On Draft's second day, 49ers bypass QB to take corner

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: With former Michigan State QB Connor Cook there for the taking in Round 3, the 49ers elected to take corner Will Redmond of Mississippi State, who's coming off ACL surgery. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Bypass-QB-in-Round-3-Select-Cornerback-377658201.html

Raiders load up on defense on Day 2 of draft

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Reggie McKenzie selects a pair of defensive ends in Rounds 2 and 3 of 2016 draft. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-McKenzie-Goes-on-Offense-to-Get-Defense-on-Day-2-377659331.html

It was love at first stroke for Megan Welsh, a transplanted Philly girl and an up-and-coming standout in outrigger canoe racing

Megan Welsh had never heard of outrigger canoe racing until she moved from Philadelphia to San Diego to take a nursing job. But once she discovered it, the sport has become her passion. My story about her for ESPNW's Weekend Warriors series. http://espn.go.com/espnw/life-style/article/15421790/weekend-warriors-megan-welsh-outrigger-canoe-racer-philly

McKenzie goes safety first in draft with Karl Joseph

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: With their top pick in the draft, the Raiders take W. Virginia safety Karl Joseph, a big-time hitter who's coming off a knee injury. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/McKenzie-Goes-Safety-First-for-Raiders-377524041.html

Niners get Buckner to pair with Armstead at defensive ends

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: For the second straight year, the 49ers take a defensive end from Oregon with their No. 1 pick. This time it's DeForest Buckner. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Buckner-Joins-Niners-and-Former-Teammate-Armstead-377520911.html

Draft preview: 49ers will take Jack, a QB and trade Kaepernick

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: If UCLA linebacker Myles Jack slides to No. 7, 49ers GM Trent Baalke won't be able to resist him. Then the 49ers will take a QB in the second or third round. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/If-He-Slides-to-No-7-Linebacker-Myles-Jack-Will-be-49ers-Pick-377258451.html

Draft preview: Raiders will take defensive tackle Rankins

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Expect Raiders GM Reggie McKenzie to use his No. 1 pick on Louisville DT Sheldon Rankins. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Prediction-McKenzie-Will-Draft-Rankins-in-First-Round-377265871.html

In Gruden's view, Carr is Raiders' franchise catalyst

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Former Raiders coach Jon Gruden believes QB Derek Carr is the main reason for Oakland's rise and its ability to attract free-agent talent. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Carrs-Selection-in-2014-Was-Key-to-Raiders-Turnaround-377127821.html

Thursday could be day of quarterback roulette

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The first round of the NFL draft is Thursday. It also could be the day for swaps of veteran quarterbacks. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Could-be-Involved-in-Draft-Day-Quarterback-Swap-Meet-377136761.html

If Myles Jack falls to 49ers, would Baalke bite?

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: UCLA linebacker Myles Jack ranks as one of the most exciting prospects in the NFL draft ... but there are questions about his knee. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/If-Jack-Falls-to-49ers-Would-Baalke-Ignore-Concerns-About-Knee-376995221.html

McKenzie feels the pressure heading into draft

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Now that he's scored in two consecutive drafts, Raiders GM says he feels even more pressure for this draft. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-McKenzie-Facing-Great-Expectations-376987541.html

Are 49ers really a finalist in the Josh Norman sweepstakes?

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: All-Pro cornerback Josh Norman is back on the market, and reports have the 49ers and Redskins as finalists for his services. Does that make sense? http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-May-be-a-Landing-Spot-for-Josh-Norman-376735741.html

Lighter Carradine may play heavier load for 49ers

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Tank Carradine has dropped weight and regained his quickness, but will that mean he'll finally be the player the 49ers had envisioned?http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Less-May-be-More-for-Carradine-This-Season-376574801.html

Linebackers Smith, Irvin reunited with Raiders

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Malcolm Smith is excited to be joined by Bruce Irvin this season in Oakland. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Smith-Says-Irvin-Will-Make-Big-Plays-in-Big-Situations-376560961.html

Are Baalke, Kelly still working well together?

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Despite one report from Philadelphia that Chip Kelly and Trent Baalke may have started to grate on one another, it's doubtful the relationship has deteriorated yet. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Is-the-Honeymoon-Between-Baalke-and-Kelly-Already-Over-376387871.html

Hudson says Raiders O-Line must work hard to get better

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Raiders center Rodney Hudson is happy the team has added talent to the offensive line this offseason, but says the unit must work hard to become an efficient unit in 2016. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Hudson-Raiders-Offensive-Line-Must-Develop-Continuity-376380611.html

Niners' GM Baalke needs to do some rehab work

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Just a few seasons ago, 49ers exec Trent Baalke ranked among the NFL's best general managers in almost every evaluation. Now, analysts put him in the league's second tier. What happens in 2016 likely will be crucial in the resurrection of his reputation.  http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Baalke-Has-Fallen-Down-Rankings-of-NFL-General-Managers-376226681.html

Re-signed Seth Roberts should continue to grow at WR

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: The Raiders gave Seth Roberts a new one-year deal this week, and the young receiver should continue to grow now that he has experience and the confidence of QB Derek Carr. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Re-Signed-Roberts-Likely-to-Continue-to-Grow-376218011.html

Staley should fit well in Kelly's offense, even playing "off in space"

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Left tackle Joe Staley may be a great fit for the spread offense with his rare combination of size and athletic ability. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Staley-Appears-to-be-a-Perfect-Fit-for-Kellys-Spread-Offense-376081421.html

Top five positions of need for the Raiders in 2016 draft

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: What are the Raiders' greatest needs in the draft? Here are the top five: http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Begin-Offseason-Program-With-Many-Needs-Filled-376076141.html

From a tiny island in Maine, Michael Westphal is doing big things as a runner with Parkinson's disease

Once, Michael Westphal was one of the best distance runners in Maine. But after being diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2006, he gave up running. When he tried to run a couple of years ago, he discovered he could run more easily than when he first experienced his symptoms. Now he's qualified for the Boston Marathon. My story for ESPN.com's Endurance Sports section: http://espn.go.com/sports/endurance/story/_/id/15210320/endurance-sports-parkinson-disease-stop-michael-westphal-qualifying-boston-marathon

Schedule-maker does no favors for Kelly, 49ers in 2016

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: It may be tough for Chip Kelly's new-look 49ers to get much early momentum because of the team's three first opponents. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Face-a-Tough-Opening-to-2016-Season-375851971.html

Rising Raiders return to prime-time schedule in 2016

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Raiders will have prime-time dates on national TV for three games -- and possibly more -- in 2016. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Will-be-a-Prime-Time-Team-Again-in-2016-375846881.html

Former Olympic water polo goaltender Chay Lapin helps new beach handball team win Pan Am championship

Beach team handball is a relatively new sport, and the U.S. team has just been formed. In its first big challenge at the Pan American Beach Team Handball Championships, former Olympic water polo standout Chay Lapin helped the U.S. to the team title. My story for TeamUSA.org. http://www.teamusa.org/News/2016/April/14/Water-Polo-Olympian-Chay-Lapin-Leads-Newly-Formed-Beach-Handball-Team-To-Success

Rams' blockbuster trade may be a blessing to 49ers

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: On Thursday, the Rams traded up to get the No. 1 pick in the draft, almost ensuring that the 49ers won't get to pick one of the two top QBs available. But that good be a good thing ... http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Rams-Trade-Up-to-No-1-Pick-Has-Impact-on-49ers-375713561.html

Nelson says Raiders have become attractive for free agents

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: New Raiders safety Reggie Nelson says Oakland, with all the improvements the franchise has made, is attractive now to free agents. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Newest-Raider-Nelson-Excited-by-Raiders-Progress-375705761.html

Goff or Wentz? Niners might be wise to favor Goff

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: If the Niners get a chance to choose between the draft's top QBs, they might be smart to take Jared Goff over Carson Wentz. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Goff-May-be-a-Better-Fit-for-49ers-Than-Wentz-375559301.html

Crabtree investment should continue to pay dividends

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: In his final two years with the 49ers, Michael Crabtree looked to be on the downhill side of his career. After one season in Oakland, he's revved up. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Crabtree-Signing-Should-Continue-to-Pay-Off-in-a-Big-Way-375554571.html

Headed into fourth season, Watson eager to prove worth

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Going into the final year of his first NFL contract, Raiders tackle Menelik Watson wants to prove himself to the team and coaches who have believed in him. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Watson-Working-Hard-to-Prove-His-Worth-to-Raiders-375405981.html

This week is important for 49ers' QB evaluations

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Three top QB prospects, Jared Goff, Carson Wentz and Connor Cook are coming into 49ers' HQ in Santa Clara for private scouting sessions. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-are-Taking-Long-Close-Looks-at-Drafts-Top-Quarterbacks-375412071.html

Are 49ers considering trading Bethea?

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: In his first season with the 49ers, safety Antoine Bethea was team MVP. But two years later, a source says team is talking about trading him. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Report-49ers-May-be-Interested-in-Trading-Bethea-375277861.html

Free-agent success gives Raiders flexibility in draft

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: With Oakland's four prime free agents signed, GM Reggie McKenzie can draft for talent rather than need this spring. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/After-Free-Agent-Haul-McKenzie-Can-be-Flexible-in-Draft-375272971.html

For now, 49ers say Kaepernick circus isn't distracting

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: In April, the 49ers say Colin Kaepernick's status isn't a bother. But if it lingers, that's another story. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/For-Now-at-Least-49ers-Teammates-Say-Kaepernick-Situation-is-not-a-Distraction-375049741.html

Starting next year, or the year after, Raiders' cap will get tight

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: For now, the Raiders have salary flexibility. That will change when Derek Carr gets his first big deal. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Wont-Always-Have-Flexible-Salary-Cap-Situation-375044391.html

Smolen, Eichfeld lead the way into Olympic whitewater trials

Michal Smolen and Casey Eichfeld are the heavy favorites in single kayak and single canoe heading into this weekend's first stage of the U.S. Olympic trials in whitewater slalom racing. My story for TeamUSA.org: http://www.teamusa.org/News/2016/April/07/Optimism-High-For-Olympic-Medals-As-CanoeKayak-Slalom-Trials-Begin

49ers' Hyde says he's back to 100 percent

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Running back Carlos Hyde says his damaged left foot is back to normal and he's ready for a big season. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Healthy-Hyde-Seeks-Big-Year-Under-Kelly-374906961.html

Raiders' Del Rio, Nelson connected again

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: When Jack Del rio coached the Jaguars, he and Reggie Nelson weren't always best buddies. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Nelson-Improved-Found-His-Way-Back-to-Del-Rio-374909491.html

49ers' draft strategy for QBs can go multiple directions

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Trade up to No. 1? Take a QB with the seventh overall pick? Or lurk until the third or fourth round to take a passer? Those are the main Zach Lokken, Smolen’s C2 partner, who was third in the C1 national team trials in 2015, ranks as the next strongest candidate in the class.

options for 49ers' quarterback search in the draft.

Even in offseason, Del Rio is in attack mode

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Raiders head coach Jack Del Rio believes the team built a foundation for winning in 2015, and that the team is intent on making gains this offseason, too. Zach Lokken, Smolen’s C2 partner, who was third in the C1 national team trials in 2015, ranks as the next strongest candidate in the class.

For decades, Alan Mikolich has produced all sorts of varieties of honey from the hives he places around San Diego County

Mikolich Family Honey is a small, family operation, but its honeys have won national awards for quality. The business began with Alan Mikolich's passion for beekeeping as a boy. My story for the Food section of the San Diego Union-Tribune: http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2016/apr/05/homegrown-honey-come-in-many-varieties/

Reports: 49ers are thinking about trading up to No. 1

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Is San Francisco considering a trade with the Titans to move up to No. 1 to grab a quarterback? http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Some-Believe-49ers-May-Trade-for-No-1-Overall-Pick-374618541.html

Raiders on target to add veteran safety Reggie Nelson

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Safety Reggie Nelson, a Pro Bowler in 2015, will sign with Oakland. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Reggie-Nelson-Will-Solidify-Raiders-Secondary-374614721.html

Former sailor is fighting his way back into shape through boxing

Cesar Vargas says he became obese after getting out of the Navy. He missed the disciplined life he led in the service. So he took up boxing workouts to restore fitness and structure into his life. My story on Vargas for the Active San Diego series in the Health section of the San Diego Union-Tribune: http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2016/apr/04/former-sailor-gets-back-on-track-at-boxing-gym/

Kaepernick in limbo as offseason program begins

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: As trade talks stall with Broncos, 49ers' offseason program begins, and Colin Kaepernick is expected to report. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Kaepernick-in-Limbo-as-49ers-Offseason-Program-Begins-374494511.html

Running proved the catalyst for Mikey Brannigan to find his true course

Mikey Brannigan, born with autism, had difficulty focusing as a little boy. His mother says he was out of control at times. But once he discovered running, everything changed. Brannigan is now a Paralympic world and national champion in the 1,500 meters after a high school career in which he was one of the best 1,500- and 3,200-meter athletes in the nation. My story on Brannigan for TeamUSA.org, the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic website. http://www.teamusa.org/News/2016/April/01/How-Running-Changed-Mikey-Brannigans-Life-With-Autism

Would Baalke gamble on Notre Dame linebacker Smith?

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: 49ers GM Trent Baalke likes to go after injured players to get value in the draft. Can he afford to gamble on Jaylon Smith?

Raiders may be interested in trading Mychal Rivera

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: The emergence of tight end Clive Walford may make Mychal Rivera expendable. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Reports-Raiders-May-be-Willing-to-Trade-Mychal-Rivera-374270461.html

Reworking Kap deal may be key to any trade

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Colin Kaepernick's 2016 deal, now guaranteed, may be too rich for suitors. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Any-Kaepernick-Trade-May-Hinge-on-Reworking-His-Contract-374132801.html

Del Rio, Norton aim to free Irvin to rush the passer

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Bruce Irvin's pass-rush skills will be put to use by Raiders coaching staff that was able to get the most out of Khalil Mack in 2015. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Del-Rio-Norton-Hope-to-Use-Irvin-More-as-a-Pass-Rusher-374137421.html