Last time I was at Peoria Sports Complex, I was getting a COVID shot. Wasn’t yesterday either. Weird what sticks in your mind. Anyway, tonight sees the D-backs heading over for a potential get-together with Josh Naylor, who signed a long-term contract – 5 year, $92,500,000 – with Seattle. Though it’ll be a little odd not seeing Eugenio Suarez, who is now a memebr of the Reds. It does feel like the Mariners and D-backs have been frequent fliers as trade partners over the past few years, and it has usually worked out quite well for both. But tonight, they face off against each other.

After Ryne Nelson’s start, it’ll be RHP Taylor Clarke, RHP Juan Morillo, RHP Juan Burgos, RHP Joe Ross, RHP Taylor Rashi and RHP Daniel Eagen. I wonder if there’s a chance he will be the Opening Day starter for the D-backs, now that Merrill Kelly is out? After last season’s performance, it would seem like he deserves it, but there may be other factors at play. He’s younger and less experienced than everyone else bar Brandon Pfaadt, and while it doesn’t “matter”, there’s something to be said for Zac Gallen as well. Hopefully, we won’t see the same issues as last year with Corbin Burnes.

A few options to watch this one tonight. It will be the Mariners’ broadcast, but will be available on dbacks.tv, and is also scheduled to be broadcast on the MLB Network. They’ve additionally added the March 10th game at Camelback Ranch against the Dodgers to their schedule (subject to change), so that’s nice.

We’re caught in between the Super Bowl and the start of free agency, so it’s a relatively quiet time on the NFL calendar. Well, it’s the perfect time to share some more stories about our New England Patriots fandom.

Today, we want to know:

Have you ever met a Patriots player or coach in real life?

Who was it? Were they nice? Did you ask for a photo, or just let them go about their day? Did it happen more than once? Also, what’s the most random place you’ve run into a player?

We’d like to hear your stories, so please scroll down to the comment section below to share them with the community.

On Friday night, the safeties wrapped up the on-field drills for the defensive side of the ball. This group was highly impressive across multiple phases of the Combine, with the fastest straight-line speed in history for the group, and their on-field drill performances were equally up to task. When we previewed these defensive backs ahead of the Combine, we knew this was a deep group, but they exceeded expectations. I typically try to keep the “winners” articles to five players, but this group pushed me to include more.

Here are the top prospects from the safety group at this year’s NFL Combine.

Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, SAF, Toledo (6-foot-3 1/2, 201)

McNeil-Warren is a tall, long, and fluid-moving athlete. He ran a 4.52 40-yard dash, jumped 35.5 inches vertically, and 10-foot-2 in the broad jump, all very solid numbers for his size. Despite his height, he is very smooth in his backpedal. He gains ground quickly, shows great change-of-direction skills, and looks full speed by his second step. McNeil-Warren is also a hands catcher who cleanly plucks the ball away from his frame. A selection in the first round could be in his future, and the Lions reportedly met with him in Indianapolis.

Dillon Thieneman, SAF/NB, Oregon (6-foot-0, 201)

Thieneman ran an electric 4.35 40-yard dash with a 41-inch vertical jump, and a 10-foot-5 broad jump, giving him the honors of landing at the top of the NFL’s athleticism scores amongst this group. While not as tall as McNeil-Warren, Thieneman has a well-built frame, smooth hips for a big man, and flips them with speed. He displays great burst when changing directions, covering a ton of ground, and smoothly transitions between attack locations. He’s a strong hands catcher and showed off his ball skills at the Combine. The first round may also be in his future.

A.J. Haulcy, FS, LSU (6-foot-0, 215)

Haulcy is the heaviest safety at the Combine, and it shows in a positive way. Despite his thick frame, a 4.54 40-yard dash is very solid, and he looks like a player who could drop into the box as a coverage linebacker in passing situations. Haulcy showed the experience to properly throttle down, so as not to let his weighted-momentum carry him out of place, and then was able to explode out of his breaks, showing great acceleration and powerful body control. Haulcy did a nice job tracking the ball and high-pointed it at the catch point.

Jalen Kilgore, NB/FS, South Carolina (6-foot-1 1/2, 210)

A nickelback/safety hybrid, Kilgore ran a clean 4.40 40, jumped 37 inches vertically, and landed a 10-foot-10 broad jump. He has a stout frame, showed the ability to turn and run, got downhill in a hurry, and displayed great recovery skills. A true defensive back with the range to play multiple spots.

Bud Clark, FS, TCU (6-foot-1, 188)

Clark is a rangy, deep safety with great range who showed out in the measured testing, recording a 4.41 40-yard dash, 38-inch vertical jump, and 10-foot-7 broad jump. Clark has a solid, clean backpedal, changes direction with ease, and gets downhill in a hurry. His ball skills are what separate him, as he catches the ball like a wide receiver and has the turnover history to back that up. Clark also reportedly met with the Lions at the Combine and has some Kerby Joseph in his game.

VJ Payne, FS, Kansas State (6-foot-3 1/2, 206)

There’s not a ton of hype surrounding Payne right now, but he jumped off the film for me when I was studying this group. His performance at the Combine only solidified my opinion that he is being criminally underrated right now. With a long frame and above-average athleticism, he put on a great show in Indy. Payne ran an impressive 4.40 40-yard dash, jumped 35 inches in the vertical, and 10-foot-7 in the broad jump. Payne displayed smooth hips, opened them up well in his backpedal, and showed fast acceleration when moving backwards and laterally. Everything was smooth. He cuts hard, gets to the sideline quickly, comes downhill in a hurry, and shows easy transitions when changing direction. He also has plus ball skills, tracking the ball well, and catching with his hands.

Lorenzo Styles, DB, Ohio State (6-foot-0, 194)

The fastest defensive player at the Combine, Styles—brother of linebacker Sonny—ran an impressive 4.27 40-yard dash, and his speed translated into drills. His speed can cause him to get his feet outside of his frame, causing balance issues, but when his feet stay under him, it’s impressive. With smooth hips and a low center of gravity, Styles accelerates quickly and transitions well. He’s a hand catcher, making him an interesting candidate for special teams, with the potential to work in multiple phases.

Last time I was at Peoria Sports Complex, I was getting a COVID shot. Wasn’t yesterday either. Weird what sticks in your mind. Anyway, tonight sees the D-backs heading over for a potential get-together with Josh Naylor, who signed a long-term contract – 5 year, $92,500,000 – with Seattle. Though it’ll be a little odd not seeing Eugenio Suarez, who is now a memebr of the Reds. It does feel like the Mariners and D-backs have been frequent fliers as trade partners over the past few years, and it has usually worked out quite well for both. But tonight, they face off against each other.

After Ryne Nelson’s start, it’ll be RHP Taylor Clarke, RHP Juan Morillo, RHP Juan Burgos, RHP Joe Ross, RHP Taylor Rashi and RHP Daniel Eagen. I wonder if there’s a chance he will be the Opening Day starter for the D-backs, now that Merrill Kelly is out? After last season’s performance, it would seem like he deserves it, but there may be other factors at play. He’s younger and less experienced than everyone else bar Brandon Pfaadt, and while it doesn’t “matter”, there’s something to be said for Zac Gallen as well. Hopefully, we won’t see the same issues as last year with Corbin Burnes.

A few options to watch this one tonight. It will be the Mariners’ broadcast, but will be available on dbacks.tv, and is also scheduled to be broadcast on the MLB Network. They’ve additionally added the March 10th game at Camelback Ranch against the Dodgers to their schedule (subject to change), so that’s nice.

Carlos Espi’s late brace kept Levante’s hopes of La Liga survival alive after seeing off 10-men Alaves at the Estadio Ciudad de Valencia to go within four points of safety.

In a game of two halves, Alaves looked the brighter and could have been clear by half time but failed to capitalise on sloppy defensive errors from Levante costing them dearly in the second half.

The hosts started the second half much brighter and this was then compounded with Víctor Parada seeing red and Espi’s double secured a crucial victory, while leaving the visitors just three points clear of the drop.

As it happened

Alaves started the brighter of the two sides controlling possession from the first minute. Their first chance of the match came after just 5 minutes when a defensive error by Ugo Raghouber was taken advantage of by Antonio Martinez. However, he failed to capitalise.

Levante had their biggest chance of the half in the 10th minute after Carlos Alvarez got on the end of Paco Cortes’ cross. Alvarez could only volley it over the bar from roughly eight yards out.

Both teams were sloppy in possession in the early stages of the game, and this was best highlighted by the former Arsenal and Brighton man, Mathew Ryan.

The Levante goalkeeper kicked the ball straight out of possession fairly unprovoked after 16 minutes.

Alaves man Victor Parada received the only booking of the first half in the 20th minute for what the referee deemed a late challenge. However, it came after a clear foul by Levante in an earlier passage of play.

Alavez continued to put pressure on Levante and Ryan was brought into action once more producing two good saves following the melee of a corner.

Levante continued to be the creators of their own problems as they gave the ball away once more on 26 minutes. Martinez shot not troubling Ryan too much.

Two minutes later Alaves had another chance when a cross went begging across the face of the Levante goal.

Alaves had their best chance of the half on 39 minutes when Carles Alena saw his effort blocked off the line. Alaves will have been left wondering how they were not winning by this point.

Levante’s Ivan Romero created a good chance for himself and forced a good save from Antonio Sivera in the Alaves goal in what was the last real chance of the half.

Alaves were left wondering how they were not leading the game at half time after having the lion’s share of chances and controlling possession throughout the first period.

However, it would be Levante who would start the second half quickest with Alvarez striking the post just two minutes into the half and just two minutes later they would have another chance. Cortes saw his shot blocked once and then deflected wide off his teammate.

Cortes then entered the referee’s book for his protests to a free kick being awarded against him believing Levante should have had one themselves prior to this.

Carlos Alvarez had provided the two closest moments for Levante but the man making his 100th appearance would be substituted after 57 minutes following what appeared to be a groin injury and was replaced by Carlos Espi.

Soon after, the game would change completely as Parada brought down Levante’s Kareem Tunde as he attempted to spin past the defender. He would receive a second yellow card and Alaves were left with 10 men.

Alaves manager, Eduardo Coudet, reacted by substituting striker Martinez for centre-back Facundo Garces. It was clear Alaves were happy to leave with a point from here.

The following ten minutes saw a flurry of chances for Levante. The most notable of these was a bouncing long thrown-in that was connected with by Jon Olasagasti and clawed off the line in an impressive save by Sivera.

Levante looked to push for a winner and manager Luis Castro made further substitutions in an effort to get the opener. Ivan Romero was replaced by Etta Eyong whilst Tunde came off for Iker Losada.

10 minutes later Castro would see his team get the opener. Second half substitute Carlos Espi’s initial header was blocked before falling back to him where he created space and managed to get his shot off.

His strike took a looping deflection leaving Sivera stranded in the Alaves goal with nothing he could do but watch Espi’s strike nestle in the back of the net.

The relief could be seen across the stadium as the entire team including goalkeeper Ryan and backroom staff celebrated the late goal.

7 minutes were added on for Alaves to get themselves an equaliser against the run of play, but in truth they looked out of the game and the one-way traffic continued.

Carlos Espi secured all three points for Levante in the last minute of additional time. Alaves had pushed for a winner leaving them exposed in defence and both second half substitutes Eyong and Espi linked up on the counter.

Espi securing all three points for Levante by slotting the ball between the keepers’ legs.

The trio of former Arizona defensive backs Treydan Stukes, Dalton Johnson, and Genesis Smith took part in the 2026 NFL combine on-field workouts Friday afternoon. All players were listed as safeties and ran the drills alongside each other.

Before any sessions of the combine started, the NFL Next Gen Stat grades came in for the trio of Wildcat defensive backs. Stukes was given a 75 (good), Smith earned a 70 (good), and Johnson received a 69 (average).

Measurements for the former Wildcats came in as 6-foot-2 and 200 pounds for Stukes, 6-2 inches and 204 for Smith, and 5-10 and 198 pounds for Johnson.

Smith set the bar for the safeties group in the vertical jump portion with a result of 42.50 inches, which was the best jump from the group. Stukes jumped 38.00 inches and Johnson jumped 36.00 inches.

In the broad jump, it was Stukes that helped set the bar with a jump of 10 feet 10 inches, which was tied for first. Smith was right behind with 10 feet 8 inches, and Johnson finished last in the group with 9 feet 11 inches

On his first attempt at the 40-yard dash, Johnson finished with a time of 4.41 seconds. His second attempt came in at 4.45.

Stukes first attempt at the 40 came in at 4.33 and that ended up being his only attempt. His day finished after he came off wincing and had a slight limp.

The official times for Johnson and Stukes came in at 4.41 and 4.33, respectively. Johnson and Stukes finished with 10-yard splits of 1.59 seconds and 1.50 seconds, respectively.

Stukes’ official time was the third fastest from the safeties and was fourth fastest up to that point in the combine. Smith did not participate in the 40 but did participate in the on-field workouts with Johnson.

In the first drill, Smith and Johnson had to back track and turn into a straight forward run to intercept the ball. Both Wildcats finished the drill with strong footwork and both caught the ball.

A similar drill was run right after the first drill, but the only difference is that instead of a straight forward run to catch the ball, it was a deep ball trackdown. Once again, both Smith and Johnson had good footwork and caught the ball.

Then a series of drills that involved back tracking, turning, and acceleration were run and both defensive backs continued to put on a good performance.

To finish the drill session, players had to start on the sideline, make two turns and catch balls on each turn, then run a straight horizontal line across the field to the other sideline while catching five balls.

Johnson did drop one ball on the horizontal run (his first drop of the day), and Smith was able to catch all seven balls.

It has yet to be announced whether or not Arizona or the Big 12 will hold a “Pro Day”, but if either do, it will be another chance for the trio to show off their skills. 

Time will only tell if the group of defensive backs can make it a third straight year that an Arizona Wildcat is taken in the NFL Draft.

It’s Friday, which means it’s time for our Victory of the Week (VOTW) post! This evening’s conversation prompt is straightforward: What was your victory this week? Did something remarkable happen? Is there a small achievement worth celebrating? This could relate to the Miami Dolphins, your professional life, or your personal life. We all experience victories, big or small, and we want to hear about yours.

This post is for you, our site members, who are part of our Phinsider family. This is your opportunity to share your successes from the past week. Your triumphs can be significant, such as the birth of a new child or grandchild, or finally landing that job or promotion you’ve been working hard for. They can also be smaller victories, like winning $100 on a lottery scratch-off ticket, or any other positive experience you’d like to share.

This is your post to celebrate your achievements, so feel free to share them in the comments section below.

The Buccaneers are getting set for free agency to kick off very soon. Tampa Bay has signed some of their top players that were scheduled to become free agents before the 2025 season even began in Zyon McCollum and Luke Goedeke but they still do have a solid list of pending free agents.

Let’s take a look at some of the bigger names and what their fate may ultimately be in Tampa Bay.

Wide Receiver Mike Evans

This is the big fish that everyone is talking about and for good reason. Evans is arguably the best offensive player in team history, and one could argue he may be the greatest player ever in team history. Since being drafted by the team seventh overall in 2014, Evans has broke record after record for the Bucs and has spent all 12 of his seasons in red and pewter.

However, his contract is now up and the 32 year old Evans may be open to looking at some different situations. The Buccaneers are still firmly in the mix for Evans, but he will also likely hit the open market and see what other teams have to offer before making a decision. If I’m being honest, this time feels a little bit different with Evans. I think Bucs fans should be preparing for the very real possibility that the franchise receiver is elsewhere in 2026. At the end of the day though, I think Evans will value the loyalty aspect of the game and be a true Buc for life.

Prediction: Evans re-signs with the Bucs.

Linebacker Lavonte David

David is another longtime Buccaneer who has been a member of the team even longer than Evans has. David has put together a hall of fame career and is a franchise legend. He has continued to sign one-year deals to return to the team the past few seasons but this year I believe that will change. David has made it clear that at this point it is either back to Tampa Bay or retirement and this time around I believe the latter is more likely.

Lavonte David’s name will be up in Raymond James Stadium in no time, and he should be putting on a gold jacket as well.

Prediction: David retires.

Tight End Cade Otton

On social media, Otton is actually a pretty polarizing player. There are some that think he’s a top 15 tight end in the league while others believe the Bucs need to find a way to replace him this offseason. This might be the trickiest one to predict. Otton will likely at least go to the market and see what is out there and Tampa Bay may even check in on the tight end market themselves. The 26 year old tight end could end up being out of Tampa Bay’s price range as the tight end free agency class isn’t great but at the same time, I could see a world where the interest in Otton just isn’t there and he comes back. This one feels like a coin flip, but we know how much Jason Licht likes to reward players the team has drafted and developed.

Prediction: Otton re-signs with the Bucs.

Running Back Rachaad White

For as difficult as the Cade Otton prediction might’ve been, this one is the opposite. Rachaad White has had plenty of good moments in the red and pewter, but it seems like the running back is ready to move on. Shortly after the season ended, White posted multiple cryptic photos and messages on social media suggesting that he would not be back in Tampa Bay. His role was reduced in 2024 with the emergence of Bucky Irving and while they had to rely on White probably more than they planned to in 2025 with Irving sidelined, as soon as Irving returned they immediately went back to him being the top guy and White getting very little meaningful snaps. There’s a really good chance White is elsewhere in a few weeks.

Prediction: White does not return to the Bucs.

It’s almost that time. Free agency will be here before we know it, and the Buccaneers and Jason Licht sure have a lot of work to do over the next month or so to improve this team.

We’re in that slow period between the Super Bowl and the new league year where it sometimes feels like the NFL world has ground to a halt. And that makes it a perfect time to ask: Where in the world are our Blogging the Boys readers? 

We don’t want or need your address or any personal details — sharing just the state is fine, or city and state if you’d like to be more specific. Same thing if you live abroad – if you’d like to just share the country, that’s cool, and if you want to share more details like the city or region, that’s totally up to you. 

And now it’s your turn to scroll down to the comments and let us know where you are! We’ll update this list as locations are shared.