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Clearly Chicago Blackhawks forward Patrick Kane doesn’t like the word “rebuild.”“I mean, I guess it’s all noise, right?” he said. “You could talk about ‘rebuild’ — it seems like that word is brought up a lot — but as a player it’s more about just trying to be the best you can be and to help the team win.”Advertisement“Rebuild” comes up a lot because the Hawks made it the centerpiece of their public introduction of new general manager Kyle Davidson.“We’re going to look at more of a rebuild here,” Davidson said in March. “There are some things that we really need to fix that are going to take time. No matter if it takes three years, five years to get to the level of success that we’re looking to achieve, when we get there, it’s our mission to stay there.”Advertisement[ [Don’t miss] Kyle Davidson is fully aware of the task ahead as the new Blackhawks GM: ‘It’s clear we need to be better. The standings tell us that every day.’ ]Still, players such as Alex DeBrincat have expressed a desire to “accelerate” the rebuild by winning sooner than expected, so it begs the question: Do the players’ and the organization’s perceptions of the rebuild align?“Yeah, you can win and still be in a rebuild,” Kane said Tuesday at the United Center in what amounted to an exit interview for the season. “I think there are teams that have accelerated that, too, right?”Kane held up the Los Angeles Kings and New York Rangers as prime examples.The Kings have leaped from a .438 points percentage during the abbreviated 2020-21 season to a .600 percentage that puts them in playoff position.The Rangers finished fifth in the reconfigured eight-team East Division last season but rank second in the Metropolitan this season.However, a naysayer could point out that — if one discounts the expanded postseason format in 2019-20 — each team has had a three-season gap since its previous playoff appearance.“You can win and still be in rebuild. …You obviously need those young guys to take next steps but I think it can be done quicker than maybe some people think.”—Patrick Kane pointing to the LA Kings and NY Rangers as teams that accelerated their rebuilds pic.twitter.com/77xRKUN020— Phillip Thompson (@_phil_thompson) April 26, 2022

Chicago Tribune SportsWeekdaysA daily sports newsletter delivered to your inbox for your morning commute.Nevertheless, Kane said, “You look at L.A., they had some young guys that … maybe exceeded some of their front-office expectations, and all of a sudden they’re in a spot where they can sign guys like (Phillip) Danault and trade for (Viktor) Arvidsson and they’re a better team.“Same thing with the Rangers, right?. It was like they put out that memo a couple of years ago that they’re rebuilding, and all of a sudden they’re one of the best teams in the league a couple of years later. Obviously you bring a guy in like (Artemi) Panarin, that helps. Or a guy like (goaltender Igor) Shesterkin, he comes to the forefront.”AdvertisementKane referenced those teams but also took stock of the youth on the Hawks roster.“You need those young guys obviously to take next steps, but I think it could be done quicker than maybe some people think,” he said. “So as a player, like I said, you’re not worried about how long it takes or what’s going on as far as when we’re going to win again, but you’re always trying to help that process move along as quickly as possible.”[ [Don’t miss] Dominik Kubalík looks to ‘refresh my mind’ rather than worry about whether the Blackhawks want to re-sign him ]Defenseman Connor Murphy, making his first media appearance since suffering a concussion against the Ottawa Senators on March 12, agreed with Kane’s line of thinking.“I think every player, no matter what stage is spoken about the organization that you’re in, is going to be equally as eager to make the playoffs and work as hard to get there,” Murphy said. “And it doesn’t mean that you’re not going to (make the playoffs) each year just because you’re in a rebuild.“I don’t look at it with any negativity. … I’m happy to be here as long as I’m wanted and fortunate, even though we’ve had some struggling seasons, to be a part of this group.”

HBO would like to remind you — and Jerry West — that “Winning Time” is not a documentary.The network is sticking by its Showtime era Lakers show after team icon Jerry West lashed out about how he was portrayed in the series.Advertisement“HBO has a long history of producing compelling content drawn from actual facts and events that are fictionalized in part for dramatic purposes. ‘Winning Time’ is not a documentary and has not been presented as such,” the network told the Daily News in a statement Tuesday.“However, the series and its depictions are based on extensive factual research and reliable sourcing, and HBO stands resolutely behind our talented creators and cast who have brought a dramatization of this epic chapter in basketball history to the screen.”Advertisement[ Jerry West demands retraction of ‘deliberately false’ ‘Winning Time’ portrayal ]Last week, lawyers for West, who played for the Lakers before becoming the head coach and then general manager, demanded a retraction and public apology for his depiction “Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty,” calling it “a baseless and malicious assault” that “falsely and cruelly portrays Mr. West as an out-of-control, intoxicated rage-aholic” and “bears no resemblance to the real man.”[ L.A. Lakers HBO series ‘Winning Time’ a family affair for DeVaughn Nixon ]“The portrayal of NBA icon and L.A. Lakers legend Jerry West in ‘Winning Time’ is fiction pretending to be fact — a deliberately false characterization that has caused great distress to Jerry and his family,” his lawyer, Skip Miller, said in a letter sent to HBO and producer Adam McKay and obtained by the Daily News.“Contrary to the baseless portrayal in the HBO series, Jerry had nothing but love for and harmony with the Lakers organization, and in particular owner Dr. Jerry Buss, during an era in which he assembled one of the greatest teams in NBA history.”Magic Johnson, played by Quincy Isaiah, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, played by Solomon Hughes, have also criticized “Winning Time.”

Wednesday’s Chicago White Sox game against the Kanas City Royals at Guaranteed Rate Field has a new start time.Due to a forecast of cold temperatures, Wednesday’s game has been changed to 1:10 p.m. from the originally scheduled time of 6:10 p.m.AdvertisementAccording to a Sox news release, “game tickets, parking coupons and Huntington Bank Stadium Club passes for the 6:10 p.m. start will be honored for the 1:10 p.m. first pitch. Fans do not need to exchange any game tickets, parking coupons or Stadium Club passes to attend the rescheduled game.”[ [Don’t miss] Going to a Chicago White Sox game? Here’s what to know if you’re headed to Guaranteed Rate Field this season. ]The parking lots will open at 11:10 a.m. and the gates open at 12:10 p.m.Due to a forecast of cold temperatures, the start time for tomorrow’s game between the Chicago White Sox and Kansas City Royals has been changed to 1:10 p.m. CT from the originally scheduled time of 6:10 p.m. pic.twitter.com/WZ7GEUvxgd— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) April 26, 2022

Facing elimination in their first round series with the Milwaukee Bucks, the Chicago Bulls were dealt another blow Tuesday when Zach LaVine entered health and safety protocols.LaVine will likely be out for Game 5 of the series, which tips off Wednesday night at 6:30 p.m.AdvertisementWith Alex Caruso in concussion protocol, the Bulls might be down two starters for their must win game. LaVine averaged 19.3 points per game on 42.9 % shooting in the first four games of the series.More to come.

ZURICH — Russia was removed Tuesday as host of the 2023 world championship in men’s ice hockey that was to be played in Vladimir Putin’s home city St. Petersburg.Citing “concern for the safety and well-being of all participating players, officials, media, and fans,” the International Ice Hockey Federation announced the decision after its ruling council met.AdvertisementThe latest blow to Russia in its favored winter sports follows one day after its signature annual international figure skating competition was pulled by the International Skating Union in the fallout from the country’s war on Ukraine.The IIHF said its officials “expressed significant concerns over the safe freedom of movement of players and officials to, from, and within Russia.”AdvertisementSimilar reasons were given last month for stripping the 2023 world juniors event from Russia. That championship was to be played in Omsk and Novosibirsk.Russia had committed to build a new 23,000-seat arena for the men’s worlds that was scheduled for May 2023.A new host will be picked during the men’s world championships which starts next month in Finland, the governing body said.

Novak Djokovic will be allowed to defend his title at Wimbledon, despite not being vaccinated against COVID-19, because the shots are not required to enter Britain, All England Club chief executive Sally Bolton said Tuesday.Djokovic, a 34-year-old Serb who is ranked No. 1, missed the Australian Open in January after being deported from that country because he was not vaccinated against the illness caused by the coronavirus that has led to the deaths of millions during the pandemic that began in 2020.AdvertisementDuring the annual spring briefing ahead of Wimbledon, which starts on June 27, Bolton said that “whilst, of course, it is encouraged” that all players get vaccinated, “it will not be a condition of entry to compete” at the grass-court Grand Slam tournament this year.Djokovic, in addition to being unable to defend his championship at Melbourne Park after an 11-day legal saga over whether he could remain in Australia, had to sit out tournaments at Indian Wells and Miami because he couldn’t travel to the United States as a foreigner who is unvaccinated.AdvertisementThe U.S. Tennis Association has said that it will follow whatever governmental rules are in place regarding COVID-19 vaccination status when the U.S. Open is held starting in late August.Djokovic — who has said he got COVID-19 twice, once each in 2020 and 2021 — owns 20 Grand Slam singles titles, tied with Roger Federer for the second-most for a man. They trail Rafael Nadal, who won his 21st at the Australian Open.Six of Djokovic’s trophies came at Wimbledon, including victories each of the past three times the tournament was held — in 2018, 2019 and 2021. It was not held in 2020 because of the pandemic.After what happened in Australia, Djokovic said he would be willing to sit out other Grand Slam tournaments if getting vaccinated were a requirement to compete. The next major event is the French Open, which begins on May 22, and tournament director Amelie Mauresmo said last month there was nothing preventing Djokovic from defending his 2021 title in Paris.The Italian Open, a clay-court tune-up for Roland Garros, also has said Djokovic can play there next month.

The Chicago Cubs don’t boast the same star power as they did a year ago. Yet despite subtracting three star hitters last July, the Cubs offense has become more functional and successful.The typical early season disclaimers apply, but even so, the Cubs offensive profile has made games more engaging for fans and players because of the pace of play. Even when they put up a football score in a 21-0 win Saturday against the Pittsburgh Pirates, the game lasted 2 hours, 47 minutes — 19 minutes shorter than the average nine-inning MLB game this season.AdvertisementThe Cubs (7-9) look to get back to .500 during a three-game series in Atlanta that begins Tuesday. While they try to get on a roll, at the very least the offense is more viable than during the first half of 2021 with what was supposed to be a playoff-caliber roster.The strength of the Cubs offense will be tested soon. In their next 14 games, the Cubs face the reigning World Series champion Atlanta Braves, Milwaukee Brewers, Chicago White Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres.AdvertisementIs the Cubs offense legit? Five numbers highlight the good and bad.ExpandAutoplayImage 1 of 28Cubs right fielder Seiya Suzuki (27) slides into second on a double during the ninth inning, April 24, 2022, at Wrigley Field. (Erin Hooley / Chicago Tribune)The Cubs are finding ways to score that don’t require home runs, and it’s making a difference in how the offense functions. Weighted on-base average (wOBA) helps quantify the value of a plate appearance’s outcome rather than evaluate all hits equally.The Cubs’ .347 wOBA ranked first in the majors through Sunday, which isn’t surprising since they also had the best average, on-base percentage and OPS. Their 125 weighted runs created plus (wRC+) ranked second. The Cubs have a well-rounded offense and a lineup that generally is balanced, even on days manager David Ross opts to rest a regular.A strong offensive profile hasn’t converted to as many wins as it seems the Cubs should have, and their record includes a 2-4 mark versus the Pirates. But their wOBA suggests the lineup will be a strength in the long run, even if the Cubs don’t remain at the top of key offensive categories.Ian Happ reacts after striking out to end the fifth inning against the Pirates on Thursday, April 21, 2022, at Wrigley Field. (Chris Sweda / Chicago Tribune)When the Cubs scored 21 runs Saturday, another statistic was nearly as impressive. They struck out only three times in 52 plate appearances and no Cub had more than one.The Cubs were almost unwatchable at times last season, especially in the first half, with an offense that featured too many swings and misses and not enough contact hitters to offset that. Injuries to Matt Duffy and Nico Hoerner played a role in the Cubs falling apart in late May and into June, which was problematic on many levels.This year, though, the Cubs aren’t relying on the long ball to score. Saturday’s outburst epitomized what this offense has shown through 16 games: The Cubs hit only one home run en route to 21 runs.[ [Don’t miss] 3 takeaways from the Cubs-Pirates series, including an emphasis on placement over power ]Cutting down on strikeouts while still drawing walks has been a key to the offense’s success. The Cubs’ 21.2% strikeout rate was sixth-best in the majors through Sunday, while their 10.1% walk rate was tied for eighth. Combined with their big-league-leading .273 average, their offensive production has found a balance between swing-and-miss bats and contact hitters — with both profiles showing an ability to draw walks and get on base.AdvertisementThe Cubs will need to keep this up to make up for being slightly below the league average in home runs. Their four-game series against the Pirates showed what can happen if the hits aren’t consistently falling. They can’t count on a home run to bail them out.Cubs left fielder Rafael Ortega rounds third and heads for home during the first inning against the Pirates on Sunday, April 24, 2022, at Wrigley Field. (Erin Hooley / Chicago Tribune)The offense’s profile includes one area in which the Cubs haven’t graded out as well nearly three weeks into the season.FanGraphs’ baserunning metric (BsR) is all-encompassing in evaluating stolen bases, caught stealing and other baserunning plays and converting them into runs above and below average. The statistic can be volatile this early in the season, but the Cubs ranked 23rd through Sunday with a minus-1.5 BsR. They haven’t stolen many bases (four) and have been caught stealing three times.The Cubs have been above the league average in advancing an extra base, which is helpful for a team putting the ball in play as much as they have.Chicago Tribune SportsWeekdaysA daily sports newsletter delivered to your inbox for your morning commute.The Cubs don’t have many obvious base stealers in the lineup, though Seiya Suzuki likely will be on the move more as the season progresses. Manager David Ross wants him to feel comfortable at the plate and on the basepaths before incorporating more steal attempts in Suzuki’s style of play. Suzuki’s speed and instincts would add another dynamic to the Cubs offense.Cubs catcher Willson Contreras runs to the dugout after grounding into a double play during the sixth inning against the Rays on Monday, April 18, 2022, at Wrigley Field. (Armando L. Sanchez / Chicago Tribune)After finishing with the worst contact rate in the majors in 2021, the Cubs are showing improvement, sitting 12th at 76.2%.Advertisement“I do think that’s a pretty sustainable trait,” president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer said last week. “It’ll probably vacillate from time to time with different matchups and different handedness. But I do think that we should be a fairly high contact team — but with that we’re not going to hit as many three-run homers as we once did.”Notably, the Cubs’ contact rate includes the highest ground-ball rate (51.8%) in baseball. All other teams were below 48% through Sunday, with the Seattle Mariners the lowest at 37.7%. One side effect the Cubs are encountering to putting the ball in play more — and specifically hitting the ball on the ground so much — is the double-play balls they are racking up.[ [Don’t miss] How Cubs first baseman Frank Schwindel’s experience at catcher helps him defensively: ‘He’s hungry’ ]The Cubs have hit into 18 double plays, which led the majors entering Monday’s games. Willson Contreras (five) and Nick Madrigal (four) were tied for first and fourth in the big leagues.Conversely, only three teams have a lower line-drive percentage than the Cubs (18.4%). The Cubs know they must elevate the ball more. It sounds simple to fix, but looking for balls to drive within an at-bat can require adjusting an approach.Hoyer sounded optimistic the ground-ball rate and double-play issue will even out over the season. Still, it’s worth keeping an eye on.

It’s no surprise if you’ve been suffering from a bad case of whiplash over the last week.One day you’re cranking up the heat. The next day you’re turning on the air conditioner. And then it’s back to winter again.AdvertisementOne day it’s OK to take off your mask. The next day it’s time to mask up again. And who knows what tomorrow will bring?And if you’ve been following the Chicago White Sox, the whiplash has occurred at a fast and furious pace. The Sox were 6-3 and looking unstoppable in the American League Central on Wednesday morning, only to be swept in a doubleheader in Cleveland that day to begin an 0-6 road trip that ended with a walk-off loss Sunday in Minnesota.AdvertisementAnother brutal injury, putting Eloy Jiménez out of action for up to two months, combined with shoddy defense and a lack of hitting helped void the collective optimism Sox fans accumulated during the opening homestand.It’s enough to make a grown man cry — or at least cover his eyes.But just as our one day of spring Saturday eventually will morph into a real summer, the real White Sox are likely to show up sooner or later.ExpandAutoplayImage 1 of 90White Sox’s Eloy Jimenez leaves the field on a cart after falling to the turf on a groundout to the Minnesota in the second inning on April 23, 2022. (Bruce Kluckhohn / AP)Sooner would be preferable, and a homestand this week against the Kansas City Royals and Los Angeles Angels should help bring them out of their doldrums.But if not, it’s still a long way to October and the division is occupied by three rebuilding teams and the Sox and Twins. One aggravating week in April won’t mean much if the Sox can limit the damage.The most concerning part is the unforced mistakes, particularly the league-worst six errors committed by shortstop Tim Anderson. While Anderson is no Gold Glove shortstop, he never has looked so out of sync in the field. Last year he made 10 errors in 122 games, so you have to believe this is just a blip.It’s reminiscent of a similar fielding slump former Sox third baseman Robin Ventura experienced at the start of the 1995 season, when the Sox also were coming out of a shortened spring training after the end of the strike. Ventura, who had won three Gold Gloves at that point, made six errors in the first five games and had a one-word response when asked about his fielding woes:“Disgusting.”AdvertisementThe ‘95 Sox, who were prohibitive favorites to win the division, committed 21 errors in their first six games, which obviously affected the pitching. Ventura’s fielding slump continued, and the Sox had the worst record in the majors after 31 games when manager Gene Lamont was abruptly fired. It was only the second time in 15 seasons Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf had given his general manager the OK to fire a Sox manager. The other one was Tony La Russa, who is now back at the helm and getting the same kind of questions from Sox fans on Twitter that Lamont heard on talk radio during the team’s underachieving start in ‘95.White Sox manager Tony La Russa stands in the dugout before the first inning against the Mariners at Guaranteed Rate Field on April 13, 2022. (Armando L. Sanchez / Chicago Tribune)La Russa doesn’t have to worry about suffering the same fate as Lamont, no matter where he bats struggling Leury García in the lineup or if he lets Byron Buxton beat the Sox instead of walking the Twins slugger with the game on the line in the 10th inning.This is La Russa’s team, like it or not.And Anderson won’t take any extended time off to clear his head after an awful week. The Sox can’t afford to take his bat out of the lineup, and he will get another day off when he serves his one-game suspension for flipping off a fan in Cleveland, assuming he loses his appeal. He’ll just have to play his way out of this.Defense was an issue last year, when the Sox committed 97 errors — fourth-worst in the AL — and they did nothing to improve it in the offseason. So it shouldn’t be a big shock to anyone that the Sox entered Monday tied with the Arizona Diamondbacks with 18 errors, five more than any other team. Other than outfielders Luis Robert and Adam Engel, no position players stand out defensively.AdvertisementThe Sox got by last year with designated hitters and first basemen playing in the outfield, and it wouldn’t be a major concern now if their pitching and hitting had lived up to expectations.With Lucas Giolito’s return Sunday, the Sox still have a formidable threesome of Giolito, Dylan Cease and Michael Kopech leading the rotation. They can hold down the fort until Lance Lynn’s return. But Dallas Keuchel and Vince Velasquez need to step up, and Johnny Cueto didn’t fare well in his debut at Triple-A Charlotte, serving up two home runs in 2⅔ innings.The Sox declined to spend on a top-line starter in the offseason after losing Carlos Rodón to free agency. That decision could come back to haunt them.Jiménez’s hamstring injury, of course, is deflating. His injuries always are tough to deal with because we keep waiting on him to get through a full season. Now that won’t happen until 2023 at the earliest. I’ve always thought the Sox should make him the regular DH to limit the injury risk.Giolito told reporters after the Sox’s seventh straight loss Sunday that it was a “(bleep) week.” Those things happen over the course of a season, even for the best teams. Even without Lynn, Jiménez and Yoán Moncada for an extended stretch, this team should dominate the AL Central rebuilds and hang with the Twins.La Russa was hired because he has seen it all, so this is nothing new to him. What will he do to make sure last week is a blip and not a trend?AdvertisementWe’re all anxious to find out.

The top of the NFL draft is more of a mystery than usual this year because no quarterbacks are in consideration for the No. 1 pick.Only five times in the last 20 years has a non-quarterback been the first selection, and that’s almost certain to happen Thursday night when the Jacksonville Jaguars go on the clock a year after selecting Trevor Lawrence with the top pick.AdvertisementRound 1 promises to be interesting from the standpoint that there already has been a ton of movement. Eight teams have two first-round picks after a flurry of trades. With one-fourth of the league holding an extra Day 1 selection and no elite quarterbacks in the class, projecting how things will fall is an intriguing exercise.The Chicago Bears are in the cluster of teams without a first-round choice. The New York Giants own their selection — No. 7 overall — as part of the trade up to draft quarterback Justin Fields last year.AdvertisementFirst-year general manager Ryan Poles has a lot of flexibility with three Day 2 picks — two in Round 2 and one in Round 3 — and needs at a variety of positions. Wide receiver has been mentioned prominently, and the Bears need to give Fields more skill-position talent to work with. At the beginning of a rebuild, however, Poles might want to start in the trenches.[ [Don’t miss] Brad Biggs’ NFL mock draft 2.0 ][ [Don’t miss] Brad Biggs’ NFL mock draft 1.0 ]Here’s one way that could go.Georgia’s Travon Walker celebrates after sacking Missouri quarterback Tyler Macon on Nov. 6, 2021. (HYOSUB SHIN / AJC/AP)The Jaguars could consider an offensive tackle to upgrade the protection for Trevor Lawrence — and there are some good ones to select from — but left tackle Cam Robinson signed his franchise-tag tender and the Jaguars need help on defense. Walker has the versatility to move around the front.The Lions could go in almost any direction here. Hutchinson makes sense because he fits the personality of coach Dan Campbell and the Lions have needed an edge presence for some time.It’s easy to envision new coach Lovie Smith pushing for a defensive player here, but the Texans have needs across the board and having the first pick of a talented group of offensive tackles is a good position to be in.[ [Don’t miss] When do the Chicago Bears pick? What do the mock drafts say? Everything you need to know about the 2022 NFL draft. ]Offensive tackle, edge rusher or cornerback all make sense for GM Joe Douglas. The nod goes to the pass rusher as the talent thins out quickly at this position.Alabama offensive tackle Evan Neal sets up against Tennessee on Oct. 23, 2021. (Vasha Hunt/AP)The Giants need help across the board on defense, but it would be difficult to pass on a long-term option at left tackle.The list of quarterbacks the Panthers have tried to acquire in the last two years is extensive. The one they did get, Sam Darnold, isn’t a fixture for the future and Willis has a ton of upside coming from a smaller program.AdvertisementThe Giants have been seeking a trade partner for James Bradberry, and adding Gardner would give them an immediate replacement in the secondary.Calvin Ridley is suspended for the entire season and Russell Gage departed via free agency. Marcus Mariota needs someone to throw to other than tight end Kyle Pitts.[ [Don’t miss] Column: David Montgomery is embracing change at Halas Hall. How will the Chicago Bears running back fit the new scheme? ]The Seahawks can go in any number of directions here, and quarterback and edge rusher stand out. But getting a future left tackle makes sense for GM John Schneider.Wide receiver Drake London runs a drill during USC’s pro day on April 15, 2022. (Marcio Jose Sanchez/AP)The Jets went deep in efforts to trade for Tyreek Hill before losing out to the division rival Dolphins, so you have to figure they will get help for quarterback Zach Wilson with one of their top two picks.The Commanders have used five of their last six first-round picks on defensive players and they have a glaring need at cornerback. They played a ton of nickel last season and getting the top safety would give coach Ron Rivera a lot of flexibility on the back end.The Vikings have a new regime in place, but for the time being they have been busy bringing many players back. They need help in a few spots, especially cornerback — a recurring theme for the organization.AdvertisementAfter getting an anchor for the offensive line, Smith can stay in the trenches with a pass rusher to fortify the defense.[ [Sign up now] Get the latest Chicago sports news in your inbox each morning ]The Ravens suffered a ton of injuries in the secondary last season and GM Eric DeCosta said depth at cornerback is an issue. The good ones go quickly on Day 1.Georgia defensive lineman Jordan Davis runs a drill during the NFL scouting combine on March 5, 2022. (Darron Cummings/AP)GM Howie Roseman made the calculated move of trading one of three first-round picks to the Saints. He’s still in position to outfit his needy defense with immediate help.The Saints paid a big price to acquire a second pick in Round 1, and the thinking is they want a lineman and a receiver to bolster the offense.The Chargers were porous on defense last season, so it’s tempting to look at a player on that side of the ball. But adding more protection for Justin Herbert a year after drafting left tackle Rashawn Slater is wise.The Eagles need another weapon for Jalen Hurts, but the chance to get a three-down linebacker in Lloyd would transform the defense after adding a defensive tackle.Advertisement[ [Don’t miss] As Roquan Smith gets acquainted with a new regime, he ‘absolutely’ wants to stay with the Chicago Bears long term ]Williams is intriguing because, if healthy, he would have been the first wide receiver to come off the board. With two first-round picks, the Saints can wait for him to return from a reconstructed ACL.Pittsburgh quarterback Kenny Pickett performs drills at the school’s pro day on March 21, 2022. (Keith Srakocic/AP)Once upon a time, Mitch Trubisky was the rookie drafted by a team with a veteran quarterback. This time he will be on the other end of that setup.Some teams believe Hill has the coverage skills to be a cornerback. The Patriots could draft him here with that thought in mind.The Packers traditionally have avoided using first-round picks on wide receivers. This year feels different after the Davante Adams bombshell, and Olave would provide a speed threat for Aaron Rodgers.[ [Don’t miss] The Chicago Bears promised to get help for Justin Fields. So what are the odds of a reunion with WR Chris Olave? ]Maybe coach Kliff Kingsbury pushes for a wide receiver here to help Kyler Murray, but the Cardinals have a greater need in the secondary.A defensive lineman would make a lot of sense here. So would a dynamic playmaker with good size after Amari Cooper was dealt away.AdvertisementClemson cornerback Andrew Booth Jr. plays against Pittsburgh on Oct. 23, 2021. (Keith Srakocic/AP)Contenders in the AFC will need a small army of cornerbacks to defend the best quarterbacks in the league. The Bills supply some help for Tre’Davious White.The Titans have invested heavily in the secondary the last couple of years and can get a defender with a wide set of skills that appeals to Mike Vrabel.The Bucs have needs up front on both sides of the ball, but the priority has to be protecting Tom Brady after losing one starting lineman to retirement and another to free agency.As tempting as it might be to double up on wide receivers for Rodgers, the Packers need an edge rusher or an offensive lineman. Karlaftis can help get after the quarterback.The Chiefs need to provide a playmaker for Patrick Mahomes, and while Dotson won’t be as dynamic as Tyreek Hill, he can contribute as a rookie.Penn State defensive end Arnold Ebiketie rushes against Maryland on Nov. 6, 2021. (Julio Cortez/AP)The Chiefs need more help on defense and would be wise to supplement the pass rush.AdvertisementCincinnati loaded up on offensive linemen in free agency and Linderbaum could be the final piece to the puzzle for improving protection for Joe Burrow.It’s tempting to forecast Cincinnati quarterback Desmond Ridder here, but adding Walker to the front seven with Hutchinson would really help turn around the Lions defense.[ [Don’t miss] Chicago Bears Q&A: Is there a position no one is talking about to target in Round 2? Who is playing left tackle to start minicamp? ]If Lawrence can show growth at quarterback, the Jaguars will be much more competitive with some immediate help for the defense. Cine is a big hitter even if he lacks great range.The depth chart at wide receiver was barren last season, and Watson is a big target who should provide help quickly.Minnesota linebacker Boye Mafe runs a drill at the NFL scouting combine on March 5, 2022. (Charlie Neibergall/AP)The Jets were busy in free agency addressing the secondary. More help is needed for the front seven, and Mafe has a great skill set but will take some time to develop.The Giants have invested heavily the last couple of years in wide receivers who haven’t flourished. New GM Joe Schoen could address that position or get the top tight end on the board to replace Evan Engram.AdvertisementSmith talked this month about the significance of cornerbacks in his defense, and the depth chart needs talent. Elam has the size and length to project well in the Tampa-2 scheme.[ [Don’t miss] The Arlington Heights Bears? Here’s what to know about the team’s possible move from Chicago’s Soldier Field. ]With four of the top 38 picks, the Jets have a chance to infuse the roster with young talent. One of those picks needs to be an offensive lineman, and Smith might emerge as a long-term option at left tackle.The Bears sent defensive coordinator Alan Williams to Houston’s pro day and hosted Hall on a top-30 visit to Halas Hall. Poles tried to make his biggest investment in free agency on a defensive tackle, and Hall has the versatility to be used similarly to how coach Matt Eberflus deployed DeForest Buckner in Indianapolis.Quarterback Desmond Ridder throws a pass during Cincinnati’s pro day on March 24, 2022. (Aaron Doster/AP)GM John Schneider had massive success with a third-round pick at quarterback when he chose Russell Wilson. It’s time to find another passer.Off-field issues have led to speculation that Wyatt could fall out of Round 1. His talent would be worth the investment at this point.The Matt Ryan deal fell in the lap of the Colts, who have to feel better about what Frank Reich’s offense can produce. Pickens would provide Ryan with an outside receiver who can win on 50-50 balls.AdvertisementThe Falcons rebuilding project is in the beginning stages where help can be added nearly anywhere. Ojabo is recovering from a torn Achilles; otherwise, he would be a first-round pick.[ [Sign up] Get our Chicago Bears alerts on your phone, desktop and inbox ]The Browns offseason has been headlined by the arrival of Deshaun Watson and Amari Cooper. They need some big bodies up front on defense.Nebraska offensive lineman Cam Jurgens runs a drill during the NFL scouting combine on March 4, 2022. (Darron Cummings/AP)The Ravens need some younger players to build around on defense, but they also need to invest in their offensive line.The Vikings need some youth on defense, and pairing Pitre with Harrison Smith on the back end would provide flexibility.The Commanders have an elite receiver in Terry McLaurin but need more skill-position help. Enter Moore, who can excel in the slot.The only real addition Poles has made on the offensive line to this point is center Lucas Patrick. Raimann has limited experience at left tackle but possesses the length and strength to play there. If the Bears add Raimann, they could consider moving Larry Borom inside to right guard.

Phil Mickelson has signed up for the PGA Championship and U.S. Open, and his manager asked the PGA Tour for permission to play in a Saudi-funded golf tournament outside London without saying whether Mickelson will play in any of them.“Phil currently has no concrete plans on when and where he will play,” Mickelson’s longtime manager, Steve Loy, said in a statement. “Any actions taken are in no way a reflection of a final decision made, but rather to keep all options open.”AdvertisementMonday was the deadline for players to ask for a conflicting event release from the PGA Tour to play in the inaugural LIV Golf Invitational on June 9-11 in England.It also was the deadline to register for the PGA Championship, to be played May 19-22 at Southern Hills in Tulsa, Okla. Mickelson is exempt as the defending champion, winning at Kiawah Island last year at age 50 to become the oldest major champion.AdvertisementThat also gave him a five-year exemption into the U.S. Open, which will be played June 16-19 this year at The Country Club outside Boston.It was the first word from the Mickelson camp since Feb. 22, when Mickelson apologized for explosive remarks in a book excerpt by Alan Shipnuck in which he disparaged the Saudis behind Greg Norman’s attempt at a rival league and said he wanted leverage against the “obnoxious greed” of the PGA Tour.He has not played since the Saudi International on Feb. 6, even skipping the Masters.Meanwhile, Norman announced the season-ending team championship for his LIV Golf Invitational series will be at Trump National Doral Miami, the first tournament at the “Blue Monster” since the PGA Tour moved a World Golf Championship to Mexico in 2017.It would be the second course owned by former President Donald Trump to host one of the LIV Golf events run by Norman. Trump Bedminster in New Jersey is scheduled to hold a tournament the last weekend in July.Norman’s plan for a rival league suffered a big setback in February when Mickelson, viewed as a chief recruiter for Norman, was quoted by Shipnuck as saying the Saudis were “scary mother(expletives) to get involved with” and that he was working with Norman to get leverage for changes he wanted on the PGA Tour.“We know they killed (Washington Post reporter Jamal) Khashoggi and have a horrible record on human rights. They execute people over there for being gay. Knowing all of this, why would I even consider it? Because this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to reshape how the PGA Tour operates,” Mickelson told Shipnuck, whose unauthorized biography on Mickelson is to be released next month.Mickelson also said he recruited three other top players and they paid attorneys to write the operating agreement for the proposed league.AdvertisementWithin days, the biggest names in golf — some of whom had been contemplating taking the guaranteed Saudi riches — publicly stated support for the PGA Tour.Still unclear is who will be playing in the LIV Golf events.None of the top 10 players in the world has expressed interested in Norman’s venture. Norman since has said the rival league he envisioned will be put on hold for two years. Instead, he said players could sign up for any of the eight tournaments, which offer $20 million in prize money with an additional $5 million purse for the team aspect.Even then, PGA Tour players — no matter their world ranking — cannot apply for conflicting event releases for the five tournaments planned for the United States.The inaugural LIV event is June 9-11 outside London. Robert Garrigus, who is No. 1,053 in the world, is among those who have asked for a release with hopes of playing.In an interview earlier this month with The Daily Telegraph in the UK, Norman said with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund behind LIV Golf, the carrot would be hard to resist.Advertisement“Quite honestly, it doesn’t matter who plays, we’re going to put the event on,” Norman told The Telegraph. “There’s a $4 million first prize. I hope a kid who’s 350th in the world wins. It’ll change his life, his family’s life. And then a few of our events will go by and the top players will see someone winning $6 million, $8 million and say, ‘Enough is enough, I know I can beat these guys week in week out with my hands tied behind my back.’”The team championship, in which 12 four-man teams compete for a $50 million purse, is scheduled for Oct. 27-30 at Trump National Doral Miami.Details and players have not been announced.Doral hosted a PGA Tour event from 1962 through 2016. It was a World Golf Championship for the final 10 years until the search for a new title sponsorship led to the WGC moving to Chapultepec Golf Club in Mexico City.Trump was the presumptive Republican nominee for president when Cadillac chose not to renew as tournament sponsor and the PGA Tour left Doral for Mexico and the sponsorship of Grupo Salinas.“I hope they have kidnapping insurance,” Trump said at the time.AdvertisementTrump was a big personality as the new owner of Doral, even before he ran for office, and the tour said it was difficult to find a corporate sponsor willing to pay upward of $15 million a year to share the stage.“I think it’s more Donald Trump is a brand — a big brand,” former PGA Tour Commissioner Tim Finchem said in announcing the Mexico deal. “And when you’re asking a company to invest millions of dollars in branding a tournament, and they’re going to share that brand with the host, it’s a difficult conversation.”