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NFL

FILE - Dallas Cowboys chief operating officer Stephen Jones, left, and Cowboys owner Jerry Jones talk on the field before an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Sunday, Dec 24, 2023, in Miami Gardens, Fla. The Dallas Cowboys are resetting at running back eight years after drafting Ezekiel Elliott. (AP Photo/Doug Murray, FIle)

A reset at running back might look different for the Cowboys 8 years after drafting Ezekiel Elliott

The Dallas Cowboys are resetting at running back eight years after drafting Ezekiel Elliott. The club’s approach to the position has evolved since Dallas watched Elliott lead the NFL in rushing twice in his first three seasons.

FILE - LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) runs for a touchdown against Florida during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023. Daniels is a possible first round pick in the NFL Draft.(AP Photo/Derick Hingle, File)

Commanders are in line to take a quarterback with the NFL draft’s 2nd pick

Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton talks with reporters during an AFC coaches availability at the NFL owners meetings, Monday, March 25, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)

Moving on from Russell Wilson debacle leaves Denver Broncos in rebuild mode with QB among many needs

Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh talks with reporters during an AFC coaches availability at the NFL owners meetings, Monday, March 25, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)

Harbaugh likes Chargers being in the fifth overall position going into the NFL draft

Las Vegas Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce, center, talks with reporters during an AFC coaches availability at the NFL owners meetings, Monday, March 25, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)

QB-needy Raiders might try to trade up from 13th spot in the NFL draft

On Football

Analyzing the biggest topics in the NFL each week.

FILE - Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields passes against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 8, 2021, in Pittsburgh. The Bears traded Fields to the Steelers on Saturday, March 16, 2024, according to a person informed of the deal. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File)

FILE - Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields passes against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 8, 2021, in Pittsburgh. The Bears traded Fields to the Steelers on Saturday, March 16, 2024, according to a person informed of the deal. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File)

Analysis: Despite low trade value, Justin Fields still has potential to be a special player

Justin Fields went from being considered a franchise quarterback to disregarded by the Chicago Bears in just three seasons.

Past games

Analysis: Eagles, Bucs, Packers and Commanders earn highest free agency grades; Cowboys get only F

Analysis: Big Ten and SEC power play undermines credibility of playoff, marginalizes ACC and Big 12

Pro Picks

AP Pro Football Writer Rob Maaddi shares his picks for upcoming games.

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy speaks to the media during NFL football Super Bowl 58 opening night Monday, Feb. 5, 2024, in Las Vegas. The San Francisco 49ers face the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl 58 on Sunday. (AP Photo/Matt York)

Pro Picks: Purdy will lead the 49ers to another comeback win, ruining Chiefs’ repeat bid

Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid talks with reporters during an AFC coaches availability at the NFL owners meetings, Monday, March 25, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)

With Rice’s status up in the air, Chiefs could be forced to pick a wide receiver early in NFL draft

The Chiefs could be forced to pick a wide receiver early in the draft with the status of Rashee Rice up in the air.

FILE - Baltimore Ravens running back J.K. Dobbins (27)runs with the ball after making a catch during the first half of an NFL football game against the Houston Texans, Sunday, Sept. 10, 2023, in Baltimore. Dobbins signed a one-year contract with the Chargers Thursday, April 18, 2024, continuing the run of former Baltimore Ravens coming to Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams, File)

J.K. Dobbins signs with Chargers, continuing the trend of former Ravens heading to LA

Running back J.K. Dobbins signed a one-year contract with the Chargers on Thursday, continuing the run of former Baltimore Ravens coming to Los Angeles.

FILE - Texas wide receiver Xavier Worthy (1) makes a catch while covered by Washington cornerback Elijah Jackson, left, during the Sugar Bowl CFP NCAA semifinal college football game Jan. 1, 2024, in New Orleans. While Ohio State’s Marvin Harrison Jr. will most assuredly be gone the Buffalo Bills' scheduled NFL draft pick at No. 28, the Texas junior tandem of Adonai Mitchell and Worthy, or perhaps Georgia’s Ladd McConkey, could be available. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman, File)

Dropping the ball: Jags hope to end decades of ineptitude when it comes to drafting receivers early

The Jacksonville Jaguars have been mostly inept at drafting receivers. They have selected nine wideouts over the first three rounds of the NFL draft in three decades of existence.

Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans talks with reporters during an AFC coaches availability at the NFL owners meetings, Monday, March 25, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)

With no 1st-round pick, this year’s draft lacks buzz for Houston Texans

The Houston Texans won last year’s NFL draft by taking quarterback and AP Offensive Rookie of the Year C.J.

Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen talks with reporters during an AFC coaches availability at the NFL owners meetings, Monday, March 25, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)

With Anthony Richardson on board, Colts will look beyond quarterback in NFL draft

The Indianapolis Colts believe they found their quarterback of the future in last year’s NFL draft. This year they’re hoping to make Anthony Richardson’s supporting cast stronger.

FILE - Tennessee Titans general manager Ran Carthon responds to questions from reporters at the NFL football team's training facility, April 2, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn. The Titans have been among the league's biggest spenders in free agency, and they still won't be able to fill all the remaining holes with only seven selections in this NFL draft. (AP Photo/George Walker IV, File)

The Titans go into the NFL draft flexible at No. 7 with lots of needs to fill

The Tennessee Titans have been among the league’s biggest spenders in free agency. They still won’t be able to fill all the remaining holes with only seven selections in this NFL draft.

Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor, center, talks with reporters during an AFC coaches availability at the NFL owners meetings, Monday, March 25, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)

Bengals likely to look for an offensive tackle and run-stopping defensive lineman in the NFL draft

The Cincinnati Bengals went into the free agency period with explosive plays in mind. They need to have more of them on offense and allow fewer on defense.

FILE - Baltimore Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta speaks during a press conference at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2024. Some significant contributors to last season’s AFC North champions have departed. “Obviously, it’s always hard to see some of your favorite players go to other teams. I mean, that’s been a challenge,” general manager Eric DeCosta said. “But in terms of just being in a good spot, the vibe has been good. We’re building this team the right way.” (AP Photo/Michael Conroy, File)

Free agency left the Ravens with holes to fill as NFL draft nears, especially on the offensive line

It was clear from the start of this offseason that the Baltimore Ravens were going to lose quite a few players to free agency.

FILE - Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) sits on the bench during an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Sunday, Nov. 19, 2023, in Cleveland. For the third straight year, Cleveland is without a first-round pick after shipping three along with a handful of late-round selections to the Houston Texas in 2022 for Watson, who has yet to deliver a championship or even a playoff win. (AP Photo/Kirk Irwin, File)

Browns’ draft still affected by Deshaun Watson trade. Team without first-round pick for 3rd year

The NFL draft used to be a major event in Cleveland, viewed as a springtime Super Bowl for the team’s long-suffering fans. Not anymore.

Nick Schiralli, Denver Broncos assistant director of college scouting, left, talks with Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin as former Alabama players work at Alabama's NFL football pro day, Wednesday, March 20, 2024, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)

The Steelers made splashy moves in free agency. Don’t bet on a return to normalcy in the NFL draft

The Pittsburgh Steelers head into the NFL draft coming off a splashy offseason in which they made major moves in free agency.

Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel talks with reporters during an AFC coaches availability at the NFL owners meetings, Monday, March 25, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)

The Dolphins have a 1st-round draft pick for the 1st time since 2021 with several needs to address

Mike McDaniel joked during last year’s NFL draft that he couldn’t wait to finally have a first-round pick.

FILE - Buffalo Bills general manager Brandon Beane speaks during a news conference at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Feb. 27, 2024. With Stefon Diggs dealt to the Houston Texans, the Bills are expected to be targeting a receiver high in the draft. Just do not ask Beane, who would prefer to keep everyone guessing. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy, File)

Bills would preferably be on the receiving end in the NFL draft after dealing Diggs to Houston

With Stefon Diggs dealt to Houston, the Buffalo Bills are expected to be looking at a receiver in the NFL draft.

New England Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo, center, talks with reporters during an AFC coaches availability at the NFL owners meetings, Monday, March 25, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)

The Patriots enter the NFL draft needing a QB, but could trade down to fill other needs

Bill Belichick’s departure has created a domino effect inside the Patriots headquarters heading into the NFL draft.

FILE - Georgia tight end Brock Bowers (19) carries the ball after a reception during the second half of an NCAA football game against Auburn, Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023, in Auburn, Ala. Bowers is a possible first round pick in the NFL Draft. (AP Photo/Butch Dill, File)

Jets might have a tough call to make between a playmaker or protection at No. 10 in the NFL draft

The NFL draft board is wide open for Joe Douglas and the New York Jets. And they have plenty of options.

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson watches during the second half of an NBA basketball game between the Orlando Magic and the Golden State Warriors, Wednesday, March 27, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Browns pleased with QB Deshaun Watson’s progress after shoulder surgery

The Browns are expecting quarterback Deshaun Watson will be ready for their season opener. Watson underwent shoulder surgery in November.

FILE - LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) celebrates with his parents on senior day, for his final home game, before an NCAA college football game against Texas A&M in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023. Daniels is a possible first round pick in the NFL Draft.(AP Photo/Gerald Herbert, File)

NFL draft has potential to set a record for most players on offense selected in the first round

The 2024 NFL draft has the potential to set a record for most players on offense selected in the first round.

FILE - Alabama linebacker Dallas Turner (15) celebrates a sack against Mississippi during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Turner is a possible first round pick in the NFL Draft.(AP Photo/Vasha Hunt, File)

NFL draft: Top defensive players on the board

NFL teams in need of immediate help on defense will have a tricky time finding it in the first round or two of this year’s draft.

FILE - Southern California quarterback Caleb Williams (13) runs during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Washington Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, in Los Angeles. Williams is expected to be taken in the first round of the NFL Draft. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez, File)

NFL draft: Top offensive players on the board

This is the wide receiver and offensive tackle draft. Yes, it is very possible the first four picks on April 25 in Detroit could be quarterbacks, but that probably says as much about roster construction in the NFL these days as it does the quality of this year’s QB class.

FILE - Clemson linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr. (54) reacts during an NCAA college football game against North Carolina Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023, in Clemson, S.C. Jeremiah Trotter Jr. wears his dad’s No. 54, plays the same position and celebrates sacks and big tackles with the same signature axe swing. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman, File)

The sons of several former NFL stars are ready to carve their path into the league through the draft

Jeremiah Trotter Jr. wears his dad’s No. 54, plays the same position and celebrates sacks and big tackles with the same signature axe swing.

Sports on TV for April 22 - 28

Adv20

(All times Eastern)

Schedule subject to change and/or blackouts

Monday, April 22

MLB BASEBALL

7:30 p.m.

FILE - Michigan offensive lineman Zak Zinter (65) holds the trophy after the Big Ten championship NCAA college football game against Iowa, Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023, in Indianapolis. The lure of starting a pro career apparently isn’t quite as tempting for underclassmen now as it was in the days before college stars could profit off their name, image and likeness. Zinter didn’t enter last year’s draft and instead stayed for his senior season and helped the Wolverines win a national title. (AP Photo/AJ Mast, File)

This year’s NFL draft has lowest number of early entrants since 2011. That trend figures to continue

The lure of starting a pro career early apparently isn’t quite as tempting for underclassmen now as it was in the days before college stars could profit off their name, image and likeness.

Cowboys add veteran Royce Freeman, but running back remains a position of need in the draft

The Dallas Cowboys have signed free agent running back Royce Freeman. It’s likely an incremental move at a position of need going into next week’s draft.

FILE - Southern California quarterback Caleb Williams speaks during a press conference at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, March 1, 2024. Williams is expected to be taken in the first round of the NFL Draft. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy, File)

AP mock NFL draft 3.0: 8 trades, including 2 in the top 5 highlight AP’s final mock draft

The NFL draft madness begins early in the final edition of the AP’s 2024 mock draft. Eight trades in the first round. Two swaps in the top five.

FILE - Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) scrambles as he looks to throw a pass during the second half of an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2023, in Baltimore. Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson said he's following a conservative plan as he recovers from major shoulder surgery, but that he's been able to throw at full speed. “Everything is fluid motion, no hinging,” Watson said Tuesday, April 16, 2024, raising his arm to demonstrate. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams, File)

Browns QB Deshaun Watson throwing full speed after shoulder surgery. Timetable for return unknown

Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson said he’s following a conservative plan as he recovers from major shoulder surgery, but that he’s been able to throw at full speed.

FILE - Shane Bowen of the Tennessee Titans NFL football team, shown June 30, 2023. Shane Bowen is taking over as the New York Giants defensive coordinator and things are going to be different than the way Wink Martindale ran the unit the past two seasons. Based on each man's history, there will be less blitzing and more reliance on the front to generate a pass rush. (AP Photo/File)

Shane Bowen has big shoes to fill in replacing Wink Martindale as Giants defensive coordinator

Shane Bowen is taking over as the New York Giants defensive coordinator and things are going to be different than the way Wink Martindale ran the unit the past two seasons.

FILE - Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) lines up before the snap during an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Dec. 31, 2023, in Indianapolis. Crosby played through the pain of a knee injury much of the 2023 season, usually not practicing so he could play on game days. He said Monday, April 15, 2024, that he is now healthy. (AP Photo/Zach Bolinger, File)

Raiders pass rusher Maxx Crosby says he has recovered from a knee injury that limited practice time

Las Vegas Raiders pass rusher Maxx Crosby says his rehab from a knee injury that limited his practice time last season has been “incredible.”

FILE - New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers warms up before playing against the Buffalo Bills in an NFL football game, Sept. 11, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. On Tuesday, April 9, 2024, Aaron Rodgers acknowledged during a podcast interview this week he briefly thought his playing career could be over after he tore his left Achilles tendon in the New York Jets’ season opener. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger, File)

NFL’s first medical summit brought teams together to collaborate on improving player safety

The NFL has implemented new rules, banned another type of tackle and introduced equipment aimed toward improving player safety.

FILE - Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson gets set against the New York Giants during the second half of an NFL football game Dec. 24, 2022, in Minneapolis. Hockenson is rehabilitating from surgery that repaired the ACL in his right knee. There is no promise he will be ready in time to play in the season opener. He remains unhappy about the low hit by Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph that injured him on Dec. 24, 2023. (AP Photo/Stacy Bengs, File)

T.J. Hockenson is recovering from an ACL repair and hoping the NFL outlaws the low hit that hurt him

Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson is rehabilitating from surgery that repaired the ACL in his right knee.

Jets ‘return to roots’ with new uniforms that pay tribute to team’s ‘New York Sack Exchange’ look

The Jets are bringing back the “New York Sack Exchange” — at least the look of it. The Jets unveiled their “legacy collection” two months after team chairman Woody Johnson told fans new uniforms were in the works.

FILE - New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones grimaces after a sack during the first half of an NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders, Sunday, Nov. 5, 2023, in Las Vegas. Speaking after the Giants reported for the opening phase of organized team activites on Monday, April 15, 2024, Jones said he has not had any setbacks in rehabilitating his right knee and that the neck injury that sidelined early in the season is not longer an issue. (AP Photo/John Locher, File)

Giants quarterback Daniel Jones hopes to be ready for the start of training camp

Quarterback Daniel Jones is now throwing while moving in his rehabilitation from major knee surgery and he hopes to be ready when the New York Giants open training camp in late July.