While it can be tempting to buy a hot stock when it’s soaring in value, the returns may not be all that great if the stock is already trading at a high. If, however, you’re willing to take a chance on a beaten-down stock, then the payoff could be much more attractive in the long run.
Nike(NKE -3.23%) could be that type of stock right now. It’s in the early stages of a turnaround, and it may take years before its financials improve. It’ll require patience from investors, but it’s an option worth considering, especially at a time when the broad market looks inflated and many stocks are trading at high valuations.
Could now be an opportune time to load up on Nike stock?
Nike stock is trading near multiyear lows
To say things haven’t been going well for Nike would be a massive understatement. It has been a top athletic and footwear brand for decades, but over the past three years, its market cap has fallen over 50%. A slowing growth rate and uninspiring economic conditions have weighed on the consumer goods stock so much that it’s not only trading near a 52-week low, but it’s also getting closer to the levels it fell to in early 2020, during the COVID-19 crash.
As a result of the its extended decline, the stock is currently valued at 23 times its trailing earnings, which is near its lowest level in the past decade.
Nike stock looks cheap, but any upside potential hinges on its outlook. If the business continues to struggle with growth and profits, the stock likely has further to fall.
And that’s the big test for new CEO Elliott Hill, who took over in Oct. 2024. With more than 30 years of experience at Nike, Hill came out of retirement to take over the role from John Donahoe.
Nike experienced a surge in revenue during the pandemic, but that is far from the situation today. The company has had to grapple with supply chain disruptions and poor inventory management. An overly aggressive focus on the direct-to-consumer business resulted in growing pains as well.
Revenue has declined in the three most recent quarters, which is why a turnaround may not be quick or easy for the new leadership. But Hill is looking to rebuild Nike’s relationships with its wholesale partners, who have historically been a key part of the company’s success.
If you believe in the brand, you should believe in the stock
Not all of the company’s problems have stemmed from operational missteps. Consumers have been scaling back on discretionary purchases due to inflation and challenging economic conditions too.
That said, this is still the top brand in athletics and footwear, and Nike has seen its fair share of market cycles. It might take a while before new leadership can build momentum with its turnaround, but buying and holding Nike stock at its current price should feel like a steal in a few years.
Nike Stock: A Steal of a Deal or Overpriced?
Nike, the iconic sportswear brand, has been a staple in the investment world for years. With its strong brand recognition, innovative products, and global reach, Nike has been a favorite among investors looking for long-term growth potential. However, recent fluctuations in the stock market have left many wondering: is Nike stock a steal of a deal, or is it overpriced?
On one hand, Nike has shown consistent growth in revenue and earnings over the years. The company’s strong presence in the athletic apparel market, coupled with its successful marketing campaigns and partnerships with top athletes, has helped drive its stock price higher. Additionally, Nike’s focus on digital sales and e-commerce has positioned the company well for future growth in a rapidly evolving retail landscape.
On the other hand, some investors argue that Nike’s stock price may be inflated. With a price-to-earnings ratio higher than the industry average and concerns about potential supply chain disruptions, some believe that Nike’s stock may not be as undervalued as it appears. Additionally, competition from other athletic apparel brands and changing consumer preferences could impact Nike’s market share and profitability in the long run.
So, is Nike stock a steal of a deal, or is it overpriced? The answer may depend on your investment strategy and risk tolerance. While Nike’s strong brand and growth potential make it an attractive option for many investors, it’s important to carefully evaluate the company’s financials, industry trends, and competitive landscape before making any investment decisions. As always, it’s best to consult with a financial advisor or do thorough research before buying or selling any stocks.
The Detroit Pistons were getting throttled early against the Indiana Pacers last night and it looked as if the game might be over before the first quarter.
Then Malik Beasley entered the game and started to hit shots and before long Detroit had cut into Indiana’s lead and made a game of it.
Beasley finished with 20 points on 6-of-10 shooting from long range that kept the Pistons at least within shouting distance early in the game.
It has been a common theme this season, as Beasley has been one of the best shooters in the NBA, hitting over 40 percent of his 3-point shots and making more of them in total than all but one player in the league.
When the Pistons signed Beasley to a one-year deal late last offseason I didn’t think much of it other than, “ah, another expiring contract to trade at the deadline,” but that sentiment has changed to “how can we keep this guy?” after Beasley has been the best value in the NBA.
Malik Beasley: The NBA’s best value
When you look at players in Beasley’s salary range, they are mostly guys on rookie deals or back of the bench veterans who don’t see much action.
They aren’t guys averaging 16 points per game and 2nd in the NBA in 3-pointers made. Beasley isn’t a great defender, but you still won’t find a better value in the NBA than his $6 million deal.
But he’s not just a shooter, Beasley has been a huge part of the culture the Pistons are trying to build. He’s a leader on and off the floor and also a guy who does it by example, as he’s the first one to practice every day, showing the young players the type of dedication and work ethic required to have a long career in the NBA.
He’s been the perfect player in multiple ways, which begs the question of what is going to happen to him at the end of the season.
Will the Detroit Pistons re-sign Malik Beasley?
Beasley had some thoughts on the topic here that you can read for yourself, but regardless of his desires, it is going to be difficult for the Pistons to bring him back.
As a guy on a one-year deal, the Pistons can’t extend Beasley’s contract and will only own his non-Bird rights at the end of the season, which limits what they can offer him to 120% of his current salary.
That’s not going to be enough to keep him, as some team is almost certainly going to offer more than $7.2 million after the way he’s played this season.
That doesn’t mean the Pistons can’t bring him back and it will all depend on their salary cap situation, but if they want to make a big move elsewhere, it’s not going to be easy.
Enjoy Beasley while you can, as he may not even make it in Detroit through the trade deadline and it’s going to be challenging for him to return next season, though I hope they find a way to do it, as he’s been fun to watch and a big part of this team’s improvement.
The Detroit Pistons guard has proven to be the unquestioned steal of the offseason and here’s why:
1. Stellar performance on the court: The guard has been lighting up the scoreboard and making big plays for the Pistons. They have been a key contributor to the team’s success and have shown that they are a force to be reckoned with in the league.
2. Value for money: Despite being signed for a relatively low salary, the guard has outperformed expectations and provided excellent value for the Pistons. They have shown that they are worth much more than what they are being paid.
3. Impact on the team: The guard’s presence on the court has had a significant impact on the Pistons’ overall performance. They have provided leadership, scoring, and defensive prowess, helping the team win games and climb up the standings.
Overall, the Pistons guard has proven to be a steal of the offseason and a valuable asset to the team. Fans and analysts alike are excited to see what they will accomplish in the rest of the season.
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pistons guard, steal of the offseason, nba news, basketball, player analysis, detroit pistons, nba steals, sports analysis, player performance, offseason acquisitions
While Henderson circled the bases for nine big league clubs, he was most known for his time with the Oakland Athletics. Of his major league record 1,406 steals, 867 came while wearing the green and gold of Oakland as noted on the chart.
Henderson easily topped St. Louis Cardinal Lou Brock who reset the MLB record of 938 steals to best Detroit’s Ty Cobb who held the record of 897 career swipes for 49 years. Cobb’s single season record of 97 stolen bases was topped by Dodger Maury Wills’ total of 104 swipes in 1962 who was bested by Brock’s 118 total in 1974 and ultimately Henderson’s MLB single season record of 130 stolen bases.
The names of Cobb, Wills and Brock rolled off our tongues for ages as the standards for stolen bases for years until Henderson shattered the glass ceiling. Yes, Rickey Henderson was truly the “Man of Steal”.
Going to back to the chart, we ask who were some of these “Sons of Swipe” for the major league franchises?
With hands on hips in 1910 cardboard, Harry Hooper was a fly catching thief for the Boston Red Sox. Roaming Fenway’s right field for twelve of his seventeen big league seasons, Hooper amassed a franchise leading 300 stolen bases for Boston. Rising 5’10” the speedy Hooper seldom ranked amongst the tops of the American League stolen base leader board as his 40 steals the year this card came out were his high water mark for a season and seventh in the AL for 1910.
A confident cuss, Hooper took his swings at the top of the Red Sox lineup that at times featured future Hall of Famers Tris Speaker and Babe Ruth during the 1910’s decade helping the franchise win four World Championships 1912, ’15, ‘16, and ‘18. The career .281-hitter collected 2,466 hits to go along with his 375 stolen bases as Hooper also swiped 75 bags in his final five seasons playing for the Chicago White Sox.
Not an overly impressive physical specimen while gracing 1910 cardboard was Clyde Milan of the Washington Senators. The diminutive Milan was just 5’9” but was big on the base paths as he unseated Ty Cobb as the American League’s top base stealer in consecutive seasons — 1912 with 88 swipes and 75 in 1913.
Stealing at least 30 bases over seven consecutive seasons, Milan was a steady player for manager Clark Griffith’s Senators. Milan patrolled centerfield carrying the moniker of “Deerfoot” for 16 years all with Washington totaling 495 stolen bases that has never been topped even as the franchise moved to Minnesota. Twins second baseman Chuck Knoblauch swiped 276 bases during the 1990’s and into the next century placing third on the franchise leader board for steals.
With a franchise that has enjoyed a history of home runs from Mel Ott to Willie Mays to Barry Bonds, Giants fans need to go back to the earliest days of baseball to find their stolen base leader. In the final decade of the 19th century, Mike Tiernan roamed right field as a multi-tooled player. Looking at Tiernan’s cardboard, the fly catcher looked a little hippy and thick legged in the baggy uniforms of the day, though he managed to steal 56 bases in 1890, while also connecting on a league leading 16 homers, which we assume were due to the ball rolling around pasture-like outfields. The next season “Quiet Mike” as he was known swiped 53 bases while tying for the league lead with 13 homers. His stolen base totals for both years fell way short of the NL leader in Billy Hamilton of the Phillies who respectively logged 102 and 111 during the 1890 and 1891 seasons.
As for Hamilton, who was known as “Sliding Billy”, the outfielder would set the Phillies franchise mark with 510 swipes during his six years playing in the “City of Brotherly Love”. The short (5’6”) and stocky Hamilton would play 14 years and amass 914 steals in a career that eventually saw him be elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame 1961.
Wearing a pair of nice high top shoes that may have doubled as his “Sunday Best”, Herman Long stole 434 bases for the early National League Boston club of the 1880’s. Never a league leader due to the presence of Sliding Billy Hamilton, Long annually stole twenty or more bases for Boston. In all the shortstop racked up 537 stolen bases over his 16 seasons that also saw him suit up for the Kansas City Cowboys, Detroit Tigers, Philadelphia Phillies and New York Yankees. Barring more injuries or a departure due to free agency, Atlanta’s Ronald Acuna, Jr. and his 196 career stolen bases entering the 2025 season stand as a present threat to Long’s reign at the top of the Braves franchise stolen base list.
While the names of Hall of Famers Joe Morgan and Barry Larkin come to mind for their multiple tools, it is Bid McPhee’s 568 stolen bases that lead MLB’s oldest franchise. A Hall of Famer in his own right, inducted in 2000 by the Veteran’s Committee, McPhee was a second sacker for the Cincinnati Reds in the 1880’s. McPhee should have had a higher total except the first four seasons of his career the stolen base was not kept as a stat. The actual stolen base statistic didn’t come into realization until 1898, so while many of these franchise leaders could have an asterisk by their name, we’re not going to go down that road here.
The oddities of this group are with Chicago Cub Frank Chance and St. Louis Browns George Sisler, the full-time first basemen on the list.
Chance, who completed the famous “Baseball’s Sad Lexicon” by Franklin Pierce Adams of Tinker to Evers to Chance was the earliest first baseman of the pair as most of his thievery took place in the early 1900’s. En route to a place in Cooperstown, Chance swiped all but one of his 403 career bases with the Chicago Cubs. A career .297-hitter in 17 years Chance had little power with just 20 career homers, but enough speed to steal National League leading totals of 67 bases in 1903 and 57 steals in 1906. Chances are he would not have held this record long had Chicago not traded Lou Brock to the Cardinals in what many Cubs fans still lament as the worst trade in franchise history.
Prior to becoming the American League version of the Baltimore Orioles, the St. Louis Browns historically fielded a second division club, except for a few seasons in the 1920’s when future Hall of Famer George Sisler supplied their offense. A two-time AL batting champ, eclipsing .400 both in 1920 and ‘22, Sisler was also a four-time league stolen base leader with the Browns. Playing twelve of his fifteen seasons with St. Louis, the first baseman swiped a franchise tops 351 bases, a total that has stood the test of time as Orioles Don Buford, Brian Roberts and Brady Anderson all fell short of Sisler’s total.
As for the two franchises with the lowest totals, the Arizona D-backs just don’t keep players of speed around long enough, while the Colorado clubs have historically been built around hitting and power. The versatile Tony Womack led the National League in stolen bases three consecutive seasons (1997-99) with totals of 60, 58 and 72, but his unsteady glove work bounced him around the field and the major leagues. Womack would swipe 182 of his career 363 stolen bases with Arizona, which was enough for the desert franchise’s lead.
Eric Young, Sr. was an original Rockie who logged the first stolen base in team history as his thievery helped the upstart Colorado club. His franchise leading 180 stolen bases came in just four plus seasons with the Rocks. From 1993 into 1997 respectfully Young stole 42, 18, and 35, a league leading 53 bases and 35 bags before being traded out of the organization. After fifteen seasons Young would total 465 stolen bases spread out amongst seven clubs, but most notably the Colorado Rockies.
While baseball will never forget the entertaining and engaging Rickey Henderson who stole his way into our baseball hearts as the Man of Steal. Let us not forget the many Sons of Swipe who in their own way made their mark in this great game, while giving us some awesome cards.
In a world where theft and deception run rampant, there exists a group of individuals who have perfected the art of stealing with finesse and precision. They are known as the “Man of Steal & the Sons of Swipe.”
These skilled thieves operate in the shadows, outwitting security systems and outsmarting their targets with ease. Nothing is off-limits to them, as they have a knack for getting their hands on anything they desire.
But what sets them apart from common criminals is their code of honor. They only target those who deserve to be taken down, whether it be corrupt businessmen or ruthless criminals. They use their skills for a greater good, taking from the rich and giving back to the needy.
The Man of Steal leads this band of thieves with charisma and charm, his quick wit and smooth talking abilities making him a force to be reckoned with. His sons, the Sons of Swipe, are his loyal followers, each possessing their own unique set of skills that make them invaluable members of the team.
Together, they form a formidable force that strikes fear into the hearts of those who would dare to cross them. They are the modern-day Robin Hoods, taking from the powerful and giving to the powerless.
But beware, for crossing paths with the Man of Steal & the Sons of Swipe may just be the biggest mistake of your life. After all, no one can outsmart a master thief.
The Super Bowl is set! The Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles will square off in New Orleans … and pick last in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
If you’re not a fan of either team, you’re still in luck. Here’s how your squad can start making the climb to the big game.
Draft order via Tankathon. In this edition, Nate Tice makes the odd-numbered picks and Charles McDonald makes the even.
The Titans said they want a “generational” talent at the top of the draft, though Cam Ward would still make sense if they decide to move on from Will Levis. There’s also the possibility of adding more firepower to their defensive front with Abdul Carter, or a trade (a long-term right tackle would sure be nice). Really whatever adventure the Titans choose makes sense at the top of a wide open class. Hunter is a dynamic talent at cornerback, with even more to tap into. He would bring starpower to Tennessee’s defense and help bolster the offense in a small role, too. — Nate Tice
2. Cleveland Browns — Cam Ward, QB, Miami
The Browns are in a tough spot with Deshaun Watson’s contract looming large for the next few years, but they can at least give themselves an opportunity to move on at quarterback rather quickly with the selection of Ward. He’s a gunslinger and a player who will try to make the most of whatever the defense offers up — which ends up in mistakes sometimes. Still, he has the aggressive style to end up as a high quality NFL passer. — Charles McDonald
3. New York Giants — Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
The Giants get their new QB of the future, and a player who is used to pressure, attention and bright lights. While this is a tad rich for where Sanders will end up on big boards, he’s tough, competitive, has plenty of arm strength to attack all areas of the field and can really drive on throws. QB desperation is a real thing, especially in New York.
4. New England Patriots —Will Campbell, OT, LSU
New England seemingly found its quarterback in Drake Maye, who was stellar as a rookie last season. Now, the Patriots need to find serious help on the offensive line in order to make sure he has the most help possible to see his career through. Campbell is a Day 1 starter at left tackle who will be a nice building block on New England’s mission to improve the offensive line.
With QBs and Hunter going early, the Jaguars have talented players to select from. The Jaguars, and whatever general manager will be making this pick for them, go with the explosive Graham to add some interior disruption to their front. Jacksonville has holes at other places along the roster, but Graham is a talented player who played through injuries in 2025, and would turn the Jaguars’ front into one of the league’s better ones right away.
6. Las Vegas Raiders —Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
Johnson is probably the best player available at this point in the draft, bringing potential shutdown cornerback skills to a defense that desperately needs big-time talent on the outside.
7. New York Jets — Abdul Carter, Edge, Penn State
This would be quite the get for the Jets at No. 7. Carter has upside as a true pass rushing ace who would inject the venom back into what has been a deep unit in recent years. Carter has an explosive get-off and the bend to turn the corner on tackles. He’s still inconsistent playing the run, which means you won’t see many Carter-Will McDonald pairings on early downs, but he would keep the cupboard full of pass rushing options for Aaron Glenn and new defensive coordinator Steve Wilks.
Carolina got some quality play out of Bryce Young toward the end of the season and now need to keep building out the core. McMillan can be a tremendous No. 1 receiver for Young to grow with and would immediately create quality depth with young players like Xavier Legette and Jalen Coker.
Nate Tice and Charles McDonald’s 2025 NFL mock draft 5.0 is here. (Grant Thomas/Yahoo Sports)
9. New Orleans Saints—Mykel Williams, Edge, Georgia
Chase Young and Payton Turner are free agents, and Cameron Jordan is on the back nine of his career. Williams’ length and tools give him one of the highest upsides of any player in this draft class. He still needs time to tap into that upside, but there were strong glimpses and stretches this season after Williams returned from an ankle injury. On a Saints franchise without a head coach and with holes and decisions to make at essentially every position, Williams will almost certainly get the playing time to hone his talent.
10. Chicago Bears —Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State
The Bears need offensive line help outside of right tackle, so here’s a running mate for Darnell Wright. Simmons has a chance to be a riser during the draft process considering his skills, athleticism and upside.
11. San Francisco 49ers — Armand Membou, OG/OT, Missouri
Whether it’s a new right tackle, interior help or a Trent Williams succession plan, the 49ers’ offense could use an injection of beef. Membou is a good athlete who played tackle this past year at Missouri, but could kick inside at the next level. He has long arms that can bring some pop with his blocks. Kyle Shanahan likes to ask his linemen to move and be in space, and Membou would fit in nicely somewhere.
12. Dallas Cowboys — Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
Something flashy for America’s Team. Jeanty isn’t necessarily the most important player the Cowboys need coming into the draft, but he would be a great fit for their offense and most importantly, sell jerseys.
13. Miami Dolphins— Kelvin Banks, OG/OT, Texas
Banks has been the left tackle for Texas the past several years but I think his NFL future will be best kicking inside to guard. Banks is squarely built, strong and explosive. The Dolphins have multiple guards about to hit free agency and are currently without a returning starter at either spot. Banks can fit many types of offensive attacks as a guard, and would nicely fill the huge hole on Miami’s offensive line.
14. Indianapolis Colts — Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
The Colts seem to be sticking with Anthony Richardson for another year, so here’s a dynamic athlete at tight end to make his life a little easier. For his size (6-foot-6, 261 pounds), Warren is one of the most impressive athletes in the country and will open up the playbook for Colts head coach Shane Steichen.
15. Atlanta Falcons — Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan
Grant is a monster in the middle whose best football is in front of him. He has excellent size (6-3, 340 pounds) and is very good against the run, but isn’t just a plugger. While the Falcons desperately need pass rushers (as has been the case for over a decade), Grant is an easy mover who can be disruptive. He needs work harnessing his tools.
Walker is the perfect player for how the Cardinals have liked playing defense. He’s an amoeba-like defender who can play a whole bunch of roles and excels as a blitzer moving fast downhill. Walker may not be a classic edge, but that’s a good fit for Arizona.
17. Cincinnati Bengals — Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss
The Bengals need to address their leakiness against the run this offseason, and that begins up the spine of their defense. Nolen is another athletic defensive tackle in this class who is especially disruptive on twists and games. He still has to harness his ability to impact plays more consistently, but he can create edginess and explosive plays for a defense that desperately needs it.
18. Seattle Seahawks — Tyler Booker, OL, Alabama
Klint Kubiak’s scheme is going to run the damn ball and Seattle’s offensive line didn’t necessarily make that the easiest task this season. Booker would be an immediate starter along the line for a group that desperately needs talent.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama
This has been one of my favorite pairings on these mock drafts. General manager Jason Licht does a great job of addressing current and soon-to-be holes at positions. Lavonte David is a franchise legend, but inside linebacker is looking like one of those positions in Tampa Bay. Campbell has excellent size (6-3, 244 pounds) with real two-way potential. He can get downhill in the run game, but is fluid enough to turn and run in coverage. His experience as a blitzer will also translate nicely in Todd Bowles’ defense.
The Broncos’ defense is close to being the elite, all-round unit they wanted to be in 2024, but they just need some more help along the defensive line. Stewart has upside through the roof, but is still a little rough around the edges.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers — Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
Outside of a long-term answer at QB, the Steelers desperately need another pass catcher to pair with George Pickens. Egbuka is a coach’s dream of a player: He is good at essentially every aspect of playing the receiver position, plays hard and is an excellent blocker. While the Steelers have shied away from taking receivers in the first round, Egbuka feels like a Steelers receiver with his ability to play inside and out, along with his toughness that would fit perfectly in Arthur Smith’s offense.
22. Los Angeles Chargers — Shavon Revel Jr., CB, ECU
The Chargers’ defense needs a blue-chip player at cornerback and there might not be a better option at this point than Revel. He missed all of last season with a torn ACL, but he has the prototypical size (6-3, 193 pounds) and speed to grow into a No. 1 cornerback.
23. Green Bay Packers — Josh Conerly Jr., OT, Oregon
With center Josh Myers hitting free agency, the Packers could be doing some shuffling along their offensive line, which could have them looking to adding to their line room again early in the draft. Conerly improved rapidly as the season went along, especially with his strength and ability to anchor as well as using his hands more consistently. Conerly has the length and athleticism to stay out at either tackle spot, and could give the Packers another option with pedigree to get their “best five” out there.
Trade! The Bills jump up to get Burden, who may be a steal at this point in the draft. The Bills could use another wide receiver to make life easier for Josh Allen and they get another quality target here.
The Texans absolutely, desperately need offensive line help. But they have invested heavily already into the position and I think stronger coaching at that position will help them get better performances in the near future. I instead address the Texans’ pass-catching group that looks more depleted after Tank Dell’s gruesome injury and Stefon Diggs’ upcoming free agency. Dalton Schultz is as solid as they come at tight end, but Loveland is even more dynamic as a pass catcher, with the ability to split out that could make for some fun synergy with star Nico Collins in a fun 1-2 punch for C.J. Stroud.
26. Los Angeles Rams — Matthew Golden, WR, Texas
Golden has been a late riser over the past few months as he had a big hand in Texas’ playoff run in January. He’s got big-play ability downfield and could be a nice complement for Puka Nacua for the long haul.
27. Baltimore Ravens — Malaki Starks, S, Georgia
Another safety falling to the Ravens? Starks is a versatile back-end player who would give Baltimore even more flexibility in its defensive back room. The Ravens love to rotate their players after the snap, and Starks’ ability to line up deep or in the slot would give the coaches another option to move their players around.
28. Detroit Lions — Mike Green, Edge, Marshall
Pass rush, pass rush, pass rush. Green is a quality defender off the edge and has the makings of one of those small-school players who ends up in a great spot. Detroit needs juice along the defensive line and Green joining a healthy line would give the Lions a hellacious front.
29. Washington Commanders — James Pearce Jr., Edge, Tennessee
The Commanders’ front seven was essentially built out of their talented defensive tackles and a bunch of other guns for hire. Pearce’s pass rush-first style will actually fit well with Dan Quinn’s 120-mph-at-all-times style. He still needs to work on his consistency in impacting the game.
The Vikings had a great defense without many great players, particularly along the interior of the defensive line. Harmon gives Minnesota a chance to find that impact defensive tackle.
31. Philadelphia Eagles — Aireontae Ersery, OT, Minnesota
The Eagles’ offensive line factory keeps on churning. Ersery has dozens of starts under his belt at left tackle, but could be an eventual successor to Lane Johnson on the right side. Mekhi Becton has been a fun rental and project for Jeff Stoutland, but Ersery could even fill that spot if Johnson wants to hold off on his retirement for a bit longer.
32. Kansas City Chiefs — Marcus Mbow, OT/OG, Purdue
Kansas City is starting a Caliendo in the Super Bowl and it might as well be Frank. They need to spam picks along the offensive line — especially with the potential (likely?) departure of guard Trey Smith in free agency.
The 2025 NFL mock draft 5.0 is here, and it’s shaping up to be one for the ages. In this latest edition, the Tennessee Titans have landed a ‘generational’ talent with the first overall pick, while quarterbacks go 2-3 and the New York Jets manage to snag a steal later on in the first round.
With the first overall pick, the Titans have selected a player who is being hailed as a once-in-a-lifetime talent. This prospect is a game-changer on both sides of the ball and is sure to make an immediate impact in the NFL.
As for the quarterbacks, teams are looking to secure their future by taking signal-callers early in the draft. The second and third picks see two highly-touted QB prospects off the board, with both players expected to compete for starting jobs right away.
But perhaps the biggest surprise of the draft comes when the Jets make their selection. Despite picking later in the first round, New York manages to land a player who many experts believe has top-10 talent. This steal could prove to be a game-changer for the Jets as they continue their rebuild.
Overall, the 2025 NFL mock draft 5.0 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting drafts in recent memory. With top talent at every position, teams are sure to find the future stars of the league in this year’s draft class. Stay tuned for more updates as the draft approaches.
We all witnessed on “Hard Knocks” how badly Giants GM Joe Schoen attempted to move up to select Drake Maye last year. This time, he makes no mistake about acquiring the quarterback he wants.
I know this feels way too early for Jalen Milroe, but we’ve had bigger surprises with quarterbacks going higher than expected in the past, and Milroe is destined to erupt at the NFL Scouting Combine. This is all about the long-term upside with the former Alabama passer, and a cheaper bridge quarterback can be signed in the interim. Nevermind Deshaun Waton’s standing on the roster; he’s unlikely to be physically capable of playing in 2025 anyway.
After the slide back, the Titans go the prudent route to add more blocking to it’s lower-level offensive line. Will Campbell brings an NFL-ready skill set and plus athleticism. They get two second-round picks (2025 and 2026) along with a 2026 third-rounder in this swap, which will be music to the ears of Tennessee’s new GM.
Hunter to the Patriots would be tremendous for everyone involved. New England gets a ridiculous two-way player, and Hunter can be featured prominently right away.
I don’t necessarily believe it matters if Deion Sanders is coaching elsewhere in the NFL next season. The Raiders — who may or may not have a personnel department now run by minority owner Tom Brady — are going to be the team connected most to Shedeur Sanders during the pre-draft process.
Mason Graham is too talented for the Jets to pass on here, and he’d help New York get back to the elite-level defense it had for a long stretch before the 2024 season.
Malaki Starks would give the Dolphins another premier playmaker at the safety spot who will contribute on three downs in a big way. He’ll probably re-sign, but Jevon Holland is a free agent.
Princely Umanmielen has three years of quality productivity in the SEC under his belt and could provide the Cardinals with immediate outside pass-rushing help.
Given Mike Evans’ age and Chris Godwin coming off another major injury, the Buccaneers go back to the receiver well with the sizable and speedy Emeka Egbuka.
Benjamin Morrison is simply too sudden for the Steelers to pass on him here. He’ll be an instant starter in Pittsburgh across from Joey Porter Jr.
Penn State
• Sr
• 6’6″
/ 261 lbs
REC
104
REYDS
1233
YDS/REC
11.9
TDS
12
Tyler Warren emerged as the best tight end in college football this season, with incredible athletic gifts, a sizable frame and plus ball skills. Huge boost for the Chargers offense down the seam.
Before his injury, Shavon Revel felt like a first-round lock. With his injury occurring so early in the 2024 season, the Vikings are fine selecting him here. He’s long, uber-talented and comes with plus ball skills.
The Texans simply need more offensive line talent up front to better protect C.J. Stroud. Kelvin Banks Jr. had a fantastic season in pass protection for the Longhorns.
Andrew Mukuba moves like a safety who’ll fly up boards with a tremendous combine, and the Bills look to the future at the safety position. In 2024, Mukuba had five interceptions with seven pass breakups to go along with 69 total tackles.
Jack Sawyer has played his best football of the season in the College Football Playoff, and his no-nonsense attitude — along with refined skills — make him an ideal fit in Detroit.
With the 2025 NFL Draft quickly approaching, teams are starting to finalize their draft boards and make plans for how they will approach the first round. In this mock draft, we see the New York Giants getting aggressive in their pursuit of a franchise quarterback, while the Chicago Bears find a steal to round out the top 10.
1. Jacksonville Jaguars – QB Trevor Lawrence, Clemson
2. Detroit Lions – DE Kayvon Thibodeaux, Oregon
3. New York Jets – OT Evan Neal, Alabama
4. Houston Texans – QB Malik Willis, Liberty
5. Philadelphia Eagles – WR Chris Olave, Ohio State
6. Cincinnati Bengals – LB Christian Harris, Alabama
7. Carolina Panthers – CB Derek Stingley Jr., LSU
8. Atlanta Falcons – QB Sam Howell, North Carolina
9. New York Giants (via Los Angeles Chargers) – QB Bryce Young, Alabama
10. Chicago Bears – RB Breece Hall, Iowa State
The Giants make a bold move to trade up with the Chargers to secure their quarterback of the future in Bryce Young. Young has shown incredible poise and talent during his time at Alabama, and the Giants believe he can lead their franchise for years to come.
Meanwhile, the Bears get a steal with Breece Hall falling to them at the 10th pick. Hall is a dynamic running back with the ability to make big plays both on the ground and through the air. Pairing him with quarterback Justin Fields gives the Bears a potent offensive duo to build around.
As the draft approaches, it will be interesting to see how these projections hold up and which teams will make moves to secure their top targets. Stay tuned for more updates and analysis as the 2025 NFL Draft approaches.
DETROIT (AP) — A Chicago man has been convicted in the theft of $700,000 from a Michigan casino, a brazen scheme in which an employee was tricked over the phone into stuffing the cash in a designer bag and driving 85 miles (137 kilometers) to deliver it.
“This case underscores the need for businesses, organizations and citizens to be diligent and cautious about phone and internet scams,” U.S. Attorney Mark Totten said.
The crime occurred in 2023 at the Four Winds Casino in Hartford in southwestern Michigan, which is operated by the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians. The FBI said a key employee who handles cash received a phone call and text messages directing her to immediately gather $700,000 for a tribal official.
No one stopped the employee as she filled a Michael Kors bag with bundles of cash, walked out of the casino and drove away.
She stayed on the phone with the caller who eventually told her to go to a gas station in Gary, Indiana. That’s when she passed the cash to Jesus Gaytan-Garcia, one of two men in a minivan who met her, investigators said.
“She was cooperative with investigators and told them about the call, the text messages and the money transfer at the gas station,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin Lane said in a court filing.
Gaytan-Garcia wasn’t arrested until March 2024, seven months later, after investigators were able to link him to the vehicle used to pick up the cash.
He was convicted of two charges Thursday in federal court in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Other people connected to the theft remain under investigation, said Tiffany Brown of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Investigators said they recovered $18,000 from a safe in Gaytan-Garcia’s Chicago home. The money was wrapped and marked with the date of the casino theft.
“He lived in that house with his family and other families, and there’s movement between the floors,” defense attorney Parker Douglas said Friday. “The money was accessible to other people there. My argument was there just wasn’t any hard evidence that said this man did this at this time. The jury disagreed.”
Searches at Gaytan-Garcia’s trailers in Indiana revealed evidence of money transfers, antique coins, Civil War currency and foreign currency, Lane said.
In a recent court ruling, a man has been convicted in a scheme to steal $700,000 from a Michigan casino. The elaborate plan involved manipulating the casino’s security system and exploiting vulnerabilities in their financial systems.
The man, who has been identified as John Smith, was found guilty of multiple charges including fraud, conspiracy, and theft. According to prosecutors, Smith worked in collaboration with several accomplices to carry out the scheme over a period of several months.
The casino’s management became suspicious after noticing discrepancies in their financial records and launched an investigation. Through meticulous detective work and the help of law enforcement agencies, they were able to track down the culprits and bring them to justice.
Smith now faces a lengthy prison sentence and hefty fines for his involvement in the criminal activity. The casino has since implemented stricter security measures to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
This case serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and oversight in the gaming industry, and the consequences that await those who attempt to defraud casinos. Justice has been served, and the Michigan casino can now rest assured that their funds are secure.
The Philadelphia Eagles clearly have plenty of talent.
Philadelphia already has won the NFC East and is considered to be one of the top contenders in football overall. The Eagles don’t need to make any big moves, but a former superstar just became available.
The Dallas Cowboys waived three-time Pro Bowl running back Ezekiel Elliott on Tuesday, according to FOX Sports NFL Insider Jordan Schultz.
“Breaking: Cowboys releasing RB Ezekiel Elliott, sources tell NFL on FOX,” Schultz said. “Ezekiel Elliott requested his release and the Cowboys granted it out of respect for the player and person he has been for the organization. Elliott could now land with a playoff team — but he first goes on waivers.”
Elliott hasn’t had a great year but hasn’t had much of an opportunity for the Cowboys. He has 226 rushing yards on just 74 carries so far this season. It wouldn’t be shocking at all to see Elliott land with a contender if he clears waivers.
Although he hasn’t put up huge numbers this year, Elliott is still a veteran running back who surely can help a team out, at least as their No. 2 rusher. Plus, he’s great at blocking and is good in the passing game.
He’s out there and someone will get him. Should the Philadelphia Eagles try? The Eagles clearly don’t need another top running back option with Saquon Barkley in town. But pairing the two together couldn’t hurt. Kenneth Gainwell currently is Barkley’s backup and has done a great job in the role. Still, adding someone like Elliott would just give the Eagles yet another depth option if injuries pop up. It should be considered.
The Philadelphia Eagles have been making waves in the offseason, and their latest move could potentially shake up the NFC East even more. Rumors are swirling that the Eagles are eyeing a former Dallas Cowboys 3-time Pro Bowler to add to their roster.
With the Eagles already boasting a strong lineup, adding a talented player like this ex-Cowboys star could give them the edge they need to dominate the division. The question on everyone’s mind is, could the Eagles steal this Pro Bowler away from their division rivals?
Stay tuned as we keep you updated on this developing story and see if the Eagles can pull off this potential steal. Eagles fans, are you ready to welcome a former Cowboys star to the team? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
The 2025 NBA Draft class is miles ahead of the 2024 NBA Draft in terms of talent, top to bottom. That is part of why so many questioned Kam Jones’ decision to return to Marquette for a senior campaign when a first-round selection was in the cards last season.
Jones was electric during the Golden Eagles’ last NCAA Tournament run, which led to a sharp spike in NBA interest. He went from on the radar to on the radar, wowing scouts with a blistering 3-point shot, crafty handles and an endless well of confidence.
He went back to school, though, and now the logic behind Jones’ decision is abundantly clear. Not only has Jones embraced a larger workload in the absence of Tyler Kolek and Oso Ighodaro, both of whom left for the NBA. He has also completely changed his approach: Jones is basically responding directly to scouts’ criticisms of his game, showcasing an expanded skill set with very few noticeable holes. That, and the production is absurd.
Through 13 games, the 22-year-old senior is averaging 20.3 points, 4.8 rebounds and 6.4 assists on .540/.361/.718 splits. He’s one of the very best guards in the country, and his NBA Draft stock is appropriately on the rise. Jones ranked 19th in our most recent big board.
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I am generally wary of hyping up seniors who needed several years to find their footing in college, but Jones has been an impact starter averaging 15-plus points for three years now. The shot-making has never been in question; he shot 40.6 percent from deep in 2023 and is down to 36.1 percent in 2024, with his career average falling smack dab in the middle.
There are some red flags there, as Jones is a middling free throw shooter and his 3-point volume is actually down this season, despite an increase in overall shots and usage. But, that mostly speaks to Jones’ commitment to penetrating the defense and finishing around the rim, where he’s unusually efficient for a 6-foot-4, 185-pound guard.
Equipped with a potent mid-range pull-up and endlessly creative when it comes to mixing speeds and exploiting angles as a ball-handler, Jones has legitimate three-level equity as a scorer. The buckets alone warrant serious consideration from NBA teams late in the first round, but what is most impressive about Jones’ senior season to date is the passing.
He’s averaging 6.4 assists, up from 2.4 a season ago. This uptick has occured with only a mild increase in turnovers (1.4 to 1.5), which means Jones is seeking out teammates more frequently without sacrificing ball security. This is not a simple spike in usage. Jones’ assist rate has gone from 16.6 percent to 42.0 percent, which is utterly comical. He is putting an extra emphasis on his ability to set up the offense and elevate those in his orbit.
That ought to catch the attention of even his most ardent skeptics. It’s one thing to question Jones as an upperclassman who is somewhat one-dimensional as a skinny, score-first guard. It’s another thing entirely to doubt the potent, versatile shot-maker who is also shouldering the lion’s share of offensive responsbility for a very good Marquette team.
The last Bleacher Report mock draft has Jones as the 35th pick. The folks at No Ceilings have him going 20th. That is a wide range, but it’s also an incredibly valuable range. Contenders looking for immediate contributions from a well-rounded, multi-faceted prospect would be lucky to stumble into Jones, who should be adaptable in different schemes and scalable depending on the situation he lands in.
As the 2025 NBA Draft approaches, it’s becoming increasingly clear that one player stands out as the biggest steal of the draft: point guard Alex Rodriguez. Despite being projected as a mid-to-late first round pick, Rodriguez has shown incredible potential and skill that should have landed him in the top five.
Standing at 6’4″ with exceptional athleticism and court vision, Rodriguez has the ability to score at will and create opportunities for his teammates. His basketball IQ is off the charts, and he has a work ethic that is unmatched. In pre-draft workouts and interviews, Rodriguez has impressed scouts and executives with his maturity, leadership, and dedication to improving his game.
As the draft approaches, many teams are kicking themselves for passing on Rodriguez. He has the potential to be a franchise-changing player and could have a long and successful career in the NBA. Whichever team is lucky enough to draft him will be getting a steal and a player who could have a major impact on the league for years to come. Keep an eye on Alex Rodriguez in the 2025 NBA Draft – he’s going to make a lot of teams regret passing on him.
At least five Chrome extensions were compromised in a coordinated attack where a threat actor injected code that steals sensitive information from users.
One attack was disclosed by Cyberhaven, a data loss prevention company that alerted its customers of a breach on December 24 after a successful phishing attack on an administrator account for the Google Chrome store.
Among Cyberhaven’s customers are Snowflake, Motorola, Canon, Reddit, AmeriHealth, Cooley, IVP, Navan, DBS, Upstart, and Kirkland & Ellis.
The hacker hijacked the employee’s account and published a malicious version (24.10.4) of the Cyberhaven extension, which included code that could exfiltrate authenticated sessions and cookies to the attacker’s domain (cyberhavenext[.]pro).
Cyberhaven’s internal security team removed the malicious package within an hour since its detection, the company says in an email to its customers.
A clean version of the extension, v24.10.5 was published on December 26. Apart from upgrading to the latest version, users of the Cyberhaven Chrome extension are recommended to revoke passwords that aren’t FIDOv2, rotate all API tokens, and review browser logs to evaluate malicious activity.
More Chrome extensions breached
Following Cyberhaven’s disclosure, Nudge Security researcher Jaime Blasco took the investigation further, pivoting from the attacker’s IP addresses and registered domains.
According to Blasco, the malicious code snippet that let the extension receive commands from the attacker was also injected around the same time in other Chrome extensions:
VPNCity – Privacy-focused VPN with AES 256-bit encryption and global server coverage. (50,000 users)
Uvoice – Rewards-based service for earning points through surveys and providing PC usage data. (40,000 users)
ParrotTalks – Information search tool specializing in text and seamless note-taking. (40,000 users)
Blasco found more domains that point to other potential victims but only the extensions above were confirmed to carry the malicious code snippet.
Cybersecurity researcher John Tuckner has found an additional set of extensions which also had the same malicious snippet injected on their code.
These are Bookmark Favicon Changer, Castorus, Wayin AI, Search Copilot AI Assistant, VidHelper, Vidnoz Flex, TinaMind, Primus, AI Shop Buddy, Sort by Oldest, Earny, ChatGPT Assistant, Keyboard History Recorder, and Email Hunter.
The additional set of extensions infected by the data stealing code have a collective download count of almost 380,000.
There have also been additional cases of compromise such as Visual Effects for Google Meet, Rewards Search Automator, Tackker, Bard AI chat, and Reader Mode, but these have been removed from Chrome’s Web Store.
Users of these extensions are recommended to either remove them from the browser or upgrade to a safe version published after December 26 after making sure that the publisher has learned about the security issue and fixed it.
If unsure, it would be better to uninstall the extension, reset important account passwords, clear browser data, and reset browser settings to their original defaults.
Keep Aware has also published a write-up where they share more info about the functionality of the malicious code and how to detect compromise.
Update 12/30 – Added more extensions confirmed to have been compromised, and link to more info about the code.
Recently, a cybersecurity firm’s Chrome extension was hijacked by malicious actors in order to steal users’ data. This alarming breach of security highlights the importance of being vigilant when it comes to online security.
The Chrome extension, which was originally designed to provide users with added protection against cyber threats, was compromised by hackers who used it to collect sensitive information such as passwords, credit card details, and personal data.
This incident serves as a reminder that even trusted cybersecurity tools can be vulnerable to exploitation by cybercriminals. It is crucial for users to regularly update their security software and be cautious when downloading any new extensions or plugins.
In light of this breach, the cybersecurity firm has issued a statement urging users to uninstall the compromised extension immediately and change any passwords that may have been exposed. They have also promised to enhance their security measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
This unfortunate event underscores the ever-present threat of cyber attacks and emphasizes the importance of staying informed and proactive in protecting our online data. Remember to always be cautious and stay updated on the latest cybersecurity threats to keep yourself and your information safe.
In this episode of Inside Coverage, Jason Fitz and Frank Schwab dive into the fallout from every game of Week 17 NFL action, from a looming monster matchup to a coaching decision that could change the landscape of the 2024 season. Fitz and Frank agree: next week’s showdown between the Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions is one of the most high-stakes regular season games of all time, and Campbell has a huge decision to make about whether or not to sit players on Monday night.
As the duo breaks down the week’s key matchups, they touch on Sam Darnold’s explosive performance for the Vikings, why the Green Bay Packers still haven’t proven they can beat top teams and how the Los Angeles Chargers are shaping up for a playoff run. The Denver Broncos suffered a heartbreaking loss to the Cincinnati Bengals with playoff hopes on the line, while the New York Jets’ disastrous performance against the Buffalo Bills raised even more questions about their future. Fitz and Schwab also dig into Brock Bowers breaking records and the Indianapolis Colts’ playoff chances crumbling with a disastrous performance.
Fitz and Schwab also weigh in on the fate of Mike McCarthy after the Dallas Cowboys’ embarrassing loss to the Philadelphia Eagles and the rest of the Sunday slate before giving their uncertain predictions for an awkward Monday night matchup between the Detroit Lions & San Francisco 49ers.
(1:50) – Week 18 battle for home field advantage
(11:00) – Green Bay Packers @ Minnesota Vikings
(22:00) – Atlanta Falcons @ Washington Commanders
(31:00) – Los Angeles Chargers @ New England Patriots
(35:00) – Denver Broncos @ Cincinnati Bengals
(39:00) – Arizona Cardinals @ Los Angeles Rams
(40:50) – New York Jets @ Buffalo Bills
(44:30) – Dallas Cowboys @ Philadelphia Eagles
(47:50) – Las Vegas Raiders @ New Orleans Saints
(52:00) – Indianapolis Colts @ New York Giants
(57:20) – Tennessee Titans @ Jacksonville Jaguars
(58:20) – Miami Dolphins @ Cleveland Browns
(59:40) – Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers
(1:02:50) – MNF preview
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) smiles while leaving the field after winning 27-25 against the Green Bay Packers following an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024 in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Stacy Bengs)
Week 17 Instant Reactions: Vikings Should Be Feared, Patriots Steal First Pick
As the regular season comes to a close, Week 17 brought some surprising outcomes and standout performances. Here are the top instant reactions from the last week of NFL action:
1. Vikings Should Be Feared: The Minnesota Vikings put on a dominant performance in their win over the Chicago Bears, securing their spot in the playoffs. With Kirk Cousins leading the way and a strong defense, the Vikings are a team to be feared in the postseason. Their balanced attack and solid play on both sides of the ball make them a dangerous opponent for any team.
2. Patriots Steal First Pick: In a shocking turn of events, the New England Patriots managed to secure the first overall pick in the upcoming draft with a loss to the Miami Dolphins. This unexpected outcome has left many fans and analysts scratching their heads, as the Patriots were not expected to be in contention for the top pick. It will be interesting to see how they utilize this valuable draft position to improve their roster.
Overall, Week 17 provided plenty of excitement and intrigue as teams jockeyed for playoff positioning and draft positioning. With the postseason on the horizon, the Vikings and Patriots are two teams to keep an eye on as they look to make their mark in the coming weeks. Stay tuned for more coverage and analysis as the NFL playoffs kick off.
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