Titans Land Elite Edge-Rusher in 2026 Mock Draft — and more

The Tennessee Titans have undergone significant changes with a new coaching staff and face numerous roster needs. According to the latest 2026 mock draft, the organization is expected to address one of those needs by selecting an elite edge-rusher.

While the mock draft doesn't specify which player the Titans might target, the selection would provide much-needed pass-rush help for a defense looking to improve under the new regime.

Mar. 1—MINNEAPOLIS — Daniel Scherling nearly made the cut.

The Bemidji High School boys swimming and diving senior was the school's lone representative at the Class AA state meet, held at the University of Minnesota Aquatic Center.

Scherling took 18th place in the prelims in the 100-yard backstroke. He finished with a time of 59.33, which was less than half a second away from qualifying for finals. Scherling finished in 18th.

Rockets predicted to add veteran free agent for playoff push originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Houston Rockets have been one of the best teams in the tough Western Conference this season. 

That doesn't mean the team is perfect, though. The loss of Fred VanVleet before the season even began has been huge, and the team has decided to go forward without a true point guard in the rotation. 

Amen Thompson and Reed Sheppard have handled point duties, with mixed results. Thompson is having the best scoring season of his career and is solid on defensive, but he's not the most natural ball handler and you'd like to see him be more efficient as a passer.

The trade deadline may be behind us, but that doesn't mean the team can't still make additions. As is the case every year, some veterans will become available hoping to join a contender. 

However, there's one veteran who is already available after being released last week- Tyus Jones. 

Jones was traded from the Orlando Magic to the Dallas Mavericks at the deadline. Jones reportedly asked for his release so he could join a contender, and Nico Martinez of Fadeaway World identified the Rockets as a perfect landing spot. 

Regarding Jones and the Rockets, Martinez offered the following: 

Tyus wouldn’t solve all the Rockets’ problems, but he’d certainly be a major boost for them given what they’ve lost. Without Fred VanVleet, they’ve lacked a true offensive floor general, and it’s left them extremely vulnerable. While Jones wouldn’t play a huge role, he could provide some of what they need with his ball handling, court vision, and perimeter shot-making. He’d get clean looks alongside Kevin Durant and Alperen Sengun, and his capable defense would ensure he could hold his own on the other end.

As Martinez mentioned, Jones isn't a fix-all but he's a reliable veteran who can be a sturdy floor general down the stretch. 

It hasn't been a season to remember for Jones, but he could have new life with a contending team. So far in the 2025-26 season, Jones has averaged 3.1 points and 2.6 assists. 

Jones is having the worst offensive season of his career, but the Rockets have plenty of shooters already. As long as Jones distributes the ball and plays tough defense, he'd be worth a roster spot for the rest of the season. 

More NBA news: 

• Jaylen Brown teases post-NBA career
• Latest mock has Hawks adding son of former NBA star
• Could the Kings finally get some lottery luck in 2026?
• Draymond Green reveals his future plans after up-and-down season 
• Would Orlando blow up young core in a blockbuster trade? 
• Celtics urged to explore free agent market this offseason at position of need

The Athletics ensured a good start to March, putting together their best team-wide spring training performance to defeat the Cincinnati Reds 12-4.

J.T Ginn started on the mound, picking up where he left off in his last outing. The A’s right-hander pitched three scoreless innings, continuing his impressive start to spring training. In the third inning, Ginn found himself in a bit of trouble as the Reds got runners on third and first with only one out. Ginn wiggled out of the jam by striking out Will Benson and then he got some help from his catcher Austin Wynns, who threw out a Reds player trying to steal second base to end the inning.

Meanwhile, the A’s catching tandem gave the team an early lead that they never relinquished. Starting catcher Shea Langeliers, who served as the designated hitter today, bashed a two-run home run to right field off of the Reds left-handed starting pitcher Andrew Abbot in the first inning. He added an RBI double in the third inning before coming around to score on Wynns’s three-run home run later that inning.

Up 6-0 after three frames, the A’s got their second glimpse at top pitching prospect Gage Jump. The highly-regarded left-hander sailed through the fourth and fifth innings, only allowing one hit while recording three strikeouts. If Jump continues pitching as well as he did today for the rest of spring training and first month or two of the minor league season, the pitching-needy A’s may not wait long to promote him to the Major Leagues.

Following Jump’s encouraging outing, four non-roster pitchers combined to pitch the rest of the game for the A’s. Cincinnati scored four unanswered runs via two home runs off relievers unlikely to make the A’s bullpen, making what was shaping up to be a blowout A’s win less certain.

With their seven-run lead cut to three, the A’s held on and then got important insurance runs in the eighth inning. Non-roster invite first baseman Joey Meneses came through with the bases loaded, blasting a grand slam over the right field wall. The A’s were not done that inning. A couple batters later, third base prospect Tommy White, aka Tommy Tanks, joined in on the fun as he hit a home run to cap the A’s scoring this afternoon.

This type of game is what A’s fans were expecting to see from the team this year. Four home runs, 11 hits and 12 runs scored signifies that the team’s offense is finally waking up from their offseason slumber, while Ginn and Jump’s performances serve as reason for optimism that the A’s pitching will be improved this season.

The A’s will look to make it two in a row tomorrow against the San Diego Padres. Right-hander Mason Barnett is scheduled to make his second spring training appearance. He is looking to improve after allowing two runs in two innings in his last outing. The Padres will counter with veteran right-hander Michael King, who will also be making his second preseason start.

Notes

• Following the game, the A’s made several roster cuts. They optioned right-handed pitcher Eduarniel Nuñez to Triple-A Las Vegas and right-handed pitcher Henry Baez to Double-A Midland. Additionally, they sent left-handed pitchers Wei-En Lin and Domingo Robles, right-handed pitchers A.J Causey, JJ Goss, Kenya Huggins and Yunior Tur, catcher Shane McGuire and infielder Joey Meneses to their minor league camp. None of these moves are surprising, although it sucks for Meneses coming after he hit the grand slam. It would not be a shock to see him in Sacramento this year if he is doing well in Triple-A and the A’s need someone to fill in for Nick Kurtz and/or Brent Rooker if they get injured. Likewise, relievers Nuñez, Causey and Tur could be options to help the A’s bullpen this season.
• In addition to the prospects mentioned above, Henry Bolte had a good day. He singled twice in three at-bats.
• Kurtz is off to a slow start this spring with one hit in 15 at-bats. It is still early, so he has a long time remaining to get in a groove before the regular season starts.
• Colby Thomas got two at-bats today off the bench. He has been dealing with inflammation in his right elbow, which is why he has not started a game during the first week of the Cactus League.