標籤: project

Roberto De Zerbi faces a big challenge tottenham. He only has a few days left in the job but the pressure is already mounting on the Italian following West Ham’s win.

The London club had to make great efforts to secure a manager.

Initially, De Zerbi was keen to make a decision about his next club during the summer. But Spurs continued to push and sealed the deal, with De Zerbi arriving just weeks after his exit from Marseille. was covered by sports witnessSpurs have to be really convincing.

The former Brighton manager is accustomed to fighting bottom of the table during his time at Sassuolo and even Benevento. Despite De Zerbi’s demanding approach to the game, it perhaps gives Tottenham some hope.

Now, support for the Italian has come from Paolo Di Canio, who has given his thoughts about the move.

There is no doubt that De Zerbi will be successful at Tottenham

spoke to paolo di canio Corriere Della Sera About many topics – including Italians in the Premier League.

In particular, the newspaper asked him about Roberto De Zerbi’s move to Tottenham. The Italian said the 46-year-old had to swim across the Channel to join and he is right to take the job.

“Of course he did, he should have swum across the Channel. After another stormy dismissal, he is moving to a club that spends €250m a year.

“He said that even if they slip in the championship, he will still stay. And I believe you! But he is demanding and good at creating team spirit. He can do well.”

Spurs will have an identity

It is well known that Roberto De Zerbi brings with him a lot of stress. His demanding style can lead to private and public battles, as he is accustomed to calling out the club leadership.

Also, he will give an identity to Tottenham. The club has been going through an identity crisis since the departure of Mauricio Pochettino and De Zerbi could fix that. This will also give results relatively quickly, even if not immediately.

The current team may not be fully capable of playing football his style. But working on the players now will make them better next season. Even if they get demoted, it would make a lot of sense for De Zerbi to stick around as they would be making a sacrifice in the hope of achieving something big.

Anyway, this is an optimistic look.

The 2026 NFL Draft is right around the corner – just a few weeks away – and the Kansas City Chiefs are sitting on a chest of picks we haven’t seen in the Patrick Mahomes era. We’re talking top-10 picks, three shots in the top 40 and eight picks in the first five rounds. Translation? Brett Veach has the ability to reload this roster in a big way with young, impactful talent.

Let’s be real – the defense didn’t exactly bring the heat last season. Casey finished 22nd in sacks, and the pass rush was unable to consistently get to the house. That has to be changed. Good news? This draft class is loaded with juice off the edge and playmakers in the secondary – exactly what the Chiefs need to get that unit back to championship level and take pressure off their high-octane offense.

With that in mind, here are two prospects that ESPN’s Matt Miller is circling for draft night.

reuben ben jr

Reuben Benn Jr. is built like a wrecking ball off the edge – about 6’2″-6’3″, 260-275, with a compact frame that’s all about power and pop. Over three seasons (2023-2025), he prepared for 38 games and filled the stat sheet: 121 total tackles, 33.5 TFL, 20.5 sacks, as well as a handful of splash games with a forced fumble and even a pick.

But 2025? That’s when he really flipped the switch – 54 tackles, 15.5 TFL, 9.5 sacks, and a ridiculous 92.5 PFF grade that put him in the top-three among all EDGE defenders in the country. Oh—and 67 total pressure. The dude was staying in the backfield.

Turn on the tape, and it’s easy to see why he’s climbing the boards. Ben has that explosive first step, plays with natural leverage, and wins with violent hands and a nonstop motor. He’s not your typical tall, hunched pass rusher. He’s more of a power disrupter who can break loose in the pocket and act as a bully. And it’s not just pass rush juice, he’s a legitimate edge-setter in the run game, stays disciplined in his gaps, and shows high football IQ through the game.

This is exactly the kind of chess piece DC Steve Spagnuolo likes. The Chiefs manage to generate pressure without constantly attacking, and Benn fits that mold perfectly. He can win outside, kick inside when passing underneath and create chaos from multiple alignments. Add to your production against top-tier competition, including big-time performances in playoff level games. And you’re looking at a guy who’s already been battle-tested.

The resume also supports it: ACC Defensive Player of the Year, All-American honors, the Hendricks Award, and one of the highest-rated EDGE defenders in college football. If Casey wants someone who can bring instant heat and toughen up that front, Benn has “plug-and-play disruptor” written all over him.

Avion Terrell

Avion Terrell is the type of DB that just screams ‘Spags Guy’. At about 5’11”, 180-186 pounds, he’s not the biggest corner in the class – but he plays much bigger than his measurables. A three-year contributor at Clemson (39 games, 31 starts), Terrell filled the stat sheet with 128 tackles, 30 pass breakups, 4 sacks, 3 picks and a ridiculous 8 forced fumbles – setting a Clemson DB record. This is not normal production for any corner… this is the creation of chaos.

His 2025 tape also supports this. He logged 46 tackles, 11 PBUs, 5 forced fumbles and 3 sacks, while locking things down in coverage, giving up only 340 yards passing all year. No interceptions, sure, but don’t get it twisted, the QBs weren’t testing him much. The man was still pressing and disrupting everything that came his way, earning All-American and First-Team All-ACC honors in the process.

And yes- check the blood lines. He’s the younger brother of AJ Terrell, and you can see his polished, technically sound play throughout the film. He’s disciplined, smooth and coachable, which is exactly what Steve Spagnuolo looks for in his DB room.

Is the plan suitable? Almost perfect. Spags likes corners that can do a little bit of everything – press, tackle, blitz, rotate inside – and Terrell checks every box. He has been lined up outside, kicked in the slot, and even comes down as a safety in run support. Blitz ability also emerges, with 4 career sacks and legitimate time off the edge.

But what really sets him apart is how he generates turnovers. Doesn’t just pick up, he punches the ball. Those 8 forced fumbles (including 5 in 2025, leading the ACC) are elite production and fit perfectly into KC’s defensive identity of causing chaos and stealing possessions.

Bottom line: This is not just a projection of symptoms. Terrell is a battle-tested, high-IQ corner with 31 starts, big-game reps and a playing style that fits Kansas City like a glove. Plug him into that secondary, and you’ll get a tone-setter who tackles like a safety and plays every moment with that dog mentality.

RELATED: Did the KC Chiefs unveil a potential Round 1 target in the 2026 NFL Draft?

The legal grace period in the National Football League allows clubs to talk to certain players and negotiate with agents, so big news is imminent. It’s a known fact that handshake deals are often struck between teams and players, so before it’s all over, we’re making one last prediction about what could happen.

Let’s take a look at our NFL free agency predictions for the NFC, with one player projected to be signed by each club.

Washington Commander: Kenneth Walker II, RB

With the New York Giants reportedly out of the mix for Super Bowl MVP, we now think Kenneth Walker III will sign with the Washington Commanders. General manager Adam Peters is under pressure to build a better supporting cast around quarterback Jayden Daniels after what happened last season. Walker’s up-and-down nature makes it risky, but his explosiveness and ability to help as a third-down back mitigates that risk somewhat. This is going to be an expensive addition, possibly upwards of $14 million per season, but Washington can reduce the long-term risk a bit by using Zackary Croskey-Merritt as a complementary back to avoid overworking Walker.

RELATED: Six teams with the most cap space in NFL free agency, potential targets for each

New York Giants: Isaiah possibly, TE

A new regime for the New York Giants means tight end Theo Johnson may face a lot more competition in 2026. John Harbaugh saw the improvements Isaiah made after entering the league as a fourth-round pick in 2022, but he never got a big role in Baltimore because of Mark Andrews. Harbaugh is now the head coach of the Giants, so there is a possibility that he could look to the New York offense as a potential threat to back up Jackson Dart.

RELATED: 2026 NFL free agency predictions for top quarterbacks

Dallas Cowboys: Nakobe Dean, LB

After the Rashaan Gary trade, the Dallas Cowboys can now put more of their money into other positions in NFL free agency. Defensive coordinator Christian Parker saw what an impact Nakobe Dean can make when healthy, and the off-ball linebacker is a glaring hole in the Cowboys defense. Dean would provide excellent juice as an instant blitzer, and there have been reports that Parker believes Dean could thrive in the Mike linebacker role in his system.

RELATED: Predicting landing spots for top NFL free agent wide receivers

Philadelphia Eagles: Jalen Phillips, EDGE

Jaylen Phillips is the second-best edge rusher available this offseason, and it’s hard to imagine Howie Roseman letting him go. After being acquired before the NFL trade deadline, Phillips generated 17 pressures with seven QB hits in eight games with the Philadelphia Eagles, and he held his own as an edge protector against the run. While durability may always be an issue for him, he’ll only be 27 in May, and he’s proven to be a perfect fit for Vic Fangio’s system.

RELATED: Winners, losers from week one of NFL offseason frenzy

Arizona Cardinals: Malik Willis, QB

After spending two years in development under Matt LaFleur, which was a career-changing time for Malik Willis, we believe he belongs within the LaFleur family. Arizona Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur can provide Willis with a system he is familiar with, and it’s a landing spot with lower stakes. Plus, he’ll be landing to start behind an offensive line with three excellent pass-catchers (Trey McBride, Marvin Harrison Jr. and Michael Wilson), including what could be the third overall pick at right tackle. This is an ideal landing spot for Willis.

RELATED: Most Underrated NFL Free Agents 2026

San Francisco 49ers: Romeo Doubs, WR

While the San Francisco 49ers are increasingly being linked to Alec Pierce, we think Romeo Doubs falls more into their price range. He’s not as deep a threat as Pierce, but he’s a willing blocker who can make contested catches and work in different areas of the field. It would also be a return to California, where Dobbs grew up, and he could serve as the No. 2 receiver in Kyle Shanahan’s offense for the next three-plus years.

RELATED: 5 NFL free agents who will get overpaid this week

Seattle Seahawks: Jaun Jennings, WR

The Seattle Seahawks will be lacking a No. 2 receiver to fill with Rasheed Shahid likely heading elsewhere. Jauan Jennings comes from a system where receivers are asked to block, and he has a good familiarity with Seattle’s new offensive coordinator, Brian Fleury. While the Seahawks have obviously lost something in their return game with Shaheed’s departure, Jennings will probably prove to be a better complementary receiving option for Jackson Smith-Njigba than Shaheed.

RELATED: NFL free agency predictions for top running backs

Los Angeles Rams: Zach Wilson, QB

Signing Zach Wilson wouldn’t be the kind of move fans like to see from the Los Angeles Rams, but the team has spent a lot of money on Quentin Lake, Kam Curl and Trent McDuffie. With Jimmy Garoppolo potentially headed elsewhere, head coach Sean McVay could bring in Wilson as a developmental backup behind Matthew Stafford. Maybe Wilson will prove himself enough to the Rams coaching staff during the summer to at least have a chance to remain with the team long-term.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Trey Hendrickson, EDGE

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers need to upgrade their pass rush this offseason, even if it means letting Mike Evans finish his career with another team. There is little room for contention for Tampa Bay with Baker Mayfield and this defense desperately needs a step forward. Trey Hendrickson could still be one of the league’s best pass rushers, and a three-year deal worth more than $35 million per season would give him what he wants without eating up a ton of cap space beyond the 2027 season.

New Orleans Saints: Dallas Goedert, TE

Taysom Hill could be retired, and Kellen Moore likes to use two tight ends on the field. While the New Orleans Saints may not have a ton of cap space this offseason, they stand as a viable landing spot for Dallas Goedert. The 31-year-old will enter an offensive system he knows well and can serve as a secondary receiving option behind Chris Olave and Juwan Johnson. Additionally, he can spend a year living in New Orleans.

Atlanta Falcons: Marcus Mariota, QB

The Atlanta Falcons need to find a viable bridge starter in 2026 who can step in while Michael Penix Jr. recovers from ACL surgery. Because the former first-round pick will still be given a real chance to reclaim the starting job, one of the top quarterbacks is unlikely to come to Atlanta. However, it is a prime landing spot for Marcus Mariota. He posted a 93.4 passer rating with a 14-7 TD-INT line in 14 games over the past two seasons and added a little something to the run game with his legs, getting the football to Kyle Pitts and Drake London with accuracy.

Carolina Panthers: Odafe Oweh, EDGE

The Carolina Panthers pass rush needs a lot of juice next season to take this defense a step forward. Enter edge rusher Odafe Oweh. He flourished after being traded to the Los Angeles Chargers, recording 19 pressures with 13 QB hits and 7.5 sacks in 12 games and then recording 3 sacks, 3 QB hits and 2 forced fumbles in the Wild Card round. Heading into his age-27 season, Oweh Ejiro could be a very good No. 2 pass rusher in Avro’s defense.

Minnesota Vikings: Kyler Murray, QB

It seems inevitable to have Kyler Murray as the Minnesota Vikings starting quarterback in 2026. He’s easily the best proven starter on the market and, unlike other options, Minnesota can afford to pay him the minimum salary as Arizona is set to make up the majority of his salary this season. It’s a perfect storm, giving Murray a chance to revive his career like Sam Darnold in the same situation.

Chicago Bears: David Onyemata, DT

Connections matter in NFL free agency, and there’s a strong connection here. The Chicago Bears need help on the defensive interior, and veteran David Onyemata is very familiar with Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen. While Allen served as the defensive play-caller for the Saints from 2015-2024, Onyemata was there for almost the entire time (2016-2022). While he’s not as strong an interior pass rusher as he used to be, he still has some juice left in him and is good against the run.

Detroit Lions: JK Dobbins, RB

The Detroit Lions will need to find a 1B running back after David Montgomery left, as Zion Walke is not a viable option for that role. JK Dobbins is an obvious durability risk, but he’s averaging 4.8 yards per carry on 348 attempts (1,677 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns) over the past two seasons. Detroit could bring him in as a replacement to pair with Jahmir Gibbs and hope the reduced workload keeps him healthy.

Green Bay Packers: Jevon Hargrave, DT

Set to be released by the Vikings, the signing of Javon Hargrave will have no impact on the projected compensatory selection the Green Bay Packers are expected to receive in the 2027 NFL Draft. The veteran defensive tackle also played with the Eagles for two seasons (2021-22) under defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon. Hargrave fills a glaring need on the defensive interior for Green Bay and should be relatively inexpensive to sign. Additionally, general manager Brian Gutekunst may still try a cornerback to add depth to the secondary.

Reality: 5 Potential Green Bay Packers Free Agent Targets

Matt Johnson is the senior NFL and college football editor for Sportsknot. His work including the weekly NFL and college… More about Matt Johnson

Borussia Monchengladbach have already started to think about the long-term situation of Kota Takai, even though the defender is only on loan from Tottenham Hotspur until the end of the season.

This is according to the German outlet rhenish postWho report that Gladbach see potential in the 21-year-old, despite a costly mistake in the 3-0 defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt.

The Japan international faced a tough battle in the final 20 minutes, with poor positioning and a loose first touch preventing a goal. Shortly afterwards, he lost again in a foot race.

Nevertheless, the overall assessment inside the club appears to be more measured. Takai previously impressed in his first full 90 minutes against Stuttgart and has shown flashes of quality in the Bundesliga. As a result, Gladbach aren’t just evaluating him on one bad afternoon.

The loan from Tottenham is structured without risk

Takai joined on direct loan from Tottenham in January. Financially, there is little risk for Gladbach in the move. There is no immediate obligation to buy, and a permanent deal after the season is currently considered unlikely due to cost.

However, the German side are already exploring creative scenarios that could keep him at the club beyond this campaign. Details of those ideas have not been disclosed. It is clear that Tottenham remain at the center of any decision.

For Spurs, the loan serves a clear purpose. Takai struggled for minutes after a long break in England. Regular Bundesliga football provides him with rhythm and performance at a high level. At 21, he remains more of a development project than a finished product.

what’s next for him

Takai is expected to receive significant playing time between now and May. This will give Tottenham a wider sample to assess their progress. It would also allow Gladbach to decide whether it made sense to pursue a more complex arrangement.

A permanent transfer this summer looks difficult at the moment. Nevertheless, early planning suggests that Gladbach has not ruled out trying to pursue a partnership. Of course, a lot will depend on how Takai responds on the pitch in the coming weeks.