2026 NFL Draft sleepers: Which players could be this year's hidden gems?

Inan NFL draft classthat appears short on top-tier talent, unearthing gems in the middle-to-late rounds might yet again provide the greatest return on investment.

Ahead of the first round beginning next week in Pittsburgh, several NFL general managers have backed an emerging consensus: The 2026 crop doesn't measure up to recent years in terms of blue-chip players or first-round prospects. But that doesn't mean there aren't difference-makers waiting to be discovered. With many decision-makers lauding this class's depth at edge rusher, linebacker, and wide receiver, there are plenty of opportunities to bring potential starters aboard on Days 2 and 3 of the draft.

With that in mind, here are the top sleepers in the2026 NFL Draft:

2. New York Jets – David Bailey, OLB/DE, Texas Tech

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 3. Arizona Cardinals – Arvell Reese, LB/DE, Ohio State

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 4. Tennessee Titans – Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 5. New York Giants – Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 6. Cleveland Browns – Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 7. Washington Commanders – Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 8. New Orleans Saints – Makai Lemon, WR, USC

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 9. Kansas City Chiefs – Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 10. Cincinnati Bengals – Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 11. Miami Dolphins – Francis Mauigoa, OT/G, Miami (Fla.)

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 12. Dallas Cowboys – Rueben Bain Jr., DE, Miami (Fla.)

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 13. Los Angeles Rams (from Atlanta Falcons) – Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 14. Baltimore Ravens – Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Keldric Faulk, DE, Auburn

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 16. New York Jets (from Indianapolis Colts) – Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 17. Detroit Lions – Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 18. Minnesota Vikings – Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 19. Carolina Panthers – Spencer Fano, OT, Utah

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 20. Dallas Cowboys (from Green Bay Packers) – Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 21. Pittsburgh Steelers – Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 22. Los Angeles Chargers – Akheem Mesidor, DE, Miami (Fla.)

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 24. Cleveland Browns (from Jacksonville Jaguars) – Blake Miller, OT, Clemson

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 26. Buffalo Bills – Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 29. Kansas City Chiefs (from Rams) – Malachi Lawrence, DE, UCF

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 32. Seattle Seahawks – Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" />

NFL mock draft: Big-name prospect drops in latest first-round projection

RB Eli Heidenreich, Navy

In a class replete with backs built for short-yardage work, Heidenreich stands out as a potential all-purpose asset. As Navy's all-time leading receiver, the 6-0, 198-pounder is accustomed to threatening defenses from a variety of different spots.

Teams looking for more traditional ball carriers need not apply, as Heidenreich likely can only offer so much between the tackles or turning the corner. But any offense with a sufficiently creative coordinator could task him with a sizable workload in the underneath passing game, where he can create mismatches and find open space. He should at least latch on as a special teams demon while he tries to find his spot within an attack.

WR Cyrus Allen, Cincinnati

Former Cincinnati teammate Jeff Caldwell, who turned heads during the pre-draft process by running a 4.31-second 40-yard dash at 6-5 and 216 pounds, outshines Allen when it comes to measurables. Yet it was Allen who was the far more productive and reliable of the two last season, and the 5-11, 183-pound pass catcher might also end up with a more prolific pro career.

Able to stretch defenses vertically from the slot, Allen has someChristian Kirkto his game. He's still learning to become more precise as a route runner, but he's adept at varying his tempo and has a variety of ways to free himself from coverage. Allen might not fit a traditional slot role comfortably, as he's not at his best hauling in passes in traffic or picking up yards after the catch. Still, he has a much clearer road to making significant contributions than the typical Day 3 project at receiver.

WR Malik Benson, Oregon

Any team looking to find a potential offensive game-breaker on a discount might turn its focus in the middle rounds to Benson. A former track star and junior college standout, the speedy receiver finally flourished for the Ducks last season, averaging 16.7 yards per catch after uninspiring stops at Florida State and Alabama.

Having recorded a 4.37-second 40-yard dash at the NFL scouting combine, the 6-0, 189-pound target isn't far behind Mississippi State's Brenen Thompson for the title of the premier deep threat in this class. Benson's polish is lagging where it should be, and he's not a reliable option at the first two levels. But a steady diet of crossers and vertical routes, along with a role as a returner, could yield a smattering of splash plays.

DT Kaleb Proctor, Southeastern Louisiana

An uninspiring crop of interior linemen might make this year the first since 2021 in which no defensive tackles are taken in the first round. Rather than participate in a Day 2 run at the position, a team in search of disruption up front might be well served to wait and roll the dice on Proctor.

At 6-2 and 291 pounds, he'll only appeal to teams that prioritize pocket penetrators over beefy bodies who can command the line of scrimmage. Yet Proctor's initial burst allows him to create instant advantages against offensive linemen, and he's slippery enough to keep blockers from overpowering him. And while other defensive tackles often see their impact capped at throwing plays off course, Proctor actually finishes them in the backfield. The early results might be uneven as he acclimates to facing stouter and more athletic guards and centers, but he offers distinct value in the right scheme.

OLB Jaishawn Barham, Michigan

The Maryland transfer didn't switch to the edge until his final season at Michigan, but he exhibited a rare aptitude for creating chaos once there. Barham routinely goes full bore from start to finish on plays, looking equally comfortable barreling through blockers as snaking around them to close in on his target. That style yields plenty of flashy plays, but it also leads to a good number of missed tackles and penalties.

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If he can better adhere to his responsibilities while still tapping into his violent streak, he should fluster offenses as either an edge rusher in a 3-4 scheme or an off-ball linebacker in a 4-3.

OLB/DE George Gumbs Jr, Florida

Having spent the bulk of his career at wide receiver and tight end, the Northern Illinois transfer is understandably underdeveloped as a pass rusher. Gumbs sure looks the part of an imposing threat off the edge, however, boasting a rapid first step, long strides and impressive flexibility to make his way to the quarterback. But when he doesn't beat a blocker on those elements alone, he lacks the moves or hand usage to avoid being neutralized.

Still, the 6-4, 245-pounder presents the athletic profile defensive coordinators covet in a developmental pass rusher, and his tenacity and forcefulness in stopping the run should allow him to see the field beyond mere spot work.

LB Jimmy Rolder, Michigan

In his lone year as a starter, Rolder did enough to vault himself from NFL afterthought to a legitimate mid-round prospect. After exhibiting plenty of patience in waiting for his turn to make his mark for the Wolverines' defense, the 6-3, 238-pounder played with urgency in every outing, consistently cleaning up whatever was in front of him. And though he's still finding his way in coverage, he has room for growth in the area of his game. If he continues to hone his already impressive instincts, there's little reason he can't eventually become a starter.

CB Tacario Davis, Washington

Standing a legitimate 6-4 with 4.41-second speed in the 40-yard dash, Davis isn't at risk of ever being overlooked. The Arizona transfer uses his long arms to make life difficult for receivers at the line of scrimmage and at the catch point, leaving them little comfort.

Even for those who do escape his jams, Davis can make up ground downfield and deny deep throws to his area. But when he's forced to try to stick with shiftier receivers, it quickly becomes evident why there are so few successful corners with a comparable build. In a zone-heavy scheme, though, Davis could see many of his vulnerabilities minimized while being allowed to weaponize his frame and playmaking skills.

CB Devin Moore, Florida

Persistent injuries robbed Moore of any semblance of consistency throughout his collegiate career. Still, a hard sell isn't required for a 6-3, 198-pound corner with a knack for finding the ball downfield. With his size and comfort turning and running, he can shut down taller receivers who try to come down with deep heaves. Moore's anticipation isn't where it should be, but more experience could allow him to become a reliable presence in zone coverage.

S Bud Clark, TCU

This might be testing the boundaries of the sleeper label, with Clark having established himself as one of college football's premier ballhawks with 15 interceptions. Nevertheless, he seems potentially undervalued for all he can offer in coverage.

With his wiry 6-1 frame, Clark looks like a cornerback and often plays like one, too. That allows him to handle a variety of assignments with relative ease. At times, though, his confidence can border on hubris, with crafty receivers taking advantage of his overaggressive tendencies. But there's little question that Clark's instincts will prove fruitful, especially for any defenses that place a premium on generating takeaways.

S VJ Payne, Kansas State

At 6-3 and 206 pounds, Payne sizes up as a highly desirable coverage countermeasure to tight ends who might otherwise tax a defense with their size and speed. Operating in that capacity alone should allow him to stick around for a while. Payne isn't the downhill thumper that his size suggests he would be, but he doesn't need to be. He can still hold his own against the run while deterring throws down the seam and over the middle.

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:2026 NFL Draft sleepers: Who could be this year's hidden gems?

byAsher Jeferson

in

April 17, 2026

2026 NFL Draft sleepers: Which players could be this year's hidden gems?

Inan NFL draft classthat appears short on top-tier talent, unearthing gems in the middle-to-late rounds might yet again provide the gre...

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What does the US blockade of Iran shipping mean for gas prices?

The United States continued to mount a navalblockadeof Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, exerting financial pressure on Tehran while at the same time choking off a source of oil amid a historicglobal shortage.

The move comes as Americans grapple with asurgein gasoline prices that threatens to eat away at household budgets andslowthe economy.

Gasoline prices in the U.S. registered at $4.10 on average per gallon on Wednesday, standing about 35% higher than before the war,AAAdata showed.

How the US Navy could enforce a blockade of Iran's ports in the Strait of Hormuz

The blockade risks higher prices at the pump since oil trades on a global market, meaning a loss of supply in the Middle East could raise prices for Americans, some analysts said.

But, they added, the strategy may hasten a resolution of the war or reassure non-Iranian tankers otherwise hesitant to travel the strait, ultimately alleviating the oil shock and pushing down gas prices.

"This is an economic game of chicken," Tyler Schipper, a professor of economics at the University of St. Thomas, told ABC News.

Ten vessels have beenturned aroundat the Strait of Hormuz during the first 48 hours of the U.S. blockade, complying with U.S. orders, according to U.S. Central Command.

On Wednesday, the commander of the Khatam Al-Anbiya Central Headquarters of Iran’s armed forces said the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports is a "violation of the ceasefire," in a statement published by the official Islamic Republic News Agency.

The war prompted Iran's effective closure of theStrait of Hormuz, a critical waterway that facilitates the transport of 20 million barrels of oil per day, or about one-fifth of the global supply.

Iran continued to export nearly 2 million barrels of oil each day through the strait, blunting some of the supply loss, according to energy data firmKpler.

Still, in March, oil prices notched their largest one-month gain ever, the International Energy Agencysaidin a new report on Tuesday.

The potential loss of Iranian oil exports amid the blockade could deepen the supply shock and raise gasoline prices further, some analysts said.

"The move toward a full blockade of the Strait of Hormuz is compounding global supply concerns and risks further disrupting flows," GasBuddy petroleum analyst Patrick De Haan said in a post on X on Monday.

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Car owners, De Haan added, "should prepare for another round of price increases."

Jason Miller, a professor of supply chain management at Michigan State University, echoed such concern.

"It's unclear to me how this moves to quickly solve the problem that vessels aren't transiting the Strait of Hormuz," Miller told ABC News. "Every day this continues, it gets worse and worse and worse."

Price hikes have not come to pass over the initial days of the blockade, however.

West Texas Intermediate futures price, the benchmark index for U.S. trading, clocked in at about $92 a barrel on Wednesday, marking a nearly 10% drop since the blockade began at 10 a.m. Eastern Time on Monday.

Even so, U.S. oil prices remain about 40% higher than pre-war levels.

The national average price of a gallon of gas as of Wednesday stood 1.4% lower than a week earlier.

The ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran entered its second week, appearing to boost hopes of a resolution to the war.

President Donald Trump reiterated his desire to wind down the conflict, meanwhile, saying the war is "very close to over" in a portion of an interview with Fox News’ Maria Bartiromo that aired on Tuesday.

Trump shares image of Jesus embracing him, continues to lash out at Pope Leo

Rather than restrict oil supply, the U.S. blockade could ultimately add crude to the market if the naval presence reassures non-Iranian ships otherwise unwilling to sail through the strait, Dominic Pappalardo, chief multi-asset strategist at Morningstar Wealth, told ABC News.

"For countries other than Iran, does the blockade give them more trust for sending oil through the strait?" Pappalarado said. "If other countries start to gain confidence, you could see other shipments pick up for non-Iranian vessels pushing through the strait, which would help alleviate upward pressure on the price."

As of Monday, tanker traffic remained well below pre-war levels after the blockade had taken effect, Kpler said in a post onX. Six vessels sailed through the strait on Monday, Kpler said, marking a decline from 14 vessels a day prior.

The conditions in the strait remain in flux, some analysts said, leaving a wide range of possible outcomes.

"There's still tremendous uncertainty," Miller said.

byAsher Jeferson

in

April 16, 2026

What does the US blockade of Iran shipping mean for gas prices?

The United States continued to mount a navalblockadeof Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, exerting financial pressure ...

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Dianna Russini resigns from Athletic after Mike Vrabel photos

Amid an internal investigation at The Athletic regarding published photos of NFL reporter Dianna Russini and New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel at an Arizona resort, Russini resigned on Tuesday.

Last week, the New York Post published photos of the pair at a resort in Sedona, Ariz., stating that they were taken before the NFL league meeting that began March 29 in Phoenix. The photos showed Russini and Vrabel hugging and holding hands and also sitting in a hot tub together.

Russini sent a resignation letter to Athletic executive editor Steven Ginsberg on Tuesday, writing that she did not accept the narrative "that had been constructed around this episode, but (I am resigning) because I refuse to lend it further oxygen or let it define me or my career."

Russini wrote, "I have covered the NFL with professionalism and dedication throughout my career, and I stand behind every story I have ever published.

"When the Page Six item first appeared, The Athletic supported me unequivocally, expressed confidence in my work and pride in my journalism. For that I am grateful. In the days that followed, unfortunately, commentators in various media have engaged in self-feeding speculation that is simply unmoored from the facts.

"Moreover, this media frenzy is hurtling forward without regard for the review process The Athletic is trying to complete. It continues to escalate, fueled by repeated leaks, and I have no interest in submitting to a public inquiry that has already caused far more damage than I am willing to accept. Rather than allowing this to continue, I have decided to step aside now -- before my current contract expires on June 30."

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Russini spent almost 10 years working for ESPN in roles that included NFL analyst and insider. She had been with The Athletic since 2023 and has appeared on its video presence and helmed a podcast.

Vrabel and Russini, who are both married with children, released statements to the Post after the photos were published.

"Those photos show a completely innocent interaction and any suggestion otherwise is laughable," Vrabel said.

Russini said they "don't represent the group of six people who were hanging out during the day."

Vrabel was selected the AP NFL Coach of the Year in 2025, his first year with the Patriots, with whom he won three Super Bowls as a player. Vrabel's Patriots finished 14-3 and lost to the Seattle Seahawks in the Super Bowl. Vrabel won his first AP NFL Coach of the Year award in 2021 with the Tennessee Titans.

--Field Level Media

byAsher Jeferson

in

April 16, 2026

Dianna Russini resigns from Athletic after Mike Vrabel photos

Amid an internal investigation at The Athletic regarding published photos of NFL reporter Dianna Russini and New England Patriots coach...

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Harrison Ford Opens up About His Depression Battle: ‘I Was Ill’

A deeply personal revelation fromHarrison Fordsheds light on a difficult chapter from his early life, long before global fame. The veteran actor shared how a period of isolation and struggle shaped his journey. He opened up about his college years, his mental health, and more.

Harrison Ford recalls dealing with depression

Harrison Fordopened up about his college years, describing a time when his mental health was at its lowest. While studying at Ripon College in Wisconsin, he said his daily routine became repetitive and withdrawn. “I would get up… order a pizza, go back and lie down,” he recalled, explaining how he barely left his room and avoided social interaction.

He admitted the situation went beyond sadness. “I was more than depressed… I was ill,” Ford said, adding that he felt socially disconnected and mentally unwell. Even attending classes became difficult, as he would sometimes walk to the building, hesitate, and turn back without going inside (viaPage Six).

Things began to change when he enrolled in a drama class, initially just to improve his grades. That decision turned out to be a turning point. Ford said he found an unexpected connection among classmates he once saw as outsiders. He realized they were deeply engaged in storytelling and understanding human behavior, which helped him feel included for the first time.

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“I found my place amongst storytellers,” he shared, noting how acting gave him focus and a sense of belonging. That moment helped reshape his outlook and ultimately guided him toward a career in film. Ford’s path wasn’t smooth. He studied philosophy but was expelled just days before graduation for plagiarism, something he later acknowledged.

Despite that setback, he went on to build one of Hollywood’s most iconic careers, starring in films like Star Wars, Indiana Jones, and Blade Runner. These movies made Ford a household name in the industry.Fordhas earned several major honors, including the SAG-AFTRA Life Achievement Award in 2026 for his long career. Also, the Honorary Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival in 2023, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2003.

Originally written by Rishabh Shandilya onMandatory.

The postHarrison Ford Opens up About His Depression Battle: ‘I Was Ill’appeared first onReality Tea.

byAsher Jeferson

in

April 15, 2026

Harrison Ford Opens up About His Depression Battle: ‘I Was Ill’

A deeply personal revelation fromHarrison Fordsheds light on a difficult chapter from his early life, long before global fame. The veteran ...

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Shop ‘Investor’ Meghan Markle’s Australia Looks from AI Fashion Platform

Meghan Marklehas reached Australia and is already making headlines for her business deal and her fashionable outfits. The Duchess of Sussex has joined AI fashion platform OneOff as an investor. Interestingly, if a fashion enthusiast loves Markle’s look and wants to have similar pieces in their wardrobe, they can easily shop for them from the platform in real time. The details of each look are already available on OneOff.

Meghan Markle invests in AI fashion platform with access to shopping her Australia looks

Meghan Markle has been turning heads with her fashionable outfits. But this time, she has joined as a participant and investor in the AI-powered fashion discovery platform OneOff. It is “a style-driven fashion discovery platform powered by the people setting the trends.” All her looks, which feature homegrown designers, are already available on the platform, as announced on April 14, perPEOPLE.

Oneoff lets theformer actressbreak down each outfit and give users direct access toshop her wardrobein real time. From her look at the Melbourne Royal Children’s Hospital to her previous outfits at various events, fashion lovers can find outfit details on the platform for a seamless shopping experience.

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Markle has joined OneOff along with many other fashion-forward celebrities. These include Brooks Nader, Iann Dior, Rob Lowe, Shay Mitchell, Suki Waterhouse, Kate Hudson, Emma Roberts, and Hermès, among others.

Per the press release, Markle joined the platform as “she cares about fashion and was motivated to invest not only to expand her portfolio, but to help uplift the fashion designers she is a fan of.”

Her decision comes as she is well aware that her attire can affect a brand. She spoke to The New York Times in 2024. She acknowledged that her outfits receive “global spotlight and attention.” That is why she would like to “support designers that I have really great friendships with.” She also wants to support smaller, up-and-coming brands that haven’t yet received the attention they deserve.

The postShop ‘Investor’ Meghan Markle’s Australia Looks from AI Fashion Platformappeared first onReality Tea.

byAsher Jeferson

in

April 15, 2026

Shop ‘Investor’ Meghan Markle’s Australia Looks from AI Fashion Platform

Meghan Marklehas reached Australia and is already making headlines for her business deal and her fashionable outfits. The Duchess of Sussex...

Read More

NBA play-in predictions: Heat-Hornets? Trail Blazers-Suns? Our takes on who will advance

The 2026 NBA postseason is here! Theplay-in tournamenttips off Tuesday with two high-stakes matchups.

In the East, a couple of Southeast Division rivals will face off in an elimination game, as the No. 9 seedCharlotte Hornetshost the No. 10 seedMiami Heat. The winner will advance with a shot at earning the No. 8 seed on Friday against either the Philadelphia 76ers or Orlando Magic. The loser will go home.

In the West, the No. 7 seedPhoenix Sunswill host the No. 8 seedPortland Trail Blazersin a battle of teams that have exceeded expectations this season. The winner will earn the No. 7 seed in the playoffs and a first-round series with the San Antonio Spurs. The loser will have one last chance to earn a playoff berth on Friday in a matchup with either the Los Angeles Clippers or Golden State Warriors.

Who will advance on Tuesday? Our writers break down the matchups and make their picks.

What’s your take on Heat-Hornets?

Morten Stig Jensen:This will be an enormously difficult test for Miami. Both the Heat and Hornets are interesting offensive units, in the sense that Miami has been running like mad men all season, and the Hornets have become one of the most efficient 3-point shooting squads in all of basketball.

That's also where they differ. Miami is, at best, a mid-tier 3-point shooting team, and if you think the Heat can offset that by some elite conversion rate by their primary big man, Bam Adebayo, think again. Adebayo hit just 44.2% of his total shots this season, leaving little avenue for the Heat to gain an offensive advantage elsewhere on the floor.

If they get into a running game with the Hornets, that might not work to their benefit, which further underlines the need for Miami to go back to what it’s mostly known for: Gritty defense. However, that hasn't been as dependable of a calling card as in the past.

Kelly Iko:It’s a pleasant surprise that a play-in game could produce such a high-level coaching matchup. The Charles Lee-Erik Spoelstra tactical battle is as tantalizing as I’ve seen in quite some time at this early juncture.

This game simply boils down to pace, pressing and proficiency. One of the reasons why Charlotte has been such anelite offensive unit— third in offensive rating and sixth inhalfcourt efficiencysince the trade deadline — is its ability to play at its own tempo. The Hornets are 29th in pace since the All-Star break and 28th intime of possession. They move the ball, probe and prod until they find the shottheywant to take.

There’s a catch, though. Force the Hornets to speed up and they generate just .888 points per chance against press defenses, according to Synergy tracking data. Miami, which rarely presses teams (26th in frequency), is absolutely lethal when it does (second in points allowed per chance). Add this to Charlotte’s very quiet struggles against zone defenses — 20th in efficiency — and you have yourselves a chance. Pay attention to Davion Mitchell’s usage in this one, as one of the game’s premier full-court irritants.

Dan Devine:At the risk of oversimplifying, it starts with stops. Miami entered mid-March rankedfourth in the NBA in points allowed per possession, doing its customary good-to-great job at nailing the fundamentals of excellent defense with Erik Spoelstra and Adebayo at the controls.Over the final month, though, the Heat’s formerly staunch defense buckled: 22nd in points allowed in the paint, 29th in opponent turnover rate and 30th — dead last — in defensive efficiency.

The glass-half-full case, if you’re a Miami fan: A decent chunk of that defensive decline stems from opponents shooting ascorching 41.1% against the Heat on 3-point tries over the past month— well above their full-season success rate, and a mark seemingly ripe for regression. Glass half empty? Led by LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller and Kon Knueppel, the Hornets ranked third inteam 3-point accuracythis season, second in3-point attemptsandfirstin3-point makes— including 36 combined triples against Miami in their pasttwomeetings.

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If Spoelstra, Adebayo and Co. can find a way to limit the number and quality of 3-point looks that Charlotte is able to generate, they’ll have a shot to advance. But if they can’t stop the drive-and-kick game in the man-to-man, and if the Hornets can exploit the openings in Miami’s zone, a Charlotte offense that’s beenthe NBA’s best since mid-Decembermay well send the Heat home for a long, hard summer.

What’s your take on Blazers-Suns?

Dan Devine:Can Portland take care of the ball? At its best, a Phoenix defense that features point-of-attack pests and physical ball-hawks like Dillon Brooks, Jordan Goodwin, Collin Gillespie and Oso Ighodaro applies the kind of ball pressure that can create mistakes. For the season, the Suns rankedthird in opponent turnover percentage, fourth instealsand fifth indeflections; they forced turnovers onnearly 20% of Portland’s offensive possessionsacross their three meetings this season.

Interrupting and/or prematurely ending Blazers trips with a cough-up would be one hell of a way for the Suns to mitigate the significant physical advantages of a Portland squad that can battering-ram the paint with downhill drives by Deni Avdija, Jrue Holiday, Scoot Henderson and the just-returned Shaedon Sharpe, and hammer the offensive glass for second chances with Donovan Clingan and Robert Williams III. That size and physicality advantage could lead the Blazers to their first postseason victory of any kind innearly five years… if a team that rankeddead last in turnover rate this seasoncan manage to get its collective butterfingers under control.

Jensen:There's no getting around the fact that the Suns have surprised us all. They have a top-10 defense, and the best player on the floor in Devin Booker, both of which are legitimate advantages, especially against a young team like the Blazers that is still trying to find its identity.

However, the Blazers just have more potential outcomes in regards to players stepping up. Avdija, Sharpe, Jerami Grant, Holiday, and even Scoot Henderson can theoretically all explode for 30-plus, meaning there is simply a level of unpredictability with them that the Suns don't have. Adding fuel to Portland's fire is Toumani Camara, who has grown into one of the league's better 3-and-D wings. He's getting up outside shots at a high rate and is by far the best switchable defender on the floor.

The Suns might be more seasoned, but are they outright better? It's tough to find a real argument on their behalf that isn't “Devin Booker will find a way.” Of course, that is indeed a real scenario we can't lose sight of.

Iko:Can I call this the mystery box game? I’m comfortable saying I have absolutely no idea how this one will shape out.

The issue with Phoenix having Booker, Brooks and Jalen Green for all of 133 minutes across 10 games (barely breaking even, +0.7 net rating) is that the Suns can’t really look at any of their three regular-season meetings with Portland as a base. Green appeared in one alone, so did Brooks, and the third had Booker and Brooks without Green. As I wrote last week, this team is essentiallyfiguring itself out in real time, which can be extremely dangerous in these high-stakes one-offs.

I’m going to lean heavily into the possession game for this one. Both Portland and Phoenix are quality offensive rebounding units and both have a knack for forcing turnovers. (I must add, however, that Sharpe plus Clingan is an absolute terror on the glass, swallowingnearly 40%of the Blazers’ misses. That’s like two Steven Adams.)

Expect Portland, with a number of ball stoppers in Holiday, Camara and Matisse Thybulle, to switch early and often against a Phoenix team that doesn’t move the ball a ton — and struggles against switches. This is going to be a slugfest that goes all the way down to the wire.

Predictions: Who's advancing?

Iko:Suns and Hornets.I’m going with Phoenix, which has too much individual talent at home to allow a Blazers upset, and Charlotte, which should become the East team no one wants to see in a seven-game series.

Devine:Suns and Heat. I’ll take Phoenix, because I don’t trust the Blazers on the road, and Miami, because we’ve all spent too much time enjoying the Hornets lately, and this is, at base, a cruel universe designed to humble us.

Jensen:Suns and Hornets. Never bet against Devin Booker, who can almost single-handedly win you a game. I believe the Blazers are more fun to watch, but that is neither here nor there in the game of predictions. As for Heat-Hornets? Gimme something that buzzes, as it just feels like it's their time.

byAsher Jeferson

in

April 14, 2026

NBA play-in predictions: Heat-Hornets? Trail Blazers-Suns? Our takes on who will advance

The 2026 NBA postseason is here! Theplay-in tournamenttips off Tuesday with two high-stakes matchups. In the East, a couple of So...

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All the Celebrity Looks From the 2026 Revolve Festival

"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."

Every timeCoachellarolls around, you can always expect a series of parties, pop-ups, and special events to occur at the same time, drawing in theflock of starswho head to the California desert for the music and arts festival. However, none of these events has ever become quite as well-known, or mythic, as the Revolve Festival.

Launched in 2015, the Thermal, California event has drawn in everyone fromKendall JennertoCardi BandHailey Bieberover the years, acting as one of the starriest parties of the season, as well as a celebratory display ofsummery, boho, festival fashion.

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This year’s iteration was titled “The Grand Revivre,” in a theme that celebrated the charm of vintage carnivals. Held at the Cavallo Ranch, the ninth annual Revolve Fest featured no shortage of star power, being attended by recent Oscar nominee Teyana Taylor, Blackpink members and pop superstars Lisa and Jennie, actor Emma Roberts, model Gabbriette, WNBA player Cameron Brink, global girl group Katseye, Olympic athlete Shaun White, andTell Me Liesstars Sonia Mena, Branden Cook, and Spencer House, to name a few.

Meanwhile, the glamorous festival housed everything from carnival games to food stands and brand activations, and it also included live performances from stars like headliner Don Toliver, as well as Kehlani, Chase B, Baby J, Mustard, and more.

Ahead, see all of the celebrities who attended the 2026 Revolve Festival.

1) Teyana Taylor

2) Lisa

3) Jennie

4) Katseye

5) Emma Roberts

6) Dwyane Wade

7) Gabbriette

8) Becky G

9) Damson Idris

10) Victoria Justice

11) Cameron Brink

12) Kehlani

13) Don Toliver

14) Ryan Destiny

15) Amber Rose

16) Shaun White

17) Thomas Doherty

18) Branden Cook, Sonia Mena, and Spencer House

19) Big Sean

20) Leonie Hanne

21) Wiz Khalifa

22) Rei Ami

23) Madison Pettis

24) Kitty Ca$h

25) Eric Nam

26) Haley Kalil

27) Karrueche Tran

28) Dylan Efron

29) Serena Page

30) Jeremiah Brown

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byAsher Jeferson

in

April 14, 2026

All the Celebrity Looks From the 2026 Revolve Festival

"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." Every timeCoachellarolls...

Read More