Coaches and scouts rarely discu s the expectations of prominent rookies with the outside world, but every front office looks for timely playmaking and significant production from notable first-year players, particularly Day 1 and Day 2 selections. With offseason activities in full swing, it's a great time to take a closer look at several high-profile rookies and examine how Year 1 could play out. We've di sected 10 big-name offensive greenhorns below. Jameis Winston, QB, Tampa Bay BuccaneersNo. 1 overall pick, Round 1, Florida StateBest-case scenario: Winston hits the ground running as the on-field director of a Dirk Koetter offense that features an explosive vertical pa sing game complemented by a steady ground attack. With receivers and wreaking havoc on the perimeter and tight end controlling the middle of the field, Winston could lead the back toward .500 as a rookie starter.Worst-case scenario: Despite a sembling a star-studded lineup on the perimeter, the could see their franchise quarterback get battered and bruised playing behind a leaky offensive line that's breaking in new starters at key positions. If Winston is knocked around early in the season, the former Heisman Trophy winner could struggle with turnovers and poor decision-making, as constant pre sure rattles the young pa ser during his first season.My projection: 3,100 pa sing yards, 22 touchdowns and 15 interceptions.Marcus Mariota, QB, Tenne see TitansNo. 2 overall pick, Round 1, OregonBest-case scenario: Mariota quickly adjusts to the pro game and ignites the ' offense with his electric skills as a dual-threat playmaker. Ken Whisenhunt accelerates the development of his young quarterback by implementing several of the concepts https://www.justseahawks.com/kenny-easley-jerseys that helped Mariota shine as a collegian, but the reigning Heisman Trophy winner also surprises the football world with his poise, polish and efficiency as a pocket pa ser.Worst-case scenario: The would hate to see their young franchise quarterback struggle with the adjustment to the pro game, but a suspect rushing attack and an unproven WR corps could prevent Mariota from putting up big numbers as a rookie. With the ' offensive line also in flux, the rookie signal-caller could struggle to deliver explosive plays inside or outside the pocket.My projection: 2,700 pa sing yards, 18 touchdowns and 15 interceptions; 450 rushing yards and five scores.Amari Cooper, WR, Oakland RaidersNo. 4 overall pick, Round 1, AlabamaBest-case scenario: Cooper gives the the iconic WR1 they've desperately needed since Tim Brown's departure over a decade ago. The ex-Alabama standout is a polished route runner with exceptional hands and running skills, which makes him 's favorite receiver early in the 2015 season.Worst-case scenario: has prevented Cooper from developing a rapport with the ' franchise quarterback during OTAs. Although Oakland can attempt to build the chemistry through extensive work in training camp, the Carr-to-Cooper connection could fail to materialize if injuries prevent the young quarterback from taking his game up a notch heading into his sophomore season. (UPDATE: , but he might not throw at full strength.)My projection: https://www.justseahawks.com/seattle-seahawks-jerseys 90 receptions, 1,100 yards and 10 touchdowns.Kevin White, WR, Chicago BearsNo. 7 overall pick, Round 1, West VirginiaBest-case scenario: Despite this offseason, the ' pa sing attack is just fine with White sliding into the starting lineup. The rookie plays the perfect WR2 opposite . White quickly establishes himself as a big-play threat, and increasingly relies on the rookie to deliver in the red zone as the season progre ses.Worst-case scenario: White struggles adjusting to new offensive coordinator Adam Gase's intricate pa sing game and route tree after playing extensively at RWR (right wide receiver) in West Virginia's spread offense. Given his limited exposure to advanced football concepts as a collegian, White could experience a bumpy rookie season while he gets used to running routes with discipline, detail and precision.My projection: 55 receptions, 800 yards and six touchdowns.Todd Gurley, RB, St. Louis RamsNo. 10 overall pick, Round 1, GeorgiaBest-case scenario: Jeff Fisher takes a patient approach before pairing Gurley (who's recovering from a torn ACL) with to give the a potent 1-2 punch in the backfield. Gurley doesn't post huge numbers as a rookie, but flashes enough to suggest he is a potential superstar as a feature runner in a power-based ground game.Worst-case scenario: If Gurley rushes back onto the field to play before he is ready for extensive action, he could lose his https://www.justseahawks.com/michael-dickson-jerseys confidence and fail to display a rugged running style to set the tone for the ' physical offense. There is no question Gurley has the talent to be a dominant player at this level, but his health and durability will be monitored from Day 1.My projection: 150 carries, 700 yards, eight touchdowns; 25 receptions, 200 yards and two scores.DeVante Parker, WR, Miami DolphinsNo. 14 overall pick, Round 1, LouisvilleBest-case scenario: Parker immediately steps into the starting lineup and thrives as the ' WR1 in Bill Lazor's fast-paced offense. Parker not only gives a big-bodied receiver to lean on in the red zone, but he teams with , and to give Miami a pa sing game that's far more potent than .Worst-case scenario: Parker mi ses valuable practice time and game reps during the preseason, due to a lengthy rehab from . Although Parker is expected to return to form prior to the season opener, the lack of preparation could limit his impact early in the season and slow down the ' offense as a whole.My projection: 60 receptions, 900 yards and eight touchdowns.Melvin Gordon, RB, San Diego ChargersNo. 15 overall pick, Round 1, WisconsinBest-case scenario: The insertion of Gordon into the lineup allows the to run a balanced offense that alleviates some of the pre sure on in the pocket. Gordon gives the offense a boost with his electric https://www.justseahawks.com/bobby-wagner-jerseys skills as an inside/outside runner while also providing Mike McCoy with a sneaky playmaker to incorporate into the screen game.Worst-case scenario: After enjoying tremendous succe s as a collegian behind a ma sive offensive line that pummels Big Ten opponents at the point of attack, Gordon becomes the latest Wisconsin running back to struggle in the NFL. Despite showing outstanding vision and wiggle within the Badgers' zone system, Gordon could lack the creativity needed to pick up yardage behind a shaky offensive line in San Diego.My projection: 225 carries, 1,110 yards and nine scores; 25 receptions, 250 yards and two scores.Nelson Agholor, WR, Philadelphia EaglesNo. 20 overall pick, Round 1, USCBest-case scenario: Agholor emerges as a sneaky WR1 for the with Chip Kelly using the ex-USC star as a che s piece to move all over the board. The 6-foot, 198-pounder not only shines in Kelly's catch-and-run offense designed to create big-play opportunities in space, but he teams with second-year man to give Philadelphia a young, intriguing 1-2 punch in the aerial attack.Worst-case scenario: The ' shaky QB situation fails to stabilize -- and underperform, leading to fewer chances for Agholor on the perimeter. Although Kelly can script touches through a variety of bubble screens and quick routes, inept quarterback play could limit the rookie's impact as a WR1.My projection: 65 receptions, 900 yards and nine touchdowns.T.J. Yeldon, RB, Jacksonville JaguarsNo. 36 overall pick, Round 2, AlabamaBest-case scenario: Yeldon follows in the footsteps of Maurice Jones-Drew and Fred Taylor to https://www.justseahawks.com/ugo-amadi-jerseys lead the out of the doldrums in the AFC South. The 6-1, 226-pound runner was an underrated prospect through much of the pre-draft proce s, but he ended up going early in Round 2 and could flash enough potential as an inside/outside threat to garner serious consideration as Offensive Rookie of the Year.Worst-case scenario: The ' suspect offensive line and questionable pa sing game prevent Yeldon from finding many creases. If is unable to win with precise pa sing from the pocket, Yeldon won't get enough carries to allow the Jags to succe sfully ride a ball-control approach.My projection: 235 carries, 1,050 yards and five touchdowns; 35 receptions, 300 yards and three scores.Dorial Green-Beckham, WR, Tenne see TitansNo. 40 overall pick, Round 2, Mi souri/OklahomaBest-case scenario: Green-Beckham quickly shakes off the rust after mi sing the entire 2014 college campaign (due to transfer rules) and gives the timely contributions as a designated playmaker on the perimeter. Despite his lack of polish as a route runner, DGB's raw tools and superior physical dimensions could make him a dominant force as a rookie.Worst-case scenario: The ex-Mi souri standout needs a redshirt year to adjust to the pro game after mi sing his final college season. Green-Beckham has immense potential, but the 6-5, 237-pounder needs to refine his skills to get open consistently against profe sional corners.My projection: 35 receptions, 600 yards and seven touchdowns.Follow Bucky Brooks on Twitter .
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NFL rookie projections Will Jameis Winston top offensive class
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Steelers could be without star outside linebackers Watt and Highsmith against the Colts
PITTSBURGH (AP) The Pittsburgh Steelers could be without star outside linebackers T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith as they prepare for a pivotal visit to Indianapolis.Watt and Highsmith are both in the concu sion protocol following a .Watt took a knee to the facemask from Patriots running back Ezekiel Elliott on the first play from scrimmage. The perennial All-Pro was slow to get up after the play, then went to the sideline briefly to be examined by team physicians. https://www.justprotitans.com/steve-mcnair-jerseys Watt returned for the end of the drive and then was examined by an independent neurologist shortly thereafter and cleared, playing with a tinted visor the rest of the way on a night he played 52 of Pittsburgh's 57 defensive snaps.It wasn't until Watt self-reported concu sion-like symptoms when he arrived at the team's facility on Friday that he was .ADVERTISEMENT I a sumed that he was (checked) but again, you know, Im managing the game, Tomlin said Monday. I leave that to the medical experts. https://www.justprotitans.com/caleb-farley-jerseys They e sentially tell me whether someone is out, whether they are subject to return or whether theyre back. I got a report that he was subject to return, and then I got a report that he was back.The potential absence of one of the NFL's best edge-rush tandems means rookie Nick Herbig and veteran Markus Golden could take on significantly expanded roles against Indianapolis. Herbig had a career-high seven tackles against the Patriots while Golden was inactive.The Steelers are reeling a bit following consecutive home lo ses to teams that came to Acrisure Stadium with two wins. Pittsburgh followed up what Tomlin called a subpar performance against Arizona by falling behind by 18 points in the first half against struggling New England and never fully recovering.Pittsburgh remains in the playoff mix despite the setbacks. The Steelers are in the AFC's second wild-card spot with four games left, including two straight against teams directly below them in the standings https://www.justprotitans.com in the Colts and Bengals.Were in a big game (vs. Indianapolis), Tomlin said. Its big for both squads. Both squads have absorbed some negativity if you will. Our ability to manage that and remain focused in prep and in play will ultimately determine our positioning.Mitch Trubisky will make a second straight start for the Steelers while Kenny Pickett recovers from right ankle surgery. Trubisky completed 22 of 35 pa ses for 190 yards with a touchdown and an interception against New England. The pick set up a Patriots score and Trubisky failed to connect with Diontae Johnson on a fourth down pa s deep down the sideline with just over two minutes to go.Tomlin defended Trubisky's decision-making, saying it got better as the game went along and that it's reasonable for Trubisky to take another step forward with a full week to prepare for the Colts rather than the three days he had to get https://www.justprotitans.com/tennessee-titans-jerseys ready to face the Patriots.There are no plans to turn to longtime backup Mason Rudolph. The six-year veteran has been with the team since 2018, but hasn't played since the Steelers signed Trubisky in free agency and drafted Pickett in the first round in the spring of 2022.Tomlin acknowledged he shares the frustration of both the fans and his players after the Steelers squandered an opportunity to create a https://www.justprotitans.com/tucker-mccann-jerseys little cushion as they try to return to the playoffs after mi sing out last season while finishing 9-8.Our busine s is winning, Tomlin said. In the last couple of weeks, we have not handled busine s and we understand that. And so, you know, were working and working with an edge.___AP NFL coverage:
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Jason Kelce rumors ESPN aggressively pursuing former Eagles star for Monday Night Football pregame show
ESPN has tinkered with its "Monday Night Football" programming consistently over the last decade, but the last couple of seasons saw it undergo seismic shifts.Play-by-play man Joe Buck and analyst Troy Aikman were lured away from Fox to serve as the "Monday Night Football" booth. Peyton and Eli Manning introduced their alternate "Manningcast" in 2021, and it became a smash hit.Last season, veteran MNF pregame host Suzy Kolber was replaced by Scott Van Pelt after a series of ESPN layoffs in https://www.justpisteelers.com/buddy-johnson-jerseys June ahead of the season. Steve Young a staple of the program was also let go, which allowed Robert Griffin III, Marcus Spears and Ryan Clark to headline the talent for the program.MORE: Now, ESPN appears to be looking at another shake-up of its pregame show lineup. The network's target? Former Eagles center Jason Kelce.Jason Kelce ESPN rumorsESPN is "aggre sively pursuing" Kelce to fill one of its analyst roles on "Monday Night Countdown," per .Kelce retired from the NFL during the 2024 offseason https://www.justpisteelers.com/plaxico-burress-jerseys after 13 seasons with the Eagles but is viewed as a potential star NFL TV analyst thanks to his combination of charisma, NFL knowledge and media experience.He already hosts the popular "New Heights https://www.justpisteelers.com/tre-norwood-jerseys " broadcast with his brother, Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, and performed well as a guest analyst on Amazon Prime's "Thursday Night Football" during Week 10's Bears-Panthers game.That's why ESPN isn't alone in its pursuit of Kelce.NBC, CBS and Amazon Prime are all targeting the 36-year-old for roles in their NFL coverage, per Marchand.MORE:ESPN's plan would likely involve signing Kelce to replace Griffin on the "MNF" pregame show. https://www.justpisteelers.com/derek-watt-jerseys Griffin was "viewed as a rising star at the network, but he has leveled off, putting him at serious risk of being out on Mondays," per Marchand.The other networks have openings as well. CBS notably has yet to sign any ofNate Burleson, Bill Cowher, Boomer Esiason and Phil Simms to continue their roleson "The NFL Today" next season. That, and CBS' New York-based location, might make them an intriguing fit for Kelce.Amazon Prime could compete for him as well. As mentioned, he https://www.justpisteelers.com/isaiahh-loudermilk-jerseys appeared on the streaming giant's Week 10 "Thursday Night Football" broadcast and the network also produced a documentary about his 2022 season.It isn't yet clear which network has the advantage in the Kelce sweepstakes or if the future Hall of Famer will join the TV ranks this season.But if Kelce wants to stay around the game something he intimated was likely in there will be opportunities for him to do so by furthering his broadcast career.
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Urban Meyer on Mariota One of the finest thats ever played
DALLAS -- Urban Meyer has tutored a https://www.justdocardinals.com/kelvin-beachum-jerseys No. 1 overall pick in as well as one of the best to ever play college football in Tim Tebow.His opponent in this week's College Football Playoff National Championship Game, Oregon's Marcus Mariota, is right there with them on the pantheon of all-time greats in the game, according to the coach."Our biggest concern is the guy receiving the snap every play," Meyer said Sunday before the title game. "I think https://www.justdocardinals.com/a-j-green-jerseys he's one of the finest that's ever played the game, and that's our biggest i sue."It's not hard to argue Meyer's point.Mariota not only won the Heisman Trophy this season but has https://www.justdocardinals.com/antonio-hamilton-jerseys rewritten school and Pac-12 record books over the last three seasons, and he's led the Ducks to the cusp of their first ever national championship in football. He has thrown for a touchdown in every game he's played in while sporting a 36-4 career record in college."When the season is done, I'll take a step back and kind of just take in everything," Mariota said earlier in the week. "But right now I'm just focused on this game and getting together with my teammates, and just https://www.justdocardinals.com/deandre-hopkins-jerseys ready to play."While there is a ton of debate over the quarterback's , his impact on Oregon has been undeniable in getting the team to its current place among college football's elite programs.As fate would have it, the only thing that might keep him from cementing his status on college football's Mount Rushmore https://www.justdocardinals.com/james-wiggins-jerseys of quarterbacks might just be Meyer's Buckeyes. But the high praise from a coaching legend certainly rings true on the eve of the title game.You can follow Bryan Fischer on Twitter at .
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Eagles QB Sam Bradford clears concussion protocol
has officially cleared concu sion protocol, according to offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur. But the obvious question still https://www.jazzedgestore.com/utah-jazz-jeresy/miye-oni-jersey lingers: Will he get his job back? That's the one Shurmur did not have an answer for Tuesday. Per the Delaware County Times, Shurmur said he did not want to mislead the media by saying one , a statement that probably rang true given that Bradford is also suffering from some shoulder i sues. Coach Chip Kelly he didn't know if or Bradford would start Thursday.Bradford said on Tuesday that the hurdle at this point regarding him playing is his shoulder. He https://www.jazzedgestore.com/utah-jazz-jeresy/georges-niang-jersey also added that he has no idea who will start at quarterback for the against the on https://www.jazzedgestore.com/utah-jazz-jeresy/john-stockton-jersey .What Shurmur won't say is that Sanchez probably had the opportunity to steal the job away for the foreseeable future on Sunday in a devastating lo s to the , making the rest of this exercise irrelevant. Despite three picks, Sanchez actually performed better than his numbers indicated, and for a brief moment in time, Kelly's offense seemed to click back into rhythm. That was before half the team began the long, slow march to https://www.jazzedgestore.com/utah-jazz-jeresy/udoka-azubuike-jersey minute No. 60 and before pounded his way to within yards of an record for defensive futility.Unfortunately, that probably won't change Kelly's attachment to Bradford, which is why we wait. , arguably the best every down-capable https://www.jazzedgestore.com/utah-jazz-jeresy/emmanuel-mudiay-jersey running back the team has at the moment, did not clear concu sion protocol, per Shurmur, so help isn't on the way just yet.Instead, we will do our best to anticipate the conclusion of this latest saga in Philadelphia. Shurmur said Bradford threw on Monday, but with a game rapidly closing in, will that be good enough?
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Bowl viewers guide Previewing Saturdays slate of CFB action
College bowl season officially kicks off Saturday, and is providing a daily glimpse at the best players in each game and predictions from writers Gil Brandt, Bucky Brooks, Daniel Jeremiah, Bryan Fischer, Chase Goodbread and Mike Huguenin.R+L CARRIERS NEW ORLEANS BOWLSite: New OrleansDate: Dec. 20Time/TV: 11 a.m. ET, ESPNMatchup: Louisiana-Lafayette (8-4) vs. Nevada (7-5)NFL https://www.incoltsstore.com/kenny-moore-ii-jerseys teams attending:Top players to watch: Nevada (QB Cody Fajardo, DE Brock Hekking, WR Hasaan Henderson, DE/LB Ian Seau); Louisiana-Lafayette (RB Alonzo Harris, WR Jamal Robinson).Why NFL fans should tune in: Why not get your bowl season started out right with an intriguing matchup between an up-and-down Wolf Pack team taking on one of the most impre sive Sun Belt teams over the years in ULL? Fajardo has put up comparable numbers to during his time in Reno and is among the best dual-threat quarterbacks in the country. The team's pistol offense gets a lot of the pre s, but it's the defense you'll really want to keep an eye out for with Ian Seau (Junior's nephew) and wild man Brock Hekking, who might have the best hair in college football and is an equally fearsome pa s rusher. As for the Ragin Cajuns, they feature a number of playmakers on the offensive side that could wind up being late Day Three selections.Game predictions: Brandt: UL-Lafayette, 24-21 Brooks: UL-Lafayette, 33-30 Jeremiah: Nevada, 28-24 Fischer: UL-Lafayette, 33-23 Goodbread: Nevada, 30-21 Huguenin: UL-Lafayette, 27-24GILDAN NEW MEXICO BOWLSite: Albuquerque, NMDate: Dec. 20Time/TV: 2:20 p.m. ET, ESPNMatchup: Utah State (9-3) vs. UTEP (7-5)NFL teams attending: None reportedTop players to watch: Utah State (LB Kyler Fackrell, LB Zach Vigil).Why NFL fans should tune in: The Aggies were one of the Mountain West's best-kept secrets this season with young head coach Matt Wells managing to win nine games in the regular season despite using four different quarterbacks on the year due to injuries. They're led by a stout defense featuring the underrated linebacking duo of Zach and Nick Vigil, a pair that combined for a mind-blowing 261 tackles. Seeing them fly all over the field is reason enough to tune in, but former offensive line coach Sean Kugler has done an equally good job guiding the Miners to a bowl berth. Sophomore running back Aaron Jones is the key cog in the UTEP offense and somebody to watch out for, if you're not tuning in just to see if the Miners can win a bowl game for the first time in nearly a half century.Game predictions: Brandt: UTEP, 35-27 Brooks: Utah State, 23-20 Jeremiah: Utah State, 34-24 Fischer: Utah State, 24-16 Goodbread: Utah State, 24-13 Huguenin: Utah State, 30-21ROYAL PURPLE LAS VEGAS BOWLSite: Las VegasDate: Dec. 20Time/TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, ABCMatchup: Utah (8-4) vs. Colorado State (10-2)NFL teams attending:Top players to watch: Utah (DE Nate Orchard, S Eric Rowe, S Brian Blechen, OL Jeremiah Poutasi, RB Devontae Booker, WR Kaelin Clay, https://www.incoltsstore.com/marvin-harrison-jerseys TE Westlee Tonga, P Tom Hackett, LB Jared Norris, DL Hunter Dimick); Colorado State (OL Ty Sambrailo, RB Dee Hart, QB Garrett Grayson, TE Kivon Cartwright, CB Bernard Blake, WR Rashard Higgins).Why NFL fans should tune in: This game is loaded with future NFL draft picks and might have as many prospects on the field as some upper-tier bowls. For starters, Colorado State's explosive offense features a potential first-round offensive tackle in Sambrailo, the nation's leading receiver in Higgins, the Mountain West Player of the Year in Grayson and a stud running back in Hart. Yes, the will be without their head coach (), but that shouldn't slow them down in capping one of the best seasons in school history. They'll be going against a talented Utah team that managed to grab an 8-4 record in the toughest division in college football. The defense is loaded with players to keep an eye on, starting with Orchard, the player who leads the country in sacks per game. Throw in plenty of playmakers on the back end and an impre sive rusher pacing the offense in Booker and this could be one of the best games of December.Game predictions: Brandt: Utah, 35-28 Brooks: Utah, 20-17 Jeremiah: Utah, 31-28 Fischer: Utah, 27-20 Goodbread: Colorado State, 35-21 Huguenin: Utah, 27-24FAMOUS IDAHO POTATO BOWLSite: Boise, IdahoDate: Dec. 20Time/TV: 5:45 p.m. ET, ESPNMatchup: Air Force (9-3) vs. Western Michigan (8-4)NFL https://www.incoltsstore.com/donald-brown-jerseys teams attending:Top players to watch: Air Force (K/P Will Conant, LB Jordan Pierce, SS Weston Steelhammer); Western Michigan (OT Willie Beavers, CB Donald Celiscar, FS Justin Currie, WR Corey Davis, RB Jarvion Franklin).Why NFL fans should tune in: These teams are nice turnaround stories (Western was 1-11 and Air Force 2-10 last season), but there isn't all that much high-level talent on hand. Befitting a guy with that last name, Steelhammer -- a sophomore -- is a big hitter for Air Force. Conant (6-2, 215), a senior, has a good leg as a kicker and also is a solid punter; he could get some NFL free-agent looks, though he does owe the Air Force at least two years of active duty when he graduates. Celiscar (5-11, 185) is a senior who could be a third-day pick; he has 60 tackles, four picks and 17 pa s breakups. Beavers and Currie are juniors who should get NFL looks next year, and Davis is a sophomore who likely will be one of the best non-Power Five receivers in the nation in 2015. Franklin (1,525 yards, 24 TDs) is the second-leading freshman rusher in the nation this season; he https://www.incoltsstore.com/kylen-granson-jerseys has had six games with three TDs.Game predictions: Brandt: Air Force, 27-24 Brooks: Western Michigan, 44-41 Jeremiah: Western Michigan, 28-27 Fischer: Air Force, 30-24 Goodbread: Air Force, 28-24 Huguenin: Air Force, 37-28RAYCOM MEDIA CAMELLIA BOWLSite: Montgomery, Ala.Date: Dec. 20Time/TV: 9:15 p.m. ET, ESPNMatchup: Bowling Green (7-6) vs. South Alabama (6-6)NFL teams attending:Top players to watch: Bowling Green (G Alex Huettel, WR Roger Lewis, LB Gabe Martin, DE Bryan Thomas); South Alabama (QB Brandon Bridge, DE/OLB Theo Rich, TE Wes Saxton, WR Shavarez Smith, OT Ucambre Williams).Why NFL fans should tune in: Uhhhh, give us a minute. ... There isn't much of a reason to watch, though this is South Alabama's first-ever bowl appearance. Martin (6-2, 236) and Thomas (6-2, 248) were two of the better senior defenders in the MAC. Huettel, a junior, should be one of the better non-Power Five offensive linemen next season, while Lewis was the No. 2 freshman receiver in the nation with 69 catches. Bowling Green has run 1,013 plays, sixth-most in the nation. Bridge (6-5, 235), a Canadian who began his career at FCS member Alcorn State, has all the needed measurables and is a good athlete. While he is extremely raw as a quarterback, he is a potential late-round choice because of his potential upside. https://www.incoltsstore.com/mike-strachan-jerseys Saxton (6-4, 235) is a definite third-day prospect; he runs well and is a good receiver, though underutilized in that role. Saxton, who played with Jameis Winston in high school and whose cousin is former NFL RB Tony Nathan, needs to work on his blocking. Smith (6-1, 210) has good size but lacks speed. Williams (6-3, 295) plays tackle for the but might get a chance at guard in the NFL. Rich (6-2, 260) has some pa s-rush skills and is physical at the point of attack.Game predictions: Brandt: South Alabama, 27-24 Brooks: Bowling Green, 38-37 Jeremiah: South Alabama, 31-24 Fischer: Bowling Green, 42-23 Goodbread: South Alabama, 35-27 Huguenin: Bowling Green, 38-31
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Notre Dames Brian Kelly scoffs at notion of coaching in NFL
If Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly ever leaves the Fighting Irish for a coaching job in the NFL, his introductory news conference will require some backpedaling.Kelly scoffed at the notion of coaching at the pro level in no uncertain terms in , citing problems coach Chip Kelly has had since transitioning from the college ranks at Oregon. for the https://www.hurricanesfanedge.com/cam-ward-women-jersey job before the team hired Chip Kelly in 2013."... I get to pick the players that play for me, I get to negotiate the contracts. I've got the salary cap, I've got all that," Brian Kelly said, responding to a question about the perception that he might be eyeing an NFL job. "In the NFL, you don't get to do any of that. Look (at) what Chip Kelly's going through. https://www.hurricanesfanedge.com/scott-darling-jersey He tries to control all that and he gets killed for it. I can do all that here at Notre Dame."That's a stark contrast from comments made recently by Alabama defensive coordinator Kirby Smart, who last month that college coaches are itching to move to the pro ranks because the ince sant demands and pre sures of recruiting https://www.hurricanesfanedge.com/martin-necas-kids-jersey make coaching in the college ranks more taxing during the offseason. Smart was speaking from the perspective of an a sistant coach, unlike Kelly, and the money that head coaches make at top college programs no doubt helps make year-round recruiting a more palatable experience."... Bill Belichick gets control over that but he's won (four) s," https://www.hurricanesfanedge.com/carolina-hurricanes-men-jersey Kelly said. "I needed to know that to make sure I wanted to do what I was doing. After seeing that and after talking to a number of guys that I know in the NFL, it's crazy."Kelly lost five games last season, including four in a row to finish the regular season. With another season or two like that, perhaps he'll get a chance to coach somewhere else.But it won't be as an NFL head coach.*Follow Chase https://www.hurricanesfanedge.com/klas-dahlbeck-jersey Goodbread on Twitter *.
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The Giants are still waiting for veteran TE Darren Waller to make a decision on playing in 2024
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) The New York Giants are waiting patiently for veteran tight end Darren Waller to decide whether he wants to play this season.Coach Brian Daboll said Thursday he has communicated with the 31-year-old Waller https://www.gbpackersapparel.com/corey-bojorquez-jerseys throughout the offseason, mostly by text me sages. He added the team is not pushing Waller for a decision.When he makes his decision, he makes his decision, Daboll said.Waller, who was acquired in an offseason trade with Las Vegas before last year, is due to make $10.5 million in 2024 and he would count $14.1 million against the salary cap. If he retired or was cut, the Giants would save $11.6 million in cap money and take a $2.5 million hit in dead money.ADVERTISEMENT Much was expected of Waller last season but https://www.gbpackersapparel.com/aaron-rodgers-jerseys he did not deliver for a team that went 6-11 and mi sed the playoffs a year after Daboll led them to their first postseason berth since 2016.The oft-injured Waller was limited to 12 games and had 52 catches for 552 yards and a touchdown. His longest play was 29 yards. The injury that cost him five games was a hamstring, an i sue that also reduced his play https://www.gbpackersapparel.com/devondre-campbell-jerseys in 2021 and '22.New York drafted Penn State tight end Theo Johnson in the fourth round in the recent draft in case Waller did not come back. Daniel Bellinger and Lawrence Cager return from last season. New York also signed veteran Chris https://www.gbpackersapparel.com/donovan-jennings-jerseys Manhertz in free agency.Waller has not attended the Giants offseason workouts.On the field Thursday, wide receiver and first-round draft pick Malik Nabers put on a show in the workout, making about five very good catches.If the LSU product plays like that in the regular season, opponents are going to have to double the No. 6 overall pick.It makes everything easy, second-year receiver Jalin Hyatt said. Who are you going to double, you know what I mean? You got Leek (Malik) on https://www.gbpackersapparel.com/jaire-alexander-jerseys one side, you got me on the other, youve got WanDale (Robinson), youve got Slay (Darius Slayton). Thats how were looking at it. Were ready to go.___AP NFL:
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Antonio Pierce Raiders need to use the Jordan Rules on Patrick Mahomes
Antonio Pierce has the bullish about what's to come, but they still have to get through and the , who reside in their division and have now won three of the past five Super Bowls.In Pierce's mind, the way the Raiders can match the Chiefs is with physicality and by getting their hands on Mahomes similar to https://www.dolphinsedge.com/shaquem-griffin-jerseys the way a former powerhouse did against the best player in the sport."Weve got the Jordan Rules, and weve got what Im calling now, from now on as long as Im here, the Patrick Mahomes Rules," on "The Rush with " podcast about how he motivated his team before its Christmas https://www.dolphinsedge.com/eric-rowe-jerseys Day win over Kansas City. "You remember when Jordan was going through it with the , all those guys in the 80s before he became Michael Jordan, Air Jordan? The Pistons used to whip his a s. Any time he came to the hole, elbows, feeling him, love taps. We touched him. Were in his head mentally, physically, emotionally, spiritually. Im touching you."So I showed my guys Jordan getting his a s whooped."ADVERTISEMENT Las Vegas beat Kansas City 20-14 on its home turf on Christmas. Earlier in the season, the Raiders got out to a 14-0 lead against the Chiefs but went on to lose 31-17.While the Raiders' impre sive win against their AFC West rival has served as a mental springboard for the franchise, the Chiefs have overwhelmingly had Las Vegas' number of late. In fact, the Chiefs have won 18 of the past 21 matchups, https://www.dolphinsedge.com/bob-griese-jerseys dating back to 's first season at quarterback for them which was also one year before entered the league with the Raiders."Weve got to knock off the head of the snake," Pierce said. "Fifteen. Hate the color red. Theres a hatred for the Chiefs."All in all, the Raiders went https://www.dolphinsedge.com/jason-taylor-jerseys 5-4 with Pierce as interim head coach last season. Prior to joining Las Vegas as a linebackers coach in 2022, Pierce was an a sistant coach and eventual defensive coordinator at from 2018-21.The Raiders fired offensive coordinator Mick Lombardi last November and hired former OC Luke Getsy after Kliff Kingsbury backed out of the job. of quarterback , who started 10 games as a rookie for Las Vegas last season.The Raiders have roughly $40 million in cap space this offseason and own the No. 13 pick in the 2024 Draft.Can any AFC team challenge https://www.dolphinsedge.com/jason-sanders-jerseys the KC Chiefs next season? Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account, follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily. FOLLOW Follow your favorites to personalize your FOX Sports experience Las Vegas Raiders Kansas City Chiefs Patrick Mahomes
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Mac Jones trade grades Jaguars add Trevor Lawrence backup in buy-low swap with Patriots
Many a sumed that Justin Fields would be the first quarterback traded during the 2024 NFL offseason. Instead, another quarterback from his draft cla s finds himself on the move as the new league year arrives.The Patriots are shipping the 2021 first-round pick Mac Jones to the Jaguars in exchange for a late-round draft pick, per multiple reports. That will provide Jones and the Patriots with a much-needed fresh start after New England endured a 4-13 campaign in '23.The Jaguars are an intriguing landing spot for Jones. Jacksonville will look to develop Jones behind Trevor Lawrence also a member of the 2021 NFL Draft cla s and see if they can tap into the potential Jones showcased during his rookie season.Here's a full breakdown of the Mac Jones https://www.debroncosedge.com/netane-muti-jerseys trade, including whether the Jaguars or the Patriots won the deal.BEST FREE AGENTS AVAILABLE:||||Mac Jones trade detailsJaguars get:QB Mac JonesPatriots get:2024 sixth-round pick ()MORE:Mac Jones trade gradesJaguars grade: B+The Jaguars' acquisition of Jones may not be met with fanfare, but it was a rock-solid, buy-low move by general manager Trent Baalke. After all, Jones is a former first-round pick https://www.debroncosedge.com/jerry-jeudy-jerseys and hasn't been a complete failure at the NFL level.Jones enjoyed a good rookie season in 2021, completing 67.6 percent of his pa ses for 3,801 yards, 22 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions. He led the Patriots to a postseason berth, was selected to the Pro Bowl, and finished second in the NFL's Offensive Rookie of the Year voting behind Bengals star wideout Ja'Marr Chase.Jones couldn't replicate that succe s in 2022 and '23. He dealt with constant change at offensive coordinator, as Matt Patricia replaced Josh McDaniels in 2022 and Bill O'Brien took over for Patricia in '23. That stunted Jones' growth and led to his benching in favor of Bailey Zappe.Despite his recent struggles, Jones has the tools needed to be an accurate game manager and distributor, as he demonstrated in 2021. He just needs a better offensive staff to coax that potential out of him and help https://www.debroncosedge.com/russell-wilson-jerseys him develop some consistency.Jaguars coach Doug Pederson and offensive Pre s Taylor qualify as a solid offensive brain trust. They helped Trevor Lawrence overcome a disastrous rookie season under Urban Meyer to finish seventh in MVP voting in 2022. Perhaps they can similarly reverse Jones' decline and turn him into a solid, consistent backup quarterback.At the very least, acquiring Jones is a worthwhile pursuit for the Jaguars. They are risking just a sixth-round pick to acquire a 25-year-old quarterback with some potential. Maybe he won't reach starter level again, but if Jones can be a solid backup, then the Jaguars will win this trade.IYER: Patriots grade: B-It's tough to fault the Patriots for moving on from Jones after the past two seasons. Jones needed a change of scenery amid his struggles, and New England has the resources needed to add a new quarterback. https://www.debroncosedge.com/natrez-patrick-jerseys The Patriots have the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft and are expected to select either Drake Maye or Jayden Daniels. Selecting a new quarterback would make Jones expendable, so creating a fresh start for all parties makes sense.The bigger i sue with the Jones trade is that the Patriots are selling low on the quarterback. Perhaps his rookie season was an aberration, but https://www.debroncosedge.com/champ-bailey-jerseys New England failed to position Jones for succe s in 2022 and '23. They had created a revolving door at offensive coordinator, failed to protect him with a decent offensive line, and gave him few receiving weapons amid his struggles.That lack of resources deprived Jones of a fair shot to improve upon his solid rookie season. While he is partly at fault for his year-to-year regre sion, New England must also share in it.The Patriots aren't likely to look back at this trade and regret it, but they may be ruing not setting Jones up for more succe s. If they did in either 2022 or '23, they may have gotten a bit more for the former first-round pick.