The Washington Commanders added depth to their linebacker room by taking UCLA's Kain Medrano with the 125th overall pick Here are five things to know about the rookie He was the top male student-athlete in Colorado Medrano was a uniquely talented athlete at Pueblo East High School in Colorado and he collected his share of accomplishments He was the 13th-ranked prospect in Colorado and a two-time all-state selection racking up 1,932 receiving yards and 30 touchdowns in his final two seasons combined He also played basketball and excelled on the track and field team and even won a state championship in the shot put and discus throw But Medrano took it one step further; after setting career highs on offense and playing a major role on defense with 80 tackles and six interceptions he received the Steinmark Award for being the top male student-athlete in Colorado is presented to one boy and girl each year for their successes on the field the Commanders didn't just get a high-value player with their sixth-round pick; they also added a quality person to their locker room Washington Commanders linebacker Kain Medrano addressed the media after being drafted He originally committed to UCLA as a wide receiver Medrano chose UCLA over Colorado State and Wyoming expecting to be a wide receiver that's where he had the most impact at the high school level and was one of the better wideout prospects in the country Medrano saw little action as a freshman and only played in the 2019 season finale That's when then-head coach Chip Kelly presented him with an opportunity to play linebacker -- a position that was largely unfamiliar to him It took about two seasons for Medrano to develop but he ended his career as a team captain and one of the most important players for the Bruins' defense He wrapped up his senior season with 72 tackles three forced fumbles and two interceptions he could end up having a similar jump in the NFL Assistant general manager Lance Newmark addressed the media after Day 3 of the NFL Draft Chalk Medrano up as another Commanders athlete who flaunted his athleticism at the combine who went to Indianapolis ranked as Mel Kiper Jr.'s 14th-best linebacker prospect helped his case by outperforming almost everyone else at his position He recorded a 4.46 40-yard dash with a 38-inch vertical and 10-foot-5 broad jump all of which were in the top five among linebackers along with the numbers he put up during his pro day were among the best the NFL has seen out of a linebacker prospect He put up a Relative Athletic Score (RAS) of 9.83 which ranked 57th out of 3,204 prospects since 1987 NFL Draft Review + RFK News 🏟️ + Beef with Mr 🦍 | Podcast | Washington Commanders | NFL It normally takes time for an NFL player to get to know his new position coach but Medrano already has a strong relationship with Commanders linebackers coach Ken Norton Jr Norton was UCLA's linebackers coach and oversaw Medrano's development from wide receiver Medrano saw improvement in each season as one of Norton's players recording 56 tackles and two sacks in their final collegiate season together Medrano was confident he would get to play for Norton again in the NFL and the two were in steady communication throughout the draft He had a message for Norton about 10 minutes before the Commanders were on the clock in the sixth round: "Come get me." "You get to learn from one of the best linebackers that's ever played the game," Medrano said and we just had a really special connection...and it's just been a really good bond." The Washington Commanders select UCLA Bruins linebacker Kain Medrano in Round 6 of the 2025 NFL Draft with the No Medrano doesn't care what his role is with the Commanders whether it's on special teams or a smaller role on defense He simply wants to compete and make the team better Medrano said he has the versatility to play multiple roles for the Commanders' defense He particularly highlighted playing the "big nickel" in certain packages and mentioned that he did so with Norton as his coach at UCLA He also mentioned he "can't wait" to learn from Bobby Wagner and spend every day with the future Hall of Famer "I'm excited to get in there and just make plays," Medrano said The Commanders rounded out their draft class by taking Jacory Croskey-Merritt Here are five things to know about the newest member of the backfield A morning roundup of content from the Washington Commanders on Friday and while they didn't get another pass-rusher they like they players they got in their five-person class The Commanders added depth to their wide receiver room with Jaylin Lane in the fourth round Here are five things to know about the newest pass-catcher A morning roundup of content from the Washington Commanders on Wednesday Here's what The Athletic's Dane Brugler had to say about each play in this year's version of "The Beast," an annual draft preview that provides in-depth analysis of hundreds of prospects each year a fifth-round pick by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 2019 draft comes to Washington after spending two seasons with the Indianapolis Colts The Commanders used their second-round pick to take Ole Miss cornerback Trey Amos Here are five things to know about their newest defensive back $2.7 Billion Investment from the Commanders is the Single Largest Private Investment in District History Washington had the second smallest haul in the draft managed to fill needs deepen positions and get highly-rated players fit into their culture The Washington Commanders rounded out their 2025 draft class by taking running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt with the 245th overall pick Here's how social media reacted to the selection We have the address for the funeral home & the family on file If you're not happy with your card we'll send a replacement or refund your money Information on COVID-19 Funeral Assistance through FEMA \u003ca href=\"/resources/funeral-assistance\"\u003eRead More\u003c/a\u003e created this Life Tributes page to make it easy to share your memories © 2025 John Vincent Scalia Home for Funerals Inc. Made with love by funeralOne Medrano was selected 205th overall in the sixth round of the NFL draft on Saturday He joins a long list of Pueblo natives to be in the NFL and is the first to be drafted in decades The Pueblo East Eagle alumnus is one of several UCLA Bruins to be drafted, including teammate Carson Schwesinger, who was drafted in the second round by the Cleveland Browns Medrano is expected to compete immediately for a special teams roster spot and could potentially work his way into the lineup in sub-packages More: 'Keep dreaming, kid': Meet Kain Medrano, the fastest linebacker at the NFL Combine Medrano came out of this year's NFL Combine as the fastest linebacker with a 4.46 forty-time which is tied for the second fastest in NFL Combine history Medrano had his best year as a Bruin with 56 total tackles three forced fumbles and two interceptions with one returned for a touchdown he helped the team to the 2016 State Championship in Class 3A and was the 2018 State Runner-up He was an all-state selection in 2018 and all-league selection from 2016-18 He is tied for the Pueblo East single-season record in interceptions with seven in one season 2025 at 12:58 PM UTC¡1 min readThe Washington Commanders already have one of the more elite linebackers in the game today with Bobby Wagner leading their defensive unit the Commanders need to have a succession plan in line and ready for when the future Hall-of-Famer is officially looking to call it a career Some people believe Washington found that in late round selection Kain Medrano on the final day of the 2025 selection process While Medrano doesn't come with the kind of pressure usually reserved for top picks some believe he is the top name to watch for the Commanders' draft class Pro Football Focus writer Mason Cameron, in particular, named Medrano as the draft pick to watch for the Commanders this season "Medrano is built more like a strong safety than a true linebacker but he tested out as an elite athlete with outstanding speed and explosiveness," Cameron said his struggles as a tackler will be an issue with his 20.7% career missed tackle rate charting in the last percentile but Medrano can match up against tight ends in man coverage which could be his ticket to sticking on the roster But that also relies largely on his ability to make an impact on special teams." While he is coming off a great first season with Washington there's no guarantee he'll be able to continue to produce at a high level moving forward Bringing in Medrano was a no-brainer for the organization Whether it's for the 2025 season or beyond Related: Commanders Draft Wild-Card Sleeper For Kliff Kingsbury Offense Related: Commanders Jayden Prediction on Sophomore Slump Gets Scrutiny Please select what you would like included for printing: Copy the text below and then paste that into your favorite email application Aileen was the beloved daughter of Mary (née Dolan) and the late Thomas M and Daniel Kain (Lauren); also survived by her nieces and nephews Aileen's life was centered around her family She especially enjoyed taking walks with her siblings loving and thoughtful person and had a strong Catholic faith She was focused and hardworking in her career as Director of External Affairs at St Relatives and friends are invited to her Visitation 9:00-11:00 AM Tuesday In lieu of flowers, donations to Providence Animal Center, https://providenceac.org, or St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, https://www.scs.edu Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors former UCLA Bruins linebacker Kain Medrano isn’t taking this opportunity for granted — and he’s already sending a message to his new teammates “I’m ready to work, guys,” Medrano said during a press conference after being selected by the Commanders Medrano made a big impact on the Bruins’ defense finishing second on the team in sacks and creating five turnovers — three forced fumbles and two interceptions USA; UCLA linebacker Kain Medrano (LB19) participates in drills during the 2025 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images / Kirby Lee-Imagn ImagesThe new Commanders linebacker ended his time at UCLA with 25 career starts Even though Medrano filled up the stat sheet at UCLA he’s ready to turn the page and add his talent to the Commanders’ defense he’s excited to join the brotherhood — a culture that has become a driving force behind the Commanders’ on-field success “I want to get to know each and every one of them I want to be able to create some friendships that will not be lost no matter how this journey goes,” Medrano stated READ MORE: Sports Illustrated grades for the Commanders' 2025 NFL Draft class Stick with CommanderGameday and the Locked On Commanders podcast for more FREE coverage of the Washington Commanders throughout the 2025 offseason • What to know about Commanders' No. 245 pick, RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt • Commanders QB reveals wild recruitment story • 3 bold NFL Draft predictions that could involve the Commanders • Commanders could trade No. 29 pick to NFC rival The content on this site is for entertainment and educational purposes only Betting and gambling content is intended for individuals 21+ and is based on individual commentators' opinions and not that of Sports Illustrated or its affiliates All picks and predictions are suggestions only and not a guarantee of success or profit If you or someone you know has a gambling problem crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER Michael Garry was announced as Kain Lawyers’ new managing director – a role he officially took on last Thursday as his predecessor John Kain stepped down Garry tells Australasian Lawyer about the leadership transition process that began two years ago and the three pillars Kain Lawyers was founded on It is an honour to be called upon to lead the firm through its next phase I’m genuinely excited about the opportunities ahead as we strengthen our position as mid-market transaction specialists and are seeing the benefits of a focused strategy Australia’s mid-market investment landscape will be dynamic over the coming years particularly with the increased depth of private capital driving transactions and growing demand for quality legal services The leadership transition is something that we wanted to be as seamless as possible for the business and our team The two-year timeframe has given me time to delve into the broader business and given us the opportunity to properly plan for the next phase of our firm’s growth and strategy In the last five years our firm has trebled in size expanding into the Sydney and Melbourne markets In this time Kain Lawyers has advised on more than 300 deals worth more than $11bn Our offices in Sydney and Melbourne are now home to more than 40% of the Kain team and 60% of the firm’s revenue.   We have increased our depth in key practice areas (including M&A investment funds and real assets) and will continue to focus on our national expansion With six recently appointed directors across our offices John has been a great founder and leader for our firm He is clear in his convictions and is a big proponent of having clear strategies and foundations for a business John started the firm based on three pillars – creating opportunities for clients His leadership has always revolved around the advancement of those pillars and that is something that I will take into the role and won’t change in our business going forward As we move to the next generation of leadership at Kain Lawyers having a clear strategic goal (in our case a focus on being national transaction specialists) and a discipline to grow and develop our business only in a manner that is consistent with that strategic goal remains critically important Kain Medrano is a high-level athlete who has the potential to become a decent coverage linebacker in the NFL. He has the movement skills to be effective in man coverage and is solid at reading the quarterback's eyes when playing zone, too. Medrano's tackling could be his fatal flaw in the NFL He has a bad habit of lunging or not bringing his feet leading to far too many misses last season Medrano has the athleticism and speed to carve out an NFL career as a coverage 'backer and special teams ace but he must become a more consistent tackler for that to happen — Decent at reading the quarterback's eyes when playing zone coverage and has the movement skills to tighten throwing windows and take away reads from the quarterback — Has the athleticism to cover tight ends in man coverage — Plenty of speed to carry running backs and tight ends in man or take away the middle of the field when playing Tampa 2 — Flashed decent instincts when on the playside of outside runs Could afford to add some size and strength to avoid getting pushed around against the run Hasn't shown the ability to crash downhill and attack gaps missed a lot of tackles last season because he lunges and doesn't bring his feet as he doesn't have much force behind his pads — 3-star recruit in the 2019 class, per 247Sports Kain Medrano is a high-level athlete who has the potential to become a decent coverage linebacker in the NFL He has the movement skills to be effective in man coverage and is solid at reading the quarterback's eyes when playing zone Medrano has the athleticism and speed to carve out an NFL career as a coverage backer and special teams ace GRADE: 5.8 (Backup/Draftable — 6th-7th Round) Written by B/R NFL Scout Matt Holder The Washington Commanders have drafted UCLA linebacker Kain Medrano with the No 222 pounds) was a Third Team All-Big Ten selection who led his team with three forced fumbles He also filled up the stat sheet for the Bruins in 2024 with 72 tackles 1.5 sacks and two interceptions with one returned for a touchdown Medrano recorded 194 tackles with 10 pass breakups five forced fumbles and three interceptions "Sixth-year senior and team captain with two years of starting experience," wrote NFL.com's Lance Zierlein lean frame is more reminiscent of a strong safety than a linebacker." a three-star recruit out of Pueblo East High School He made the switch linebacker but didn't get significant action until the 2020 season Medrano ended his career with 25 starts and was named a team captain in 2024 Medrano told reporters that he is ready to learn from linebackers coach Ken Norton Jr While Medrano's role will mostly come on special teams he's excited to add depth to Washington's defense — 3-star recruit in the 2019 class, per 247Sports Written by B/R NFL Scout Matt Holder The Washington Commanders added to their linebacker corps by taking UCLA's Kain Medrano with the 205th overall pick Here's how social media reacted to the pick Im really excited about the LB pick of Kain Medrano! Most speed for a LB in the draft & you just know DQ and Joe Whitt will develop him into a useful player because of his pass coverage ability already. pic.twitter.com/mOUg45kLIo Awesome pick by the #Commanders to take one of the most athletic LBs in the class in UCLA’s Kain Medrano (@Kain_05)He can win in all three phases of the game, and posted 11.5 TFLs, 3 forced fumbles, and had a INT return for a TD this yearHe showcased the his blitzing,… pic.twitter.com/eHjkfNDYyc Kain Medrano was drafted in round 6 pick 205 in the 2025 draft class. He scored a 9.83 #RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 57 out of 3204 LB from 1987 to 2025. https://t.co/WFbuyintNZ pic.twitter.com/V6EwTZ5Iyr Welcome to the Washington Commanders UCLA LB Kain Medrano! pic.twitter.com/6murjsQkPB Kain Medrano: pic.twitter.com/nK8FUE9ZtI Welcome to the Commanders UCLA LB Kain Medrano! He ran the fastest 40 yard dash time out of the LB’s & has crazy potential especially for being picked in the 6th round. pic.twitter.com/vbR8Fr4rpw Commanders go Linebacker in the 6th roundKain Medrano from UCLA is the pick Kain was THE fastest LB at the Combine pic.twitter.com/JoWEsKoj1K Josh Conerly Jr. - high-end athlete OTTrey Amos - lengthy athlete at CB Jaylin Lane - explosive 4.34 speed WRKain Medrano - fastest LB at CombineATH-A-LETES #RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/kPeUEu81f3 Commanders picked UCLA LB Kain Medrano at 6-205. Medrano (6-3, 222) is a classic late-rounder for Adam Peters. Very athletic. Team captain. Long, lean frame who can play special teams and dime linebacker.Similar gamble to Dom Hampton from last year. pic.twitter.com/Zz627DV0AU Commanders 6th round pick LB Kain Medrano played for current Commanders LB coach Ken Norton Jr. when he was UCLA's LBs coach in 2022-23.Medrano tells us he's ready to contribute to the team immediately when he gets to Ashburn in a variety of ways.@DCNewsNow #DCNNGameNight pic.twitter.com/SNKQbsM8ur One important connection here: Kain Medrano's LB coach from 2019-2023 will be his 2025 LB coach, Ken Norton Jr. https://t.co/vkdZD31nVA 6.205 LB Kain Medrano (UCLA)WWD Expert Consensus Rank: #160Value: Moderate Steal"Medrano is a fun player to study, because of his short-area burst and range to impact the game in several ways. Slightly undersized, he is inconsistent playing through contact. The most… pic.twitter.com/iKs4i23QB0 Pro Football Focus writer Mason Cameron named Medrano as the draft pick to watch for the Commanders. READ MORE: NFL analyst picks his favorite non-first round Commanders' draft selection UCLA Bruins linebacker Kain Medrano tackles Oregon Ducks wide receiver Evan Stewart / Robert Hanashiro-Imagn ImagesMedrano praised by PFF"Medrano is built more like a strong safety than a true linebacker but he tested out as an elite athlete with outstanding speed and explosiveness But that also relies largely on his ability to make an impact on special teams," Cameron wrote Medrano will look to make a further impression at the team's rookie minicamp later this month READ MORE: Commanders add 1,000-yard receiver to roster following NFL Draft • Commanders linked to signing two-time Super Bowl champ in free agency • Could Commanders host Super Bowl? New stadium 'dramatically' increases odds • Commanders starter undergoes surgery ahead of 2025 season • WATCH: Washington D.C. Mayor releases hype video for Commanders new stadium deal Even if not all of the players on their draft boards are team captains they have almost all shown some variety of leadership potential and ability As you get deeper in the NFL Draft those coveted traits become more valuable than ever as the Commanders look for guys who will likely fill special teams roles while continuing to grow their football skills It takes a very mature type of player to handle that challenge and to climb that hill Washington believes it got another one of those in UCLA Bruins linebacker Kain Medrano a team captain in college who knows he doesn't need to be that with his NFL team but will take an approach born from the maturity it takes to lead your peers / Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images"I'm ready to come in there I want to get to know each and every one of 'em I want to be able to create some friendships that will not be lost And I'm just a hard worker and I'm ready to get to business and get to work and help the team in any way I can," Medrano said in his first press conference as a newly selected NFL player It took some time for Medrano to find the field at UCLA but once he did he racked up 72 total tackles with 11 for losses in 2024 His athletic testing is among the best in his position group after running a 4.46 in the 40-yard dash to go along with a 38" verticle and 10'5 broad jump Those are the things that make up most Commanders players and this one is clearly cut from the same fabric READ MORE: What to know about Commanders No. 128 pick Jaylin Lane • Social media reacts to Commanders drafting Jaylin Lane Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver Remastered 1&2's physical editions for PS5 and Switch now launch on July 11. Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1&2 Remastered's Deluxe Edition is very reasonably priced at just $50 Big fans of the series can get a physical copy of the the collection for PS5 or Nintendo Switch as well as several collectibles for only $20 more than the standard edition Here's what you'll receive if you opt for the Deluxe Edition: Though the Deluxe Edition will likely be more appealing for many longtime Legacy of Kain fans you can save $20 by choosing the standard edition for PS5 or Nintendo Switch Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1&2 Remastered includes enhanced versions of Soul Reaver and Soul Reaver 2 which originally launched on the PS1 and PS2 respectively a vampire-turned-wraith on a quest for revenge against his maker Both games feature all-new graphics--with the option to swap back to the original PS1 and PS2 graphics on the fly--gameplay tweaks and in-game galleries full of art and behind-the-scenes materials While the physical editions are only available for PS5 and Nintendo Switch you can also grab the digital version on all consoles and PC that means we'll see a new single-player entry in the series soon Either way now is a great time to be a Legacy of Kain fan it's also a great time to get into the series if you're new to the games as most of which have been re-released on modern platforms and while it's largely disconnected from the events of Soul Reaver it furthers Kain's characterization and Nosgoth's history Both games are available on the PlayStation Store and on PC via GOG and Steam Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email news@gamespot.com ESCLog in to comment "data-img-src" : imgSrc } = buylink %> />><%= itemTitle %> and deals sent to your inbox Monday to Friday Medrano initially began his career at UCLA as a wide receiver before switching to linebacker after the 2019 season Dane Brugler of The Athletic described Medrano as “a two-year starter at UCLA" who "was the Will linebacker in defensive coordinator Ikaika Malloe’s 3-3-5 base scheme.” Brugler notes that while Medrano struggled to find consistent playing time over his first four years with the Bruins, he made significant strides as a first-year starter in 2023 and became an impact player in 2024 He finished second on the team in tackles and created five turnovers (three forced fumbles and two interceptions) Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images / Kirby Lee-Imagn ImagesThrough this draft the Commanders have made it clear that they are committed to adding depth to their roster as they look ahead to the 2025 season Medrano will now join a Commanders defense focused on creating more turnovers and giving quarterback Jayden Daniels more opportunities to compete in the NFC East division The Commanders have one pick remaining in the draft: No NEWBURGH — Josh Kain always had aspirations of becoming a head coach in basketball there was only one school on his wish list Kain was named the next Castle High School girls basketball coach during Monday's Warrick County School Corp He takes over one of the top programs in the Southern Indiana Athletic Conference — the Knights are tied for first with 13 conference championships More: Courier & Press All-Metro Player of the Year had one of the best girls seasons in SIAC history This comes after nearly two decades as an assistant coach for Castle boys basketball coach Brian Gibson "I've never thought about leaving to go somewhere else I'm excited and nervous all at the same time I'm hoping I can be all the girls need me to be to make them the best versions of themselves." Kain brings with him an extensive basketball background He was a standout and inaugural member of the school's Hall of Fame at Kouts ― his 1,580 career points remain third in program history Kain later played for two seasons under coach Bruce Pearl at Southern Indiana He has been an assistant at Castle for 17 years among his various positions being junior varsity coach and top assistant That time on the bench gave him perspective into how to run a program and how to get the best out of players "(Gibson) puts his heart and soul into everything that needs to be done for Castle basketball," Kain said "He shows that you can push people to their best even though they may not like it at the time Seeing that through the years gives you a good perspective." Castle should once again be an SIAC and sectional contender next season The Knights went 15-8 a year ago before losing to Gibson Southern in the Class 4A sectional semifinal The benefit for Kain will be four returning starters: All-SIAC forward Jayden Scott (14.1 points All-SIAC guard Izabell Grantz (11.6 points 4.3 rebounds) and guard Paiton Mitchell (5.6 points Bob Meier stepped down in February following a successful eight-year run. He led the Knights to 136 wins and four sectional championships Castle never had a losing season and won at least 12 games every year under his watch The Knights advanced to the Class 4A semistate in 2019 Kain was once on the same staff with Meier years ago He also had a front row seat for much of his success on the girls' side ― his daughter Kain isn't looking to drastically change anything The hope is to build upon what came before him "It's a program that is deep in success," he said "It's going to make it a lot easier to jump right in We've got four starters back and a couple of younger girls who can definitely step in and help Kain said the plan is to continue to coach boys golf and Jay Toia (R) were selected in the 2025 NFL Draft on SaturdayTrio of Bruins Selected on Final Day of 2025 NFL Draft April 26 GREEN BAY, Wisc. – Linebacker Kain Medrano, defensive lineman Jay Toia, and tight end Moliki Matavao of the UCLA football team were all selected Saturday on the third and final day of the 2025 NFL Draft Paired with Friday's picks – which saw linebacker Carson Schwesinger and edge rusher Oluwafemi Oladejo go in the second round – UCLA had five players selected overall in this year's draft The five picks were the Bruins' most since 2022 and tied for the second-most of any draft for the program over the last nine years Medrano was the first Bruin off the board on Saturday 205 overall – to the Washington Commanders He's the first UCLA player drafted by the Washington franchise since Fabian Moreau in 2017 Toia was the opening selection of the seventh round 248 overall in the seventh round to New Orleans He was the first UCLA player drafted by the Saints since Rodney Leisle in 2004 Medrano spent six seasons at UCLA from 2019-24 ascending into a starting role in 2023 and becoming a team captain for the 2024 campaign native accrued 196 tackles (123-73-196) as a Bruin with 21.5 tackles for loss (TFLs) Medrano was an All-Pac-12 honorable mention in 2023 after ranking second on the UCLA defense with 56 tackles He was then a Third Team All-Big Ten honoree this past season after accruing a career-high 72 tackles over 12 games He also paced the Bruins with three forced fumbles last season and had a critical 38-yard pick-six interception at Nebraska on Nov A veteran of 50 games over four years at UCLA Toia was a linchpin in some of the top rush defenses in the country during his time in a Bruin uniform He totaled 91 tackles (53-38-81) for the Bruins 2 national rush defense in 2023 (80.8 yards per game) and the No 6 rush defense in 2024 (96.2 yards per game) Toia was voted Team MVP at the squad's postseason banquet in 2024 Matavao started 22 games and played in 50 over four seasons at UCLA (2023-24) and Oregon (2021-22) He paced the Bruins in receptions (41) and receiving yards (506) this past season registering at least one catch in all 11 of the games he played Matavao was an All-Pac-12 honorable mention in 2023 after leading the Bruins with a 20.2 yards per catch ratio the Commanders landed UCLA linebacker Kain Medrano with the No USA Today writer Ayrton Ostly graded every Day 3 pick and gave the Commanders an "A-" for their selection of Medrano. READ MORE: Commanders stick with leadership traits in selection of LB Kain Medrano UCLA Bruins linebacker Kain Medrano brings down Oregon Ducks wide receiver Traeshon Holden / Robert Hanashiro-Imagn ImagesCommanders praised for selecting Medrano"Washington's relied on free agent signees at off-ball linebacker but Medrano could be a step towards some home-grown talent taking hold He's one of the most athletic linebackers in the class and plays an aggressive brand of football at 6-foot-3 and 228 pounds," Ostly wrote The Commanders get someone in Medrano who can learn behind Bobby Wagner and he could eventually replace him after the veteran's contract is up following the 2025 season Medrano will also have an impact on special teams which could make him an immediate contributor for the Commanders in his rookie season The Commanders have one pick left in the draft at No MS - OCTOBER 26: Mississippi Rebels cornerback Trey Amos (9) lines up on defense during a college football game against the Oklahoma Sooners on October 26 2024 at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium in Oxford (Photo by Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire) (Icon Sportswire via AP Images) Although the Commanders possessed just five picks in the 2025 class — a credit to general manager Adam Peters' numerous high-profile trades this offseason — this team still managed to add quality prospects with potential to make an immediate impact While it’s difficult to make waves with limited draft capital, Washington did as well as fans could have hoped, earning them solid marks in PFF’s draft grades A tackle with length and movement skills in Round 1: A two-year starter for the Oregon Ducks at left tackle allowed just two sacks over the past two years He graded above the 75th percentile in all facets including a 78.1 true pass set PFF pass-blocking grade in 2024 Conerly shows good athleticism for the position He doesn’t need to immediately start after the Commanders traded for Laremy Tunsil this offseason but he could slide into guard and be very effective A scheme-versatile cornerback with the ideal blend of size and skill: Trey Amos brings good speed and strong movement skills to the Commanders’ defense He earned an 85.6 PFF coverage grade in 2024 forcing 13 incompletions and recording three interceptions Amos showcases good instincts in zone coverage and has the size and athleticism to lock down opposing receivers in man coverage Rookie to watch: LB Kain Medrano, UCLA Medrano is built more like a strong safety than a true linebacker But that also relies largely on his ability to make an impact on special teams Position/role battle to watch: T Josh Conerly Jr. vs. G Nick Allegretti While Conerly could use some time to further develop his strength and inconsistent technique at the NFL level his first-round draft capital may allow him to see the field early With Laremy Tunsil manning the left tackle spot Conerly may be forced to find a home on the interior Allegretti struggled in his first season with the Commanders earning just a 40.2 PFF pass-blocking grade on true pass sets That’s a spot Conerly could slide into and develop his game while still contributing His 77.7 PFF pass-blocking grade on true pass sets over the past two seasons profiles as a significant upgrade for Jayden Daniels and company Draft grade: B+ PFF's Big Board for the 2026 NFL Draft offers three-year player grades, combine measurables, position rankings, and in-depth player analysis for all of the top draft prospects. Our exclusive database, featuring the most in-depth collection of NCAA player performance data. Amber Lucille Kain, 31, of Martinsburg, passed away Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at George Washington Hospital. Born February 10, 1994, in Jefferson County, she was the daughter of Keith Kain and the late Missy Dunn Kain. In addition to her father, she is survived by her husband, Adam Tomlin; sons, Jacob Yates, Anthony Tomlin, and Ryder Tomlin; her brother, Keith Kain, Jr.; and sisters, Sherri and Anna Kain. Services and interment will be held at a later date. There are no events scheduled. You can still show your support by sending flowers directly to the family, or plant a tree in memory of Amber Lucille Kain. Tribute Archive Washington welcomes the newest member of the family after making him the 205th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft Day 3 is here and Washington has picked UCLA LB Kain Medrano in the sixth round and they’ve got one more pick to go in the 7th round Washington re-signed future Hall of Famer Bobby Wagner after he made the Pro Bowl with the Commanders in his first season with the team They also have Pro Bowler Frankie Luvu and Jordan Magee who dealt with injuries as a rookie 220 lbs) is a 6th-year senior who was with UCLA for his entire college career He had his best season last year with 72 combined tackles He will join a Commanders team that is continuing to upgrade their defense as the look to build on their NFC Championship game season Medrano will likely start his career on special teams and he told reporters after getting drafted that that is his thing Bruin Bruin Bruin@Seatgeek | #RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/He1d3bSlFF Round 1 - #29 - Josh Conerly Jr, OT, Oregon Round 2 - #61 - Trey Amos, CB, Ole Miss Round 4 (via HOU) - #128 - Jaylin Lane, WR, Virginia Tech Round 6 - #205 - Kain Medrano, LB, UCLA A gathering to celebrate Jamie's life is 4:00 to 8:00 p.m East Moline.  Cremation will take place under the direction of Trimble Funeral Home the son of Virginia (Stilwell) Kain and Earl Kain He worked most recently for Lift Systems in Moline He was a talented drummer who was known for his blues and rock bands (Hollywood Dave and QC Slim and Dallas Duarte of Davenport; step-grandchildren and Joshua (Tara) Kain of Rock Island.  The family invites friends to share stories and condolences at TrimbleFuneralHomes.com (WLOS) — Mission Health announced Thursday that Ruth Kain has been named the new chief nursing officer She will oversee all nursing operations across Mission Health "SUDDEN DEATH" OF PATIENT AT MISSION HOSPITAL LEADS TO INVESTIGATION, EMPLOYEE FIRED who is departing her position at Mission Health after four years of service "Ruth is a proven leader with a background in clinical operations and exceptional nursing excellence," said Greg Lowe "Her experience in overseeing significant quality and patient safety advancements is invaluable as we continue to build upon our recognition as a top 50 U.S hospital and meet the healthcare needs of Western North Carolina families." MISSION HOSPITAL NAMED AMONG AMERICA'S 50 BEST HOSPITALS FOR 2025 Kain has worked in healthcare for over 20 years and most recently served as the chief nursing officer for MountainView Hospital in Las Vegas she served as chief nursing officer at HCA Healthcare's Tulane Health System in New Orleans She holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Organizational Leadership from Indiana Wesleyan University and a Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Indianapolis 205 overall pick on Day 3 of the NFL draft Medrano committed to the UCLA Bruins as a wide receiver but made the pivot to linebacker after the 2019 season Here’s what you should know about the newly acquired Commanders linebacker: Name: Kain MedranoPosition: LinebackerCollege: UCLA BruinsHeight/Weight: 5'10" USA; UCLA Bruins linebacker Kain Medrano (20) celebrates sacking Fresno State Bulldogs quarterback Mikey Keene (1) during the section quarter at Rose Bowl Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images / Robert Hanashiro-Imagn ImagesIn 2024 Medrano emerged as an impact player for the Bruins finishing second on the team in tackles and creating five turnovers — three forced fumbles and two interceptions Medrano earned Third Team All-Big Ten honors after leading UCLA with three forced fumbles and two interceptions — one of which he returned for a touchdown He ended his time at UCLA with 25 career starts and was named a team captain in 2024 Dane Brugler of The Athletic described Medrano as "a fun player to study because of his short-area burst and range to impact the game in several ways." READ MORE: WATCH: Highlights from Commanders second-round pick CB Trey Amos • What to know about Commanders No. 128 pick Jaylin Lane podcasts & tweets from around the web to keep you in touch with the Commanders What are the Washington #Commanders getting in 6th round pick Kain Medrano?-Outstanding athletic profile-Excellent coverage ability-Extremely inconsistent tacklerFull breakdown linked below pic.twitter.com/UCApITkqFv He arrived at UCLA as a wide receiver before converting to defense Medrano looks more like a big safety than a traditional linebacker but that body type does very much fit the profile of safety/linebacker hybrids that Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr It’s almost the same frame as Jeremy Chinn who the Commanders signed in 2024 but let walk in free agency this year that frame comparison to Chinn should tell you more about what his role will likely be in Washington but as a safety/big nickel/dime linebacker hybrid his body type fits exactly what the Commanders are looking for fastest of any linebacker at the combine and would have ranked seventh fastest among safeties He also had great explosive and agility testing numbers What that means for the Commanders is that they have a very fluid athlete with plenty of upside in a role they like to use plenty within their system In his press conference after being drafted Medrano explained he has experience playing as a Will (weak side) linebacker and as a big nickel I think it’s that big nickel role that intrigues me most about him Because of his fluidity for a guy of his size Medrano is capable of covering a variety of different players in a variety of different schemes Medrano shows good instincts in zone coverage feeling routes working behind him and sinking underneath them to squeeze throwing windows shut But he’s also capable of playing man coverage too Medrano’s athletic ability means he can be a flexible coverage piece for the Commanders defense He can make up a lot of ground in a short period of time enabling the defense to show some disguised looks and still trust him to get to his coverage assignment It had been a while since Croskey-Merritt had competed in any semblance of an actual game when he was invited to the East-West Shrine Bowl he handled himself well in the all-star game by rushing for 97 yards and two touchdowns Croskey-Merritt was named the Offensive MVP “It’s a blessing just to be up here,” Croskey-Merritt said after the game that he still has much to offer to another team Newmark even mentioned that performing well in the all-star circuit helped his cause and the Commanders are excited about what he could offer to their team Croskey-Merritt is eager to get things started whether it’s special teams or running back,” Croskey-Merritt said “I’m just ready to make this team better.” Execs did not see any surefire top left tackles in the draft which is one reason the Commanders acquired Laremy Tunsil from Houston Doubling up with another tackle in the first round — Josh Conerly Jr “This is following the blueprint of how to fix an offensive line,” an exec said “Throw all of your resources at the problem GM Adam Peters was with San Francisco when the 49ers acquired left tackle Trent Williams “There is no development when you do that,” another exec said “‘We have the young quarterback (Jayden Daniels) Then they draft a guy in Conerly who has a ton of upside can slide into that battle at right tackle The Tunsil trade also returned a fourth-round pick which the Commanders used for receiver Jaylin Lane Houston used Washington’s third-round pick for another receiver The Texans also have Washington’s second- and fourth-round picks next year but he will probably be their starting kick returner and punt returner,” another exec said “which gives them some explosive-play value.” A relatively disciplined corner with good length 182) ran a 4.43 40 with a 38-inch vertical and 10-3 broad jump at his pro day He worked opposite Azareye’h Thomas last season tying with him for the team lead in forced incompletions (6) Check out the top photos from the first week of OTAs In 2018, Schoen was an assistant general manager in Buffalo and Daboll the offensive coordinator when the Bills selected Josh Allen with the No. 7 overall pick. In an interview with SiriusXM NFL Radio Schoen likened the New York Giants’ situation with 2025 first-round pick Jaxson Dart to his experience in Buffalo we went through it with Josh Allen,” the Big Blue GM said “We had a little bit different quarterback room at the time but he was going to sit his rookie year and then halftime of the opening game we’re getting smoked by Baltimore but we didn’t have a Russell Wilson or Jameis Winston in the room these NFL offenses are hard to grasp and pick up and then be able to go out and execute so the ability for him to learn and sit behind two consummate pros already will be beneficial for him.” Voters impressed by what the Giants accomplished according to voters in this week’s SB Nation ‘NFL Reacts’ national survey Thirty-one percent of the voters in our poll said the Giants with a class that included edge defender Abdul Carter defensive tackle Darius Alexander and running back Cam Skattebo ranked the Giants No GM Joe Schoen was under pressure to improve the talent on a team that went 3-14 in 2024 and to find a potential quarterback of the future SB Nation voters also believe that Schoen brought the best player in the draft to New York with 40% of the voted edged Travis Hunter (38%) when voters were asked which of the top five players selected would be the biggest star Of the next five quarterbacks selected after Cam Ward went No SB Nation voters also expect Dart to have the best rookie season Simms told Gary Myers on Friday night that he was “outvoted by his family” on the question of whether his retired jersey should be unretired During a Friday appearance on FanDuel TV, Simms said he personally would have no problem with Carter wearing No Retirement of a number is the highest honor any team can bestow on a former player Allowing the jersey to be unretired undermines that distinction while the former player might be willing to be magnanimous (or unwilling to come off as selfish) his family can become an important voice in making the final decision As former Giants linebacker Lawrence Taylor told Carter when declining to allow his No Carter needs to make his own way with his own number Carter’s goal should now be to find a number that currently means nothing to the Giants Consider: 257 players were drafted last weekend and more than 300 will sign as undrafted free agents Not even Mel Kiper Jr.’s big board goes that deep there’s more: Each team is allowed to invite up to five veterans to try out many of them forgotten players trying to make a comeback Most of a rookie camp is about acclimation though but the rookies generally meet the equipment staff and get fitted for practice attire who have more job security than the others use a scanner and 3D technology to measure exact foot size Players are often introduced to different departments from strength and conditioning to player development to football operations The New York Jets have their rookies meet with a player engagement rep who offers tips on local real estate — i.e. there’s a lot of people to meet and many places to see inside the facility Some head coaches believe the purpose of the minicamp is to familiarize the rookies with life as a professional football player and to experience the rhythm of a typical workday in the NFL Most of the time is spent in the classroom with coaches teaching from a scaled-down playbook that includes basic formations The actual practices are less strenuous than they were years ago Jacksonville Jaguars first-round pick Dante Fowler tore an ACL in minicamp I did more research and it really depends on the team. But yes… There are some teams which give the PSL holder right to first refusal for any other event at that stadium https://t.co/tqbLy14r35 pic.twitter.com/wYbL1iELsp Fixing the prank call issue: #NFL can hold all the prospects’ numbers in house, and teams can call the league’s dedicated switchboard and an operator patches them through to the player. *Or* simply make all the calls on streaming video so players see who they are speaking with. pic.twitter.com/dNfban09ak Phase 1 ✔️ pic.twitter.com/3YirlM5GNA .@wisehog94: honorary photographer pic.twitter.com/ervlsAwZ6W oh and @MikeSainristil got ahold of the camera too pic.twitter.com/VrkDrrtm4I O-Line on the grind pic.twitter.com/NsnsJASD7b Todd McShay GUSHING over the #Commanders draft!Peters knocked it out of the park with only 5 picks! #RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/0KWpmDqlOo Rich Eisen has the Commanders NUMBER 2 On his “WAY TOO EARLY” NFL Power Rankings pic.twitter.com/jfBnamNDN3 Inspired by @robertmays and @FieldYates excellent discussion on the message teams sent us in the draft, I looked at how teams spent their draft capital as well as how they spent money in free agency based on the percent of each they allocated to the offense: pic.twitter.com/TMbAVkb3jn Per @PFF, here are successful play percentages on second down (left), and then third down conversion percentages (right).8 out of the top 10 third down conversion rates were also top 10 in second down success rates. Being good early leads to being good late. That's the game. pic.twitter.com/SmDSDO8pjp Ravens GM Eric DeCosta with the smartest 2 minutes you’ll hear on the NFL Draft pic.twitter.com/8A74Mr8vW1 On January 28, 1969, NFL Films covered an #NFLDraft for the first time — the 1969 AFL-NFL Draft from the Belmont Plaza Hotel in New York.Howard Cosell shares his thoughts on the draft with Jack Whitaker, and #NFL Films founder Ed Sabol. pic.twitter.com/nwB4Q3QApM #NFLDraft, you've come a long way, baby!NFL commissioner Pete Rozelle, chalk, and a chalkboard at the 1966 #NFL Selection Meeting held at New York's Summit Hotel.No television or radio coverage. Print media only. pic.twitter.com/nT7Y11R4Nd Hear me out Commanders fans.....500 acres ........ Just sayin.........Keep the theme park, add the new stadium, extend the blue line past Largo, right down the road from Northewst Field..#RaiseHail https://t.co/HPoZpUt1hv pic.twitter.com/yOVwKTV11P Brian Mitchell https://t.co/qcsjXUNOoL by Simone de Rochefort LinkSimone de Rochefort has been producing & hosting YouTube videos for Polygon since 2016 She co-directed the upcoming documentary The Great Game: The Making of Spycraft.In Sam Barlow’s Her Story the narrative is uncovered entirely at the player’s direction Barlow talks about how previous experiences in mainstream games made him long for a game where there’s no hand-holding at all and the player is left to their own devices This interview was done in September as part of the release of our documentary The Great Game: The Making of Spycraft about one of the most ambitious FMV games of the ’90s Sam Barlow: A frustration I had coming out of making 3D games was the obsession with continuous time and space and the obsession with embodying a character in a world and stuff where [...] you can just click and you can jump somewhere else is going to be like the Holodeck.” More and more simulation What Nintendo was doing was way more sophisticated and interesting and the extent to which they were thinking about the player’s desires and the intent of the player was really cool When I went and made Silent Hill: Shattered Memories that was kind of my love letter to immersive sims and the idea of creating a continuous space where your physical presence in the space is extremely “immersive.” And we did a lot of stuff in that game that was kind of trying to remove the artificiality there were lots of beats where we were trying to make you feel physically connected to the world I was really aware as a storyteller that a lot of these assumptions around the player And there’s a deliberate setup in that game which is going everything’s telling you that you are the player character that you should identify with this character I had cured myself and now I wanted to try doing even more interesting things and immediately became director of the [eventually cancelled sixth] Legacy of Kain game with a lot of publisher input where they were like So when I made Her Story, I very consciously was going: If I’m going to make an indie game, I’m going to take some of these ideas I’ve been having of, like, why is it the default that we are a 3D character in a 3D world, with continuous time and space? I’m the avatar. We’d gone through that whole discourse of narrative dissonance which to me also was maybe the wrong discussion to be having this assumption that there should be no dissonance and they should work and everything should behave like the real world And so Her Story was me… I remember I wrote a little manifesto That was: “I’m going to make a game that has no state model.” Like 99% of Her Story you’re not meaningfully changing the state of the game there is no “someone will remember this,” there’s no accumulated score or progress McElroy: There’s only three rocket launchers [both laugh] One of the other things was: no 3D movement I’d had lots of arguments with a producer on the game I was working on where I would submit script drafts and they would read it and they’d be like why isn’t the character saying what they’re thinking?” All the cool stuff should be in subtext.” And the argument from them at the time was: “Theoretically but we don’t have the tech to communicate the nuance that guarantees this will come across in a way that a movie can.” And my response to that was like couldn’t we at least try?” But there was this interesting sort of argument to usability of if the story equals your quest — if the story and your mission objective are one and the same — and if the player wants to have a good time And so everything should be extremely overstated and clear I explicitly want to make a game where subtext is important McElroy: Thinking about this state that you were in earlier in your career where you’re in increasing and decreasing levels of control where you are directing the footage that’s being shot and then designing how the game will implement that footage do you feel like you have more control over the end product Do you think that’s something that’s important to you I think one of the things that’s interesting I had the moment where I was designing it where I was like There should be no traditional flow and scripting and bottlenecking You would play something like Phoenix Wright; it’s very carefully hand-held through the mystery And the big moment for me on Her Story was What if I just let you just search and find anything and it could enable you to feel more like you’re having these leaps of logic But it’s kind of scary because everything else I had ever done as a game designer But I had this little prototype where I was “playing” some transcripts I’d got of a real-life police interrogation This game mechanic of word searching [...] I wanted to try and recreate that feeling for my players I’ve increasingly tried to compensate for the weirdness versus a traditional game — for the apparent lack of reactivity — with an increasing player freedom and also at the same time a generosity and a lack of punishment Part of Her Story or other games has been going respect the player’s intelligence Don’t overexplain; let them figure stuff out you will start to put the picture together and you’ll start to figure out what’s going on And at no point are you told — [buzzer noise] — “Game over.” Which does happen in Night Trap; that was like the cardinal sin of those old FMV games was you have the risk-reward mechanic to make it feel like there’s a challenge to it But the point in a Phoenix Wright game where you fail and you have to restart… and you’re like I did this little interactive pilot for [production company] Eko of WarGames But then when I went and did the WarGames thing it was my first time working with a full film crew And I remember the wardrobe person coming up to me before we were about to shoot Why is it so important to them that I pick a hat if you’re shooting live action and we choose the hat being able to be looking in-camera and then moving props around “I want to change the shirt this character’s wearing,” or if I want them to turn around and pick up this thing Do you know how expensive it is to remodel a shirt or animate picking up a random prop dude!” So there was this really nice sort of freedom to be hands-on with the footage I remember being amazed hearing that on [Fullbright’s] Tacoma — and I can understand why they did this — I believe with Tacoma one of the very first things they did was record the script because so much of it would then map out spatially across their spaceship So I think they kind of decided that something was going to have to get set in stone to make it all work But I remember that sounding terrifying to me — that you’re making a narrative game and the first thing you lock is the script interesting things that are or aren’t fixed it’s funny when people sort of question if an FMV game can even be a game because of the lack of player control Do you realize what’s happening when you’re playing Uncharted You do realize that 50% of those “real-time” cutscenes are actually pre-rendered to hide streaming and to facilitate things This is the final excerpt of this conversation between Sam Barlow and Justin McElroy. You can read all the previous entries, including the most recent which contended with Roger Ebert’s famous assertion that art must be fixed with their player choice and multiple endings The Great Game: The Making of Spycraft recently won the New York Videogame Critics Circle’s New York Game Award for Best Games Journalism Medrano is a Bruin through-and-through, having been with the school since 2019 and appearing in 50 career games with UCLA. While Medrano will always be a Bruin, how does Commanders Wire writer Bryan Manning grade Washington’s selection of the linebacker?"Grade: A- Medrano is an excellent athlete who improved every year in college These are things Peters and head coach Dan Quinn love Logan Paulsen hinted months back that Medrano could play "big nickel" or even safety at the next level The only complaint here: Why not take Virginia Tech EDGE Antwaun Powell-Ryland The All-American pass rusher went one pick later to the Eagles A value pick who can learn from Bobby Wagner and Frankie Luvu.” Medrano is coming off the best season of his collegiate career forced three fumbles and secured two interceptions while appearing in all 12 games for the 5-7 Bruins Four of the five Bruins that were drafted came from the defensive side of the ball under the tutelage of defensive coordinator Ikaika Malloe with the only exception being tight end Moliki Matavao who went pick 248 in the seventh round to the New Orleans Saints Kain Medrano knew at a young age that he wanted to play in the NFL "You get those little sheets that you bring home from elementary schools There's stuff in my mom scrapbook room," says NFL hopeful The goal that he scribbled down on a piece of paper as a kid  is close to becoming a reality It's getting closer day by day," says Medrano Kain introduced himself to the NFL world at the NFL Combine  as he ran the fastest 40 time of any linebacker " I didn't really know what I ran until after I got on the phone with my trainer And I've heard I heard a couple of the guys that were back at the start He says throughout this at times stressful process  he has been able to count on his faith  with a hand  on the road for him fast "The only thing you really have to fall back on is the relationship you have with  our Lord and Savior," says Medrano His grandmother has given him some valuable advice "She says it's all in God's hands and it's the truth I've done everything that I can  right now to to put my put my best foot forward in whatever direction he has for me I know it's right and it'll be the right direction and the right fit," says Medrano I'm trying to do my best to tell myself to just kind of let it  Don't get your hopes up for this day or this round or this round And we're just we're all going to have fun and we're going to.Yeah just be blessed that this opportunity is is upon us," says Medrano Rob is the Sports Director at KRDO-TV. He started working at KRDO in 1999. He has covered the NFL since 1998. Learn more about Rob here. KRDO NewsChannel 13 is committed to providing a forum for civil and constructive conversation Please keep your comments respectful and relevant. You can review our Community Guidelines by clicking here If you would like to share a story idea, please submit it here Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | Community Guidelines | KRDO Jobs | FCC Applications | KRDO FCC Public File | KRDO FCC Applications | Do Not Sell My Personal Information | Contest Rules Kain Medrano’s arrival in the NFL is already stirring curiosity among fans as his electrifying speed and athleticism hint at a transformative impact on the field Medrano enters the national spotlight with ambitions to redefine expectations as he joins the ranks in Washington From College Standout to Professional Prospect Medrano’s journey from UCLA to the NFL is marked by consistent display of raw talent and measurable potential His blend of agility and explosiveness set him apart during his collegiate career drawing attention for his ability to match up effectively against tight ends on man coverage Such skills have positioned him as a possible game-changing player during his transition to professional football Elite Athleticism and Unquestionable Speed Often described as being constructed more like a strong safety than a classical linebacker Medrano impressed evaluators with his exceptional athletic prowess His physical capabilities and rapid acceleration have earned him commendations as an elite athlete This speed may well serve as his key asset affording him opportunities to quickly adapt to the sophisticated demands of NFL play a notable area for improvement lies in his tackling technique Medrano’s career statistics reveal a missed tackle rate that hovers around 20.7% placing him within a challenging percentile among his peers This struggle serves as a reminder that transitioning to the NFL requires not only harnessing natural speed but also mastering the fundamental responsibilities of linebacker play His ability to refine his tackling skills will be crucial in securing a long-term role on the roster Medrano’s potential impact on special teams could serve as a critical stepping stone in his early career By contributing significantly in this area he can demonstrate versatility and establish his value to the team even as he works to overcome his tackling challenges His progress during the forthcoming rookie minicamp will be pivotal in shaping his trajectory in professional football A Future Rooted in Resilience and Adaptation Medrano’s story serves as an inspiring reminder that the journey to success in professional sports is as much about refining weaknesses as it is about celebrating strengths His ambition to leave a lasting mark on the field reflects the resilient spirit required to navigate the demanding landscape of the NFL As he aims to translate his impressive athletic gifts into consistent the future remains ripe with potential for meaningful long-term contributions The evolving narrative of Kain Medrano highlights not only the immediate excitement of his debut but also the deeper lessons of growth and persistence that resonate throughout the sport A New Dawn for Las Vegas A revival is underway in Las Vegas as the city's team emerges from seasons of struggle to embrace a future full of.. A surge of speed and strategy breathes new uncertainty into Jacksonville’s future as one of their promising players faces an ambiguous role amid bold draft decisions The unpredictable nature of football often turns roster challenges into unexpected opportunities and the Buffalo Bills are now facing such a situation Linebacker Depth Challenges The Bills' recent.. The roar of anticipation fills the air in Las Vegas as a storied franchise embarks on a transformative journey guided by an unmistakable football luminary A Defining Moment in Football Nick Chubb’s career is on the cusp of a dramatic transformation as the NFL free-agent market heats up Š 2025 M Sports - Premium news & magazine M Sports Please enter your username or email address to reset your password Š 2025 M Sports - Premium news & magazine M Sports If there was ever a perfect analogy for things not dying and being resurrected in gaming A series that started as a top-down PlayStation romp with Blood Omen it bloomed into a multi-format adventure featuring vampires gods and time travel with Soul Reaver onwards with Defiance being the last title released fans have been clamouring for anything of the series everything’s been dormant… until now Following an Evercade release of Blood Omen we’ve finally been treated to the Soul Reaver titles the interim between Blood Omen and Defiance.  Whilst this would normally be a story recap the story across the Soul Reaver games is far too broad to break down over a few paragraphs is the once-human vampire that defied fate before going on to rule the vampire clans and lands of Nosgoth over the next several centuries is shattered when his lieutenant Raziel takes the lead in the vampiric evolutionary race Rather than relish this new step in evolution Kain has Raziel executed and cast into the Lake of the Dead as he is instead brought back as a revenant it all sounds pretty straightforward as revenge stories go… Suffice to say there’s some betrayals alterings of fate(s) and other noodle-scratching shenanigans the mechanic in Zelda is that players would find a specific item in a dungeon and that would be key to finishing said dungeon and the boss of it The way around this is having Raziel hunt down his former kinsman those that stood by Kain after he betrayed Raziel Raziel gains the ability coveted by his fellow not-man So say there’s a grate that is pretty darn solid in the living world or a body of water that would normally vapourise or undead hero But the other unique mechanic is the dual world gameplay present in the titles being undead isn’t quite so bad as it used to be perhaps not the dozens of mutated vampires that roam the land Raziel has quite literally the best of both worlds whilst a lot of the ruin is more… destitute than it should be reave enough souls and our boy in blue can traverse the barrier between living and dead water will dissolve him like a goth Berocca it’s still all doom and gloom as a land under vampiric rule would be The trick to this dual world deduction is usually pretty obvious A lot of it ties into Raziel’s obtained skills making note of where certain inaccessible areas are The first is “Can I phase back to the dead world and walk across that now-intangible pond?” or “Do I need to come back when Raziel can swim?” this is your Tomb Raider/Gex: Enter The Gecko old school cool: absolute bare minimum when it comes to hand-holding or indication markers The other sticking point in the Soul Reaver titles is their combat For the uninitiated (and this isn’t really a spoiler) Raziel doesn’t actually “get” the titular ephereal/phantasm-y blade until some ways in he’ll have to fight tooth and claw… except he has no lower jaw this is where the environment and tactic come in Given that most of the enemies we fight are vampires they can’t just be “killed” Enemies can be pummeled into a dazed state but they’ll need a coup de grace to off them completely We’ve already established that they don’t like water but a conveniently placed bonfire will also do the trick The other is whatever’s closest to claw as are large wooden poles (think pre-cut stakes) or decorative spikey tridents and staves that are effective The combat doesn’t offer a massive variety of ways to proper-dead the undead but it’s a nice twist on the classic “just keep hitting” concept Take too many hits and Raziel will lose the blade… and then be sent undead-world packing if he keeps getting smacked about but getting mobbed can soon tip the scales it just depends on how liberal one wants to be with the salt we have to be prepared to take the rough with the smooth Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1 & 2 Remastered does exactly what it says on the tin that it comes with all the niggles and inconveniences that gaming had to put up with in 1999 the complete lack of pathfinding will put many off and then there’s “Where in the netherworld am I actually going despite unlocking warp gates to backtrack/explore the game will always start players back at the place of Raziel’s resurrection Defenders will say it fits with the undying nature of the story whereas I call it a gigantic pain in the ass There’s no real issues with the games themselves but that’s a double-edged Soul Reaver: there’s nothing really re-vamp’d about them either albeit with the option to toggle old/new graphics on the fly it all depends on how much one enjoyed them the first time around I know all too well how encompassing those nostalgia goggles are And I’m far from suggesting than the Soul Reavers remasters are terrible But you have to go in knowing that these are the same games as the were in 1999 and 2001 the platforming a relic of the early full 3D era of gaming the voice acting choppy and the cutscenes clunky I was actually really happy to get back to the world of Nosgoth I’ve been yearning for more of these and hopefully the renewed interest will bring Defiance back Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1 & 2 Remastered delivers what it says on the title The adventures of the revenant Raziel against the controlling Kain are restored (well Coupled with some bonus content in the form of in-game soundtracks they are literally the same as they were before each a time capsule of the PlayStation 1 & 2’s capabilities in the flowing time of action-adventure focus If you want to get into Raziel’s… err, feet but with a newer, smooth graphical overlay then you’re at home. If you’re expecting something like a Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster scale of polish At the end of the day, playing a grim-dark Zelda/Tomb Raider before Darksiders took on that mantle is fun either to reminisce or see how we did it back in the day Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1 & 2 Remastered is available now on PlayStation 4 & 5 (reviewed on latter), Xbox One and Series S|X, Nintendo Switch and PC via Steam Developer: Crystal DynamicsPublisher: Aspyr Disclaimer: In order to complete this review, we were provided with a promotional copy of the game. For our full review policy, please go here If you enjoyed this article or any more of our content, please consider our Patreon Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value" This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed. modern games have figured out how to do exploration properly They guide the player just enough to keep… I’m a bit surprised you didn’t see the breakup as an issue I’ve been playing Sit-Back Attack as well if you like idle rpgs I think it’s worth checking out Why didn't you marry the other one as well After the moderate success of the first game’s remaster Onimusha 2: Samurai’s Destiny is back to carry on the series’ lineage TechTarget and Informa Tech’s Digital Business Combine.TechTarget and Informa we power an unparalleled network of 220+ online properties covering 10,000+ granular topics serving an audience of 50+ million professionals with original We help you gain critical insights and make more informed decisions across your business priorities Curry wrote Akuji: The Heartless and handled marketing for the Gex games a writer and marketing manager on Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver and the Gex series In an obituary on his Facebook page his wife Ellen revealed he had been battling an undisclosed illness for "over two years." and we have cherished many moments along the way," she wrote "Jim died surrounded by family." According to MobyGames Curry got his start in the industry as a special advisor on 1991's Marvel Land and on the "Hometek Team" for Rolling Thunder 2 that same year his writing credits include Battle Cars (as a copywriter) Blood Omen: Legacy of Kain (cinematic script editor) Both Soul Reaver and its sequel were recently remastered in a bundle for PC Justin Carter has written for numerous sites including IGN his writing can be found at io9 over on Gizmodo Don't ask him about how much gum he's had because the answer will be more than he's willing to admit This website is owned and operated by Informa TechTarget influences and connects the world’s technology buyers and sellers Informa PLC’s registered office is 5 Howick Place UCLA Bruins linebacker Kain Medrano runs the 40-yard dash at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine He has prior relationships with a key member of the staff and is eager to begin his professional career It is not as surprising that the Commanders were the team to select Medrano once you know who is a member of their current coaching staff Washington's current linebackers coach is Ken Norton Jr. former UCLA linebackers coach from 2022-'23 Norton already built a relationship with Medrano back in their collegiate days Medrano spoke on what it is like to learn from and have a prior relationship with Norton his former coach and a former NFL linebacker that played 12 seasons between the Dallas Cowboys and San Francisco 49ers organizations "I don't know, it was kind of crazy," Medrano said you get to learn from one of the best linebackers that has ever played the game He [Norton] came into our building at UCLA and we just had a really special connection he's taught me a lot about football in the linebacker position and a lot of my game and knowledge gets credited to him." Medrano exudes confidence in the way that he spoke about his eagerness to get on the field "I'm just excited to get in there and just make plays," Medrano said I'm just ready to go headfirst into that and I've done that with coach Norton in the room and I've also played Will [position] with coach Norton in the room "I think it gives the defense a little bit more room to kind of stay base when they get into 11 personnel because I'm confident in what I can do." From the first impression of Medrano as an NFL player, he is built for it. The 24-year-old is a seasoned veteran, evaluated well after playing five years of college ball at UCLA and is ready for the next step in his career His prior relationships and confidence are going to propel him to success Please ensure you follow on X (Twitter) @UCLAInsideronSI and @tcav30 to follow along with all our UCLA Bruins coverage Let us know your thoughts when you like our Facebook page WHEN YOU CLICK RIGHT HERE TOM CAVANAUGH The Commanders used their sixth-round pick to select UCLA linebacker Kain Medrano Medrano is a high-level athlete who has the potential to become a decent coverage linebacker in the NFL A Third-Team All-Big Ten selection in 2024 Medrano filled up the stat sheet for the Bruins Here are some of his highlights and what fans can look forward to: READ MORE: Commanders second-round draft pick grateful for 'surreal' opportunity Bleacher Report's Matt Holder offered a scouting breakdown of the Commanders’ newest linebacker "Medrano has the athleticism and speed to carve out an NFL career as a coverage backer and special teams ace but he must become a more consistent tackler for that to happen." Medrano could play two different position on their defense He has great overage ability and the team could use him in multiple ways His speed and length could allow Washington to use him as a sub-package linebacker or safety Medrano told reporters that he is ready to learn even more from linebackers coach Ken Norton Jr who he was previously coached by at UCLA for a period of time as well as veteran linebackers Bobby Wagner and Frankie Luvu While Medrano could mostly play on special teams he's excited to join the Commanders' defense READ MORE: New Commanders' lineman weighs pressure of protecting QB Jayden Daniels • Commanders bolster secondary with SEC standout in second round DARIUS HAYES 56-year-old Gregory Shawn Kain and his son both from the same address on Caldwell Road in Newton have been arrested by Catawba County Sheriff’s Officers They were each charged with trafficking opium or heroin by possession & by transportation trafficking opium or heroin by maintaining a vehicle for a controlled substance possession with intent to sell or deliver a schedule IV controlled substance possession with intent to sell or deliver a schedule II controlled substance Officers stopped a vehicle driven by Gregory Kain on N.C The vehicle was stopped for a regulatory violation Investigators found and seized approximately 31.5 grams of fentanyl Both suspects were taken to the Catawba County Detention Facility with bond for Gregory Kain set at $500,000 while Spencer Kain was given a $600,000 secured bond Father and son were due in court today (March 11) in Newton They have reportedly been transferred to Alexander County 42-year-old Christopher Scott Woody of Antioch Road in Morganton was arrested by Burke County Sheriff’s… 33-year-old Kayly Renee Allman of Glen Powell Avenue and 41-year-old Dustin Ray McCurry of Hawkins… 34-year-old Victor Gonzales Ramirez of Morganton was arrested Friday (May 2) by Morganton Public Safety… “Kain is deified” is a phrase that appears in my head, apropos of nothing, far more than I’d like to admit. I say this so that you’ll know where I’m coming from before I get into my Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1 & 2 Remastered review that I actually played obscure online arena shooter Nosgoth and enjoyed it let’s hop into this meaty double-pack and see if my nostalgia goggles have been playing tricks on me…again If you’ve never heard of Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver Part of a long-running series of dark-fantasy adventure games Soul Reaver 1 and 2 tell the story of Raziel Betrayed and destroyed by the person he called “master” beset by deceit and manipulation from all sides Raziel is forced to confront what he thought he knew about himself and those around him both Soul Reaver games are third-person action-adventure games that see you journeying around an open(-ish) world collecting items It’s appropriate that we got both of these games in a single package since Soul Reaver was sort of cut off halfway through and only when Soul Reaver 2 released did the ‘rest’ of the story actually get told it’s now possible to experience them without several years to wait in between If you’ve played any of Aspyr’s previous remasters, such as the recent Tomb Raider 1-3 Remastered then you’ll know pretty much exactly what to expect This is a 1:1 recreation of the PS1 and PS2 games and more frames than you can shake a stick at You can even tap in the right stick to switch between ‘original’ and ‘HD’ modes which is a gift to any reviewer who wants to take a graphical comparison shot Slipping back into this game as someone who physically owns all of the games and plays them regularly was simple and the opening cutscene looks less choppy than it used to it felt exactly like the game I had always known and loved The real question I have to answer is this: Is the game good because I already love it It’s sort of difficult to look at Soul Reaver through the eyes of a modern gamer the tiny world-size and dark-fantasy theming must seem quaint there is lots about these games that must feel incredibly clunky compared to contemporary efforts These elements are mostly related directly to gameplay with the combat in particular feeling a bit by-the-numbers and dull though it’s not entirely without its merits It’s still interesting having to manage taking down different opponents with vampires requiring a fire/light/water/staking double-tap to take down while regular humans and spiritual entities go down with simple swipes The issue mostly comes in when you start having to backtrack through areas and re-fight the same enemies over and over the same song and dance of auto-facing your enemy and clumsily swiping at them with your claws or a pointy stick starts to feel stale but how much you’ll enjoy them and find them manageable depends entirely on how much you enjoy 3D-block pushing/rotating spatial-awareness puzzles which make up 90% of puzzles in the first game and about 50% of those in the second I found the unique nature of these puzzles helped to keep them feeling fresh and with the games only running a handful of hours each they don’t outstay their welcome too badly with collecting and combat gameplay to break things up the bosses of Soul Reaver 1 & 2 Remastered also help to keep things fun There are basically none in the second game but each boss fight usually acts almost like a puzzle unto itself requiring you to think about your environment and the weaknesses of your enemies while the gameplay still has that PS1/2-era clunk to it there’s still enough that is enjoyable here to make the games a treat rather than a slog especially once you start getting into the real reason anyone plays these games: the story While the fully-voiced cutscenes aren’t anything to write home about now they represented a new bar for quality of voice-acting and storytelling in a game The complex narrative is backed up by some serious talent in the voice department and the Shakespearean dialogue dealing with revenge the nature of free will and even the classical perception of good v.s evil manages to make some pretty wishy-washy fantasy concepts feel like they carry some serious gravitas Throughout the course of both titles in Soul Reaver 1 & 2 Remastered I was kept invested once again by the genuinely interesting plight of the main character Betrayed by the people he considers his family he begins as a creature of mindless rage bent on venting his anger by slaughtering everyone he can revelations about his pre-vampiric past have him questioning his perception of both vampires and humans more than once as well as beginning to question those who set him off on this quest of revenge in the first place I also acknowledge that it’s pretty easy to ignore these parts These are elements that allow this to be a playable experience rather than a play or book and while we’ve certainly improved on hiding these aspects these days (mostly) it’s not exactly a huge issue to leave them barebones All of the deceit and intrigue surrounding everything makes for a great distraction and I looked on the temples as a brief ‘puzzle-break’ between monologues and conversations if I sound mostly stoked on Soul Reaver 1 & 2 Remastered It’s been an amazing experience going back into these games with a bunch of great updates and added features I even tried going in with a mindset of others with no history in the series and came away loving it all over again there have been far too many problems with this game in its current state for me to not mention them the current version of the game (pre-day1) is absolutely filled with bugs There was a time when I got stuck in walls during certain animations I even had an experience where I lost over 4 hours of gameplay and had to start again from scratch due to a corrupted save By far the worst of my experiences was when I collected every Glyph and upgrade in the first game but was prevented from collecting the final one in Nuprator’s abandoned fortress because the climbing glitched out As is bound to happen with any remaster that gives you a ‘swap graphics mode’ button it is time for the inevitable graphical comparisons there is obviously a huge difference between both versions of the game this is limited to a texture swap in the environments but the enemies and main character look a lot cooler and smoother there’s a weird issue with the animations; since those haven’t been changed from the PS1 days shiny characters stand a bit awkwardly and sort of jostle from side-to-side rather than expressing any sort of emotion This still has some appreciable differences between each graphical mode apart from some visual adjustments to specific designs (the fonts are a bit different the newer character models are a lot better looking There’s also a fantastic soundtrack backing everything up and even a sound player in the bonus menu so you can listen to it at will which is great if you get stuck somewhere and have a song stuck in your head for days When the day is done and the vampires come home to roost Soul Reaver 1 & 2 Remastered has been a mostly joyous experience peppered throughout with slight annoyances and grievances but mostly slightly ruined by the occasional attempt by the game to commit suicide and the voice acting and character development still make you want to come back for more it’s no surprise that some people will find this a tough experience to get settled into and cast of characters buried in here somewhere but until some of these critical problems are fixed you’re going to have to already be invested in Legacy of Kain or Soul Reaver specifically to make it past the opening hour or so Gaming Respawn’s copy of Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1 & 2 Remastered was provided by the publisher You can get your hands on a copy of Soul Reaver 1 & 2 Remastered on GoG with 10% off until launch former UCLA linebacker Kain Medrano was selected by the Washington Commanders in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft He would be named to the All-Big Ten Third Team Medrano started in all 13 games for the Bruins He was named an All-Pac-12 honorable mention Medrano shined at this year's NFL Combine posting the fastest 40-yard dash time of all linebackers with a time of 4.46 seconds He also recorded a 10-foot-5-inch broad jump a 38-inch vertical jump and a 1.57 10-yard split NFL analyst Lance Zierlein had projected Medrano to go one round earlier "Sixth-year senior and team captain with two years of starting experience," Zierlein wrote in his evaluation of the prospect lean frame is more reminiscent of a strong safety than a linebacker "He plays with good decisiveness to fill up run fits ahead of blocks but he gets pushed around when they find him He has average pursuit speed but above-average man-cover talent underneath so he will need to stand out on special teams and as a dime linebacker to offer value as an undersized OLB." Medrano is an underrated prospect who brings with him years of collegiate experience including an excellent 2024 campaign in which he proved himself to be one of the best players in a stacked Big Ten AIDAN CHAMPION The Legacy of Kain series spans five titles Soul Reaver 1 & 2 Remastered is a graphical remaster with several quality-of-life updates Originally released when dual joysticks weren’t a thing Every character model has been updated and looks fantastic That’s about where the positives end for me If you’ve played Aspyr’s previous remaster work but they are slightly improved in a few minor ways Legacy of Kain Soul Reaver 1 & 2 have aged poorly in the important ways Gameplay wise neither title holds up well to almost any modern era 3rd person game but this title was made in the infancy of 3D adoption Soul Reaver was groundbreaking in its setup DVDs as a medium for play meant you could fit hundreds of lines of dialogue into a game in a way unheard of before The voice acting holds up better than any other returning part of these cult classics like a rudimentary map for Soul Reaver 1 and the ability to control the camera in both titles Soul Reaver 1 especially suffers from stilted movement which made my 20+ hours of gameplay for this review that much more painful You’re a vampire lieutenant who is betrayed and killed by Kain free-will romp across five titles is still one of my favorite older game stories It is a bit odd to jump in the middle of it though I understand why with how different a game the first title was Legacy of Kain: Blood Omen was nothing like the four titles that followed it Soul Reaver 1 does a good enough job of setting things up for anyone who can vibe with the gameplay You’ll still have 30 to 40 hours between the two titles if you try to do everything without any guides The main area that Soul Reaver 1 & 2 have been graphically remastered are the character models They look amazing compared to the original games which you can access by clicking in the right joystick at any time It’s fun to see what some of the low polygon models have turned into now with our modern abilities and tech Part of the remaster is letting you control the camera with the right stick which means you can finally look up.  The original game had no skyboxes because you were always looking straight ahead and the devs have created new skyboxes that match the overall vibe of the remastered graphics As a beloved cult classic that got a spot in a recent State of Play I am highly disappointed at how barebones everything else is with no music playing while in the launcher This bonus section has all the game’s music and a series of pictures featuring behind-the-scenes items and more and it’s fun to go through for a few minutes Soul Reaver 1 allows you to save whenever you want while Soul Reaver 2 uses a checkpoint/save system At $30 it feels so lifeless compared to so many of the recent remasters or collections of older titles that have launched The Marvel vs Capcom Fight Collection has a slick UI and numerous useful new features Compared to that or any of Digital Eclipse’s content it’s immediately apparent how low-quality the UI is The Legacy of Kain Soul Reaver 1 & 2 Remastered feels barebones You get these titles with a few new bells & whistles and not much else It is thoroughly disappointing for a game that was in more need of a full gameplay remake than just a graphical uplift With so many great remaster/collection packages hitting I wish this one had been given a little more love “While the character models and weaponry were given solid upgrades the game world itself received a minor facelift I wouldn’t be shocked if it was using AI to up the resolution of the original textures.” Where was this energy when you reviewed COD Is this the price of not releasing on gamepass The CoD campaign I reviewed was not full of “ai generated slop” Why does everything have to live up to modern day “I want this and that” As you’ve mentioned your love for the original 5 “This is the same game but works on modern hardware and simple updates” that so many of us wish for but get so very dissapointed when the devs insert new crap all over the place They’re supposed to be barebones They’re PS1 & 2 games for expletives sake I lustfully payed for a remastered classic There aren’t many older games out there that need a complete overhaul; just a polished up remaster is good enough and that’s all the Soul Reaver games needed The emphasis was indeed never on the combat; it was the story and figuring out the puzzles in order to progress was the challenge I am honestly over the moon that these games are now available on modern consoles with a bit of a facelift especially considering that the series has been dormant so long many of us (myself included) had all but given up hope Now we have easy access to these games again there’s the graphic novel project in the works We should be wholeheartedly grateful that we’ve got these titles back at all not complaining about what they don’t do by today’s overly entitled standards Most modern remakes are worse versions of games so a Remaster is all I ever wanted Sure it’s aged in ways but that doesn’t make it BAD Considering it’s $25 for BOTH games together what I want and expect is a game that plays like the original but looks and runs better on modern hardware You’re trying to review it as something it’s not the guy is speaking only from his expectations and not from what the games actually are Hmmm how dare people pine after games that were interesting and had great character development You dont here anyone talking about COD 1 anymore Just what one should expect from a modern day journalist The same journalists that say wukong is bad and stellar blade bad Combat wasnt the main emphasis on these game the story was Something most of this modern woke garbage lacks This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. 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