World Cup 2022 schedule - groups, calendar, match schedule, brackets - NBC Sports

The World Cup 2022 schedule is locked in and there is so much to look forward to ahead of the tournament in Qatar in November to December.

[ MORE: How to watch Premier League in USA ] 

From the USMNT facing England the day after Thanksgiving to Mexico and Argentina squaring off in the group stages, Spain facing Germany and Belgium vs Canada, there are plenty of intriguing games in the opening round.

[ MORE: USMNT react to draw ] 

Then we have the Round of 16, quarterfinals, semifinals and final to look forward to.

Below is the schedule in full, details on how to watch the games and everything else you need..

[ MORE: World Cup odds ]

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World Cup 2022 schedule, start time, dates, how to watch live

When: November 21, 2022 to December 18, 2022
Group stage game kick off times: 5am, 8am, 11am, 2pm (all ET)
Location: Qatar
TV channel: Telemundo, Universo, Peacock

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Group A schedule (all kick off times ET)

November, 21: Qatar vs Ecuador – Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor – 11am
November, 21: Senegal vs Netherlands – Al Thumama Stadium, Al Khor – 5am
November, 25: Qatar vs Senegal – Al Thumama Stadium, Al Khor – 8am
November, 25: Netherlands vs Ecuador – Khalifa International Stadium, Al Rayyan – 11am
November, 29: Netherlands vs Qatar – Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor – 10am
November, 29: Ecuador vs Senegal –  Khalifa International Stadium, Al Rayyan – 10am

Group B schedule

November, 21: England vs Iran – Khalifa International Stadium, Al Rayyan – 8am
November, 21: USA vs Wales/Scotland/Ukraine – Ahmed bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan – 2pm
November, 25: England vs USA – Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor – 2pm
November, 25: Wales/Scotland/Ukraine vs Iran – Ahmed bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan – 5am
November, 29: Wales/Scotland/Ukraine vs England – Ahmed bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan – 2pm
November, 29: Iran vs USA – Al Thumama Stadium, Al Khor – 2pm

Group C schedule

November, 22: Argentina vs Saudi Arabia – Lusail Iconic Stadium, Lusail – 5am
November, 22: Mexico vs Poland – Stadium 974, Doha – 11am
November, 26: Argentina vs Mexico – Lusail Iconic Stadium, Lusail – 2pm
November, 26: Poland vs Saudi Arabia – Education City Stadium, Al Rayyan – 8am
November, 30: Poland vs Argentina – Stadium 974, Doha – 2pm
November, 30: Saudi Arabia vs Mexico – Lusail Iconic Stadium, Lusail – 2pm

Group D schedule

November, 22: France vs UAE/Australia/Peru – Al Janoub Stadium, Al Wakrah – 2pm
November, 22: Denmark vs Tunisia – Education City Stadium, Al Rayyan – 8am
November, 26: France vs Denmark – Stadium 974, Doha – 11am
November, 26: Tunisia vs UAE/Australia/Peru – Al Janoub Stadium, Al Wakrah – 5am
November, 30: Tunisia vs France –  Education City Stadium, Al Rayyan – 10am
November, 30: UAE/Australia/Peru vs Denmark – Al Janoub Stadium, Al Wakrah – 10am

Group E schedule

November, 23: Spain vs Costa Rica/New Zealand – Al Thumama Stadium, Al Khor – 11am
November, 23: Germany vs Japan – Khalifa International Stadium, Al Rayyan – 8am
November, 27: Spain vs Germany – Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor – 2pm
November, 27: Japan vs Costa Rica/New Zealand – Ahmed bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan – 5am
December, 1: Japan vs Spain – Khalifa International Stadium, Al Rayyan – 2pm
December, 1: Costa Rica/New Zealand vs Germany – Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor – 2pm

Group F schedule

November, 23: Belgium vs Canada – Ahmed bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan – 2pm
November, 23: Morocco vs Croatia – Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor – 5am
November, 27: Belgium vs Morocco – Al Thumama Stadium, Al Khor – 8am
November, 27: Croatia vs Canada – Khalifa International Stadium, Al Rayyan – 11am
December, 1: Croatia vs Belgium – Ahmed bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan – 10am
December, 1: Canada vs Morocco – Al Thumama Stadium, Al Khor – 10am

Group G schedule

November, 24: Brazil vs Serbia – Lusail Iconic Stadium, Lusail – 2pm
November, 24: Switzerland vs Cameroon – Al Janoub Stadium, Al Wakrah – 5am
November, 28: Brazil vs Switzerland – Stadium 974, Doha – 11am
November, 28: Cameroon vs Serbia – Al Janoub Stadium, Al Wakrah – 5am
December, 2: Cameroon vs Brazil – Lusail Iconic Stadium, Lusail – 2pm
December, 2: Serbia vs Switzerland – Stadium 974, Doha – 2pm

Group H schedule

November, 24: Portugal vs Ghana – Stadium 974, Doha – 11am
November, 24: Uruguay vs South Korea – Education City Stadium, Al Rayyan – 8am
November, 28: Portugal vs Uruguay – Lusail Iconic Stadium, Lusail – 2pm
November, 28: South Korea vs Ghana – Education City Stadium, Al Rayyan – 8am
December, 2: South Korea vs Portugal – Education City Stadium, Al Rayyan – 10am
December, 2: Ghana vs Uruguay – Al Janoub Stadium, Al Wakrah – 10am

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Round of 16 schedule

Match 49 – December, 3: Winner Group A vs Runners up Group B – Khalifa International Stadium, Al Rayyan – 10am

Match 50 – December, 3:  Winners Group C vs Runners up Group D – Ahmed bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan – 2pm

Match 52 -December, 4: Winners Group D vs Runners up Group C – Al Thumama Stadium, Doha – 10am

Match 51 – December, 4: Winners Group B vs Runners up Group A – Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor – 2pm

Match 53 -December, 5: Winners Group E vs Runners up Group F – Al Janoub Stadium, Al Wakrah – 10am

Match 54 – December, 5: Winners Group G vs Runners up Group H – Stadium 974, Doha – 2pm

Match 55 – December, 6: Winners Group F vs Runners up Group E – Education City Stadium, Al Rayyan – 10am

Match 56 – December, 6: Winners Group H vs Runners up Group G – Lusail Iconic Stadium, Lusail – 2pm

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Quarterfinal schedule

Match 58 – December, 9: Winners Match 53 vs Winners Match 54 – Education City Stadium, Al Rayyan – 10am

Match 57 – December, 9: Winners Match 49 vs Winners Match 50 – Lusail Iconic Stadium, Lusail – 10am

Match 60 – December, 10: Winners Match 55 vs Winners Match 56 – Al Thumama Stadium, Doha – 10am

Match 59 – December, 10: Winners Match 51 vs Winners Match 52 – Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor – 2pm

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Semifinal schedule

Match 61 – December, 13: Winners Match 57 vs Winners Match 58 – Lusail Iconic Stadium, Lusail – 2pm

Match 62 – December, 14: Winners Match 59 vs Winners Match 60 – Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor – 2pm

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Third-place play-off

Match 63 – December, 16: Losers Match 61 vs Losers Match 62 – Khalifa International Stadium, Al Rayyan – 2pm

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Final

Match 64 – December, 17: Winners Match 61 vs Winners Match 62 – Lusail Iconic Stadium, Lusail – 10am

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March Madness Final Four: Here's what you need to know - CNN

(CNN)It's the culmination of the NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Tournament, with four "March Madness" teams remaining. The "Final Four" takes place in New Orleans and no matter who wins, the event will inspire tears of joy and pain.

When are the games?

The games will take place Saturday evening in "The Big Easy" at Caesars Superdome:

• Villanova Wildcats vs. Kansas Jayhawks at 6:09 pm ET
• North Carolina Tar Heels vs. Duke Blue Devils at 8:49 pm ET.

The winners from each game will face off in the title game on Monday, April 4 at 9:20 pm ET.

What to look out for?

Of the two games, the second features one of the most famous rivalries in sports and is, no surprise, the match-up everyone is talking about. Remarkably, Saturday's semifinal between Carolina and Duke, two dueling universities from the same state, will be the first time the teams meet in the NCAA men's tournament. The game will be sentimental, to say the least. Duke's legendary coach Mike Krzyzewski has led Duke to the Final Four 13 times and won five national championships. With this season -- his final before retiring -- he has set the record for the most Final Four appearances in NCAA history. The pressure is on for Duke to win Saturday night and secure Coach K the last victory of his career.

With all the talk surrounding the second semifinal, it would be understandable if both Villanova and Kansas players felt under appreciated. Yet this game may have a rematch feel to it -- at least for the fans. The two programs met in the Final Four four years ago, when the Wildcats rolled the Jayhawks in a 95-79 rout.

How to watch?

According to Ticketmaster, tickets for the Final Four events in New Orleans run anywhere from $195 to $1,000.

But if you can't make it to Louisiana, don't worry: the remaining men's games will be broadcast on TBS. You can stream the games via the official March Madness website or the NCAA March Madness Live app.

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Colin Kaepernick to throw in front of NFL scouts at Michigan spring game - New York Post

Free-agent quarterback Colin Kaepernick’s pursuit of a return to the National Football League will continue this weekend when he holds a throwing exhibition during halftime of the University of Michigan’s spring game on Saturday.

Draft-eligible players will catch passes from Kaepernick and NFL team personnel in attendance will be permitted to watch the event, the NFL said on its website.

Kaepernick, who has been unable to find a team to sign him since 2017, was among the first players to kneel during the pregame playing of the U.S. national anthem to protest the extrajudicial killings of Black people by police.

He filed a grievance against the NFL in 2017, claiming collusion as no teams signed him after he parted ways with the San Francisco 49ers. Kaepernick and the NFL settled in 2019.

The 34-year-old drew renewed interest in the summer of 2020 when the NFL expressed it would welcome Kaepernick back, but left the decision up to its member clubs to sign him. No team has done it so far.

In this Dec. 11, 2016, file photo, San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick stands in the bench area during the second half of the team’s NFL football game against the New York Jets in Santa Clara, Calif.

AP

Kaepernick has played in 69 games in his NFL career. He took over as the 49ers starting quarterback in the 2013 season and led San Francisco to a Super Bowl appearance.

The game will be on the Big Ten Network at 12 p.m Saturday.

Netflix has billed the special as recounting Colin Kapernick’s “formative years navigating race, class and culture while aspiring for greatness.”

Courtesy of Neflix

In this file photo, Colin Kaepernick looks to make a pass during a private NFL workout held at Charles R Drew high school on November 16, 2019 in Riverdale, Georgia.

Getty Images

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Kansas vs. Villanova is overshadowed by Duke vs. UNC at Final Four, but would get top billing any other year - CBS Sports

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NEW ORLEANS – At 9:21 Thursday morning The Old Absinthe House on Bourbon Street was empty, but certainly not closed. This is the French Quarter known for, among other things, bars that never close. 

"We stay open as late as there's business," said Trish Wilson, the lone bartender at the establishment at the corner of Bourbon Street and Bienville that has been serving patrons since 1807.

Wilson has been in her current job for 22 years. That would include slinging drinks during two of the five Final Fours played in this town (2003, 2012). She has seen Super Bowls, college bowl games, Mardi Gras and random weekday nights when a carpet salesman from Akron can get blasted in a place that once served pirates. 

Football is more of her thing but at this moment at this place in this city Wilson is as good a person to ask about this Final Four that, in terms of hype, might as well be the Terrific Two.

"I think Duke's in it," Wilson guessed when asked. 

Reminded that North Carolina is the opposition Wilson added, "I don't know the other two … Is there someone from Texas?"

Uh, no. That's where we are two days from tipoff from one of the most anticipated Final Fours in recent memory. It is at least one of the most royal. Four bluebloods who – to accentuate the point -- actually have blue as a team color. 

But to those even slightly aware of the proceedings the Duke-Carolina semifinal resonates. To the point that Saturday's first semifinal between Villanova and Kansas almost seems like an undercard.

"The undercard here would get more attention than anything we've ever had before," Kansas Coach Bill Self said Thursday. "I don't look at it that way at all. The majority of the attention and probably rightfully so would be on the second game because it's Duke-Carolina. Coach K's last game and all those things. We're fired up. I don't think anybody here is flying under any radar."

Only Duke-Carolina could upstage a national semifinal that features Kansas in its 16th Final Four and Villanova in its seventh. Five of those have come since 1985. Wildcats Coach Jay Wright won two championships in three years (2016, 2018). 

"We never aspire to be one of those programs," Wright said of Duke and Carolina. "We fight the urge to try to be like them, because we're just so different. Be the best Villanova we can be. But when people on the outside connect us to them or count us as part of their legacy and tradition, we have a lot of respect for them." 

Self is already a hall of fame coach coming off his 16th regular-season conference title at Kansas. He started his career at KU as a grad assistant under Larry Brown in 1985 and 1986. 

"I saw first-hand what it could be like there," Self said. "I'm the caretaker of the most historic program that's ever been. It does mean something extra when you stop and think about [James] Naismith, [Phog] Allen, [Adolph] Rupp and [Wilt] Chamberlain."

All of it makes this a Final Four that's one to drool over. 

"I don't know that too many people are talking about [Villanova] and Kansas right now," Self told reporters. "And that's great, for me personally. But I think that this could be as anticipated and as well attended and as much watched as maybe any Final Four ever."

On Canal Street Thursday, members of the North Carolina band were well aware of the implications. Tar Heels everywhere already have a lifetime memento tucked away in the recesses of the happy part of their brain. In what was supposed to be Mike Krzyzewski's last game against North Carolina, Duke lost 94-81 on March 5. 

In a saddened postgame, Krzyzewksi proclaimed, "Today was unacceptable …"

T-shirts immediately popped up on the North Carolina campus reading, "94-81, Acceptable." 

"I feel like we have nothing to lose," said UNC senior Jennings Dixon, one of those band members, from Raleigh, N.C. "Duke has everything to lose.  We're going into it having fun. I think Duke should be scared. Even if they are, that's great."

There's something to that. Hubert Davis is in his first year replacing Roy Williams as coach of the Tar Heels. He has the rest of his life to carve out a legacy. It would be a nice to start to hand Coach K losses in his last two meetings with the Tar Heels.

"I get that we have a skewed perspective because we live seven miles from our opponent," said Eric Montross, former Carolina two-time All-American and color analyst on its broadcast for the last 17 years. "We hear it all year long. For nine months out of the year it's Carolina-Duke. Now it's just extended into this venue. 

"I've been here. I've played in these Final Fours. You get here and there is no undercard. The national media, the fans, may have that impression. For those who have played in the moment, this is the pinnacle."

A pinnacle that, for the loser, will be devastating. Kansas has its own revenge motive. The Wildcats blew out the Jayhawks 95-79 in the 2018 Final Four. Kansas had a rich history with Duke and Carolina, and vice versa. Roy Williams coached at both KU and Carolina. KU and Duke have met 13 times, all with Krzyzewski coaching. Duke beat Kansas for the 1991 national championship in Williams first Final Four. 

What are the odds that Carolina and Duke, who have met 257 times but never in the tournament. Davis was at a Boy Scout meeting in 1982 when the Tar Heels won the first of two national championships in this city. The next came in 1993 when Davis was in the NBA. 

"I remember feeling two powerful emotions," Davis said. "Joy and happiness because they won, but also sadness because I wanted to be there."

Davis was at Williams' side in 2017 when Carolina last won it all. But that's different. He was an assistant coach then. Before his first day of practice as keeper of the North Carolina flame he posted a picture of the Superdome in the players' lockers. 

And then there's the Krzyzewski farewell tour that seems to hover over this entire Final Four. Former Providence Coach Pete Gillen once famously said, "Duke is Duke. They're on TV more than Leave It To Beaver reruns." The K goodbye that has been never-ending could provide one of the sport's best endings. That would be with Krzyzewski winning it all in his final game solidifying his place as perhaps the game's greatest coach. 

"That's why I want to play Duke and beat them," said Kansas superfan Don Pfannenstiel, Class of 1974. "There's too much attention on Krzyzewski. Good grief. That's all I hear."

Did someone say super an? Pfannenstiel has committed to memory all 16 of Bill Self's home losses in the coach's 19 years at KU. But why dwell on the negative? Kansas' season turned around after the last of those losses, to Kentucky on Jan. 28. Since then, the Jayhawks are 15-3 with all the losses on the road.

A friend told Pfannenstiel, "It's a fix. They want Duke to win." No word on who "they" is, but it is known that the friend is a Missouri grad. So disregard that conspiracy theory entirely.

Maybe the overriding theme for this Final Four should be New Orleans itself. It has survived hurricanes, COVID-19 and keeps bouncing back.  

"The Final Four in New Orleans is fun because everybody gathers in one place," Pfannenstiel said. "After the game, you know where everybody is going to be. They're going to be in the French Quarter on Bourbon Street."

When you're there, ask for Trish. She'll be glad to fill your glass and fill you in – as best she can.

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2022 NFL Draft: First-round order, top three needs for all 32 teams - NFL.com

This is a look at the order for the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft (April 28-30), along with the top three needs for all 32 teams. The order for picks 1-18 was determined by record, using strength of schedule as a tiebreaker. The order for playoff teams (19-32 in the order) was determined by the results of postseason play.

3-14 · Strength of schedule: .512

Biggest needs: Edge, OL, WR

The Jaguars invested two first-round picks in edge rushers in recent years, but Josh Allen is still in need of a top-flight running mate. Jacksonville is likely to go back to the well at the position in 2022 after posting 50 sacks total over the last two seasons (tied for second-fewest in the league during that span).

3-13-1 · .528

Biggest needs: QB, Edge, CB

While the need for a long-term answer at quarterback still hovers over the squad, the Lions might first turn their attention in this year's draft to a defense that has allowed the most passing touchdowns (185) and highest passer rating (101.1) of any team in the league in the Next Gen Stats era (since 2016).

4-13 · .498

Biggest needs: Edge, CB, OL

For a team with needs just about everywhere, Houston can absolutely afford to take the best player available. Ideally, the Texans' draft haul will help remake Lovie Smith's defense and give Davis Mills something that resembles adequate support.

4-13 · .512

Biggest needs: Edge, WR, CB

If they're going to take a step out of the AFC East cellar, the Jets need more juice off the edge and at the receiver position.

4-13 · .536

Biggest needs: OT, Edge, TE

New GM Joe Schoen has a great opportunity to shore up the Giants' vulnerability in the trenches with two first-round picks, and filling a gaping void at tight end is a must, too.

5-12 · .509

Biggest needs: QB, OL, Edge

Carolina is desperate for an answer at quarterback after ranking last in passer rating (68.5), completion percentage (58.1) and interceptions (21) in 2021.

PICK ACQUIRED FROM THE CHICAGO BEARS

Bears' record: 6-11 (.524)

See Pick No. 5 for analysis of the Giants' needs and the bottom of this article for analysis of the Bears' needs.

7-10 · .472

Biggest needs: QB, Edge, WR

The signing of Marcus Mariota (two-year deal) should not prevent the Falcons from spending an early pick on a quarterback for the first time since 2008. There's also the matter of filling the hole at wide receiver. Oh, and breathing life into the worst pass rush in the league.

PICK ACQUIRED FROM THE DENVER BRONCOS

Broncos' record: 7-10 (.484)

Seahawks' biggest needs: QB, OT, CB

There are more pressing needs than we had room to include here -- including replacing Bobby Wagner at middle linebacker -- but none more important than finding a quarterback who can eventually (if not immediately) beat out Drew Lock for the starting job.

NOTE: See the bottom of this article for analysis of the Broncos' needs.

PICK ACQUIRED FROM THE SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

Seahawks' record: 7-10 (.519)

See Pick No. 4 for analysis of the Jets' needs and Pick No. 9 for analysis of the Seahawks' needs.

7-10 · .529

Biggest needs: WR, S, CB

A case could be made that quarterback remains a draft need for the Commanders, even after the significant investment in Carson Wentz. If Washington really is in win-now mode, though, it best find Terry McLaurin a complement and shore up the secondary.

8-9 · .507

Biggest needs: DL, CB, TE

The re-signing of Patrick Peterson filled the Vikings' most glaring hole, which means the new regime in Minnesota can cast a wide net, from a positional perspective, in the draft. Beefing up the D-line, selecting Peterson's likely successor or adding another weapon for Kirk Cousins all seem like possibilities.

PICK ACQUIRED FROM THE CLEVELAND BROWNS

Browns' record: 8-9 (.514)

See Pick No. 3 for analysis of the Texans' needs and the bottom of this article for analysis of the Browns' needs.

8-9 · .531

Biggest needs: Edge, CB, OL

Edge rusher leads the needs list after Za'Darius Smith ultimately backed out of a verbal agreement on a contract with the Ravens this offseason, but there are also holes to fill at cornerback and on the offensive line.

PICK ACQUIRED FROM THE MIAMI DOLPHINS

Dolphins' record: 9-8 (.464)

See Pick No. 19 for analysis of the Eagles' needs and the bottom of this article for analysis of the Dolphins' needs.

PICK ACQUIRED FROM THE INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

Colts' record: 9-8 (.495)

See Pick No. 19 for analysis of the Eagles' needs and the bottom of this article for analysis of the Colts' needs.

9-8 · .510

Biggest needs: OL, DL, WR

The Bolts' biggest needs are in the trenches -- on offense and defense -- but they still could use another big-play threat at receiver and cornerback depth, even after signing J.C. Jackson this offseason.

9-8 · .512

Biggest needs: WR, OT, DL

It appears the Saints are content to ride with Jameis Winston, Andy Dalton and Ian Book at quarterback in 2022, which means replacing Terron Armstead and adding an explosive pass-catcher should be the top draft priorities.

9-8 · .469

Biggest needs: DL, WR, DB

Philly could afford to look to the edge or the interior -- perhaps both -- of the D-line early on after ranking second-to-last in sack rate last season (4.7%, per Next Gen Stats). Keep in mind that both Fletcher Cox and Javon Hargrave are due to hit free agency in 2023.

9-7-1 · .521

Biggest needs: QB, DB, WR

The presence of Mitch Trubisky should not keep outgoing GM Kevin Colbert from selecting a quarterback early on if the fit feels right. The Steelers figure to be in the market for a wide receiver, as well as help at both cornerback and safety.

10-7 · .481

Biggest needs: CB, OL, WR

The Patriots' lack of success drafting cornerbacks could be catching up to them. On offense, wide receiver and guard stand out as the most glaring needs.

PICK ACQUIRED FROM THE LAS VEGAS RAIDERS

Raiders' record: 10-7 (.510)

See Pick No. 28 for analysis of the Packers' needs and the bottom of this article for analysis of the Raiders' needs.

11-6 · .490

Biggest needs: Edge, WR, CB

Replacing free-agent departures Chandler Jones and Christian Kirk should be high on the to-do list, but cornerback and the interior defensive line are also crying out for an infusion of talent.

11-6 · .472

Biggest needs: CB, WR, RB

There's an opening for a starter opposite Tre'Davious White, who is coming off an ACL tear, and it wouldn't hurt to find another pass-catcher for Josh Allen.

12-5 · .472

Biggest needs: OL, WR, RB

Even if the Titans believe they have their starting five offensive linemen already on the roster, there's a need to add depth up front. Same goes for the running back position behind Derrick Henry, who missed half of the 2021 season.

13-4 · .467

Biggest needs: OG, DL, TE

One starting spot at guard remains unfilled. Then there's the question of whether Ndamukong Suh and Rob Gronkowski will return. As of this writing, they are free agents.

13-4 · .479

Biggest needs: WR, Edge, OL

After parting with Davante Adams, this seems like the time to snap the streak of drafts without spending a first-round pick on a wide receiver. It's only been 20 years. 

PICK ACQUIRED FROM THE SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS THROUGH THE MIAMI DOLPHINS

49ers' record: 10-7 (.500)

See Pick No. 30 for analysis of the Chiefs' needs and the bottom of this article for analysis of the 49ers and Dolphins' needs.

12-5 · .538

Biggest needs: WR, Edge, CB

A field-stretcher at receiver is the most obvious need after the trade of Tyreek Hill to Miami. However, free agency has also left some significant voids at key spots on defense.

10-7 · .472

Biggest needs: CB, DL, TE

While I wouldn't rule out adding to the offensive line, even after all the work the team did to the front five in free agency, the Bengals could use an upgrade at cornerback, as well as improved depth on the defensive line (DE and DT) and at tight end.

PICK ACQUIRED FROM THE LOS ANGELES RAMS

Rams' record: 12-5 (.483)

See Pick No. 2 for analysis of the Lions' needs and the bottom of this article for analysis of the Rams' needs.

TEAMS CURRENTLY LACKING A FIRST-ROUND PICK

TRADED FIRST-ROUND PICK TO THE NEW YORK GIANTS

Biggest needs: OL, CB, WR

GM Ryan Poles' rebuild is just beginning. The primary focus in 2022 should be on setting up Justin Fields for improvement in Year 2 and tightening up the back end of the defense.

TRADED FIRST-ROUND PICK TO THE HOUSTON TEXANS

Biggest needs: DT, Edge, WR

As great as he is, Myles Garrett can't do it alone on the defensive line. Also, there should be an opportunity for a pass-catcher who can compete for reps as a WR2/3.

TRADED FIRST-ROUND PICK TO THE SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

Biggest needs: S, TE, RB

Safety and tight end jump out as the biggest needs for Denver, but the best position for the third spot on the list is not so easy to determine. There's always room for more depth on the offensive line and at cornerback, but the lack of a running mate for Javonte Williams shouldn't be overlooked.

TRADED FIRST-ROUND PICK TO THE PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

Biggest needs: OL, WR, CB

GM Chris Ballard should be in the market for starting-caliber talent at wide receiver, left tackle and cornerback, but pass rushers could be on his radar, too.

TRADED FIRST-ROUND PICK TO THE GREEN BAY PACKERS

Biggest needs: OL, LB, DT

The Raiders addressed several needs, including finding potential short-term solutions at the last two positions mentioned above, in free agency, but there are still questions marks on the offensive line.

TRADED FIRST-ROUND PICK TO THE DETROIT LIONS

Biggest needs: Edge, OL, CB

The Rams failed in their bid to keep Von Miller in L.A., leaving an open spot off the edge. Free agency left them a bit thin at cornerback, too, while starting offensive linemen David Edwards and Rob Havenstein are in the final year of their contracts.

TRADED FIRST-ROUND PICK TO THE PHILADELPHIA EAGLES AND TRADED FIRST-ROUND PICK ACQUIRED FROM SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS TO KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

Biggest needs: OL, LB, Edge

Miami's overhaul of the offensive line could continue into the draft, with competition, at a minimum, needed for the center position. There are a couple spots within the front seven on defense that figure to have the Dolphins' attention, as well.

TRADED FIRST-ROUND PICK TO THE MIAMI DOLPHINS

Biggest needs: CB, Edge, OL

The 49ers are developing some young corners, but should probably add to that group with Emmanuel Moseley a year away from free agency. John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan have to be on the lookout for a pass-rushing complement to Nick Bosa.

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New Bucs coach Todd Bowles wins day by admitting he ‘blew it’ - Tampa Bay Times

TAMPA — To triumph at the news conference, he first had to admit defeat. In that sense, Todd Bowles nailed it, with candor and conciseness.

“I blew it,” the new Bucs coach said Thursday.

Know this about 58-year-old Todd Robert Bowles: While different in myriad ways from immediate predecessor Bruce Arians, they share the blunt gene. It’s a trait generally appreciated by fans.

That is why the married dad of three boys likely won points his first day on the job by readily acknowledging the failure of the Bucs’ final defensive play of the 2021 season in the NFC division playoff game against the Rams.

Instead of dancing around or dodging the question of why he called for a cover-zero, all-out blitz of Matthew Stafford — resulting in the Rams quarterback finding NFL Offensive Player of the Year Cooper Kupp isolated downfield for a 44-yard completion — the former NFL safety tackled it helmet first.

So what about that last defensive play vs. the Rams? “I blew it,” Todd Bowles said. #Bucs pic.twitter.com/uuMM9BBACG

— Joey Knight (@TBTimes_Bulls) March 31, 2022

“We were trying to win,” said Bowles, whose strategy resulted in Matt Gay kicking a 30-yard field goal as time expired to lift Los Angeles to a 30-27 triumph.

“I will never apologize for trying to win. If I didn’t call zone and (Stafford) got the play off, you’ll say I should’ve blitzed. ‘We blitz all the time, how come we didn’t blitz?’ That’s part of football, that’s coaching. You have to learn to make peace and live with it.”

Less than 24 hours before Bowles’ introduction as the franchise’s 13th head coach — and its fourth Black head coach — Bowles had remained the convenient scapegoat for one of the most excruciating losses the bay area had experienced.

On Thursday, the day after the Bucs announced that Arians was vacating the head-coaching job for a front-office spot, Bowles still was processing that he had been afforded a second act as an NFL head coach after leading the Jets from 2015-18, with a five-year contract to boot.

“A lot of people had to be in agreement for this to happen. It’s not a one-man show,” Bowles said of the succession plan allowing Arians to pass the torch to the New Jersey native he has known since 1983, when Arians first coached him at Temple.

“I feel very humble, I feel very honored, I feel very excited. I’m ready to go, and we’ll try to get this thing rolling.”

If nothing else, Bowles will roll his own way.

Todd Bowles speaks about his opportunity to lead the Bucs. Former head coach Bruce Arians said Bowles is replacing him as part of a succession plan that had been in the works a few weeks. [ DOUGLAS CLIFFORD | Times ]

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Unlike Arians, who made ‘Win or lose, we booze’ a half-serious mantra on his watch, Bowles doesn’t drink or do cigars. And whereas Arians’ practice reprimands were laced with profanities, Bowles is more likely to point out player deficiencies with dry sarcasm.

“I think if I tried to put on a Kangol hat and came in here and grew my goatee (Arians trademarks), you guys would look at me like I’m crazy,” Bowles said. " ‘Look at this clown, he’s mini Bruce.’ I can’t do that, and I’m not going to. I’m not going to try.”

Arians didn’t orchestrate this succession plan — which Bowles didn’t learn about until Monday — to replace himself with a clone. He knew that Bowles’ style, combined with his football intuition and the lessons he learned with the Jets, with whom he went 24-40 before being fired, gave him every chance to succeed.

The Bucs’ offseason developments, namely Tom Brady’s unretirement and the subsequent re-signing of several key free agents, have optimized those chances.

“(Bowles has) been probably the brightest guy I’ve ever coached,” Arians said. “And I think he, as a player-coach, (offensive coordinator) Byron (Leftwich) as a player-coach, they just had it. You knew they had it.”

By all accounts, that “it” factor is endearing.

“He’s a phenomenal person, great family man, talks about his family all the time,” general manager Jason Licht said.

“He’s a mentor to a lot of people in this building, not just the players, but other coaches, staff members. You often find people in his office, just him offering advice on how to just be a better person.”

Because he now must answer for the Bucs’ offense and monitor it in practice, Bowles said that defensive line coach Kacy Rodgers and outside linebackers coach Larry Foote will serve as co-defensive coordinators, though Bowles still will call things on game days.

And while he won’t disrupt the dynamic fostered by Leftwich and Brady, he’ll interject where he sees fit.

“I’m the head coach,” Bowles said. “I get to do whatever I want.”

Quarterback Tom Brady, who recently came out of a short retirement, attends Thursday's news conference introducing new head coach Todd Bowles. [ DOUGLAS CLIFFORD | Times ]

The blunt gene at work.

“My way is not rocket science,” he said. “It’s like every other coach: You coach hard, you understand players, you try to put them in the best position to play football.

“So I’m not trying to change the program, but you try to say you’ve got to be yourself. You try to imitate somebody else, it doesn’t go well.”

Contact Joey Knight at jknight@tampabay.com. Follow @TBTimes_Bulls

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New Bucs coach Todd Bowles wins day by admitting he ‘blew it’ - Tampa Bay Times
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