• The Canadian Press

    Falcons provide first NFL draft surprise by taking Washington QB Michael Penix Jr. with No. 8 pick

    FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) — The Atlanta Falcons provided the first major surprise of the NFL draft by selecting quarterback Michael Penix Jr. of Washington with the No. 8 overall pick on Thursday night. The Falcons extended their recent trend of selecting offensive skill players in the first round by drafting Penix one month after signing Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180 million contract with $100 million guaranteed. Using a draft slot normally targeted for players expected to make an immediate

  • The Canadian Press

    Colts take first defensive player of NFL draft, UCLA edge rusher Laiatu Latu at No. 15

    INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The Indianapolis Colts took the first defensive player in the NFL draft Thursday night, choosing edge rusher Laiatu Latu of UCLA with the 15th pick. Latu's selection ended a 14-player run on offense — a draft record. Last season's Pac-12 defensive player of the year is expected to beef up Indy's outside pass rush and should complement an interior defensive line led by two-time Pro Bowler DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart. The Colts recorded 51 sacks last season, the most si

  • The Canadian Press

    Seahawks target the defensive line by selecting Byron Murphy II from Texas with No. 16 pick in draft

    RENTON, Wash. (AP) — The Seattle Seahawks filled a need on the defensive front, selecting Texas defensive tackle Byron Murphy II with the No. 16 pick of the first round of the NFL draft on Thursday. The first draft under new coach Mike Macdonald went to the defensive side of the ball with the first selection of his tenure and bolstered a clear area Seattle needed improvement. The Seahawks had veteran Jarran Reed at the position, but otherwise lacked an impactful second option. Murphy could end u

  • The Canadian Press

    Grace Kim shoots 7-under 64 at Wilshire Country Club to lead LPGA Tour's JM Eagle LA Championship

    LOS ANGLES (AP) — Grace Kim shot a 7-under 64 at Wilshire Country Club to take the first-round lead Thursday in the LPGA Tour's JM Eagle LA Championship. Playing in the morning session, the 23-year-old Australian capped her bogey-free round with a chip-in birdie on the par-3 18th. “Well, I chunked my tee shot on the last hole 20 meters short and then I chipped it in it,” Kim said. “I think that’s pretty cool, in front of everyone.” Maja Stark of Sweden, Sei Young Kim of South Korea and Chanettee