As the 2024 NFL Draft approaches, teams in the top 10 face crucial decisions that could alter their franchises’ futures for better or worse.

Maurice Moton of Bleacher Report provides insights into the biggest potential mistakes these teams could make.

Commanders’ Case for Drafting a QB at No. 2

The Commanders should firmly commit to selecting a quarterback at the No. 2 spot despite potential high-value trade offers.

Drafting a quarterback can significantly contribute to playoff contention, as shown by the Houston Texans’ success with C.J. Stroud.

General Manager Adam Peters expressed interest in quarterbacks such as Jayden Daniels, Drake Maye, or J.J. McCarthy, which aligns with the team’s long-term needs despite the presence of recent backup QB signees like Marcus Mariota and Jeff Driskel.

Should Patriots Draft McCarthy or Trade for Depth?

With a critical third pick, the Patriots face the dilemma of either selecting the third-best QB or trading down for better value across multiple rounds.

Analysts suggest that quarterback J.J. McCarthy should be passed over due to the Patriots’ declining defense and lack of offensive weapons, which would put undue pressure on McCarthy.

Arizona Cardinals: Focusing on Receiver Support

Arizona must bolster its receiving corps to support Kyler Murray, especially after key departures like Marquise Brown and Rondale Moore.

With a potential top pick in Marvin Harrison Jr. or trade-down options like Malik Nabers, the Cardinals must ensure Murray has the tools to succeed.

Los Angeles Chargers: Assessing Trade Offers Carefully

With the fifth pick, the Chargers, under new leadership with GM Joe Hortiz and coach Jim Harbaugh, should consider all trade offers except from division rivals like the Broncos and Raiders.

Helping a rival team get a top quarterback could set back the Chargers’ progress.

New York Giants: Quarterback or Playmaker?

Having struggled with offensive output, the Giants should focus on adding high-impact players rather than quarterback J.J. McCarthy.

Given their lackluster performance and the need for robust offensive talent, options like Marvin Harrison Jr. should be higher on their draft list than a quarterback with limited collegiate success.

Tennessee Titans: Not Ignoring Offensive Line Needs

Looking to rebuild under a new coaching regime, the Titans must prioritize offensive line strength to protect and enhance quarterback Will Levis’ performance.

Drafting a top tackle with the No. 7 pick could prove crucial for their offensive stability.

Atlanta Falcons: Strengthening the Defensive Front

The Falcons must aim to draft a leading edge-rusher with the eighth pick to improve their defensive pressure, which has lagged significantly.

This selection could transform their defensive capabilities, complementing their offensive enhancements.

Chicago Bears: Balancing Defensive and Offensive Needs

The Bears, holding two top-10 picks, should be wary of over-drafting a defensive tackle at No. 9 and focus on acquiring a talent that balances Shane Waldron’s offensive scheme and Matt Eberflus’ defensive priorities.

New York Jets: Prioritizing High-Impact Players

Lastly, with the tenth overall pick, the New York Jets should focus on adding a high-impact pass-catcher.

Given quarterback Aaron Rodgers’s needs and the team’s overall offensive strategy, selecting someone like Brock Bowers could be more advantageous than bolstering the offensive line, which has seen significant off-season investments.

Washington Capitals defenseman Nick Jensen was taken off the ice on a stretcher during the first period after being hit by Tampa Bay Lightning forward Michael Eyssimont.

On-field Incident and Medical Response

During the Washington Capitals’ victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning at Capital One Arena, defenseman Nick Jensen was severely hit by Lightning forward Michael Eyssimont.

This incident happened at 18:29 of the first period when Jensen tried to dump the puck into the offensive zone.

The impact sent Jensen hard into the boards at center ice, but no immediate penalties were called against Eyssimont.

Michael Eyssimont with a late hit on Nick Jensen that appeared to leave him unconscious.

Nick Jensen had to be stretchered off the ice and the period was ended with 1:31 on the clock. pic.twitter.com/bCWdxrOl11

— Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) April 13, 2024

Capitals Coach Spencer Carbery described the event as a “scary situation” but observed that Jensen was “doing better” than expected after such severe incidents.

Medical Response and Team Reaction

The Capitals’ medical staff, led by Jason Serbus and Dr. Elizabeth Delasobera, quickly attended to Jensen, who needed about five minutes of treatment on the ice.

Their efficient response ensured Jensen was safely stretchered off and eventually walked out of the arena without needing to visit the hospital.

The game was paused, and teams were sent to the locker rooms. The remaining 1:31 of the first period continued after the intermission. Coach Carbery later updated that Jensen did not require hospitalization and could leave the arena with his family, which he described as very positive.

“He was in the facility today, so that was positive. Really good to see him able to leave and not have to go to the hospital and was able to go home and stay at his house last night. Everything was good from that standpoint.” Carbery said.

Impact on Team Roster and Playoff Preparations

Following the incident, the Capitals have made adjustments to their lineup. Coach Carbery confirmed that Jensen would not participate in the upcoming final two regular-season games.

Defenseman Dylan McIlrath was recalled from the Hershey Bears of the American Hockey League to fill the gap.

The Capitals are set to host the Boston Bruins next on Monday (7 p.m. ET; MNMT, NHLN, NESN).

However, the injury means Jensen will miss the remaining two regular-season games. His absence is a significant blow to the team, considering his contribution of 14 points from 77 games this season.​

Reactions to Jensen’s Injury: Perspectives from Both Teams

Jon Cooper, the coach of the Tampa Bay Lightning who previously mentored Jensen, shared his concerns and hopes for Jensen’s rapid recovery. He noted the challenge of witnessing such incidents in hockey, particularly when they occur without any penalties being called.

“Yeah, it’s tough to see anybody, but he’s a special kid for me. We won a championship in the USHL together. He’s awesome. Those are tough ones to see, especially because of the result of the hit and it wasn’t penalized, nor should it have been. It was just a tough one all the way around. I’m hoping he’s OK. I heard he’s doing OK, and so hopefully he’s not out after tonight.” said Lightning coach Jon Cooper.

The Capitals and their supporters hope Jensen will recover swiftly and thoroughly as the team gears up for the critical playoff games ahead.

The New York Knicks are considered a great candidate to trade for Anthony Davis, possessing the financial and draft resources required for such a significant transaction.

Anthony Davis and the Knicks’ Appeal

One NBA general manager believes the New York Knicks are the ideal trade partner if the Los Angeles Lakers decide to part ways with Anthony Davis.

According to sources, the Knicks have the financial capability and draft capital to make a compelling offer.

The proposed trade could include several high-value draft picks and potentially a rising star, fitting well with the Knicks’ capacity to take on Davis’ hefty contract.

Davis’ Contract and Salary

Anthony Davis’s contract includes $220 million remaining, with a base salary of $43.2 million for the 2024-25 season and a three-year extension averaging $62 million annually, setting the highest average annual value in NBA history.

This financial commitment from the Lakers was initially made to secure Davis through 2028.

Davis’ Impact Since Joining the Lakers

In 2019, the Lakers acquired Davis from the New Orleans Pelicans in exchange for three first-round picks and players Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, and Josh Hart.

This trade was described as one of the most important returns for a single-star player in modern NBA history.

Since joining the Lakers, Davis has delivered three All-Star seasons, and the team is potentially looking to secure a similar return.

Knicks’ Trade Assets: Balancing Picks and Player Potential

The Knicks are in a strong position to meet the Lakers’ demands with their first-round pick in the 2024 draft and additional protected picks from the Dallas Mavericks, Detroit Pistons, and Washington Wizards.

However, the picks from the Wizards and Pistons are heavily protected and may not be immediately useful, though they could hold future value for the Lakers, especially if a rebuild is necessary.

Potential Trade Pieces: Julius Randle’s Role

Julius Randle, another All-Star, might be included in the Knicks’ package for Davis.

Randle, who has two years remaining on his contract with a $29.5 million player option, could be a key piece in a trade to bring another star to the New York Knicks.

Despite being ruled out for the postseason due to shoulder surgery, Randle’s performance of averaging 24 points per game in 46 starts this season makes him a valuable trade asset.

Arman Tsarukyan encountered a physical altercation with a fan during his walkout at UFC 300, overshadowing his victory against Charles Oliveira.

Arman Tsarukyan’s Victory and Controversial Moment

Arman Tsarukyan faced Charles Oliveira at UFC 300, a night that turned out to be memorable not just for the fights but also for a controversial incident during Tsarukyan’s entrance.

After winning the match by split decision against the former lightweight champion, Arman Tsarukyan was involved in an unexpected physical altercation with a fan during his walkout.

Details of Tsarukyan’s Walkout Altercation at UFC 300

Videos circulated online showing Tsarukyan’s interaction with the fan.

As Tsarukyan approached the octagon, extending his arm seemingly to shake hands with a fan, the situation escalated quickly.

Arman Tsarukyan punched a fan during his walkout to fight Charles Oliveira ? pic.twitter.com/DMoX27o8H1

— Happy Punch (@HappyPunch) April 14, 2024

The footage shows Tsarukyan suddenly turning toward the fan and appearing to punch him. This incident sparked a lot of discussions and was a major talking point after the event.

UFC’s Reaction to the Incident

Dana White, UFC president, addressed the incident with his usual flair at the post-fight press conference.

“Yeah, you might not want to hang over things and grab people when they’re walking out,” White commented, indicating that the intense environment and the fighters’ adrenaline could lead to unexpected reactions like this.

He humorously added, “I’m sure we’re probably going to get sued but we’ll deal with that on Monday too.”

Tsarukyan Addresses Walkout Clash, Plans Future Moves

Tsarukyan was forthright in his explanation of the events.

In his words, “He showed me that he wanted to f*** punch me, and I wanted to punch him back, that’s it. No one shows me ‘f*** you’ [like that] it doesn’t matter who you are, I’m going to punch you in the face.”

He further explained the proximity as a trigger for his reaction, noting the inevitability of escalation when someone is within close range in such a charged atmosphere.

Tsarukyan’s victory over Oliveira may pave the way for future opportunities. He hoped this win would set him up for a rematch against Islam Makhachev, whom he lost to in his UFC debut in 2019.

Suggesting a lighter approach, he joked about opting for a highly choreographed dance number for his next walkout to avoid similar incidents.