Solomon Thomas version 2.0 looks terrific

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: In his second season, Solomon Thomas looks much different. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Believe-Thomas-Will-Come-on-in-a-Rush-484173491.html

Melifonwu may finally be healthy for Raiders

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Safety Obi Melifonwu may finally be ready to roll. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Melifonwus-Return-to-Field-a-Good-First-Step-484177631.html

Shanahan loves Richburg's special qualities

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: New center Weston Richburg provides leadership as well as being one of the NFL's best at his position. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Shanahan-Sees-Special-Qualities-in-49ers-New-Center-484075531.html

Martin trying to rebound with Raiders

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: After two down years with the Bucs, running back Doug Martin is looking sharp for Raiders. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Former-Bucs-Star-Martin-is-Rebounding-With-Raiders-484072621.html

Carr needs a hand from his receivers

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: A Pro Football Focus study shows Derek Carr's receivers had the second-most drops in the NFL in 2017 on his throws. Will that get fixed in 2018? https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Receivers-Need-to-Give-Carr-a-Hand-in-2018-483948841.html

Would Dez Bryant be a fit with 49ers?

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Dez Bryant indicated on social media that he'd like to play for the 49ers, but would the 49ers want him? https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Dez-Bryant-May-Want-to-Sign-With-49ers-483952431.html

Pineiro may already have a leg up on Tavecchio

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Rookie Eddy Pineiro may have an advantage in his duel with incumbent kicker Giorgio Tavecchio. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Gruden-May-Already-Be-Leaning-Toward-Pineiro-483701801.html

Cooper excited by new role, new receivers

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Amari Cooper has plenty to be excited about in OTAs.https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Cooper-Excited-by-Raiders-New-Look-Offense-483589801.html

McKinnon is quite the catch for 49ers

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Jerick McKinnon in his debut at OTAs shows his fine receiving skills. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Already-Love-Jerick-McKinnon-as-a-Receiver-483595621.html

A healthy Joe Williams begins bid at RB

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: After missing 2017 with an injury, RB Joe Williams "flashed" some talent in OTAs with 49ers this week. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Joe-Williams-Begins-Quest-to-Earn-Role-With-49ers-483466291.html

Hackenberg gets fresh start with Raiders

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Christian Hackenberg didn't throw a pass in two years with the Jets. Now the QB, a second-round pick in 2016, has been traded to the Raiders. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Hackenberg-Will-Get-Fresh-Start-With-Raiders-483461591.html

Penn says he's ready for a comeback season

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: After the Raiders used two high picks on offensive tackles, veteran left tackle Donald Penn says he's working hard, possibly motivated by their presence. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Penn-Says-Hes-Eager-Ready-to-Get-to-Work-483337531.html

49ers' Colbert may be on verge of stardom

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: In one year, Adrian Colbert has evolved from an iffy seventh-round pick to a possible NFL star at safety. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Colbert-May-be-Poised-for-Stardom-483342761.html

Were Raiders irresponsible to draft Hurst?

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Was the drafting of Maurice Hurst a steal? Or was it irresponsible? https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Was-Raiders-Selection-of-Maurice-Hurst-Irresponsible-483220541.html

Sherman: Garoppolo was the draw to 49ers

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Richard Sherman says he signed with the 49ers because he loves what he sees in Jimmy Garoppolo. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Sherman-Says-He-Signed-With-49ers-Because-of-Garoppolo-483216331.html

Carr responding well to new coaching approach

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Jon Gruden and his coaches are pushing QB Derek Carr hard this offseason, and he's eating it up. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Reports-Say-Carr-is-Loving--483041001.html

49ers love what they see of McGlinchey already

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Tackle Mike McGlinchey has impressed GM John Lynch and the coaching staff since joining the team. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Love-What-Theyre-Seeing-of-Mike-McGlinchey-483045501.html

McKenzie a big believer in Brandon Parker

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: The big offensive tackle from small school may be raw, but he's athletic with a big upside, believes GM Reggie McKenzie. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-McKenzie-Has-Faith-in-Brandon-Parker-482932161.html

Some expect Garnett to have big impact on 49ers

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: One national analyst sees guard Joshua Garnett, in the best shape of his life, as being in impact player for the 49ers in 2018. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Garnetts-Emergence-Could-be-Huge-Boost-for-49ers-482926211.html

At 15, Jade Howson of Laguna Beach already ranks among the world's best stand-up paddleboarders

Jade Howson can't get enough of the ocean. She surfs, swims and trains and competes in stand-up paddleboarding. At the last world championships for stand-up paddleboarding, she came away with a bronze medal -- as a sophomore in high school. My story on her for ESPNW.com: http://www.espn.com/espnw/life-style/article/23533355/jade-howson-15-already-one-best-world-stand-paddleboarding

49ers' Joe Staley is light, but no lightweight

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: For an offensive tackle, Joe Staley is on the light side. That's probably what's kept him healthy and among the league's best at his position. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Joe-Staley-is-No-Lightweight-482808691.html

Is there a Pacman in Raiders' future?

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: One NFL observer says Adam "Pacman" Jones may be headed to the Raiders. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Veteran-Cornerback-Adam-Pacman-Jones-Linked-to-Raiders-482812571.html

49ers spending big on offense for 2018

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: San Francisco has invested more money into its offense than any other NFL team. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Making-Huge-Investment-in-Offense-for-2018-482689491.html

Ex-Wisconsin cornerback rated as a possible draft steal

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Nick Nelson dropped to the fourth round because of a knee injury but could be a great value pick for Oakland. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Rookie-Cornerback-Nick-Nelson-Could-be-Off-as-Fourth-Round-Pick-482556731.html

Garcon has some of NFL's best hands

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Wideout Pierre Garcon, when he comes back from injury for 2018 season, will give QB Jimmy Garoppolo some of the surest hands in the NFL, according to a rating of passes dropped since 2015. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Returning-Garcon-Will-Make-Sure-Garoppolo-is-in-Good-Hands-482551531.html

Ateman gives Raiders a tall, physical target

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Oakland's seventh-round pick, Marcell Ateman of Oklahoma State, will have to fight his way through the logjam at wide receiver, but he offers height and size that others don't have. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Wide-Receiver-Ateman-Will-Fight-for-Raiders-Roster-Spot-482389161.html

Niners' draft pick Street will sit out first season

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The Niners took defensive lineman Kentavius Street in the fourth round, even though he won't be able to play until 2019 because of a knee injury. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Lynch-49ers-Believe-Pick-of-Street-Was-Worthwhile-482386481.html

With a compass, a map and her running shoes, Sharon Crawford has become a legend in the sport of orienteering

Orienteering is a combination of cross-country running and map reading. At 73, Sharon Crawford is still active in the sport and is a legend to her peers. My story about her for ESPNW.com: http://www.espn.com/espnw/life-style/article/23465263/at-73-former-ironman-sharon-crawford-legend-unusual-sport-orienteering

Suddenly, 49ers have a stockpile of great punt returners

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Dante Pettis, D.J. Reed and Trent Taylor give 49ers a trio of breakaway punt returners to choose from in 2018. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Have-Multiple-Candidates-to-Return-Punts-482289331.html

Arden Key: Boom or bust for Raiders?

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Most teams had no interest in using a high draft pick on LSU edge rusher Arden Key because of past problems. But the Raiders took him in the third round because of his terrific talent, and believe his best is yet to come. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Say-They-Believe-Key-Can-Turn-the-Corner-482294151.html

Raiders' Derrick Johnson has something to prove

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Derrick Johnson is 35, but he says he still has the fire to be among the NFL's best linebackers. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Derrick-Johnson-Has-Something-to-Prove-482180661.html

Four 49ers draft picks among best projected rookies

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Four of 49ers' draft picks ranked among projected best rookies in the NFL in 2018. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Lynchs-Second-Draft-Class-May-be-as-Good-as-his-First-482176391.html

Raiders trade for WR Switzer could produce dividends

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Ryan Switzer is just 5-foot-8, but he's the all-time leading receiver at North Carolina. Yet in Dallas in 2017, he was hardly used. Now after a trade to the Raiders, he could fill a couple of roles. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Ex-Cowboy-Receiver-Switzer-Hopes-for-Better-Role-with-Raiders-482067321.html

Beadles becomes casualty of 49ers' remake

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Guard-tackle Zane Beadles is released after the 49ers added several linemen through the draft and free agency. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Cut-Ties-With-Versatile-Lineman-Zane-Beadles-482071961.html

Niners shifting third-round pick Moore to cornerback

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Former Southern Miss safety Tarvarius Moore has great speed and played man-to-man in college, so the 49ers selected him in the third round and will play him at cornerback, where they see him having great potential. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Eager-to-See-What-Moore-Can-do-at-Cornerback-481929941.html

Pineiro will battle for Raiders' kicking job

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Former Florida kicker Eddy Pineiro, signed as a free agent, will compete with Giorgio Tavecchio for Raiders' kicking job. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Pineiro-Will-Challenge-Tavecchio-For-Kicking-Job-481932731.html

New Raiders' punter ranks as SEC's all-time best

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Former Florida standout Johnny Townsend will replace Marquette King. He has a leg that booms kicks, but needs to get more hang time in the NFL. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/New-Raiders-Punter-Has-Terrific-Pedigree-481759051.html

Niners love McGlinchey's smarts and character

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Yes, the 49ers loved the way Mike McGlinchey played tackle at Notre Dame. But, just as much, they love his personality and traits. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Character-Counted-When-49ers-Picked-McGlinchey-481749291.html

For 49ers, Warner is insurance for Foster

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: There were a couple of reasons the 49ers drafted BYU linebacker Fred Warner. One is named Reuben Foster. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-See-Warner-Making-an-Impact-as-a-Rookie-481637721.html

Derrick Johnson? Raiders would be better with Bowman

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: NaVorro Bowman played well for the Raiders last season and is 30, five years older than ex-Chiefs LB Derrick Johnson. Yet it's Johnson the Raiders are talking with Thursday. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Talking-With-Ex-Chiefs-Linebacker-481641621.html

Undrafted RB Wilson has real shot at making roster

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Undrafted running back Jeffery Wilson of North Texas State has signed with the 49ers and has a shot to make the roster. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Running-Back-Jeffery-Wilson-49ers-Roster-481505741.html

All signs point to Gruden as Raiders' man in charge

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Jon Gruden was hired to be head coach of the Raiders, but four months in, it's easy to see he's also above GM Reggie McKenzie, too. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Recent-Moves-Show-Gruden-is-in-Charge-481510551.html

49ers decide to pick up option on Armstead

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: 49ers pick up fifth year of contract for Arik Armstead, ensuring the defensive lineman will stick around through 2019. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Banking-on-Armsteads-Potential-481381281.html

Ex-Steeler Bryant gets warm welcome in Oakland

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Raiders hope wideout Martavis Bryant can thrive in new environment. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Hope-Martavis-Bryant-Can-Flourish-in-New-Surroundings-481376911.html