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Northwest Sports Update: Draft day, M’s off, Whatcom Preps get its shine and more

AP Photo/Matt Ludtke Photo: Associated Press


NFL Draft News

The NFL draft is kicking off tonight in Pittsburgh.

The Las Vegas Raiders are expected to select Indiana quarterback and 2025 Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza with the first overall pick.

The Seahawks have the final pick of the first round today at No. 32 overall. But general manager John Schneider has expressed interest in trading down to build on his four total draft picks, which rank among the least of any team.

The first round of the draft starts at 5:00 on KPUG. Rounds two and three each take place tomorrow.

Meanwhile, a scandal that took the sports world by storm is now affecting the draft.

New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel won’t be with the team for the third day of the NFL draft on Saturday.

Vrabel told reporters that he’s committed to seeking counseling starting this weekend. It was one of his first times addressing the media since the New York Post published photos that appeared to show Vrabel embracing and holding hands with NFL insider Dianna Russini.

Russini has since resigned from her position at the Athletic following the photos of the two, who are both married.

The Patriots said in a statement that they “fully support” Vrabel’s decision.

Mariners News

The Mariners have the day off today before heading out on a six-game road trip.

The M’s own an 11-15 record after narrowly avoiding a sweep against the A’s yesterday thanks to a walk off single by Josh Naylor.

Cal Raleigh has been one of the hottest hitters in baseball, having knocked three home runs on six hits in this past series. Meanwhile, Julio Rodriguez is riding a 19 game on-base streak.

The M’s still sit 2.5 games behind the Athletics for first place in the AL West. They’re now kicking off their road trip against a St. Louis Cardinals squad that’s won six of its last eight.

Coverage begins at 4:00 and first pitch is at 5:15 on KPUG tomorrow with George Kirby taking the mound.

Prep Sports News

A local sports media icon is getting statewide recognition.

The Washington State Football Coaches Association has selected Tyler Anderson as its Silver Helmet award winner for 2025. The award is presented to a member of the media for their longstanding coverage of high school football.

Anderson’s website whatcompreps.com offers detailed summaries of each prep sporting matchup going on across the county, not just for football, but for every sport of the school year. He also has a podcast and keeps stats for each football and basketball player in the county.

The award was given for his two decades of work to highlight local student athletes. Anderson will be presented with the award on May 17.

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