Tag: 2023 NFL Scouting Combine

Report: Chargers had formal interview with Minnesota OL John Michael Schmitz

The Chargers appear to have one of the top interior offensive linemen in this year’s draft class on their radar.

The Chargers appear to have one of the top interior offensive linemen in this year’s draft class on their radar.

According to Chat Sport’s Tom Downey, Minnesota center John Michael Schmitz said he had a formal interview with Los Angeles.

Schmitz was one of three finalists for the Rimington Award and earned first-team AP All-American honors in 2022. Additionally, he’s a two-time, All-Big Ten performer.

Schmitz graded out as Pro Football Focus’ top run blocker of all the interior linemen this past season (92.6). He also had not allowed a sack in his career before 2022.

Schmitz is an exceptional run blocker, always looking to demolish defenders. He also has the lateral quickness to keep them locked up on drawn-out rush plays across the field.

Schmitz’s football IQ makes him highly effective as a pass protector, and his top-end strength provides a reliable anchor against holding rushers at bay.

The Chargers are set at the center position with Corey Linsley. But they could be remodeling the left guard spot this offseason, with Matt Feiler a potential cap casualty. Schmitz did say he could play all three interior spots.

Schmitz projects as a late Round 1-early Round 2 selection.

2023 NFL scouting combine: Watch 6 fastest defensive backs in 40-yard dash

Watch the six fastest official 40-yard dash times among all defensive backs invited to participate at the 2023 NFL scouting combine.

The speed demon defensive backs took to the field on Friday in Indianapolis at the 2023 NFL scouting combine to run the fan-favorite 40-yard dash.

Watch below as Michigan Wolverines cornerback DJ Turner II, South Carolina Gamecocks cornerback Darius Rush, Georgia Bulldogs cornerback Kelee Ringo, Mississippi State Bulldogs cornerback Emmanuel Forbes, Maryland Terrapins cornerbacks Deonte Banks and Jakorian Bennett run the six fastest official times among all defensive backs invited to participate.

[sendtonews_embed video_id=”lJqr5dHdcv-2585707-7498″]

2023 NFL Combine results for punter Michael Turk

Results for Oklahoma Sooners punter Michael Turk at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine.

Michael Turk had a productive career at Arizona State before joining the Oklahoma Sooners. He took his game to another level after arriving in Norman and is on the verge of getting drafted by the NFL.

Field position has always been an important aspect of football, but in recent seasons, the punting game has taken on a higher priority.

There have been 13 punters selected in the fourth round or better since the NFL draft moved to seven rounds in 1997. Could Michael Turk be the next one?

He’ll land on an NFL roster, and after showing off his athleticism at the NFL draft combine, there’s a good chance he gets to hear his name called in April.

10 wide receivers for the Eagles to watch at the 2023 NFL combine

We’re looking at 10 wide receiver prospects for the Philadelphia Eagles to watch at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine

The wide receiver position is settled with A.J. Brown set to start the first year of his monster contract extension, and DeVonta Smith entering his third year, with a fifth-year option all but guaranteed to be picked up.

There’s some uncertainty after the dynamic duo.

Quez Watkins will be in the final year of his rookie deal, while undrafted free agent Britain Covey should return as the primary punt returner.

Zach Pascal will be an unrestricted free agent, and Philadelphia could look to add a talented rookie on a cheap deal to an already blockbuster duo.

With on-field workouts, underway here are ten wide receivers to watch at the NFL Combine on Saturday.

3 wide receivers to watch for Chiefs at 2023 NFL Scouting Combine

Here are three wide receiver prospects the #Chiefs should be keeping an eye on during on-field drills and testing Saturday.

The 2023 NFL Scouting Combine continues over the weekend with offensive players hitting the field at Lucas Oil Stadium for on-field drills and workouts. You can watch the quarterbacks, wide receivers, and tight ends workout from 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. ET on NFL Network.

The Kansas City Chiefs added a number of young contributors to the team via the draft just a season ago. Several of those players posted impressive performances at the combine. The team will look to follow up its standout 2022 draft class by adding even more instant-impact players in 2023.

Keep an eye on the following three receivers working out on Saturday. A head-turning performance could put any number of the players squarely on the radar for Brett Veach and company.

Cincinnati WR Tre Tucker talks about Chiefs S Bryan Cook’s competitiveness

Cincinnati WR Tre Tucker told @EdEastonJr that #Chiefs S Bryan Cook is one of the most competitive guys he knows.

The Kansas City Chiefs are always looking for speedy receiver options to pair with Patrick Mahomes and fulfill the creative play-calling of head coach Andy Reid. Each player is passionate about competing and playing within the team concept of pushing the other to improve.

Cincinnati wide receiver Tre Tucker will be a speedy, explosive weapon for any offense in the NFL. As a senior in 2022, Tucker served as captain for the Bearcats, recording 52 receptions for 672 yards and three touchdowns.

Chiefs Wire’s Ed Easton Jr. spoke with Tucker about his thoughts on former Cincinnati players finding early success in the NFL. He also dove deeper into his competitive friendship with Chiefs safety Bryan Cook.

“Bryan Cook, I actually went against him a lot because he’s a safety,” said Tucker. “Just seeing him, he has a Super Bowl. I mean, I was just running against him last year competitively in sprints, and now he has a Super Bowl. So it brings up close confidence to me knowing that the guys we had in Cincinnati were really, really good. And the program he had a really, really good, and I know I can go into the NFL and excel.”

Tucker maintains a friendship with Cook along with reigning NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, Jets CB Sauce Gardner, with who he still competes in the offseason. He was proud of Cook’s contributions to winning a Super Bowl title as he later went on to dig deeper into their relationship.

“I congratulated him, but I plan to (see him) after this,” said Tucker. “I know he’ll be in Cincinnati soon. But yeah, that’s actually one of my guys because, like I said, we went against each other much. He’s probably one of the most competitive guys I know. And that’s how I am myself. So I can tell you it was heated with a lot of competitiveness.”

The Chiefs have added similar fiery receivers in the past, most recently the acquisition of Kadarius Toney at last year’s trade deadline. The front office won’t hesitate to add whoever will improve the team and add more Super Bowl titles.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=217674209]

The Minnesota Vikings have met with these players at the combine

In their time at the NFL Scouting Combine, the Vikings have met with these players with more to come

The NFL Scouting Combine is a place to gather information on prospects both as people and with their athletic testing. These are important to know so you can see if the player’s projection is correct or not.

Each team meets with numerous prospects and the Minnesota Vikings are no exception. So far, they have reportedly met with more than a dozen prospects with more to come.

Here is who we know the Vikings have met with so far.

Vikings draft prospects: RB/OL interviews at NFL Scouting Combine

The final group of the scouting combine spoke to the media on Saturday morning

The Minnesota Vikings are currently at the NFL Scouting Combine looking to find the next future stars to wear the purple and gold.

Throughout the course of the week, teams will be allowed to interview players to help them make their choices easier when it comes time for the NFL draft in April. In essence, it’s one more piece of the puzzle.

On Wednesday, the media was able to interview the linebackers and defensive linemen, Thursday was for the defensive backs and specialists, and Friday was for the quarterbacks and wide receivers.

On Saturday, we heard from the final group in the offensive lineman and running backs. We also got some critical measurements from the quarterbacks.

Cincinnati TE Leonard Taylor aspires to be like Chiefs TE Travis Kelce

Cincinnati TE Leonard Taylor told @EdEastonJr that he aspires to be like #Chiefs TE Travis Kelce both on and off the football field.

The evolution of the tight-end position continues to expand each year, with a new class of talent pushing the limits. The Kansas City Chiefs have arguably the best tight end in the game today, but he isn’t keeping the secrets to his success to himself, especially when his alma mater is involved.

Cincinnati tight end Leonard Taylor was an exceptional blocker and pass catcher during his time with the Bearcats. He showed more value with his chemistry alongside fellow tight end Josh Whyle as the duo was a feared combination throughout the 2022 college football season.

Chiefs Wire’s Ed Easton Jr. spoke with Taylor at the combine. He revealed that Travis Kelce’s had an influence on his college career and the he aspires to be like him in a number of ways.

“Travis Kelce has affected me tremendously; he always helps me out, man,” said Taylor. “He always gives me great advice when I need it. He’s been a real big role model I look up to, and you know, one day, I want to be just like him.”

Those aspirations extend beyond the impact made on the football field. Taylor also has taken notice of what Kelce has done off the field. Asked about his goals for the NFL, Taylor mentioned winning the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award and giving back to his community.

“I want to help people in my community that struggle and give them a place to live, a roof over their head,” said Taylor. “Find some way to help people better themselves in my community.”

Taylor was a standout high school basketball player in Springfield, Ohio but chose football for his long-term career. It’s another path that he shares with Kelce. The movements from the basketball court have translated to success on the field for Taylor as he seeks to improve his draft stock at this year’s scouting combine.

“So basketball helped me out tremendously for football,” said Taylor. “They helped me with my route running. It helped me with my feet. And it helped me find a way to be agile and versatile in my game.”

Taylor knows he still has plenty of room for growth as he begins his journey into the NFL. His desire to follow in the footsteps of All-Pro like Kelce is certainly a good place to start.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=217674209]

Watch: Kelee Ringo, DJ Turner shine in 40-yard dash at combine

WATCH: DJ Turner, Deonte Banks and Kelee Ringo shine in 40-yard dash at the scouting combine

This 2023 NFL draft class features a handful of cornerbacks projected to go in the first round, including Penn State’s Joey Porter Jr., Maryland’s Deonte Banks, Oregon’s Christian Gonzalez and Georgia’s Kelee Ringo.

The Falcons have a clear No. 1 CB in A.J. Terrell, but they don’t have much behind the former Clemson star. Since Atlanta holds the No. 8 pick, there’s a real chance the team takes a corner at that spot.

The 2023 NFL Scouting Combine continued on Friday, with the defensive backs participating in on-field drills. Michigan’s DJ Turner recorded the fastest 40-yard dash time (4.27 seconds), while Banks and Ringo each turned in solid times.

Check out the best 40-yard dash highlights from Friday below.