Yardbarker

Mike Santa Barbara

Mike Santa Barbara is a Wilmington, Delaware native (Yes, it's a real place) with over a decade of sports writing experience. A diehard Philadelphia sports fan, he has two dogs named after Flyers and cried real tears when the Eagles won Super Bowl LII. You can follow him on Twitter at @mike__sb.

Four NFL Draft 'projects' with the best chance to develop into stars

For the most part, the NFL Draft is a gamble, meaning there are no guarantees. However, that uncertainty creates a stage for prospects without the highest expectations to emerge. With that in mind, here are four "projects" from the 2024 NFL Draft that could develop into stars. 

Candace Parker has one lofty post-retirement goal

On Sunday, Candace Parker, arguably one of the most outstanding women's basketball players of all time, announced she was retiring from the game following 16 pro seasons

Women's hoops icon Candace Parker retires: Basketball world pays tribute

On Sunday, women's basketball star Candace Parker announced her retirement following 16 remarkable professional seasons in the WNBA and overseas. 

Watch: NHL analyst slams Leafs forward Mitch Marner for lack of effort

Toronto Maple Leafs forward Mitch Marner was roasted on national television for his lackluster postseason performance to date.

Watch: Bruins' Brad Marchand delivers another questionable hit in series vs. Leafs

Boston Bruins pesky forward Brad Marchand is at it again. 

Five teams that botched the 2024 NFL Draft

By in large, the NFL Draft is a crap shoot. Considering those circumstances, it might sound harsh to judge a team's draft mere hours after its conclusion. However, sometimes, it's too hard to overlook how badly some drop the ball. 

Winners and losers from Day 2 of the 2024 NFL Draft

A day after breaking the record for the most offensive players selected in the first round of the NFL Draft (23), the focus shifted predictably to defense on Friday.

Former Super Bowl champion explains why DT Jer'Zhan Newton is a 'steal' for Commanders

Illinois defensive lineman Jer'Zhan Newton, viewed by many as a first-day pick, fell to Washington Commanders at No. 36 in Friday's second round. Despite

Watch: Eagles cornerstone blasts rival Cowboys before announcing second-round pick

Before announcing his team's pick, the one-time Pro Bowler took the opportunity to take a shot at the rival Dallas Cowboys. 

Why Iowa CB Cooper DeJean could be even more valuable as a Day 2 pick

Iowa CB Cooper DeJean could easily have come off the board in the first round of the NFL Draft had it not been for a frenzy of picks on the offensive side of the ball.

Kirk Cousins comments on Falcons' decision to draft QB Michael Penix Jr.

Even though they've committed to him for the next four years, the Falcons didn't consult their new franchise quarterback before picking Penix. 

Watch: Bill Belichick has cold reaction to Patriots' selection of QB Drake Maye

Belichick sounded relatively unenthusiastic about his former team's selection of Drake Maye.

Hall of Famer isn't sold on this top quarterback prospect

Michigan QB J.J. McCarthy has largely aced the evaluating process this spring, but that doesn't mean everybody is buying in on his NFL upside.

Insider breaks down Bears' approach at pick No. 9

In mere hours, the Chicago Bears will finally reveal the worst-kept secret in the NFL by officially selecting USC quarterback Caleb Williams as the No. 1 overall pick. However, what's unclear is what they will do with the team's second selection at No. 9.

Shohei Ohtani has been everything the Dodgers could've hoped for and more

Shohei Ohtani hasn't been a Los Angeles Dodger for long, but he's already proving to be worth the $700M investment. 

Maple Leafs HC blasts Bruins' Brad Marchand following Game 3 loss

After Brad Marchand's third-period heroics helped the Boston Bruins secure a 4-2 Game 3 win and a 2-1 series advantage over the Toronto Maple Leafs in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, head coach Sheldon Keefe was in no mood to praise the rival. 

Watch: Bruins' Brad Marchand scores historic Game 3-sealer vs. Leafs

Brad Marchand secured his spot among the all-time greats in Boston Bruins history while continuing to be a thorn in the side of the rival Leafs.

Potential landing spots for Bengals Pro Bowl DE Trey Hendrickson

Standout defensive end Trey Hendrickson has requested a trade from the Bengals. Who might be first in line for his services?

Watch: The Maple Leafs turn up the physicality in Game 3 vs. Bruins

Following physical battles in Game 1 and Game 2 of their opening-round playoff series, the Maple Leafs and Bruins somehow found a way to kick things up a notch in Game 3 on Wednesday. 

Informal insider poll reveals consensus opinion on Patriots' draft strategy

The New England Patriots could still move in a number of directions with the No. 3 overall pick in the NFL Draft.

Pacers in trouble after falling to Giannis Antetokounmpo-less Bucks in Game 1

Even without star Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Bucks handled the Pacers relatively easily in Game 1 of their first-round playoff matchup on Sunday, winning 109-94. 

Mavericks' Daniel Gafford makes surprising admission after Game 1

After the 109-97 loss, Mavericks center Daniel Gafford made a surprising admission regarding his effort on Sunday. 

Former Celtic believes Heat intentionally tried to injure Jayson Tatum

The Celtics easily took Game 1 of their first-round playoff series over the Heat on Sunday, winning 114-94. However, the victory didn't come without a bit of controversy. 

Bucks HC Doc Rivers shares troubling injury update on Giannis Antetokounmpo

The Bucks' worst fears were realized on Sunday when head coach Doc Rivers announced that star Giannis Antetokounmpo would miss Game 1 of the team's first-round playoff series against the Pacers.