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Caleb Banks Drafted by Vikings at 18th Overall on Thursday
The Minnesota Vikings took University of Florida defensive tackle Caleb Banks (foot) with the 18th overall selection in the first round of the 2026 NFL draft on Thursday night. Banks stands at a hulking 6-foot-6 and 327 pounds, but he can do things on a football field that aren't typically associated with interior defensive linemen. Banks impressed with a 5.04-second 40-yard dash and 114-inch broad jump at the NFL scouting combine. The 23-year-old defensive tackle had a total of 6.5 sacks in his five collegiate seasons (his first two came at Louisville). A fractured foot that Banks suffered at the combine in February isn't expected to affect his availability for the start of his rookie season in the NFL. Banks had recurring foot injuries during his final collegiate season, which limited him to just three games played. The Vikings chose to overlook his foot issues in favor of his elite physical traits. If healthy, Banks could be a massive interior-line asset for the Vikes as a run-stopper and pocket pusher.
Source: NFL.com
Source: NFL.com
Alex Lyon Comes in and Shuts Down Boston
Buffalo Sabres goaltender Alex Lyon has won on the road in Boston before. On Thursday night, however, Boston went up 1-0, but that was the only goal the Bruins would score. Lyon ultimately stopped 24 shots in a huge 3-1 victory. That allowed the Sabres to go up 2-1 in their first-round series. Lyon stopped several one-timers from Boston as he secured the victory. At the very least, the backup goaltender has earned a look for Game 4 to be played on Sunday. Adding in the seven saves Lyon made in cleanup duty on Tuesday, one may believe Lyon could do this again.
Source: Bill Hoppe
Source: Bill Hoppe
Lions Select Blake Miller With the 17th Overall Pick of NFL Draft
The Detroit Lions selected Clemson offensive tackle Blake Miller with the 17th overall pick in the first round of the 2026 NFL draft on Thursday night. The 22-year-old right tackle never missed a game in his four collegiate seasons with the Tigers. The 6-foot-7, 317-pounder is super competitive and is a mauler in the running game. The Lions definitely needed to address their offensive line early in this year's draft, and they have definitely done so with the selection of Miller. His presence on the O-line is great news for both quarterback Jared Goff and do-it-all running back Jahmyr Gibbs. With Penei Sewell moving to left tackle, Miller should immediately be a starter on the right side of the offensive line from the get-go in his rookie season in 2026. He's an iron man with no durability question marks, and he comes with a lot of experience. One of the few knocks on Miller is that he can often times play too upright, so that will need to be cleaned up when going against elite edge rushers.
Source: NFL.com
Source: NFL.com
Jake Sanderson Suffers Hand Injury While Blocking Shot
Ottawa Senators defenseman Jake Sanderson (hand) will miss the rest of Game 3 between the Senators and the Carolina Hurricanes on Thursday. The Senators' defenseman blocked a shot and did not return for the third period. It is no secret that Ottawa has battled injuries and are now without their top pairing on defense. Artem Zub has only played one period during this entire series. Sanderson came off a stellar performance in Game 2, where he dished out two assists and blocked five shots. The hope is that the injury is not too serious, but Sanderson will get X-rays and imaging sometime on Friday.
Source: Murray Pam
Source: Murray Pam
Jets Draft Kenyon Sadiq at No. 16 Overall
The New York Jets have selected Oregon tight end prospect Kenyon Sadiq with the 16th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. It's a bit of a surprising development, especially since the Jets drafted tight end Mason Taylor in the second round of last year's draft. This addition doesn't necessarily spell disaster for Taylor, though, as the Jets could benefit from running two-tight end sets. With that being said, Sadiq should immediately slot in as the Jets' No. 1 tight end, offering another key threat for Geno Smith in the passing game alongside wide receiver Garrett Wilson. Sadiq had 51 catches, 560 yards, and eight touchdowns during his final season with the Ducks. There had been rumblings about him going to the Panthers at No. 19 overall, but in the end, he didn't even make it that far. The Jets will face some growing pains with Smith at quarterback this year, but New York has made a respectable effort to build out a young core within its offense so that they can compete in years down the road. As a result, Sadiq has long-term upside, ranking as the TE9 overall in RotoBaller's latest dynasty fantasy football rankings.
Source: Aaron Wilson
Source: Aaron Wilson
Buccaneers Draft Rueben Bain Jr. With the 15th Overall Pick
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have selected Miami defensive end prospect Rueben Bain Jr. with the 15th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Bain contributed during all three of his collegiate seasons, totaling 33.5 tackles for loss and 20.5 sacks by the end of his NCAA career. In 2025 alone, he racked up 54 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss, and 9.5 sacks, all of which were career-high marks. He posted an elite 92.8 PFF grade during his final year at Miami, including a 78.9 tackling grade in the national championship against Indiana. Bain, who was the 2025 ACC Defensive Player of the Year, will offer the Bucs a key pass-rushing threat on the end of the defensive line. He projects to play opposite Calijah Kancey, who is averaging 6.7 sacks per 17-game pace throughout his NFL career.
Source: Ari Meirov
Source: Ari Meirov
Dolphins Trade Down, Select Kadyn Proctor 12th Overall in 2026 NFL Draft
The Miami Dolphins have traded down from pick No. 11 to pick No. 12 to select University of Alabama offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor. In addition to the 12th overall pick, Miami is receiving picks number 177 and 180 from the Dallas Cowboys. The 20-year-old Proctor should have a chance to step in right away as the starter at left tackle for the Dolphins, who have been looking for help along the offensive line for the last several seasons. Proctor is known as a high-upside prospect due to his imposing physical frame. He excelled as a run blocker during his college career, but hasn't always been the most consistent player in pass protection. Proctor's presence in Miami should boost the production of Dolphins running back De'Von Achane in 2026 and beyond.
Source: NFL Network - Tom Pelissero
Source: NFL Network - Tom Pelissero
Olaivavega Ioane Selected 14th Overall by the Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens have selected Penn State guard Olaivavega Ioane with the 14th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Ioane was widely ranked as the best pure guard in the draft, as well as one of this year's top offensive line prospects. He had a terrific redshirt junior season in 2025, posting an 80.0 PFF grade with a spectacular 87.0 pass-blocking grade. Baltimore continues to place emphasis on improving its guard position, pairing Ioane with free agent signing John Simpson. Together, they'll be tasked with protecting Lamar Jackson and blocking for Derrick Henry in a strong offense led by new head coach Jesse Minter and new offensive coordinator Declan Doyle.
Source: Ari Meirov
Source: Ari Meirov
Jake LaRavia Available for Game 3 Friday
Los Angeles Lakers forward Jake LaRavia (ankle) is not listed on the injury report ahead of Game 3 against the Houston Rockets on Friday night. LaRavia hurt his right ankle in Tuesday's Game 2 win, but this issue won't force him to miss additional time. Although LaRavia made a positive impact with the Lakers during the regular season, his role has been limited in the playoffs. Across the first two games of the first-round series, the 24-year-old has averaged only 3.0 points, 2.0 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 1.0 blocks in 17.0 minutes.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Cowboys Trade Up, Select Caleb Downs 11th Overall in 2026 NFL Draft
The Dallas Cowboys have traded up one spot from pick No. 12 to pick No. 11 to select Ohio State safety Caleb Downs. Per NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, Dallas is sending picks number 12, 177, and 180 to the Miami Dolphins in return for the 11th pick. Downs earned All-American honors in both 2024 and 2025 while playing for the Buckeyes. Last season, he racked up 45 solo tackles, two interceptions, five TFLs, and one sack across 14 games. The 21-year-old is known as a high-level playmaker in the secondary who should make an immediate impact as both a run and pass defender for the Cowboys. Given the draft capital they surrendered to get their hands on Downs, Dallas may be planning on plugging him in as a starter right away in 2026.
Source: NFL Network - Tom Pelissero
Source: NFL Network - Tom Pelissero
Austin Reaves Upgraded to Questionable on Injury Report
Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (oblique) is listed as questionable for Friday's Game 3 against the Houston Rockets. This is a positive development after Reaves' three-week absence due to a left oblique strain. The Lakers initially ruled him out for at least four weeks. Reaves' return on Friday would affect the playing time and offensive usage of Luke Kennard and Marcus Smart. However, Reaves might not handle his usual workload after a long absence, so Kennard and Smart could remain key players.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Francis Mauigoa Selected 10th Overall by Giants
With their second top-10 selection in the 2026 NFL Draft, the New York Giants have selected Miami offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa. The 20-year-old earned All-American honors as a junior at Miami in 2025 and helped the Hurricanes reach the National Championship game. With Andrew Thomas locked in at left tackle for the Giants, Mauigoa projects as the team's right tackle of the future. His presence should make life easier for both Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart and running back Cam Skattebo (ankle). With Mauigoa and edge rusher Arvell Reese, the Giants are building through the trenches early in the 2026 Draft.
Source: NFL Network - Mike Garafolo
Source: NFL Network - Mike Garafolo
Rams Select Ty Simpson With 13th Overall Pick
The Los Angeles Rams have selected Alabama quarterback prospect Ty Simpson with the 13th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. There had been plenty of chatter about Simpson's stock ahead of the draft, and in the end, he'll end up with the Rams as the eventual successor to Matthew Stafford. It's a stunning development, as the Rams have Stafford under contract for 2026 and have reportedly been open to an extension with him. Jay Glazer of FOX Sports reports that the Rams plan to let Stafford dictate his future, and Simpson will be the successor whenever Stafford decides to retire. We can't fault the Rams for wanting to have a clear succession plan in place, similar to how the Packers drafted Jordan Love in the waning years of the Aaron Rodgers era. Plus, having a quarterback on an affordable rookie contract could allow the Rams to hand out a big extension to Puka Nacua or Davante Adams, both of whom are in a contract year. Simpson completed 305 passes for 3,567 yards, 28 touchdowns, and five interceptions during his final season at Alabama. He's a pocket passer who fits nicely in the Rams' system. He'll have to wait a little while before he gets playing time. However, when his time comes, he'll have top-12 quarterback upside in fantasy football.
Source: Jay Glazer
Source: Jay Glazer
Spencer Jones Starting in Game 3
Denver Nuggets guard/forward Spencer Jones will take Aaron Gordon's (calf) spot in the starting lineup on Thursday night against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The 24-year-old will start at least one game as Gordon manages left-calf tightness. A spot in the starting unit typically puts players in a better position to make an impact, but Spencer's effectiveness has not shown up in the box score. In 37 regular-season starts, he averaged 7.6 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.0 steals per game. Cameron Johnson, Tim Hardaway Jr., and Bruce Brown will also help cover for Gordon's absence.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Spencer Fano Selected Ninth Overall by Browns
University of Utah offensive tackle Spencer Fano has been selected ninth overall in the 2026 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns. Fano played both left and right tackle during his college career, so the Browns could deploy him on either side of the line. The Cleveland quarterback situation is currently unsettled, with veteran Deshaun Watson and second-year signal-callers Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel all in the mix for the starting role. Regardless of who wins the job, Fano's presence in Cleveland should make their life easier. Fano should also improve the situation for Browns running back Quinshon Judkins (knee), who flashed high upside as a rookie in 2025 before going down with a season-ending injury.
Source: NFL Network - Tom Pelissero
Source: NFL Network - Tom Pelissero
Joel Embiid Picks Up Doubtful Tag Before Game 3
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (abdomen) has been upgraded to doubtful on the injury report before Friday's Game 3 against the Boston Celtics. Embiid is two weeks removed from a successful appendectomy and was a limited participant at Thursday's practice. He appears to be nearing his return to action, but Friday's game could come too soon for the former MVP. With Embiid on the shelf, Adem Bona and Andre Drummond have held down the fort at the No. 5 spot in the first-round series. Drummond has offered more DFS production, averaging 6.0 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.0 steals in 24.0 minutes.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Saints Select Wide Receiver Jordyn Tyson Eighth Overall
The New Orleans Saints have selected Arizona State wide receiver Jordyn Tyson with the eighth overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Tyson was viewed as one of the top wide receiver prospects in this year's class. Tyson began his college career at Colorado before moving to Arizona State, where he spent his final three campaigns. In his first season with the Sun Devils, Tyson appeared in just three games and did not catch any passes. Over his final two seasons, Tyson would be limited to just 21 games but would make a massive impact, totaling 1,812 yards and 18 touchdowns on 136 catches. He totaled a career-best 10 touchdowns during the 2024 campaign. Tyson is credited with having elite footwork and high-end ability to catch off-target passes. Tyson will likely slide in as the No. 2 option in an up-and-coming New Orleans offense that is led by second-year QB Tyler Shough. For fantasy, Tyson could see his workload limited, sharing the field with Chris Olave and running back Travis Etienne Jr.
Source: Ari Meirov
Source: Ari Meirov
Kevin Durant Iffy for Friday Night Due to Ankle Issue
Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (ankle) is questionable for Friday's Game 3 against the Los Angeles Lakers. The veteran star returned from a knee injury in Game 2 of the series, but he's now back on the injury report with a left ankle sprain. If Durant can't suit up on Friday night, Reed Sheppard is set to return to the starting unit. Even with a full lineup, Sheppard will carry a heavier workload in Friday's game after Rockets head coach Ime Udoka told reporters on Thursday that he would see increased minutes. In Tuesday's Game 2, Sheppard was limited to 11 minutes.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Sonny Styles Selected Seventh Overall by Commanders
The Washington Commanders have selected Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles with the seventh overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Styles spent his entire four-year college career with the Buckeyes. While he logged only one tackle for loss in his debut campaign, he would begin to find his footing in his sophomore season, tallying 4.5 TFL and 2.0 sacks. In 2024, on the National Championship-winning team, Styles would lead the way, tallying a career-best 6.0 sacks and 10.5 tackles for loss. This past season, Styles would conclude his college career with 46 solo tackles, but added just one sack and was named second-team All-American. During the pre-draft process, Styles was credited as one of the top pure tacklers in the class and for having elite range in the open field. Styles will bring a much-needed spark to the Washington defense that allowed 26.5 points per game during the 2025 season.
Source: Ari Meirov
Source: Ari Meirov
Victor Wembanyama Officially Listed as Questionable for Game 3
San Antonio Spurs forward/center Victor Wembanyama (concussion) has been tagged as questionable on the official injury report before Friday's Game 3 against the Portland Trail Blazers. The French phenom has traveled with the team to Portland and could be available to play despite his nasty fall in Tuesday's Game 2 loss. Wembanyama must clear concussion protocol before he can suit up again. If that doesn't happen in time for Friday's game, Luke Kornet would start at center. During the regular season, Kornet rolled with the first unit in 25 games, averaging 7.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.4 blocks.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Browns Net Three Picks, Including Ninth Overall Selection in Massive Draft-Day Trade
According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, the Cleveland Browns have received the ninth overall selection, the 74th overall selection, and the 148th overall selection from the Kansas City Chiefs in exchange for the sixth overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft. The Chiefs moved up to the No. 6 spot to select LSU defensive back Mansoor Delane.
Source: Adam Schefter
Source: Adam Schefter
Terrence Shannon Jr., Jaylen Clark Won't Play Thursday
Minnesota Timberwolves forward Terrence Shannon Jr. (illness) and guard/forward Jaylen Clark (illness) won't suit up on Thursday against the Denver Nuggets. Both players were added to the injury report on Thursday morning due to illness, and the team has downgraded them from questionable to out ahead of tip-off. Even when in the lineup, Shannon Jr. and Clark haven't played in this series, so their absence doesn't have a significant impact on Minnesota's rotation. Ayo Dosunmu and Naz Reid will continue to lead the second unit in Game 3.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Chiefs Trade Up to Select Mansoor Delane With Sixth Overall Selection
The Kansas City Chiefs have traded up to the No. 6 overall pick to select LSU defensive back Mansoor Delane. The Browns initially held this pick at the start of the draft. Delane began his college career with Virginia Tech for three seasons before moving to LSU for his final campaign. With the Tigers, Delane enjoyed the best season of his collegiate career, being named a consensus All-American and posting the lowest passer rating allowed in the entire SEC. Across 11 games, he logged 26 solo tackles with 45 combined tackles and two interceptions. With Virginia Tech, across three seasons (33 games), Delane logged 82 solo tackles with six interceptions. Scouts viewed Delane as one of the top defensive back prospects in this year's class. Per reports, Delane is known for having a consistent technique in his coverage and brings much experience, given that he spent four seasons in college. He will join a Kansas City defense that allowed just 19.1 PPG last season and 195.8 passing yards per game.
Source: Ari Meirov
Source: Ari Meirov
Aaron Gordon Ruled Out Thursday
Denver Nuggets forward/center Aaron Gordon (calf) will miss Thursday's Game 3 against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Gordon was listed as probable on the initial injury report before he was suddenly downgraded to questionable on Thursday afternoon. Now, he has been officially ruled out due to tightness in his left calf. Gordon's workload has increased to 33.0 minutes per game in the postseason, leaving the Nuggets with a significant void in the rotation on Thursday night. With Gordon absent, Cameron Johnson, Tim Hardaway Jr., and Bruce Brown could all assume more important roles.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Giants Select Arvell Reese with Fifth Overall Pick
The New York Giants have selected Ohio State edge rusher/linebacker Arvell Reese with the fifth overall selection in the 2026 NFL Draft. Reese has spent his entire three-year college career with the Ohio State Buckeyes and won a National Championship with them during the 2024 season. After playing a limited role in his first year, Reese would gradually find a role for them over the past two campaigns. In 2024, Reese would log 0.5 sacks with 18 solo tackles. In 2025, Reese would take another step forward, totaling 6.5 sacks with 34 solo tackles and 10.0 tackles for loss. He would be named consensus All-American at the conclusion of this season. Per scouting reports, Reese is credited for not shying away from contact and having strong instincts to track down ball carriers. Reese will join a New York defense that allowed a high 25.8 PPG last season and totaled 39.0 total sacks.
Source: Ari Meirov
Source: Ari Meirov
Anthony Edwards Cleared to Play Thursday
Minnesota Timberwolves guard/forward Anthony Edwards (knee) will play in Game 3 against the Denver Nuggets on Thursday night. Edwards has been listed as questionable on the initial injury report ahead of each game this postseason as he deals with a knee problem. However, it doesn't seem to be a serious enough issue to keep him sidelined. That said, the injury could be affecting his play in this series, at least in terms of scoring efficiency. Edwards has made only 38.6 percent of his field-goal attempts, averaging 26.0 points per game. He has also notched 9.5 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 2.5 blocks.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Titans Draft Receiver Carnell Tate With Fourth Overall Pick
The Tennessee Titans selected Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate with the No. 4 overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft on Thursday night. This one wasn't really expected, but running back Jeremiyah Love came off the board the pick prior to the Arizona Cardinals. It's a big move for the Titans on offense to try to help young quarterback Cameron Ward improve in Year 2 in offensive coordinator Brian Daboll's scheme. Tate's selection by Tennessee will make it much more difficult for new wideout Wan'Dale Robinson to continue being a PPR beast. The 21-year-old Tate is known for having excellent contested-catch abilities while also being a smooth route-runner with reliable hands. The Titans don't have a great track record with selecting receivers early in drafts, but Tate could be an exception. In dynasty/keeper leagues, Tate is going to come off the board early in rookie-only drafts, although his long-term upside could be tied to the fate of Ward. In his three seasons with the Buckeyes, Tate maxed out with 52 receptions, 875 receiving yards, and nine touchdowns in his 39 games played.
Source: NFL.com
Source: NFL.com
Raiders Select Fernando Mendoza With First Overall Pick
The Las Vegas Raiders officially selected Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft on Thursday night. What we've known for months is finally official. The 22-year-old Heisman Trophy winner led Indiana to an undefeated season in 2025 and the national championship by completing 72% of his 379 pass attempts for 3,535 yards, 41 touchdowns, and only six interceptions in 16 games played. He was also a threat on the ground, carrying the ball 90 times for 276 yards and seven touchdowns. Running back Jeremiyah Love should come off the board first in rookie-only dynasty drafts, but Mendoza should be 1.02 in superflex leagues. The Raiders signed veteran Kirk Cousins to serve as a short-term bridge as the Raiders ease Mendoza into the NFL spotlight, but Mendoza should take over the starting gig under center in Vegas sooner rather than later. Mendoza will have a high-end fantasy ceiling in dynasty/keeper leagues because of his elite accuracy, quick release, and excellent decision-making skills. He's not quite a high-end dual threat as a rusher, but he should have a safe floor in the long-term. The Indiana product has been compared to both Cousins and Jared Goff for his ability to pick a defense apart from the pocket with pinpoint accuracy.
Source: Jordan Schultz
Source: Jordan Schultz
Jeremiyah Love Selected by Cardinals With Third Overall Pick
The Arizona Cardinals selected Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft on Thursday evening. There was a lot of speculation that the Cardinals might trade out of the third overall pick in this year's draft, but they ended up holding onto it and going with the top overall talent in this year's draft. The Cardinals were just too enamored with Love, even though they already have RBs Tyler Allgeier, James Conner, and Trey Benson on their roster. The 20-year-old is a fantastic athlete, and his stats for the Fighting Irish the last two years were off the charts. Love can do it all, as evidenced by a total of 2,497 yards and 35 rushing touchdowns on 362 carries in his final two seasons at Notre Dame. He added 55 receptions for 517 yards and five touchdowns in 28 total games. He's dynamic, explosive, and a home run hitter at every level, and he should give the Cardinals franchise plenty of juice. Despite Arizona's crowded backfield, Love will be the No. 1 overall pick in rookie-only dynasty drafts. Love's redraft fantasy value in 2026 will be a bit more volatile as he works to find a substantial role alongside Allgeier, Conner, and Benson. With the selection of Love, the Cardinals could be looking to trade away one of their other RBs.
Source: NFL.com
Source: NFL.com
Jets Go With David Bailey at No. 2 Overall in 2026 NFL Draft
The New York Jets selected Texas Tech linebacker/edge rusher David Bailey with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft on Thursday night. The Jets were definitely going defense with the second overall pick, and it basically came down to Bailey or Ohio State edge rusher Arvell Reese. Bailey became a dominant pass-rusher with the Red Raiders last year, and he had a sack in 11 games. Whether he can step up against the run will likely determine whether Bailey becomes a perennial Pro Bowler. The 22-year-old edge rusher stands at 6-foot-4 and 251 pounds. His first three seasons in college came with Stanford. In addition to his 14.5 sacks in 2025 at Texas Tech, Bailey had 19.5 tackles for loss. He boasts elite explosiveness off the line when rushing the passer and a wide array of pass-rushing moves when going up against offensive tackles. It might not be long before Bailey is in consideration in IDP fantasy football leagues at defensive line.
Source: NFL.com
Source: NFL.com
