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Who are the greatest all-time first-round draft picks for every NFL team?
The first round of the NFL Draft features some of the best talents the league has ever seen. These are the best players ever drafted in Round 1 by each franchise.
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TODAY'S BEST
5 Young Broncos Turning Heads During OTAs
The Denver Broncos will host their mandatory minicamp on Tuesday, running through Thursday. As always, the mandatory minicamp comes on the heels of two voluntary OTA sessions, which have revealed a handful of standouts. The format of OTAs, including mandatory minicamp, isn't conducive to getting a solid read on trench players and linebackers. But even without pads and contact, the skill-position players can show out a bit, and the defensive backs. As one of the NFL's young up-and-coming teams, the Broncos could have several players ascending to a new level. Whether it ends up coming in the form of a solid step forward in 2025 or actually breaking out, a few players have been turning heads during this year's OTAs. Let's examine. Bo Nix | QB Nix has looked very polished and sharp this summer, by all accounts. With 18 NFL starts under his belt (counting playoffs), he didn't rest on his laurels this offseason. Although Nix admitted that he took a little time off at the end of the season, it's clear that he's worked hard to build on his impressive, historic rookie campaign. As a second-year player, the veterans are saying that he's leading by example — the first in, the last out — and that applies to everything from drills to meetings to the actual facility. There have been many anxious bloviations in the national media about Nix falling prey to the dreaded sophomore slump. But none of the common demoninators that accompany such quarterback regressions are present in Denver. Nix kept all of his coaches, which means it's the same scheme and play-caller. His offensive line is returning all five starters. And with the exception of running back Javonte Williams, Nix's 2024 supporting cast is back in action. Plus, the Broncos added weapons to the arsenal this offseason, offsetting Williams' departure with a second-round draft pick and signing two-time Pro Bowl tight end Evan Engram. With a coach as accomplished and savvy as Sean Payton, the last thing to expect in 2025 is a Nix regression. Nix's trajectory is quite the opposite. He's on the ascent. Devaughn Vele | WR One of the pleasant surprises of 2025, Vele has translated his unexpected rookie production into one heck of an offseason. It bodes very well for the regular season. Vele was a seventh-round pick who not only made the Broncos' roster, but ended up earning starts and a first-team role. He obviously wasn't content with his body of work entering the offseason because he's looked like a young wideout poised to take a quantum leap forward in Year 2. At this stage, the top two wideouts on the Broncos' depth chart are a relative lock: Courtland Sutton and Vele. Marvin Mims Jr. | WR Mims is close to being a lock for the No. 3 receiver role, as Payton has buzzed about the former second-rounder's confidence. If Mims can parlay his production down the stretch and that confidence into the 2025 season, the Broncos could have one heck of a receiver trio, especially with Nix throwing the ball. Entering Year 3, Mims is now a two-time Pro Bowler and a two-time All-Pro. But that's as a returner. How he played the last eight games of 2024, though, hints that he could be on the brink of earning some accolades as an actual wide receiver. Mims' coaches believe in him, as does Nix, and how could he not? Mims made some huge plays in critical moments of big games for Nix in the second half of the season. Mims is most definitely a player on the rise. Troy Franklin | WR Franklin isn't exactly the forgotten man in this equation. He also looks like he's invested the offseason time and effort to build on his rookie season before ever reporting for the voluntary workouts at Broncos HQ. Armed with a new jersey number (the same one he wore in college), No. 11, Franklin is looking to repeat the kind of production in Year 2 that made him Nix's top target at Oregon. The Broncos' wide receiver depth chart won't make it easy for Franklin to leapfrog a Vele or Mims, but his play will demand snaps in the offense, and Payton already sounds eager to oblige him. RJ Harvey | RB When a rookie enters the NFL, more often than not, he has nowhere to go but up. Even highly drafted rookies are starting from square one in the NFL. That being said, Harvey has looked very, very good in OTAs, showcasing that twitch and explosiveness the Broncos coveted. His jump-cut is lightning-fast. Blink, and you'll miss it. I pity the linebacker opponents who'll be charged with trying to tackle him. A look at Harvey's tree-trunk thighs, and it's easy to see where that explosion comes from. And there's a lot more power in him as a result than I think many give him credit for. At 5-foot-8 and 205 pounds, Harvey may be short, but he certainly isn't a small back. The Broncos hope to bring along his receiving chops and pass blocking quickly because Payton has already previewed a role for Harvey on third down. Don't read too much into where Harvey started on the depth chart, which is behind incumbents Audric Estime and Jaleel McLaughlin. Any rookie, including Nix last year, has to sing for his supper before getting fed. Recommended Articles The bulk of that will take place in training camp and the preseason. When the 2025 season is said and done, Harvey could be viewed as the newcomer to have the biggest individual impact on the Broncos offense — even more so than Engram.
Bill Simmons believes an NBA trade is already done
The NBA Finals are obviously at the forefront of everybody's mind, but what transpires this offseason is on the horizon and definitely worth considering. Founder of The Ringer and podcast host Bill Simmons thinks terms may already be finalized in a Kevin Durant-San Antonio Spurs trade. "I wouldn't be surprised if [Durant] to the Spurs is already done, and they haven't announced it. Basically, they've agreed on specifics, just announce it on the week of the draft," Simmons explained. "This goes back to the Giannis [Antetokounmpo] thing. I think they trade for [Durant] because it just costs less. They'll be able to be competitive and maybe go a couple of rounds in the playoffs, but they're also going to keep the No. 2 pick and do it that way, which is my prediction." If this is the case, the Spurs are undoubtedly making the right decision by not sacrificing their future and completely overhauling their roster for Antetokounmpo. It's not a knock on Antetokounmpo, who could dramatically alter the landscape of the NBA if he is traded this offseason. San Antonio already has the building blocks of a championship contender in the near future. Acquiring the former 2013 first-round selection would require the Spurs to give up a package that would most likely include Stephon Castle and the No. 2 pick in this year's draft, a steep price for a player who is 30 years old and who plays in a physical style. Meanwhile, landing Durant would come at a much cheaper price, as he is 36 years old and an asset the Phoenix Suns are trying to offload, as they are attempting to re-tool and contend, which is a pipedream, to say the least. Regardless, Durant will be playing elsewhere in 2025, and San Antonio is a plausible landing spot for the two-time league MVP. In contrast to the package it would take to land Antetokounmpo, the Spurs could send Devin Vassell, Harrison Barnes, Keldon Johnson, and a draft pick, whether that be the No. 14 selection or a first-round pick in the near future. San Antonio could roll out a lineup that consists of De'Aaron Fox, Castle, Dylan Harper (presumably the second-overall pick), Kevin Durant, and Jeremy Sochan. It's just rumors and speculation, but it is a proposition that makes sense for an organization that is a piece or two from entering the championship contender conversation.
Maple Leafs Forward Max Domi Shares Heartfelt Tribute to His Mom in Emotional Message
Maple Leafs forward Max Domi, who was one of the team's better players during the Stanley Cup Playoffs, has shared a heartfelt tribute to his mom on Instagram. While the Toronto Maple Leafs were eliminated from the ECSF by the divisional foe Florida Panthers after a series win over the Ottawa Senators, one player who can't have the finger pointed at him is Max Domi. Domi was one of the more consistent Maple Leafs players during their latest playoff disappointment, scoring 7 points (3G, 4A), including the OT GWG in the opening round's Game 2. Domi, who is the son of former Maple Leafs beloved forward Tie Domi, recently shared a heartfelt tribute to his mom Leanne on Instagram. My mom used to have to wake up at 3 am every single night to test my blood glucose levels when I was a kid. Wouldn't be where I am without you. Love you mom. The younger Domi, who grew up watching his dad play in the NHL for the Maple Leafs, was taken 12th overall in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft by the Arizona Coyotes, who are now known as the Utah Mammoth based out of Salt Lake City. In 2018, he would be traded to the Montreal Canadiens, a strange sight to see considering who his father played for. During a practice session in Montreal, Tie even donned a Habs sweater while skating alongside Max. Max has since played for the Columbus Blue Jackets, Carolina Hurricanes, Chicago Blackhawks, and Dallas Stars. He then signed a 1-year deal with the Maple Leafs ahead of 2023-24 and later turned that into a 4-year extension nearly a calendar year ago. He had 33 points (8G, 25A) in 74 games in his 2nd season with the Leafs this year.
Canadiens Predicted to Land 2-Time All-Star in Massive Offseason Move
The Montreal Canadiens are entering a crucial offseason following an inspirational run to the playoffs. Montreal took a massive step forward in terms of contention and is now expected to use the offseason as a way to build on the success. The Canadiens have a solid young core in place, but if they want to keep growing, they may need an extra boost. Montreal could look to the free agent market to make that happen, and they seem to be a strong destination spot for players. One player who could help is star Brad Marchand from the Florida Panthers. Marchand will become a free agent once the Stanley Cup Final ends, and he could have a strong market. NHL writer Adam Gretz of Bleacher Report has linked Marchand to the Canadiens, in what would be a power move from Montreal. "But if the Canadiens are going to build on that, they cannot just rely on the young core to keep getting better. They need to complement it with more talent and some outside help, and they could use a two-way winger with some nastiness to his game. Marchand's two-way play, veteran presence and track record of playoff success might play well on a young team that is still learning how to win and trying to establish itself as a contender.", Gretz wrote. Adding Marchand to this young team could enhance their chances next season to contend. Marchand has fit in well with the Panthers and is a big reason why the team sits only a few wins from another title. For the postseason, Marchand has scored seven goals and 10 assists over 19 games. His playoff production could net him a massive payday this offseason, with the Canadiens being an interesting landing spot.
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