Tag: Devin Lloyd

Daniel Jeremiah talks Eagles targeting a WR, perfect DE fits, and other NFL draft notes

#NFLNetwork analyst #DanielJeremiah previewed the 2022 #NFLCombine, breaking down some of the #NFLDraft2022 top prospects, and specific fits for the #Philadelphia #Eagles

With the Super Bowl and collegiate all-star games in the rear-view mirror, all attention now turns towards the NFL combine and the start of free agency.

Philadelphia has three-first-round picks in April’s draft and plenty of room to make a splash in free agency, making the Eagles the one team to watch in the NFL this spring.

NFL Network’s senior draft analyst and former Eagles staffer, Daniel Jeremiah had his first conference call of the season, focusing on the upcoming scouting combine.

Jeremiah discussed Philadelphia targeting a wide receiver in the first round for the third straight year, along with the potential for other big named additions on both sides of the ball.

Giants stock up in Chad Reuter’s latest three-round mock draft

In the latest mock draft from NFL.com’s Chad Reuter, the New York Giants stock up and add value at several different positions.

With free agency still a month away and the 2022 NFL draft soon to follow, it’s difficult to gauge what teams are thinking right now when it comes to their needs for the upcoming season.

For the New York Giants’ new general manager, Joe Schoen, things are very complex at the moment with little cap room to work with and a roster full of holes.

In his latest three-round mock draft, NFL.com’s Chad Reuter has the Giants filling some of those needs with five selections in the first 103 picks. Here’s how Reuter sees it unfolding.

Round 1, Pick 5: Ikem Ekwonu N.C. State · OT · Junior

Ekwonu is a wide-bodied stud who has lighter feet than you’d expect for someone with his girth. The Giants could play him at guard or tackle.

With Evan Neal off the board, this is a solid pick. The Giants like versatility and Ekwonu can give it to them. The only problem is if Ekwonu ends up at guard, they would have used a top 5 pick on him and that goes against positional value here.

A pure tackle would be better here. Or even a trade back for a slew of picks might be better. Just a quick note, the Giants would be passing on Oregon edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux to make this pick.

Round 1, Pick 7: Devin Lloyd, Utah · LB · Senior (RS)

Lloyd steps into the middle of the Giants’ defense, providing run-stopping ability but also the athleticism to work in coverage and attack the passer. He showed some potential to affect games as a pass rusher like Dallas Cowboys rookie Micah Parsons did last fall when given the chance.

It’s s bit of a stretch to compare any player to Parsons but this pick would be welcomed by Giant fans. Big Blue has avoided taking linebackers in the first round for the last 40 years but in this spot, it appears to be warranted. Lloyd is a stud. The Giants could use some of those.

Round 2, Pick 36: Trey McBride, Colorado State · TE · Senior

Another rough and tumble player who could continue the Giants’ long legacy of greatness at tight end. McBride won the Mackey Award this past season and had a great week at the Senior Bowl. He is an excellent pass catcher and blocker and they would be lucky to get him as he may be off the board here. McBride’s presence would instantly make Daniel Jones better.

Round 3, Pick 67: DeAngelo Malone, Western Kentucky · Edge · Senior

One can argue the Giants should take another offensive lineman here as there are still a lot to be had and heaven knows they need some. But they also need players who can get to the quarterback and Malone — a two-time C-USA Defensive Player of the Year — will be difficult to pass on with new defensive coordinator Wink Martindale needing pieces to ramp up the pass rush.

Round 3, Pick 103 (via 49ers through Dolphins): Rachaad White, Arizona State · RB · Senior

This is likely Saquon Barkley’s last year with the Giants unless he can convince them he can still be elite. The Giants will likely take a running back in this draft to suit their needs. They also could use a versatile running back with some size and durability and White checks all of those boxes.

Follow the Giants Wire Podcast:
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts

Draft Wire mock draft has three Oklahoma defenders going in the first 100 picks

Three Oklahoma Sooners’ defenders were selected in the post-Senior Bowl mock draft by The Draft Wire.

While the NFL draft won’t come until April 28th, that hasn’t stopped the Draft Wire from popping out mock drafts to water the yearlong football fan’s appetite. There’s just one more NFL game to be played, and it’s the biggest one of the year; the Super Bowl. The Cincinnati Bengals and Los Angeles Rams will cap off another NFL season, and both teams feature Sooners that they drafted.

While those teams duke it out, the other 30 teams will be chipping away with film studies, interviews, and putting their draft board as they look to land their next wave of contributors. With Senior Bowl week wrapped up a few days ago, our friends at Draft Wire posted a new three-round mock that features three Oklahoma defenders in the top 100.

53. Perrion Winfrey – Las Vegas Raiders

At pick 53 comes the Senior Bowl MVP, Perrion Winfrey. The violent and disruptive defensive tackle undoubtedly made himself quite a bit of money at the Senior Bowl, dominating practice after practice. He followed that up by dominating the game with five tackles, three for loss, and two sacks to earn the MVP honor.

In the second round of the mock draft, Winfrey was sent to the Las Vegas Raiders, pairing with Utah star LB Devin Lloyd who was their pick in the first round.

The Raiders need a lot of defensive talent infused into a defense that will now be led by Patrick Graham, former DC of the New York Giants. Winfrey could compete for starting snaps immediately.

75. Nik Bonitto – Denver Broncos

The second Sooner off the board was another defender along the defensive line, and that man is Nik Bonitto. Bonitto lands in Denver at pick 75 and would look to be the Broncos’ first option to replace some of the pass-rushing ability lost with Von Miller’s trade to LA as the Broncos began to rebuild their defense.

Bonitto is considered a tweener in NFL circles, meaning he isn’t big enough to be a traditional defensive end in the NFL, but he’s not quite fluid enough to be an off-the-ball linebacker either. One thing is for sure, and watchers of Oklahoma Football will agree: Bonitto is a monster off the edge, and his production as a full-time starter doesn’t give OU fans much hesitation about his ability to rush the passer at the professional level. His athleticism and the first step may make up the difference in strength and size.

96. Brian Asamoah – Denver Broncos

The last Sooner featured in this three-round mock also lands in Denver to play behind his long-time brother in Nik Bonitto. Brian Asamoah went to the Broncos as they continued their defensive rebuild.

There’s no mistaking what Asamoah is. He’s a heat-seeking missile, sideline to sideline looking to make plays.

At the Senior Bowl, Asamoah continued to raise his stock after ending the 2021 season with excellent momentum. He made quite the impression at the Senior Bowl last week, earning top LB honors from the National team in a vote from the offensive line, tight end, and running back groups in practice player-of-the-week awards in Mobile. This is the first time Asamoah was taken in a Draft Wire three-round mock draft.

Asamoah could see his star rise even higher as he still has the combine and pro day to impress anyone willing to take a peek at him. Pairing him with Bonitto gives the Denver defense an athletic edge rusher and a steady, violent linebacker who can run the defense and run sideline to sideline to make plays.

There’s still a long way to go, but with the way things are trending, there’s a real chance the Sooners have three defensive players selected in the top 100 picks for the first time since 2004 when Tommie Harris, Teddy Lehman, and Derrick Strait all went within the first 80 selections.

[mm-video type=video id=01fvk0b5ytgcw61rcman playlist_id=01eqbz7cqqgxy50qwt player_id=none image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01fvk0b5ytgcw61rcman/01fvk0b5ytgcw61rcman-27e796f69e5047736fab1df7be0068be.jpg]

Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions. Let us know your thoughts, comment on this story below. Join the conversation today.

[listicle id=49919]

Devin Lloyd could fit right into glaring need for a new Cowboys LB

Tyler Browning (@DiabeticTyler) puts the talented Utah linebacker under the microscope. Can he be LVEs replacement? Where does he fit with the Dallas Cowboys?

The Cowboys wouldn’t go back-to-back linebackers in the first round, would they? Utah star linebacker Devin Lloyd may just be worth that level of investment at the position. The two-time First-Team All-Pac 12 backer was also the winner of the Pat Tillman Defensive Player of the Year and was an AP Consensus All-American.

If there’s a player who’s worth doubling up on to match with Micah Parsons, Lloyd certainly has the bona fides to warrant such a move. Lloyd redshirted his freshman year then appeared in limited fashion over three games in 2018. Ever since he’s been lights out. But does that production mean that he’ll be a star in the pros? Would he be right for Dallas? A closer look at the situation is in order.

A surprise at No. 1 in PFF’s latest mock draft

PFF’s latest mock draft has no quarterbacks going in the first round. Where does Washington turn?

[mm-video type=playlist id=01eqbykgy681k112p8 player_id=none image=https://washingtonfootballwire.usatoday.com/wp-content/plugins/mm-video/images/playlist-icon.png]

There have been constants atop mock drafts since the end of the 2021 NFL season. No quarterback was worthy of going No. 1 overall, and Oregon pass-rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux was among the top few picks.

In Pro Football Focus’ latest mock draft, Seth Galina has zero quarterbacks going in the first round. And Thibodeaux? He lasts until No. 8 overall.

Galina noted in his mock draft that there would be quarterbacks taken in the first round. Of course, there will be quarterbacks in the first round. Galina said he doesn’t have any of the 2022 draft-eligible quarterbacks with a first-round grade.

Thibodeaux landing at No. 8 is a surprise, but there are some concerns about the Oregon star. As for No. 1 overall, PFF has Jacksonville selecting Mississippi State offensive tackle Charles Cross.

Cross is an outstanding prospect, and when you picked a franchise quarterback last season, it makes sense to do all you can to protect him.

With no quarterback going to Washington, what does Galina have the Commanders doing at No. 11 overall? Picking a linebacker, which is the team’s second-biggest need.

The linebacker? Devin Lloyd of Utah.

This is another potential spot for a quarterback, but I’m just not ready to pull the trigger. Instead, Washington’s first pick nets one of the best all-around talents in the draft. Lloyd is an effective pass-rusher, coverage defender and run-stopper. Washington has been terrible at linebacker for almost five seasons and needs help at the position.

Let’s ignore the fact that Washington needs a quarterback, or let’s say it was addressed via trade. Lloyd is a phenomenal talent. If the Commanders could somehow land Lloyd, he would be the missing piece to the defense. He can play inside, giving Washington incredible speed at all three linebacker spots. Lloyd can cover, roam sideline to sideline, or rush the passer.

He’s an outstanding prospect.

 

 

Potential Dolphins draft prospects withdraw from Senior Bowl

They’ll have to wait to get a closer look at these guys.

While the Miami Dolphins and the rest of the league are looking to get a look at some of the NFL draft’s top prospects at the Senior Bowl, three expected participants have withdrawn from the event.

Potential early picks Utah linebacker Devin Lloyd, Penn State wide receiver Jahan Dotson, and Georgia running back James Cook will not take part in this year’s Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama.

Lloyd is considered the best prospect of the three, with most draft experts predicting him to go in the top 20. In his four seasons with Utah, he recorded 256 tackles, 15.5 sacks, and five interceptions. His ability to tackle and cover makes him an interesting target for Miami who could be looking for help at the position.

Dotson has been mocked to the Dolphins a few times during this early part of the pre-draft process. At 5-foot-11, he’s not the big outside target that DeVante Parker is, but he makes up for it with his route-running that allows him to create separation quickly.

Cook, the younger brother of Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook, played four years at Georgia, recording 1,503 yards and 14 touchdowns while averaging 6.5 yards per carry. He also has shown some ability to assist in the receiving game. Cook isn’t expected to be taken in the first, but the following two rounds should be his sweet spot.

With the Dolphins having the No. 29 overall pick in the first round as well as a second and third-round pick, all three players should be on Miami’s radar for selection. They’ll just have to wait to get a closer look at them.

[listicle id=444826]

2022 NFL draft: Chargers Wire’s top-10 positional rankings on defense

Seeking to shore up the defensive side of the ball, take a look at a handful of prospects who could be on the Chargers’ radar.

In Brandon Staley’s first year as head coach, the Chargers made the point to add pieces around Justin Herbert.

Now, after finishing 26th in defensive DVOA, Los Angeles will look to get the pieces to match Staley’s personnel for better results next season.

Luckily, the 2022 NFL draft offers plenty of star power and depth at multiple positions on defense.

To get you prepared for who the Bolts might target this upcoming April, here’s a look at my top-10 positional rankings.

2022 NFL mock draft: Eagles reload in Draft Wire’s latest 3-round projections

2022 #NFL mock draft: Philadelphia #Eagles reload in Draft Wire’s latest 3-round projections

The Eagles are currently competing for one of the NFL’s final remaining playoff spots, but that hasn’t stopped mock draft season from revving up.

After Carson Wentz reached his snap threshold, Philadelphia earned a third first-round pick and that should allow Howie Roseman to build around Jalen Hurts.

Draft Wire just revealed their latest 3-round projections, and the Eagles reload with established stars at several key positions.

2022 NFL draft: Saints are at No. 13. Here’s who’s likely to be available

2022 NFL draft: Saints are at No. 13. Here’s who’s likely to be available

There’s still four games left to play this season, but the 2022 NFL draft order is beginning to take shape. And with so many hurdles between the New Orleans Saints and the playoffs, it makes sense to start taking stock of where they might stand on draft day.

New Orleans is scheduled to pick at No. 13 overall after Week 14’s games wrapped up, per Tankathon’s latest projections. It’s not an easy road to get there, but that sort of draft positioning could lead to some high-quality talent landing in New Orleans — the last time they drafted that highly (at No. 11, in 2017) they left with cornerback Marshon Lattimore, the Defensive Rookie of the Year who reached three Pro Bowls in his first four years in the NFL.

But who are some realistic targets at No. 13? To find out, I surveyed recent 2022 mock drafts like this one from ESPN’s Todd McShay, or this projection from Austin Gayle at Pro Football Focus, as well as models from Pro Football Network’s Cam Mellor and Ryan Wilson with CBS Sports. I found six different players who were slotted in between picks No. 13 and 19, which suggests they might be evaluated on a similar tier together and be worth an early selection.

Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Garrett Wilson was the only player in the group to fall in this range in every mock draft sampled; the others either went too high, too low, or weren’t in the first round at all. Here they are:

2022 NFL mock draft roundup: Eagles land top WR on board, star QB from SEC

2022 #NFL mock draft roundup: Philadelphia #Eagles land top wide receiver on the board in Todd #McShay’s early predictions, #SEC Quarterback #FlyEaglesFly

As the Eagles begin preparation for a huge Week 15 matchup with Washington, eyes in the front office are now starting to seriously shift towards the NFL draft.

Philadelphia has personnel needs all over the depth chart, and discussions about the franchise quarterback are forever ongoing.

Tuesday is mock draft day around the NFL, and ESPN’s Todd McShay dropped a prediction that could have Eagles fans salivating for the start of the 2022 training camp.