Authorities in Louisiana have charged a second person with second-degree murder in the death of a reporter from Kansas City who was in New Orleans to cover the Super Bowl
The Kenner Police Department said it obtained an arrest warrant for Rickey White and charged him with Adan Manzano's death
White has been in custody at the Jefferson Parish Correctional Center since he was arrested at a La Quinta Inn in Hollywood
Marshals and the Hollywood Police Department
White was previously charged with simple robbery
Danette Colbert was arrested after she was seen on video at the Kenner Comfort Suites hotel with Manzano at around 5 a.m
5 and was seen leaving the room alone later in the morning
Authorities charged her with second-degree murder in March
Manzano died from the combined toxic effects of Xanax and alcohol intoxication
and the manner of death is still undetermined
almost three times the legal amount in the state of Louisiana
Manzano's cellphone and credit card were found during a search of Colbert's residence in Slidell
and the credit card was used fraudulently at several New Orleans area stores
Colbert also faces a state felony charge of possession of a stolen firearm that was also found during that search
but authorities have said they didn't think it relates to Manzano’s case
Authorities said no further comments will be made in the case
« Back
Andi Manzano couldn’t be prouder of her firstborn
for initiating to pick up trash by the beach
the mom of three shared a video of Olivia picking up garbage by the beach using a pair of thongs
an activity she said her daughter decided to do on her own
Andi expressed that witnessing her daughter take such small yet impactful steps for the environment reassures her that she's on the right track in raising her kids
“When we went to the beach this weekend
I asked her what she wanted to do — swim
‘I want to pick up trash on the beach
Mom,’” Andi wrote in the caption
“I told her how proud I am of her because these little things really matter and make a difference,” she added
Good job, Olivia — maybe next time, you can take on the more important step of reducing plastic production! This way, plastic pollution is managed and minimized, and you won't need to keep picking up trash on the beach because there won't be any.
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Penalties and Roncero's Tweet | Real Madrid Confidencial FIRST TEAM Tomás Roncero Explodes Against Gil Manzano and Maeso over Bernabéu ScandalThe journalist claims two penalties in favor of Real Madrid and the origin of the play of Celta's first goal04/05/2025 17:10:00h by Alex Moreno
Tomás Roncero couldn't contain his anger after the Real Madrid - Celta de Vigo match
The journalist from AS and panelist on El Chiringuito harshly criticized the refereeing by Gil Manzano and the performance of the VAR
but not without controversy: “Two penalties
one on Fede Valverde and another by Marcos Alonso
to the limbo,” Roncero wrote on his X account
Real Madrid claimed two penalties during the match
for a clear handball by Marcos Alonso inside the area
was a grab by Yoel Lago on Fede Valverde when he was going alone
A decision that could have changed the course of the match
Celta de Vigo's goal that made it 3-1 on the scoreboard came from a corner that wasn't
The ball clearly touched a Galician striker
It's not the first time Gil Manzano has caused controversy at Bernabéu
Real Madrid had already had run-ins with the Extremaduran referee in the past
Roncero was the clearest voice: “This is unbearable
Two clear penalties and an invented corner
the white club expects more rigorous refereeing
Manzano freshman Isaiah Schmedes tees off during the boys Albuquerque Metro Golf Championship on Tuesday at Arroyo Del Oso golf course
Albuquerque Academy’s Thomas Whitten chips on to the green during the boys Albuquerque Metro Golf Championship on Tuesday
Volcano Vista’s Isaac Cota watches his ball as it heads towards the green
during the boys Albuquerque Metro Golf Championship at Arroyo Del Oso golf course in Albuquerque on Tuesday
A birdie binge sent a Manzano freshman to the Albuquerque Metro Golf Championship on Tuesday
Isaiah Schmedes overcame a poor start and finished with a flourish to shoot a 2-under par round of 70 — the only player in the field to finish in red numbers — and that carried him to a three-shot victory for the individual metro title
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Freshman Isaiah Schmedes of Manzano won the ABQ metro title today at Arroyo del Oso. His 2-under 70 was three shots clear of the field. Here is Isaiah: pic.twitter.com/TqqpxkPizp
James Yodice covers high school sports. You can reach him at jyodice@abqjournal.com
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A woman has been charged with second-degree murder in the death of a television reporter last month while he was on assignment to cover the Super Bowl in New Orleans
a 27-year-old reporter and anchor for Telemundo based in Kansas City
5 in his hotel room in the New Orleans suburb of Kenner
on charges that she had stolen Manzano's cellphone and bank cards
Kenner Police Chief Keith Conley told a news conference streamed online Tuesday that a charge of second-degree murder had been added against Colbert
who remained jailed since her arrest last month
He said a suspected accomplice had been arrested in Fort Lauderdale
a 27-year-old reporter and anchor for Telemundo
has now been charged with second-degree murder. Denny Medley-Imagn ImagesThe decision to charge Colbert in Manzano's death was made despite preliminary autopsy results being inconclusive as to whether he was killed or died accidentally
did not immediately respond to an email message seeking comment Tuesday
He said last month that police were making "assumptions and guesses" to link Colbert to Manzano's death
told reporters that the autopsy found Manzano died from "positional asphyxia" as he was lying face down on a pillow and unable to breathe after ingesting a combination of alcohol and the depressant Xanax
"Both of them are central nervous system depressants
adding: "One of the dangers is you end up in a position where you are obstructing your ability to breathe."
Conley said he was "very confident" authorities have enough evidence to successfully prosecute Colbert for murder
though he declined to discuss specifics of their case
Police have previously said security video from the hotel where Manzano was staying showed him and Colbert entering his room together the day of his death
Footage showed Colbert leaving without him about an hour later
Authorities have said Colbert later used Manzano's credit card to make a purchase at a New Orleans gas station and several stores in the area
Police have also said Manzano's medical records showed no prescriptions for Xanax or other depressants
and that they recovered the drug from Colbert's home
there's a lot of pieces in this puzzle," the police chief said
"We recognize it's going to be a circumstantial case."
As for the man charged with theft and fraud alongside Colbert
Conley said only that police had found "correspondence and information where they were going back and forth
we think they were working hand-in-hand in concert with each other."
a Louisiana jury found Colbert guilty of theft and fraud charges in an unrelated case
Colbert was twice arrested in Las Vegas on felony charges of grand larceny and administering a drug to aid in a felony crime
she was accused of drugging men in their hotel rooms and stealing from them
The charges were dismissed because the victims did not want to testify in court
because who truly knows one week after the draft which top picks won’t do well in the NFL
But even with how wrong I was about some picks last year—go ahead, make fun of me—I was O.K
with the list I formed because I put more focus into the surroundings and less on the player
Malik Nabers was an elite talent in college
but he joined one of the worst rosters in the league
But Nabers still found a way to be electric
even though the New York Giants rotated Jones
the focus was more on the team’s poor track record at certain positions
versatility can be a negative if a team doesn't know how to apply it
there were a handful of red flags that made it more about the player
but there’s a strong chance this prediction will look foolish midway through the 2025 season
let’s get to the top five most likely draft busts from the NFC
but the Saints haven’t had success lately with knowing where to place players on their offensive line
has struggled playing at both tackle spots
had somewhat of a disappointing rookie year after an impressive training camp
becoming the team’s third starting left tackle in as many years if the team moves Fuaga to the right side and make Penning the backup swing tackle
but that would mean giving Penning another season to prove himself
new coach Kellen Moore needs to deliver better results on the offensive line
This franchise hasn’t gotten much right there
going back to the 2020 first-round selection of Cesar Ruiz
with top-10 picks often reserved for tackles
it’s tough to think the Saints finally got it right with a first-round offensive lineman
The Falcons received an A grade from me for this first-round selection because of the endless possibilities of how to utilize Walker
a hybrid defender who can rush the passer and be a sideline-to-sideline playmaker
But that kind of versatility could cause some coaches to overthink
This will be a delicate balance for Falcons coach Raheem Morris and defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich
It will be easier with the team’s other first-rounder
is a natural pass rusher who can rely on athleticism to chase down quarterbacks
Perhaps Pearce’s presence leads to Walker playing more off-ball linebacker in his rookie season
giving Walker time to settle in at one position before being unleashed as a pass rusher
the Falcons could use all the help they can get at edge rusher
but that might be his best position because of how he uses his speed and length to his advantage
Atlanta got it right by adding Walker’s vast skill set
but it won’t be easy to form a role that eventually makes him a chess piece for Morris and Ulbrich
The 49ers have struggled to find a productive No
It’s tough to assess whether San Francisco finally found the right player to hold down the role for many years to come partly because Williams didn’t have the breakout junior season many expected him to have at Georgia due to a nagging ankle injury
but he’s just as strong as Williams and might offer more in terms of athleticism
If Williams can develop more tools and rely more on skills to break free
then adding the Georgia product to this list could look silly by next draft season
The Saints might have put too much stock into how pro-ready Shough is after spending seven years in college
Spending a second-round pick on Shough gives the Saints another potential Week 1 starter in case the team can’t find a resolution with Derek Carr
But this appears to be more of a 2025 fix and not a long-term answer at quarterback
Maybe Moore can get Shough to produce immediately to possibly make him a franchise quarterback
but the older rookie was praised by the draft experts for his high floor
If Shough, who dealt with multiple injuries in college, turns out to be more of a QB2, expect the Saints to look for a quarterback again next year. Maybe then they’ll stop messing around and actually draft a top-rated quarterback in the first round, which they haven’t done since 1971 when they took Archie Manning.
Nolen might be the biggest boom-or-bust prospect from the 2025 draft. His physical traits scream Jalen Carter-like potential, but it’s tough to ignore the red flags. He had two lackluster seasons at Texas A&M before his breakout season at Ole Miss. Scouts and draft experts reportedly had a hard time searching for glowing reviews from Nolen’s stint with the Aggies.
Nolen’s physical gifts are worth betting on, but there are plenty of concerns with this first-round selection.
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Real Madrid suffered more than expected to defeat Celta at Santiago Bernabéu
They went from having the match completely under control with a 3-0 lead to suffering until the last moment with a 3-2
for not calling two penalties: one on Fede Valverde
In a message posted on his X account, formerly known as Twitter, Tomás Roncero was blunt
Where the heck was the VAR," indicated the journalist from El Chiringuito
The first of the two penalties demanded by Tomás Roncero occurred after the 70th minute
clearly brought down Valverde in his area..
it went to the 3-2 that Celta would later score
The former FC Barcelona player clearly palmed the ball with his hand when Mbappé had it
in an action that should have been called as a penalty
Although Ancelotti's team seemed to have the match under control
the truth is they ended up suffering until the last moment
Courtois had to appear several times to prevent Celta from equalizing
The gap is only four points from the lead
Real Madrid visits Montjuïc to face FC Barcelona
LaLiga could be closed or more open than ever
and Real Madrid has its sights set on winning LaLiga
as Tomás Roncero has pointed out on several occasions..
➡️ Real Madrid
a reporter for KGKC Telemundo Kansas City and Tico Sports
was found dead in his hotel room in Kenner
A woman who police said was seen going into Manzano's hotel room hours before he was found dead -- Danette Colbert of Slidell
Louisiana -- was initially charged with property crimes
including theft and fraud-related offenses
after police said she had his cellphone and credit card in her home
she was also booked on a second-degree murder charge
"We recognize it's going to be a circumstantial case," Conley said during a press briefing
though he called getting the probable cause affidavit signed for the second-degree murder charge "a good start."
We are still investigating this case around the clock," he said
Surveillance video shows Manzano and Colbert at his hotel the morning of Feb
Colbert was seen leaving his room and coming back
No one else entered the room and Manzano never left
Manzano died from the combined effects of Xanax -- an anti-anxiety medication -- and alcohol along with "positional asphyxia," Jefferson Parish coroner Dr
His alcohol level was almost three times the legal limit
The manner of death is undetermined due to the "uncertain circumstances" of the case
and that's whether or not there's positional asphyxia," the coroner said
given the uncertain circumstances of this case and the additional collection of circumstances of this case
we felt that the most appropriate manner of death is undetermined."
An alleged accomplice of Colbert's in the property crimes has also been arrested
He faces the same property crime charges as Colbert
"We found correspondence and information where they were going back and forth
So we think they were working hand in hand
in concert with each other on this," Conley said
the Kenner Police Department said it has been contacted by people "claiming to be victims or reporting suspicious deaths under similar circumstances."
Colbert was ordered held without bail on Feb
25 after a judge in Jefferson Parish decided she was a flight risk and a danger
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while Rickey White was named an alleged accomplice in the death of Adan Manzano
Adan Manzano/TelemundoKC/Instagram; Kenner Police; Broward County Sheriff's Office
1 pick and their new franchise quarterback
but it’s still worth asking whether the Titans made a mistake passing on Travis Hunter and Abdul Carter
the consensus top two prospects in this draft class
That’s the first of many questions we’ll be asking ourselves Thursday night
when The MMQB will be grading every first-round pick
We’ll have continuous coverage of everything happening in Green Bay through Saturday
Irrelevant comes off the board with the final pick at No
This post will be updated throughout the draft in real-time as each of the picks are selected
The most predictable pick in the NFL draft came to fruition after the Titans announced Ward as their next franchise quarterback
Ward separated himself from the other QB prospects because of his high football IQ and dazzling off-scripted plays
The hard-throwing Miami product drew comparisons to Kyler Murray and Jordan Love
Occasionally, Ward got in trouble for his backyard football habits, but he has the ideal skill set to have a successful pro career. Titans coach Brian Callahan and the team’s new front office are taking a risk here
prioritizing a need at quarterback instead of selecting the best prospect
But at least the Titans know Ward has the work ethic to possibly reach his high potential
evident from his rise as a no-star recruit who earned his shots at Washington State and Miami after playing for Incarnate Word
ball placement and ability to extend plays to be a standout NFL starter
and he’s advanced with his eyes—he moves defenders out of zones
and is comfortable throwing receivers open in zones
He can throw with different arm angles and can make plays outside of structure
though he’s more of a pocket passer than a true dual threat
still battles inconsistent decision making
Hunter is one of the most unique talents to ever come into the NFL
starring as both a corner and receiver for the Buffaloes
Hunter caught 153 passes for 1,979 yards and 20 touchdowns
he notched seven interceptions in that span as well
the Biletnikoff Award as the nation’s best receiver
and the Bednarik Award as the best defender in college football
but Hunter is unique—he plays both at a high level
Hunter will enter the NFL as a better corner than receiver—he’s not an overly nuanced route-runner at this stage and largely won collegiately with his athleticism—but his ball skills and playmaking ability will translate to big plays as a pro
Hunter is proficient in man and zone coverage
and is terrific when the ball is in the air
Hunter should get touches on offense early
but he’s better suited to be a starting cornerback from the moment he arrives
Along with Hunter, many evaluators in the league believe Carter is the best prospect in the draft
totaling a nation-high 24 tackles for loss and 12 sacks while earning first-team All-American status
speed and pass-rush tools to be a Day 1 star
effective hands and a bendy lower half to win around the corner
Carter has a fluid spin move to counter inside when tackles overplay his speed
He’s a balanced rusher with quality instincts and innate feel for blockers’ intentions
and makes plays in pursuit against the run
but he’s not an above-average run defender at this stage
and he should be a dominant pass rusher as a 3-4 outside linebacker
Everyone knows his story at this point. Campbell was everyone’s top offensive tackle prospect until he measured with 32⅝-inch arms at the combine
At the LSU pro day that number was bumped to 33 inches
Campbell made first-team All-SEC in 2023 and first-team All-American in '24
Scouting report: A three-year starter at left tackle
smooth mover who fared well against the SEC’s gauntlet of pass rushers this fall
can displace defenders in the run game and is a dominant pass protector
Campbell allowed only one sack and five quarterback hits in 2024
319-pounder projects as a steady protector for the foreseeable future
This is one of the best defensive tackle classes we’ve seen in years
and Graham is universally viewed at the top of the heap
Starring for the Wolverines over the past two years
he’s been a first-team All-Big Ten member and a first-team All-American over that span while notching nine sacks across three years in Ann Arbor
and his legs rarely stall—he can condense pockets with power and makes it difficult for linemen to anchor
has twitch when changing directions and maximizes his hands to aid his attack from various alignments
Graham had only nine sacks across three seasons
lacks elite length with 32-inch arms and is stable but not special against double teams
instincts and disruption create an elite blend
Jeanty led the nation in carries and rushing yards in 2024
Boise StateJeanty has a case as the best running back prospect to enter the NFL since Saquon Barkley strolled in from Penn State in 2018
The Boise State product led the nation in carries (374)
rushing yardage (2,601) and all-purpose yardage (2,750) along with 29 touchdowns
He’s an all-world talent who should immediately be one of the league’s top backs
Scouting report: Jeanty has high-level athleticism
a fluid lower half and speed with his compact 5' 8½" and 211-pound frame
Jeanty sees holes developing and has a strong feel for the defense’s flow
He manipulates second-level defenders with his eyes and feet
and he varies his pace dependent on when he needs to hit a gap
Jeanty is a willing and capable blocker who picks up blitzing linebackers with the same power he runs through them as a ballcarrier
Jeanty boasts elite contact balance and lower body strength
He’ll change the complexity of an offense from Day 1
Membou is now set to fill the void the Jets have at right tackle after the departure of Morgan Moses
Membou flourished as a three-year starting right tackle
earning second-team All-SEC honors in his final season at Missouri
Membou displayed patience and agility in pass protection
He also built a reputation for being a physical finisher in his run blocks
Scouting report: An athletic yet proportionally unique right tackle
Membou didn’t allow a sack or quarterback hit in 2024
and pass rushers have a difficult time against him due to his hands and feet
has the makings of a stout strongside protector
Byrce Young is going to enjoy throwing downfield shots to the massive 6' 4"
McMillan’s sizable catch radius and elite ball skills made him one of the top receiver prospects in this draft
There were predraft concerns about his work ethic
with McMillan coming off back-to-back seasons of recording at least 84 catches
Scouting report: McMillan is a fluid mover who is efficient entering and exiting breaks
strong hands and high-level concentration allow him to make difficult catches in traffic
He should be a productive target for Young early in his career
In a tackle class that doesn’t get anybody all that excited
Banks is a top-three prospect at the position alongside Campbell of LSU and Missouri’s Membou
Banks could kick inside if things don’t work at left tackle
but he’s shown enough to earn playing on the outside to start
At 6' 5" and 315 pounds with 33½-inch arms
Banks has a strong lower half with good linear quickness
enabling him to generate movement at the point of attack and pick up second-level defenders in the run game
can stay in front of speed rushers and anchor against power rushers
but his pad level and body control are tested against physical punches
he has the goods to be a long-term starter in the NFL
Loveland was the first tight end drafted Thursday night
But there’s no denying he made his presence felt as a pass catcher during his three seasons with Michigan
including being the leading receiver for the national championship team in 2023
The versatile playmaker recorded a combined 101 catches for 1,332 yards and nine touchdowns in his final two collegiate seasons
He needs to improve as an inline tight end
but he’s a sure bet for being a productive pass catcher at the next level for Bears quarterback Caleb Williams
Scouting report: Loveland fits the modern mold of an NFL tight end
248-pound frame with explosiveness and fluid direction changes
He’s capable of stretching defenses vertically down the seam
is a threat after the catch due to his athleticism and contact balance and has impressive ball skills to make plays above the rim and in traffic
Loveland lacks elite strength and struggles with consistent pad level
but he gives effort and has experience pulling
He should be an early impact pass catcher who can align in the slot or at the end of the line of scrimmage
Williams had five sacks last season for the Bulldogs
Jones / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images11
GeorgiaThe 49ers are adding help for Nick Bosa
267-pound Williams has the skill set to make an immediate impact
Williams didn’t have the monster junior season many expected him to have for the Bulldogs partly because of a nagging ankle injury
But Williams showed plenty of toughness and still found ways to make plays despite the limitations
Williams played 12 games and had 8.5 tackles for loss
Scouting report: Williams can win with lateral quickness
and has legitimate power to condense pockets with a bull rush
He’s instinctual with a good feel for approaching blockers
Williams isn’t overly fluid in his lower half
and he’s a powerful finisher when he gets to the quarterback
Williams needs to reduce his number of ineffective pass-rushing snaps
athleticism and hands make him an intriguing prospect
Booker is the top guard prospect in this class
The 321-pound Connecticut native earned second-team All-American and first-team All-SEC honors in 2024
playing with both power and technique while having 34½’-inch arms
Booker started 26 games over three seasons
big-bodied left guard at 6' 5" and 321 pounds
Booker has tremendous strength to sustain blocks and drive defensive linemen out of rushing lanes
Booker won’t impress with his athleticism—his 1.96 10-yard split and 27-inch vertical jump at the combine leave a lot to be desired—and he’s an average puller
who was a team captain in 2024 and has experience at left tackle and both guard positions
intelligence and versatility to be an instant starter in a power-gap system
Grant doesn’t get the same amount of attention as his former teammate in Mason Graham
The 331-pounder was a dominant force on the interior for Michigan
showing the ability to stuff the run while also getting upfield to total 6.5 sacks over the past two years
He’s the best pure nose tackle in this class
Scouting report: Grant naturally takes up considerable space
but he’s more than just a big body against the run
He has the power and length to stack and shed offensive linemen
can win matchups with quickness and is fast enough to make plays in pursuit
from his plan and counter moves to the depth of his arsenal
who’s regarded by many as the best tight end prospect in the draft
is expected to make life easier for his new quarterback—whether that’s Anthony Richardson or Daniel Jones
Warren could end up being a “YAC” monster at the next level due to his reputation of extending plays and forcing missed tackles
Warren had a whopping 104 catches for 1,233 yards and eight touchdowns last season
Scouting report: At 6' 5 and 256 pounds
Warren made plays nearly everywhere in Penn State’s creative offense
took handoffs and was one of college football’s most productive pass catchers
Warren has terrific ball skills to finish catches above the rim and in tight quarters
and he’s a threat after the catch with his strength
ball skills and burst out of breaks make him an elite pass catcher
Warren should be a game-changer early in his pro career
The Falcons finally drafted an edge rusher in the first round
Walker could have a standout NFL career as a hybrid defender
He’s undersized as a 6' 1" and 243-pound edge rusher
Walker said he welcomes the role of being a chess piece
He excels at covering plenty of ground thanks to his outstanding change of direction abilities
The first-team All-American recorded 60 tackles and 6.5 sacks last season
versatile defender who makes most of his plays working downhill or running to the sideline
a reliable tackler and closes with tremendous burst
Walker is powerful at the punch and can win with both speed and hand refinement as a pass rusher
Walker likely won’t be an every-down edge player
but he can make plays as a traditional off-ball linebacker on early downs while opening creative avenues as a blitzer in passing situations
Nolen was a consensus All-American and first-team SEC in 2024 after producing 6.5 sacks and 14 tackles for loss
Ole MissNolen showed flashes of being a game-wrecker in his lone season at Ole Miss
He’ll now join a revamped defensive line in Arizona that just added edge rusher Josh Sweat and defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson
becoming a consensus All-American and first-team All-SEC
Nolen had a team-high 14 tackles for loss and added 6.5 sacks
but there’s no denying his high upside after what he flashed at Ole Miss
quickness and production to be a quality pro
He holds the point of attack and can get off blockers in time to stop the run
But Nolen’s hand usage and pass-rush repertoire aren’t where they need to be
He exposes his body to blockers too often and struggles finding a counter
He has trouble against double teams and can be moved out of rushing lanes
There are highs and lows on Nolen’s tape—he’s uber talented but has kinks to work out at the next level
The Bengals added some much-needed help for their defense
267-pound Stewart excelled at creating pressure from multiple positions in the Aggies’ crowded defensive front
There’s plenty of untapped potential with Stewart
but his lack of sacks in college might be concerning for teams
He was held to 1.5 sacks in each of his three seasons
Scouting report: There may not be a more physically talented prospect in the class than Stewart
who ran a 4.59 40-yard dash at the combine
Stewart pairs a quick first step with a powerful punch
he knocks back tackles and compresses the pocket
which leads to his rushes usually stalling
Stewart is a stout run defender who sets a good edge
he’ll be a versatile piece who plays well on early downs while he develops as a pass rusher
Zabel is considered by many as the top center in this draft
but he’s also viewed as one of the best guard prospects
he has the makings of being a stout blocker for Sam Darnold
Those are two positions the versatile Zabel didn’t play last season
starting 16 games as North Dakota State’s left tackle
He started 12 games at right tackle the year prior and started games at left guard and right guard in his five collegiate seasons
Zabel is an exceptional run blocker thanks to his footwork and balance
though his short arms—32 inches—are a detriment to staying engaged on the perimeter
Zabel impressed at center against quality opponents during Senior Bowl practices
and his quickness and position flexibility should give him a good chance to start early
Egbuka spent much of his time with the Buckeyes in the shadow of Marvin Harrison Jr.
but became the top option for Ohio State’s national title team in 2024
Egbuka caught 81 passes for 1,011 yards and 10 touchdowns while making third-team All-Big Ten
Egbuka belongs in the top tier of receivers in this class
Scouting report: While Egbuka won’t amaze with his numbers or explosion
dependable pass catcher who’s quite good in a lot of areas
Egbuka has enough speed to make plays vertically
his ball skills are impressive and he’s a sudden
fluid mover who can separate against man coverage
Ohio State creatively involved him in blocking schemes
a nod to Egbuka’s toughness and selflessness
Barron is the best slot corner in this draft
The former Longhorns star played 57 games over his five years in Austin
notching eight interceptions including five as a redshirt senior
He comes into the league with solid size for a nickel back at 5'11" and 195 pounds
helping him utilize physicality on the inside
Scouting report: The winner of the Jim Thorpe Award given annually to the nation’s top defensive back
Barron is a versatile playmaker who finished tied for fourth in the FBS with five interceptions in 2024
and often puts himself in advantageous positions due to his instincts and route recognition
Harmon had 10.5 tackles for loss and five sacks at Oregon
/ Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard/USA TODAY NETWORK / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images21
OregonHarmon is firmly in the second tier of defensive tackles in this class
Harmon started 13 games after spending his first three years with the Michigan State Spartans
the second-team All-American totaled 10.5 tackles for loss and five sacks with the Ducks
putting himself squarely in the first round conversation
Scouting report: Long and explosive at 6' 4½" and 313 pounds
Harmon generates pressure inside and outside on the defensive line
He has powerful hands and can win at the line of scrimmage
but he’s laterally quick enough to navigate the edge of blockers
and with his diverse repertoire of pass-rush moves
he can be part of rush units early in his professional career
Hampton has all the traits of an elite running back
and is the clear-cut top prospect at the position outside of Jeanty
the 221-pound star ran for 1,660 yards and 15 touchdowns last season
ranking third nationally in the former category
notching 38 receptions for 373 yards as a junior
Scouting report: Twice a second-team All-American
physical runner best suited for a power-gap scheme that highlights his downhill running style
well-timed patience and a strong base that makes him difficult for defenders to wrap up
Hampton is a serviceable security blanket out of the backfield
but his game mostly revolves around wearing down defenses and punishing prospective tacklers
Golden should step into his new role as an immediate starter with star-level upside
Golden played 16 games last season after spending two years with the Houston Cougars
and caught 58 passes for 987 yards and nine touchdowns
Golden ran a blazing 4.29 40-time at the combine
Scouting report: Golden played his best ball during the Longhorns’ College Football Playoff run
and he’s one of the more explosive receivers in the class
Golden has legitimate juice to threaten and stack cornerbacks vertically
He has strong hands and makes plays in traffic
Jackson is a mountain of a man at 6' 4" and 315 pounds
and started 40 games for the Buckeyes including nine at left tackle after Justin Simmons tore his patellar tendon last autumn
Jackson is expected to kick back inside where he spent the bulk of his college career
first-team All-Big Ten selection and last year was named a second-team All-American
Scouting report: Jackson earned 31 starts from 2022 to ’24
He has smooth feet to redirect and anchor as a pass blocker
and he’s an explosive mover when pulling and climbing in the run game
Jackson is best suited for a wide-zone scheme where he can get in space and seal rushing lanes
Ole MissThere may be no more polarizing prospect in this class than Dart
The 21-year-old Utah native led the SEC in 2024 with a 69.3% completion rate and 4,279 passing yards to accompany 29 touchdowns against six interceptions
Dart has solid size but there are questions abound about his process and footwork
Scouting report: Dart checks a lot of boxes
and he routinely threads tight windows on the perimeter and over the middle
He has a good feel for pressure with the athleticism to navigate the pocket
and is a threat with his legs primarily as a scrambler but with the occasional designed run mixed in
he’s accurate on the move and showed he can work through reads
There are traits to work with but also concerns to address—and he likely needs at least one year to fix them
The Falcons doubled up on edge rusher with the athletically gifted Pearce
he could be the best edge rusher in this class
but he needs to improve as a technician and not rely as much on his physical gifts
Perhaps the work ethic could explain why Pearse didn’t average more than 35 defensive snaps per game during the past two seasons at Tennessee
racking up a combined 17.5 sacks and 27.5 tackles for loss
Scouting report: Pearce is a high-gear speed rusher with a quick first step
excellent change of direction and flexible ankles
He’s slender at 6' 5" and 243 pounds
and lacks proportional length with 32¾-inch arms
but he’s capable of going speed to power with a strong punch
Pearce had 55 quarterback hurries and 7.5 sacks in 2024
his second year as a first-team All-SEC selection
Pearce needs to get stronger to become a more consistent run defender
but his speed and power generate an enticing pass-rush profile—and his production backs it up
Starks was a productive do-it-all defensive back for the Bulldogs
His versatile skill set allowed him to play at free safety and nickel corner
He’s a savvy playmaker who could also earn snaps as a special teams ace
Starks had a team-high 77 tackles with one interception last season
Scouting report: A versatile chess piece on the back end
man coverage in the slot and rotate down in the box in run defense
who earned All-American honors in his final two seasons and recorded six interceptions
is a loose mover with quick feet and fluid hips
He opens his hips prematurely at times in man coverage
he struggles taking on blockers in the box
He takes narrow pursuit angles that lead to big plays
and he lost discipline in zone too often in 2024
but he won’t have to worry about job security if the elite run defense skills carry into Sundays
329-pound space eater recorded a combined 18 tackles for loss the past two seasons
Scouting report: Williams spent much of his time at 3-technique on Ohio State’s defensive line
Nimble and powerful at the point of attack
Williams is a quality run defender who can reset the line of scrimmage and get off blocks to make plays
He has enough pop in his hands to routinely displace blockers
though he struggles at times to anchor against double teams
but he’s an inconsistent pass rusher due to high pad level and a lack of counter moves
He had only 2.5 sacks and one quarterback hit in 2024
Conerly was viewed by many as a borderline first-round pick as one of the top five offensive tackles in the class
Conerly started 28 games over the past two years while being named first-team All-Big Ten and third-team All-American
Projected to be a starter on the left side
Scouting report: Conerly has started at left tackle each of the past two years but has experience protecting quarterbacks’ blind and strong sides
He’s quick and smooth-footed in his kick slide as a pass protector
and when he wins the race to first contact
he’s difficult to beat—he allowed only one sack in 2024
Conerly has enough strength to drive defensive ends out of rushing lanes and help spring big runs
311-pounder struggles anchoring against power rushers and is only average in space as a run blocker
Conerly has the requisite tools to play tackle
though he may need some seasoning before being thrown into the fire
Hairston is one of the smallest players in this draft
He’s also one of the fastest after running a 4.28 40-time at the combine
Hairston played 32 games including 20 starts
he was limited to seven games with a shoulder injury
Scouting report: Hairston has the instincts
footwork and fluidity to thrive in both man and zone systems
which enables him to play man coverage and balance responsibilities in zone
he has the athleticism and refinement to be a starter
Campbell was first-team All-SEC last season
AlabamaCampbell is one of the best prospects in this class regardless of position
and is almost certainly the top pure linebacker
playing 35 games over the past three years including 26 over the past two campaigns
Campbell was a first-team All-SEC member while totaling 117 tackles
Scouting report: Campbell looks the part at 6' 3" and 235 pounds
fluid mover with tremendous range in pursuit
Campbell is an asset on passing downs—he gets tremendous depth on his zone drops
and his five sacks highlight his effectiveness as a blitzer
Campbell’s inconsistent with his hands and can be handled by blockers
and his instincts and run fits aren’t fully developed
But his athleticism helps mitigate his immediate shortcomings
the closer he should get to reaching his ceiling as an impactful
The Chiefs are rolling the dice on Simmons
who probably would have heard his name called a lot sooner if he hadn’t injured his knee in October to cut short his senior year
After starting his collegiate career as a right tackle for San Diego State
Simmons ascended as one of the best left tackles in the country
317-pound lineman started 13 games at left tackle in 2023 before suffering a knee injury six games into his ’24 season
Simmons is athletic and strong enough to start early in his professional career
has a strong core and moves with tremendous balance
allowing him to handle both speed and power rushers
though he too often misses at the second level as a run blocker
Simmons suffered a torn patellar tendon after six games in 2024
and his 33-inch arms are serviceable but unspectacular for a tackle
He’s expected to be healthy for the start of the season and should be a factor as a rookie
Seahawks See Immediate BoostLet’s re-evaluate our initial draft grades with an eye toward which teams helped themselves the most for the upcoming season
Now that the dust has settled, it’s time to reevaluate the 2025 NFL draft classes from the NFC
This is not to say that we don’t stand by our immediate draft grades
but there are multiple ways to judge a draft class
let’s focus more on potential immediate impact players and future stars
but no one is going to care that the Las Vegas Raiders drafted a running back in the top six picks if Ashton Jeanty becomes the next Saquon Barkley
Or that the Carolina Panthers passed on a defensive player in the first round if wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan becomes an All-Pro and helps with the development of Bryce Young
So with a different perspective a week later, below I’ll rank the NFC draft classes from 16 to 1. My colleague Matt Verderame ranked the AFC draft classes
The 49ers added plenty of size and strength to their defensive line
But San Francisco might have focused too much on Williams’s ability to stop the run
He still has a ways to grow as a pass rusher
320-pound Collins can also easily shed blockers and stop the run
but it’s hard not to think the 49ers reached too much for needs in this draft
and there’s a possibility they reached for the wrong positions
The interior of the 49ers’ offensive line could be a problem this season
The Saints took a gamble drafting Shough over Jalen Milroe and Shedeur Sanders
two signal-callers who offered more upside
partly because of a lengthy history with injuries
That’s very concerning for a team that might need Shough to be available for every game as a rookie
depending on what happens with the Derek Carr dilemma
New Orleans went the safer route with the first pick
But this team doesn’t have a good track record when it comes to developing prize offensive lineman
The Rams got a gift when the Falcons made them a hard-to-refuse offer for their No
26 pick in exchange for a first rounder next year and other selections
Los Angeles hindered this year’s roster a bit
The Rams dropped 20 spots to select Ferguson
who was viewed by many draft experts as the fifth-rated tight end prospect
The team passed on drafting tight end Elijah Arroyo
Los Angeles neglected a few needs in the back of the defense
but made a strength even stronger with the selection of Stewart
but that might not have solved their problem of needing a legitimate No
Perhaps one day Golden can develop into an all-around threat
he’ll mostly just help the offense stretch the field as a speedy weapon for Jordan Love
Williams drew comparisons to Deebo Samuel for his ability to make plays from the backfield
The Packers added depth to the offensive line with Belton
The Vikings had the right approach selecting Jackson in the first round to complete their offensive line makeover this offseason
McCarthy will surely benefit from this pick
But Minnesota appears light on immediate impact players from this draft class with only five picks
The Vikings didn’t have many holes to begin with
but they could use some help in the secondary
Conerly is part of the new group tasked with protecting Jayden Daniels
the Commanders were weak on the offensive line and at cornerback
That could change in 2025 with the arrivals of Conerly and Amos
Conerly could immediately start at right tackle
on the opposite side of veteran newcomer Laremy Tunsil
Amos joins a cornerback rotation of Marshon Lattimore
This draft class could look even better if Lane emerges as a quality No
The Lions’ draft class wasn’t well received by the football public because they didn’t add many recognizable names
Williams was regarded as the best run stopper in the draft
but he’ll need time to develop as a pass rusher
Ratledge could fill in at guard and make up for the loss of Kevin Zeitler this offseason
it will be interesting to see what Detroit does with the intriguing TeSlaa
the athletically gifted wideout who can play inside and outside
The Eagles lost plenty of production with the free-agency departures of Josh Sweat and Milton Williams
could help with the voids in the defensive front
There are also holes in the secondary with the losses of Darius Slay and C.J
but Mukuba can help there as a defensive back who can play nickel and safety
But filling all these needs won’t all fall on the shoulders of the first two picks
selecting multiple players for the trenches on both sides of the ball
I wasn’t fond of the Bears getting complacent with their offensive line
waiting until the back end of the second round to address their tackle concerns
But they certainly got better at the skill positions
Chicago better be right about its retooled offensive line because the team found out last year that skill players don’t go far without the quarterback being protected
Perhaps Trapilo can be an immediate starter in case the new coaching staff decides to move on from Braxton Jones
the left tackle currently rehabbing from a broken ankle
Turner is an intriguing prospect who could provide a boost for the defensive front
The Falcons could end their seven-year playoff drought
having addressed their biggest need with a potential draft steal in Walker
They also made one of the riskiest decisions in the NFL draft
Atlanta put its future on the line by trading its 2026 first-round pick to the Rams to select Pearce
the freakishly athletic edge rusher with plenty of untapped potential
26 pick occurred after the Falcons took Walker at No
which was a bit surprising because many viewed Walker as a top-10 pick
Atlanta has had an unconventional way of operating in the offseason
but there’s no denying this could be an impressive team in 2025 if Michael Penix Jr
and Walker and Pearce hit the ground running
This could be a draft class to remember if the first two picks reach their potential
Nolen has the skill set to be a game wrecker
but there are concerns with his practice habits
Johnson probably should have been the first cornerback selected
especially in a defense that lacked talent the past few seasons
coach Jonathan Gannon could produce a top-10 defense after the influx of talent
The Panthers spent their first-round pick on a weapon for Bryce Young. / Kirby Lee-Imagn Images4. Carolina PanthersGrade: A-
• Round 1: No. 8: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona• Round 2: No. 51: Nic Scourton, edge, Texas A&M• Round 3: No. 77: Princely Umanmielen, edge, Ole Miss• Round 4: No. 114: Trevor Etienne, RB, Georgia• Round 4: No. 122: Lathan Ransom, S, Ohio State• Round 5: No. 140: Cam Jackson, DT, Florida• Round 5: No. 163: Mitchell Evans, TE, Notre Dame• Round 6: No. 208: Jimmy Horn Jr., WR, Colorado
• Round 1: No. 12: Tyler Booker, G, Alabama• Round 2: No. 44: Donovan Ezeiruaku, edge, Boston College• Round 3: No. 76: Shavon Revel Jr., CB, East Carolina• Round 5: No. 149: Jaydon Blue, RB, Texas• Round 5: No. 152: Shemar James, LB, Florida• Round 6: No. 204: Ajani Cornelius, OT, Oregon• Round 7: No. 217: Jay Toia, DT, UCLA• Round 7: No. 239: Phil Mafah, RB, Clemson• Round 7: No. 247: Tommy Akingbesote, DT, Maryland
The Cowboys have had plenty of success drafting offensive lineman in the first round. That’s a good sign for Booker, who will replace the retired Zack Martin, one of the best draft picks ever for the Jones family. With Booker, the Cowboys could once again have one of the best offensive lines in the league, which will benefit their stagnant running game. Perhaps the team did enough there, drafting Blue and Mafah.
In a few years, Revel could end up being the best draft pick from this Cowboys’ class. He’s a first-round talent who would have gone a lot higher if it wasn’t for the injury history. As for another position the Cowboys know well, Ezeiruaku could be the team’s latest standout edge rusher.
• Round 1: No. 19: Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State• Round 2: No. 53: Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame• Round 3: No. 84: Jacob Parrish, CB, Kansas State• Round 4: No. 121: David Walker, edge, Central Arkansas• Round 5: No. 157: Elijah Roberts, edge, SMU• Round 7: No. 235: Tez Johnson, WR, Oregon
The Buccaneers drafted two wide receivers, two cornerbacks and two edge rushers. They leaned into their strengths with the first two positions and created depth for the third group that got a bit exposed in the wild-card loss against the Commanders. There could be an argument made that the Bucs waited too long to draft the edge rushers, but they signed veteran Haason Reddick in free agency, allowing them to take the best players available in the first three rounds.
Egbuka might need to fight for snaps, but veteran Chris Godwin might need some time to make a full recovery from his ankle injury. Also, it’s never a bad idea to get ahead of a looming problem. Godwin and Mike Evans aren’t getting any younger. As for the cornerbacks, Morrison and Parrish could be immediate starters.
But the most intriguing draft pick is the ultra-athletic Milroe, who can help as a red zone threat as a rookie while he gets time to develop into a starter or quality backup—depending on how Sam Darnold does in Seattle.
FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports
— KGKC Telemundo Kansas City is mourning the loss of one of its sports anchors who died while in New Orleans for Super Bowl LIX
died on Wednesday in New Orleans while on assignment to cover the Super Bowl for both Telemundo Kansas City and Tico Sports
KGKC did not say how Manzano died but said they are cooperating with law enforcement as they investigate this tragic event
FOX4 sister station WGNO in New Orleans reports on Friday morning that police in Louisiana arrested Danette Colbert of Slidell
Right now she’s facing fraud and theft-related charges after investigators say she was seen leaving Manzano’s hotel room alone
and allegedly used his credit cards at multiple stores around the New Orleans area
“Adan was a true professional and a rising star
We will deeply miss Adan and his passion for sports
and the contributions he made to the local community
Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”
“To be able to be out there and potentially cover something this historic as a potential three-peat he was very excited for that,” Steve Downing
passionate for sports and that’s what he covered
Passionate for his community as well,” Downing said
Manzano was Telemundo Kansas City’s only journalist in New Orleans covering the game
Downing says they’ll rely on their continued partnership with TICO sports during a time of tremendous loss
“He would have wanted us to keep going and do our best to bring all the color all the excitement all that the Super Bowl means to Kansas City.”
This was Manzano’s third-straight season covering the Super Bowl for Telemundo KC
He will be honored with tributes on Friday night’s local Telemundo newscasts here in Kansas City
“It is with a heavy heart that we can confirm the death of Adan Manzano Aguilar while in New Orleans on assignment for Telemundo Kansas City
and as a member of our Tico Sports Spanish broadcast team
We are cooperating with law enforcement as they are investigating this tragic event
Adan was a talented and professional broadcaster
providing sideline coverage for the Kansas City Chiefs Spanish broadcast and play by play caller for the KC Current
He was an enthusiastic and energetic team player who was well liked and respected
Adan was a devoted father to his young daughter
He will be greatlymissed by our TICO Family and will live on in our hearts and memories.”
Manzano was an award-winning reporter, receiving accolades from the Kansas Association of Broadcasters in 2024
KAB posted on social media that the organization was deeply saddened by his loss
and is sharing condolences with his family
Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas also made a statement on social media
saying: “Adan was so young and full of energy
and truly covered almost every event in the community
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Manzano died as the result of the combined toxic effects of Xanax with alcohol
Adan Manzano/TelemundoKC/Instagram; Kenner Police
Warwick Valley Middle School fifth grader Leila Manzano has a range of talents
she is part of the WVMS Drama Club and she recently took home a first-place prize for engineering at the Warwick Valley Middle School STEM Fair
Leila is part of a ventriloquism duo that received rave reviews for its debut last year during the Park Avenue Elementary talent show
a snail puppet with a big personality and an even bigger appetite
“Walter’s always hungry,” Leila deadpanned
Walter’s rise to fame among the Warwick Valley school community was anything but slow
Leila started regularly bringing him to school
had already been impressed by Leila’s dedication and drive as a clarinet player when he saw Leila and Walter’s act
But after seeing her talent show performance
stage presence and ability to write a crowd-pleasing routine
“I thoroughly enjoyed her skit from start to finish,” he said
“I could see the same intensity and focus she shows in band playing out in a completely different and really creative
Leila first became interested in ventriloquism after watching a Jeff Dunham special with her parents
but noted that Kermit the Frog was the only puppet she knew before then
Leila’s parents explained the idea behind what Dunham was doing and Leila decided to try it herself using YouTube tutorials
It turns out that she had already been training for it without realizing it
Leila had been working on vocal projection
“My mom hates mouth noises,” Leila smirked
I’d make weird sounds without moving my mouth and act like I didn’t know where they were coming from.”
Leila wasn’t always the confident performer she is today
She remembers the nerves that gripped her before she took the stage at the Park Avenue Elementary talent show
I don’t think I can do this.’ I messed up a little bit because I was so nervous
Leila is full of confidence and great advice
Muehlbauer asked students to leave behind words of encouragement for the next generation of band members
Leila’s message left a lasting impression:
Leila’s had quite a few notable personal successes
her own hovercraft design won her the aforementioned first-place STEM Fair prize
and she performed alongside her sister in “Shrek The Musical,” where they both played woodland creatures
Print Sports reporter Adan Manzano was a rising star at Telemundo Kansas City who was thrilled to once again be covering his home team in the Super Bowl
“I think his dream was to report from the sidelines a third time
and to also see a three-peat win for the Kansas City Chiefs
He wanted to celebrate with them,” said his colleague Ely Martinez
creative services director at Telemundo Kansas City
But Manzano never made it to the game. He died Wednesday while on assignment to cover the Super Bowl in New Orleans, his employer Telemundo Kansas City confirmed
Manzano was in town to report on the event for Telemundo Kansas City and Tico Sport. Details of his death are unclear, but a Louisiana woman was arrested on Friday after allegedly using Manzano’s credit card at various stores in the area
“Adan was a true professional and a rising star, who exemplified excellence in his work,” Telemundo Kansas City said in a Facebook post
“We will deeply miss Adan and his passion for sports and the contributions he made to the local community.”
He earned his degree from Kansas State University and joined Telemundo Kansas City (KGKC-TV) in 2021
he was a freelance writer with La Semana del Sur and sports commentator for Reyes Media Group
Telemundo Kansas City General Manager Steve Downing said Manzano’s passion for sports shined through his work
it was always beyond the result of a game or a score line or an event,” said Downing
“He always added his own personal touch and color to it.”
“Adan was a true professional and a rising star, who exemplified excellence in his work,” Telemundo Kansas City said in a Facebook post
(Telemundo Kansas City) The two met in a press box at a Sporting KC event
where Manzano was covering the MLS team with another local news group
Downing approached him about coming to work at the station
which had begun its local operations in 2018
Despite Manzano’s limited experience reporting on-camera
Downing was impressed by his tenacity during a screening test
The unexpected passing has impacted the small newsroom
where staffers said he was more than a colleague
“Adan was a wonderful person from the day I met him
He had a lot of passion and talent,” Martinez said
not just for his professional journalism but also for his ability to illuminate every room he walked into.”
In a segment by KSNT released last year
Manzano shared his love for American football
a sport he grew to enjoy after moving to the U.S
His Spanish-language coverage helped connect new viewers to the game he loved
“People actually reach out to our company and appreciate that we actually speak in their language,” Manzano said
Having covered the Super Bowl from a broadcast booth in 2023
he expressed gratitude for the opportunity to report from the sideline last year
but I never expected that it was going to come that soon,” said Manzano
News of Manzano’s death comes less than a year after his wife, Ashleigh Boyd, was killed in a head-on collision in April, according to Topeka’s WIBW radio station.
The couple leave behind their 2-year old daughter, Eleanor.
Andrea Flores is a reporter with De Los covering the many contours of Latinidad for the Los Angeles Times
She has both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Stanford University and is originally from Waukegan
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Share on FacebookShare on X (formerly Twitter)Share on PinterestShare on LinkedInNEW ORLEANS (KCTV) - A woman charged in connection with the death of Kansas City sports reporter Adan Manzano should not have been on probation at the time
according to the Louisiana Attorney General
Manzano was found dead in his hotel room in February
He was in New Orleans covering the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX for Telemundo Kansas City and Tico Sports
Danette Colbert
is charged with with fraud after New Orleans-area detectives said she used a credit card that belonged to Manzano
Detectives said there is surveillance video showing Manzano and Colbert together in the French Quarter and at Manzano’s hotel
The district attorney and police have said Colbert has an extensive history in the New Orleans area as well as in Las Vegas
Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill said her office will be handling Colber’s case going forward
She also said a motion has been filed to correct what she called “an illegal sentence” involving Colbert
She made the comment regarding Colbert’s criminal history and a crime she previously committed
“Our position is the original sentence was not eligible for probation
The habitual offender notice would attach to resentencing," Murrill said in the statement
Louisiana’s habitual offender law imposes harsher penalties for repeat offenders
especially those convicted of multiple felonies
A date for Colbert’s resentencing is not yet set
The AG’s office declined to provide details of the original crime
if that is the case the AG referred to in her statement
Prosecutors said additional charges could be filed against Colbert
The report is expected to be released in coming weeks
A sports reporter died Wednesday while in New Orleans to cover Super Bowl 59
according to the the Kansas City TV station he worked for
Telemundo Kansas City (KGKC) said Thursday that 27-year-old Adan Manzano
died while on assignment to cover the Super Bowl for both the Spanish language network and Tico Sports
She was a second-grade teacher at Lowman Hill Elementary School
"We are saddened to share that Adan Manzano passed away yesterday in New Orleans," KGKC said in a news release
"We are cooperating with law enforcement as they investigate this tragic event."
KGKC described Manzano as a "true professional and rising star who exemplified excellence in his work." This was Manzano’s third-straight season covering the Super Bowl for the TV station
"We will deeply miss Adan and his passion for sports
and the contributions he made to the local community," the TV station said
"Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to his family and loved ones during this difficult time."
New Orleans police told USA TODAY it does not have any additional information to provide on the incident
Tico Sports released a statement to Fox 4 saying, "Adan was a talented and professional broadcaster, providing sideline coverage for the Kansas City Chiefs Spanish broadcast and play by play caller for the KC Current
He was an enthusiastic and energetic team player who was well liked and respected."
"Adan was a devoted father to his young daughter
He will be greatly missed by our TICO Family and will live on in our hearts and memories," the statement continued
USA TODAY contacted Tico Sports on Thursday but did not immediately receive a response
The accident not only killed the second-grade teacher
but it also seriously injured her infant passenger and the adult driver of another vehicle
Topeka USD 501 Superintendent Tiffany Anderson called Boyd a "bright light" whose "second-grade students loved," according to an email to parents obtained by Topeka Capital-Journal
"Ashleigh was the most kindest, caring, beautiful person. Her sparkling personality was contagious and would light up any room she walked into," her obituary reads
"She was a ray of sunshine and always had a smile on her face
Ashleigh touched so many lives and had a positive influence on everyone she met!"
Share on FacebookShare on X (formerly Twitter)Share on PinterestShare on LinkedInKENNER
12) released a new photo showing Kansas City sports reporter Adan Manzano with Danette Colbert at his hotel before his death
While authorities await Manzano’s toxicology results, investigators are looking into the possibility that Colbert drugged him
a previous victim of Colbert is speaking out about his own encounter with the convicted fraudster
David Butler went to the French Quarter to unwind after working on a renovation project
“They were just standing around outside talking with some other people and asked me if I wanted to go in and have a drink
He remembers leaving his first drink on the table while ordering another
I started feeling very strange just within a matter of minutes,” Butler recalled
I felt like the world around me was going dark and I knew there was something really wrong.”
He said Colbert followed him out and offered to help him get home
my decision-making abilities were significantly impaired,” Butler said
His project manager later found him unresponsive at the renovation site after family members couldn’t reach him
He was vigorously awoken and instead of going to the hospital
“There were multiple emails that showed cryptocurrency funds were transferred out of my bank account,” said Butler
“I later learned that Danette had used my biometrics to access my iPhone whenever I was incapacitated
Butler said Colbert stole a total of $134,000 from his retirement account and through credit card charges
Butler said the funds went to a crypto account with a unique username
leading him to Colbert’s public Facebook page
Butler then contacted the New Orleans Police Department
I mean there was no mention of prostitution,” Butler said
“There was nothing that seemed inappropriate or out of the ordinary in that realm.”
Orleans Criminal Court Judge Nandi Campbell suspended her sentence
granting her probation and ordering her to pay restitution
“I felt like there was a grave injustice done for society and public safety,” Butler said
Buttler says he pushed for jail time and wrote to Judge Campbell
expressing dismay over the lenient sentencing
“Why was someone with such a history of endangering lives given yet another chance
If someone dies due to her actions in the future
their blood will undeniably be on the hands of those who allowed her to escape real accountability today,” Butler’s letter read
According to Kenner Police Chief Keith Conley
Colbert was booked on similar charges in Las Vegas and Jefferson Parish
FOX 8 legal analyst Joe Raspanti said it is unclear if the judge knew Colbert’s criminal history before sentencing
“I think the judge acted appropriately,” Raspanti said
the jury found her guilty of misdemeanor theft and a low-level felony of computer fraud
but I think that was an appropriate sentence based upon what a jury of her peers found her guilty of.”
Kenner Police also say Colbert might be connected to a December 2024 death at a French Quarter hotel
Butler believes if Colbert were behind bars
“I feel a tremendous amount of guilt because I did everything that I feel like I could have done to put her away and it didn’t happen,” Buttler said
Judge Campbell did not respond to requests for comment
and Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams declined to comment
a judge will hear a motion from the Orleans Parish DA’s Office to revoke Colbert’s probation
she remains in custody in Jefferson Parish
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who was a sports reporter for a local Telemundo affiliate in Kansas
died while in New Orleans to cover the 2025 Super Bowl
The journalism community is grieving a tragic loss
Adan Manzano, a Spanish-language sports reporter for Telemundo Kansas City, died while on assignment in New Orleans for the 2025 Super Bowl
“As KGKC's Sports Anchor & Reporter, Adan was a true professional and a rising star, who exemplified excellence in his work,” the station’s general manager Steve Downing shared in a Feb. 6 statement
“We will deeply miss Adan and his passion for sports
and the contributions he made to the local community.”
“Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”
but Downing noted the organization was “cooperating with law enforcement as they investigate this tragic event.”
Originally from Mexico City, Manzano lived in Topeka, Kan., to work for the Telemundo affiliate. In addition to covering the 2024 Super Bowl as a sideline reporter, he had a passion for bringing coverage of the Kansas City Chiefs to the broader Spanish-speaking community
“Kansas City Chiefs are growing so fast in Mexico City,” he said in a Feb. 2024 interview with KSNT 27
“Hispanics’ and Latinos’ favorite sport is soccer
but there’s always a space where football can also be a favorite sport
Nine months prior to his death, Manzano’s wife Ashleigh LeeAnn Boyd Manzano-Aguilar—a second grade teacher with whom he shared daughter Eleanor, 2—tragically died from a head-on car collision, according to WIBW 13
“Ashleigh was the most kindest, caring, beautiful person,” her obituary read
“Her sparkling personality was contagious and would light up any room she walked into
She was a ray of sunshine and always had a smile on her face
Ashleigh touched so many lives and had a positive influence on everyone she met!”
News and Telemundo are both part of the NBCUniversal family.)
David Butler survived being drugged and robbed in 2021 by Danette Colbert
A man who survived being drugged and robbed of more than $134,000 by a woman linked to the death of a television sports journalist covering the recent Super Bowl in New Orleans said he wants “to see her go to jail for as long as she can” after she was let off with probation in his case
David Butler, 52, also said he had tried to warn both the public and the courthouse that handled his case against Danette Colbert that she might “end up killing someone” if left unchecked
But, with authorities now working to confirm whether she fatally drugged reporter Adan Manzano before he was found dead and robbed in his hotel near New Orleans
he has been left to rue that those attempted admonitions were
“I believe she’s very dangerous,” Butler said in an interview
“I want to see her locked up for the rest of her life” if she killed Manzano
though she could still be bound for prison if deemed to have violated the terms of her probation
Butler’s retelling of his costly encounter with Colbert during a night out on New Orleans’ famous Bourbon Street in the fall of 2021 came less than two weeks after Manzano’s death
Read moreInvestigators later arrested Colbert
on allegations that she had stolen the credit card Manzano had used to check in to his hotel along with his cellphone
They also began theorizing that Colbert may have drugged Manzano
before his death because of news stories documenting allegations that she had drugged and robbed men in Las Vegas
though the results of tests showing which substances may have been in the late reporter’s body remained pending on Friday
Those test results could lead to Colbert being charged directly with Manzano’s death. Nonetheless, in the meantime, international news coverage of Manzano’s death prompted Butler to come forward in the media and describe what he endured when he
He said he had been in the city from out of town renovating a property he owns and had gone out to Bourbon Street to unwind on the evening of 5 November 2021
Colbert and another woman accompanied Butler into a bar
He “started feeling woozy” unusually quickly
as police later wrote in a sworn statement filed in court
Colbert got in and said: “Let me get you home safe.” Then she accompanied him to the property he was renovating
Butler’s last recollection of the night was walking into the home
His next memory was being woken by his leasing agent and realizing that his gold ring
More than $80,000 in cryptocurrency that he had been counting on for his retirement was missing
His credit card had been used to charge thousands of dollars at retailers
Because he was focused on finding out who had robbed him
Butler said he did not go to the hospital to see what may have been put in his drink
Police said they eventually identified Colbert as Butler’s thief because she had been associated with the name of the digital cloud account to which his crypto savings were transferred: “QueenTX100.” Authorities charged her with crimes including theft and fraud
at one point publishing a news release about the case
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View image in fullscreenA news release from New Orleans police about David Butler’s case against Danette Colbert
Photograph: New Orleans policeButler shared that release on social media
adding: “She is going to end up killing someone.”
Additionally, after a Reddit post describing a drugging and robbery caught his attention, Butler said he got in touch with two other men who described similarly being victimized by Colbert. Both men filed reports with police in New Orleans, as NBC News reported on Saturday
Colbert was eventually convicted at trial in Butler’s case
Butler hoped she would receive a stiff punishment: not only had he submitted a statement to the court outlining how Colbert’s actions had “devastated [his] life”
she had been accused of stealing $100,000 in cash
upscale luggage and casino chips from the Las Vegas hotel room of another man whom she had allegedly drugged
she had allegedly drugged another man there and stolen his $60,000 watch
casino chips and credit cards after he invited her to his hotel room
Prosecutors in Las Vegas ultimately dismissed both of those cases
a third case from 2022 in Las Vegas remained unresolved
centering on allegations that she had driven through a school area at nearly 100mph
Butler did not see Colbert get the punishment he had hoped for
She was put on probation for five years and ordered to pay $50,000 in restitution – at monthly payments of $834 for the duration of her sentence
Colbert has not paid him a cent of restitution
He submitted a letter to the courthouse where Colbert was convicted that asked: “Why was someone with such a history of endangering lives given yet another chance
their blood will undeniably be on the hands of those who allowed her to escape real accountability today.”
It was a little more than two months after Butler sent his letter that Manzano – a widowed father of a toddler – was found dead
Among her numerous other legal issues confronting her in various jurisdictions
prosecutors in Butler’s case by Monday had filed a motion to revoke Colbert’s probation and send her to prison
Butler on Friday said all he could hope for now would be for his case and Colbert’s to spark a meaningful dialogue about the need for people with histories like hers to face substantial consequences before it’s too late
“I was afraid she would strike again and again and again,” Butler said
“And … I guess I would like to see some reform.”
This article was amended on 15 February 2025 to correct the age of Adan Manzano; he was 27
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A Kansas City sports reporter may have been drugged by a Louisiana woman known as a "career criminal" before he died near New Orleans while covering Super Bowl 59
Adan Manzano
a 27-year-old sports reporter and anchor for Telemundo Kansas City
died last week while on assignment to cover the Super Bowl for both the Spanish language network and Tico Sports
His body was found on Wednesday in his hotel room at a Comfort Suites near New Orleans
Police said Colbert has only been charged with property crimes as of Monday
including fraud and theft-related offenses
but more charges could be forthcoming pending a toxicology report and further investigation by forensic experts
While the toxicology report could "take several weeks to become available," police said on Monday that available evidence in the case has led to investigators exploring the possibility that Manzano may have been drugged before he died
Colbert also has an arrest history that includes allegations involving drugging and subsequently robbing people
Here is what else Kenner police said about the case on Monday
and where their investigation currently is
Kenner police have been contacted by people claiming to be victims of hers or individuals reporting suspicious deaths under similar circumstances
All these complaints will be investigated further by the appropriate jurisdictions
Colbert is still in custody at the Jefferson Parish Correctional Center
Police have also seized multiple electronic devices that are being forensically examined to determine whether they contain digital evidence related to Manzano's death
Investigators have identified other locations where Colbert and Mazano were seen together in New Orleans
and they are reviewing security footage in those areas
A video led police to Colbert after she was caught on camera leaving Manzano's hotel room early Wednesday morning
Kenner Police Chief Keith Conley said during a press conference Friday
More incriminating evidence was found when investigators discovered Manzano's cellphone and credit card while searching Colbert's home
The credit card was fraudulently used at "several stores in the New Orleans area," the chief added
Super Bowl arrests: Dozens of arrests made during Eagles Super Bowl celebrations in Philadelphia, police say
She's definitely a career criminal," the chief said
such as access device frauds (such as illegal use of credit and debit cards)
Both cases were later dismissed because the victims did not want to testify in court, Daniel Lippmann, the attorney who represented Colbert, told The Associated Press. He told USA TODAY that he had no comment on the current allegations against Colbert
"She was stopped quite frequently in the French Quarter and she's known for these fraud schemes," Conley said
"This brings to light that there are people out there that prey on other people and bring them into their confidence and victimize them
It's something that people really need to be aware of."
Adan Mazano remembered as 'rising star' and 'devoted father'Kansas City Telemundo called Manzano a "true professional and rising star who exemplified excellence in his work." This was Manzano’s third-straight season covering the Super Bowl for the TV station
Manzano is survived by his younger daughter
He will be greatly missed by our TICO Family and will live on in our hearts and memories."
A GoFundMe was created by Manzano's family
and hardworking person who touched the lives of many with his warmth and generosity," the GoFundMe description says
"He was a dedicated sports reporter and a true fanatic at heart
His passion for sports and storytelling connected people from Kansas City all the way to his home in Mexico
and love for sports that he held so dearly."
Jonathan Limehouse covers breaking and trending news for USA TODAY
En español
The sudden death of journalist Adán Manzano adds another tragic chapter to his family's story
leaving their two-year-old daughter orphaned
lost her life due to injuries from a car accident
The 24-year-old teacher had been traveling with their daughter
While Eleonor survived the accident with only minor injuries
Manzano devoted himself to his work and caring for his daughter
another devastating turn of events came on Thursday
A post shared by instagram
According to official reports, the journalist was found dead in his hotel room in New Orleans, where he was set to cover Super Bowl LIX on Sunday
The cause of death remains undisclosed, but Telemundo
has stated that they are cooperating with authorities to determine what happened
Kenner Police Deputy Chief Mark McCormick revealed that Manzano's colleagues became concerned when he failed to attend a morning appointment on Wednesday
His crew contacted the hotel for a wellness check, and staff discovered his lifeless body around 4 p.m. There were no immediate signs of trauma, and the cause of death remains under investigation pending autopsy results, reported NOLA.com
A post shared by instagram
Late on Thursday night, investigators identified a suspect, 48, who was seen leaving Manzano's hotel room. Authorities say Colbert used Manzano's credit cards at multiple stores across the New Orleans area after his death
Thursday and is currently being held at Orleans Parish Prison as a fugitive
who had already endured the loss of her mother
must now face the unexpected passing of her father
Manzano's death leaves a profound void not only in his family
He was poised to become a major figure in sports journalism in the U.S
Beyond his upcoming Super Bowl LIX coverage
he had been preparing to report on the 2026 FIFA World Cup
and followers mourn his heartbreaking passing
as well as the difficult circumstances now facing his daughter Eleonor
in New Orleans while covering the Super Bowl
Telemundo Kansas City/Facebook; Kenner Police
Ryan Mackey
BROWARD COUNTY, Fla. – A man arrested in South Florida in connection with the death of Kansas City Telemundo reporter Adan Manzano is being extradited to New Orleans
Leer en español
Marshals in Hollywood last week and is now being sent back to Louisiana to face charges
Investigators believe White and 48-year-old Danette Colbert worked together to rob Manzano
who was found dead in his New Orleans hotel room on Feb
Manzano’s death was attributed to a combination of alcohol
according to Jefferson Parish Coroner Jerry Santanovich
His blood alcohol level was .232 — three times the legal limit — and police believe he was drugged so Colbert could steal from him
Authorities say Colbert was the last person seen with Manzano and later used his credit card to make multiple purchases
Investigators found Xanax at her home and Manzano’s medical records showed no prescriptions for the drug
Jail records show Colbert is facing a second-degree murder charge
while both she and White are also charged with simple robbery
bank fraud and computer fraud in connection with the case
Authorities have not disclosed White’s movements after the robbery or why he was in South Florida
he remains at the Broward Main Jail before his extradition to Louisiana
Copyright 2025 by WPLG Local10.com - All rights reserved
Bridgette Matter joined the Local 10 News team as a reporter in July 2021
Indiana and spent six years in Jacksonville as a reporter and weekend anchor
Ryan Mackey is a Digital Journalist at WPLG
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The woman accused of stealing from Kansas City reporter Adan Manzano was in court for the first time in Jefferson Parish
Danette Colbert is charged with stealing Manzano’s cell phone and credit cards
Manzano was later found dead in his hotel room while covering the Super Bowl for Kansas City Telemundo
WWL in New Orleans said that investigators accuse her of drugging and robbing men in the past
In our WWL Louisiana Investigation those court records revealed that Colbert has been arrested nearly a dozen times in Louisiana and Nevada
with several cases involving victims who suspected they had been drugged before their phones and money were stolen
Her first known arrest was in Jefferson Parish in 2009
She was arrested again in 2021 for robbery in New Orleans
WWL New Orleans
Colbert is also being investigated in the death of a man who was found dead in a hotel after a night in the French Quarter in December
Las Vegas police have also opened an investigation into whether Colbert may be connected to a suspicious death there
Adweek is the leading source of news and insight serving the brand marketing ecosystem
Police arrest woman caught fraudulently using Adan Manzano’s credit card after being seen leaving Louisiana hotel room where his body was found
A woman who has previously been accused of drugging men and stealing has been arrested amid an investigation into the death of a journalist who was covering Sunday’s Super Bowl in New Orleans – and whose body was discovered in his hotel room
The reporter, Adan Manzano of Kansas City’s Telemundo affiliate, was staying at a hotel in Kenner, Louisiana – which is home to New Orleans’ international airport – to cover the game when he was found dead Wednesday afternoon after missing a work-related meeting
with a woman later identified as Danette Colbert on Wednesday morning before she left his room alone
Investigators later established that Colbert, 48, was using the credit card Manzano used to check into his hotel at multiple stores in the area. Police then determined his cellphone was pinging about one-tenth of a mile from Colbert’s known address in Slidell, Louisiana
which is about 40 miles (65km) north-east of Kenner
Conley said officers detained Colbert on Thursday night on suspicion of fraud and theft
Authorities also obtained a warrant to search her home
finding Manzano’s credit card and cellphone
police also found drugs – the pharmaceutical Xanax – as well as a stolen gun
though the chief said investigators “do not believe the firearm is related to this case”
Investigators had not immediately determined Manzano’s cause and manner of death
leaving it unclear whether Colbert could face additional counts
The coroner’s office told Guardian reporting partner WWL Louisiana that there were no obvious signs of trauma on Manzano
Conley on Friday made it a point to say that Colbert has a history of financial crimes
including allegations of drugging men whose confidence she gained
stealing money and fraudulently using credit cards
Louisiana criminal court records show she was given five years of probation after pleading guilty in December 2019 to fraudulently using a credit card that a man reported losing at a New Orleans strip club
Asked whether his agency believes Colbert fatally drugged Manzano
Conley said police were investigating to determine whether “criminal activity such as that” having occurred
News of Manzano’s death – at Kenner’s Comfort Suites Airport – circulated widely after it was announced
The general manager of the Spanish-language Telemundo affiliate that employed Manzano said the late journalist had recently started anchoring while continuing his duties as a reporter
told WWL Louisiana that Manzano had a “passion” for sports that “led him to do great work
Downing remembered Manzano as “enthusiastic and very well-loved and appreciated by the sports teams that he covered here”, including the Kansas City Chiefs, who are pursuing an unprecedented third consecutive Super Bowl championship in New Orleans on Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles
who also worked for Kansas City-based Tico Sports
The couple’s survivors include a two-year-old daughter
Downing said his station plans to honor Manzano in its upcoming newscasts
“We’re a small operation,” Downing remarked to WWL Louisiana
Adan Manzano leaves behind a young daughter: "We will deeply miss Adan
his passion for sports and the contributions he made," his station said
Editor's note: Police say an arrest has been made in connection with the death of Adan Manzano
according to the Kansas City TV station he worked for
Tico Sports released a statement to USA TODAY saying, "Adan was a talented and professional broadcaster, providing sideline coverage for the Kansas City Chiefs Spanish broadcast and play by play caller for the KC Current
Manzano's wife died last year in a car accidentMazano's wife
The 2025 NFL draft has come and gone
But patience isn’t really a thing in the NFL. Teams often want fast results, with surroundings playing an important factor in how a prize rookie does early in their career
value and team fit to come up with grades for all 32 draft classes
Here’s who graded well and who might be set back for a year or two
Analysis: Buffalo had one of the league's top offenses last year behind MVP quarterback Josh Allen
the defense has struggled for years in the postseason to get key stops
General manager Brandon Beane aggressively attacked that side of the ball with Hairston in the first round
followed by three defensive linemen in Rounds 2–4
Hairston will start alongside Christian Benford and Taron Johnson
while Walker and Sanders will form a nice rotation next to Ed Oliver
Ewers landed in Miami as a seventh-round pick
Brazziell/American-Statesman / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn ImagesGrade: C+
Analysis: The Dolphins did well with their selections
but it’s tough to get a top grade when you make only two picks through the first four rounds
Miami added a much-needed guard to its offensive line in Savaiinaea
is a 331-pound run-stuffer who also provides some juice as a pass rusher
He’ll fit nicely on a front four which includes Zach Sieler
Analysis: The Patriots needed to find a plethora of starters with upside
Incoming coach Mike Vrabel got help on the offensive side with Campbell becoming quarterback Drake Maye’s blindside protector
while Henderson will pair with Rhamondre Stevenson to form a physical
with Williams likely getting significant snaps opposite Stefon Diggs
and Wilson fighting for a starting job as a rookie on the interior
Analysis: The Jets had to fix their offensive woes in this draft
and they did so by targeting that unit with three of their first four picks
Membou is arguably the best tackle in this class and should slide in as a starter at right tackle
Taylor was thought to be a borderline first-round talent and slid to New York in the second
and will have time to develop behind Sauce Gardner and Brandon Stephens
The Ravens took Starks in the first round to pair with Kyle Hamilton
giving them one of the league’s top safety pairings if Starks reaches his full potential
They also landed Green in the second round
a first-round talent who fell due to sexual assault allegations
Jones is a value pick on the offensive line
but whether he sticks at tackle or kicks inside remains to be seen
Analysis: It’s tough to understand what the Bengals were doing in this draft
Cincinnati had glaring defensive needs on the line and in the secondary
the team didn’t take a corner or safety at any point
who is 25 years old after playing six years in college across three programs
Analysis: The Browns were a constant story line in the draft, ranging from trading out of the Travis Hunter pick to selecting Sanders in the fifth round
Cleveland got a pair of intriguing backs in Sampson and Judkins
while also taking multiple swings at quarterback in Sanders and Gabriel
The Browns still have a load of questions at receiver and along the offensive line
who will have a chance to fight for the starting job in 2025
Analysis: The Steelers had only three picks through the first four rounds as a result of the DK Metcalf trade
but still managed to walk away with a fantastic class
Pittsburgh found a heavy-handed defensive tackle in Harmon
who can both anchor against the run and get pressures in the passing game
who ran for 1,537 yards and 21 touchdowns last year with the Hawkeyes
Harmon and Johnson should contribute immediately
Analysis: Houston traded out of the first round before nabbing a pair of Iowa State wideouts in Higgins and Noel on Day 2
The Texans also took Ersery in the second round
adding him to an offensive line in desperate need of help
The questions here aren’t so much about the players selected but the positional need
Analysis: The Colts had to be thrilled in the first round when Warren fell to them at No
he gives Indianapolis someone who caught 104 passes for 1,233 yards last season
and slots in as an immediate weapon alongside receivers Michael Pittman Jr
as some thought he was a first-round talent entering the 2024 campaign
He should get plenty of snaps opposite last year’s first-rounder in Laiatu Latu
Jaguars first-year coach Liam Coen ended up with Hunter
/ Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn ImagesGrade: B-
Analysis: This draft will forever be remembered for Jacksonville’s bold trade-up to select Hunter. A two-way star unlike anything the NFL has seen in the modern era
Hunter was so coveted by first-year general manager James Gladstone that he relinquished two first-rounders and a second-round choice to get him
the Jaguars fortified their secondary with Ransaw before adding Milum
Milum should compete for a starting job in 2025
Analysis: Not to discredit any of the other players selected by Tennessee
If he develops into one of the league’s top quarterbacks
able to compete with other AFC stars such as Patrick Mahomes
this will be a historic draft for the Titans
general manager Mike Borgonzi will forever remember his maiden voyage as a disappointment to some level
Analysis: Many expected the Broncos would upgrade their offense in the first round
but Denver decided to continue building its top-tier defense with Barron
a slot corner who will form a tremendous trio with Patrick Surtain II and Riley Moss
The Broncos instead found their weaponry on Day 2
Harvey should be the lead back in Denver as a rookie
while Bryant can work in alongside second-year receivers Devaughn Vele and Troy Franklin to play next to Courtland Sutton
Analysis: The Chiefs authored one of the league’s best drafts this weekend
General manager Brett Veach found a steal in Royals
who was widely projected as a Day 2 choice
Kansas City also nabbed three defenders on Friday
who should contribute as a rookie on pass-rushing downs next to Chris Jones
Simmons is the ultimate boom-or-bust pick as an incredibly talented left tackle coming off a torn patellar tendon
Analysis: The Raiders went heavy on the offensive side
using five of their first six choices to build up the unit around quarterback Geno Smith
a back who will be utilized heavily from the start after he rushed for 2,601 yards and 29 touchdowns last year with Boise State
Rogers and Grant could all be starters in 2025
giving Las Vegas some excellent talent and value throughout its draft class
Analysis: Los Angeles upgraded its offense in the first two rounds
Hampton is a terrific talent and a deserving first-round choice
but the Chargers had a litany of needs and just signed Najee Harris for their backfield
Tre Harris is an excellent value in the late second round and should start instantly alongside Ladd McConkey
none of which were significantly addressed
Booker is expected to replace future Hall of Famer Zach Martin
/ USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn ImagesDallas CowboysGrade: B+
Analysis: Dallas found a different way to help Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb without adding to a thin group of skill players early in the draft
The Cowboys opted to do what they do best—drafting an offensive lineman in the first round
Booker is set to replace the retired Zack Martin
one of the best draft picks ever for the Jones family
Dallas could again have one of the best offensive lines in the league
with Booker joining fellow first-round selections Tyler Guyton (2024) and Tyler Smith (’22)
The Cowboys have also had success drafting cornerbacks
Analysis: After a miserable 2024, the Giants could soon be headed in the right direction after delivering an impressive draft class featuring plenty of talent and filled needs. Carter, who drew comparisons to Micah Parsons and Von Miller
could be a future game wrecker playing next to Brian Burns and Dexter Lawrence II
but he’ll now get to work with coach Brian Daboll
who has no interest in rushing his development after he announced Russell Wilson as the starter
And let’s not overlook the selection of Skattebo
a hard-nosed running back who can also make plays out of the backfield
Analysis: The rest of the league might have groaned seeing GM Howie Roseman add another talented playmaker to an already stacked Philly defensive front
Campbell was surprisingly available at the end of the first round
perhaps because teams don’t value off-ball linebackers as much as other positions
But Campbell was a quality pass rusher during his time at Alabama
The Eagles also added the versatile Mukuba
who can play free safety and nickel cornerback
Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio could have more flexibility with Cooper DeJean if Mukuba hits the ground running
ArizonaAnalysis: The Commanders addressed a few glaring needs with their first two picks
Conerly was the fourth offensive tackle selected
but he was considered by most draft experts to be a first-round talent
Washington has depth and talent in the trenches after making it work last season with quarterback Jayden Daniels often playing away from the pocket
Things didn’t exactly work out with Marshon Lattimore after the midseason trade
but he’ll now have more help with the arrival of Amos
who had a whopping 16 passes defensed last year
Analysis: The Bears have received a ton of praise for loading up on weapons for Caleb Williams
but it’s tough to trust this team after how badly they flopped last season with a bad offensive line
Chicago now has guards Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson
but Jackson was benched by the Los Angeles Rams last season and Braxton Jones might not be the answer at left tackle
Chicago got complacent and waited too long to continue building the offensive line
But if the revamped offensive line pans out
Williams could have plenty of success throwing to Loveland and Burden next season
New coach Ben Johnson has the weapons to form a creative playbook in Chicago
Analysis: The Lions didn’t care about value or best player available
and went with their successful formula of adding mean dudes to the trenches
Williams might have been a reach in the first round
but he was regarded as the best run stopper in this class
one who could compete for the opening at right guard
but he has the size and athleticism to possibly give Jared Goff another versatile weapon
the Lions thought outside the box and went away from what the draft boards were saying on the internet
Analysis: Either the Packers didn’t like what they saw from their receivers last season or they really want a crowded receiving corps
It’s going to be on coach Matt LaFleur to form the right rotation for Jordan Love on the field
but players competing for snaps is rarely a bad idea
Green Bay might still lack a legitimate No
but Golden is a speedy weapon and a friendly target with reliable hands
Williams has received comparisons to Deebo Samuel with his ability to contribute from the backfield
Perhaps the Packers focused too much on the offensive side and waited too long to add another pass rusher
McCarthy to see the kind of pressure that derailed Sam Darnold’s breakout season last year
Minnesota completed its retooled offensive line after drafting the stout Jackson
who will join veteran newcomers Ryan Kelly and Will Fries
Felton could become a friendly target for McCarthy after the Maryland product racked up 96 receptions for 1,124 yards and nine touchdowns
McCarthy is now set up to succeed in his first season as the starter with all of the offseason moves the Vikings have made
The Falcons grabbed a pair of edge rushers with a pair of first-round picks
/ Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel /USA TODAY NETWORK / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn ImagesAtlanta FalconsGrade: B
Analysis: The Falcons losing a 2026 first-round pick in their trade-up for Pearce will prevent them from getting an A here
but there’s plenty to like about the upgrades they made at edge rusher
Walker is an intriguing hybrid player who can play off-ball linebacker
and Pearce has the athleticism and skill set to end up being the best edge rusher from this draft
If the Falcons are right about these two defenders
this team could make plenty of noise this upcoming season
The Falcons are set on the offensive side with Michael Penix Jr
having a stout offensive line and elite playmakers
Now it’s on the defense to step up and help them win the NFC South
Analysis: The Panthers’ gamble to neglect the defense in the first round paid off
with the team selecting talented edge rushers Scourton and Umanmielen
But their prize from this draft class is the 6' 4"
who will make life easier for Bryce Young because of his massive catch radius
McMillan got dinged a bit in the lead-up to the draft due to a few concerns with his work ethic
but he has the skill set to be the best wideout from this class when it’s all said and done
It’s tough to gauge where the Panthers are in their rebuild
but they’re finally giving Young a fair shake to succeed
Analysis: It’s hard to knock a team for taking a tackle in the first round
Perhaps trading down would have been the best approach
or drafting the best available defender at No
New Orleans also took a risk by taking Shough in the second round
He’s a pro-ready quarterback who could step in right away in case the team parts with Derek Carr
But Shedeur Sanders and Jalen Milroe were both still available and would have offered more upside
New Orleans probably should have prioritized adding youth to an older defense
now knowing that Sanders and Milroe were on the board after the second round
Analysis: The Buccaneers have a logjam at receiver
but selecting Egbuka gives them depth and a potential starter for the future
Tampa Bay nearly missed the playoffs last year after injuries sidelined Mike Evans and Chris Godwin
The Bucs are now prepared for another injury wave with a rookie receiver who drew comparisons to Jaxon Smith-Njigba
Tampa Bay’s best-available approach also gave the team a surplus at cornerback
he could develop into a shutdown cornerback
The Buccaneers could have used one of the higher-rated edge rushers
but they drafted two on Day 3 to go with incoming free agent Haason Reddick
Analysis: Arizona finally added some defensive talent
which should allow coach Jonathan Gannon to fully operate his scheme
he’s capable of doing what Jalen Carter does in the middle of the Eagles’ defensive line
a talented cornerback who fell from the first round due to medical concerns
claims to be healthy and could be an immediate impact player
Arizona went all defense with its first five picks
Analysis: The Rams’ best addition from the draft was gaining the Falcons’ 2026 first-round pick
Los Angeles didn’t do much to address a few holes to close the gap on the top teams in the NFC
the Rams are still good enough to win the NFC West
but they have concerns at cornerback and linebacker—and they watched the Eagles take Jihaad Campbell at No
GM Les Snead deserves the benefit of the doubt for his draft hits
but he might have made a mistake taking Ferguson over Elijah Arroyo
The Rams also neglected their need for adding a quarterback of the future
but they at least have two first-round picks next year
the 49ers went heavy on defense with their draft class
but the team might not have drafted the right players to immediately fill those voids
Williams surprisingly went ahead of Jalon Walker
and perhaps he doesn’t have the same upside as James Pearce Jr.
the 49ers might have seen something in Williams that wasn’t easy to spot after Williams played through an ankle injury last season
But this was a deep class for edge rushers
San Francisco also missed an opportunity to add an offensive lineman in the first round after losing Aaron Banks in free agency
Analysis: There are fewer concerns now about the Seahawks spending on Sam Darnold and Cooper Kupp after the impressive selections they made here
Darnold proved he’s a quality quarterback when he has a clean pocket
Seattle made strides to improve its offensive line with the versatile Zabel
The Seahawks also gave Darnold another weapon in Arroyo
insurance in case Kupp’s best days are truly behind him
Seattle gave itself another option at quarterback with the intriguing Milroe
Coach Mike Macdonald saw firsthand in Baltimore how the Ravens utilized Lamar Jackson on a daily basis
who could be Macdonald’s version of Ravens star safety Kyle Hamilton
crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER.