lamar Jackson. Baltimore has the major challenge of replacing Tyler Linderbaum. After the signing of longtime backup center Danny Pinter, it wouldn’t be surprising if the Ravens selected a center in the first or second round. “I think we have a pretty good history of drafting centers,” general manager Eric DeCosta said early in free agency. “So, I’m confident we can do that.”
At defensive tackle, there has been growing optimism that two-time Pro Bowl player Nnamdi Madubuike will return from his neck injury. And last season, wide receiver Zay Flowers set career highs with 86 receptions and 1,211 receiving yards; the Ravens’ other receivers combined for 51 receptions for 735 yards. — Jamison Hensley
Prospect to fill a need outside Round 1: Keylan Rutledge, G, Georgia Tech. A rugged and tough interior blocker, Rutledge fits the profile of Baltimore’s identity. He has the potential to slot in at center or guard at the next level. — Reid
![]()
Top three needs: DT, OT, WR. A perfect draft could look like this for Cincinnati: interior defensive lineman (preferably a pass rusher), an offensive tackle who could fill in as a swing guy and a slot wide receiver. Cincinnati will have a good draft slot in each of the first three rounds to add depth at each of those spots. Of course, if a player who could be an immediate starter at slot cornerback or an elite edge rusher is available at No. 10, that seems like a no-brainer. Otherwise, Cincinnati should take advantage of its poor 2025 record and take players at premium positions. — Ben Baby
Prospect to fill a need outside Round 1: Christen Miller, DT, Georgia. Miller is a potential laden and disruptive defender who slots best as a 3-technique. His skill set could thrive in a scheme that allows it’s interior players to get up field and create chaos at the first level. — Reid
![]()
Top three needs: OT, WR, QB. The Browns spent the first wave of free agency upgrading their offensive line, but they still have a glaring hole at left tackle; Dawand Jones is coming off his third consecutive season-ending leg injury and is more comfortable at right tackle. Cleveland also needs a playmaker to lift the league’s least productive receiver room in 2025. And though the Browns haven’t added another quarterback and will miss out on Fernando Mendoza, this new staff could be compelled to draft at the position. — Daniel Oyefusi
Prospect to fill a need outside Round 1: Ted Hurst, WR, Georgia State. Outside of wide receiver Jerry Jeudy and tight end Harold Fannin Jr., the Browns lack perimeter threats. Hurst could unlock the team’s downfield passing game, as he averaged 15.5 yards per reception over the past two seasons. — Reid
![]()
Top three needs: WR, IOL, S. Yes, the Steelers are doing their homework on the quarterback prospects, but that’s not necessarily a top-three need in this weak class. Instead, they need to prioritize adding another wide receiver after trading for Michael Pittman Jr. and losing Calvin Austin III. New coach Mike McCarthy’s scheme calls for more wide receiver usage than Arthur Smith’s tight end-heavy system.
The Steelers also lost starting guard Isaac Seumalo, though Spencer Anderson is developing into a solid player. And while adding Jaquan Brisker bolstered the depth of their safety group, they still need help for DeShon Elliott — and Jalen Ramsey if he continues to play safety. Last year’s signings of Juan Thornhill and Chuck Clark largely didn’t pan out. — Brooke Pryor
Prospect to fill a need outside Round 1: Germie Bernard, WR, Alabama. He isn’t shy of rolling up his sleeves and doing the dirty work, epitomizing the qualities that Pittsburgh has prioritized in previous years at receiver. Bernard can align at multiple spots in formations to use his strong hands and display how he’s an asset as a run blocker. — Reid
1:14
Michael Pittman is ‘stinking fired up’ to be a Pittsburgh Steeler
Michael Pittman joins “The Pat McAfee Show” and reflects on his time in Indianapolis as he looks forward to playing with the Steelers.

AFC SOUTH
![]()
Top three needs: IOL, DT, CB. The focus for Houston in this draft is finding budding talented players who could become starters at the interior offensive line and defensive tackle. Right now, Houston has a guard duo of Wyatt Teller and Ed Ingram, along with Jake Andrews at center. Ingram just signed a three-year deal, but Houston needs a long-term answer on the left side.
Since coach DeMeco Ryans arrived in 2023, the Texans have rotated through starting defensive tackles. It’s time for a long-term answer to pair with Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson Jr. off the edge. With cornerback, it’s more about depth, just in case Jalen Pitre, Derek Stingley Jr or Kamari Lassiter suffer an injury. — DJ Bien-Aime
Prospect to fill a need outside Round 1: Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State. With two second-round picks and one in the third, the Texans can be serious about attacking this deep cornerback class. At 6-foot, 193 pounds, Johnson ran a 4.40 at the combine and has the length to be a nuisance for NFL wide receivers. — Miller
![]()
Top three needs: Edge, LB, WR. The Colts made revamping their front seven with “younger and faster” personnel a key part of their offseason plan. They’ve begun that process, but with departures that include linebacker Zaire Franklin and defensive end Kwity Paye, they haven’t adequately replaced the production they lost.
The Colts’ underwhelming record of drafting edge rushers is inescapable, especially in a year when they lack a first-round pick. Their history of discovering linebacker gems is much more encouraging, and they’ll need a couple of hits given the serious lack of depth there. At receiver, the trade of Michael Pittman Jr. to the Steelers has eroded depth at a key position. — Stephen Holder
Prospect to fill a need outside Round 1: Josiah Trotter, LB, Missouri. He has risen up boards since declaring for the draft has given more time to review his tape. Trotter is a big-time hitter between the tackles and has great closing speed when working downhill. He could be a dream fit in coordinator Lou Anarumo’s scheme. — Miller
![]()
Top three needs: DT, Edge, LB. The Jaguars led the NFL in rush defense in 2025 but struggled rushing the passer (ranked 27th with 32 total sacks). Other than Arik Armstead (5.5 sacks), there was minimal pressure from the interior. That put the burden on edge rushers Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker, who combined for 11.5 sacks.
Armstead is 32 with a $19.4 million cap figure, so there’s a chance the team moves on from him as a post-June 1 release. The biggest offensive need is adding another running back alongside Chris Rodriguez Jr. and Bhayshul Tuten. Travis Etienne Jr. signed with the Saints in free agency.— Michael DiRocco
Prospect to fill a need outside Round 1: Chris McClellan, DT, Missouri. With three picks in the third round, the Jaguars will have ample opportunity to fill their need at defensive tackle. At 6-foot-4, 313 pounds, McClellan has fantastic quickness off the snap and can use his massive, strong hands to control offensive linemen. — Miller
![]()
Top three needs: Edge, WR, C. The Titans still need to incorporate an impactful edge rusher with Jeffery Simmons and John Franklin-Myers despite trading for Jermaine Johnson. New coach Robert Saleh said he views Oluwafemi Oladejo as a legitimate defensive end, but he’s only in Year 2 and missed most of last season due to injury.
The WR room is mixed with young players Elic Ayomanor and Chimere Dike, veteran Calvin Ridley and free agent addition Wan’Dale Robinson. Tennessee could use another young playmaker for Cam Ward — maybe running back Jeremiyah Love? Center is also a question as free agent Austin Schlottmann is set to take over despite only four starts with the Giants last season. — Turron Davenport
Prospect to fill a need outside Round 1: Germie Bernard, WR, Alabama. If the Titans don’t add a receiver in Round 1, Bernard is the type of winner on crossing routes and in traffic that would immediately benefit Ward. Giving Ward easy answers on the outside, while Robinson is in the slot, would open up the offense in a hurry. — Miller

AFC WEST
![]()
Top three needs: TE, LB, DL. Other than the trade for wide receiver Jaylen Waddle, the Broncos’ approach to free agency has been to re-sign their own free agents. Denver re-signed 17 of their 21 unrestricted, restricted or exclusive rights free agents. But that means the biggest needs they went into free agency with are still their biggest needs. None bigger than tight end and linebacker.
Denver’s tight ends combined for three touchdowns last season and none averaged more than 9.8 yards per catch. They also released linebacker Dre Greenlaw, who played 348 snaps despite sitting out more half the season because of injuries and a one-game suspension. — Jeff Legwold
Prospect to fill a need outside Round 1: Eli Stowers, TE, Vanderbilt. He would be the perfect addition to coach Sean Payton’s offense. With his value primarily coming as a big receiver, Stowers has the potential to be a mismatch on second- and third-level defenders in the slot or out wide. — Reid
![]()
Top three needs: Edge, WR, DT. The Chiefs don’t have a quality pass rusher on the edge opposite George Karlaftis. And even after tight end Travis Kelce returned, the Chiefs could use another talented receiver to play alongside Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy. As for defensive tackle, the team needs to add depth behind Chris Jones and free agent signing Khyiris Tonga. Omarr Norman-Lott, their 2025 second-round pick, sustained a season-ending torn ACL in his right knee last October. — Nate Taylor
Prospect to fill a need outside Round 1: Derrick Moore, Edge, Michigan. I’d expect the Chiefs to gravitate toward a dense and powerful edge rusher, and Moore fits the description. He has plenty of pop in his hands to set a strong edge as a run defender, plus he can routinely win as an edge rusher with overwhelming power. — Reid
![]()
Top three needs: QB, WR, DT. The Raiders have only one quarterback on the roster, Aidan O’Connell. But that’s expected to change after they select Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 pick. The real question is what’s next? The Raiders using their Day 2 pick on either a wide receiver or a defensive tackle makes the most sense. Las Vegas is developing a nice support system for Mendoza, with center Tyler Linderbaum, running back Ashton Jeanty and tight end Brock Bowers. They have speedy receivers in Jalen Nailor and Tre Tucker as well. — Ryan McFadden
Prospect to fill a need outside Round 1: Domonique Orange, DT, Iowa State. Not only does “Big Citrus” have the best nickname in this class, but he’s also one of the best interior run defenders. The Raiders’ interior line ranked 22nd in run block win rate last season. Orange can also cloud the vision of passers by collapsing the pocket. — Reid
1:37
Should Cowboys, Eagles try to trade for Maxx Crosby?
The “Get Up” crew breaks down whether teams like the Cowboys or Eagles should attempt to trade for Maxx Crosby.
![]()
Top three needs: RG, LG, DT. The Chargers’ interior offensive line has been this team’s Achilles’ heel for the past two seasons. The Chargers will have a new interior after center Bradley Bozeman’s retirement, right guard Mekhi Becton‘s release and left guard Zion Johnson‘s departure in free agency.
L.A. signed former Commanders starting center Tyler Biadasz, but questions still remain at the guard spots. The team signed Cole Strange from Miami, but he ranked 40th out of 65 qualifying guards in pass block win rate last season. And the Chargers have a solid defensive tackle group led by Teair Tart, but they could use better pass rushers from that position. — Kris Rhim
Prospect to fill a need outside Round 1: Jalen Farmer, G, Kentucky. In an offense that will be more fast-paced under new coordinator Mike McDaniel, Farmer has the power and balance combination to slot in as a starter. He’s an underrated guard in the class and could be the Chargers’ second-round pick. — Reid

NFC EAST
![]()
Top three needs: LB, Edge, CB. The Cowboys didn’t answer all of their defensive questions in free agency. Even if they add a middle linebacker with a trade or signing, they’ll need depth. Though they traded for Rashan Gary, their other projected starter on the edge, Donovan Ezeiruaku, is coming off hip surgery and will be limited during the offseason. They added Cobie Durant at cornerback, but they have to be mindful of the health of DaRon Bland and Shavon Revel Jr. The draft still has to be about helping the defense in every way. — Todd Archer
Prospect to fill a need outside Round 1: Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas. Dallas is looking for speedy and playmaking ability in the middle of the defense, and that’s Hill to a tee. The three-year starter had 17 sacks and three interceptions at Texas. Hill is capable enough as a pass rusher that some scouts think he could move there full time in the future. — Miller
![]()
Top three needs: DT, G, CB The Giants desperately need to improve in the trenches. They gave up a league-high 5.3 yards per carry last season and still haven’t adequately addressed their interior defensive line. They’re also currently without a starting right guard after it didn’t work out with Alijah Vera-Tucker in free agency, and with Greg Van Roten still unsigned.
Plus, the Giants don’t have a true No. 1 cornerback. Instead, they’re banking on Paulson Adebo, whom they paid a lot of money to add last year, and Greg Newsome II on a prove-it deal with little behind them. — Jordan Raanan
Prospect to fill a need outside Round 1: Keylan Rutledge, G, Georgia Tech. Protecting Jaxson Dart and opening holes for Cam Skattebo is paramount to the Giants’ draft plans. Rutledge might be the only prospect tougher and nastier than Skattebo. He’s an elite run-game blocker and has upside in pass protection, making him a fixture at right or left guard. — Miller
![]()
Top three needs: Edge, OL, TE. The Eagles made a push to re-sign Jaelan Phillips in free agency but lost him to the Panthers. Though the addition of Arnold Ebiketie helps, there’s more work to do at that position.
Lingering injuries affected the offensive line last year, highlighting the need to pour more resources into the front — especially with right tackle Lane Johnson and left guard Landon Dickerson contemplating retirement this offseason. The return of Dallas Goedert puts a Band-Aid on the tight end position, but Philadelphia needs a long-term solution. — Tim McManus
Prospect to fill a need outside Round 1: Eli Stowers, TE, Vanderbilt. If the Eagles are thinking about their future at tight end, why not draft the player who set combine records in the broad jump (11 feet, 3 inches) and vertical jump (45.5 inches)? Stowers could open up the Eagles’ offense with the ball in his hands. And though he’s not a classic in-line blocker, he is capable of sealing off the edge against linebackers and safeties. — Miller
![]()
Top three needs: WR, CB, C. The Commanders simply need more good players, but some positions definitely need more help. They fortified their receiver depth but lack a strong No. 2 opposite Terry McLaurin — Alec Pierce and Romeo Doubs opted for other situations. At cornerback, Washington has only three players under contract who would be considered roster locks — but two of them are around 5-foot-9. The Commanders released center Tyler Biadasz and failed to sign Tyler Linderbaum. Nick Allegretti will compete for the job if nothing else but adding a center to develop later in the draft would be wise. — John Keim
Prospect to fill a need outside Round 1: Connor Lew, C, Auburn. With no Round 2 pick, the Commanders’ target at No. 71 should be Lew. An ACL tear in October is the only reason he would still be on the board at the top of Round 3, but that would be a steal for Washington if he develops into Jayden Daniels‘ new personal protector. — Miller

NFC NORTH
![]()
Top three needs: Edge, S, C. The Bears didn’t use free agency to sign a star defensive end, so all signs point toward using an early draft pick on a player to start opposite Montez Sweat. Chicago hasn’t used a first-round pick on an edge rusher since drafting Leonard Floyd at No. 9 in 2016 but given the depth of the position in this draft class, the Bears are in good position to address a major need early. With the departure of both Kevin Byard III and Jaquan Brisker, safety is another position that needs to be addressed, as is finding a center the Bears can develop over time given Garrett Bradbury has only one year left on his contract. — Courtney Cronin
Prospect to fill a need outside Round 1: Dani Dennis-Sutton, Edge, Penn State. A well-put-together edge rusher, Dennis-Sutton is a versatile prospect who checks a lot of the boxes for a Dennis Allen-led defense. His strength against the run and his traits as a pass rusher fit the scheme and provides a boost at a position of need. — Reid
![]()
Top three needs: OL, Edge, CB. After struggling to adapt to new faces on the line last season and the release of veteran left tackle Taylor Decker, Detroit can benefit from drafting an offensive tackle or O-lineman early. Adding an edge rusher to pair with Pro Bowl player Aidan Hutchinson would also be smart, as Al-Quadin Muhammad signed with Tampa Bay. Plus, their cornerback room was plagued by injuries the past couple of seasons. — Eric Woodyard
Prospect to fill a need outside Round 1: Caleb Tiernan, OT, Northwestern. He is a high-floor prospect who has the requisite attributes to be a long-term starter at either tackle spot. Tiernan showcases physicality as a run blocker and has slightly above-average range as a pass protector. — Reid
![]()
Top three needs: Edge, CB, OL. After trading Rashan Gary and losing Kingsley Enagbare in free agency (and with Micah Parsons unlikely to be ready for the start of the season), the Packers might need multiple pass rushers. At cornerback, they signed Benjamin St-Juste in free agency, but his relatively modest contract (two years, $10 million) suggests they don’t view him as a permanent starter. Also, they basically swapped him for Nate Hobbs, who was released, in a position that was already thin.
Though their starters on the offensive line appear set with Jordan Morgan taking over for Rasheed Walker at left tackle, they need depth across the entire front. — Rob Demovsky
Prospect to fill a need outside Round 1: Daylen Everette, CB, Georgia. When drafting corners, the Packers have prioritized high-end athletes and length. Everette contains both as a versatile corner with the speed and change-of-direction skills to remain consistent in man coverage. His spatial awareness in zone could also be useful for new coordinator Jonathan Gannon. — Reid
![]()
Top three needs: C, S, WR. Ryan Kelly‘s retirement left the Vikings without an obvious replacement at center. Backup Michael Jurgens started three games last season and the Vikings converted guard/tackle Blake Brandel to start five more, but it’s unclear if either is a long-term answer.
The Vikings are also considering how to replace veteran safety Harrison Smith, who at age 37 has yet to decide if he will retire or play another season. And though their top two receivers are set with Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, they have no proven depth Jalen Nailor’s departure to the Raiders. Tai Felton, a 2025 third-round draft pick, played only 46 offensive snaps last season. — Kevin Seifert
Prospect to fill a need outside Round 1: Sam Hecht, C, Kansas State. A quick center, Hecht is an ideal fit for teams that incorporate lots of zone scheme principles. He’s the third-best center on my rankings and would provide immediate competition for Brandel. — Reid

NFC SOUTH
![]()
Top three needs: LB, WR, DT. New president of football Matt Ryan and new coach Kevin Stefanski have both noted that this version of the Falcons is one that will want to run the football and stop the run. To do that, Atlanta must replace Kaden Elliss at inside linebacker and David Onyemata on the defensive line. Both left as free agents.
Stopping the run was the weak point of coordinator Jeff Ulbrich’s defense last season even with those two players, and Atlanta is also still searching for a true No. 2 wide receiver to complement Drake London. — Marc Raimondi
Prospect to fill a need outside Round 1: Zachariah Branch, WR, Georgia. Let’s stay in state for Atlanta and go with Branch, who posted a 4.35 in the 40-yard dash. His yards-after-catch ability from the slot would be ideal next to London and Kyle Pitts Sr. — Miller
![]()
Top three needs: S, WR, Edge. The Panthers re-signed safety Nick Scott, but he still has coverage deficiencies despite 111 tackles last season (second most on the team). Carolina also needs a more impactful receiver behind 2025 first-round pick Tetairoa McMillan and Jalen Coker.
Despite signing Jaelen Phillips in free agency and taking Nic Scourton in the second round last year, finding another impactful edge rusher to develop also remains a need. As general manager Dan Morgan has said repeatedly, you can’t have too many pass rushers. — David Newton
Prospect to fill a need outside Round 1: A.J. Haulcy, S, LSU. At pick No. 83, the Panthers’ target should be clear if Haulcy is on the board. The 6-foot, 215-pound safety rocks ball carriers, plus he posted eight interceptions over the past two seasons. — Miller
![]()
Top three needs: WR, Edge, CB. The Saints don’t have another star wide receiver next to Chris Olave, who will be playing on his fifth-year option. The Saints have a starting quarterback in Tyler Shough, so it would make sense to surround him with more talent. They already filled multiple needs in free agency, but they did not sign a free agent receiver. Plus, they lost slot cornerback Alontae Taylor to the Titans and could use another pass rusher since franchise sack leader Cameron Jordan is still a free agent. — Katherine Terrell
Prospect to fill a need outside Round 1: Chris Bell, WR, Louisville. Want to help Shough? Pair him with his former wide receiver. Bell is recovering from a torn ACL, but his tape shows examples of him running away from coverage after using his size (6-foot-2, 222 pounds) to body defenders and make tough catches. — Miller
![]()
Top three needs: Edge, LB, TE. Signing Al-Quadin Muhammad to a one-year, $4 million deal doesn’t preclude the Bucs from drafting an edge rusher, even with his production of 11 sacks last season. They did sign both Alex Anzalone and Christian Rozeboom at inside linebacker ahead of Lavonte David’s retirement, so there’s some wiggle room there. And with coordinator Zac Robinson’s frequent use of 12 personnel, they need to add another tight end who can serve as a big-play threat.— Jenna Laine
Prospect to fill a need outside Round 1: Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech. The former quarterback turned linebacker ran a 4.57-second 40 at the combine after causing seven fumbles last season. He profiles as a better inside linebacker than the weakside playmaker David was, but his college tape is full of big-time plays in coverage, against the run or getting after the QB. — Miller
1:57
Lavonte David: ‘I’ve done enough for the game’
Lavonte David joins “The Pat McAfee Show” to detail his decision to retire and says he has “done enough for the game.”

NFC WEST
![]()
Top three needs: OL, QB, S. The Cardinals didn’t address their most important need during free agency: right tackle. Now that’s left for them to take care of during the draft, which could happen as soon as pick No. 3. After releasing Kyler Murray and signing Gardner Minshew, drafting a quarterback seems likely. This year’s quarterback class isn’t nearly as deep as next year’s, so could they trade back into Round 1 for one? With Jalen Thompson leaving in free agency and Budda Baker turning 30, Arizona also needs to start planning for the future in its deep secondary alongside Dadrion Taylor-Demerson. — Josh Weinfuss
Prospect to fill a need outside Round 1: Jude Bowry, OT, Boston College. At 6-foot-5, 314 pounds, he is a good developmental player who routinely flashes reps that generate excitement. He primarily lined up at left tackle for Boston College, but he could fit Arizona’s long-term plans at right tackle. — Reid
![]()
Top three needs: WR, OT, CB. The Rams’ top two receivers are among the best pair in the NFL and they could again use a high rate of 13 personnel (three tight ends on the field) in 2026, but they need a dependable third pass-catcher. The Rams have Rob Havenstein’s replacement at right tackle in Warren McClendon Jr. but could add depth to the position. And the Rams have room in their cornerback room despite trading for Trent McDuffie and signing Jaylen Watson from the Chiefs. — Sarah Barshop
Prospect to fill a need outside Round 1: De’Zhaun Stribling, WR, Ole Miss. In an offense that requires versatility in its receivers, Stribling’s slot and outside capabilities make him an ideal fit in coach Sean McVay’s offense. With strong hands and the ability to win across the route tree, he could go off the board as early as Round 3. — Reid
![]()
Top three needs: S, Edge, OL. The 49ers filled enough needs in free agency with the likes of wide receivers Mike Evans and Christian Kirk, defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa and linebacker Dre Greenlaw, so they should be able to lean toward a “best player available” approach. But they could still use an upgrade at safety and more help off the edge to complete their defensive makeover.
On the offensive line, they need more competition for the left guard job vacated by Spencer Burford. And it wouldn’t hurt to be forward-thinking at tackle or center. — Nick Wagoner
Prospect to fill a need outside Round 1: Treydan Stukes, S/NB, Arizona. Stukes primarily played at nickel corner last season, but there’s belief among multiple scouts I’ve talked to that he could be a free safety in the NFL. His range and tackling ability would both be pluses in San Francisco’s secondary. — Reid
![]()
Top three needs: RB, Edge, CB. With Kenneth Walker III departing in free agency and Zach Charbonnet likely to miss much of next season after knee surgery, the Seahawks have to replace their top two rushers from 2025. They’re high on George Holani and signed Emanuel Wilson to give them a power runner, but they still need to replicate Walker’s explosiveness. And even if DeMarcus Lawrence puts off retirement for another year, Seattle has to add youth on the edge after letting Boye Mafe walk. They did the same with Riq Woolen, who was their No. 3 corner. — Brady Henderson
Prospect to fill a need outside Round 1: Mike Washington Jr., RB, Arkansas. At 6-foot-1, 223 pounds, Washington is a large running back who has ascended throughout the predraft process. Like Walker, he can puncture defenses with a mixture of explosive and tough runs. Washington had 51 rushes of 10-plus yards in 2025. — Reid
Sports
NHL playoff watch: Guide to all 15 games on Showdown Saturday
There are just three weeks until the start of the 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs. As chaotic as the standings have been the past few weeks, it’s only going to get wilder now that the pressure is ramped up.
NHL fans are in for a treat on what’s been dubbed Showdown Saturday, with 15 games throughout the course of the day.
And instead of the usual “eight games starting at 7 p.m. ET” trick, the start times have been staggered earlier in the day, too!
So without any further preamble, let’s dive right into the storylines ahead of each contest in regards to playoff positioning, the draft lottery and more:

Ottawa Senators at Tampa Bay Lightning
1 p.m. ET (ESPN+)
The Senators were in a playoff spot earlier this week, and are pushing to get there again. They enter play a point behind the Islanders and two behind the Bruins for the wild-card spots; importantly, Ottawa holds the regulation-wins tiebreaker over both of those clubs. On the other side, the Lightning still have designs on an Atlantic Division title; they are two points and two regulation wins behind the Sabres, with two games in hand.


Florida Panthers at New York Islanders
1 p.m. ET (ESPN+)
Well, we knew the Panthers might be a little out of sorts this season after two straight Cups (and a Cup Final appearance the year before that), and their playoff hopes are closing in on zero. However, they are in line for a top-10 draft pick, currently sitting No. 8 in the lottery standings. The Islanders are hanging on to a playoff spot by a thread; getting wins in games like this one against a non-playoff team are crucial.


Anaheim Ducks at Edmonton Oilers
3:30 p.m. ET (ESPN+)
If you’d told a hockey fan prior to the season that this game would pit a team with a five-point Pacific Division lead against one battling it out for the No. 2 or 3 seed, they’d likely have replied, “Wow, good for the Ducks to eke their way in!” Instead, it’s Connor McDavid and friends whose playoff lives are in a bit more peril. A win here by Anaheim would put it seven points ahead of Edmonton, while a decision the other way would drop the Ducks’ lead to three.


Minnesota Wild at Boston Bruins
5 p.m. ET (NHL Network)
This will be the final meeting of the season between U.S. Olympic teammates Charlie McAvoy and Jeremy Swayman (Bruins) with Quinn Hughes, Matt Boldy and Brock Faber (Wild) — unless they meet again in the Cup Final. The Wild are on the cusp of clinching a spot, with a magic number of two; the Bruins have quite a bit more work to do, with the Senators and Red Wings nipping at their heels. Also of note: the B’s are just two points back of the Canadiens for the No. 3 spot in the Atlantic.


Dallas Stars at Pittsburgh Penguins
5 p.m. ET (ESPN+)
Another green vs. yellow matchup! The Stars have clinched a postseason spot and are likely to be paired up with the Wild in Round 1, as they enter Saturday nine points back of the Avalanche for first in the Central. Pittsburgh has been swapping spots with the Blue Jackets and Islanders recently. As it stands heading into this one, the Penguins are the Metro’s No. 2 seed, one point and two regulation wins ahead of both Columbus and New York.


New Jersey Devils at Carolina Hurricanes
5 p.m. ET (ESPN+)
The Hurricanes appear destined to win another Metro crown, with an eight-point lead over the Penguins. What remains to be won is the Eastern Conference’s No. 1 seed; Carolina enters the day tied in the standings with Buffalo, but ahead on the games played tiebreaker. Of note, they have five fewer regulation wins than the Sabres. As for the Devils, a late-season surge has been encouraging for 2026-27, but a playoff spot would require an extraordinary amount of help from opponents of the teams ahead of them. New Jersey sits No. 12 in the draft lottery standings.


San Jose Sharks at Columbus Blue Jackets
5 p.m. ET (ESPN+)
Last season, the Blue Jackets remained in the playoff race until the final week of the season, ultimately just missing the cut by two points. This season, the Hockey Gods appear to be on their side, as they hold the Metro’s No. 3 spot heading into Saturday. They are a point behind the Penguins for second, and a tiebreaker ahead of the Islanders. San Jose finished 44 points out of a playoff spot in 2024-25, so the fact that they have any chance at all at this stage is a vast improvement. But if they are going to make it, they’ll need to start earning points more regularly; the Predators hold the second Western wild card six points ahead of the Sharks, and the Golden Knights are eight points ahead in the battle for third in the Pacific.


Seattle Kraken at Buffalo Sabres
5:30 p.m. ET (ESPN+)
The Kraken are even closer to the playoff mix than the Sharks — three points behind Nashville, five behind Vegas — but face an even more challenging opponent Saturday. The Sabres are on an epic run; as a result, they hold a two-point lead in the Atlantic Division, and are a tiebreaker behind Carolina for first overall in the East.


Toronto Maple Leafs at St. Louis Blues
7 p.m. ET (ESPN+)
This is the first matchup of the slate featuring two lottery-bound teams; unfortunately for the Leafs, their pick belongs to Boston unless it falls in the top five. As of now, Toronto is 10th in the lotto standings, in the middle of a cluster of eight teams between 71 and 76 points. One of the teams at the end of that cluster is the St. Louis Blues, who hold the No. 5 position with 71 points.


Montreal Canadiens at Nashville Predators
7 p.m. ET (ESPN+)
Is it a bigger surprise that the Canadiens are on pace for 104 points, or that the Predators are in line to earn a playoff spot after how dreadful last season (and the start of this one) went? Montreal is four points (and seven regulation wins) back of Tampa Bay for second in the Atlantic, and has a two-point edge on Boston to retain their No. 3 position. Nashville is just a point ahead of Los Angeles for the second Western wild card, and three points behind Utah for the first.


Winnipeg Jets at Colorado Avalanche
7 p.m. ET (ESPN+)
The NHL awards the Presidents’ Trophy to the team with the best regular-season record. In 2024-25, that team was the Jets. In 2025-26, that team will likely be the Avalanche. Sadly for the wonderful fans of Winnipeg, the Jets’ success last season didn’t carry over into this one, and they enter Saturday five points back of Nashville for the wild card. Maybe the club will have some lottery luck, and it enters the day in seventh in the draft standings.


Philadelphia Flyers at Detroit Red Wings
8 p.m. ET (ABC)
Time is running out for both of these teams to vault into a playoff spot. As play begins Saturday, the Red Wings are one point back of the second wild card, two back of the first, and four back of Montreal for the Atlantic’s No. 3 seed. The Flyers have four additional points to make up — although their pathway in the Metro is slightly easier, with the Blue Jackets five points ahead in the No. 3 spot and the Penguins six ahead for second.


Utah Mammoth at Los Angeles Kings
9 p.m. ET (ESPN+)
As the end of Anze Kopitar‘s career comes into sight, the Kings remain alive for a playoff berth, but must surpass the Predators for a wild card (they are one point back), the Golden Knights for No. 3 in the Pacific (they are three points behind) … or the Mammoth themselves, who are four points ahead. One wrinkle: Los Angeles will almost certainly need to get ahead of teams on standings points, as they are well behind everyone else in the regulation wins column.


Vancouver Canucks at Calgary Flames
10 p.m. ET (ESPN+)
Here’s our other draft lottery positioning game of the day — although it’s exceedingly unlikely that any team “catches” the Canucks, who are 15 points clear of anyone else in the No. 1 position in the draft lottery standings. Calgary enters the day in fourth in the lottery standings, one point behind the Blackhawks and three behind the Rangers.


Washington Capitals at Vegas Golden Knights
10:30 p.m. ET (ESPN+)
Will this be Alex Ovechkin‘s final visit to Las Vegas as a member of the Capitals? If so, his team could really use the points as it looks to chase down even a wild-card spot. As the slate begins, the Caps are six points back of the Isles and Blue Jackets, although if they do get back in the mix, their regulation-wins total (currently 31) might well beat out anyone if it comes down to tiebreakers. As for the hosts, the Golden Knights appear much more likely to return to the playoffs — largely because of the relative weakness of the Pacific Division — but could certainly use any additional points they can get to bolster their chances.
Every team has around 10 games remaining before the regular season concludes April 16, and we’ll help you keep track of it all here on the NHL playoff watch every day. As we traverse the final stretch, we’ll provide details on all the playoff races — along with the teams jockeying for position in the 2026 NHL draft lottery.
Note: Playoff chances are via Stathletes.
Jump ahead:
Current playoff matchups
Today’s schedule
Last night’s scores
Expanded standings
Race for No. 1 pick

Current playoff matchups
Eastern Conference
A1 Buffalo Sabres vs. WC1 Boston Bruins
A2 Tampa Bay Lightning vs. A3 Montreal Canadiens
M1 Carolina Hurricanes vs. WC2 New York Islanders
M2 Pittsburgh Penguins vs. M3 Columbus Blue Jackets
Western Conference
C1 Colorado Avalanche vs. WC2 Nashville Predators
C2 Dallas Stars vs. C3 Minnesota Wild
P1 Anaheim Ducks vs. WC1 Utah Mammoth
P2 Edmonton Oilers vs. P3 Vegas Golden Knights
Saturday’s games
Note: All times ET. All games not on TNT or NHL Network are available to stream on ESPN+ (local blackout restrictions apply).
Ottawa Senators at Tampa Bay Lightning, 1 p.m.
Florida Panthers at New York Islanders, 1 p.m.
Anaheim Ducks at Edmonton Oilers, 3:30 p.m.
Minnesota Wild at Boston Bruins, 5 p.m. (NHLN)
Dallas Stars at Pittsburgh Penguins, 5 p.m.
New Jersey Devils at Carolina Hurricanes, 5 p.m.
San Jose Sharks at Columbus Blue Jackets, 5 p.m.
Seattle Kraken at Buffalo Sabres, 5:30 p.m.
Toronto Maple Leafs at St. Louis Blues, 7 p.m.
Montreal Canadiens at Nashville Predators, 7 p.m.
Winnipeg Jets at Colorado Avalanche, 7 p.m.
Philadelphia Flyers at Detroit Red Wings, 8 p.m. (ABC)
Utah Mammoth at Los Angeles Kings, 9 p.m.
Vancouver Canucks at Calgary Flames, 10 p.m.
Washington Capitals at Vegas Golden Knights, 10:30 p.m.
Friday night’s scoreboard
Detroit Red Wings 5, Buffalo Sabres 2
New York Rangers 6, Chicago Blackhawks 1
Expanded standings
Atlantic Division
![]()
Points: 96
Regulation wins: 37
Playoff position: A1
Games left: 9
Points pace: 107.8
Next game: vs. SEA (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 99.9%
Magic number: 10
Tragic number: N/A
![]()
Points: 94
Regulation wins: 35
Playoff position: A2
Games left: 11
Points pace: 108.6
Next game: vs. OTT (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 99.9%
Magic number: 12
Tragic number: N/A
![]()
Points: 90
Regulation wins: 28
Playoff position: A3
Games left: 11
Points pace: 103.9
Next game: @ NSH (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 93.8%
Magic number: 16
Tragic number: N/A
![]()
Points: 88
Regulation wins: 29
Playoff position: WC1
Games left: 10
Points pace: 100.2
Next game: vs. MIN (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 65%
Magic number: 18
Tragic number: N/A
![]()
Points: 86
Regulation wins: 32
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 10
Points pace: 97.9
Next game: @ TB (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 74.5%
Magic number: N/A
Tragic number: 19
![]()
Points: 86
Regulation wins: 28
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 10
Points pace: 97.9
Next game: vs. PHI (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 32.1%
Magic number: N/A
Tragic number: 19
![]()
Points: 75
Regulation wins: 23
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 9
Points pace: 84.3
Next game: @ STL (Saturday)
Playoff chances: ~0%
Magic number: N/A
Tragic number: 6
![]()
Points: 73
Regulation wins: 27
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 11
Points pace: 84.3
Next game: @ NYI (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 0.1%
Magic number: N/A
Tragic number: 8
Metro Division
![]()
Points: 96
Regulation wins: 32
Playoff position: M1
Games left: 11
Points pace: 110.9
Next game: vs. NJ (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 99.9%
Magic number: 10
Tragic number: N/A
![]()
Points: 88
Regulation wins: 29
Playoff position: M2
Games left: 10
Points pace: 100.2
Next game: vs. DAL (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 90.1%
Magic number: 18
Tragic number: N/A
![]()
Points: 87
Regulation wins: 27
Playoff position: M3
Games left: 10
Points pace: 99.1
Next game: vs. SJ (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 82.1%
Magic number: 19
Tragic number: N/A
![]()
Points: 87
Regulation wins: 27
Playoff position: WC2
Games left: 9
Points pace: 97.7
Next game: vs. FLA (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 49.1%
Magic number: 19
Tragic number: N/A
![]()
Points: 82
Regulation wins: 22
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 11
Points pace: 94.7
Next game: @ DET (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 10.8%
Magic number: N/A
Tragic number: 17
![]()
Points: 81
Regulation wins: 31
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 9
Points pace: 91.0
Next game: @ VGK (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 2.3%
Magic number: N/A
Tragic number: 12
![]()
Points: 76
Regulation wins: 25
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 11
Points pace: 87.8
Next game: @ CAR (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 0.3%
Magic number: N/A
Tragic number: 11
![]()
Points: 67
Regulation wins: 20
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 9
Points pace: 75.3
Next game: vs. NYI (Sunday)
Playoff chances: 0%
Magic number: N/A
Tragic number: OUT
Central Division
![]()
Points: 106
Regulation wins: 42
Playoff position: C1
Games left: 11
Points pace: 122.4
Next game: vs. WPG (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 100%
Magic number: IN
Tragic number: N/A
![]()
Points: 97
Regulation wins: 33
Playoff position: C2
Games left: 10
Points pace: 110.5
Next game: @ PIT (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 100%
Magic number: IN
Tragic number: N/A
![]()
Points: 94
Regulation wins: 26
Playoff position: C3
Games left: 9
Points pace: 105.6
Next game: @ BOS (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 99.9%
Magic number: 2
Tragic number: N/A
![]()
Points: 80
Regulation wins: 28
Playoff position: WC1
Games left: 9
Points pace: 89.9
Next game: @ LA (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 96.4%
Magic number: 16
Tragic number: N/A
![]()
Points: 77
Regulation wins: 25
Playoff position: WC2
Games left: 10
Points pace: 87.7
Next game: vs. MTL (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 34.9%
Magic number: 19
Tragic number: N/A
![]()
Points: 72
Regulation wins: 24
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 10
Points pace: 82.0
Next game: @ COL (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 2.3%
Magic number: N/A
Tragic number: 15
![]()
Points: 71
Regulation wins: 26
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 11
Points pace: 82.0
Next game: vs. TOR (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 5.2%
Magic number: N/A
Tragic number: 16
![]()
Points: 67
Regulation wins: 20
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 9
Points pace: 75.3
Next game: @ NJ (Sunday)
Playoff chances: 0.1%
Magic number: N/A
Tragic number: 8
Pacific Division
![]()
Points: 86
Regulation wins: 24
Playoff position: P1
Games left: 10
Points pace: 97.9
Next game: @ EDM (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 99.9%
Magic number: 10
Tragic number: N/A
![]()
Points: 81
Regulation wins: 27
Playoff position: P2
Games left: 9
Points pace: 91.0
Next game: vs. ANA (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 94%
Magic number: 15
Tragic number: N/A
![]()
Points: 79
Regulation wins: 24
Playoff position: P3
Games left: 9
Points pace: 88.7
Next game: vs. WSH (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 97.7%
Magic number: 17
Tragic number: N/A
![]()
Points: 76
Regulation wins: 19
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 10
Points pace: 86.6
Next game: vs. UTA (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 38.2%
Magic number: N/A
Tragic number: 19
![]()
Points: 74
Regulation wins: 25
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 11
Points pace: 85.5
Next game: @ BUF (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 5.9%
Magic number: N/A
Tragic number: 19
![]()
Points: 71
Regulation wins: 20
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 12
Points pace: 83.2
Next game: @ CBJ (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 25.5%
Magic number: N/A
Tragic number: 18
![]()
Points: 68
Regulation wins: 23
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 10
Points pace: 77.4
Next game: vs. VAN (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 0.1%
Magic number: N/A
Tragic number: 11
![]()
Points: 50
Regulation wins: 14
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 11
Points pace: 57.8
Next game: @ CGY (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 0%
Magic number: N/A
Tragic number: OUT
Note: An “x” with a team’s name means the club has clinched a playoff spot. An “e” means that the club has been mathematically eliminated.
Race for the No. 1 pick
The NHL uses a draft lottery to determine the order of the first round, so the team that finishes in last place is not guaranteed the No. 1 selection. As of 2021, a team can move up a maximum of 10 spots if it wins the lottery, so only 11 teams are eligible for the draw for the No. 1 pick. Full details on the process can be found here. Atop draft boards for this summer is Gavin McKenna, a forward for Penn State.
![]()
Points: 50
Regulation wins: 14
![]()
Points: 67
Regulation wins: 20
![]()
Points: 67
Regulation wins: 20
![]()
Points: 68
Regulation wins: 23
![]()
Points: 71
Regulation wins: 26
![]()
Points: 71
Regulation wins: 20
![]()
Points: 72
Regulation wins: 24
![]()
Points: 73
Regulation wins: 27
![]()
Points: 74
Regulation wins: 25
![]()
Points: 75
Regulation wins: 23
![]()
Points: 76
Regulation wins: 19
![]()
Points: 76
Regulation wins: 25
![]()
Points: 81
Regulation wins: 31
![]()
Points: 82
Regulation wins: 22
![]()
Points: 86
Regulation wins: 28
![]()
Points: 86
Regulation wins: 32
*Note: The Maple Leafs’ pick belongs to the Bruins, unless it lands in the top five.
Sports
Alabama’s ‘complicated’ season ends in Sweet 16 defeat
CHICAGO — Alabama players sat teary-eyed at their lockers Friday night at the United Center, still processing a season with plenty of twists before reaching its endpoint against Michigan in the Sweet 16.
The No. 4 seed Crimson Tide started their 14th different lineup against No. 1 seed Michigan, one that had carried them to two dominant wins in the NCAA tournament but ultimately wouldn’t measure up in a 90-77 loss. Alabama’s starters could have included center Charles Bediako and guard Aden Holloway, who both contributed during the season but are no longer with the team, albeit for very different reasons.
“We would not have gotten outrebounded by 13 tonight had we been able to continue to play [Bediako],” coach Nate Oats said.
Michigan held a 46-32 edge in rebounds and finished with 34 points in the paint, while the Tide had 20. Alabama’s Aiden Sherrell, a forward who had to play some center without another sizable low-post presence, acknowledged the season contained “some complicated things.”
“But as a team, we did a great job fighting all the adversity and keeping it between us,” he said.
Oats praised the group as one of the most enjoyable he has had, noting that the team’s leadership was the best he has seen in seven seasons at Alabama. The coach noted all the lineups Alabama used, and added that he “couldn’t be more proud of the group.”
The Tide played their third straight game without Holloway, their second-leading scorer (16.8 points per game) and a third-team All-SEC selection, who was arrested on a felony drug charge earlier this month. An Alabama judge granted Holloway’s request to travel Friday, but he did not join the team and remained banned from all school-related activities. Police found 2.1 pounds of marijuana in Holloway’s apartment after they executed a search warrant in Tuscaloosa.
Bediako’s absence was felt more in the Michigan loss, even though he last played for Alabama on Feb. 7 against Auburn. The 7-footer left Alabama for the NBA draft in 2023, signed a two-way NBA contract and played the past three seasons in the G League. He returned to play five games for the Tide and averaged 10 points and 4.6 rebounds while navigating the courts, but ultimately had a motion for a preliminary injunction denied by a state judge in February, ending his college career.
After Saturday’s loss, Oats referenced the case of Baylor center James Nnaji, another former NBA draft pick who never played in the league. Nnaji was cleared to play on Christmas Eve.
“We saw the opportunity to bring some size on after all the adversity we went through, after Nnaji was declared eligible, and most people, including ourselves, thought if they’re going to make Nnaji eligible, that Bediako would be eligible,” Oats said. “We had one judge who thought so. He would’ve definitely helped the situation with the rebounding.”
Guard Latrell Wrightsell Jr. and others said players have often talked about everything that transpired during the season, which is why they will never forget the 2025-26 team.
“We stayed together, we played for each other, we built off of continuous growth, selfless love and maximum effort,” Sherrell said. “We just stuck through this to those core values, and we went this far.”
Sports
Tiger Woods released from jail after DUI arrest; eyes appear bloodshot in booking photo
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
Tiger Woods was released from jail Friday night after he was arrested earlier in the day on a DUI charge following a car crash in Florida.
In a mugshot released hours after his arrest, Woods’ eyes appeared bloodshot, as he donned a blue polo inside the Martin County Jail in Florida.
Woods was seen leaving the jail in the passenger seat of a black SUV after his release on bail late Friday, according to The Associated Press.
Martin County Sheriff John Budensiek confirmed in a news conference that Woods was traveling at “a high rate of speed” when his vehicle collided with another car, resulting in his vehicle rolling over onto the driver’s side.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
Tiger Woods was booked into Martin County, Florida, jail on March 27, 2026. (AP)
Authorities said Woods “exemplified signs of impairment.” He blew “triple-zeroes” for alcohol but refused a urine test.
“DUI investigators came to the scene here, and Mr. Woods did exemplify signs of impairment. They did several tests on him. Of course, he did explain the injuries and the surgeries that he had. We did take that into account, but they did do some in-depth roadside tests,” Budensiek added.
“We really weren’t suspicious of alcohol being involved in this case, and that proved to be true at the jail. … But when it came time for us to ask for a urinalysis test, he refused. And, so, he’s been charged with DUI, with property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test.”
Woods was spotted on the phone after the crash, wearing navy blue shorts.
Woods was charged with DUI, property damage and refusal to submit to a test, all misdemeanor charges. No one was injured, authorities said. Woods was alone in the car and crawled out of the passenger door after the crash.

Tiger Woods was driven from the Martin County Jail after being arrested for driving under the influence following a car crash on March 27, 2026, in Stuart, Florida. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
VANESSA, KAI TRUMP TAKE IN TIGER WOODS’ RETURN TO GOLF AT TGL FINALS
“This could’ve been a lot worse,” Budensiek noted.
President Donald Trump commented on the arrest of his “very close friend.”
“I feel so badly. He’s got some difficulty,” Trump said. “There was an accident, and that’s all I know. Very close friend of mine. He’s an amazing person, an amazing man, but some difficulty.”
Woods has not commented on the arrest.

Tiger Woods was arrested on a DUI charge after getting into a car crash on Friday. (Associated Press)
Woods currently is dating Trump’s ex-daughter-in-law, Vanessa, whose daughter, Kai, is set to play college golf in Miami next week.
This is Woods’ second DUI arrest within the last decade. In 2017, he was taken into custody, also in Jupiter Island, after taking prescription drugs and being asleep behind the wheel of a running car at 3 a.m.
In 2021, he got into a wreck that resulted in serious leg injuries that kept him off the golf course for the entire year.

Golfer Tiger Woods stands by his overturned vehicle in Jupiter Island, Fla., Friday, March 27, 2026. (Jason Oteri/AP)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Woods made his return to competitive golf earlier this week in the TGL championship after rupturing his Achilles just before last year’s Masters (this year’s tournament is in less than two weeks). Woods has not appeared on the links since the 2024 PGA Championship, in which he missed the cut.
Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter
-
Business1 week agoFlipkart group CFO to leave co amid IPO plans – The Times of India
-
Business1 week agoVideo: The Effects of High Oil Prices
-
Fashion1 week agoChina’s textile & apparel exports surge 17% to $50 bn in Jan-Feb 2026
-
Sports1 week agoRating Adidas’ 2026 World Cup away shirts: Argentina, Spain, Mexico and more
-
Sports1 week agoAmerican Conference Commissioner Tim Pernetti thanks Trump for Army-Navy game executive order
-
Tech1 week ago
The Corsair 4000D RS PC Case Keeps Your System Cool
-
Tech1 week ago‘Uncanny Valley’: Nvidia’s ‘Super Bowl of AI,’ Tesla Disappoints, and Meta’s VR Metaverse ‘Shutdown’
-
Tech1 week agoGamers Hate Nvidia’s DLSS 5. Developers Aren’t Crazy About It, Either
