Vitek is among City's best-ever keepers

There is no doubt Roy Hodgson has galvanised this Bristol City team into a more cohesive unit than his predecessor Gerhard Struber was doing through that dreadful run of one win in eight games, which cost him his job after nine months in charge.

Six points from his two games at the helm would suggest Roy has still got it in terms of imparting his tactical know-how on a group of players that seemed increasingly struggling to come to terms with what Struber's tactics were.

Those fans who held the whimsical notion that if Roy won all his seven games in charge it might yet enable City to reach the play-offs for a second successive season would surely have seen those hopes dashed as Southampton battered Wrexham on Tuesday evening.

The Saints moved into sixth place, nine points ahead of City with a game in hand.

Reaching last season's total of 68 points is still within City's grasp and would see them secure eighth or ninth, a position one would normally associate with that points total, last season being something of an anomaly as it secured that final play-off place.

City's victories against Charlton and Sheffield United were both deserved.

The win at The Valley should have been by a wider margin had Armstrong converted one of two one-on-one with the goalkeeper chances late on. Some smart saves from Radek Vitek kept that slender lead intact.

At home against Chris Wilder's Sheffield United, City were ahead at the break but had to withstand a second-half onslaught by the Blades led by their inspirational midfielder Gus Hamer.

Through this period, the 22-year-old Czech keeper commanded his penalty area as well as producing a string of saves that had many City fans saying he is the best player to have ever worn the number one jersey.

Going back over my 59 years of watching City I have seen a whole host of keepers, many of them good, but until now only two stick in the mind as being truly great.

In this past 20 years, I think most City fans would agree that Adriano Basso is a valid contender for one of those accolades. The Brazilian was not the tallest but he stuck in my mind for being part of the 2007-08 side that reached the Championship play-off final. A deeply religious man, the "always believe" phrase is one he will be remembered for.

I have to go back to Roy Hodgson's first period in charge at Ashton Gate for my other choice and that is Jan Moller. The Swede was Bob Houghton's keeper when he managed Malmo to their European Cup Final appearance in 1979.

When Houghton came to Ashton Gate with Roy as his assistant, they persuaded the already financially strapped club to pay for this imposing shot stopper. The Swede, at 6ft 4in, is two inches shorter than Vitek but that height meant he too was able to command his penalty area in similar fashion.

Persuading Manchester United to let Vitek stay at Ashton Gate for one more season on loan is surely high on the agenda of things to do for the soon - hopefully - to be appointed sporting director.

All eyes are on the Richard Scudamore-influenced Lansdown family on who they appoint in that role. It is going to shape City's destiny for a few years if they are genuine in their commitment to having a real strategic plan for achieving the goal of Premier League status.

You can hear more from David Pottier on the Forever Bristol City podcast.

There's all sorts of thoughts about which direction the Detroit Lions should go with its first-round 2026 NFL draft pick at No. 17 overall.

In addition to pick No. 17, the Lions also own one day-two pick with their second-round selection (No. 50 overall). The Lions have seven other day-three picks.

While Detroit really needs to nail its first two picks, the Lions have more needs than just two position groups. ESPN took a stab at the Lions' three biggest needs in the draft:

OL, edge, CB. After struggling to adapt to new faces on the line last season and the release of veteran left tackle Taylor Decker, Detroit can benefit from drafting an O-lineman early. Adding an edge rusher to pair with Pro Bowl player Aidan Hutchinson would also be smart, as Al-Quadin Muhammad signed with Tampa Bay. Plus, the Lions' cornerback room was plagued by injuries the past couple of seasons. - Eric Woodyard, ESPN

The Lions drafting an offensive tackle replacement for Taylor Decker has been a popular mock. Another popular ESPN NFL analyst, Peter Schrager, thinks the Lions will draft one of the top guards in this class to fortify the interior of its offensive line.

Some combination of offensive tackle and EDGE feels like the most likely one-two combination of picks at No. 17 and No. 50 for the Lions.

The 2026 NFL draft gets underway in Pittsburgh on Thursday, April 23.

For more Lions coverage, follow us on X, @TheLionsWire, and give our Facebook page a like. Follow Josh on X, @JoshOnLions

This article originally appeared on Lions Wire: ESPN picks Detroit Lions' top three NFL draft needs

Texas A&M edge defender Cashius Howell could be a player to watch for the Buffalo Bills ahead of the 2026 NFL draft.

As things stand, the Bills hold the No. 26 overall pick in the first round. The team has seven total picks scattered around the board. Buffalo is missing their second-round pick (traded for D.J. Moore), but the team picks twice in the fifth round.

If things hold there, general manager Brandon Beane and the Bills front office could have plenty of options to consider when turning in their selection cards.

During the run up to the draft, which starts April 23, Bills Wire will compile information on prospects Buffalo could have interest in. Specifically, what scouting reports and draft profiles say about their game

Howell, is up next in our prospect previews.

Here's a rundown of what experts are saying about his game:

EDGE Cashius Howell | Texas A&M | Senior

Vitals

Height: 6'2.5"

Weight: 253 lbs

Pros

• Sack totals
• High motor
• Play strength

Cons

• Arm length/ measureables
• Edge setting

Stats

2025 stats (13 GP):

• 31 combined tackles, 14 TFL, 11.5 sacks, 6 passes defended, 2 forced fumbles

Career Stats (26 GP):

• 56 combined tackles, 22,5 TFL, 15.5 sacks, 13 passes defended, 2 forced fumbles

2025 PFF grade:

• 81.2.

PFF grade over the last three seasons:

• 81.4.

Consensus rank

Draft stock: Round 1-2.

Highlight reel

People will knock Cashius Howell for his arm length but does it matter that much if offensive lineman can’t get their hands on him 🧐 pic.twitter.com/O0Z0UTMFJz

— Brad (@Graham_SFN) March 5, 2026

For more, visit:

• Pro Football Focus
• Draft Network
• NFL.com

This article originally appeared on Bills Wire: Bills 2026 NFL draft target: Scouting report for EDGE Cashius Howell