BELLEAIR, Florida – Let’s start with the shoes. From the moment Caitlin Clark walked on the driving range at The Annika driven by Gainbridge – only 18 minutes before her tee time – there was immediate buzz about her flashy golf shoes.

Before she even struck a shot Wednesday morning she was showing off the shiny gold soles on the bottom of her custom Nike Infinity Tour 2 shoes.

Gold soft spikes?

It seemed only fitting for the WNBA megastar, who warmed up as the sun rose at Pelican Golf Club. The evening before, she was out chipping barefoot near the media center.

The Indiana Fever star played the front nine alongside World No. 1 Nelly Korda and the back nine with tournament host Annika Sorenstam.

“It was so fun,” she said after the round. “Obviously getting to see them do what they do up front, people would pay for that, and I got to do it for free and have fun with them. Definitely a fun morning.

“I feel very thankful that Gainbridge had me out here, and obviously their support of women’s sport is tremendous. Just very lucky and fortunate. Hung in there, did alright. It was a good day.”

It was so Mike Tomlin to eloquently smack down an innocent question the other day about comparing emerging NFL rookie Jayden Daniels to Lamar Jackson, who looks to be on course to win his third NFL MVP award. 

“Man, be real slow in comparing people to Lamar Jackson,” the Pittsburgh Steelers coach said after the comeback victory against the Commanders on Sunday. “That’s a multi-time MVP. That’s Mr. Jackson. We’ll see Mr. Jackson in a few days.” 

Hardly a knock on Daniels, Tomlin’s response expressed the ultimate respect for Jackson, coming right up for the Steelers this weekend. 

Which brings us to Tomlin’s own quarterback, Russell Wilson. 

Tomlin’s respect for Wilson – a definitive contrast to what the veteran quarterback got last season from Sean Payton in Denver – is undoubtedly a moving factor in this revival. 

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It’s not just the moon ball, silly. 

Tomlin, as he reminded us a few weeks ago when he switched from Justin Fields to Wilson, is well-compensated to make such a so-called gutsy move in the face of all the critics, analysts, pundits, armchair quarterbacks, talking heads and experts who proclaimed that he was essentially off his rocker for making the move while his team produced a 4-2 start with Fields. 

I’m guessing that Tomlin, who has never had a losing season in 17-plus years as Steelers coach, didn’t see it as the big risk that so many others surmised – if Wilson was fully healed from the calf injury that wrecked his ramp-up since the first week in training camp. He surely sensed months ago where this could be headed. 

And look at them now. The critics have been silenced, at least for now. They are 3-0 with Wilson at quarterback and the Steelers offense has had the numbers, production and sizzle not seen since Ben Roethlisberger was in the mix. Although Fields, 25, gave the Steelers a dimension that involved designed runs for the mobile quarterback, new coordinator Arthur Smith’s offense has come to life with balance and explosive passing plays. The Steelers are averaging 30.3 points per game since Wilson (6 TDs, 1 INT) became the starter.  

Sure, there is so much football left and Wilson, 35, will get his formal introduction to one of the NFL’s most intense rivalries on Sunday when the Baltimore Ravens visit the ‘Burgh with first place in the AFC North on the line. 

Yet what’s happened for the Steelers (7-2) with Wilson under center illustrates what Tomlin undoubtedly envisioned he could get with a battle-tested warrior. On top of the deep passing game fueled by Wilson’s arching rainbows and connections to emerging big-play artist George Pickens, which complements the traditional commitment to a hard-nosed rushing attack and a big-play defense, the quarterback’s presence is a huge piece of the equation. 

A what-have-you-done-lately example came on Sunday. To gut out the win at Washington, the Steelers overcame a 10-point, second-half deficit, a fourth-quarter goal-line fumble, and a dropped pass off a fake punt from their 16-yard line early in the game that set up a Commanders touchdown.  

Through all of that, Wilson didn’t flinch when it mattered most. That’s been quite a pattern during his three starts, with Wilson sporting a perfect 158.3 passer rating in the fourth quarter thanks to a 78.6% completion rate, three TD passes and zero picks. 

The game-winning touchdown against the Commanders came on a beauty of a 32-yard throw to Mike Williams, obtained from the Jets just before the trade deadline on Tuesday. The victory was clinched with a penalty after Wilson used his cadence to draw rookie defensive tackle Johnny Newton offsides, thwarting a punt that would have given Washington the football for the chance at a last-minute drive. 

Big-time quarterback stuff. That poise with the game on the line – Wilson now has led 32 fourth-quarter comebacks, more than any other quarterback since he entered the NFL with the Seahawks in 2012 as a third-round pick – is surely one of the reasons Tomlin made the switch. 

“I think he’s still writing that story,” Tomlin said during his Tuesday news conference. “To be quite honest with you, there were myriad reasons why I had the posture that I had; his resume being a component of it, his experience. And I thought his experience could be an asset to our unit and our team. And that’s played out. His talents. His appetite for big moments, and I think that’s played out some. 

“There’s a myriad of reasons and I think it will be continually revealed because of the circumstances that he and we will be in. I’m excited about facing those things with him. I’m excited about him, quite frankly, getting better.” 

Of course, with Pittsburgh winning exactly zero playoff games since 2016, another reason for the faith in Wilson could be weeks away. The resume that Tomlin often cites so respectfully in discussing Wilson includes two Super Bowl appearances with the Seahawks – one a blowout win propelled by the Legion of Doom defense, the other a loss sealed with Wilson’s goal-line interception in the final minute. 

Whatever edge Wilson carries in proving that he can still be a championship quarterback is part of this equation. We’ll see how that plays out. 

He’s protected the football well; his only turnover was a deep, third-down heave at Washington that was essentially a punt. Meanwhile, while the completion rate (58.8%) ticks lower with the deep shots, there’s little grace with a 50% marker in the red zone (7 touchdowns in 14 possessions) – especially given a tough schedule that includes the entire slate of divisional games against the Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns, plus a Christmas matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs and a cross-state trip to Philadelphia. 

As Tomlin put it, “There’s a ‘get better’ component of this discussion.”  

In the meantime, it’s apparent that flip-flopping goes both ways as some of the high-profile analysts – Dan Orlovsky, Mark Schlereth and an apologetic Chris Long among them – walked back on their previously harsh criticism. 

But why was the hate on Wilson so intense in the first place?  

Regardless, at least Wilson is back in position – in the right place, at the right time, with the right supporting cast – for a chance to prove Tomlin right and earn major respect by seizing this moment. 

The NHL season is more than a month old and there have been four trades plus extensions signed by Jake Oettinger, Alexis Lafreniere, Linus Ullmark and others.

Other top players also remain eligible for extensions, including Igor Shesterkin, Mikko Rantanen, Mitch Marner, John Tavares, Brock Boeser.

There will be more trades as teams build toward a Stanley Cup run or make moves for their long-term future. Here are key dates to watch: the holiday roster freeze in December, the league’s break for the 4 Nations Face-Off in February and the trade deadline in early March.

Follow along here this season for signings, trades, transactions and other news from the NHL:

Nov. 13: Sabres claim goalie James Reimer off waivers

The Buffalo Sabres claimed goaltender James Reimer off waivers, bringing him back to where he signed a free agent contract in the summer. Reimer was claimed by the Anaheim Ducks off waivers earlier this season when the Sabres tried to send him to the American Hockey League. The Ducks put him on waivers after the return of injured goalie John Gibson. Reimer, on a one-year, $1 million contract, played two games in Anaheim with a 4.50 goals-against average. No. 1 Sabres goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen was hurt in Monday’s loss but hasn’t been ruled out for Thursday’s game.

Nov. 12: Capitals reacquire Lars Eller in trade with Penguins

Center Lars Eller, 35, is a familiar face for the Washington Capitals after playing in Washington from 2016-23 and winning a Stanley Cup there in 2018. He kills penalties and is strong in the faceoff circle. The Pittsburgh Penguins’ side of the trade might be more interesting. They get a 2027 third-round pick and a 2025 fifth-rounder, and this also could be an indication that the Penguins are shaking up the roster after a disappointing start. Eller’s trade will allow the team to give more ice time to younger players. He’s a pending unrestricted free agent.

Also: The Winnipeg Jets claimed goalie Kaapo Kahkonen off waivers from the Colorado Avalanche and loaned him to their American Hockey League affiliate. They had lost him on waivers to the Avalanche last month.

Nov. 11: Flames’ Anthony Mantha to have season-ending surgery

Also: The Colorado Avalanche placed goalie Kaapo Kahkonen on waivers. They had claimed him off waivers from the Winnipeg Jets last month.

Nov. 9: Penguins recall veteran goalie Tristan Jarry from minors

The Pittsburgh Penguins recalled two-time All-Star goalie Tristan Jarry from his conditioning stint in the American Hockey League. Jarry was loaned to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton on Oct. 26 after recording a 5.37 goals-against average and .836 save percentage. His AHL numbers were 2.16, .926.

The Penguins didn’t send down a goalie, meaning they’ll go with three for the moment: Alex Nedeljkovic, rookie Joel Blomqvist and Jarry. Blomqvist wouldn’t need to go through waivers. The Penguins don’t play again until Monday.

Also: The Philadelphia Flyers made rookie Matvei Michkov a healthy scratch for a second consecutive game. …. The Penguins sent forward Matt Nieto to the AHL on a conditioning loan.

Nov. 8: Kraken acquire Daniel Sprong from Canucks

The Seattle Kraken landed one of their former players in exchange for future considerations. The Kraken have struggled to score this season and Sprong had 21 goals for them two seasons ago. The forward has scored double-digit goals five times. He had one goal with Vancouver this season.

Nov. 8: Kings’ Tanner Jeannot suspended for illegal check to head

Los Angeles Kings forward Tanner Jeannot was suspended for three games for an illegal check to the head that injured the Vancouver Canucks’ Brock Boeser. The NHL Department of Player Safety said Jeannot’s first-period hit made Boeser’s head the principal point of contact and was avoidable. Boeser left the game and didn’t return. Jeannot will forfeit $41,640.63 in pay in the first suspension of his career. He had been fined earlier in his career for an infraction.

Nov. 7: Flyers rookie Matvei Michkov to be healthy scratch

Coach John Tortorella called the move ‘part of the process.’

‘With young guys, they can watch games, too, as far as development,’ he told reporters. ‘It’s trying to help them.’

Michkov, 19, has 10 points in 13 games and a minus-8 rating and was NHL rookie of the month in October. He had just one point in his last five games and his ice time dropped in the last four.

Nov. 4: Sharks’ Macklin Celebrini ready to return from injury

San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 draft, is ready to return to action after aggravating an injury in the season opener, according to NHL.com.

He took part in practice Monday on the top line with Tyler Toffoli and Mikael Granlund and is looking to play his second game season Tuesday night against the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Celebrini said he reinjured his hip on his first shift of the opener but played the full game and had a goal and assist.

He has missed 12 games. The Sharks opened the season 0-7-2 but are 3-1 in their last four games.

Also: The Colorado Avalanche said Valeri Nichushkin has been cleared to practice with the team. The suspended forward remains in Stage 3 of the NHL/NHL Players’ Association Player Assistance Program and would have to be cleared to play. … St. Louis Blues defenseman Philip Broberg will be out four to six weeks with a lower-body injury. He needed help getting off the ice Saturday after he was checked by the Toronto Maple Leafs’ Mitch Marner. … The Boston Bruins signed forward Tyler Johnson to a one-year, $775,000 contract. He won two Stanley Cups with the Tampa Bay Lightning and spent the last three seasons with the Chicago Blackhawks.

Nov. 2: Islanders’ Mathew Barzal, Adam Pelech go on injured list

New York Islanders No. 1 center Mathew Barzal was placed on long-term injured reserve with an unspecified upper-body injury. He’ll be out four to six weeks. He had 80 points in 80 games last season but had been limited to five points in 10 games this season as the Islanders have struggled to score.

Islanders defenseman Adam Pelech also will be out four to six weeks after being hit in the face by a puck. He went on the injured list.

Oct. 30: Sharks acquire Timothy Liljegren from Maple Leafs

The Toronto Maple Leafs get defenseman Matt Benning, a 2025 third-round pick and a 2026 sixth-rounder. Liljegren, 25, had been limited to one game in Toronto this season, and the Maple Leafs recently committed to blue-liner Jake McCabe with a five-year extension. But Liljegren should fit in well in San Jose, which is building around younger players. Benning, 30, and Liljegren are signed through 2025-26.

This is the second day with an NHL trade after none previously since the season opened in North America.

OILERS: Connor McDavid out with ankle injury

Oct. 29: Utah acquires defenseman Olli Maatta from Red Wings

The Utah Hockey Club gives up a third-round pick as it addresses a desperate need for a veteran defenseman. Sean Durzi and John Marino are out long-term after surgery. Utah has been leaking goals during a four-game losing streak, including blowing a 4-1 lead late in the third period against the previously winless San Jose Sharks. Maatta is solid defensively and has nearly 700 games of NHL experience.

Oct. 28: Maple Leafs sign Jake McCabe to five-year extension

The Toronto Maple Leafs signed defenseman Jake McCabe to a five-year extension with an annual average value of $4.51 million. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reports there is some deferred money in the deal. McCabe, 31, had been acquired from the Chicago Blackhawks in a February 2023 trade and ranks fourth on the team in average ice time this season. He has three assists in nine games and a team-best plus-6 rating.

Also: The New York Rangers recalled rugged forward Matt Rempe from the American Hockey League after he played two games there. The Rangers play the Washington Capitals on Tuesday in what has become a feisty rivalry.

Oct. 26: Penguins send goalie Tristan Jarry to minors

The Pittsburgh Penguins sent two-time All-Star goaltender Tristan Jarry to their American Hockey League affiliate on a conditioning loan after his early season struggles. He had been sent home from the Penguins’ road trip to work on his game after recording a 5.47 goals-against average and .836 save percentage in three games. He was pulled from his last start on Oct. 16 and gave up six goals in the opener.

Jarry is in the second season of a five-year contract that carries a $5.375 million cap hit. Rookie Joel Blomqvist has had the most starts in the Penguins net this season and Alex Nedeljkovic recently returned from an injury.

Also: The New York Islanders signed rugged forward Matt Martin for the rest of the season. He had been to camp on a tryout agreement after spending 13 of his 15 seasons with the Islanders. … The Calgary Flames activated forward Yegor Sharangovich from the injured list. The team’s top goal scorer last season had yet to play this season.

Oct. 25: Rangers’ Alexis Lafreniere gets seven-year extension

The New York Rangers and Alexis Lafreniere have agreed to a seven-year extension as he builds on last season’s breakthrough. The 2020 No. 1 overall pick will average $7.45 million in the deal, according to lohud.com, part of the USA TODAY Network. That’s up from this year’s $2.325 million cap hit. Lafreniere, 23, broke through with 28 goals and 57 points last season and added eight goals and 14 points in the playoffs. He is averaging a point a game this season through seven games and scored his fourth goal of the season on Thursday. He is signed through 2031-32.

Also: The Rangers have sent fan favorite Matt Rempe to the American Hockey League to get him more playing time. The 6-7 forward made a name for himself last season with his epic fights and big hits, one that led to a four-game suspension. But he has played only two games this season.

Oct. 24: Golden Knights’ Shea Theodore signs for seven years

Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Shea Theodore will average $7.425 million in the extension, which kicks in next season and runs through 2031-32. Getting him signed now is important after the Golden Knights lost Jonathan Marchessault, Chandler Stephenson and others from their 2023 Stanley Cup team to free agency during the summer.

Theodore, 29, is the franchise’s top-scoring defenseman with 296 points and has opened this season with seven points in six games. Vegas’ top three defensemen (also Alex Pietrangelo and Noah Hanifin) are signed through at least 2026-27.

Oct. 24: Devils’ Brett Pesce, Luke Hughes returning from injury

The New Jersey Devils will get two players back on their defense when Brett Pesce and Luke Hughes make their season debuts Thursday at the Detroit Red Wings.

Pesce, signed as a free agent, has recovered from surgery for a broken leg. Hughes hurt his shoulder in September. He was a finalist for the Calder Trophy last season, leading all rookies with 21 power-play assists and 25 power-play points.

Their return comes at a good time because the Devils have yielded 14 goals over their last two games.

Also: New York Islanders forward Anthony Duclair (lower body) will miss four to six weeks, a blow to the 2023-24 playoff team that ranks 30th in scoring this season. … The Los Angeles activated goalie Darcy Kuemper from the injured list. Pheonix Copley was loaned to the AHL’s Ontario Reign. … The Colorado Avalanche loaned goalie Kaapo Kahkonen to the AHL’s Colorado Eagles on a conditioning assignment. He was claimed off waivers from the Winnipeg Jets earlier this season.

Oct. 23: Utah’s Sean Durzi, John Marino out long-term after surgery

The Utah Hockey Club, who beefed up their defense in the offseason, will be without two key blueliners long-term after they had surgery.

Sean Durzi, who was injured in an Oct. 15 game, will miss four to six months after shoulder surgery. John Marino, who has yet to play this season, is out three to four months after back surgery.

Utah added defensemen Mikhail Sergachev, Marino and Ian Cole in the offseason. Durzi, acquired last season when the team was in Arizona, signed a four-year, $24 million contract during the summer.

In other injury news, St. Louis Blues forward Robert Thomas has a fractured ankle and will be evaluated in six weeks.

Oct. 22: Panthers give coach Paul Maurice contract extension

Maurice, who joined the Panthers in 2022-23, went to the Stanley Cup Final in his first season and won it last year. His 29 playoff wins are a franchise record.

He has 98 regular-season wins with Florida and his 873 career wins rank fourth all time in NHL history.

Also: The Blues signed forward Jake Neighbours to a two-year, $7.5 million contract extension.

Oct. 17: Stars’ Jake Oettinger signs eight-year contract extension

The Dallas Stars signed goalie Jake Oettinger to an eight-year, $66 million contract extension that kicks in next season. The $8.25 million cap hit matches the deals recently signed by the Bruins’ Jeremy Swayman and Senators’ Linus Ullmark.

Oettinger has led the Stars to the Western Conference final the past two seasons.

Oct. 14: Matthew Tkachuk’s illness to keep him out a week

Already down one star, the Panthers will be without another one.

Coach Paul Maurice said Matthew Tkachuk’s illness will keep him out more than a week. The team is targeting an Oct. 22 return.

Tkachuk missed Saturday’s game. So did captain Aleksander Barkov, who injured his leg in the second game of the season and is expected to miss two to three weeks.

Oct. 12: Aleksander Barkov, Macklin Celebrini are injured

The NHL season is young, but two prominent players are already out with injuries.

Florida Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov will miss two to three weeks after crashing leg first into the boards while trying to prevent an empty net goal on Thursday. His stick had broken but he couldn’t stop Ottawa’s Tim Stutzle from scoring. The time frame should allow Barkov to participate in the two Global Series games against the Dallas Stars in Tampere, Finland, on Nov. 1-2. Barkov is the first Finnish NHL captain to win the Stanley Cup. He won the Selke Trophy last season for the second time as top defensive forward.

Meanwhile, the San Jose Sharks placed No. 1 overall pick Macklin Celebrini on injured reserve with a lower-body injury. Coach Ryan Warsofsky said Celebrini is week-to-week. He had been dealing with an injury in training camp but played in this week’s season opener, scoring a goal and an assist.

Oct. 11: Avalanche claim goalie Kaapo Kahkonen off waivers

In a busy day for goalie transactions, the Colorado Avalanche claimed Kaapo Kahkonen off waivers from the Winnipeg Jets. Colorado lost 8-4 in the opener, with Alexandar Georgiev giving up five goals and backup Justus Annunen giving up two goals on four shots. The Avalanche are Kahkonen’s fourth team in a year. He split time last season between the San Jose Sharks and New Jersey Devils.

In other moves, the Minnesota Wild called up Jesper Wallstedt, their goalie of future, who will join Game 1 winner Filip Gustavsson and Marc-Andre Fleury. The Nashville Predators sent down Matt Murray, who backed up Scott Wedgewood on Thursday with injured No. 1 goalie Juuse Saros unable to play.

Oct. 10: Hurricanes-Lightning game postponed because of Milton

Saturday’s game between the Carolina Hurricanes and Tampa Bay Lightning has been postponed as the Tampa Bay area recovers from Hurricane Milton. The league said a makeup date would be announced as soon as it can be confirmed.

The Lightning are playing their season opener in Carolina on Friday. Saturday’s game was to be the start of a three-game homestand (also Tuesday and Thursday).

Amalie Arena got through the storm fine, though Tropicana Field, home of MLB’s Tampa Bay Rays in St. Petersburg, Florida, suffered major damage to its roof.

Oct. 10: Blue Jackets captain Boone Jenner has surgery

Jenner had shoulder surgery to repair an injury he suffered during training camp and could miss up to six months.

‘Our hope is he can return before the end of the season,’ said Columbus Blue Jackets general manager Waddell. ‘His loss will be felt by our club, but we have a strong leadership group in place and players will be given an opportunity to take on greater roles on and off the ice.’

Boone, who finished second on the Blue Jackets last season with 22 goals and is the franchise leader in games played, has been the team’s captain since 2021-22.

Oct. 9: Linus Ullmark, Joey Daccord get contract extensions

Ullmark, who won the Vezina Trophy with the Bruins in 2022-03, was traded to the Ottawa Senators this offseason so Boston had the room to re-sign Swayman. Ullmark will get four years, $33 million from the Senators and have the same $8.25 million cap as Swayman.

Meanwhile, Seattle Kraken goaltender Joey Daccord received a five-year, $25 million extension. He filled in for Philipp Grubauer after that goalie’s injury last season and got the NHL’s first shutout in the Winter Classic. Both contracts will take effect next season.

Oct. 8: Rangers’ Igor Shesterkin turns down extension offer

ESPN’s Kevin Weekes posted on social media Tuesday that the New York Rangers offered Shesterkin an eight-year, $88 million contract, with an $11 million average annual value that would have eclipsed Carey Price’s high-water mark of $10.5 million. A person with knowledge of the situation confirmed those numbers to lohud.com, part of the USA TODAY Network.

It’s not a huge surprise that the 28-year-old Russian would reject it on the eve of New York’s season-opener in Pittsburgh. Another person familiar with the situation recently indicated the two sides have been far apart in negotiations, and that the chances of striking a deal before the start of the new season weren’t looking very promising. That could always change if Rangers team president Chris Drury decides to up the ante, but Shesterkin seems content to bet on himself and wait it out. – Vincent Z. Mercogliano, lohud.com

Also: The defending champion Florida Panthers announced after their opening victory that forward Carter Verhaeghe had agreed to an eight-year extension. It’s worth a reported $56 million.

The NFL season has cruised past its midway point, but there’s only a tiny fraction of clarity surrounding next year’s draft.

The uncertainty starts with the quarterbacks, with only two passers – Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders and Miami’s Cam Ward – truly establishing themselves as worthy of first-round consideration, while several other previous candidates – including Georgia’s Carson Beck and Texas’ Quinn Ewers – have seemingly faded a bit. A similar dynamic is in place for many other positions, with a shortage of surefire top-10 selections. And the top of the order still looks volatile, with 11 teams having either two or three wins.

With all that in mind, here’s our latest 2025 NFL mock draft projection, with the current first round order via Tankathon:

2025 NFL mock draft

1. Jacksonville Jaguars – Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado

Enjoy the incredible ironman performances while you can, as whichever team selects Hunter surely can’t utilize him on 161 snaps in a single game the way Colorado did last week against Texas Tech. Even though he could be a shutdown corner for Jacksonville’s league-worst defense, the smart money is on the Heisman Trophy front-runner going the receiver route given the way the market at the position has exploded. That shouldn’t dissuade the Jaguars at all, as Hunter is still the kind of transcendent talent who can team with stellar 2024 first-rounder Brian Thomas Jr. to get Trevor Lawrence’s development back on track after what’s shaping up to be another lost season.

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2. New York Giants – Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado

Deion Sanders’ claim regarding his son’s draft outlook in March that ‘it’s gonna be an Eli (Manning)’ would take on new meaning in this scenario. Should Big Blue pursue another football blue blood, the pairing could be fruitful for each side. With coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen expected to return in 2025, the Giants would be able to turn the page on Daniel Jones’ tenure by installing a poised passer who can dice defenses apart with precision strikes from the pocket. Sanders, meanwhile, would inherit a unit that looks to be on the upswing, with wide receiver Malik Nabers and running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. exhibiting immense promise as rookies and the offensive line looking to be in a better spot upon left tackle Andrew Thomas’ return from a season-ending Lisfranc injury.

3. Tennessee Titans – Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona

The Titans’ 31st-ranked passing attack is too large of a problem for any one player to resolve. While Tennessee can’t merely expect improvement by running things back with Will Levis, general manager Ran Carthon and coach Brian Callahan might be reticent to force a quarterback pick in an uneven class. The 6-5, 212-pound McMillan would pair nicely with Calvin Ridley to give Tennessee’s next signal-caller a formidable tandem of targets. He’s also shown he can lift an underperforming offense, as he ranks second in the Football Bowl Subdivision with 1,066 receiving yards despite Arizona’s wider issues.

4. Cleveland Browns – Mason Graham, DT, Michigan

From both a financial and personnel perspective, trying to pivot this spring from the Deshaun Watson debacle to a first-round quarterback doesn’t seem viable. Instead, Cleveland should be focused on collecting cornerstones for what could be an extended build. Graham’s relentless approach would help set the right tone for a franchise facing major upheaval in the coming years.

5. Las Vegas Raiders – Cam Ward, QB, Miami (Fla.)

It’s only fitting that perhaps the biggest gamble of this class would land in Las Vegas. If Ward is able to harness the singular playmaking skills he has demonstrated throughout this season, the payoff for this pick would be immense. But the transfer from Washington State and Incarnate Word could be in for a rough transition to the pros if he is asked to start immediately, as he has largely faced underwhelming competition and too often refuses to fold even when he’s dealt a bad hand. That mentality could create some friction with Antonio Pierce, but it should be evident to the coach that a seismic shift is in order after the team tried to scrape by with Gardner Minshew II and Aidan O’Connell this season.

6. New England Patriots – Will Campbell, OT, LSU

With Drake Maye providing a much-needed spark to an otherwise lifeless offense, the mandate for executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf to upgrade the supporting cast in Year 2 is even stronger than it was last offseason. Overhauling the offensive line and receiving corps likely will require a significant spend in both the draft and free agency, with New England currently projected to have a league-high $130.8 million in cap space for 2025, according to Over The Cap. Campbell doesn’t have the flashiest physical traits, but New England would likely welcome his savvy as a pass protector. Even if he ends up as a candidate to move inside due to his frame, he could allow the team to keep Michael Onwenu at right guard after the team toyed with the idea of flipping him to the other side.

7. New Orleans Saints – Will Johnson, CB, Michigan

Will the Saints finally detonate their deteriorating roster after firing Dennis Allen or hold out hope for a quick return to relevance? Given the way the franchise has engaged in cap gymnastics to cling to the status quo, don’t bet on a full-blown reset. Still, Johnson is the kind of pick any franchise would leap at regardless of its direction. The 6-2, 202-pounder has missed substantial time this season with shoulder and toe injuries, but his shutdown credentials are unimpeachable. Not a bad way to regroup after trading Marshon Lattimore at the deadline.

8. New York Jets – Mykel Williams, DE, Georgia

It’s anyone’s guess as to what next year’s iteration of the Jets will look like given the wide-reaching fallout that could be ahead once this year’s disappointing campaign wraps up. But there’s little reason for Gang Green to hand Haason Reddick the long-term contract that the two-time Pro Bowl pass rusher is seeking. The Jets can reload their edge rush with Williams, whose power makes him a fine partner for breakout defensive end Will McDonald IV.

9. Carolina Panthers – Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri

Though Bryce Young has shown incremental improvement since being reinserted into the starting lineup, Carolina hardly seems committed to a plan at quarterback. Using another top pick on a passer could be dicey for the Panthers, especially after two consecutive wins dropped them back in the order. Though Burden hasn’t had the junior season many envisioned with just 11.3 yards per catch and one game over 100 yards, he’s still a dynamic run-after-catch threat who would help this team reload at receiver after it cast off Diontae Johnson and Jonathan Mingo.

10. Miami Dolphins – Malaki Starks, S, Georgia

Keeping impending free agent Jevon Holland seems like a stretch for a franchise that is shelling out top dollar at several other positions, and Jordan Poyer and Marcus Maye are also set to hit the market. While the NFL hasn’t had a safety selected in the top 10 since Jamal Adams went sixth overall in 2017, Starks should earn consideration to go early on Day 1 as a do-it-all defender who constantly puts himself in position to make big plays.

11. Dallas Cowboys – Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State

Jerry Jones seems about as eager to make sweeping personnel changes as he does to hang drapes throughout AT&T Stadium. Still, it no doubt eats at the Cowboys owner to see the 31st-ranked rushing attack dragging down the rest of the offense. A correction – or overcorrection – could be waiting with the selection of Jeanty. After attending high school in the same town – Frisco, Texas – as the location of Cowboys headquarters, the Heisman Trophy candidate continues to pinball off defenders as though he were playing against those still at the prep level. Bringing him on could one of the first steps in a massive recalibration for Dallas.

12. Indianapolis Colts – Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame

A season-ending hip injury could severely drag Morrison’s draft stock down. But given the Colts’ extensive shortcomings in the secondary and cornerback Kenny Moore II calling out his teammates’ effort, the 6-0, 190-pounder’s polish and consistency make him an alluring option.

13. Cincinnati Bengals – Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State

Reconfiguring a dilapidated defense has to be a priority in Cincinnati, but Tee Higgins’ expected departure looms large as well. Egbuka doesn’t offer the same level of explosiveness as Higgins, but the crafty 6-1, 203-pound target could step into the No. 2 role next to Ja’Marr Chase as a supercharged Tyler Boyd who routinely creates opportunities for himself with smooth route running.

14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Abdul Carter, DE/OLB, Penn State

Leaks are springing up everywhere on Todd Bowles’ defense, which has given up 31.3 points per contest in its last six games while setting an NFL low with 425.3 yards per game. A step in the right direction would be to address an underperforming pass rush by adding Carter, a blur off the edge who still has room to grow as he learns not to rely solely on his pure explosiveness.

15. Seattle Seahawks – Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas

The interior line’s failure to safeguard Geno Smith has severely limited offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb’s options this season. At 6-4 and 320 pounds, Banks has the tools to become a high-level pass protector at guard if he can comfortably adapt to a new position after starting at left tackle for three years at Texas.

16. Chicago Bears – Nic Scourton, DE, Texas A&M

As pressing as the ongoing offensive calamity in Chicago is, a shortage of top-tier linemen might point the Bears elsewhere with their first-round pick. At 6-4 and 280 pounds with a signature spin move, Scourton could provide even an additional spark to Chicago’s defense as a potential fixture opposite Montez Sweat.

17. Los Angeles Rams – Cameron Williams, OT, Texas

Lingering issues along the offensive line could threaten to spoil what’s left of Matthew Stafford’s career in Los Angeles, with the veteran quarterback under constant duress and taking four sacks in Monday’s loss to the Dolphins. Williams is far more of a project than a plug-and-play starter, but his elite traits should have him firmly in the first-round conversation.

18. San Francisco 49ers – Shavon Revel Jr., CB, East Carolina

Taking a player coming off a torn ACL would give any San Francisco fan pause given the toll rampant injuries have taken on the team’s season. But so long as the 49ers are comfortable with his outlook, Revel is an intriguing possibility given a frame (6-3, 193 pounds) and skill set that have drawn him comparisons to Richard Sherman.

19. Denver Broncos – Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan

The acclimation plan for Bo Nix has centered on maintaining a reasonable ask of Denver’s rookie quarterback. While Nix’s responsibilities are sure to expand, adding Loveland would be in keeping with the current effort. The 6-5, 245-pounder threatens defenses down the seam with his speed and could be a high-volume target for an offense that has just 28 combined receptions from its tight ends.

20. Houston Texans – Deone Walker, DT, Kentucky

Fortifying the interior of both its lines has to be a priority given Houston’s problems at the point of attack. The Texans can still find value at offensive guard later in the draft and use its first pick on Walker, a 6-6, 345-pound force in the middle. More consistency and control are required for him to properly tap into his Pro Bowl-caliber talent, but his combination of sheer power and surprising agility is hard to find.

21. Atlanta Falcons – James Pearce Jr., DE/OLB, Tennessee

The longstanding pass-rush woes haven’t abated, with Atlanta’s inability to take down Derek Carr during a letdown loss to the Saints keeping the team’s defense at a league-low nine sacks on the season. Pearce has established himself as one of college football’s best at pestering quarterbacks thanks to his impressive burst and length, though he’ll have to fill out his frame and round out his pass-rush plan to be a consistent threat off the edge.

22. Arizona Cardinals – Jalon Walker, LB, Georgia

The past two weeks have been an awakening for Jonathan Gannon’s formerly dormant defense, with the group netting a combined nine sacks against Caleb Williams and Aaron Rodgers. But Arizona shouldn’t get too comfortable with how the unit handled two floundering teams. The 6-2, 245-pound Walker will need to be deployed creatively to replicate the massive disruption he has created for the Bulldogs this season. Gannon, however, knows how to make the most of an undersized but athletic linebacker after he helped Haason Reddick record a career-high 16 sacks for the Eagles in 2022.

23. Los Angeles Chargers – Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan

The Bolts rank ninth in rushing yards allowed per game (110.6) but 25th in yards allowed per carry (4.7). To boost the team’s efficiency on that front, Jim Harbaugh doesn’t need to stray far from his comfort zone, as his former pupil Grant routinely blows up plays in the backfield and demands double teams.

24. Green Bay Packers – Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas

For all of the progress that defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley has made in Year 1, the starting cornerback spot opposite Jaire Alexander remains a sore spot. Barron might not meet Brian Gutekunst’s high thresholds for size and athleticism at the position, but he can thrive anywhere in the secondary and has a knack for making his way to the ball.

25. Washington Commanders – JT Tuimoloau, DE, Ohio State

Kudos to coach Dan Quinn and defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. for piecing together a pass rush without a marquee investment. The hard-charging Tuimoloau might not consistently post seasons with double-digit sacks, but his knack for jolting offensive tackles backward and stopping the run shouldn’t be overlooked.

26. Baltimore Ravens – Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State

Maybe it seems wrong to project an offensive tackle for a team currently on track to break the NFL record for yards in a season, especially given Baltimore’s deficient edge rush. But left tackle Ronnie Stanley is set to be a free agent after this year, and Simons was on a clear first-round trajectory before a knee injury ended his season.

27. Pittsburgh Steelers – Isaiah Bond, WR, Texas

With Russell Wilson on a one-year deal and turning 36 later this month, it’s difficult to suss out what this offense might need next season. Still, it never hurts to infuse an aerial attack with serious track speed, which Bond has flashed at times this year en route to averaging 16.7 yards per catch.

28. Minnesota Vikings – Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon

The Michigan State transfer has arguably enjoyed the biggest breakout season of any defender in college football, as he leads all interior defensive linemen in pressures. Able to line up in a variety of spots, the 6-5, 310-pounder could create serious havoc in Brian Flores’ scheme.

29. Philadelphia Eagles – Shemar Stewart, DE, Texas A&M

Vic Fangio’s defense has feasted on struggling opponents since the bye, but adding to the defensive front is likely to remain of interest to Howie Roseman. The 6-6, 290-pound Stewart is one of the most imposing defenders in the draft, and his versatility and stout run defense should make him an immediate contributor.

30. Buffalo Bills – Walter Nolen, DT, Mississippi

For the foreseeable future, Buffalo has to construct its roster with a focus on besting Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs. That likely entails a more formidable front four, especially with an improved push on the interior. Since transferring from Texas A&M, Nolen has stepped up his game and served a reminder of why he was once ranked as the No. 1 overall recruit in the 2022 class.

31. Detroit Lions – Jonah Savaiinaea, OT/G, Arizona

With Kevin Zeitler playing on a one-year contract and turning 35 in March, Detroit might be due for a change to a front that has paved the way for the league’s second-highest scoring attack. With his massive frame (6-5, 330 pounds) and punishing approach, Savaiinaea is a natural fit to move back to guard after starting his career there prior to a switch to right tackle.

32. Kansas City Chiefs – Tyleik Williams, DT, Ohio State

Always hyperconscious of maximizing value throughout the draft, general manager Brett Veach could stay true to his mentality here while still filling a key void. Chris Jones is the only defensive tackle signed for 2025, and Williams can help collapse the pocket while honing his pass-rushing skills.

PHOENIX − Rich Hill reached into his pocket, grabbed his cell phone, looked at the text message from an old acquaintance and started laughing.

“Rich, is that really you?’’ he asked. “Are you playing?’’

Yes, that’s Hill all right, 44 years young and pitching for Team USA in the Premier12 international baseball tournament, where most of his teammates are young enough to be his own kids.

This is a team filled with current and former prospects who aren’t on any major-league 40-man rosters, and where Hill is scheduled to start their final Group A game Thursday night against Mexico.

If they win, USA will have the opportunity to qualify for the Super Round next week and win a medal in Tokyo.

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Lose and their tournament is over.

“I’ve never been on a team that won the World Series,’’ Hill tells USA TODAY Sports in an hour-long interview in Phoenix before departing for Mexico, “but winning a gold medal, wearing the uniform representing your country, that’d be pretty darn close.

“It would be amazing.’’

The ultimate dream for the only man in baseball who has pitched at least one game in each of the past 20 years − pitching for 13 different teams − would be winning a gold medal now, win a World Series title in 2025 and then win a gold medal for Team USA in the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.

“It’s funny, I was talking to my wife about the Olympics in four years,’’ Hill said, “and she said, ”Well, maybe you could just be a coach.’’’

Hill, who pitched three shutout innings in USA’s first game of the tournament, always wanted to pitch one day for his country. He has watched teammates and good friends play in the World Baseball Classic, but he never got invited.

He informed Team USA officials this past summer that he was interested in pitching for the Premier12 team since he’d be free. He turned down three major-league contract offers during the winter and spring so that he could coach his 12-year-old son Bryce’s Little League team in Milton, Mass.

“It was his last year in Little League,’’ said Hill, who had seen his son play in only four Little League games the past three years. “I couldn’t pass that up. I’m thankful I didn’t miss that. It was too important to me.’’

So, he hung out all summer with the kids in Milton, coaching on the same field where he pitched 32 years ago, helping lead the Milton Reds to the District championship game as their pitching coach and first base coach. When the season ended, he informed Major League teams he was open again for business.

“I know I passed up some good opportunities,’’ said Hill, who has a career 90-73 record, going 8-14 with a 5.41 ERA with the San Diego Padres and Pittsburgh Pirates in 2023. “But I would do the same thing over and over again. We had great moments we’ve been able to share. Watching him be able to play and get that opportunity is the reason why I stayed home.

“It was everything I hoped.

“I don’t regret a single thing.’’

The Boston Red Sox, his hometown team, came calling with a minor-league offer in August. On Aug. 29 at Fenway Park, he was back in the major leagues, pitching for the Red Sox against the Toronto Blue Jays. He became the oldest player to appear in a major-league since 45-year-old Ichiro Suzuki for the Seattle Mariners in 2019.

But, suddenly he was ineligible to pitch for Team USA since he was on the Red Sox, and their 40-man roster.

Yet, 12 days later after pitching in just his fourth game, he was unceremoniously released, reminding him once again that this can be a cold-hearted business.

Halfway through September, and still unemployed with no major league team showing interest for the stretch run, he put in a call into LaTroy Hawkins. He was his former teammate from 20 years ago, and the current Team USA bullpen coach. Hill wanted to let them know he still he was interested in pitching for them if they wanted him.

“We had reached out to a few guys, and six or seven had said, ‘no,’’’ Hawkins. “When Rich reached back out, I was like, ‘You in?’ He said, ‘Yes, I’m all in.’

“It’s been great. It’s always good to have a veteran presence on a team like this because he’s a natural leader. Guys watch everything that he does, how he carries himself, everything.’’

So, there was Hill, back on the mound again, joining a bunch of kids he never heard of, working out in Phoenix before the tournament opened in Mexico where his family joined him. Team USA has gone 2-2, and their last scheduled game in pool play is Thursday in Tepic, Mexico with hopes that a victory can vault them into the final round in Tokyo.

Still, no matter what happens, no matter if Hill never throws another pitch after Thursday, he says he wouldn’t trade this journey for the world, eager to see what next is in store for him. This is a man who has earned everything in his career with no short cuts. He was selected by the Chicago Cubs in the fourth round of the 2002 draft out of the University of Michigan, spending the rest of his career bouncing from coast to coast and making 386 appearances for 13 different teams. He has pitched everywhere from the Tigres de Aragaua of the Venezuelan Winter League to the Long Island Ducks of the Independent League to starting three games in the 2017 and 2018 World Series for the Los Angeles Dodgers, and has become one of the oldest MLB pitchers since World War II.

“I don’t know what the next step in my baseball career is going to be,’’ Hill said, “but you always want to be around the younger guys and see what they’re doing and stay atop of the training, stuff like that. But it still comes down to just competing and competition.’’

Hill never lit up the radar gun in his prime, and doesn’t throw harder than 89-mph now, but with his curveball, his finesse, his astuteness and his brilliant in-game strategy, is still one of the finest competitors in the game. You know you’re doing something extraordinary when you’ve got 14 years of major league service time, earned more than $75 million, and still have teams coveting you when you’re older than the last eight MLB general managers who have been hired.

“I obviously love the game of baseball, I love the work and competition or I wouldn’t be doing this,’’ Hill says. “But we’ll see what the future holds as far as playing. I’m not sure if this will be it or not. I think we’ll probably know in a month or so.

“I’d love to play another year and have an opportunity to get into the postseason and win a World Series. That’s everybody’s dream. I’ve been close a couple of times, but it’s not like anything I’ve experienced in the game. Playing in the postseason, there’s nothing like it. Nothing at all like it.’’

Hill may never have gotten that World Series ring after winning back-to-back pennants with the Dodgers, but when they won it all this year, he felt part of that euphoria, excitedly texting former teammates like Clayton Kershaw, Austin Barnes and Kike Hernandez throughout the postseason.

“It’s really cool to see just the joy on their faces,’’ Hill said. “Seeing other players experience that, you’re just genuinely excited for them. And you want that. One more time.

“So hopefully, that will come around. I still feel that I have a lot to offer. I think baseball is at a crossroads where were need to start developing starting pitching again, and not just relievers who are chasing velocity at a young age. I know I can still provide innings.

“But, if not, and that’s it, I can call it on my own terms, knowing I’ve been fortunate to have a lot of really cool experiences in this game.’’

If Hill steps away as a pitcher, well, you could soon see him on a coaching staff, in the front office, in player development, or just as an adviser. He’s not shutting the door on any opportunity. And plenty of doors will be wide open for him.

“Organizations want to have somebody who understands what it is to win,’’ Hill says, “what it looks like, how it walks, how it talks. If I get into coaching, that’s something I can take with me and understand what that makeup of a roster looks like.

“How do you construct a winning championship roster? Why do you bring certain guys in? What do you leave certain guys out? That’s something being around a lot of really, really good teams, I’ve been able to see how that works, and how that doesn’t work, too.

“You can have the most talented team, but you need the right people in places to succeed, and that supersedes talent.’’

One day, Hill wants to be that ultimate difference maker, but then again, considering the lives he has already touched along his journey these past 20 years, his impact has already been indelible.

“I’m so glad he’s here,’’ Hawkins said, “because he’s done everything in this game but except pitch for Team USA. I know he wants that World Series ring, but he’s got a chance for that gold medal.

“And, as I told him, there’s a whole lot more people that have a World Series ring than have a gold medal.’’

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