3 Players the Las Vegas Raiders Should Seriously Steer Clear of in the 2025 NFL Draft

3 Players the Las Vegas Raiders Must Avoid in the 2025 NFL Draft

The Las Vegas Raiders have a crucial draft ahead, and with a new regime led by Pete Carroll, Tom Brady, and John Spytek, every pick will be under intense scrutiny. The Silver and Black need cornerstone players, but not every high-profile prospect is the right fit.

As the Raiders weigh their options, three first-round talents stand out as potential risks. While these players have undeniable upside, concerns in their game suggest Vegas should steer clear.

Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona

Once viewed as a potential top-10 pick, McMillan’s stock has dipped due to questions about his speed. The 6-foot-4, 219-pound wideout boasts elite size and red-zone ability, but his inconsistent 40-yard dash times have raised eyebrows. Initially reported to run a 4.55, conflicting reports suggest he clocked a 4.48 at his Pro Day, casting doubt on his explosiveness.

For a Raiders offense looking to play fast, McMillan’s lack of game-breaking speed could be a red flag. While his size and ball skills are intriguing, Vegas might be better off targeting a more dynamic playmaker.

Mason Graham, DT, Michigan

A disruptive force for Michigan, Graham has been a dominant presence on the defensive line. However, despite his strength and technique, concerns about his ability to shed NFL-caliber blockers and provide consistent interior pass rush could limit his upside at the next level.

The Raiders need a game-changer in the trenches, but with their scheme demanding more explosiveness up front, Graham might not be the best fit. There are better defensive tackle options who align with Vegas’ defensive vision.

Final Thoughts

The 2025 NFL Draft is a pivotal moment for the Raiders. With key roster holes to address, making the wrong first-round selection could set the franchise back. While McMillan, Graham, and one more top prospect have potential, the risks outweigh the rewards for Vegas.

Carroll, Brady, and Spytek must be meticulous in their decision-making—because in the NFL, one wrong pick can make all the difference.

Once a Hokie, Now a Hooky: Former Coach Bails Again as Baseball Takes Another Hit

Buzz Williams on the Move Again as Virginia Tech Baseball Takes a Hit

Former Virginia Tech men’s basketball coach Buzz Williams is at it again—jumping ship for a new opportunity in the ever-chaotic world of college basketball coaching.

 

In a time when the transfer portal dominates headlines, the coaching carousel is proving to be just as wild. On Monday, Maryland head coach Kevin Willard officially departed for the vacant Villanova job, setting off a chain reaction that quickly confirmed a rumor swirling around the college basketball world—Buzz Williams was ready to take over in College Park.

Williams, known for his strategic mind and intense coaching style, has built a reputation for making his mark at programs before moving on within five or six years. After his time at Virginia Tech, he left for Texas A&M, and now, he’s packing his bags once again to take the reins at Maryland.

It’s a classic Williams move—revamp a program, make it competitive, then find the next challenge before settling in too long. Maryland fans will surely be hoping he sticks around long enough to bring them back to prominence, but if history is any indicator, they might want to start prepping for another search within the next half-decade.

Meanwhile, Virginia Tech athletics had another rough outing as the baseball team suffered a tough loss. While Hokie fans are used to the ups and downs of college sports, losing a former coach to a conference rival stings just as much as a defeat on the field.

With Williams now leading the Terrapins and Virginia Tech baseball trying to bounce back, it’s clear that change is inevitable in college sports—sometimes for better, sometimes for worse.

Cristian Javier got some bad news As Astros Face Tough Roster Decision

Astros Make Tough Roster Call Following Blue Jays Trade

The Houston Astros were forced to make a difficult roster decision following a trade with the Toronto Blue Jays, and it came at the expense of pitcher Cristian Javier. Nearly a year after undergoing Tommy John surgery, Javier’s road to recovery remains ongoing, and now, his absence is being felt even more.

On Wednesday, the Astros officially moved Javier to the 60-day injured list to open up a roster spot, a move that signals both his delayed return and Houston’s need for immediate reinforcements. The decision paved the way for the team to acquire reliever Nick Robertson from the Blue Jays in exchange for prospect Edinson Batista, per Jake Elman of Athlon Sports.

Robertson, originally drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the seventh round of the 2019 MLB Draft, brings some experience but has yet to establish himself as a dominant force on the mound. With a career ERA of 5.30 across 40 games, he has recorded 40 strikeouts and has bounced between teams, including stints with the Boston Red Sox and St. Louis Cardinals, before landing in Toronto.

Javier, on the other hand, has been a staple in Houston’s rotation since making his MLB debut in 2020. Over his career, he has posted an impressive 33-18 record with 564 strikeouts and a solid 3.59 ERA. Before his season-ending injury in 2024, he was off to a promising start, going 3-1 with a 3.89 ERA in just seven games. His absence leaves a significant void in the Astros’ pitching staff, making this roster shuffle even more significant.

Houston’s decision to place Javier on the injured list underscores the difficult balancing act the team faces as they attempt to remain competitive while dealing with key injuries. With hopes of his return before the All-Star break, the Astros will need to rely on their bullpen depth—now including Robertson—to hold things together until their star pitcher is ready to make his comeback.

While Robertson may not be the most high-profile addition, Houston is clearly in a position where every bit of pitching help matters. As they navigate the season with an eye toward October, all eyes will be on whether this trade helps stabilize their bullpen—or if Javier’s absence continues to loom large.

Virginia Tech Legend Shatters NBA Records in Timberwolves’ Triumph Over Nuggets!

Virginia Tech Alum Stuns NBA with Historic Performance in Timberwolves’ Overtime Thriller

Tuesday night in Denver was one for the books—not just for the Nuggets’ Nikola Jokić, who delivered a jaw-dropping 61-point triple-double, but for former Virginia Tech star Nickeil Alexander-Walker, who cemented his place in NBA history with a legendary performance off the bench.

As the Minnesota Timberwolves battled the Nuggets in a grueling double-overtime showdown, Alexander-Walker emerged as the unexpected hero. He became the first player in NBA history to come off the bench and record at least 25 points while shooting over 50% from the field, knocking down five-plus three-pointers, grabbing five-plus rebounds, dishing out five-plus assists, and adding two blocks. His final stat line—26 points, seven rebounds, eight assists, and two crucial free throws with just 0.1 seconds remaining—secured a thrilling 140-139 victory for Minnesota.

Alexander-Walker’s clutch gene was on full display, draining multiple deep shots in both overtime periods. But it was his poise at the free-throw line in the final moments that sealed the win. His heroic effort didn’t go unnoticed by teammates and coaches alike.

“MVP of the game,” said Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards. “He hit big shot after big shot after big shot. At some point, I was like, ‘let’s just give the ball to Nickeil, and we all spot up.’ He was incredible tonight.”

Minnesota head coach Chris Finch echoed the sentiment: “He’s been so big for us all year. Really, really pleased for him to have a game like this. This might’ve been one of his best performances ever.”

Alexander-Walker has consistently played a pivotal role for the Timberwolves, stepping up in critical moments. Last season, he was instrumental in helping Minnesota reach the Western Conference Finals. This year, he’s pushing the team to avoid the Play-In Tournament and secure a top-eight playoff seed outright.

For Virginia Tech fans, it’s a proud moment to see one of their own making history on the biggest stage. Alexander-Walker’s electrifying performance not only lifted his team to victory but also reinforced his reputation as a clutch playmaker. If this game is any indication, the former Hokie is far from done making waves in the NBA.

Dave Canales Gives Candid Insight into Panthers’ Strategy for No. 8 Pick in NFL Draft

Dave Canales Opens Up on Panthers’ Draft Strategy: Who Will Carolina Take at No. 8?

With the 2025 NFL Draft just around the corner, speculation is running wild about how the Carolina Panthers will use their coveted eighth overall pick. The franchise faces tough decisions as they look to rebuild a struggling roster, and fans are eager to see if the team will prioritize defense, offense, or simply take the best player available.

At the NFL meetings in Palm Beach, head coach Dave Canales provided rare insight into the team’s thought process. While every team aims to secure the top talent available, Canales emphasized that bolstering the Panthers’ defense—which ranked among the league’s worst last season—should be a key priority.

“To be in this position, in my mind, when you have an opportunity to pick in the top 10 of the draft, we’re doing all the work on making sure we identify the best available player,” Canales explained via Panthers Wire. “We’ve had some great conversations about some offensive playmakers in this class, some defensive playmakers—and we’ve come away with saying, ‘Ok, look, we are going to get a great player. Let’s make sure we have the right guy, the right fit. Somebody that we want to be a Panther for a long time.’ So that’s really where our conversations are.”

The Panthers have clear needs on both sides of the ball. Defensively, they could use reinforcements alongside star cornerback Jaycee Horn to solidify the secondary, or a game-changing pass rusher to anchor the front line. Offensively, nearly every position could benefit from an infusion of elite talent, whether it’s a playmaking wide receiver, a dominant offensive lineman, or a dynamic weapon for quarterback Bryce Young.

As draft day approaches, all eyes will be on Canales and the Panthers’ front office to see how they execute their plan. With so many options on the table, Carolina’s selection at No. 8 could be one of the most pivotal picks of the draft.

Emma Lemley Dominates as Virginia Tech Softball Crushes Liberty to Complete Season Sweep

Emma Lemley Shines as Virginia Tech Softball Sweeps Liberty with Dominant Shutout

Virginia Tech’s softball team secured a commanding Top 25 victory on Wednesday night, shutting out No. 24 Liberty to complete a season sweep. Star pitcher Emma Lemley once again showcased her dominance, leading the No. 11 Hokies (29-5) to their 10th consecutive win with a stellar performance at Tech Softball Park.

Lemley had already made a statement against Liberty earlier in the season, throwing one of her four no-hitters in a 9-0 rout back in February. This time, the Flames came out swinging, determined to avoid another blanking. Lead-off hitter Savannah Woodard wasted no time, ripping a double to left-center on just the second pitch of the game. Liberty even managed to load the bases with one out after drawing two walks, but Lemley stayed composed, escaping the jam unscathed.

The Hokies’ offense wasted no time providing run support. Cori McMillan, fresh off a dramatic walk-off home run against Stanford last weekend, ignited the scoring with a solo blast in the bottom of the first. Moments later, Bre Peck added an RBI single to give Virginia Tech an early 2-0 advantage.

By the third inning, the Hokies had fully seized control. With two runners on and two outs, Jordan Lynch launched a towering three-run homer over the right field fence, extending the lead to 5-0. Virginia Tech nearly wrapped things up early in the fifth when they loaded the bases with one out, but they settled for one additional run on a Lynch RBI single.

Lynch had a monster night at the plate, tallying three hits and four RBIs. McMillan and Kylie Aldridge each chipped in with two hits as well. Meanwhile, Lemley remained locked in, surrendering just three hits while striking out nine and issuing four walks in her complete-game shutout.

With another dominant victory under their belt, Virginia Tech now shifts focus to ACC play, heading to Raleigh for a weekend showdown against NC State. The Hokies will look to keep their hot streak alive as they continue their march toward postseason contention.

Breaking: Chiefs and Saints Poised to Disrupt Vikings’ Blockbuster Trade Plans

Chiefs and Saints Could Disrupt Vikings’ Blockbuster Trade—Jordan Addison on the Move?

The Minnesota Vikings may be preparing for a major shake-up, with rumors swirling that wide receiver Jordan Addison could be on the trade block ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft. Initially, the Buffalo Bills were seen as the frontrunners to acquire him, but now the Kansas City Chiefs and New Orleans Saints have emerged as serious contenders, potentially complicating the Vikings’ trade plans.

Vikings Face Tough Decision on Addison’s Future

Addison, a former first-round pick, has quickly become a key playmaker alongside Justin Jefferson, racking up 875 receiving yards and 19 touchdowns in just two seasons. However, with Jefferson locked into a record-breaking contract, the Vikings may struggle to afford Addison’s upcoming extension. Trading him now could allow Minnesota to maximize his value, possibly securing a first-round pick in return.

The Bills are desperate for a new offensive weapon, especially if they fail to retain Amari Cooper. Acquiring Addison would give Josh Allen a dynamic young receiver, making Buffalo a logical destination. However, Minnesota may have to fend off other suitors.

Chiefs Enter the Race for Addison

Kansas City is facing uncertainty in its wide receiver corps. After losing DeAndre Hopkins to the Ravens, the Chiefs need to reload. Marquise Brown is on a one-year deal, while Xavier Worthy and Rashee Rice have their own question marks. Addison could provide a reliable target for Patrick Mahomes, making him an appealing trade candidate for the reigning Super Bowl champions.

Despite Addison’s past off-field concerns, the Chiefs have a track record of managing talented but controversial players. If Worthy or Rice faces a suspension, Addison could seamlessly step into a starting role, ensuring Mahomes has the firepower he needs.

Could the Saints Make a Surprise Move?

The Saints could also shake things up. Star receiver Chris Olave has been linked to trade rumors, as New Orleans appears to be heading into a rebuild under new head coach Kellen Moore. If Olave is moved, the Saints will need a replacement, and Addison would be a strong candidate to pair with Rashid Shaheed and veteran Brandin Cooks.

A Three-Team Bidding War?

What seemed like a straightforward trade possibility for Buffalo has now turned into a three-team race. With multiple contenders eyeing Addison, the Vikings could be at the center of one of the biggest trade stories of the offseason.

DNVR Broncos Podcast: Is Cooper Kupp on the Verge of Joining Denver? Former Bronco Weighs in on the Perfect Fit

“DNVR Broncos Podcast: Could Cooper Kupp Be the Missing Piece for Denver? Former Super Bowl Champion Breaks Down the Perfect Fit”

The Denver Broncos are diving into NFL free agency, and big names are already making waves, especially with the Los Angeles Rams releasing star wide receiver Cooper Kupp. As rumors swirl, should the Broncos target Kupp to strengthen Sean Payton’s offense?

In the latest DNVR Broncos Podcast, Super Bowl 50 Champion Bennie Fowler joins Zac Stevens, Ryan Koenigsberg, and Henry Chisholm LIVE from the Toyota Lounge inside the DNVR Bar to discuss whether Kupp could be the ideal fit in Denver. Given Kupp’s impressive track record and elite receiving skills, many are wondering if he could be the perfect addition to Denver’s offense and offer quarterback Bo Nix a top-tier weapon to work with. But is Kupp the right fit, or should the Broncos explore other wide receiver options?

Fowler offers his expert insights on how Kupp could elevate the Broncos’ offense, and if Kupp’s style of play aligns with Payton’s offensive vision. He also discusses potential other receiver targets, breaking down who might seamlessly integrate into the system.

Additionally, Fowler gives his take on how key defensive players, like All-Pro safety Talanoa Hufanga and linebacker Dre Greenlaw, could fit into the Broncos’ defensive schemes. With the Broncos looking to make some crucial moves this offseason, the experts on the podcast dive deep into the team’s free agency options, roster needs, and the overall direction of the franchise under Payton’s leadership.

This episode is packed with insightful analysis on the Broncos’ future moves in free agency, and the potential of a Cooper Kupp acquisition could be just what the team needs to compete at the highest level. Don’t miss out on the latest buzz from Broncos Country.

Three Players Connected to Virginia Tech Basketball Through Transfer Portal So Far

Virginia Tech Basketball Eyes Key Transfer Portal Additions: 3 Players to Watch

As the Virginia Tech men’s basketball season officially came to a close, the Hokies are already in the midst of their second consecutive offseason focused on reshaping their roster. With five players entering the transfer portal, Head Coach Mike Young is tasked with rebuilding, yet again, to improve for next season. And this time around, there’s a renewed sense of urgency, with Young promising to address the team’s needs quickly and with more financial backing through an expanded NIL package.

The transfer portal has been buzzing with activity, and with it, a wider range of options for teams to explore. The Hokies are no exception. As the portal continues to grow by the day, several players have already been linked to Virginia Tech. Here’s a look at three standout players the Hokies could potentially add to their roster:

Robert McCray V – Jacksonville
Virginia Tech had a firsthand look at Jacksonville guard Robert McCray in November when the Dolphins handed the Hokies a tough loss, 74-64, at Cassell Coliseum. McCray shone in that game with 17 points, four rebounds, and eight assists. Throughout the season, he averaged 16.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game, making him a standout in the portal. Pairing McCray in the backcourt with Ben Hammond would create a formidable duo that could prove difficult for any defense to contain. McCray’s ability to create opportunities for teammates like Jaden Schutt could bring an added dimension to the Hokies’ offense.

Kezza Giffa – High Point
Kezza Giffa, a talented guard from High Point, has generated significant interest in the portal. The Paris, France native averaged 14.6 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game, leading his team to the NCAA Tournament. Giffa showed his capabilities in the big dance, where he contributed eight points, three assists, and three rebounds against Purdue in the first round. With one year of eligibility remaining, Giffa would provide another solid ball handler for the Hokies, but competition from other programs is fierce.

Themus Fulks – Milwaukee
A proven playmaker, Themus Fulks from Milwaukee has also entered the transfer portal with one year of eligibility remaining. He averaged 14.6 points, 3 rebounds, and 5.9 assists this season. Fulks, who has previously transferred from South Carolina State and Louisiana, is a versatile guard who can score, distribute, and shoot from beyond the arc. His playmaking ability would be a significant boost for Virginia Tech as they look to strengthen their backcourt.

Penn State Basketball Star Declares for NBA Draft, Leaving A Great Opportunity for Nittany Lions Return

Here’s a reworked, engaging version of your article:

“Penn State Basketball’s Yanic Konan Niederhauser Declares for NBA Draft with Possibility of Return to Nittany Lions”

In what has been a rollercoaster year for Penn State men’s basketball, a piece of positive news surfaced on Wednesday that might just be a turning point for the program. Yanic Konan Niederhauser, the towering seven-foot center who became a key figure for the Nittany Lions, made an important announcement on Instagram: he is declaring for the NBA Draft, yet keeping his college eligibility intact.

This decision brings an air of excitement to a team that’s been looking for stability and growth in recent years. By maintaining his eligibility, Niederhauser has opened the door to a potential return to Penn State, giving the Nittany Lions a chance to retain one of their most valuable players for one more season—if he decides to withdraw from the draft process.

Niederhauser’s declaration brings some much-needed optimism to a team that has struggled to find its footing lately. His standout performances this past season solidified his place as a major asset to the Nittany Lions, with his imposing presence on both ends of the court. Despite Penn State’s mixed results throughout the season, Niederhauser’s skill set and leadership ability made him a standout. The news that he could return, should he choose not to proceed with the draft, offers a glimmer of hope for a team hoping to make significant strides next season.

What’s next for Niederhauser and the Nittany Lions depends on how the NBA Draft process unfolds. While it’s not uncommon for players to declare for the draft and return to school if they withdraw in time, the potential for Niederhauser to take the next step in his career is undeniable. If he does decide to stay in the draft, Penn State will have to look forward to rebuilding with a new focus.

For now, Penn State basketball fans can hold onto the hope that Niederhauser will return to finish what he started. Either way, the decision marks an exciting moment for the team, as they continue to shape their future around talented players like Niederhauser. The next few months will be crucial, and the Nittany Lions will be watching closely, hoping for a positive resolution.