DALLAS — Half the people who watched the national championship game were furious with the officials, while the other half was incensed an athlete had the audacity to talk trash.

If you want the surest sign yet that women’s basketball has arrived, there you go.

For too long, women’s basketball – all of women’s sports, really – has struggled for air in the national conversation. There are all kinds of reasons why, and that’s a debate for another day. But for several decades, the score of LSU’s 102-85 win over Iowa on Sunday would have been noted, maybe the fact it was the Tigers’ first national title, and that would have been about it.

The conversation would have shifted quickly to another Tiger, and his appearance at Augusta National. Or maybe to an early season baseball game. For sure LSU’s win would have been drowned out by the endless comparisons and analysis of the teams playing for the men’s title.

Now the women are getting the same kind of treatment the men get, with every detail parsed over and picked apart. Did Angel Reese really diss Caitlin Clark? Or was she mimicking what the Iowa star did just last week? Was this game part of an on-the-job training program for officials? Or did they really think the sold-out crowd and millions more watching at home were there to see them?

In the hours after the game ended, “Taunting,” “LET THEM PLAY” and “The Refs” were trending, along with Clark, Iowa and Kim Mulkey.  

These are the types of debates that rage white-hot after every significant, and some not-so-significant, event in men’s sports. These side conversations are what keep games in the spotlight long after the final buzzer sounds, and ensure that interest in sports and the people who play them aren’t dependent upon a single game.

This is what women’s sports has, for too long, lacked.

Yes, some of the debates went too far. First, Google ‘Clark and John Cena,’ or Reese and ring things, and then calm down. Second, if you are outraged at LSU players boasting about their title and it coming at the expense of America’s new favorite player, you’re going to be horrified when I tell you about a guy named Michael Jordan. Or Aaron Rodgers.

“Twitter is going to go on a rage every time, and I’m happy. I feel like I’ve helped grow women’s basketball this year,” Reese said, grinning. “I’m super happy and excited.” 

As she should be.

This is a watershed time in women’s sports, with interest and investment skyrocketing, and this tournament was further evidence of that. Viewership for Friday night’s semifinal between Iowa and previously unbeaten South Carolina peaked at 6.6 million people, and Sunday’s final was broadcast on ABC.

The tournament drew a record 357,542 fans. It cost you more – a lot more – to get a ticket for Sunday’s game on the secondary market than it did to see Taylor Swift.

“My past five years here, I’ve seen the game grow more than I ever thought it could. I’m just so grateful that the sport we love and give our heart to, I’m just so glad that so many people are tuning in and loving it so much,” Iowa’s Monika Czinano said.

“Buckle up,” she added. “It’s only going to get more exciting and more fun.”

If you were following along on social media, you’d know Czinano was the victim of some of the worst officiating since the Tuck Rule, fouling out of her final game with almost 6½ minutes left. The only thing more egregious was LSU coach Kim Mulkey not being called for a technical for contact with an official.

Or maybe it was Clark being T’d up for throwing a ball under the basket.

You get the idea. The point is, people are invested in a way they’ve never been before. They’re invested in the way they’ve traditionally been in men’s sports.

“I love reading those comments,” Reese said. “I have all the screenshots of what everybody has said about me all season. What are you going to say now?”

Love ’em, hate ’em, doesn’t really matter so long as people are talking about ’em. No one can argue with that.

Follow USA TODAY Sports columnist Nancy Armour on Twitter @nrarmour. 

The reigning Women’s World Cup champions have a new look as they set out to defend their title this summer in Australia and New Zealand.

U.S. Soccer released the new Nike home and away jerseys the U.S. Women’s National Team will wear leading up to and during the World Cup, which begins July 20 and runs through Aug. 20.

The home white uniforms will debut in a two-game series against Ireland — April 8 in Austin, Texas, and April 11 in St. Louis.

The away uniform, featuring blue shirts, shorts and socks, will also be worn by the U.S. Men’s National Team. 

According to a news release from U.S. Soccer, the new uniforms were designed with sustainability in mind and are made of 100% recycled polyester from recycled plastic bottles.

Four years ago in France, the USWNT won the FIFA Women’s World Cup for a fourth time, defeating the Netherlands 2-0 in the final on goals by Megan Rapinoe and Rose Lavelle. 

Most recently, the U.S. women, coached by Vlatko Andonovski, won the SheBelieves Cup for the fourth consecutive year with a 2-1 win over Brazil on Feb. 22. However, the final roster for the World Cup is far from set.

A French-born Algerian soccer player was dropped from the lineup of his team’s Ligue 1 match Sunday after he refused to break his Ramadan fast.

FC Nantes manager Antoine Kombouare, citing concern over player health, confirmed that defender Jaouen Hadjam was benched Sunday before the team’s 3-0 loss against Stade de Reims because of Hadjam’s adherence to his religious practice.

‘Jaouen? There is no controversy,’ Kombouare said in a press conference after the loss, according to the Daily Mail. ‘It’s his choice and I respect it. This is not a punishment, but I have a framework. During the week, there are no problems with fasting players. I’m ready to support them if needed. We know it’s not an easy time. But on gameday, you should not fast. And those who fast are not in the squad. I don’t want them to pick up an injury.’

Hadjam, 20, has played in nine matches this season for Nantes, with seven starts. He joined the team after spending last season with Paris FC, a team in France’s second-tier division, Ligue 2. According to multiple reports, Hadjam has agreed to break his fast for away games, but not for home ones.

An email that was leaked Friday showed that the France Football Federation sent a warning to referees against stopping play during matches so that Muslim players could break their fasts. This contrasts with several professional leagues in England, including the Premier League, which are allowing for the temporary pausing of games at sunset so that Muslim players are able to break their fasts with liquids, energy gels and other supplements, according to Sky Sports News.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Muslim calendar and is marked by prayer, introspection and fasting from dawn to dusk. This year, it is being observed from the evening of March 22 through the evening of April 21.

FC Nantes is located in western France and is currently 14th in Ligue 1 with 30 points, four spots above the league’s relegation threshold.

Former Alabama basketball player Darius Miles has entered into a not guilty plea for his role in the fatal shooting on Jan. 15 on the Tuscaloosa Strip, according to court documents filed by his defense attorney Mary Turner.

He has also waived his rights to be present at an arraignment and does not want an attorney to represent him at an arraignment. Miles has been informed of the charge against him and has a received a copy of the charge, according to the document.

A grand jury indicted Miles and Michael Lynn Davis on capital murder charges in March after the shooting death of 23-year-old Jamea Harris on Jan. 15.

Investigators believe the gun belonged to Miles, 21, but believe Davis, 21, pulled the trigger, per court documents. Both have been jailed without bond since Jan. 15.

A judge denied bond after a preliminary hearing in February, but Miles has another bond hearing set for May 23.

Follow the madness: Latest Men’s NCAA Tournament College Basketball Scores and Schedules

Miles was in his third year with Alabama basketball and played in only six games during the season before his arrest.

The school announced that day he was no longer a member of the team. The day before, he had been ruled out for the season with an ankle injury before watching the LSU game in street clothes. He hadn’t made an appearance in a game since the Dec. 20 matchup vs. Jackson State. Miles averages 6.5 minutes per game this season over that limited time.

The NBA’s Western Conference standings are a jumbled mess.

Not much is determined, especially when it comes to seeding. Denver, Memphis, Sacramento and Phoenix should finish 1-2-3-4, but after that, who knows?

Places 5-10 are up for grabs between eight teams (Los Angeles Clippers, Golden State, Los Angeles Lakers, New Orleans, Minnesota, Oklahoma City, Dallas and Utah).

The consistent inconsistency – or is it the inconsistent consistency? – of those teams makes it impossible to forecast what will happen in the final week of the NBA’s regular season. Almost assuredly, tiebreakers will play a role with difficult schedules remaining for several teams in the postseason chase.

The top six teams in each conference make the playoffs, and teams 7-10 play for the final two playoff spots in the play-in game format.

Follow every game: Latest NBA Scores and Schedules

Let’s take a look at where the West is headed into Tuesday’s games:

1. Denver (52-26)

The Nuggets don’t have the top seed wrapped up, and they don’t have an easy schedule to finish the season. But they should hold off Memphis. Regardless, this is all about Denver’s ability to reach the NBA Finals with two-time MVP Nikola Jokic.

Remaining games: at Houston, at Phoenix, at Utah, vs. Sacramento

2. Memphis (49-29, three games back)

With the Grizzlies’ schedule, it will be difficult to catch Denver for the top seed, and given their schedule, they’ll have to win games to keep Sacramento from stealing the No. 2 seed.

Remaining games: vs. Portland, at New Orleans, at Milwaukee, at Oklahoma City Thunder

3. Sacramento (47-31, five games back)

The Kings are the feel-good story of the NBA, headed for their first playoff appearance since losing in the first round in 2006. Another team with a tough schedule to conclude the regular season, the Kings have a chance at the two seed.

Remaining games: at New Orleans, at Dallas, vs. Golden State, at Denver

4. Phoenix (43-35, nine games back)

With Kevin Durant back in the lineup, the Suns are in good position to maintain the four seed, but they also will play teams looking to strengthen their postseason position in the final three games of the season.

Remaining games: vs. San Antonio, vs. Denver, at Los Angeles Lakers, vs. Los Angeles Clippers

5. Los Angeles Clippers (41-38, 11½ games back)

A month ago, the Clippers were in eighth place. Two weeks ago, they were in fifth. Will it be a guaranteed spot in the playoffs or a play-in game for the Clippers? Two wins in their final three games will help their cause.

Remaining games: vs. Lakers; vs. Portland; at Phoenix

6. Golden State (41-38, 11½ games back)

The Warriors’ up-and-down-season is up right now. They’re still trying to finish in the top six and avoid the play-in game format with three teams within 1½ games.

Remaining games: vs. Oklahoma City, at Sacramento, at Portland

7. Los Angeles Lakers (40-38, 12 games back)

The way Anthony Davis has played late in the season, as long as he’s healthy, the Lakers have a strong chance of getting into the postseason – possibly as high as the fifth seed if they win out – and with LeBron James, that’s a team that is dangerous regardless of their record.

Remaining games: at Utah; at Clippers; vs. Phoenix; vs. Utah

8. New Orleans (40-38, 12 games back)

Brandon Ingram’s return from injury has boosted New Orleans’ postseason hopes. They’ve won seven of their past 10 games, and if they’re in the postseason, they could get injured Zion Williamson back.

Remaining games: vs. Sacramento; vs. Memphis; vs. New York Knicks; at Minnesota

9. Minnesota (39-40, 13½ games back)

The Timberwolves, like so many teams bunched in the West, have been up and down. They recently lost five of six games, won four consecutive and then lost three in a row, including Sunday’s game to Portland. Illness and injuries haven’t helped.

Remaining games: at Brooklyn; at San Antonio; vs. New Orleans

10. Oklahoma City (38-41, 14½ games back)

The Thunder have talent and should be really good as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Josh Giddey and Jalen Williams improve and they take advantage of all their future draft picks. Getting into the postseason isn’t necessary but it can’t hurt their development.

Remaining games: at Golden State; at Utah; vs. Memphis

11. Dallas (37-42, 15½ games back)

The Mavericks are in danger of not making the postseason, which would be a significant step back after reaching the conference finals last season. A top six offense can’t overcome a bottom a third defense, and the Kyrie Irving trade hasn’t produced the wins the Mavs wanted.

Remaining games: vs. Sacramento; vs. Chicago; vs. San Antonio

12. Utah (36-42, 16 games back)

Of all the teams trying to get into the postseason, Utah has the toughest road given its spot in the standings and its schedule. But give the Jazz credit. Everyone expected them to tank, and they competed, giving the franchise a promising future.

Remaining games: vs. Lakers; vs. Oklahoma City; vs. Denver; at Lakers

Major League Baseball’s season is already going by pretty quickly. 

Literally, yes – more on that in a minute. Figuratively, though, the grind has commenced, what with opening-week series concluded and the grind settling in as teams toss their bags on a truck, onto a plane and on to the next port of call. Sure, it’s just three or four games out of 162 in the books, but there’s too many blinking lights to ignore what’s already gone down. 

With that, a look at the numbers that matter during a crisp first weekend that brought little rain, pain and no extra innings – not yet, anyway: 

2:38

Average time of game for the 50 contests already in the the book. 

Sample’s getting a little larger, eh? Folks, this pitch clock really works –  like, really, really works. The average nine-inning game is already 25 minutes quicker than the full-season 2022 edition, and a whopping 32 minutes ahead of 2021’s torturous 3:10 rate. You wonder, almost earnestly, if game times getting ‘too short’ will become a concern – the pitching-proficent Rays and offensively-challenged Tigers got their games in in 2:14, 2:48 and  2:10. 

Perhaps the Rays should keep Red Panda on retainer and, if they’re through six innings in less than 90 minutes, pause the game for an exhibition before beer sales are cut off. 

Nightengale’s Notebook: Handing out MLB’s opening weekend awards

41

Pitch-timer violations, according to MLB.

That’s less than one per game, with 29 charged to pitchers, 11 to hitters and one to catchers. 

MLB has yet to have that bridge-too-far moment – say, when a violation is called with two strikes and two outs in the ninth inning of a close game, meaning the end game not by ball or strike or batted ball but rather stopwatch. 

But the numbers overall show a general air of compliance, with many violations going unnoticed in the flow of the game. It seems inevitable a close-and-late scenario will rear its head – and perhaps spark a call for adjustments.

10

Stolen bases, in first two games, for the Baltimore Orioles. 

The shift ban, larger bases and a limit on throws to first – the two other seismic changes accompanying the pitch clock this season – will take far longer for clubs to adjust. It’s going to take a minute for the intended and unintended consequences of these changes to be known and, consequently, for clubs to construct their rosters around them.

But some teams are already built for it – such as the Orioles. 

They turned Jorge Mateo and Cedric Mullins loose against the Boston Red Sox and they responded with four and three stolen bases in the first two games at Fenway Park. Mateo and Mullins were 2-3 in steals last year (35 and 34, respectively), trailing only Miami’s Jon Berti, who had 41. 

Someone will easily swipe 50 this year. And we wonder if Kenny Lofton can be lured out of retirement. Why? 

1.4

Number of stolen bases per game, both teams.

That’s the highest rate since 1999, capping a decade in which Lofton led the AL or major leagues in steals five times, peaking at 75 in 1997. Lofton was a fantastic player, impossible not to watch. 

And perhaps teams will encourage the development of others like him. Because…

85%

Success rate on stolen base attempts through 50 games.

And it is a startling and also symbolic number. First of all, it’s an 11% increase on the 74% success rate in 2022. 

And secondly, it mirrors the success rate analytically inclined teams seek when evaluating whether the ‘risk’ of a stolen-base attempt is ‘worth it.’ As that number became canon across front offices and the life was slowly sucked out of the game one actuarial table at a time, the Loftons of the world became extinct, speedsters often confined to lower-payroll clubs seeking to make up a power-patience deficit against clubs with well-paid sluggers. 

Now, running just might be for everyone again. There’s honestly nothing to fear. 

2

Home runs for Aaron Judge.

That puts him #onpacefor roughly 107 round-trippers. No, we won’t necessarily take that number seriously. But if the reigning AL MVP has designs on hitting 63 homers one year after a record-setting 62, let’s just say he’s on the right track. 

2

Winless teams. 

That would be the Royals, natch, and, um, the Phillies. 

Perhaps the Texas Rangers’ sweep of Philly portends good things for the Rangers’ wild spending the past two winters, as they simply bludgeoned the Phillies for two games before Martin Perez shut them down Sunday night. 

Not sure if that will hold, but we’re fairly confident Kyle Schwarber (1 for 13), Aaron Nola (12.27 ERA) and Zack Wheeler (8.31) will find their levels. 

2.06

Mets’ ERA. 

Not many teams can survive the loss of a $43 million pitcher before Opening Day, but the Mets will be fine, even without Justin Verlander. 

Already down Jose Quintana, Verlander’s terejs major strain shelved 40% of their projected rotation, but the Mets easily smothered the still-deficient Marlins offense. 

The capper: Kodai Senga’s eight-strikeout performance Sunday. Injuries, clocks or not, the Mets are so far proving that $350 million in talent plays – in any era.

With less than a month remaining until the 2023 NFL draft, there’s little left but the waiting. 

April has arrived, and almost all of the noteworthy pro days have already passed. While the circuit produced some fun moments – such as Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson hitting the roof with one of his passes – it’s unclear exactly how the past few weeks have altered teams’ plans. But with the big event in Kansas City, Missouri, drawing near, much of the first round still seems to be in flux.

With that said, here’s our latest NFL mock draft:

(Note: The Miami Dolphins were stripped of their first-round pick for tampering with Tom Brady and Sean Payton.)

1. Carolina Panthers (from Chicago Bears) – C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State

At the completion of Ohio State’s pro day, Panthers quarterbacks coach Josh McCown congratulated Stroud and playfully said the two would find a court to play HORSE when the passer was in Charlotte. While that’s likely little more than banter, the 6-3, 214-pounder still sizes up as the kind of composed distributor prepared for the challenge awaiting him in Carolina. Sure, Frank Reich and Co. said Bryce Young’s stature wouldn’t be disqualifying, and Reich also mentioned that Anthony Richardson had several plays that ‘scream top pick.’ For now, though, Stroud still gets the nod here. 

2. Houston Texans – Bryce Young, QB, Alabama

Texans chairman Cal McNair told reporters at the NFL annual league meeting that the team would be asking ‘a lot’ of its next quarterback, whom the organization expects to be its face of the franchise. Hard to imagine someone better suited to handle those expectations than Young. After all, the 5-10, 204-pound passer took the reins to Nick Saban’s operation and delivered a Heisman Trophy, making composure in the face of chaos his calling card in the process. Houston should be in a fine position with either Stroud or Young, but the latter stands out as a particularly attractive catalyst given the inauspicious outlook for the rest of the roster.

3. Arizona Cardinals – Will Anderson, DE/OLB, Alabama

A trade here could still reshape the rest of the top 10, though it’s difficult to envision exactly who the buyer would be. There’s no problem for the Cardinals in staying put, though, especially with a premier defensive talent such as Anderson waiting in the wings. A one-man game wrecker since he first stepped on the field at Alabama, the 6-4, 253-pounder looks like the best bet of any prospect in this draft to be a multiple-time Pro Bowl selection.

4. Indianapolis Colts – Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida

Talk about odd pairings. Richardson, a 6-4, 244-pound passer with 4.43-second speed in the 40-yard dash and a spotty college resume, hardly seems like the kind of quarterback that Chris Ballard would want to stake his career on after the Colts GM was unmoved by so many other young passers in recent years. At this point, though, Ballard needs to make a big swing, and his options at No. 4 might be somewhat limited. Regardless, the Colts should take comfort in knowing that new coach Shane Steichen looks like a strong candidate to accelerate Richardson’s development given his work tapping into Jalen Hurts’ rushing ability while fine-tuning the quarterback’s play as a pocket passer.

5. Seattle Seahawks (from Denver Broncos) – Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia

Pete Carroll and Co. made a lot of noise about checking on the top quarterbacks, taking selfies with all four of the highest-rated passers at their pro days. Unless Seattle trades up, however, it’s hard to buy into this as more than due diligence given the re-signings of Geno Smith and Drew Lock. So long as the Seahawks are comfortable with what they find on Carter after the unanimous All-American pleaded no contest to misdemeanor charges of reckless driving and racing, there’s little question that his value would stand above the other options at this slot. 

6. Detroit Lions (from Los Angeles Rams) – Tyree Wilson, DE, Texas Tech

A 6-6, 271-pound edge rusher who blows up plays in the backfield and has a wingspan just short of NBA star Giannis Antetokounmpo sounds like the kind of player that Dan Campbell could only dream of. Wilson will be an imposing matchup for any opponent, but his refinement as a pass rusher will determine whether he can become an accomplished sack artist or merely someone who pushes the pocket.

7. Las Vegas Raiders – Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon

This slot could be an inflection point for quarterbacks in the first round. If the Raiders aren’t ready to pull the trigger on what very likely will be the fourth signal-caller off the board, there’s plenty of reason for them to take a long look at Gonzalez. At 6-1 and 197 pounds with enviable speed and agility, he warrants consideration as a defensive prospect in the same top tier as Anderson and Carter. 

8. Atlanta Falcons – Myles Murphy, DE, Clemson

9. Bears (from Panthers) – Paris Johnson Jr., OT, Ohio State

Seems like this is the starting point for a run on offensive linemen, and it could be sparked by Bears GM Ryan Poles, a former offensive tackle himself. A smooth mover with an ideal frame for the position, Johnson is adept at keeping edge rushers in front of him, though NFL defenders will likely try their hand early at charging right through him.

10. Philadelphia Eagles (from New Orleans Saints) – Nolan Smith, OLB, Georgia

Even with Brandon Graham returning alongside Josh Sweat and Haason Reddick, there’s no such thing as too many premier pass rushers for Howie Roseman. Smith’s usage at Georgia made his ability to rack up sacks somewhat of an unknown, but his top-tier speed and agility combined with his tenacious style suggest he’ll make bigger waves in the NFL as he’s utilized in more favorable manners. 

11. Tennessee Titans – Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State

It might seem strange for GM Ran Carthon, a former NFL running back who spoke out against ‘Golden State Warriors football’ when characterizing his commitment to the ground game, to make his first-ever pick a wide receiver. But the shifty Smith-Njigba would aid the Titans’ bully ball approach by keeping the attack on schedule and consistently picking up first downs for Ryan Tannehill and Co.

12. Texans (from Cleveland Browns) –Lukas Van Ness, DE, Iowa

DeMeco Ryans is accustomed to working with a formidable defensive front built with premium draft picks, so it would only make sense to give the former 49ers defensive coordinator the same kind of building blocks as he embarks on this new challenge as head man of the Texans. Though his pass rush is essentially all bull rush at this point, Van Ness would offer athleticism befitting a player nicknamed ‘Hercules’ for Ryans to mold.

13. New York Jets – Peter Skoronski, OT, Northwestern

Holding onto this selection in the prolonged Aaron Rodgers trade negotiations would no doubt help Joe Douglas boost the supporting cast for his expected quarterback. Skoronski is the kind of savvy, stabilizing presence who could be a reliable Day 1 starter at left tackle or the interior.

14. New England Patriots – Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia

It’s been a bit of an odd offseason for Bill Belichick, who had to walk back an uncharacteristic remark at the annual league meeting to emphasize the team was not resting on its laurels. Grabbing Jones, a pass protector on the rise who would extend the theme of enhancing the support system for Mac Jones, would serve as a welcome return to form.

15. Green Bay Packers – Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame

No matter how optimistic Green Bay brass is about starting the Jordan Love era, equipping a little-used quarterback with an underdeveloped and erratic receiving corps should be cause for concern. A rookie tight end might seem ill-equipped to alleviate that issue, but Mayer has rare ability to haul in even the most difficult catches. 

16. Washington Commanders – Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas

In setting up a quarterback competition between 2022 fifth-rounder Sam Howell and journeyman Jacoby Brissett, Washington has made clear that it will not be a team that intends to throw upwards of 35 times per game. It would make sense, then, for the Commanders to double down on their offensive vision with Robinson, who looks capable of stepping in as a focal point of the attack.

17. Pittsburgh Steelers – Darnell Wright, OT, Tennessee

One of the more underrated signings in free agency was the Steelers’ stealthy addition of offensive guard Isaac Seumalo. A fitting follow-up would be to draft Wright, a mauler as a run blocker who has made significant strides in the passing game.

18. Lions – Calijah Kancey, DT, Pitt

Being selected by Brad Holmes, the Lions GM and former ace Rams personnel man, would only amplify the comparisons of Kancey to Aaron Donald, another undersized Pitt product and menace in the middle. No team should expect a similar trajectory to that of the three-time Defensive Player of the Year, but Kancey’s ample explosiveness is something that Dan Campbell would surely covet for his burgeoning defensive front. 

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Will Levis, QB, Kentucky

Credit Todd Bowles for setting proper expectations at quarterback, as the Buccaneers head coach said last week he’s ‘not looking for a guy to come in and be Superman.’ Still, if a top passer tumbles, Kyle Trask and Baker Mayfield shouldn’t preclude Tampa Bay from taking a shot. A dynamic passer on the move with the arm strength to rifle throws into tight windows, Levis would give the Buccaneers something more than a stopgap solution for the post-Tom Brady era. 

20. Seahawks – Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State

One year after hitting it big with Tariq Woolen in the fifth round, Seattle can round out its stellar secondary with the second of its two first-round picks. The 6-3, 193-pound Porter Jr. is another supersized cornerback who routinely finds a way to get his hands on passes thrown his way. 

21. Los Angeles Chargers – Dalton Kincaid, TE, Utah

Even after hanging onto Keenan Allen this offseason, the time for the Chargers to reconsider the composition of their receiving corps has arrived. New offensive coordinator Kellen Moore could find plenty of ways to create mismatches with Kincaid, whose separation skills would set him apart in a group of pass catchers that largely relies on Justin Herbert throwing jump balls.

22. Baltimore Ravens – Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois

Darius Slay revealed this weekend on his podcast that he was ‘this close’ to linking up with Baltimore before returning to the Eagles. That pursuit should make clear that a team that has been otherwise nearly motionless in free agency is on the hunt for a cornerback opposite Marlon Humphrey. In this scenario, the Ravens follow up last year’s Kyle Hamilton selection by again landing another dynamic playmaker in coverage who drops further in the first round than many expected. 

23. Minnesota Vikings – Deonte Banks, CB, Maryland

With Byron Murphy in and Patrick Peterson out, the bottom line hasn’t changed much for a Vikings secondary that’s still significantly undermanned. Brian Flores would no doubt appreciate Banks’ rugged approach to matching up with receivers as well as the fluidity he demonstrates to stick with them. 

24. Jacksonville Jaguars – Brian Branch, S/CB, Alabama

There’s something special brewing in Jacksonville thanks to a roster rife with young talent at critical positions. What’s missing, however, is the kind of all-purpose playmaker on the back end. Enter Branch, a do-everything defender whose pedestrian testing numbers distract from his prowess in finding the ball at every turn. 

25. New York Giants – Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU

Think it’s fair to say that the receiving corps was a point of emphasis for Big Blue this offseason? By adding tight end Darren Waller and receivers Parris Campbell and Jamison Crowder – and re-signing Darius Slayton, Isaiah Hodgins and Sterling Shepard – it’s evident that GM Joe Schoen was intent on throwing resources at the issue. Still, the 6-3, 215-pound Johnston would add a different dimension to a collection of pass catchers rife with undersized, short-area targets. 

26. Dallas Cowboys – Bryan Bresee, DT, Clemson

With the trades for cornerback Stephon Gilmore and wide receiver Brandin Cooks addressing their most pressing needs, the Cowboys are a difficult team to peg in the draft. While injuries prevented Bresee from producing at the level expected of a former No. 1 overall recruit, the 6-6, 298-pounder – if healthy – could serve as the punishing interior presence capable of further elevating Dan Quinn’s defense. 

27. Buffalo Bills – Jordan Addison, WR, USC

Making life easier for Josh Allen is the throughline for all of Buffalo’s offseason plans. A dynamic slot receiver who can threaten defenses at all three levels and lessen the quarterback’s reliance on Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis would certainly align with that mission, and Addison fits the bill. 

28. Cincinnati Bengals – Anton Harrison, OT, Oklahoma

Snagging Orlando Brown marked a significant step in the mission to improve Joe Burrow’s protection, but the job isn’t quite complete, especially with Jonah Williams’ fate unclear. Going with a pair of former Sooners in Brown and Harrison would give Cincinnati the pair of bookend tackles it has long sought. 

29. New Orleans Saints (from San Francisco 49ers via Dolphins and Broncos) – Keion White, DE, Georgia Tech

The substantial draft investment in Marcus Davenport didn’t pay off, but that shouldn’t preclude New Orleans from taking another chance on a supersized athlete at edge rusher. Like Davenport, White is still figuring out the position after beginning his collegiate career at tight end. But if the 6-5, 285-pounder can learn how to better disengage blockers after initial contact, watch out. 

30. Eagles – Emmanuel Forbes, CB, Mississippi State

James Bradberry and Darius Slay’s returns push cornerback down the list of short-term concerns for Philadelphia, but it’s worth keeping an eye on the future given that the two starters will be 30 and 32 this season, respectively. A ball hawk to his core after recording 14 interceptions (including six pick-sixes) at Mississippi State, Forbes could be an understudy early and learn how to properly channel his aggressiveness in the pros before taking on a starting role. 

31. Kansas City Chiefs – Zay Flowers, WR, Boston College

It’s good to be the defending champions, as the Chiefs have enviable flexibility entering the draft. Though Kansas City looks comfortable trusting in Kadarius Toney and 2022 second-rounder Skyy Moore to handle bigger roles next season, Flowers would be an enticing option to pair with Patrick Mahomes given his explosiveness both as a deep target and run-after-catch threat on quick hits. 

Follow USA TODAY Sports’ Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz on Twitter @MikeMSchwartz.