Tag: Geno Stone

Ravens activate CB Khalil Dorsey to 53-man roster, add S Geno Stone to practice squad

The Baltimore Ravens moved CB Khalil Dorsey to the 53-man roster, putting S Geno Stone in his spot on the practice squad ahead of Week 5.

The shoe has finally dropped from the Baltimore Ravens waiving rookie safety Geno Stone. It turns out Baltimore simply moved their defensive backs around from the 53-man roster and practice squad.

According to the NFL’s transaction report, the Ravens signed cornerback Khalil Dorsey from their practice squad to the 53-man roster. Stone cleared waivers and was signed to Baltimore’s practice squad to fill Dorsey’s void there.

Sadly, these moves aren’t quite what Ravens fans were hoping for. When Stone was originally waived, many hoped Baltimore was going to be adding a veteran wide receiver or pass rusher to help with one of the Ravens’ biggest problems through four games. Unfortunately, the moves were really just more of a logistical issue for Baltimore.

With slot cornerback Tavon Young out for the season with a knee injury, the Ravens are a little thin at cornerback and need the extra bodies for games. Though Stone had been on the Ravens’ 53-man roster for all four games prior to his release, he had not been active in one game this season.

According to coach John Harbaugh on Friday, the move was partly because the Ravens had used all of Dorsey’s gameday activations from the practice squad and still needed help at cornerback. This season, teams are allowed to bring up a player from the practice squad to be active for a game, but are limited in the number of times they can use that feature on a given player. By adding Dorsey to the 53-man roster, Baltimore can have him active for Sunday’s game, giving them a chance to activate someone else from the practice squad if they wish while also keeping Stone around for further development.

Though Stone is now on the practice squad, that doesn’t mean his time with the Ravens is over. Harbaugh had glowing praise for Stone and indicated his time on the field was coming too.

“Geno [Stone] definitely is going to play,” Harbaugh said Friday. “There’ no doubt in my mind that he’ll play.”

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Todd McShay: ‘There’s no denying’ Ravens got better in 2020 NFL Draft

With 10 picks in the 2020 NFL Draft, ESPN draft expert Todd McShay believes the Baltimore Ravens got even better than their 14-2 2019 season

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The Baltimore Ravens added 10 new players through the 2020 NFL Draft. For ESPN draft expert Todd McShay, Baltimore’s haul was one of the best in the league for both filling needs and finding great value.

McShay looked over the entire 2020 NFL Draft to find the teams that made the biggest improvements. Though the Ravens held the best record last season and are already Super Bowl LV favorites, McShay believes Baltimore had one of the best drafts in the NFL and improved.

“There’s just no denying that Baltimore, a 14-win team in 2019, got even better in April.”

The Ravens entered the draft with inside linebacker clearly being their biggest need. Following the departure of C.J. Mosley last year and both Josh Bynes and Patrick Onwuasor this offseason, Baltimore didn’t even have enough depth at the position, much less a starting lineup. In true Ravens fashion, they saw one of the top-rated linebackers fall into their laps with the 28th overall pick, selecting LSU’s Patrick Queen. McShay considers Queen to be a “plug-and-play starter who can be the quarterback” of Baltimore’s defense.

McShay specifically noted the selection of Ohio State running back J.K. Dobbins in the second round. Though he noted it wasn’t one of the Ravens’ immediate needs, McShay pointed to Mark Ingram’s contract having a potential out after this season and called Dobbins “one of the better pass-protection backs in this class.”

McShay was especially excited about the selections of defensive tackle Justin Madubuike and wide receiver Devin Duvernay, calling them both “pure steals” since Baltimore grabbed them in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft. McShay figures both will contribute immediately, with Madubuike potentially getting “15-20 snaps per game” as a rookie.

Sixth and seventh-round selections, wide receiver James Proche and safety Geno Stone respectively, were picks McShay also called out for their value. Though both players are a little undersized, McShay loved Proche’s hands and Stone’s instincts, making both long-term factors for the Ravens.

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Ravens sign 6 of 10 draft picks, including RB J.K. Dobbins

The Baltimore Ravens are quickly getting their massive draft class under contract, officially signing six of their 10 2020 NFL Draft picks.

The Baltimore Ravens aren’t messing around when it comes to getting their 10-man 2020 NFL Draft class signed. The Ravens have been making quick work of the paperwork, officially having six of their 10 picks now signed.

The Ravens announced they’ve signed the following of their draft picks to rookie contracts:

RB J.K. Dobbins – 2nd round

DT Justin Madubuike – 3rd round

OL Ben Bredeson – 5th round

WR James Proche – 6th round

S Geno Stone – 7th round

Baltimore was the first team in the NFL to sign one of their draft picks, getting fifth-round defensive tackle Broderick Washington Jr. under contract on Tuesday. With six of their draft picks under contract, the Ravens have just four players remaining, including first-round pick Patrick Queen.

Though the rookie pay scale makes getting contracts ironed out a lot easier than a decade ago, it’s still not a done deal from the moment the phone rings on draft day. In recent years, we’ve seen picks get signed just before training camp begins and even players hold out into the regular season over intricacies in their contracts. The Ravens getting so many of their draft picks signed this early eliminates just one hurdle in what has already been a tumultuous offseason.

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Ravens earn ‘B-‘ grade for S Geno Stone pick in 7th round

This grade would have probably been a lower if it didn’t add some depth to the safety position.

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The Baltimore Ravens addressed a minor question mark with their final pick of the 2020 NFL Draft, taking Iowa safety Geno Stone at No. 219 overall.

Draft Grade: B-

This grade would have probably been a bit lower if it didn’t add some depth to the safety position, something the Ravens needed to address after the departure of Tony Jefferson.

What I’m not sold on is Stone’s lack of speed and size to be a game-changing safety in this league, but then again that’s not really what you’re looking for in the seventh round.

That said, he does have some upside as a hybrid box and coverage safety and offers an interesting option behind Chuck Clark and Earl Thomas, especially with the way Don Martindale has found ways to use various defensive backs in his schemes.

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Instant analysis of Ravens drafting Iowa S Geno Stone in 7th round

The Ravens get a productive safety in the seventh round of the 2020 NFL Draft in Iowa’s Geno Stone. He’ll be a depth player with some upside

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The Ravens waited until the seventh and final round of the 2020 NFL Draft to add a piece to their already deep secondary. They bring in Iowa safety Geno Stone with pick No. 219, who was the 2nd-team All-Big 10 in 2019.

Stone plays with incredible instincts and has a nose for the ball, as evidenced by his eight turnovers over his last two seasons. He also has the strength needed to cover receivers and tight ends over the middle and keep them from running a flawless route. Stone isn’t afraid to come up in run support, as he doesn’t wait to make a run to the ball carrier.

Stone lacks the speed and height to truly be a ball-hawking safety in the NFL, running a 4.62-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine. His lateral quickness is a problem as well, showing up mostly when he gets beat in the red zone. His height and inability to adequately high point a jump ball means that he could get feasted on by the superb competition in the NFL if used in more direct coverage.

As a hybrid deep and box safety, Stone could be an intriguing depth option with some upside for Baltimore. The Ravens don’t need someone great at safety, but they do need depth behind Earl Thomas and Chuck Clark, which they get in Stone.

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Ravens select Iowa S Geno Stone with No. 219 after Vikings trade

The Baltimore Ravens use their second pick from the Vikings trade to get a depth safety in Iowa’s Geno Stone in the seventh round.

After trading up into the sixth round with the Minnesota Vikings and taking SMU wide receiver James Proche, the Baltimore Ravens used their second pick acquired to get Iowa safety Geno Stone at No. 219 in the seventh round of the 2020 NFL Draft.

In three seasons at Iowa, Stone played in 32 games, getting six interceptions and returning one for a touchdown. He also made 126 combined tackles, including four for a loss and had one sack to go with four forced fumbles.

Stone lacks the ideal size and speed for a typical free safety. But he’s made up for that with good football intelligence and by reading the quarterback to put himself around the ball. Despite his smaller size, he isn’t afraid of coming up in run support but could improve his technique a little bit. With the Ravens, he can play a little of both strong and free safety, which Baltimore tends to merge together at times anyway.

Safety wasn’t one of Baltimore’s immediate needs but it was a long-term one we identified earlier. With Earl Thomas getting older, getting some immediate depth and a potential heir was something that could keep the position from becoming a much more pressing need as early as next season.

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Lions Wire’s final Lions 7-round mock draft

Editor Erik Schlitt’s is taking the helm for Lions Wire’s final Detroit Lions 7-round mock draft of the offseason.

Editor Erik Schlitt’s is taking the helm for Lions Wire’s final Detroit Lions 7-round mock draft of the offseason.

Draft day trades are common but wildly unpredictable, therefore, this exercise focuses only on picking prospects in the draft slots the Lions currently hold.

Round 1, pick 3, Jeff Okudah, CB, OSU

6-1, 205, 32.63″ arm length, burst rate: 137.2 (#1 for CB in class) 

It’s been my opinion all offseason that the Lions want to walk out of Day 1 with either Chase Young or Okudah. With Young likely being selected at pick No. 2 overall, the Lions will surely listen to trade offers for the No. 3 pick, but at the end of the day, they’ll be happy to land their guy.

2.35, A.J. Epenesa, EDGE, Iowa

6-5, 275, 34.5″ arm length, can play DDE and 3T

Epenesa’s stock has been falling since the Combine, but as far as the Lions are concerned, he’s still likely a Top-10 player on their draft board. Epenesa is a perfect scheme fit, can rotate with Trey Flowers and Romeo Okwara at down defensive end, as well as inside at the 3-technique with Da’Shawn Hand and Nick Williams — giving the entire defensive line an immediate boost.

3.67, Robert Hunt, RT/G, Louisiana

6-5, 323, 33.5″ arm length, 28 starts at RT, 22 at LG, 2 at LT

A true road grader who was a featured blocker in the Cajuns run-heavy scheme, Hunt has the ability to step in at either tackle of guard — though he is projected to have more success inside. Putting him next to Hal Vaitai would give the Lions a pair of 6-5, 320+ pound position flexible offensive lineman who excel at run blocking, regardless of who plays where on the right side.

3.85, McTelvin Agim, IDL, Arkansas

6-3, 309, 33.5″ arm length, 1-year starter at 3T, 3-year starter at DE

Agim has been my sleeper for a while now and nothing has changed my mind to move him off this spot. An experienced 2-gapper who excels against the run, possesses several pass-rushing moves, is aggressive with his hands, understands how to create leverage with his length, was a team captain, and comes from the Arkansas’ defensive line pipeline.

4.109, Van Jefferson, WR, Florida

6-1.5, 200, 32.75″ arm length, elite route technician 

The son of former Lions’ wide receiver and wide receiver’s coach Shawn Jefferson, Van Jefferson learned the nuances of running routes at a young age. Capable of lining up as a WR-X (Marvin Jones Jr.’s spot) and inside as a Big Slot receiver, Jefferson could be the Lions WR4 in year one and take over a starting role in 2021.

5.149, Braden Mann, P, TAMU

6-0, 198, 48.9 yards per punt average, Ray Guy award winner 

As I mentioned in my 10 things Lions fans need to brace for in the 2020 NFL Draft, this is the sweet spot to grab the best specialist on the board. Mann has a powerful leg, can handle punts and kickoffs, understands how to control his power by alternating between kicking for distance, angling directions, and putting air under the ball so he doesn’t outkick his coverage. His ability to drop punts inside the 20 is a thing of beauty.

5.166, Anfernee Jennings, JACK, Alabama

6-2, 256, 32.88″ arm length, double-digit TFL each of last 2 seasons

Jennings has a quality first step, but his pass rush will struggle if he doesn’t win early. He understands how to properly use his hands, routinely locates/attacks the ball, is an elite run defender, and sets the edge with consistency/power. His 26.5 tackles for loss and 15.5 sacks over the last two seasons speaks to his ability to get into the backfield and make plays.

6.182, Geno Stone, S, Iowa

5-10.5, 203, 29.25″ arm length, can play single-high and in the slot

Stone is s a bit undersized and falls short of the Lions’ preferred level of athleticism, but he is intelligent, highly instinctive, positionally versatile, and rarely makes mistakes. Stone has the potential to be a regular contributor on special teams and a top-end reserve at safety, likely earning a role as a fourth or fifth safety as a rookie.

7.235, Michael Warren, RB, Cincinnati

5-9, 226, physical runner who will thrive in an inside-zone scheme

Warren hasn’t got a lot of attention in the Lions draft community but he is a terrific fit for the Lions scheme as he is a physical runner who can also contribute in the passing game. On film, Warren lacks the explosive traits of the Lions other backs — and he didn’t test at the Combine — but he has terrific contact balance, is decisive in the hole, wins in short-yardage situations, and churns out yards with toughness. His success in the NFL will likely come as part of a running back by committee approach and would fit in as a fourth running back on the Lions roster.

5 safeties for the Philadelphia Eagles to consider in the 2nd-round of 2020 NFL Draft

5 safeties for the Philadelphia Eagles to consider in second-round of 2020 NFL Draft

The Philadelphia Eagles will certainly address their glaring wide receiver needs in next weekend’s NFL draft, but it’ll be interesting to see if Howie Roseman chooses to add a young safety to the roster after switching Jalen Mills’ position and signing Will Parks.

The safety position is not as deep as cornerback or edge rusher, but the Eagles could land a pretty good player in the second round.

With the draft stacked at receiver, the Eagles would be better-served targeting a safety early on, with a talented receiver still likely to be on the board in the later rounds.

Here are five safeties the Eagles should consider in the second round.

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Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

1. Antoine Winfield Jr., Minnesota

Winfield Jr. announced that he was skipping his final two years of eligibility after earning consensus All-American honors and tying the single-season Gophers record with seven interceptions.

Winfield led the Gophers with 88 total tackles while helping them knock off Auburn in the Outback Bowl to finish 11-2 for the most wins in program history since 1904.

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Vikings pick Iowa safety Geno Stone in third round of CBS Sports mock draft

The Vikings went with a safety in the third round of a CBS Sports mock draft. Would you like to see Geno Stone in purple and gold?

Minnesota might move on from one of its safeties in the offseason, and CBS Sports thinks it could fill that void in the draft.

The outlet had the Vikings drafting Geno Stone in the third round of a recent mock draft. Stone is a safety out of Iowa.

Here’s what they said about the pick:

“Stone didn’t have a great combine but he has a future in the league as a box defender.”

So that’s not exactly a rave review, but the combine isn’t a perfect way to measure how good a football player is when they step on the field. It might benefit the Vikings to get a player that’s better than what their recent stock has shown, because they slipped in the draft to a later pick. If they played well on the field, and can fit the system, there’s no reason to believe the combine is an end-all analysis.

CBS Sports ranked Stone the 12th best safety in the draft, and the 134th overall prospect.

Cardinals land Isaiah Simmons and rising WR in full mock draft simulation

Arizona needs help on defense – what happens if Isaiah Simmons falls to Pick 8?

This years draft offers a lot of very interesting scenarios for Cardinals fans – there’s a lot of players that would seem to be good fits in that number 8 spot, and unlike last year, they don’t really control their draft destiny.

With that in mind, it is time to run another mock draft simulation to play out a particular scenario. In last week’s simulation, the goal was to see how things played out by taking a wide receiver with their first pick.

This time, I was going to go off the map and see what the top rated defensive player would fall. Either I would go with Isaiah Simmons or Jeff Okudah if they were available, or potentially with Derrick Brown if they both were gone.

The pick ends up being the versatile Simmons, who has been compared to ex-Cardinal Tyrann Mathieu for his ability to play multiple positions as well as Bobby Wagner for his height, weight, speed profile:

See how this mock draft looks. These are the results.

Round 1: Clemson LB/S Isaiah Simmons

John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

Say what you want about whether Simmons excelled at any one position or whether there is some fear of a repeat of Haason Reddick. Simmons dominated wherever he played in college.

He also had a phenomenal combine where he ran 4.39 on his first 40 attempt:

Yes, there is reason to wonder whether Vance Joseph can use him at his best, but there is no denying that the NFL is trending towards using players like Simmons. He can also immediately step in and help in any area where the Cardinals really struggled on defense — covering tight ends.

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