Tag: 2023 NFL Scouting Combine

Pete Carroll: Multi-sport backgrounds ‘vitally important’ for NFL draft prospects

Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll reached deep into his passion bag earlier this week talking about how important it is to have a two-sport background for prospects at the combine

Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll reached deep into his passion bag earlier this week talking about how important it is to have a multi-sport background for prospects at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine.

Watch.

[lawrence-auto-related count=5 category=548262238]

[mm-video type=playlist id=01eqbycpfe4qgv9nf6 player_id=01eqbvhghtkmz2182d image=]

Report: Vikings have met with Florida QB Anthony Richardson

The Vikings are doing their due diligence at the NFL Scouting Combine

At the NFL Scouting Combine, teams get the opportunity to meet with players and the Minnesota Vikings have met with one of the best quarterbacks in the 2023 NFL draft class.

According to SKOR North’s Darren Wolfson, the Minnesota Vikings have met with Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson.

The Vikings meeting with Richardson likely means one of two things: they are genuinely interested in the star quarterback or they are trying to gather information about other players either on the Gators or on teams that Richardson played.

What this means for the future of the Vikings we aren’t entirely sure, but I wrote about why the Vikings should draft the star quarterback.

Chiefs updates from DB/ST prospect media availability at NFL Scouting Combine

From meetings with the #Chiefs to interesting quotes and notes, here are the latest updates from DB/ST media availability at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine.

Workouts for the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine are getting underway this afternoon. The media scrum continued on Thursday morning with special teamers, cornerbacks and safeties speaking to members of the media.

Meetings and interviews with teams are continuing throughout the week, so we’re getting a few updates on the players that have met with the Kansas City Chiefs. We’re also hearing plenty about what makes this latest group of NFL draft prospects tick.

Chiefs Wire’s Ed Easton Jr. is again out at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis speaking with prospects along with other members of the media. Be sure to follow along below for the latest updates as they come in:

Vikings updates from DB media availability at NFL Scouting Combine

THe defensive backs had some interesting things to say during media availability

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, as they will be working out on Thursday afternoon.

On Thursday, it was the defensive backs turn to speak to the media.

3 edge rushers to watch for Chiefs at 2023 NFL Scouting Combine

Here are three edge rushers the #Chiefs should be keeping an eye on when on-field drills and testing kicks off on Thursday.

The 2023 NFL Scouting Combine is well underway, but prospects will take the field for the first time on Thursday for on-field drills and workouts. You can watch the edge rushers, interior defensive linemen and linebackers workout from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 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 edge rushers working out on Thursday. A head-turning performance could put any number of the players squarely on the radar for Brett Veach and company.

Missouri DE Isaiah McGuire would be honored to join Chiefs LB Nick Bolton in Kansas City

Missouri DE Isaiah McGuire told @EdEastonJr he would be honored to join his former Mizzou teammate Nick Bolton with the #Chiefs.

The Kansas City Chiefs’ defense took a significant step forward with the stellar play from veterans and young players. A breakout star was second-year LB Nick Bolton, who finished the season among the league’s leading tacklers.

Missouri DE Isaiah McGuire played just a short distance from the Chiefs’ Arrowhead Stadium, getting a close view of the success his former Mizzou teammate had at the pro level. McGuire was named First-Team All-SEC last season, showing flashes of dominance against the toughest division in college football.

Chiefs Wire’s Ed Easton Jr. spoke with McGuire about his thoughts on possibly being drafted by the Chiefs and which NFL players influenced his game.

“I’m saying that’s about two hours towards the left for me, being at work going to school at Columbia, man,” said McGuire. “So, that’d be an honor, out there. And Nick Bolton, like said, they’ve built a great organization.”

Bolton was the Chiefs’ second-round selection in 2021 and has quickly become a leader on the team. A Missouri star as well, McGuire has aspirations to make a similar impact once he enters the NFL next month. He even has some NFL stars whom he hopes to model his game after.

“So I’d say a mixture between Cam Jordan and Matthew Judon,” said McGuire. “When it comes to the running game like, say, want to be the best technician like Cam Jordan and Matthew Judon, for sure. The way they can minimalize from around the defense, you know, even being a stand-up for sure, definitely something I offer as a player.”

McGuire raised the bar high regarding what he can be as a defender in the league, but the confidence is an intriguing sight for potential teams. The Chiefs made a splash with Bolton a few years ago, so it wouldn’t be a shock if they dipped back into those waters on draft night.

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

[mm-video type=playlist id=01eqbwa53mtds520q2 player_id=01eqbvhghtkmz2182d image=]

Martin Mayhew looking forward to working with Eric Bieniemy

Martin Mayhew talks about his longstanding relationship with Eric Bieniemy.

Martin Mayhew is not attempting to be an isolated super hero when it comes to the upcoming NFL draft or free agency cycle.

Speaking with the media during the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, Mayhew realizes the need to draft players that can best fit into the system the Commanders coordinators Eric Bieniemy (offense) and Jack Del Rio (defense) are going to be installing.

“We’re still working through that process with Eric,” Mayhew said. “He’s only been there for a couple days…So we’re still evolving with that process with him and trying to figure out exactly what he’s going to be looking for at different positions. We have some thoughts, obviously, but we’re going to blend all that and we’ll get into free agency and get into the draft and start getting input from him and we’ll make some of those decisions down the road.”

Mayhew was not shy to point out he will not only give an ear to Bieniemy but the entire coaching staff.

“Our coaches do a great job evaluating players,” the GM said. “That’s one thing I think that [Head] Coach [Ron] Rivera’s done a really good job of putting the staff together of guys that know what they’re looking at. So we lean on those guys a lot. Eric will be very involved in the process.”

Mayhew and Bieniemy have actually known each other for decades, and Mayhew is counting on that to help in their working relationship as well.

“Eric and I go way back,” Mayhew said. “We’ve got probably a hundred thousand or so friends in common. He’s a fraternity brother of mine, Omega Psi Phi. So, when I interviewed him, I was just trying not to piss him off, you know, but we’re so glad to have him. It is a guy that’s been in three of the last four Super Bowls. Had the number-one offense in the league last year in terms of scoring. Just as an offensive coordinator has accomplished a lot, and our guys are really excited about it too. Our team is excited about it. The whole building is excited to have him join us.”

[mm-video type=playlist id=01eqbykgy681k112p8 player_id=01eqbvhghtkmz2182d image=]

Commanders GM Martin Mayhew impressed with Sam Howell

The general manager believes Sam Howell has everything it takes.

What is best for an NFL rookie quarterback? Should he play right away or sit the first season(s)?

That was one of the areas Washington Commanders General Manager Martin Mayhew was asked by members of the press Wednesday at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine.

“I think that it’s a tremendous value,” Mayhew said. “I don’t think it’s any coincidence that [Green Bay Packers QB] Aaron Rodgers and [Kansas City Chiefs QB] Pat Mahomes are two of the best quarterbacks in the league, and they had the benefit of being able to sit behind a quality quarterback, sit and learn for some period of time.

I’m obviously not saying that Sam (Howell) is those guys right now, but I’m saying that I think that there’s a lot of benefit to coming in without that immediate pressure every single week to learn a different game plan, to play against a different team, to play a longer season than you ever played in your whole life with grown men and different schemes that you’re seeing you haven’t seen before. I think that’s one of the things as a league where we really have failed is in developing quarterbacks. And the reason for that, I believe, is because the bad teams get to pick first. They pick a very talented quarterback. Sometimes their team is not that talented then they have that immediate pressure to put that player on the field and so many guys have failed for that reason. So, I think it’s going to help Sam a lot.”

Howell did have the benefit of not experiencing the weekly pressure and was able to sit behind two veterans who, from a distance, appear to be great teammates. Howell certainly spoke favorably regarding the type of teammates and friends Taylor Heinicke and Carson Wentz were to him during the season.

Howell watched the first 16 games and saw action only in the season finale, a 26-6 win over NFC East rival, Dallas, played at FedEx Field. Yes, it was an extremely small sample size. Though he certainly had one badly forced pass resulting in an interception, Howell did exhibit a poise, several times, extending plays and displaying an awareness of when to slide as well when running the ball. Here is every pass and run by Howell in the season finale.

Yet, Mayhew was honest, saying they will look closely at the quarterbacks during the Combine and also look into free agency in possibly signing one. However, he did explicitly reference positively how he views Sam Howell.

“Sam will have every opportunity to win that starting job,” Mayhew said of his young quarterback. “I was very impressed with the way that he played and practiced last year. Obviously very small sample, he only played in one game, but we got to see him the whole offseason. We gotta see him all through training camp, every week in practice. He has the skills that it takes to be a starter in this league, in my opinion.”

[mm-video type=playlist id=01eqbykgy681k112p8 player_id=01eqbvhghtkmz2182d image=]

Super Bowl LVII might be Rice DE Ikenna Enechukwu’s last time rooting for the Chiefs

Rice DE Ikenna Enechukwu hopes to end up with his hometown #Chiefs in the NFL, but he realizes he could end up chasing after Patrick Mahomes instead. | from @EdEastonJr

The impact of the Kansas City Chiefs on their community of fans is undeniable and a significant part of the team’s legendary history. The success over the last few seasons has garnered new fans, but there are still plenty who grew up watching the franchise.

Draft prospect Ikenna Enechukwu is a Kansas City native that made a name for himself at local Ruskin High School. He eventually attended Rice University, becoming an integral part of the Owl’s defense. 

Chiefs Wire’s Ed Easton Jr. spoke with Enechukwu about growing up a Chiefs fan and the prospect of playing with or matching up against his Patrick Mahomes. 

“I love it, man,” said Enechukwu. “Ever since I started playing football, I was just always a big Chiefs fan, like I was like waiting to see them win. Like I was so excited the first time they won (the Super Bowl). The second time they won, I’m still excited. And there’s always gonna be, like, anybody that grows up in Kansas City, likes the Chiefs. There’s always gonna be something different because there were times (when) they weren’t doing good. And now they brought a lot of attention to the city, but a lot of good publicity.”

Watching the Super Bowl LVII victory over the Eagles, Enechukwu had a startling revelation about his future as a fan of the Chiefs.

“I might not even play for the Chiefs,” said Enechukwu. “And I was watching the game, I was like, ‘Man, this might be my last time rooting for the Chiefs. I’m the one that might have to chase down Patrick Mahomes, and then I might not be a big fan of him anymore.'”

As a fifth-year senior at Rice, Enechukwu finished with 19 tackles, eight assists, and 17 stops. When rushing the passer, he had 29 total pressures, which included three sacks on the season.

Enechukwu confirmed that he did have a meeting with Kansas City’s decision-makers at the combine, so there is a chance the hometown product will only need to chase Patrick Mahomes in practice after the NFL Draft in April.

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

[mm-video type=playlist id=01eqbwa53mtds520q2 player_id=01eqbvhghtkmz2182d image=]

Keeanu Benton could follow Wisconsin teammate Leo Chenal to Kansas City Chiefs

Wisconsin DT Keeanu Benton spoke of his friendship with Leo Chenal, his scheduled meeting with the #Chiefs & his desire to play in the NFL for a long time. | from @EdEastonJr

The 2023 NFL Scouting Combine is underway in Indianapolis, Indiana as the top prospects seek to improve their stock ahead of next month’s NFL draft. Each player can show off their physical talents and express themselves openly to the media as the world gets a chance to learn about the future stars.

Wisconsin defensive tackle Keeanu Benton stood out with the Badgers throughout his four seasons in Madison. Benton was named to Third-Team All-Big 10 last season following a second-team placement in 2021.

Chiefs Wire’s Ed Easton Jr. spoke with Benton about his friendship and respect for current Chiefs linebacker and former Badgers teammate Leo Chenal.

“Yeah, that was awesome, man,” Benton said. “I like, Leo (Chenal). That’s my guy. We were in the same pod, almost locker neighbors, but he turned it up and I’m proud of him for that. And then you go on Instagram and see him doing the pull-up on the bus and stuff, and I’m like, ‘He’s an animal.’ He’s a different animal, and I’m glad he got a ring off his first year, and I just hope he keeps going.”

Benton admitted that he has a meeting scheduled with the Chiefs on Wednesday afternoon, so there appears to be an interest in reuniting the former Badgers teammates. The 21-year-old revealed that he has plans to play in the league for a long time while media members gathered at his podium.

“Yeah, I would just say, me lasting,” said Benton. “I want to play for at least five, seven years somewhere in there. So just being coachable, seeing myself still develop skills that I know that I have deep down, and try to really figure out how high my ceiling is. I haven’t figured that out yet. So just taking on information from the vets and information from people who’ve been there before. I just really want to see how long I can go with this thing.”

Benton could be another exciting prospect to be added to the Chiefs’ defensive line in 2023. The 6-foot-4 and 317-pound defensive tackle finished the 2022 college football season at Wisconsin with 36 total tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks and 28 total pressures. The Badgers’ goal-line stand against Minnesota was particularly impressive and stood as one of Benton’s favorite plays.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1]

[mm-video type=playlist id=01eqbwa53mtds520q2 player_id=01eqbvhghtkmz2182d image=]