Tag: Curtis Jacobs

Patriots announce new LB signing, along with other roster moves

It was a busy day of roster moves for New England

The New England Patriots announced they have signed linebacker Titus Leo off the Indianapolis Colts practice squad to the 53-man roster.

Leo is a former sixth-round draft pick and FCS All-American out of Wagner College. The signing came along with the news that the Patriots are placing linebacker Curtis Jacobs on injured reserve, while also releasing Ochaun Mathis on Tuesday.

Jacobs, who was claimed off the Kansas City Chiefs practice squad, had been a steady contributor in New England, appearing on four percent of the defensive snaps and 58 percent of the special teams snaps. He has played in nine games and started in two of those outings this season.

Mathis only appeared in five games with the bulk of his workload coming on special teams for the Patriots. Meanwhile, Leo has yet to get his first real taste of NFL action.

Perhaps that’ll finally change for a Patriots team looking to add some depth.

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Patriots awarded four players, including two new tackles, off waivers

The Patriots land four players from the waiver wire

The New England Patriots were awarded four players through waiver claims on Wednesday.

They were the No. 3 team in the waiver wire pecking order. So they had a higher priority in their selection over every other NFL team but the Carolina Panthers and Washington Commanders.

Per the waiver system transactions, via NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the Patriots were awarded linebacker Curtis Jacobs, offensive tackle Demontrey Jacobs, defensive tackle Eric Johnson and offensive tackle Zachary Thomas.

It’s notable that the Patriots put in claims for two new offensive tackles considering that’s been the biggest trouble spot for the team throughout training camp and the preseason.

Thomas and Jacobs are no saviors in that matter. They are simply two more project pieces for the Patriots to coach up behind the scenes as possible future depth options. Jones has no career game experience in the NFL, and Thomas has only appeared in three games.

The Patriots are currently down to a banged-up Vederian Lowe, Chukwuma Okorafor and rookie Caedan Wallace as their top tackle options on the roster. Of course, they could always kick Mike Onwenu back outside from guard to tackle.

It’s an ongoing game of offensive line musical chairs that feels like it’ll never end for the Patriots.

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Former Penn State QBs Sean Clifford and Trace McSorley among NFL cut day victims

A number of Penn State players were cut by NFL teams as rosters began reducing to 53-man rosters.

Tuesday brought on a tough day for so many football players around the NFL. That is the day when NFL teams began trimming their rosters down to the 53-man minimum, and a number of former Penn State players were among the players being cut into the free agent waters of the pros.

Two notable names being cut by their respective NFL franchises were former Penn State quarterbacks [autotag]Sean Clifford[/autotag] and [autotag]Trace McSorley[/autotag]. McSorely was a late addition to the Washington Commanders roster this summer, so his early exit was not particularly shocking to see. Clifford was a fifth-round draft pick of the Green Bay Packers last season. Unfortunately, Clifford’s performance this preseason didn’t help convince the Packers he was the best option to be the backup to franchise quarterback Jordan Love.

The Packers also cut former defensive back [autotag]Kalen King[/autotag], who was a seventh-round draft pick of Green Bay in the 2023 NFL draft.

In addition to cutting McSorley, the Commanders also cut former Penn State wide receiver [autotag]Mitchell Tinsley[/autotag]. It was just days ago the Commanders also traded former Nittany Lion Jahan Dotson to the Philadelphia Eagles. The Commanders also parted ways with former defensive back [autotag]Tariq Castro-Fields[/autotag].

Four other former Penn State receivers were also shown the door; [autotag]KJ Hamler[/autotag] and [autotag]Justin Shorter[/autotag] with the Buffalo Bills, [autotag]Allen Robinson[/autotag] with the New York Giants, and Dan Chisena with the Arizona Cardinals.

Linebacker [autotag]Curtis Jacobs[/autotag] was cut by the defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs. And former running back [autotag]Noah Cain[/autotag] was released by the Cincinnati Bengals.

You can see the full list of former Penn State players who have been cut by NFL teams in the social media posts from Sam Fremin, via X, below.

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WATCH: Rees-Zammit dances past defense at training camp

Watch this clip from the Chiefs’ official Twitter, where the Kansas City Chief’s new Welsh running back perfectly connects with third-string QB Chris Oladokun, and fends off an interception attempt by rookie linebacker Curtis Jacobs followed by an attempted tackle from rookie cornerback D.J. Miller, maintaining possession and blasting downfield at practice.

Signing Welsh ex-rugby player Louis Rees-Zammit to the Kansas City Chiefs generated a lot of headlines and it is still unclear whether the young athlete will be a permanent fixture with the team.

Rees-Zammit had the chance to put in some work during the match against the Jaguars on Saturday, and while Chiefs fans’ reactions appear to be mixed, the American football convert did manage to get some short possessions and make a 23-yard kickoff.

Although his time on the field for the preseason game wasn’t score-generating, Rees-Zammit can make impressive plays when in possession of the ball as evidenced in this clip posted to the official Chiefs Twitter.

Watch this clip from the Chiefs’ official Twitter, where the Kansas City Chiefs’ new Welsh running back perfectly connects with third-string QB Chris Oladokun and fends off an interception attempt by rookie linebacker Curtis Jacobs followed by an attempted tackle from rookie cornerback D.J. Miller, maintaining possession and blasting downfield at practice.

Rees-Zammit will likely take the field against the Detroit Lions since the Chiefs leadership needs to decide who will make the 2024 roster, the ex-Rugby player will have to impress against competition to remain with the team.

Former Penn State linebacker drafted to the UFL’s DC Defenders

Former Penn State starting linebacker drafted to the UFL D.C. Defenders in the UFL College Draft.

On Tuesday, the United Football League held its college player draft, where players were selected to play in the eight-team league that began play earlier this year. Former Penn State football linebacker [autotag]Curtis Jacobs[/autotag] was drafted into the UFL by the D.C. Defenders in the eighth round and the No. 60 overall selection.

Some players, like Jacobs, were signed to NFL teams as undrafted free agents after the NFL draft, making their status for the next UFL season a bit murky. Jacobs signed with the Kansas City Chiefs after the draft and is expected to report to training camp as an undrafted rookie in the coming days.

It remains to be seen what exact course of action Jacobs will take, but expect him to exhaust all NFL possibilities this summer before opting to join the Defenders in the UFL. If the linebacker does stick with the Chiefs or any other NFL team, the Defenders own his UFL rights should he ever choose to jump leagues.

Jacobs played four seasons at Penn State, racking up 171 tackles, 9.5 sacks and 24 tackles for a loss in 45 games. He started in 36 games throughout his career in Happy Valley and became a key piece of Penn State’s top-3 defense last year.

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How Penn State’s Curtis Jacobs fits with the Kansas City Chiefs

Here is how Curtis Jacobs will pay off as an undrafted free agent with the defending Super Bowl champion Chiefs.

As thrilling as it must be to have the chance to hear your name called during the NFL draft, sometimes being undrafted can be a blessing in disguise. Undrafted free agents get to pick their destination among the multiple interested teams, allowing them to go to a situation they believe is best for their chance to stick on a roster.

Penn State linebacker [autotag]Curtis Jacobs[/autotag] found himself in that situation over draft weekend, failing to be selected despite being a consensus fifth-round pick according to NFL Mock Draft Database. Jacobs was considered by many to be one of the best players not to be selected, and it didn’t take long for a team to snatch him up as a free agent.

The Kansas City Chiefs added Jacobs to a linebacker room that has established starters, but not any significant depth. The trio of Nick Bolton, Drue Tranquill, and Leo Chenal are likely to play the vast majority of snaps in 2024. However, they lost their snaps leader from last year Willie Gay Jr. to free agency.

With little proven depth behind the top guys on the depth chart, Jacobs could very easily end up as the fourth linebacker once the season begins. If he does, he not only will play significant snaps on special teams but will also be just one injury away from playing meaningful defensive snaps.

Jacobs has the athletic ability to become a cover linebacker at the next level, but the Chiefs already have that role filled with Tranquill. Teams obviously need more than just one linebacker who can cover, but a starting spot may be hard to come by in the near future for him. Still, getting to be coached by some of the best coaches in the sport for a few years to start your career is hard to be upset about.

If Jacobs plays well on his UDFA contract, other teams may end up looking to bring him in as a potential starter. It may even line up for him to replace Tranquill after his contract is up in a few years. A fun note to add is that he gets to reunite with his teammate Hunter Nourzad. Overall, Jacobs should be excited to play for a bonafide powerhouse team like the Chiefs.

UDFA rumors: Former Penn State LB Curtis Jacobs signs with Chiefs

UDFA rumors: Former Penn State LB Curtis Jacobs is signing with the #Chiefs

The loss of linebacker Willie Gay in free agency at the start of the offseason will lead to changes in the position’s depth chart. The Kansas City Chiefs didn’t address the position in last weekend’s NFL Draft.

According to the Kansas City Star’s Sam McDowell, Former Penn State LB Curtis Jacobs has a verbal agreement with the Chiefs. During the 2023 season, Jacobs played 13 games, tallying 49 tackles and 2.5 sacks. He has shown explosiveness in breaking up pass plays at Penn State while not being noted as a great run-stopper.

He displayed exceptional awareness as a coverage defender who is quick enough to handle some man coverage. Another project that could blossom in a Steve Spagnuolo system, but it will be a battle to make an impression. Jacobs has a reasonable shot if he can improve his pursuit in the running game and show strength at the line against bigger offensive players.

After four years with the Nittany Lions, Jacobs finished his collegiate career with 171 tackles, 9.5 sacks, and two interceptions.

For more Chiefs UDFA signings, follow our tracker.

Curtis Jacobs and Keaton Ellis sign undrafted free agent contracts

After not being drafted by any NFL team, Curtis Jacobs and Keaton Ellis signed free agent contracts.

Just because ever NFL team passed on you in the NFL draft doesn’t mean you were unwanted. Following the draft, NFL franchises look to round out their rosters with the pool of undrafted free agents. After the 2024 NFL draft came to a close, two former Penn State players kept their NFL dreams alive by signing undrafted free agent contracts with NFL teams.

Linebacker [autotag]Curtis Jacobs[/autotag] was one of those players signing an undrafted free agent contract. Jacobs was signed by the reigning defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs. the Chiefs used one of their draft picks to add center Hunter Nourzad, so Jacobs will head to Kansas City wiht one of his Penn State teammates.

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Jacobs not being drafted was a bit of a surprise given his positive reviews in the buildup to the draft. Alas, he will be heading to one of the best NFL teams in the midst of a dynasty, which should be a great opportunity for Jacobs to continue to grow and compete at a high level.

Another former Nittany Lion signing an undrafted free agent contract was safety Keaton Ellis. Ellis signed with the Tennessee Titans after the draft.

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With Ellis signing with the Titans, the only member of Penn State’s defensive backfield in the rookie class of 2024 without an NFL home at the moment is Johnny Dixon. Kalen King and Daequan Hardy were late-round draft picks.

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Best Penn State players still available on Day 3 of NFL draft according to ESPN

Penn State’s Curtis Jacobs and Theo Johnson some of the best available at their positions on the final day of the 2024 NFL draft.

Penn State was happy to see four members of its football family be selected by NFL franchises in the first three rounds of the 2024 NFL draft, but they are hoping to see more go on the final day of the draft on Saturday. Any NFL franchise looking to add a linebacker to the roster will have a few solid options to choose from beginning in the fourth round, including Penn State’s [autotag]Curtis Jacobs[/autotag].

Jacobs was a standout performer for Penn State and is ranked as the third-best linebacker still on the board according to ESPN’s ranking of best available players going into Day 3 of the draft. He is also among the top 25 best players available when the draft resumes with the no. 24 ranking.

North Carolina’s Cedric Gray is the top linebacker available according to ESPN’s ranking. Clemson’s Jeremiah Trotter Jr. is the second-best available linebacker before Jacobs according to the same ranking. All three players figure to make some NFL franchise very happy with the bargain they will seemingly be getting.

Theo Johnson among best TEs still available

Penn State tight end [autotag]Theo Johnson[/autotag] was hoping to go somewhere in the second or third rounds of the draft, but his wait will drag into Day 3 as well. Johnson is ranked as the fifth-best tight end still available with four rounds remaining, so he still has a very good chance of being drafted.

Ja’Tavion Sanders of Texas, Cade Stover of Ohio State, Tanner McLachlan of Arizona, and Jared Wiley of TCU are all ranked ahead of Johnson at the tight end position.

Hunter Nourzad watch is also on

Penn State has already had two offensive linemen drafted in the 2024 NFL draft. Olu Fashanu was a first-round pick of the New York Jets and Caedan Wallace went to the New England Patriots in the third round. But Penn State could get one more offensive lineman drafted with center [autotag]Hunter Nourzad[/autotag] lingering on the board on Day 3.

ESPN ranks Nourzad as the third-best center available. Only Georgia’s Sedrick Van Pran-Granger and Wisconsin’s Tanor Bortolini are ranked ahead of him.

Cornerbacks look like long shots?

Penn State still has a few cornerbacks sitting and waiting for a call from the NFL going into the final day of the draft. [autotag]Daequan Hardy[/autotag], [autotag]Kalen King[/autotag], and [autotag]Johnny Dixon[/autotag] are all still available, but all three are ranked between no. 21 and no. 25 at their position among best players available according to ESPN.

While Hardy and Dixon were always expected to be later round picks at best, the fall of King from a potential first-round draft pick a year ago is unfortunate to watch develop. If any player may have benefitted the most by returning for another season at Penn State, it is looking like it would have been King.

But maybe somebody is going to take a shot at King and capitalize on a player with a potential chip on his shoulder. If not, he will be one player to watch during the undrafted free agent frenzy following the draft.

Catch all of the latest updates from the NFL draft with USA TODAY’s live draft tracker. For a look at each Penn State draft prospect, be sure to check out our Penn State NFL draft tracker.

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Where PFF ranks Penn State’s top 2024 NFL draft prospects

How does PFF rank Penn State’s draft prospects just before the 2024 NFL draft?

The 2024 NFL draft is approaching and the final player rankings are rolling out before the first round gets underway. Pro Football Focus unveiled its final big board for the 2024 NFL draft, and a couple of Penn State players

Offensive tackle [autotag]Olu Fashanu[/autotag] remains Penn State’s top draft prospect, and PFF has him ranked in the top 20 overall. Fashanu is ranked no. 17 in the PFF player rankings, but he is not the top offensive tackle on the board according to the rankings. Fashanu is the fourth offensive tackle on PFF’s big board.

Notre Dame’s Joe Alt (no. 5 overall), Oregon State’s Taliese Guaga, and Washington’s Troy Fautanu (no. 15) are all ranked ahead of Fashanu at the position. Fashanu was once considered a near-lock to be the top offensive tackle taken in the 2024 NFL draft, but the PFF big board suggests a few players at the same position will have a shot to go ahead of him. But, it is likely PFF still considers Fashanu a first-round talent with a top-20 player ranking. Of course, that all depends on how many teams need an offensive tackle in the first round. Fortunately, offensive tackle is a pretty important position.

Penn State edge rushers [autotag]Adisa Isaac[/autotag] (no. 38) and [autotag]Chop Robinson[/autotag] (no. 40) are the next highest-ranked Penn State players on the big board according to PFF. Isaac appears to be trending in a positive direction according to PFF following his results and performance this offseason, while Robinson’s stock may have dipped a slight bit. PFF did give Robinson a higher regular season grade in its evaluation than Issac received.

Center [autotag]Hunter Nourzad[/autotag] received the no. 111 ranking from the PFF big board, making him a potentially draftable asset. Tight end [autotag]Theo Johnson[/autotag] is ranked no. 135. Offensive tackle [autotag]Caedan Wallace[/autotag] come sin at no. 142 overall.

[autotag]Kalen King[/autotag], once viewed by draft analysts as a potential first-round pick and arguably the top cornerback in the draft pool, has seen the biggest slide in his overall draft stock. PFF currently ranks King at no. 177 overall, a far cry from his previous draft outlook. [autotag]Johnny Dixon[/autotag] makes an appearance at no. 192. Linebacker [autotag]Curtis Jacobs[/autotag] is ranked no. 207, and could be a potential bargain at that ranking for some NFL team. Speedy cornerback [autotag]Daequan Hardy[/autotag] is ranked no. 251 on the PFF big board.

See the full PFF big board to see how the draft pros[ects stack up before the 2024 NFL draft.

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