TAMPA, Fla. — They finally ended a 15-year World Series absence, but scattering for the winter without the Commissioner’s Trophy in hand provided a cruel reminder for the New York Yankees: Pushing the boulder farther up the hill only makes it roll back down even harder.

Ninety-four wins and American League division and championship series conquests of Kansas City and Cleveland soured after a five-game World Series loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers – particularly since they did not look good doing so.

Reunited yet down one generational superstar, the reloaded Yankees are now tasked with turning the nightmare fuel of a Game 5 collapse into propellant.

“You compete your [expletive] off all year,” ace Gerrit Cole told USA TODAY Sports. “You compete your [expletive] off through the DS, through the CS, and you’re competing your [expletive] off in the World Series, too. But you finish second. You lose.

“I think there’s a blend, in each of us, a sense of accomplishment but also sense that we didn’t finish. And we especially didn’t finish the way we wanted to. We wanted to play better. And we didn’t.

Follow every MLB game: Latest MLB scores, stats, schedules and standings.

“Guys are grabbing fuel from both ends of the spectrum. We did push this farther than we have pushed this. And yet our goal was not accomplished.”

The desultory decisive game – marked by crucial mistakes from franchise player Aaron Judge (dropped fly ball), shortstop Anthony Volpe (poor throw) and Cole (late covering first base from the mound) – should have been exacerbated by offseason heartbreak.

After all, following one season in the Bronx in which he formed, with Judge, one of the great 1-2 punches in baseball history, Juan Soto crossed town to the Mets for a $765 million contract. A one-year trial with Soto nearly produced a World Series championship and nearly produced a long-term union.

Instead, the Yankees got neither.

Yet the group that has reassembled at Steinbrenner Field has been galvanized, in part by October lessons learned and most notably by the Yankees’ quick-twitch reaction after Soto’s defection.

Left-hander Max Fried: Signed to a $218 million deal just a day after the Mets edged the Yankees at the tape for Soto’s services.

Closer Devin Williams: Acquired in trade from Milwaukee Brewers on Dec. 13.

Center fielder Cody Bellinger: Acquired in trade from Chicago Cubs on Dec. 17.

First baseman Paul Goldschmidt: Signed to one-year deal on Dec. 21.

In less than two weeks, the Yankees lost the Soto Shuffle but turned a Pinstripe Pivot into legitimate dreams in 2025, adding a World Series-winning pitcher, a pair of former MVPs and one of baseball’s premier relievers.

And while Goldschmidt, 37, likely won’t revisit his 2022 NL MVP form, the Yankees have added the game’s best pitcher since 2020 in Fried and a former MVP in Bellinger who won’t turn 30 until July.

The quick strikes were most appreciated by returning Yankees who’d rather not be held hostage by  roster rumblings all winter.

“I don’t want to sit by my phone all day. I’ll wait for some credited sources to come out with real info and other than that I’m not paying too much attention to it,” says pitcher Clarke Schmidt. “We realize every time you go out there, you’re not going to have the same team every year. Especially when you have that big of free agents. Especially the biggest free agent.

“I thought they did a great job. We bolstered the pen. We bolstered the rotation. And the bats we added. They did a really, really good job.”

The relief was palpable for both returning and incoming Yankees.

‘The vibe’s incredible’

Bellinger hit 47 home runs in winning the 2019 MVP, and then helped lead the Dodgers to the shortened-season 2020 World Series title, but not before a forearm bash celebrating a Kiké Hernández NLCS home run sidetracked his career.

Shoulder surgery and then a 2021 hairline fracture in his left fibula robbed him of both his upper and lower halves, resulting in two seasons where he batted a combined .193 with a .611 OPS, and the Dodgers non-tendered him.

The past two seasons were spent reestablishing his value at Wrigley Field, to mixed results: He was a 4.4 WAR player in 2023, signed an $80 million deal with two opt-outs and then tailed off to 2.2 WAR last year.

When the strangely penurious Cubs signaled their intent to trade him, Bellinger geared up. And when it was destination, New York, a player who could be playing the what-if game is instead counting his blessings.

“I kind of knew I was going to get traded so I was like, ‘I hope it’s to a good spot,’” says Bellinger. “The Cubs are a great organization. The Dodgers are a great organization. I wanted to go to a place that was cool.

“This has been amazing. I was so pumped up when I got the call. I’m excited to be here.”

The feeling is mutual. Bellinger remains an elite defender in center field and at first base, his presence enabling Judge, who turns 33 in April, to slide back to right field. He can also spell Goldschmidt at first base.

Meanwhile, the Bellinger-Yankees alliance can truly be mutually beneficial should the lefty slugger properly leverage the short right field porch. Soto didn’t quite turn into Babe Ruth in the Bronx, but he did set career highs with 41 homers and a 178 adjusted OPS, along with a .989 OPS.

Suddenly, batting practice takes on a different meaning for Bellinger who can once again opt out of his contract and test free agency after this season.

“Gotta stay inside the baseball,” he says. “Gotta stay inside my swing.

“Good things could and should happen.”

That feeling extends toward the clubhouse, where Bellinger reports that “the vibe’s incredible,” especially following the lead of Judge, whom he credits with “unmatched” energy and presence.

The infusion of new and very accomplished blood is also highly appreciated among the returners.

“They’re major, major additions,” says Volpe, who posted an .815 OPS with five stolen bases in the Yankees’ postseason run. “Not only to the lineup, to the team, to the field, but the clubhouse. Going forward that’s probably going to be most important.”

Still not over it

Equally important was the Yankees’ nimble winter response. Oh, it won’t qualify as a Dodgers-like splurge: Soto’s $31 million salary is pretty much a wash with Fried’s signing bonus and 2025 salary, and the Yankee payroll will once again land somewhere in the $310 million range.

Yet they remain consensus favorites in an AL East that runs five deep yet lacks a true behemoth – unless you count the Yankees.

“Everything happened pretty fast,” says Volpe of the winter maneuvers. “It’s just a good feeling knowing you’re on a team and in an organization that’s going to do whatever it takes to put us over the edge.

“Besides Judgey, Soto’s the best player, by far, I’ve ever played with. Losing him, you can’t ever replace anything like that. But feeling like you’re in an organization that will invest, it’s a good feeling and makes you want to go out there and win.”  

Says Cole: “There was a lot of decisiveness. There was a concerted contingency plan. And I’m sure they spent a lot of time and focus on Juan. But the speed at which they moved and the areas with which they targeted to improve, it seemed like there was a lot of critical thought going on prior to Juan doing what he decided to do.”

In Fried, the Yankees get the game’s best ERA – 2.81 – among starting pitchers since 2020. His seven-pitch mix will be a significant changeup from the power arms – Cole, Carlos Rodón, Schmidt and Rookie of the Year Luis Gil – the Yankees will trot out the rest of the time.

Cole and Schmidt by turns call Fried “articulate,” “curious” and “team-centric,” and, most important, “elite at run prevention,” as Cole says.

He’ll also come in with a 2021 World Series ring and no memory of the Yankees’ desultory performance in the most recent Fall Classic.

Yet those that return won’t forget, in a season where learning from the past and quickly moving on from it might be the team’s best attribute.

“Some of those feelings, you don’t necessarily get over, ever,” says Volpe. “But I think our team, our clubhouse have done a pretty good job using those things and those feelings to push us to new heights, new things.

“The best part is I don’t think we’ll ever get over that – that team and that bond, knowing we came that close. But looking at it with the perspective that it’s a good thing, and it will help us.”

The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news — fast. Download for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more.

The NFL scouting combine kicks off this week, but for teams, the majority of the work to evaluate players has already been completed.

For casual observers, the annual event in Indianapolis might serve as an introduction to some of the names that will come to define the next two months in the lead-up to the 2025 NFL draft. But the interviews, medical checks, testing and drills only serve as the finishing touches to the expansive looks that teams have already given to prospects. Still, there’s room for front offices and coaches to be swayed, so prospects will try to put their best foot forward when they hit the field at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Here are our pre-combine top 50 rankings for the 2025 NFL draft:

1. Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado

Without hyperbole, football hasn’t seen a player like Hunter in quite some time. The Heisman Trophy winner was downright heroic in pulling double duty at cornerback and wide receiver, excelling at each spot despite a workload that would leave almost anyone else winded. While Hunter maintains he wants to keep that up, working primarily at one spot should serve not only his development but also assist with his stamina. His scintillating ball skills could make him a premier talent at either position, though cornerback seems to be the more reasonable attractive play for most teams at this point. He still has plenty to fine tune, but he’s one of the few legitimate game-breaking talents to come through the draft in recent years.

NFL STATS CENTRAL: The latest NFL scores, schedules, odds, stats and more.

2. Abdul Carter, DE, Penn State

If anyone else has a claim to the top spot at this point, it might be Carter. The 6-3, 250-pounder moved from linebacker to defensive end last season and unlocked something special. He gets off the line in an instant and slithers past blockers to close in on the ball carrier. Unlike many other edge rushers with his athleticism, he’s not afraid to get physical or work back inside. His bend and burst leave quarterbacks with little hope for escaping his clutches. As is typical for college edge rushers, he can improve with by expanding his set of pass-rush moves. But the overall package is that of an All-Pro talent.

3. Will Johnson, CB, Michigan

The comparisons to Pat Surtain II – the Denver Broncos cornerback and reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year – are lofty but not outlandish. The 6-1, 203-pounder puts together the size, fluidity and instincts to handle any coverage assignment. Johnson isn’t a true burner and saw his 2024 season go sideways due to a toe injury, but he otherwise projects as a sticky corner who should could have excellent ball production.

4. Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State

As the debate about running back value rages on, Jeanty promises to be a fascinating litmus test. The Heisman Trophy runner-up strung together one of the most dominant seasons in college football history with 2,601 rushing yards and 29 touchdowns on the ground. A sublimely patient runner, he regularly slips past would-be tacklers in tight spaces and often manages to bounce off those who do make contact with him. The biggest thing holding his stock back might be the all-important question of how teams should properly invest at his position.

5. Cam Ward, QB, Miami (Fla.)

After backing out of his initial decision to declare for last year’s draft, Ward transferred to Miami and blossomed into college football’s most dynamic passer. The 6-2, 223-pounder dazzles with off-platform throws and operating out of structure. The biggest challenge for him, however, will be to take the easier gains in the short and intermediate areas rather than holding out for higher-difficulty throws that easily could become turnovers. Dialing back that mentality while still allowing Ward to embrace his playmaking streak could prove tricky for his future coaching staff, but his poise in the pocket and comfort working through his progressions should provide some level of assurance that he can grow in this area.

6. Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona

The 6-5, 210-pounder has made a habit out of making the spectacular look routine. McMillan is content to pluck jump balls out of the air downfield, but he also thrives working underneath and immediately turning into a run-after-catch threat. Like many bigger receivers, he’ll face questions of whether he has the pure long speed to create separation downfield, but he has more than enough tools to overcome that potential shortcoming.

7. Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State

The Nittany Lions deployed the former high school quarterback creatively as the focal point of their offense, and it was easy to see why they did so. The 6-6, 261-pounder can do almost anything asked of him in the passing game, from hauling in contested catches to turning upfield and racking up yards after a quick throw. He has room to grow as a run blocker, but he has the disposition and skills to leave his imprint on every phase of the game.

8. Will Campbell, OT, LSU

Steadiness is the hallmark of three-year starter and consensus All-American’s play. Campbell stays composed and collected in pass protection, though he has some trouble with edge defenders comfortable working back inside. The 6-6, 320-pounder lacks ideal length for a blindside protector, but he should be a fixture of his future team’s offensive line, whether at tackle or guard.

9. Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan

A shoulder injury and shaky quarterback play obscured just what a threat Loveland can be as part of an NFL offense. The 6-5, 245-pounder should regularly create mismatches as an athletic target who is comfortable breaking free from slower defenders or boxing out smaller ones.

10. Mason Graham, DT, Michigan

As a square and squat interior disruptor, Graham will challenge some teams’ notions of what a defensive tackle should look like. But his ability to create havoc is readily evident, as he slips past guards thanks to his quick feet and crafty hand usage. He might not win in typical fashion for a defensive tackle and could need to generate a better bull rush, but he has several different answers for whatever offenses throw at him.

11. Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State

His stock likely will be linked to his recovery from a season-ending knee injury he suffered in October. So long as teams are comfortable with his prognosis, however, the 6-5, 310-pounder checks many boxes of an upper-echelon pass protector, though he’s not as forceful as some of his blocking peers in this class.

12. Jalon Walker, LB, Georgia

At 6-2 and 245 pounds, he’ll require creative utilization from his future defensive coordinator, especially if he’s to be deployed off the edge. But his playmaking prowess is undeniable, as he can knife past blockers with his length and slippery style, and he’s a missile once he locks onto a ball carrier in space. He’s still developing as an off-ball linebacker, but he could become a major asset in coverage as well.

13. Walter Nolen, DT, Mississippi

The former No. 1 overall recruit didn’t fully find his form in his first two years at Texas A&M before transferring, but he broke out in his lone season in Oxford. Nolen excels at shooting the gap, though he’s also adept at pushing linemen backward. He’s too often guilty of taking himself out of plays with an overaggressive approach, but proper coaching should help him harness his attacking mentality.

14. Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas

The 5-11, 200-pounder probably won’t burn up the combine as one of the top athletes at his position. But in a game setting, the Thorpe Award winner has a preternatural sense for finding the football. He might not size up as a true outside corner to some, but he can be a versatile asset in coverage who thrives working downhill.

15. Armand Membou, OT, Missouri

At 6-3 and 322 pounds, he doesn’t look the part of a bookend tackle, and his frame could portend a move to guard. But Membou is equally comfortable pushing opponents around in the run game as he is keeping pass rushers at bay, though his build might leave him susceptible to being beaten by rangier defensive linemen.

16. Mike Green, DE/OLB, Marshall

The Football Bowl Subdivision leader in sacks (17 in 2024) employs a far more physical approach than one might expect from a 6-3, 251-pound edge rusher. He risks stalling out if he doesn’t continue to fill out his frame, but his relentless style and elasticity as a rusher should position him to make plenty of plays in the backfield.

17. James Pearce Jr., DE, Tennessee

His blistering initial burst off the line is often enough to give him a runway to the backfield, and he can leverage his rangy frame and formidable punch to take advantage of blockers who are thrown off balance by his speed. But it’s unclear whether he can hold up against the run and be an every-down defender, and his ability to finish off plays is still a concern.

18. Mykel Williams, DE, Georgia

Like Travon Walker before him, Williams represents a gamble on a package of outstanding traits that never coalesced into the fully dominant from many expected from him. The 6-5, 265-pounder can beat blockers in a variety of ways thanks to his rare combination of speed and power, though he likely will need to figure out additional moves for shedding opponents who do manage to lock in on him.

19. Tyler Booker, G, Alabama

There might not be a more powerful blocker in this year’s class, as the 6-5, 325-pounder looks to punish anyone in his path. He’s not the most fleet-footed lineman, but he should be coveted by any team looking to ramp up a physical rushing attack.

20. Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon

Transferring from Michigan State paid off in a major way for Harmon, who had the most pressures of any interior defensive lineman last season with 55, according to Pro Football Focus. The 6-5, 310-pounder can create disruption from anywhere along the line, though his finishing touch is somewhat lacking.

21. Matthew Golden, WR, Texas

With Xavier Worthy and Adonai Mitchell off to the NFL, the Houston transfer stepped in and established himself as the Longhorns’ next standout pass-catching prospect. Golden enjoyed some of his best performances against top competition down the stretch in Texas’ College Football Playoff push. If he is able to beat press coverage consistently, he can challenge cornerbacks downfield with his acceleration or shake them on in- or out-breaking routes with his crisp footwork.

22. Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama

A former edge rusher, Campbell is still somewhat finding his way as an off-ball linebacker, as his recognition skills are underdeveloped. But a 6-3, 244-pound defender with extensive playmaking range, a proven track record as a blitzer and untapped coverage potential is the kind of project any defensive coordinator would gladly take on.

23. Shavon Revel Jr., CB, East Carolina

If not for a torn ACL suffered in September, he might be firmly entrenched as a first-rounder, as the 6-1, 188-pounder marries an ultra-competitive demeanor at the line of scrimmage with impressive recovery speed and improving ball skills. His health outlook will no doubt loom large in his evaluation, but if he can find the right fit with a defensive coordinator patient enough to bring him along – his style of play might make him prone to early penalties, and there will be a significant leap in quality of competition – he could be a highly productive starter.

24. Kelvin Banks, OT/G, Texas

The Outland Trophy winner is one of the more battle-tested prospects in this class after three years of starting experience. It remains to be seen whether teams will entrust the 6-4, 320-pounder to hang at tackle despite his suboptimal frame and balance, but he likely will still be highly valued even if he has to bump inside.

25. Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State

The 6-1, 205-pounder is far from the most explosive pass catcher in this year’s class, but he routinely creates separation thanks to his savvy rather than his athleticism. He has an advanced feel for route-running and shedding coverage in tight quarters, which should help him become a fast favorite of his future quarterback as a high-volume underneath slot target.

26. Malaki Starks, S, Georgia

Starks has been a difference-maker ever since starting as a freshman in Athens, rising to the role of team leader for one of college football’s most dominant defenses. There are some volatile moments in coverage, as he too frequently takes the bait and can be shaken in man coverage by quicker receivers. But if he can iron out those issues, he could be a staple of any secondary as a versatile and heady playmaker.

27. Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado

Despite operating in a spotlight that might blind other passers, Sanders somehow managed to exceed outsized expectations by establishing himself as a precise and poised distributor. How he handles pressure at the next level could be one of the biggest determining factors in the trajectory of his career, but he could be a more than capable starter for an offense that asks him to conduct more often than create.

28. Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri

At a time when other receivers shined, his 2024 season went sideways, with the dynamic slot target averaging just 11.1 yards per game. Expanding his route tree in the pros could be the key to whether he remains primarily a threat on quick hitters underneath or becomes a more well-rounded target capable of threatening defenses downfield.

29. Shemar Stewart, DE, Texas A&M

There might not be a more imposing defensive prospect in this class than the 6-5, 281-pound edge rusher with a rapid burst off the line. Those impressive physical tools should allow Stewart to keep creating pressure consistently while helping shut down the run game, but it remains to be seen whether he can develop a reliable pass-rush plan and finishing touch after netting just 4 ½ sacks in college.

30. Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan

Don’t pigeonhole the 6-3, 342-pounder as a mere space eater, even though he can command double teams and plug holes against the run. Grant is perhaps this class’ most athletic big man, though his nimble movements have yet to translate to much of anything in the pass rush.

31. Donovan Jackson, G, Ohio State

Shifting to left tackle during the Buckeyes’ title run helped highlight just how far the former five-star recruit has come in his career, as Jackson locked down an array of top-notch edge rushers. The 6-4, 320-pounder figures to move back inside at the next level, where his viselike grip should help him clamp down on defenders both in pass protection and the run game.

32. Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina

At 6-3 and 227 pounds with the speed of a cornerback, he seems perfectly suited to match up with tight ends and bigger receivers. Emmanwori is a bit wild when working downhill against the run and may lack the fluidity to stick in the slot, but his excellent ball skills and physical tools should prove plenty alluring to many teams.

33. Kaleb Johnson, RB, Iowa

Johnson single-handedly invigorated Iowa’s long dormant offense with his smooth running style, averaging 6.4 yards per carry. The 6-0, 225-pounder is patient yet decisive in his approach, snaking around would-be tacklers to find the open field. His limited comfort level in the passing game – particularly in protection – could box him in somewhat during the early portion of his career.

34. Donovan Ezeiruaku, DE/OLB, Boston College

After notching 16 ½ sacks last season, Ezeiruaku already seems to have a master’s degree in pass-rushing, as he has a full toolkit of moves he is prepared to wield at just the right moment. His 6-2, 247-pound build still will likely result in him being erased by bigger blockers, particularly in the run game, but he compensates for it by leveraging his length, agility and smarts.

35. Josh Conerly Jr., OT, Oregon

He ended up on the wrong end of a Senior Bowl viral highlight against Green, but that shouldn’t define Conerly’s pre-draft process. The 6-4, 315-pounder came into his own last season as a smooth mover, though he could be victimized by power rushers in the early going.

36. Landon Jackson, DE, Arkansas

The LSU transfer is the kind of player any offensive tackle hates to see lining up across from him, as the 6-7, 280-pounder boasts daunting length, an impressive arsenal of pass-rush moves and a never-say-die mentality. Jackson might be too big for his own good, however, as his rigidity severely limits him in several phases of the game.

37. TreVeyon Henderson, RB, Ohio State

Once he gets to the corner, watch out. The 5-10, 208-pounder can’t always fight his way through to daylight on inside runs, but Henderson has the burst to break long gains whenever he’s given a crease. Already a comfortable pass protector and reliable receiver, he should be a three-down option from Day 1.

38. Azareye’h Thomas, CB, Florida State

The Senior Bowl standout has given evaluators reason to go back and take a closer look at one of the few bright spots in a disappointing season for the Seminoles. The 6-1, 191-pounder has a strong claim to be the premier pest of this defensive class, as he regularly smothers receivers at the line of scrimmage with his length and hyperphysical approach. He might not generate a ton of plays on the ball and won’t be a fit for every scheme, but any team looking for an in-your-face coverage presence has to give him strong consideration.

39. Jack Sawyer, DE, Ohio State

One of the heroes of the Buckeyes’ title run, Sawyer is a pure punisher off the edge. It seems unlikely that he can diversify his pass rush beyond his current power-based approach, but he can overwhelm any blocker who lets up even momentarily, and he should be a force against the run.

40. Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky

A 179-pound cornerback might be seen by some as a liability more than an asset at the line of scrimmage. While it remains to be seen whether Hairston can hold up against more physical receivers in the pros, he certainly has the disposition to hang with any wideout he finds himself across from, as he relishes working in close quarters.

41. Nic Scourton, DE, Texas A&M

The 6-4, 280-pounder can be a load for any lineman to handle, as he embraces contact with active hands, a high-energy approach and plenty of knowhow. Though his hustle and expansive set of pass-rush moves could take him a good distance, he might not have the upside of other edge rushers in the class given his mostly unremarkable physical traits.

42. Mason Taylor, TE, LSU

The son of Hall of Famer Jason Taylor has made a name for himself on the other side of the ball, proving to be a fluid pass catcher comfortable operating both in space and in traffic. He’s not as dynamic as the this year’s top tier of tight ends and is more likely to be a complementary piece than a go-to target, but he can still be a highly effective weapon for the right offense.

43. Jaxson Dart, QB, Mississippi

It’s hard to tell exactly what a team is getting in a signal-caller who feasted in a scheme that afforded him so many chunk gains off initial reads. But if he can hone his processing and clean up his footwork, Dart stands out as a particularly intriguing prospect to bring along slowly given his potential to beat defenses over the middle.

44. Xavier Watts, S, Notre Dame

With 13 interceptions over the last two seasons, the two-time consensus All-American – Notre Dame’s first since 1993 – has an unparalleled knack for finding the ball in coverage. Watts might not match other defensive backs in man coverage capabilities and versatility, but his instinctive style should translate to plenty more playmaking opportunities.

45. JT Tuimoloau, DE, Ohio State

His impact at the next level is likely to be measured more in pressures than sacks, but his disruption still comes in handy. The 6-5, 269-pound Tuimoloau lacks diversity as an edge rusher who relies almost entirely on his ability to push back opposing linemen, but his one trick is plenty good.

47. Grey Zabel, C, North Dakota State

After Graham Barton made the switch from collegiate left tackle to standout center as a rookie for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Zabel likely is looking at a similar trajectory. The 6-5, 318-pounder has experience at every other position along the line, but his superlative work at center during the Senior Bowl should have teams envisioning his long-term future there.

47. Tre Harris, WR, Mississippi

The 6-3, 210-pounder is far from a finished product as a pass catcher, with the overwhelming bulk of his experience coming on quick hits or deep shots. But his big-play ability downfield and after the catch should afford him a significant role early on even while he learns to become a more complete receiver.

48. Bradyn Swinson, DE, LSU

He hasn’t enjoyed the widespread recognition of some other edge rushers in this draft class, but that might soon change. The 6-4, 250-pounder is extremely explosive, with the speed-to-power move to jolt offensive linemen when he’s not simply dipping past them.

49. Carson Schwesinger, LB, UCLA

The walk-on who became an All-American is more than just a feel-good story. Schwesinger’s rapid recognition often enables him to find his way to the ball carrier faster than blockers can reach him, though he does have trouble disengaging opponents when they do beat him to the spot.

50. Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina

The 6-0, 220-pounder is perfectly content to run through defenders rather than around them, something he frequently did en route to racking up 30 rushing touchdowns over the last two years. Hampton might have to rely on that strength even more at the next level, however, as he isn’t elusive enough to force many missed tackles in the open field.

Sometimes the physical recovery is the easy part.

The puncture wound Mikaela Shiffrin suffered during a Nov. 30 crash tore a long, deep gash in her obliques, a not-insignificant muscle group for a ski racer. Surgery, rest and intense rehab got her well enough that she was able to return to the World Cup circuit just two months later.

The mental scars will take a little longer to heal.

Though Shiffrin won a slalom in Sestriere, Italy, on Sunday — her 100th World Cup victory, for those keeping track — she acknowledges the comeback has not been easy. The psychological trauma from the crash has not only caused anxiety; it’s created something of a fun-house effect in her brain:

Shiffrin knows what she wants to do and how to make that happen. She just can’t get her body to go along with it.

“The way that I visualize skiing the (GS) course is correct — or I think correct. I visualize the right intensity, the right pace, the same way that I always have. But then when I go to actually do it, it’s like my body just needs an extra beat to do all of the moves that I need to do,” Shiffrin told USA TODAY Sports on Tuesday.

“(My psychologist said to) understand that this is temporary. It’s a little pocket of reality that you’re experiencing right now, that you’re just not quite 100% yourself or you’re not really feeling entirely yourself,” Shiffrin continued. “And it doesn’t mean you’re bad. It doesn’t mean you’re wrong.”

It means she’s still healing. And it will take more time.

Shiffrin experienced something similar after the sudden death of her father five years ago. She talked then of the overwhelming fatigue she felt and the apathy that resulted. What she’s feeling now might not be quite as extreme, but she knows it’s not something that can be wished away, no matter how badly she wants to be racing GS and super-G.

“I’m trying to wrap my head around it, and understand the validity in what it is,” Shiffrin said.

Shiffrin has always been introspective and unflinchingly honest, so it’s not a surprise she’s being open about her current struggles.

But she’s also talking about it because she knows other skiers have experienced this, too, and she wants them to know they’re not alone. To recognize it, and know what they’re going through is normal and not a reflection of their talent or skill.

Shiffrin said several other racers who’ve had horrific crashes, including Italy’s Sofia Goggia, Sweden’s Sara Hector and U.S. teammates Nina O’Brien and Jackie Wiles, have reached out in the last several weeks to share their experiences and how they got through them.

“The only thing for you to do is keep exposing yourself to it, because that’s the only way to reconnect your body and mind,” Shiffrin said.

Too often, though, athletes assume it’s something physical. That they’ve lost speed or their muscles just aren’t firing like they used to.

“They’re just thinking there’s something wrong with them. They’re just like, ‘I’m just slow. I’m just not a good skier,’ ‘ Shiffrin said.

But Shiffrin knows better. All she has to do is look at the record books. Or her wins in the team combined at the world championships earlier this month and last weekend’s World Cup.

Nearly back to her old self in slalom, she knows she’ll get back there in the other disciplines, too. She just needs to give herself the space and the grace to do it.

“The reason I didn’t race the GS at world championships is, at that point, it felt like I wouldn’t even feel comfortable actually just pushing out of the start to the first gate. And now the big improvement is that I want to push out of the start. I want to take on the turns and I want to ski the course faster,” she said. “I’m just still not quite connecting it.”

Shiffrin has almost two weeks before her next World Cup races, a giant slalom and slalom in Are, Sweden. Then she’ll travel to Sun Valley, Idaho, for the World Cup finals, which are March 22-27. It’s a rare opportunity for U.S. skiers to compete on home snow, and they’re eager for the attention it will bring to the sport in a non-Olympic year.

Skiing, like so many sports in the Winter Olympics, remains a niche sport for most Americans. Access to snow is one challenge, but the expense of it is a considerable hurdle, too. Shiffrin hopes to change that and used her 100th World Cup win to launch a fundraising effort for Share Winter, a foundation that brings winter sports to kids and communities that historically have not had access to them.

Shiffrin donated $10,000 and is challenging sponsors and fans to get the total to $100,000. That would enable 200 kids to be able to ski for an entire season.

“When you go see the videos that (Share Winter) shares of these kids going out and snowboarding for the first time, and they’re like, ‘Whoa! I crashed! And I got back up. It’s super fun!’ ‘ Shiffrin said.

“How many runs have I done in this sport? I’m completely desensitized to the thrill of it, actually,’ she said. ‘When you hear somebody just getting out there for the first time talking about that thrill, it’s pretty beautiful.”

A good perspective to have, perhaps now more than ever.

Follow USA TODAY Sports columnist Nancy Armour on social media @nrarmour.

INDIANAPOLIS – The Tennessee Titans opted to trade the No. 1 pick the last time they owned the top selection in 2016. In possession of the No. 1 pick again, they haven’t closed the door on dealing the most coveted draft slot.  

Tennessee Titans general manager Mike Borgonzi revealed the team has fielded phone calls from inquiring teams.

“We’ve had some phone calls,” Borgonzi said. “I’ll keep those phone calls to the vest. But we’ve had some calls.”

The Titans are open to listening to teams inquiring about the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NFL draft, but there are some factors that could deter Tennessee from moving down. The Titans at 3-14 finished tied for the league’s worst record, they were 1-7 at home and ended on a six-game losing streak, which is tied with the Cleveland Browns as the NFL’s longest active losing streak.

Borgonzi believes this year’s draft contains just a fist full of generational players. The Titans could miss out on a player Borgonzi thinks is a generational talent if they elect to move down too far.

NFL STATS CENTRAL: The latest NFL scores, schedules, odds, stats and more.

“There’s a handful of players,” Borgonzi said. “Anytime at the top of the draft that you would deem generational talents, and we certainly feel that way this year as well.”

What traits do generational talents have?

“A rare skill set of talent, an impact player that can take the team to another level, whatever position it is,” Borgonzi said. “And then they also have the character makeup as well to go with it.”

One position the Titans must address this offseason is quarterback, whether in free agency or through the draft.

The Titans hired Borgonzi after he spent 16 years with the Kansas City Chiefs. He was on Kansas City’s staff when the team traded up to select Patrick Mahomes, No. 10 overall in the 2017 draft. Titans head coach Brian Callahan was a college football quarterback at UCLA and helped the Bengals evaluate Joe Burrow before Cincinnati picked Burrow No. 1 overall in the 2020 draft.

Both Borgonzi and Callahan know the characteristics of a franchise quarterback. Will Levis, who’s underwhelmed in 21 games, is the only quarterback currently under contract. He isn’t the long-term answer. The Titans don’t have a franchise quarterback in their building. The organization hasn’t had a 4,000-yard passer in a single season since Warren Moon crossed the barrier for two consecutive seasons from 1990-91.

Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders are the consensus top two quarterbacks in this year’s draft class. Callahan declined to rank the two signal-callers. However, he believes Ward and Sanders are deserving of the top two QB distinction. The head coach hopes to have a quarterback in the building with a few traits that stand out.  

“Decision making, timing, accuracy and scouting quarterbacks is not an exact science. You can see over the years that there’s been really quality players that you think had it, that maybe didn’t show up when it actually came time. And then there’s ones that you weren’t sure if they did, and they show up and they play well,” Callahan said. “Those are things that we have to do our due diligence on and make sure that we’re trying to un-turn all the stones from the tape, from the person, from the workouts, all that stuff is a part of the process to try to make the best decision we can when it comes to evaluating quarterbacks in general.”

Follow USA TODAY Sports’ Tyler Dragon on X @TheTylerDragon.

The anticipation for the upcoming fight between Chris Eubank Jr. and Conor Benn reached a boiling point when Eubank Jr. made a surprising move, slapping Benn in the face with an egg during their face-off on Tuesday in Manchester, England.

The upcoming fight between Eubank Jr. and Benn is not without its controversies. Eubank Jr. enters the ring with a record of 34 wins and three losses, with 25 of the victories coming by knockout. Benn, on the other hand, holds a spotless undefeated record of 23 wins, 14 of which were by knockout. This fight was originally scheduled for 2022 but had to be postponed after Benn tested positive for the performance-enhancing drug clomifene. However, the WBC cleared him to fight after determining that egg contamination ‘most likely’ caused the positive result.

This upcoming fight, scheduled for April 26 in London, is a second-generation battle that recalls the legendary clashes between Eubank Jr. and Benn’s fathers, Chris Eubank Sr. and Nigel Benn, in the 1990s.

World Boxing Council cleared Benn of any wrong doing

In February 2023, the World Boxing Council determined that Conor Benn’s ‘significantly increased consumption of eggs’ was a valid explanation for his failed drug tests in October 2022. The random test conducted by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) was positive for the banned substance clomiphene, which is a fertility drug.

This failed drug test was the reason the original date for the Benn-Eubank Jr. fight was called off.

When is the Chris Eubank Jr. vs. Conor Benn fight?

The boxing match between Chris Eubank Jr. and Conor Benn will take place at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on April 26 in London, England. The fight will be broadcast live on DAZN.

We occasionally recommend interesting products and services. If you make a purchase by clicking one of the links, we may earn an affiliate fee. USA TODAY Network newsrooms operate independently, and this doesn’t influence our coverage.