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