Tag: draft

Caleb Foster: ‘I came to Duke to win, and I’m living out my dream’

Caleb Foster, currently ranked No. 44 on ESPN’s Top 100 for the 2025 NBA Draft, made an immediate impact in his freshman season at Duke. Foster’s role as sixth man fit him perfectly, stepping in as the primary ballhandler when Tyrese Proctor was off …

Caleb Foster, currently ranked No. 44 on ESPN’s Top 100 for the 2025 NBA Draft, made an immediate impact in his freshman season at Duke. Foster’s role as sixth man fit him perfectly, stepping in as the primary ballhandler when Tyrese Proctor was off the court. He maintained a solid 2.0 assist-to-turnover ratio and shot 40.6 percent from deep. His season was cut short by an ankle fracture, but he started 15 games, helping Duke to a 13-2 record in those contests.

Despite missing the postseason, the 6-foot-5 guard’s efficiency and shooting made him a crucial part of the team.

During the 2024 ACC Tip-Off, Foster spoke with HoopsHype, reflecting on his offseason improvements, praising the incoming freshman class, and discussing season expectations and more.

49ers prepare for big free agent losses in mock draft

The Notre Dame defensive back was named to the 2024 AP All-American second team.

As college football season heats, so does the mock draft season. With a month of the NFL season in the books, mock drafts are beginning to take form. In the latest mock from Pro Football Focus, the San Francisco 49ers added some depth to their defensive back room.

With the No. 17 overall selection in PFF’s mock draft, Trevor Sikkema inked  Notre Dame cornerback Benjamin Morrison to the 49ers in his latest mock draft. According to Sikkema, Morrison is aggressive and has the traits to develop into a “starting outside corner in the league.”

Via Pro Football Focus:

With Charvarius Ward set to become a free agent after this season, the Niners may need to make a big move at outside corner. Morrison is still refining the anticipation aspects of his game, particularly in off-coverage, but he’s aggressive, has long arms and possesses excellent recovery speed to develop into a starting outside corner in the league.

Following the end of the 2024-25 season, both Charvarius Ward and Deommodore Lenior are set for free agency, opening a potential need at cornerback for the 49ers. The draft could be a way the 49ers address that opening.

In five games, the Notre Dame defensive captain has recorded 17 total tackles for Marcus Freeman’s Irish. The six-foot corner has also notched four pass deflections.

This post originally appeared on Niners Wire! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

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Chase Young says Taliese Fuaga made a strong first impression

Chase Young has been a standout at Saints training camp, but he says Taliese Fuaga made a strong first impression: ‘He’s going to be a real great player’

We already know what the guys lining up alongside Taliese Fuaga think of the New Orleans Saints’ first-round draft pick. Pro Bowl center Erik McCoy called him the best rookie offensive lineman he’s been around since he joined the team back in 2019. But what about the players lining up against Fuaga on the defensive line?

Chase Young is one person well-suited to chime in. The veteran defensive end recovered sooner than expected from offseason neck surgery, and he’s quickly stacking great days of work at Saints training camp while the coaches carefully ramp up his workload. And many of those reps have come against Fuaga. What kind of impression has Fuaga made now that he and Young have gotten to know each other on the practice field?

“A dog,” Fuaga said, grinning. “He’s going to be a real great player. Real patient, super strong, you know. Even when I’m going against my guy I mix it it up on him, dial it in. Because he’s so massive. A guy who’s massive, who’s patient and strong, I mean, you can’t get away with many things. They can just sit on you.”

The Saints have high hopes for both players. Young could be the best defensive lineman on the roster if he’s healthy and fully engaged, which were challenges for him last season while dealing with that neck injury. So much is resting on Fuaga to transform the offensive line and protect Derek Carr’s blind side, which is a new experience for him after he spent his college career at right tackle.

But the results are positive for both of them, at least after a week of training camp practices. It’s a long road to Week 1’s kickoff game. The Saints won’t get to the playoffs if these guys slip up and don’t meet expectations, but they  could really make some noise if both of them hit. It’s early in the process but that doesn’t mean it’s wrong to feel encouraged by what we’re hearing out of camp.

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Saints made under-the-radar moves with high ceilings this offseason

The free agency and draft additions may not have made the most noise, but they could still be impact moves for the Saints next season:

After going over the New Orleans Saints best offseason additions, one thing became abundantly clear. The Saints’ biggest acquisitions are under-the-radar moves with a high ceiling for the team. Taliese Fuaga, Willie Gay Jr., Kool-Aid McKinstry and Chase Young all fall into this category

There can be an argument made against Fuaga and McKinstry. Fuaga was a first-round pick, but he was smothered underneath some of the bigger name offensive tackles drafted ahead of him. Still, he’s a great fit in the system and has the potential to be a cornerstone of the offensive line.

McKinstry comes from Alabama, but he wasn’t even the first cornerback selected from his team. He was also drafted in the second round to a team with two clear starters at the position. He is in position to be a starter in 2025 at a premium position. When NFL analysts had time to look back at how teams valued players after the draft, neither McKinstry nor Fuaga made it to New Orleans in hypothetical do-overs.

The Saints also picked up two more defensive playmakers in free agency. For different reasons, the signings of Young and Gay flew under the radar. Young is talented but he is at a crossroads in his career. He has to deliver on the promise in his athletic potential. If he does, the Saints could have a more productive and faster pass rush in 2024.

Gay also brings speed to the defense, best used against the pass. At the second level, it’ll help neutralize dump off passes to the flats. The lack of defensive speed makes these 3-yard gains become explosive plays. The Saints’ heavy man scheme opens them up to this, but Gay’s speed will help in these situations when the secondary’s back is turned.

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49ers could lose rookies to another league

Four rookies were selected in the 2024 edition of the UFL draft.

On Wednesday, the Memphis Showboats kicked off the 2024 USFL draft by selecting quarterback Jason Bean with the No. 1 overall pick. While no members of the San Francisco 49ers were selected in the first round of the UFL draft, four rookies came off the board in the spring football league draft.

Undrafted rookie free agents Cody Schrader, Evan Anderson, Briason Mays and Tanner Mordecai were all selected in the first nine rounds of the UFL draft.

Schrader’s was drafted in the second round by the St. Louis Battlehawks. After a decorated season at Missouri that included All-American honors, Schrader signed with the 49ers as an undrafted free agent. Schrader ran for 1627 yards to go along with 14 touchdowns last season for the Tigers.

Schrader will have the chance to compete for a place on the roster or a spot on the practice squad at training camp.

Via @XFLBattlehawks on Twitter:

Undrafted rookie free agent quarterback Tanner Mordecai came off the board in the ninth round to the D.C. Defenders. Mordecai played three seasons at Oklahoma before transferring to SMU. Mordecai then spent his final season of college football at Wisconsin.

Via @XFLDefenders on Twitter:

The Memphis Showboats drafted defensive tackle Evan Anderson in the fourth round, Reigning XFL champions, the Arlington Rengades selected center Briason Mays in the ninth round.

Via @USFLShowboats on Twitter:

Via @XFLRenegades on Twitter:

The UFL could be a potential option for the undrafted rookies if they don’t stick with the 49ers or make a practice squad in the NFL.

The UFL season is slated to kick off after the NFL season has come to a close. The 2024 season began in late March and came to an end in mid-June.

This post originally appeared on Niners Wire! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

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Steelers lose QB John Rhys Plumlee to UFL draft

John Rhys Plumlee was selected No. 3 overall in the UFL draft.

On Wednesday, the United Football League held its draft which allowed them to select NFL undrafted free agents who are currently on NFL rosters. The Pittsburgh Steelers signed former UCF quarterback John Rhys Plumlee at the end of the 2024 NFL draft due in large part to his ridiculous athleticism.

However, Plmulee was selected No. 3 overall by the Arlington Renegades. This means the Renegades hold his rights at this point but could give them up if Plumlee is doing well with the Steelers and could make the team. Even after they have signed a UFL contract, players have the option to leave for the NFL until December 31, 2024.

Despite strong OTAs with the Steelers, Plumlee could stick around with Arlington. Pittsburgh has their three-deep at quarterback with Russell Wilson, Justin Fields and Kyle Allen so Plumlee would have been a longshot to make the team without a position change during training camp.

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Birmingham Stallions make a bad bet on Saints rookie in UFL college draft

The UFL’s Birmingham Stallions picked Saints rookie tight end Dallin Holker in the spring league’s college draft. What does it mean?

This is a little unusual — a New Orleans Saints player who is actively under contract with the black and gold heard his name called in the UFL college draft. Rookie tight end Dallin Holker, who played college football at Colorado State, was the Birmingham Stallions’ fifth pick in the spring league draft. So what does that mean?

For now, nothing. Holker has already reported for training camp with the rest of the Saints’ rookies and is preparing to hit the practice field at UC Irvine next week. And he has a great opportunity to make their 53-man roster in September and be active on game days.

With Juwan Johnson sidelined after foot surgery, the only players in front of him are Foster Moreau, Michael Jacobson and Tommy Hudson. The Saints also brought in Jesper Horsted after Johnson’s procedure, and Taysom Hill is also moonlighting at tight end and fullback, among other positions.

The Stallions are betting that Holker won’t make the team, and that the spring league presents a better opportunity than he’d fine on an NFL practice squad. But the Saints have made a sizable investment in him, and it sure looks like Holker is in their plans.

Holker received more guarantees in his rookie contract ($235,000) than two  Saints draft picks, sixth-round defensive tackle Khristian Boyd ($178,828) and seventh-round offensive lineman Josiah Ezirim ($98,416). That suggests the Saints plan on him at least signing with their practice squad if he doesn’t  make the 53-man roster.

So the Stallions own his rights if he becomes available. It’s not a bad fallback plan. We’ve seen other players excel at the USFL and in the XFL before their merger into the UFL and return to New Orleans like practice squad defensive linemen Niko Lalos and Jack Heflin. But Holker will likely only play for Birmingham if he doesn’t sign a reserve/future contract with a team in January, and that will only happen if he doesn’t remain with the Saints on their practice squad. If he’s on the roster (as is very likely) it’s out of the question entirely.

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Countdown to Kickoff: Josiah Ezirim is the Saints Player of Day 72

Countdown to Kickoff: Josiah Ezirim is the Saints Player of Day 72. He has all the tools to succeed, but his NFL journey will happen one step at a time:

We’re down to 72 days until the New Orleans Saints kick off their 2024 regular season, which makes the player of the day Josiah Ezirim. The current owner of the No. 72 jersey was drafted earlier this year out of Eastern Kentucky, and he’s facing an uphill battle to make the team. Let’s get to know him a little better:

  • Name (Age): Josiah Ezirim (23)
  • Position: Offensive tackle
  • Height, weight: 6-foot-6, 329 pounds
  • Relative Athletic Score: 8.50
  • 2024 salary cap hit: $819,604
  • College: Eastern Kentucky
  • Drafted: 7th round in 2024 (New Orleans Saints)
  • NFL experience: Rookie

Ezirim played on the defensive line through high school and his first couple of years in college football, until his coaches convinced him to try out at offensive tackle in 2021. He excelled in that role and started 19 games at right tackle to close out his career at Eastern Kentucky, ending his 2023 season with spots on the All-American second team and All-UAC Team.

Still, he has a lot to learn before he’ll be ready to play heavy minutes on Sundays. Ezirim is a very good athlete for his size and that allows him to recover from mistakes in his pass-set technique, but that’ll be tough to pull off against other great athletes in the NFL. He’s learned the ropes rapidly at a lower level of competition. He just needs more time and experience.

So what does a successful rookie year look like for him? Ezirim needs to prove he’s a better option to roster as the ninth or tenth offensive lineman than other guys like Kyle Hergel or Sincere Haynesworth. Just making the 53-man roster and hanging on for 18 weeks would be enough to see from him. If he beats those expectations by dressing out on Sundays or getting on the field as an extra blocker or emergency backup and holding his own, even better. Fans should just remember to keep expectations tempered for Ezirim as he adjusts to life in the NFL.

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Watch highlights from Warriors 2024 draft pick Quinten Post

The 7-foot stretch five earned second-team All-ACC honors with 17 points per game on 51..4% from the field and 43.1% from beyond the arc.

After initially trading out of the second round, the Golden State Warriors reportedly found a way to re-acquire the No. 52 overall selection on Thursday afternoon.

Hitting the clock for the first time in the 2024 edition of the draft, Mike Dunleavy Jr. and the Warriors front office selected Boston College center Quinten Post with the No. 52 overall pick.

Via @BCMBB on Twitter:

Coming from Amsterdam, Netherlands, Post the first two seasons of his college career with the Mississippi State Bulldogs before transferring to the ACC with Boston College. In his final two seasons with the Eagles, the seven-footer posted double-figure scoring numbers.

In the final year of his college campaign, Post earned All-ACC Second Team and ACC All-Defensive Team honors. Post recorded 17 points on 51.4% from the field and 43.1% from deep to go along with 8.1 boards and 2.9 assists in 31.9 minutes per game.

The seven-foot big man can shoot the long ball, hitting three of more triples in nine different games for the Eagles. Post knocked down five three-pointers in a career-high 31-point performance in the opening game of last season against Fairfield.

Watch all the highlights from the newest member of the Warriors via YouTube:

Via @BCMBB on Twitter:

Via @DraftExpress on Twitter:

This post originally appeared on Warriors Wire! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

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Report: Warriors re-acquire 2024 No. 52 pick, draft Boston College C Quinten Post

After re-acquiring their pick in the second round, the Warriors used the No. 52 overall selection to draft Boston College big man Quinten Post.

After trading out of the second round of the 2024 draft, draft day looked to be over for the Golden State Warriors without a pick. However, Mike Dunleavy Jr. and Steve Kerr were able to find a way back into the second round on Thursday.

Following a trade that saw the No. 52 overall pick head to the Oklahoma City Thunder for wing Lindy Waters III, the Warriors were later able to reacquire their own pick in the second round. According to Anthony Slater of The Athletic, the Warriors traded cash considerations to reacquire their pick in the second round, which was traded from the Thunder to the Portland Trail Blazers.

With the No. 52 overall selection in the 2024 draft, the Warriors drafted Boston College center Quinten Post.

Via @anthonyVslater on Twitter:

Post, from Amsterdam, Netherlands, spent the first two seasons of his college career in the SEC at Mississippi State. After two seasons, Post transferred to Boston College, playing his last three seasons with the Golden Eagles.

The seven-foot stretch five earned a spot on the 2023-24 All-ACC team last season, averaging a career-best 17 points on 51.8% shooting from the field and 43.1% from deep to go along with 8.1 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game.

Post started the 2023-24 campaign on fire with an explosive 31-point performance with five made 3-pointers against Fairfield. Post made three of more 3-pointers in nine different games last seasons for Boston College.

This post originally appeared on Warriors Wire! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

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