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Cleveland Browns first round draft picks Spencer Fano, left, and KC Concepcion, right listen to a question during a news conference at the Browns training facility, Friday, April 24, 2026 in Berea, Ohio. (AP Photo/Phil Long)

Browns live up to expectations by bolstering offense during NFL draft

Joe Reedy, The Associated Press 5 minute read Saturday, Apr. 25, 2026

BEREA, Ohio (AP) — Even though most of the frustration with the Cleveland Browns’ offense has focused on the lack of a franchise quarterback, the unit has also been among the worst because of struggles at wide receiver and injuries along the offensive line.

General manager Andrew Berry and first-year coach Todd Monken hope they made some progress in bolstering those areas during the NFL draft.

The Browns took a receiver with two of their first three picks, while three of their 10 selections were offensive linemen.

Add in a pair of tight ends, and yes, a quarterback, and the Browns lived up to expectations that this would be an offense-heavy draft for them.

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Hopeful Buccaneers look to first-round draft pick Rueben Bain Jr. to restore “no-losing mentality”

Fred Goodall, The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

Hopeful Buccaneers look to first-round draft pick Rueben Bain Jr. to restore “no-losing mentality”

Fred Goodall, The Associated Press 5 minute read Saturday, Apr. 25, 2026

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are counting on first-round draft pick Rueben Bain Jr. to make a significant difference in their defense.

The explosive edge rusher helped the Miami Hurricanes reach the college football national championship game last season, and the Bucs are confident his physical and emotional style of play will help them improve while regaining some of the swagger they lost during a second-half collapse in 2025.

“He plays with a mentality — a no-losing mentality — at all times,” coach Todd Bowles said. “He fights and plays with the right kind of attitude and mentality that we're trying to bring to this team.”

Tampa Bay dropped seven of nine games following a 6-2 start, stumbling to an 8-9 finish that halted a stretch of five consecutive playoff appearances.

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Saturday, Apr. 25, 2026
Rueben Bain Jr., selected 15th overall in the first round of the NFL football draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, smiles during a news conference Friday, April 24, 2026, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)

Adding receiver DJ Moore in trade allows Bills to focus on defensive needs in NFL draft

John Wawrow, The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

Adding receiver DJ Moore in trade allows Bills to focus on defensive needs in NFL draft

John Wawrow, The Associated Press 5 minute read Saturday, Apr. 25, 2026

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — Buffalo Bills general manager Brandon Beane is on firmer ground defending his approach to the NFL draft this weekend, a year after facing criticism for failing to upgrade the team’s receiver position.

Beane got ahead of questions long before having to wait until Day 2 to submit Buffalo’s first pick, and before selecting Connecticut receiver Skyler Bell in the fourth round on Saturday.

Beane’s most significant draft decision came in early March.

Rather than risk a high pick on a receiver, and the time it might take for a prospect to develop, Beane took a surer route. He traded Buffalo’s second-round selection, 60th overall, to Chicago to acquire DJ Moore, an eight-year veteran, who’s topped 1,100 yards four times.

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Saturday, Apr. 25, 2026
Cornerback Davison Igbinosun, selected in the second round of the NFL draft by the Buffalo Bills, addresses reporters during an NFL football news conference, Saturday, April 25, 2026, in in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/John Wawrow)

The 49ers pleased with draft class that includes several players picked earlier than projections

Josh Dubow, The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

The 49ers pleased with draft class that includes several players picked earlier than projections

Josh Dubow, The Associated Press 5 minute read Saturday, Apr. 25, 2026

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — The NFL draft for the San Francisco 49ers followed a somewhat familiar pattern.

Picking a receiver well before he was projected to be drafted. Selecting a running back in the middle rounds. Targeting the defensive line. Waiting a bit before taking an offensive lineman.

That approach hasn't led to great draft successes in recent years, but the 49ers are hoping for better results this year from a class that featured five players taken more than 50 spots ahead of their rankings on the consensus board.

“Depends whose consensus,” general manager John Lynch said Saturday. “We got consensus in this building that’s the consensus I care about.”

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Saturday, Apr. 25, 2026
FILE - Mississippi wide receiver De'Zhaun Stribling (35) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Feb. 28, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy, Fiel)

Haslam breaks ground on Browns’ $2.6B domed stadium set to open in 2029

Joe Reedy, The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

Haslam breaks ground on Browns’ $2.6B domed stadium set to open in 2029

Joe Reedy, The Associated Press 5 minute read Friday, May. 1, 2026

BROOK PARK, Ohio (AP) — Cleveland Browns owner Jimmy Haslam and his family marked a significant milestone on Thursday with the groundbreaking ceremony for the new domed stadium scheduled to open for the 2029 season.

There are still a couple of questions to be answered though even as construction commences on the 67,500-capacity facility, which will be next to Cleveland Hopkins International Airport and about 15 miles (24 kilometers) south of downtown Cleveland.

The $600 million that the state of Ohio has committed to the $2.6 billion project is on hold due to a class-action lawsuit, which argues that the provision the state budget that took $1 billion from the state's Unclaimed Funds Account to help fund sports facilities in Ohio, violate constitutional prohibitions against taking people’s private property for government use.

Governor Mike DeWine did not know if the litigation would be settled by the time he leaves office in January after two terms.

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Friday, May. 1, 2026
Jimmy Haslam, left, one of the principal owners of the Cleveland Browns, talks with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell , right, before groundbreaking ceremonies for the new Browns stadium in Brook Park, Ohio, Thursday, April 30, 2026. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

Colts follow draft plan by getting faster in the midst of defensive overhaul

Michael Marot, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

Colts follow draft plan by getting faster in the midst of defensive overhaul

Michael Marot, The Associated Press 4 minute read Saturday, Apr. 25, 2026

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard made it clear in January he was going to make the defense younger and faster.

He delivered on that promise repeatedly during the three-day NFL draft.

Indy beefed up its thinnest position by using two of its first four picks on linebackers then added a hard-hitting, playmaking safety and a speedy edge rusher as the next steps in what has become a a major offseason overhaul.

Now the Colts will see how it all fits, starting with top selection CJ Allen of Georgia who is expected to be an immediate starter at middle linebacker.

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Saturday, Apr. 25, 2026
FILE - Georgia linebacker CJ Allen (01) speaks during a press conference at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Feb. 25, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy, File)

Packers emphasize defensive depth and create kicking competition while drafting only 6 players

Steve Megargee, The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

Packers emphasize defensive depth and create kicking competition while drafting only 6 players

Steve Megargee, The Associated Press 5 minute read Sunday, Apr. 26, 2026

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — Green Bay’s confidence in its returning players was evident from the way the Packers approached this week’s draft.

With virtually all their starting positions already settled, the Packers made just six draft selections to match their lowest total in franchise history.

It represented a major contrast for general manager Brian Gutekunst, who had averaged 10 picks over his previous eight drafts.

“I’ve talked a little about (how) I like the depth of our football team,” Gutekunst said. I like the way our roster is shaping up. Yeah, I would have loved to have more. But the board didn’t line up like that would have been a good thing for us."

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Sunday, Apr. 26, 2026
FILE - Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst walks on the field before a NFL football game against the Detroit Lions in Green Bay, Wis., Sept. 7, 2025. (AP Photo/Jeffrey Phelps, File)

Jerry Jones says Cowboys have ‘changed this defense’ as NFL draft focuses on beleaguered unit

Schuyler Dixon, The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

Jerry Jones says Cowboys have ‘changed this defense’ as NFL draft focuses on beleaguered unit

Schuyler Dixon, The Associated Press 5 minute read Saturday, Apr. 25, 2026

FRISCO, Texas (AP) — The Dallas Cowboys took a player they coveted but didn't expect to get in the NFL draft with safety Caleb Downs and added one edge rusher in Malachi Lawrence alongside another who might end up being a more traditional linebacker in Jaishawn Barham.

In their first draft since one the league's worst defenses gave up the most points with the fewest interceptions in franchise history, the Cowboys are mostly finished with an extreme makeover that included trades and free agent signings, not to mention the January hiring of 34-year-old defensive coordinator Christian Parker.

“We’ve changed this defense,” owner and general manager Jerry Jones said. “And if it were just last year, the way we played on defense, then that might not have called for this. But ... what you’re seeing going on right now is a product of three or four or five years or maybe more that we just haven’t been able to ultimately get where we’re trying to go and be a contender. It’s going to be different, it’s going to be fresh.”

Dallas missed the playoffs the past two seasons in large part because it couldn't get the defense right, and the 30-year run without even a trip to the NFC championship game — the longest in the conference — is well-chronicled for a proud franchise with five Super Bowl titles.

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Saturday, Apr. 25, 2026
Dallas Cowboys team owner Jerry Jones, left and head coach Brian Schottenheimer, right, react as first round draft pick Caleb Downs, center, responds to a question during a news conference at the team's NFL football headquarters Friday, April 24, 2026, in Frisco, Texas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

Former NFL defensive lineman Josh Mauro dies at 35

The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Former NFL defensive lineman Josh Mauro dies at 35

The Associated Press 2 minute read Tuesday, Apr. 28, 2026

TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) — Former NFL defensive lineman Josh Mauro, who played eight seasons for three different teams, has died. He was 35.

The Arizona Cardinals, Las Vegas Raiders and Mauro's family confirmed on social media that he died last week. A cause of death was not given.

The 6-foot-6, 290-pounder played six seasons with the Cardinals and one each with the New York Giants and then-Oakland Raiders. His most productive season came in 2016 with the Cardinals when he played in 15 games, starting 13, and finished with 32 tackles.

He played in college at Stanford and his final season in the NFL was with the Cardinals in 2021. Mauro played in 80 total NFL games, starting 40, and had five career sacks.

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Tuesday, Apr. 28, 2026
FILE - Oakland Raiders defensive end Josh Mauro (97) during the first half of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos on Sept. 9, 2019, in Oakland, Calif. (AP Photo/D. Ross Cameron, File)

Hall of Fame linebacker Lawrence Taylor is hospitalized with a stomach-related issue

The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Hall of Fame linebacker Lawrence Taylor is hospitalized with a stomach-related issue

The Associated Press 2 minute read Monday, Apr. 27, 2026

NEW YORK (AP) — New York Giants Hall of Fame linebacker Lawrence Taylor has been hospitalized for a stomach-related issue that a representative of his said does not appear to be life-threatening.

In a statement released Monday, attorney Mark Eiglarsh said Taylor authorized him to let the public know that the 67-year-old has been in the hospital for a week with no discharge date determined. Eiglarsh said Taylor remains under medical observation and is showing signs of improvement.

“Lawrence asks that I convey his sincere gratitude to everyone who has been thinking of him and keeping him in their prayers during this challenging time,” Eiglarsh said.

Taylor spent his entire 13-season NFL career with the Giants from 1981-93 and helped them win the Super Bowl twice while being an eight-time AP All-Pro selection and earning MVP honors in 1986. His No. 56 is retired by the organization, and he was inducted into the Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, in 1999.

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Monday, Apr. 27, 2026
FILE - Former New York Giants Lawrence Taylor on the field before an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts on Jan. 1, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger, File)

Steelers use 7 of 10 draft picks on offense as they wait for Rodgers to decide on return

Dan Scifo, The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

Steelers use 7 of 10 draft picks on offense as they wait for Rodgers to decide on return

Dan Scifo, The Associated Press 5 minute read Saturday, Apr. 25, 2026

PITTSBURGH (AP) — The Pittsburgh Steelers still don’t know if quarterback Aaron Rodgers will return for his 22nd season in 2026.

If the 42-year-old decides to play, the four-time MVP will lead a team filled with fresh faces on offense. Pittsburgh used seven of its 10 picks in the NFL draft on that side of the ball, starting with offensive tackle Max Iheanachor in the first round and ending it with Navy wide receiver/running back (and Pittsburgh native) Eli Heidenreich in the seventh.

“That’s how the draft sorted itself out,” general manager Omar Khan said. “We trusted our board and trusted our process.”

It’s the first time since 1976 that the Steelers drafted six offensive players among their first seven picks.

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Saturday, Apr. 25, 2026
Navy running back Eli Heidenreich celebrates after being chosen by the Pittsburgh Steelers with the 230th overall pick during third day of the NFL football draft, Saturday, April 25, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

Raiders’ 2026 draft will be defined by how Fernando Mendoza performs

Mark Anderson, The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

Raiders’ 2026 draft will be defined by how Fernando Mendoza performs

Mark Anderson, The Associated Press 5 minute read Saturday, Apr. 25, 2026

HENDERSON, Nev. (AP) — This week for the Las Vegas Raiders will be known, for better or worse, as the Fernando Mendoza draft after he was taken first overall on Thursday night.

The organization's 2007 NFL draft is still remembered as the flop that became quarterback JaMarcus Russell when he was the top pick. It didn't help it also was an underwhelming draft class for the then-Oakland Raiders.

Current Raiders management has been doing what it can to relieve stress on Mendoza by spending big in free agency, using nine other picks to try to add more talent and signing veteran quarterback in Kirk Cousins so that the rookie doesn't necessarily have to start right away.

But Mendoza will play, whether that's at the beginning of the season or later. Raiders coaches and officials need to know what they have in Mendoza — who won the Heisman Trophy and led Indiana to the national championship — and whether he indeed is their franchise QB.

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Saturday, Apr. 25, 2026
Las Vegas Raiders first-round draft pick Fernando Mendoza attends a fan party after an NFL football news conference Friday, April 24, 2026, in Henderson, Nev. (AP Photo/Candice Ward)

The Titans go for positions of need in NFL draft, rebuilding roster for new coach

Teresa M. Walker, The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

The Titans go for positions of need in NFL draft, rebuilding roster for new coach

Teresa M. Walker, The Associated Press 5 minute read Saturday, Apr. 25, 2026

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Talking about drafting the best player available sounds good. Trying to snap a skid of four straight losing seasons requires players that fit a team's needs.

The Tennessee Titans tried their best to do just that for new coach Robert Saleh.

“Obviously you want to take the best player, but you’re trying to marry up value with need," general manager Mike Borgonzi said Saturday night. "But I do think we did fill some needs.”

The Titans made Carnell Tate of Ohio State the first wide receiver drafted at No. 4 overall, giving offensive coordinator Brian Daboll and quarterback Cam Ward another playmaker. Veteran Calvin Ridley is coming off a season-ending injury and will turn 32 late in the year.

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Saturday, Apr. 25, 2026
Tennessee Titans general manager Mike Borgonzi, left, first round draft picks Carnell Tate, and Keldric Faulk pose with head coach Robert Saleh, right, after a news conference at the NFL football team's training facility Friday, April 24, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Dolphins’ new coach and GM bet big on toughness in the NFL draft

Alanis Thames, The Associated Press 6 minute read Preview

Dolphins’ new coach and GM bet big on toughness in the NFL draft

Alanis Thames, The Associated Press 6 minute read Saturday, Apr. 25, 2026

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — Dolphins general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and coach Jeff Hafley articulated their goal weeks ago: They wanted to rebuild the franchise around toughness and physicality.

They walked away from their first draft in Miami with the players they wanted.

“I would say it was collaborative, cohesive,” Sullivan said. “I felt like we executed. I felt like we helped the Miami Dolphins. I speak for both of us when we talk about the excitement of the players we drafted and the culture we're trying to build.”

The Dolphins had 13 picks, and they used the first two on Alabama offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor (12th overall) and San Diego State cornerback Chris Johnson (27th) — players who fit the mold of toughness and are expected to be tone-setters.

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Saturday, Apr. 25, 2026
Kadyn Proctor, the 12th overall pick in the NFL Draft, shows his 1972 tattoo in honor of his stepfather while being introduced to local media during a press conference, Friday, April 24, 2026, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Jim Rassol)

From Sonny Styles on, Commanders emphasize versatility in the draft

Ethan Cadeaux, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

From Sonny Styles on, Commanders emphasize versatility in the draft

Ethan Cadeaux, The Associated Press 4 minute read Saturday, Apr. 25, 2026

ASHBURN, Va. (AP) — Coming off the Washington Commanders going 5-12 last season, general manager Adam Peters declared he and his staff were going to do everything they can not to let that happen again.

They were one of the most active teams in free agency, adding 15 new players, including six who figure to be defensive starters or significant contributors. It's a haul that allowed them to prioritize impact players in the draft.

Despite having just two picks in the top 100, Washington improved its defense by taking Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles with the seventh pick in the first round and then filled a big need at wide receiver with Clemson's Antonio Williams early in the third.

At No. 7, Commanders prioritized talent over need

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Saturday, Apr. 25, 2026
Washington Commanders first-round draft pick linebacker Sonny Styles speaks during a news conference at the team's NFL practice facility Friday, April 24, 2026, in Ashburn, Va. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

Jaguars double up on tight ends in NFL draft in hopes of using more heavy sets in 2026 season

Mark Long, The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

Jaguars double up on tight ends in NFL draft in hopes of using more heavy sets in 2026 season

Mark Long, The Associated Press 5 minute read Saturday, Apr. 25, 2026

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — The Jacksonville Jaguars doubled up on tight ends and landed two very different players in the NFL draft: a bruising blocker and a bigger guy with some moves.

General manager James Gladstone said it was part of a leaguewide trend to get more tight ends on the field at the same time.

Now, though, the Jaguars are heavy at the position — and still need to sign starter Brenton Strange to a long-term contract.

Jacksonville opened the three-day draft by selecting Texas A&M tight end Nate Boerkircher in the second round Friday night and added to the room Saturday by picking Houston’s Tanner Koziol in the sixth, No. 164 overall.

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Saturday, Apr. 25, 2026
FILE - Texas A&M tight end Nate Boerkircher (02) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Feb. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy, File)

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