03272026 SPORTS

SPORTS

Freedom Baptist Warriors celebrate ‘another tremendous sporting year’

‘A

rough start’ for Bahamas

By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor bstubbs@ tribunemedia.net

HEAD coach Kevin Davies said it was a rough start for The Bahamas’ youthful men's national soccer team in their first of two games played in the March window of the 2025-2026 CONCACAF Series.

Team Bahamas suffered a 3-1 loss to Anguilla yesterday at the Truman Bodden Sports Complex in George Town, Cayman Islands, in the CONCACAF Series, which provides

international friendly competition for member associations with competitive matches as teams continue their development on the regional stage.

"It was rough. It was rough," said Davies, who was assisted by  Andre Roberts.

"We scored first. They came back and equalised it at 1-1 at the half.

"We gave up a penalty kick and it was just a struggle to fight and get back into the game. We had chances and they had their chances, but we just didn't put away the chances that we had."

By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

THE small but mighty Freedom Baptist Academy celebrated another tremendous sporting year for their Warriors basketball and track and field teams.

The less than 100-student population hosted a special assembly yesterday at its school where the principals, husband-wife team of pastor Vincent and Talcina Major, also recognised the accomplishments of their academic students.

Legendary basketball player turned coach James Clarke, now a consultant at the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, gave the keynote address, congratulating the players, teams, coaches, staff and parents of the school for their outstanding performances.

Clarke, a former principal at Doris Johnson Secondary High School for six years, said he was so impressed with the way the students conducted themselves in their devotion that he would like to invite them to open the prestigious Father Marcian Peters Invitational Tournament in December.

Johnson, who was the first coach to achieve a threepeat victory at the popular Hugh Campbell Basketball Classic for senior boys basketball teams when he was at Hawksbill High in Grand Bahama, took the students through a brief history of his life growing up in Fox Hill.

Using the scripture in the Bible from Ephesians 6: 1, Clarke noted how he started out gambling, but once his mother advised him to stop, he obeyed her commands and was able to turn his life around.

He pointed out that with the talent that he's seen from the Warriors teams, he wants to encourage them to stay away from the negative crowd and focus their attention on their academics and athletics so that they too can become future outstanding student-athletes.

Josiah Major, the head coach of the boys’ teams, said they are delighted to celebrate the six championship titles that their primary boys’ basketball team won this year.

They started out with the Temple Christian Academy tournament in September; DW Davis Thanksgiving Tournament in November; the Father Marcian Peters Invitational in December; the Gladstone McPhee/ Cecil Thompson Tournament in Grand Bahama; the Providence Basketball Classic in March. "We were blessed this year. The kids

Robert Holcombe booted in the lone goal for Team Bahamas, whose team included Dylan Archer, Michael Butler,  Jamario Charles,  Prince Cooper, Lamond Cross,  Re’John Ene, Creven Ferguson,  Robert Holcombe, Joshua Johnson, Nahum Johnson, Junior Kelly, Lothario Milfrise,  Justin

Minns, Christopher Rahming, Dwayne Taylor Jr., Keno Thomas, Miguel Thompson and Vance Wheaton.

Davies said they just got off to a slow start. "When I say started slow, they had us under pressure, but we were able to break them down and score," he said. "But after they equalised and went ahead, we struggled a little. We played too defensively in

did a great job," he said.

"Coach Nat McKinney did an excellent job with the boys. He was a good, strong-minded person who had a passion for working with young people.

"As an Olympian, he brought a lot of knowledge to our track team and we were able to implement that in basketball because he has a lot of experience in the sport aswell. I thank God for him. I love him and appreciate what he brought to our programme."

Since the pandemic, Olympian Nathaniel McKinney, through his Dream Chasers organisation, has been assisting the sporting programme at Freedom Baptist Academy.

"Kids are continuing to excel in athletics and basketball," McKinney said. "So Dream Chasers are

the first half, but we started to open up in the second half and created a lot more chances in the second half." With about 4-5 players playing at the international level for the first time, Davies said it showed in their performances, but now that they have gotten over the jitterbugs, he anticipates the team will play much better against

SOCCER - SEE Page E10

By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

LONG time player and Davis Cup captain Marvin Rolle said he's delighted to be serving as the interim president of the Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association.

As a result of a requisition notice issued to the secretary of the BLTA, an extraordinary general meeting was held on Saturday at the National Tennis Centre.

The EGM, according to the constitution of the BLTA, may be called at any time at the discretion of the Council and shall be called by the honorary secretary within 14 days after the

BLTA - SEE Page E10

By Dr KENT L BAZARD Sports Medicine Physician

IF you’ve been around sports long enough in The Bahamas, you’ve seen it happen repeatedly. An athlete pulls up during a sprint, grabs the back of the leg, and limps off. A few weeks later, they are back in training. Not long after, the same injury returns. Over time, it gets labelled as a “bad hamstring,” but in most cases, it is neither bad luck nor simply a weak muscle. It is incomplete rehabilitation.

Hamstring strains remain one of the most common injuries across our athletic population, particularly in sports that rely on speed and explosive movement.

Track and field athletes, footballers, baseball players, and even recreational gym users are all affected.

What is often overlooked is that the hamstring’s most important role is not just bending the knee, but controlling movement at high speed. During sprinting, particularly in the late

swing phase, the hamstring is responsible for decelerating the forward-moving leg while it is being lengthened. This eccentric loading places the muscle under significant stress, making it the most vulnerable point for injury.

The initial injury itself is only part of the problem. What follows is where most athletes fall short. Pain subsides, movement improves, and activity is gradually resumed. However, pain resolution is not the same as tissue readiness. At a physiological level, the muscle is still recovering - remodeling fibers, restoring strength, and re-establishing neuromuscular control.

Returning to sport before these processes are complete creates a situation where the muscle is exposed to forces it is not yet prepared to handle.

One of the most consistent findings in recurrent hamstring injuries is a deficit in eccentric strength.

BAZARD - SEE Page E11

Why your hamstring injury keeps coming back: The missing link in rehab

Traditional rehabilitation programmes often emphasize general strengthening but fail to specifically target the muscle’s ability to control lengthening under load.

Exercises such as Nordic hamstring curls and Romanian deadlifts are critical in addressing this, yet are frequently underutilised or introduced too late in the process. In addition to strength deficits, other contributing factors are often present, including strength asymmetry between limbs, poor lumbopelvic control, and inefficient sprint mechanics. These are not always obvious during low-intensity activity, but they become significant at higher speeds.

The same pattern extends beyond hamstring injuries.

Calf strains, quadriceps strains, and recurrent ankle sprains often follow a similar course. The athlete rests, symptoms improve, and activity resumes without fully addressing the underlying deficits. In ankle injuries, failure to restore proprioception and dynamic stability leads to repeated sprains. In muscle injuries, inadequate loading and poor neuromuscular control result in ongoing vulnerability.

Across all of these conditions, the common issue is not the injury itself, but what is missed during recovery.What is often underestimated in this entire process is the role of nutrition. Injury is not just a mechanical problem—it is a physiological stress that significantly increases the body’s metabolic demands. During recovery, energy expenditure can increase by as much as 15 to 50 percent, depending on the severity of the injury, while protein requirements rise to support tissue repair and regeneration. At the same time, the body enters a catabolic state, particularly if activity levels are reduced.

Muscle loss can occur rapidly, with measurable declines in strength within days if nutrition is inadequate. This is compounded by what is known as anabolic resistance, where the body becomes less responsive to normal protein intake and requires higher-quality and more strategically timed nutrition to stimulate muscle repair. From a practical standpoint, this means injured athletes should not be eating less simply because they are training less. In fact, energy intake must be maintained or slightly

increased to support healing. Protein intake becomes a priority, typically in the range of approximately 1.8 to 2.5 grams per kilogram of body weight per day, distributed evenly across meals to optimise muscle protein synthesis.

Timing also matters. Consuming protein regularly throughout the day, including within an hour of waking and around rehabilitation sessions, helps maintain a consistent anabolic environment.

A pre-sleep protein source, such as casein, can further support overnight recovery.

Carbohydrates remain important, not only for energy but also for their protein-sparing effect,

helping to reduce muscle breakdown. Fats, particularly omega-3 fatty acids, play a role in modulating inflammation and supporting cellular repair processes.

Micronutrients are equally critical. Vitamin C supports collagen formation, which is essential for tendon and muscle healing. Vitamin D plays a role in muscle function and immune regulation, while minerals such as zinc and magnesium contribute to protein synthesis and tissue repair.

Deficiencies in any of these areas can delay recovery and increase the risk of re-injury.

In clinical practice, these nutritional principles are integrated alongside rehabilitation and performance strategies. Athletes are assessed not just for their injury, but for their overall recovery capacity. This includes evaluating body composition, dietary habits, and, where necessary, relevant blood markers. Nutritional strategies are then aligned with the stage of rehabilitation - higher protein and anti-inflammatory focus early on, followed by increased energy and carbohydrate intake as training intensity rises. This approach works in parallel with structured

rehabilitation. Early management focuses on controlling pain and restoring movement. Progressive strengthening follows, with an emphasis on eccentric loading. From there, neuromuscular control and movement efficiency are addressed before transitioning into graded exposure to high-speed activity. Objective testing, including strength assessment and movement analysis, is used to guide return-to-play decisions, ensuring that the athlete is not just symptom-free, but physically prepared.

Adjunctive treatments may be incorporated depending on the severity of the injury. Diagnostic ultrasound can be used to assess the extent of tissue damage and monitor healing. In certaincases, ultrasound-guided procedures or regenerative therapies may be considered. However, even with advanced interventions, the foundation of recovery remains consistent - progressive loading, structured rehabilitation, and appropriate nutritional support. A key point that must be emphasized is the difference between healing and readiness. A muscle may be healed in the sense that symptoms have resolved,

but not ready to tolerate the demands of sprinting, cutting, and explosive movement. Sprinting, in particular, places forces on the hamstring that are significantly higher than those experienced during gym-based training or low-intensity activity. Without a gradual and structured return to these demands, the likelihood of re-injury remains high. When rehabilitation is approached in a comprehensive manner— addressing strength, mechanics, load progression, and nutrition—recurrence rates decrease significantly. Athletes are able to return not just to participation, but to consistent performance. When any of these elements are neglected, the cycle of injury and re-injury continues.

Hamstring injuries are common, but they are not inevitable in their recurrence. The difference lies in how the recovery process is managed. For athletes, coaches, and parents, the focus should not be on how quickly an athlete returns, but on whether they are truly prepared to return. Because in the long term, proper recovery is not just about getting back on the field - it is about staying there.

MARINE FORECAST

Freedom Baptist Academy Warriors celebrate ‘another tremendous sporting year’

proud to be a part of this programme in the inner-city at Freedom Baptist Academy. “When you work hard, it’s the same results because the kids don’t have anything else to do, but to win. So with the programme in and out of school, it complemented each other.”

As long as they can continue to develop the skills of the students, he’s confident that Freedom Baptist Academy will be a force to reckon with, as long as they keep “God” first and foremost in everything they do and say.

Elray Deveaux, the latest addition to the Warriors’ team, coming over from TG Glover, said he felt right at home playing for Freedom Baptist Academy this year.

“We still have a lot to learn, but our coaches did a great job in helping us to win six tournaments this year,” said the 12-yearold sixth grader. “Next year, we hope that we can do it again.”

Tabethia Major, coach of the girls’ teams, said this was one of their better seasons for their primary girls, finishing up as runners-up in three tournaments.

“I felt they could have won the championship, but one of their accomplishments came in beating Temple Christian at the tournament in Freeport,” she said. “Temple Christian beat us all year,

GB BOXING ASSOCIATION

THE Grand Bahama Boxing Association, headed by Jermaine Gibson, recently honoured a number of boxers, including “Marvellous’ Marvin Smith and Quincy ‘Thrill-A-Minute’ Pratt.

While both boxers were not able to make the trip to Grand Bahama to receive their plaques, they got them from Wellington Miller, immediate past president of the Bahamas Olympic Committee, former amateur boxing president and current president of the newly formed Bahamas World Boxing Organisation.

“Congratulations Marvin and Quincy,” Gibson said.

“This is just a small token for all you both have contributed to the sport of boxing.”

In expressing his gratitude, Smith said “thank you sir.”

Pratt took it a bit further when he noted that “it was a good day to receive my award with my childhood friend Marvin. I started

but we were happy to beat them in that tournament. We went on to play Xavier’s in the final where we lost.”

Major noted that one of the biggest disappointments came in the senior girls’ division where they didn’t have that many games to play to develop their chemistry.

“We played in the small league with only Teleos, Mt Carmel and RM Bailey, so we didn’t play that many games,” she stressed. “There weren’t that many tournaments for the senior girls either.

“We were hoping to go to Grand Bahama and win that tournament, but they didn’t have one. We were the runners-up last year and we really wanted to win it this year.”

Shenika Doreus, the top senior girl who has played

boxing one year after him.

We both were trained by the late Leonard ‘Boston Blackie’ Miller. Thank you Mr Wellington Miller and coach Gibson. Marvin had a better amateur run than me, but we both won Bahamas boxing championship belts and we both fought future world champions early in our careers.”

ISLAND YOUTH BASKETBALL

LEAGUE

THE Island Youth Basketball League (IYBL), presented by Oak Tree Medical Center, will host its Playoff and Championship Day on Saturday, March 28, at the Kendal G.L. Isaacs Gymnasium, bringing the Winter Season to an exciting close.

Now featuring over 95 boys and girls across five divisions from K4 through Grade 9, the league continues to grow as a structured and positive space for youth basketball in Nassau. While the day will showcase competitive matchups, the league remains grounded in its

on the basketball team since she was seven, said even though they finished as the runners-up, they really wanted to win.

“It was nice playing with my team and with my family,” said Doreus, who is now 16. “We just need to practice more. We are so lazy and we don’t listen. Practice, hard work and team work will make us successful.”

Pastor Major summed it all up, indicating that it was a tremendous year for Freedom Baptist Academy.

“I always tell the kids that we want to be excellent in three areas, their academics, their attitude and their athletics,” he pointed out.

“I believe they have been trying hard and we have seen their improvements.

“Winning championships is wonderful. We want the

core focus — development, character and enjoyment of the game.

JUNIOR GOLF WEEK

THE Bahamas Junior Golf Association will hold its Junior Golf Week from Friday to Tuesday.

The week will commence with the welcome dinner on Friday at 7pm. On Saturday from 7am, the golfers will participate in a Blue Lagoon Adventure.

On Sunday, there will be a drive, chip and putt event at the Bahamas Golf Federation’s Driving Range at 2pm. Then on Monday-Tuesday, the tournament will be held at the Royal Blue Golf Club starting at 8am for 18 holes, nine holes and six holes.

The closing awards presentation will follow at 6pm at Royal Blue.

CYCLING SPRING ROAD

CLASSIC

THE New Providence Cycling Association will hold its Spring Road Cycling Classic over the weekend of April 11-12 at Clifton Pier.

kids to do that. But like we told them, when basketball is finished and you have the academics, you can get a scholarship to go off to high school or to college.”

As a school, Major said he was also proud that they won the spelling bee last year in the small schools association and they were runners-up this year. He said they also were mentioned for their

The individual time trial will begin at 5pm on Saturday, April 11, with the juniors competing over six miles and the adults covering 12 miles.

The road race will be held on Sunday, April 12, starting at 7:35am. The senior elites will ride 64 miles, under-23 will do 64 miles, open females 52 miles, masters male and female 46 miles, public races 24 miles, juniors (17-18) 52 miles,

improvements in the BJC examinations.

“The team is working together. The coaches, the administrators and the parents are all trying to make it happen. It’s a beautiful thing to see the students working together and praying together.”

As long as they continue to “put God first,” Major said Freedom Baptist Academy will continue to excel.

juveniles (14-16) 46 miles and-under 12 miles.

Prizes, including cash, trophies and medals will be presented to the various winners,

For more information, persons can contact 4335568 or 436-0685 or email bommus1967@gmail.com. Registration forms can be picked up at Cycles Unlimited online.

BBSF ELECTIONS

THE Bahamas Baptist Sports Federation’s election of officers is scheduled for Saturday, March 28, at its office at the Bahamas Baptist University/College, Jean Street.

FLAMINGO GOLF INSTALLATION

THE newly elected executive board of the Flamingos Women’s Golf Classic will hold its installation of officers at 5pm on Friday, March 27, under the theme: “Leading with grace and style in every swing.”

The installation will take place at the Bahamas Golf Federation’s Nine-Hole Golf Course and Driving Range at the Baillou

Head coach Davies says it was a rough start for Team Bahamas in CONCACAF Series

- from Page E1

the host Cayman Islands on Sunday.

“We will look at the film and see what we need to do,” he insisted.

“We will also watch them play and see how they play and adjust from there.”

Other members of the Bahamian delegation are Bruce Swan as the technical director, Larry Minns as manager, Carlton Adderley as assistant manager, Daniel Miller as the medical personnel and Frederick Lunn as head of delegation.

Hills Sporting Complex.

The dress code is Golf Clic. Refreshments will be served following the installation.

To RSVP persons are urged to email flamingoswomengolf@gmail.com

SPECIAL OLYMPICS

AWARENESS WALK SPECIAL Olympics Bahamas is scheduled to hold its Awareness Walk on Saturday, March 28, starting at 9am at the Western Esplanade.

The route will leave from the Western Esplanade, turn south onto Nassau Street to Poinciana Drive, continue south to University Drive and ending at the entrance of the Queen Elizabeth Sports Centre’s Legends Walk of Fame. Individuals and groups/ organisations are invited to participate.

The registration is now open.

Persons can enter the QR code, open the link, complete the applicable Individual OR Group Registration Form, submit along with their donation and they are all set to go.

Marvin Rolle delighted to be serving as BLTA interim president

receipt of a requisition in writing to that effect given by two or more clubs or five individual members of the association.

As the interim president until the proper election of officers takes place, Rolle said the focus is now on getting the members to regain their membership in the BLTA so that they can vote as they should have the right to.

“We’re not sure when we will host it, but definitely as

Despite the outgoing executive board, led by Perry Newton, that the Court’s Order dated September 22, 2025, stayed the BLTA’s election process, Rolle said they did everything fairly and clearly.

soon as possible, hopefully sometime next month,” Rolle said. “We want to give everybody a chance to vote. And if there are persons who want to run, we want to give that opportunity to do so as well.”

As a result of the EGM, the following resolutions were passed by unanimous consent: “(1) Resolved that the persons elected or appointed on 4th July, 2020

to the Council of the BLTA be and are hereby removed from office. “(2) Resolved that Officers and Councillors be elected from among the membership to manage the affairs of the association on an interim basis until the next duly held Annual General Meeting.”

In addition to Rolle, nominated to serve on the interim board are the following:

Philip Major as vice president; Tara MacTaggart as honorary secretary; Shena Bowleg as assistant secretary; Chandra Ferguson as treasurer and Bernadette Major as assistant treasurer.

The Councillors are Kweku Sykmonette, Jyles Turnquest, Alex Murbach, Patrick Fernander and Patti Symonette.

Rolle said although they had to remove the lock to gain access to the NTC, the interim board has been able to open the doors for a lot of former and new players to utilise the facilities, which in recent times have been locked down unless there were tournaments hosted by the previous administration.

“Coming out of our meeting, we noticed two tourists along with others who were playing on the court,” he said. “He said they were asked how did they get in and they told them that the gate was open and they came in to play.

“So it was a good sight to see that it was open to the public, whether you are a Bahamian or not. So that was very good for us to see. People are now coming out to play at the NTC again after they were denied the opportunity to do so under the outgoing administration, who had the facility locked down.”

Despite the Order that they operated under, the BLTA noted that a gathering of select persons purported to conduct proceedings outside the BLTA’s Constitution and in disregard of the court-ordered stay.

“The unconstitutional outcomes of that gathering were subsequently communicated and reported by certain local media houses,” The BLTA wrote.

“The BLTA wishes to underscore that there was no change to the Council (Board) on March 21, 2026.”

Rolle said his interim team is focused on getting the membership in place so that they can conduct a “clean and fair” election of officers in due course.

The BLTA, under Newton’s leadership, indicated that they remain engaged with the police and has also communicated with the Ministry of Youth, Sports & Culture in relation to these events.  Accordingly, the Association urges its members and all stakeholders to disregard any unofficial notices, decisions, resolutions, or representations arising from any unauthorised gathering held otherwise than in accordance with the Constitution.

Judge goes hitless on opening day for first time

NEW York Yankees second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. reacts after catching a line out hit by San Francisco Giants’ Matt Chapman during the sixth inning of a baseball game in San Francisco, Wednesday, March 25, 2026. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

By JANIE McCAULEY AP Baseball Writer

SAN FRANCISCO (AP)

— Aaron Judge went hitless on opening day for the first time and struck out four times for the first time since September 2024, but the New York Yankees still produced plenty of offence and beat San Francisco 7-0 Wednesday night in the debut of Giants manager Tony Vitello as the major league season began. José Caballero drove in the go-ahead run with an RBI single in a five-run second and also lost the first challenge taken to Major League Baseball’s so-called robot umpire, unsuccessfully appealing a strike by Logan Webb in the fourth. Max Fried (1-0)

Jasrado ‘Jazz’ Chisholm Jr and Yankees top Giants 7-0 as robot umpire debuts

allowed two hits in 6 1/3 innings to became just the fifth Yankees pitcher since 1969 with at least 6 1/3 shutout innings on opening day, joining Catfish Hunter (1977), Ron Guidry (1980), Rick Rhoden (1988) and David Cone (1996). New York won an opener with a shutout on the road for the first time since 1967. Webb (0-1) started the fourth inning with a 90.7 mph sinker on the upper, inner corner that was called a strike by Bill Miller, a major league umpire since 1997. Caballero tapped his helmet, and the 12

Hawk-Eye cameras of the Automated Ball-Strike System upheld Miller’s decision in a graphic shown on the Oracle Park scoreboard. Caballero singled in the second and Ryan McMahon followed with a two-run single before Austin Wells' single prompted a mound visit for Webb. Trent Grisham hit a two-run triple and was checked by medical staff after a hard slide into third.

Judge was booed before the game and during each at-bat as he began his 11th big league season. The California native had been

pursued by the Giants during free agency in 2022 but he ultimately chose the Yankees' $360 million, nineyear contract offer. Webb, a 15-game winner last season making his fifth start on opening day, was tagged for six earned runs — seven in all — and nine hits over five innings. The 47-year-old Vitello made the big jump from coaching the University of Tennessee. Up next The teams resume the series this afternoon, with RHP Cam Schlittler starting for New York opposite lefty Robbie Ray.

AP Mock Draft 2.0: The Raiders take Fernando Mendoza at No. 1 overall

By ROB MAADDI AP Pro Football Writer

FERNANDO Mendoza didn't participate in on-field drills at the combine last month but plans to showcase his skills at Indiana's pro day next week.

He doesn't have to do anything else to improve his draft positioning.

The Heisman Trophy winner who led Indiana to its first national championship is an overwhelming favourite to be the No. 1 overall pick when the Las Vegas Raiders are on the clock on April 23.

The rest of the NFL draft isn’t that clear-cut. The only other quarterback expected to go in the first round is Alabama's Ty Simpson, whose stock is rising among analysts.

Here’s the second edition of the AP’s 2026 mock draft in order of picks:

1. Las Vegas Raiders:

FERNANDO MENDOZA, QB, INDIANA

Mendoza is a precise pocket passer with prototypical size, poise and maturity. The Raiders have some playmakers — Brock Bowers and Ashton Jeanty — and spent more than a quarter-billion in free agency. Having partowner Tom Brady around for advice should help Mendoza.

The Raiders haven't won a playoff game since losing the Super Bowl following the 2002 season and have only reached the postseason twice in that span. They need Mendoza to be a franchise QB.

2. New York Jets: ARVELL REESE, EDGE RUSHER, OHIO STATE

Reese is a freak athlete — he ran a 4.47 40-yard dash — who played off-ball linebacker and standup edge. He has the talent to be an elite edge rusher and the Jets need a can’tmiss prospect. New York added defensive help in free agency and via trade. Reese should make an immediate impact.

3. Arizona Cardinals: FRANCIS MAUIGOA, OFFENSIVE TACKLE, MIAMI

The Cardinals under firstyear coach Mike LaFleur didn't make a big splash in free agency other than releasing Kyler Murray. They'll rebuild through the draft.

Mauigoa is a three-year starter at right tackle who would instantly upgrade Arizona's offensive line if the Cardinals stay at this spot and don't trade down to add draft capital.

4. Tennessee Titans: DAVID BAILEY, EDGE RUSHER, TEXAS TECH

The Titans reloaded in free agency, revamping the secondary and adding depth on defence along with another target for Cam Ward in wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson. They have a tough choice here between running back Jeremiyah Love and two of the top edge rushers in the draft. Bailey is another immensely athletic edge with elite upside. New coach Robert Saleh can't pass him up.

QUARTERBACK Ty Simpson throws in passing drills during Alabama's NFL football pro day, Wednesday, March 25, 2026, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)

5. New York Giants: SONNY STYLES, LINEBACKER, OHIO STATE Styles’ impressive combine performance helped him soar into the top five on many draft boards. Protecting Jaxson Dart is a priority for the Giants so offensive line is an option at this spot but Styles is a supremely gifted defensive player.

6. Cleveland Browns: CARNELL TATE, WIDE RECEIVER, OHIO STATE Tate is a consistent route runner with excellent hands and enough speed to be a top playmaker. The Browns need offensive line help and a trade down makes sense for a team that needs assets. Tate gives them a No. 1 receiver.

7. Washington Commanders: RUEBEN BAIN JR., EDGE RUSHER, MIAMI Bain is a versatile rusher who can line up on the edge or inside against guards, creating mismatches. He’ll be a huge asset for the Commanders.

8. New Orleans Saints: MANSOOR DELANE, CORNERBACK, LSU Delane is the best cover corner in the draft. He’ll provide a significant boost for a Saints defense that lost starting cornerback Alontae Taylor in free agency.

9. Kansas City Chiefs: SPENCER FANO, OFFENSIVE TACKLE, UTAH

The Chiefs need to help Patrick Mahomes with better blocking and more receivers. Adding Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker in free agency improves the run game. Fano’s arm length became a topic after the Super Bowl but he has the natural talent to succeed.

10. Cincinnati Bengals: CALEB DOWNS, SAFETY, OHIO STATE Downs is an elite, versatile playmaker who strengthens a porous defence that has held the Bengals back in recent years.

11. Miami Dolphins: MAKAI LEMON, WIDE RECEIVER, USC

After trading Jaylen Waddle and releasing Tyreek Hill, the Dolphins need to get Malik Willis a top receiver. Lemon is an elite playmaker who creates matchup nightmares for defenses in the slot.

12. Dallas Cowboys: JEREMIYAH LOVE, RUNNING BACK, NOTRE DAME

Love is a top five talent but if he somehow slips, Jerry Jones can't pass up giving the offence a playmaker who can go the distance every touch.

13. Los Angeles Rams: JORDON TYSON, WIDE RECEIVER, ARIZONA STATE

He's an exceptional route-runner with speed who catches the ball in traffic. The Rams were interested in some high-profile wideouts so drafting Tyson upgrades a dynamic group that includes All-Pro Puka Nacua and Davante Adams.

14. Baltimore Ravens: OLAIVAVEGA IOANE, GUARD, PENN STATE

Ioane fills a big need for the Ravens and fits their run-blocking scheme nicely.

15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: KELDRIC FAULK, EDGE RUSHER, AUBURN

Scouts rave about Faulk’s leadership and he has obvious talent. The Buccaneers need a standout pass rusher and Faulk's the type of player who fits general

manager Jason Licht's character criteria.

16. New York Jets: TY SIMPSON, QUARTERBACK, ALABAMA

Simpson could finally be New York's long-term answer at quarterback. His stock has risen since the combine and ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky said he's the best quarterback in the draft. Simpson said: “I’m a program changer.” The Jets need that.

17. Detroit Lions: KADYN PROCTOR, OFFENSIVE TACKLE, ALABAMA

Proctor started at left tackle as a freshman and allowed just two sacks in his three seasons. He has great size — 6-foot-7, 352 pounds — and plenty of athleticism. Proctor even had five runs for 16 yards.

18. Minnesota Vikings: DILLON THIENEMAN, SAFETY, OREGON

Thieneman had an impressive combine, running a 4.36 40-yard dash that was faster than some of the NFL’s best receivers. A three-year starter, he’ll step right into Brian Flores’ defence.

19. Carolina Panthers: KENYON SADIQ, TIGHT END, OREGON

The Panthers improved their defence in free agency by adding edge rusher Jaelan Phillips and linebacker Devin Lloyd. They get the best tight end in the draft at this spot, giving Bryce Young a potential favourite target.

20. Dallas Cowboys: JERMOD MCCOY, CORNERBACK, TENNESSEE

McCoy is a consistent player with outstanding ball skills often mocked to the Cowboys at No. 12. If he's around this late, Dallas gets

(AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

a player who can anchor the secondary.

21. Pittsburgh Steelers: BLAKE MILLER, OFFENSIVE TACKLE, CLEMSON

Miller started 54 games in college and can step in right away and play for the Steelers, who need to strengthen their line.

22. Los Angeles Chargers: AKHEEM MESIDOR, EDGE RUSHER, MIAMI

Mesidor is an older prospect at age 25 but his talent is clear on video. He’ll generate pressure from the outside and is solid against the run.

23. Philadelphia Eagles: CALEB LOMU, OFFENSIVE TACKLE, UTAH

The Eagles often take offensive or defensive linemen in the first round and have a need. Lomu is an eventual successor to Lane Johnson at right tackle.

24. Cleveland Browns: DENZEL BOSTON, WIDE RECEIVER, WASHINGTON

Boston is strong, fast and has elite ball skills. He'll be an excellent fit for whoever ends up at quarterback for Cleveland.

25. Chicago Bears: CASHIUS HOWELL, EDGE RUSHER, TEXAS A&M

The Bears lost several starters in the secondary and adding a defensive back is an option but a strong rusher also helps significantly. Howell has proven he gets to the quarterback and finishes.

26. Buffalo Bills: ZION YOUNG, EDGE RUSHER, MISSOURI

Despite acquiring D.J. Moore, another playmaking receiver is an option. Edge also is a priority and Young is a disruptive force who brings energy and leadership.

27. San Francisco 49ers: MONROE FREELING, OFFENSIVE TACKLE, GEORGIA

Freeling has elite athleticism and just needs more experience after starting just one season on the right side. He has the athletic ability to adapt to a new spot and potentially switch sides for San Francisco.

28. Houston Texans: KAYDEN MCDONALD, DEFENSIVE TACKLE, OHIO STATE McDonald is another Buckeyes player going in the first round. He’s a natural run defender who’ll clog the middle of the line.

29. Kansas City Chiefs: AVIEON TERRELL, CORNERBACK, CLEMSON Terrell is an athletic cornerback who is projected higher in the draft. He immediately gives the Chiefs a replacement for Trent McDuffie.

30. Miami Dolphins: T.J. PARKER, EDGE RUSHER, CLEMSON Parker's production dipped after big numbers in 2024 but he's a strong, powerful edge with potential to flourish.

31. New England Patriots: MAX IHEANACHOR, OFFENSIVE TACKLE, ARIZONA STATE

Iheanachor is an athletic former basketball player with ideal size who will need time to develop but projects as a potential starter right away.

32. Seattle Seahawks: BRANDON CISSE, CORNERBACK, SOUTH CAROLINA

The Super Bowl champions improve the league’s best defence by adding another defensive back from South Carolina after hitting the jackpot with Nick Emmanwori last year.