The NFL Scouting Combine, a four-day, invitation-only event that allows NFL scouts to evaluate that year’s top draft-eligible college players on a variety of medical, mental, and physical criteria, where fans and media alike watch and speculate who will be drafted and where they will go.  Some sources say that there will be five quarterbacks in the first round of the draft, others are only confident of three entries.  Bo Nix has the moxie and physical talent to be in the first round – why has he been listed in the third?  Is Drake Maye underestimated as a running quarterback?  What about Caleb Williams?  Have coaches been doing their homework and planning preemptive positioning strikes with current team members to acquire all the new talent?  Should we expect to see a lot of trades and shuffling of quarterbacks in the coming months?

The NFLPA polled players for the best/worst coaches and organizations, and former coach Bill Belichick rated number 27.  Stephen Ross and the Miami Dolphins gained the top spot as the best organization, followed by Minnesota, Green Bay, Philadelphia, and Jacksonville to round out the top five.  A surprising revelation?  Reigning Super Bowl champs Kansas City Chiefs and the Washington Commanders landed at rock bottom as the worst in the NFL, according to athletes.  Will this poll induce some organizations to revamp their best practices?

Los Angeles baseball fans rejoice as favorite Kike Hernandez has been re-signed by the Dodgers as an all-around utility player, even being able to step in as an emergency catcher if needed.  How much did the Dodgers put aside to bring him back on board?  Are they stacking the deck with powerhouse players?  How much of a difference will it make when the postseason comes and top teams sit out for a week as the wild card teams battle for a position in the playoffs?

Rumor has it that the Yankees, who are in dire need of a boost to their pitching staff to try and snag another World Series win, are considering Trevor Bauer at his minimum asking price.  Are they also eyeing Blake Snell, who is looking for a bigger paycheck?  Would a lot of serious conversations about their conduct need to happen first before either is hired?

Email Fred and the Fantastics with questions and comments at sportsfred@aol.com