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The upcoming free agency class includes former Texas Longhorn, Hassan Ridgeway. He sat out most of 2019 with an ankle injury.
Following a forgetful season that saw Hassan Ridgeway go down with an ankle injury, he is set to test free agency. There should be no shortage of suitors with a relatively weak interior defensive line class in the upcoming NFL Draft.
Continue reading “2020 NFL Free Agency Profile: Hassan Ridgeway”
Former Texas Longhorns’ defensive back Adrian Phillips could be looking for a new team in 2020. He enters free agency in 2020.
Ht | 5-11
Wt | 210
College | University of Texas
Hometown | Dallas, Texas
College
| Games | Tackles | TFL | Sacks | INT | FF | FR |
| 49 | 191 | 7.5 | 1 | 6 | 2 | 2 |
Pro
| Games | Tackles | TFL | Sacks | INT | FF | FR |
| 64 | 251 | 9 | 0 | 5 | 2 | 0 |
Adrian Phillips enters the 2020 offseason as an unrestricted free agent after signing a one-year deal prior to the 2019 season. Phillips was coming off a career year in 2018 where he was selected as a first-team All-Pro for the first time in his career. He was also a pro bowl selection that season. He only started seven games that year with one interception, nine passes defended and 94 total tackles.
He would be a great pickup for any team looking for a safety who can provide depth, spot start and play on special teams. Phillips was an undrafted free agent out of Texas in the 2014 NFL Draft class. A broken arm limited his play in 2019, starting five games. He returned late in the season off the injured reserve list.
There are plenty of teams in need of a safety and Phillips should garner plenty of attention as the NFL Free Agency periods gets closer. Not likely to be one of the first players to be contacted but as the first and second waves of signings complete, look for Phillips to get a call.
Teams with safety need:
In the lastest mock draft by Chad Reuter on NFL.com, Brandon Jones was selected to join the Dallas Cowboys. Dallas is in need at safety.
There is no question that the Dallas Cowboys are in need of safety help in the upcoming NFL Draft. In his latest mock draft for NFL.com, Chad Reuter mocked Texas Longhorns’ safety Brandon Jones to the Cowboys with the 82nd pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.
For Dallas they need a safety to put next to Xavier Woods, especially given the lack of depth at the position with the upcoming NFL Free Agency looming. Last year the Cowboys used Jeff Heath in that role but Jones provides an immediate upgrade at the position.
When @BlessedJones33 had 8 weeks of rehab from a routine labrum surgery ahead of him he did something I’ve never heard of—he broke down every NFL teams defensive plays from 2019 https://t.co/P8Z88Bcect
— Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) February 21, 2020
Brandon Jones is obviously a student of the game and according to Bleacher Report’s Matt Miller, he spent the down time studying up on NFL team’s defensive playbooks. That is the kind of drive that will do wonders for Jones at the next level. For the Cowboys to land him at pick 82, will help in the secondary at a position that the team hasn’t invested highly in over the last decade plus.
Recently Trevor Sikkema of the Draft Network joined the Locked on Longhorns podcast and spoke about what Brandon Jones does so well.
[wpvideo vt00ngh8]
Rumors began circulating at the 2020 NFL Combine that former Texas quarterback Colt McCoy could be headed back to the Cleveland Browns.
Former Texas quarterback Colt McCoy is widely respected both on and off the field.
Along with Vince Young, McCoy left a legacy in Austin that will remain a topic of discussion for years to come. McCoy had a spectacular collegiate career with the Longhorns, ending with an overall 45-8 record in 53 starts.
His accolades can fill numerous pages, which include the 2009 Maxwell Award (Collegiate Player of the Year) and Davey O’Brien Award for being the nation’s top quarterback.
McCoy left a permanent mark in Texas’ record books, his No. 12 jersey was retired on Oct. 30, 2010.
With the 85th overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft, the Cleveland Browns selected McCoy with the 20th pick in the third round. His best professional season came with the Browns in 2011, throwing for 2,733 yards and 14 touchdowns.
Although he’s primarily labeled a backup quarterback in the NFL right now due to an injury prone career, he’s the type of high-character leader and veteran that you’d want on your roster.
Throughout the 2020 NFL Combine, rumors began circulating that McCoy could be headed back to the Browns to likely end his career at the very same place that it started.
.@caplannfl on @BullandFox says two names to watch with #Browns backup QB spot: Case Keenum and Colt McCoy
"Those two names make the most sense from what I heard at the Combine"
— Keith Britton (@KeithBritton86) March 3, 2020
This would be the best possible situation for the Browns in order to groom young quarterback Baker Mayfield. McCoy has the knowledge and leadership to help propel Mayfield’s rocky professional career.
If Mayfield were to unfortunately suffer an injury, the Browns would also feel confident in McCoy leading the team in his absence. In the meantime, McCoy is established and comfortable in the backup quarterback role.
Any team would be lucky to have him.
Former Texas defensive lineman Malcolm Roach is doing everything he can to improve his draft stock at the NFL Combine.
He isn’t being talked about enough.
Defensive lineman Malcolm Roach is an underrated draft prospect out of Texas. Much of the hype surrounds safety Brandon Jones and receivers Devin Duvernay and Collin Johnson, but Roach continues to make his case to be put on the radar.
Although former defensive coordinator Todd Orlando’s scheme did not fit to Roach’s strengths, it’s clear he has high potential to make an impact in the National Football League.
Roach received an invite to the 2020 NFL Combine, where he completed 20 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press.
20 reps for big @Officialmalcr32. 🤘#ThisIsTexas #HookEm #NFLCombine pic.twitter.com/jTqB7xB8m0
— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) February 28, 2020
Roach was a four-year defensive lineman at Texas who played in 42 career games with 18 starts. He spent time at both defensive end and linebacker and was one of six Longhorns elected by teammates as a team captain for the 2019 season.
To receive more exposure with NFL scouts and executives, Roach competed in the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl this past January. He was voted to the All-Practice team and was a team captain.
Roach projects to be a defensive tackle at the next level.
The NFL Combine is underway and Texas wide receiver Devin Duvernay has seen his fair share of attentions, met with four teams so far.
At the NFL Combine, players get an opportunity to meet with a plethora of teams. One of those players that will be talking to a bunch of teams will be Texas wide receiver Devin Duvernay. According to Texans Wire Editor Mark Lane, Duv is already seeing plenty of action in those meetings.
The teams that Duvernay has met with:
According to Lane, Devin Duvernay stated that he will lift at the Texas Pro Day in Austin. Growing up in the state of Texas, a lot of kids grow up Cowboys fans but for Devin he was more of a Steve Smith Sr fan. He also stated that he hasn’t met with the Dallas Cowboys.
When discussing his strengths on playing out of the slot is running after the catch. Something that will serve him well at the NFL level. He also mentioned that he “ran angry”due to his competitive nature and passion for the game. Both he and Collin Johnson have been pushing each other through this offseason according to Lane.
The wide receiver drills will begin on Thursday, February 27th starting at 3 pm central time. Tune into NFL Network to watch Duvernay and Johnson.
Former Texas safety Brandon Jones is widely projected to be selected at the beginning of the fourth round of the 2020 NFL Draft.
As the 2020 NFL Draft inches closer, mock drafts start to appear a bit more realistic.
Safety Brandon Jones remains the highest-ranked prospect from Texas in terms of where he’s projected to be selected. Although much of the hype surrounds receivers Devin Duvernay and Collin Johnson, Jones is still widely expected to be the first Longhorn off the board.
If it weren’t for a loaded wide receiver class this year, Johnson and Duvernay would likely surpass Jones. On CBS Sports draft prospect rankings, Duvernay is listed as the No. 79 overall player, while Jones sits at No. 120 overall. Johnson rounds out the trio at No. 127.
Draft Wire recently released their latest four-round projections, Jones was the only Texas player included. He was mocked to the Carolina Panthers with the No. 103 overall selection. He’s a very physical, relentless player with exceptional tackling abilities that could potentially start at strong safety at the next level.
Back like I never left. pic.twitter.com/JbO2VhJRPP
— Brandon Jones (@BlessedJones33) February 20, 2020
Our colleagues at the Draft Wire also ranked Jones as the No. 6 safety available ahead of April’s draft. The fourth-year defensive back appeared in 42 career games for Texas, making 31 starts.
As a senior, Jones started eight games for the Longhorns, where he led the team with 55 tackles. The 6-0, 205-pound do-it-all safety finished his Texas career with 202 total tackles.
Although Jones missed the Senior Bowl due to injury, he could sneak into the third round with impressive performances at the NFL Combine and Pro Day. In the meantime, he’s been absorbing whatever information he can off the field.
According to Bleacher Report’s NFL Draft Analyst Matt Miller, Jones made the most of his time recovering from shoulder surgery by studying every NFL teams defensive plays from 2019.
When @BlessedJones33 had 8 weeks of rehab from a routine labrum surgery ahead of him he did something I’ve never heard of—he broke down every NFL teams defensive plays from 2019 https://t.co/P8Z88Bcect
— Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) February 21, 2020
Current Texas quarterback Sam Ehlinger also expressed his respect towards Jones, stating how he’s incredibly dedicated to his craft.
He hasn’t answered any of my calls because he’s been breaking down film for 6-7 hours everyday after rehabbing all morning!🤯 #professional @BlessedJones33 https://t.co/HAG6g3o5No
— Sam Ehlinger (@sehlinger3) February 21, 2020
Jones has made an exceptional impact with the Longhorns both on and off the field, his unmatched work ethic will be intriguing to organizations throughout the interview process at the NFL Combine.
According to Pro Football Talk, Longhorn legend Earl Thomas was named the No. 1 safety of the decade.
Since 2010, there’s been several well-known defensive backs to have successful careers in the National Football League.
Pro Football Talk recently graded their top 10 safeties of the decade, where Longhorn legend Earl Thomas snagged the No. 1 spot.
This is no easy feat, as Thomas beat out popular names such as Troy Polamalu, Eric Berry, Devin McCourty, Eric Weddle and Kam Chancellor. According to PFT, it’s primarily due to Thomas’ accomplishments throughout his stint with the Seattle Seahawks.
“Thomas anchored the best secondary of the decade during his time in Seattle and has a Super Bowl ring to show for their efforts. Thomas was named a first-team All-Pro three times during his run in Seattle and made an impact across the board, but especially in the passing game. He ranks third among all players in interceptions since 2010 and his play with the Ravens this season shows that there will be more to come.”
After being selected in the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft, Thomas has played in 140 games totaling 30 interceptions and 713 tackles. He was a leader of the Legion of Boom defense in Seattle whom hoisted the Lombardi Trophy for the 2013 season. He later went on to sign a four-year deal with the Baltimore Ravens in March of 2019.
Thomas played under head coach Mack Brown at Texas from 2007 to 2009. After redshirting his first year with the program, he dominated his freshman season starting all 13 games at strong safety while earning numerous All-Freshman honors. As a sophomore, Thomas led the Longhorns defense to an undefeated season before losing to Alabama in the 2010 National Championship.
Although he only played for two years on the Forty Acres, Thomas remains one of the best players to ever come through the Texas program.
With the NFL season ending with the Super Bowl, there are five former Longhorns who could be on the move in 2020.
The NFL season is all wrapped up with the conclusion of the Super Bowl that crowned the Kansas City Chiefs as the world champions. On March 14th teams can begin negotiations with their unrestricted free agents and they can begin signing them on March 16th as free agency opens for the 2020 NFL season.
Adrian Phillips, Safety, Los Angeles Chargers
Phillips could be on the move in 2020, the former Longhorns defensive back finished his sixth season in San Diego/Los Angeles with the Chargers. During that time, Phillips has snagged five interceptions in 24 starts and 64 games overall. Should the Chargers allow Phillips to walk in free agency, there is no shortage of teams in need of help on the back end of the defense.
Potential Suitors: Cleveland, Dallas, New England, Philadelphia, San Francisco and Seattle
Hassan Ridgeway, Defensive Tackle, Philadelphia Eagles
The oft-injured Hassan Ridgeway could be on the move once again this offseason. Ridgeway started out in with the Indianapolis Colts in 2016 where he played in all 16 games and started five. Over the last two seasons, Ridgeway has played a combined 12 games and five starts. The former Longhorn accumulated 6.5 sacks, 10 tackles for loss and 14 quarterback hits.
Potential Suitors: Carolina, Dallas, Denver, Indianapolis, Minnesota, Seattle and Tampa Bay,
Marcus Johnson, Wide Receiver, Indianapolis Colts
In 2019 Johnson saw his first season with any significant production at wide receiver. In the two seasons prior, he caught just 11 passes for 147 yards and one touchdown. This past season saw his numbers jump up to 17 for 277 yards and two more touchdowns. Johnson could be on the move in hopes of a bigger role in 2020.
Potential Suitors: Arizona, Buffalo, Dallas Green Bay, New England, New Orleans, Philadelphia, San Francisco and Washington
Sam Acho, Linebacker, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Acho will be going into his 10th season in the NFL. He has been more of a reserve of the last two years. Recording just three combined tackles in 12 total games. Acho would be a player that can bring depth to the position and he brings veteran leadership to a young team.
Potential Suitors: Carolina, Cleveland, Las Vegas and Green Bay.
Colt McCoy, Quarterback, Washington Redskins
The Longhorns all-time winningest quarterback will be on the move should he decide to continue his NFL career. McCoy enters his 10th season in the NFL after stops in Cleveland, San Francisco and Washington. He can be a spot starter and good depth with a wealth of knowledge for a young quarterback.
Potential Suitors: Arizona, Dallas, Los Angeles Chargers, Miami
Texas ex Nate Boyer was featured in a Super Bowl commercial courtesy of YouTube.
Former Texas long snapper Nate Boyer appeared in a Super Bowl commercial courtesy of YouTube.
Ahead of the kickoff for Super Bowl LIV, YouTube took viewers behind the scenes of Boyer’s experience with the Texas football program and how he was able to teach himself to become the starting long snapper.
A very notable former Longhorn Nate Boyer was featured in one of the early Super Bowl commercials. https://t.co/TBd67ycL2H
— Hook'em Headlines (@HookemHeadlines) February 2, 2020
A former United States Army Green Beret, Boyer served for six years including multiple tours overseas before choosing to walk-on at the University of Texas. Prior to joining the Texas football program, Boyer had never played an organized down of football in his life.
Boyer played for the Longhorns from 2010-14, became the starting long snapper for three of those seasons. After a short stint with the Seattle Seahawks in 2015, Boyer turned his focus to making an impact off the field.
