Tag: Jack Heflin

Countdown to Kickoff: Kyler Baugh is the Saints Player of Day 69

Countdown to Kickoff: Kyler Baugh is the New Orleans Saints Player of Day 69. The undrafted rookie has a tough road ahead, but he wouldn’t be the first to beat expectations

We’ve got 69 days to go until the New Orleans Saints open up their 2024 regular season, which makes the current owner of the No. 69 jersey our Saints Player of the Day. That’s rookie defensive lineman Kyler Baugh, so let’s get to know him better before diving into realistic goals for him in 2024:

  • Name (Age): Kyler Baugh (22)
  • Position: Defensive tackle
  • Height, weight: 6-foot-2, 305 pounds
  • Relative Athletic Score: 8.56
  • 2024 salary cap hit: $798,333
  • College: Minnesota
  • Drafted: Undrafted in 2024 (New Orleans Saints)
  • NFL experience: Rookie

The Saints signed Baugh as an undrafted free agent out of Minnesota, guaranteeing just $25,000 in his rookie contract. For perspective, former Colorado tight end Dallin Holker led the team with $235,000 in guarantees. Baugh was a solid starter at Minnesota the last two years (where he was teammates with safety Jordan Howden, who the Saints drafted last year) but he’s facing a tough road to making the cut in New Orleans. He mainly ran with the second- and third-team defenses at spring practices. Linemen won’t be highlighted until full-contact practices in pads kick off at training camp later this summer.

So how can he make the team? The Saints lost Malcolm Roach in free agency and didn’t make a great effort at replacing him, signing former Las Vegas Raiders backup Kendal Vickers while drafting Khristian Boyd in the sixth round out of Northern Iowa. Jack Heflin is also in the mix after returning from the Saints’ 2023 practice squad. Baugh must prove he’s a better option to round out the Saints’ four-man rotation than any of those guys.

If he can hold up well in run defense while making the most of his opportunities on passing downs, Baugh could make a compelling case for a roster spot. The Saints have a great track record in recruiting and developing undrafted defensive tackles like Roach (2020), Shy Tuttle and Devaroe Lawrence (2019). Maybe Baugh can follow in their footsteps.

[lawrence-auto-related count=4]

Countdown to Kickoff, Day 95: Jack Heflin is the Saints Player of the Day

Jack Heflin spent the 2023 season on the Saints practice squad, but he’s hoping to make the team in 2024. He’s our Saints Player of Day 95 as we count down to kickoff:

We’ve got 95 days to go until the New Orleans Saints kick off their 2024 season against the Carolina Panthers, which means the current owner of the No. 95 jersey is our Saints player of the day. That’s defensive tackle Jack Heflin, who spent the 2023 season on the Saints practice squad. He’s hoping to make the team in 2024. Here’s some more information about him:

  • Name (Age): Jack Heflin (26)
  • Position: Defensive tackle
  • Height, weight: 6-foot-3, 304 pounds
  • Relative Athletic Score: 4.93
  • 2024 salary cap hit: $915,000
  • College: Iowa, Northern Illinois
  • Drafted: Undrafted in 2021 (Green Bay Packers)
  • NFL experience: 2 seasons

There’s room for one more defensive tackle in the Saints’ rotation after they let Malcolm Roach leave in free agency, and while Khristian Boyd is the early favorite to win that roster spot we can’t rule out guys like Heflin. Veteran free agent pickup Kendal Vickers is also in the mix, as is undrafted rookie Kyler Baugh.

So what could set Heflin apart? He already has a year of experience in the system working with the same coaches, which is significant. Before he came to New Orleans he played spring football with the Houston Roughnecks, where he earned All-XFL recognition. We’ll have to wait and see whether the lessons he’s learned translate to greater success in 2024. Heflin has a great opportunity in front of him. Now he needs to seize it.

[lawrence-auto-related count=4]

Saints sign all but three practice squad players to reserve/future deals

The Saints signed all but three practice squad players to reserve/future deals, bringing them back for 2024:

This may look unusual, but it isn’t uncommon. The New Orleans Saints signed reserve/future deals with all but three players from their 2023 practice squad — essentially inviting those 13 players who are returning to their 2024 training camp. Everyone who was on the practice squad except for offensive lineman Colby Gossett, wide receiver Marquez Callaway, and rookie receiver Shaquan Davis are inked to return in 2024.

But this doesn’t shut the door on anyone. Teams often issue reserve/future contracts (which are just minimum-salary deals that guarantee players a spot on the 90-man offseason roster) in batches, and they’ll likely circle back to Davis and Co. after handling other business. They’re able to work out other players who didn’t sign reserve/future deals around the league after their practice squad contracts expired.

Davis specifically endeared himself to Saints fans during the 2023 preseason by catching 7 passes for 101 yards, largely from the slot. The former undrafted rookie from South Carolina State has rare size at 6-foot-5 and 215 pounds, but a midseason injury sidelined him. Hopefully he can return for 2024 and compete for more snaps.

Here’s a quick look back at the 13 players who did sign reserve/future contracts with New Orleans:

Dennis Allen says DT Malcolm Roach may need knee surgery after injury

Dennis Allen says defensive tackle Malcolm Roach may need knee surgery after suffering an injury late against the Lions:

This could be a key loss for the New Orleans Saints. Head coach Dennis Allen said Monday that defensive tackle Malcolm Roach is exploring his options after suffering a knee injury that may require surgery in Sunday’s loss tot he Detroit Lions. With just five games left on the schedule, this could be a season-ending injury for Roach.

And that would be a crushing blow for him. Roach, 25, is headed for free agency in the spring and figures to cash in after setting new career-highs in tackles (38), assists (25), tackles for loss (3), and passes defensed (3).

Hopefully a second opinion and further evaluation leaves Roach in a more positive position. He’s brought a lot of energy to the rotation and is an active player in the trenches, ranking third on the team with 10 tackles at or behind the line of scrimmage despite playing the fewest snaps (290) at defensive tackle behind Nathan Shepherd (415), Bryan Brsee and Khalen Saunders (366).

If he’s going to be sidelined, look for the Saints to bring up preseason standout Jack Heflin from their practice squad or take a look at outside free agents to reinforce the position group. They’ve been gashed on the ground this season and may need more upgrades at defensive tackle regardless of injuries.

[lawrence-auto-related count=4]

Saints backups Niko Lalos, Jack Heflin benefiting from XFL experience

Saints backup defensive linemen Niko Lalos and Jack Heflin are using the benefits of XFL experience in pursuit of coveted roster spots:

The rejuvenated XFL has sold itself as a spring league where players on the fringe of NFL rosters can hone their craft and develop themselves for future pro opportunities, and it’s tough to argue with the results that New Orleans Saints defensive linemen Niko Lalos and Jack Heflin have found.

Both young players had starring roles in the XFL last season — Lalos with the Seattle Sea Dragons, Heflin on the Houston Roughnecks — and now they’re making compelling cases as the Saints look ahead to roster cuts on Aug. 29. Saints head coach Dennis Allen was very complimentary of the growth he’s seen from Lalos in particular when asked about his progress.

“He’s a guy that’s worked extremely hard, he was on the practice squad last year,” Allen recounted. “He went and played in the XFL this year. I think that was good experience for him to get out there and play. He’s been putting some good stuff on tape. It’s a position that we’re pretty deep at so there’s a lot of competition there. We’ll evaluate where that tape was, but he did do some good things tonight.”

Lalos just bagged 3 sacks and a few other pressures against the Los Angeles Chargers. Heflin has consistently generated pressure in both of their preseason games. Their arrows are trending up. So how can they make the roster?

It’s going to be very difficult for Lalos to unseat anyone at defensive end, but he’s done everything possible to try it. Cameron Jordan, Carl Granderson, Payton Turner, and Isaiah Foskey are locks for the roster, barring an unforeseen injury or trade. Tanoh Kpassagnon signed an extension earlier this offseason. He may have some trade value but it’s not likely any of the top five players will be moved. The Saints typically keep five defensive ends on the active roster and often one of them is a healthy scratch on game days. Lalos needs to make Kpassagnon look expendable. It’s too soon to say whether he’s accomplished that.

What about Heflin? His chief competition is Malcolm Roach, a longtime Saints backup who has steadily developed and climbed the depth chart. Nathan Shepherd, Khalen Saunders, and Bryan Bresee are roster locks. The team rarely keeps more than four of them on the 53-man lineup at a time with another interior lineman or two stashed on the practice squad. Roach has had a productive summer too, so Heflin needs to keep it up while pushing him.

Odds are good that both guys will end up on the practice squad. We tend to overrate players we watch every day and each week compared to others around the league, and all 32 teams have players like Lalos and Heflin they’re hoping to sneak through the waiver wire so they can return to the practice squad. It’s always possible one or both of them gets claimed. At the same time, one or both of them could clear waivers and stay in New Orleans.

But it would be easier if they won roster spots outright. Continuing to fight off competition like Kyle Phillips, Prince Emili, and Jerron Cage while pressuring Roach and Kpassagnon will do a lot of good. Iron sharpens iron, and the Saints have a nice competition brewing at the bottom of their depth chart. Maybe that energy can continue to rise to the top.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Meet the Team: Who is Saints DT Jack Heflin, and what’s expected of him in 2023?

Meet the Team: Who is Saints defensive tackle Jack Heflin, and what are realistic expectations for him in 2023?

The revamped XFL has ambitions of becoming a real developmental spring league for NFL prospects who need more reps, so it has to be encouraging for them to see players like Jack Heflin get an opportunity with the New Orleans Saints.

Heflin won All-XFL recognition with the Houston Roughnecks last year. Now he’s competing for a roster spot in New Orleans. But who is he? What are realistic expectations for him in 2023? Let’s answer those questions now that he’s wearing black and gold:

Saints sign two ex-Giants after impressive XFL campaigns

Two former members of the New York Giants have signed with the New Orleans Saints following strong XFL performances.

[connatix div_id=”3f8b015acdd24c648befc5d5dac47469″ player_id=”afe1e038-d3c2-49c0-922d-6511a229f69c” cid=”7cbcea0d-4ce2-4c75-9a8d-fbe02a192c24″]

The 2023 XFL season has proven fruitful for many former NFL players who are now getting second chances, including several former members of the New York Giants.

Earlier this week, the New Orleans Saints signed two ex-Giants after they impressed during the 10-week XFL schedule.

First up was defensive tackle Jack Heflin, who recorded 25 tackles (3 TFL), one sack and one fumble recovery for the Houston Roughnecks this year.

Heflin, who went undrafted out of Iowa in 2021, spent a little time on the Giants’ practice squad in 2022.

The second ex-Giant to sign with the Saints was versatile defensive end Niko Lalos. He recorded 35 tackles (7 TFL), 1.5 sacks, one forced fumble, and one interception for the Seattle Sea Dragons.

Lalos, who has a big fan in NBA superstar LeBron James, spent time with the Giants from 2020-2021. During that span, he appeared in six games, recording six tackles, one fumble recovery, one pass defensed and one very impressive interception.

Several other former Giants had strong seasons in the XFL and are likely to get some looks prior to training camp.

[lawrence-related id=710279,710265,710244]

Jack Heflin reportedly returning to NFL with New Orleans Saints

From the XFL back to the NFL! Reports indicate the New Orleans Saints are signing former Iowa Hawkeye defensive tackle Jack Heflin.

From the XFL back to the NFL! That’s a goal that many XFL players would love to see come true.

According to reports, that’s set to be the case for former Iowa Hawkeye Jack Heflin. After spending this past spring with the Houston Roughnecks, it looks like Heflin has caught the eyes of the New Orleans Saints.

Heflin was one of 24 players that participated in the Saints’ rookie minicamp last week and it looks like he’s earned a larger opportunity. Tom Pelissero of NFL Network is reporting that the Saints are signing Heflin.

It would represent a return to the NFL after spending the 2021 season with the Green Bay Packers and last season with the New York Giants. Per Pro Football Focus, Heflin played in three games and saw 17 total snaps with the Packers in 2021. Then, in 2022, he played in one game for the Giants and registered 23 snaps.

The defensive tackle enjoyed a breakout spring with the Roughnecks, tallying 25 tackles, three tackles for loss and one sack to earn All-XFL defense honors. Now, his spring efforts have earned him another opportunity in the NFL.

Heflin joined the Hawkeyes as a graduate transfer ahead of the 2020 season. The 6-foot-4 defensive tackle started all eight games for the Hawkeyes, recording 21 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, one quarterback hurry and one sack.

Before Iowa, he was a standout at Northern Illinois where his three forced fumbles in 2019 ranked second in the MAC. He ended that season as a second-team All-MAC choice by the league’s coaches after leading NIU in tackles for loss (8.5) and sacks (3.0).

It’s another feather in the cap for the Hawkeyes and their ability to send defensive talent to the NFL.

[lawrence-auto-related count=5]

Contact/Follow us @HawkeyesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Iowa news, notes, and opinions.

Follow Josh on Twitter: @JoshOnREF

Saints sign former XFL defensive tackle Jack Heflin after minicamp tryout

The Saints signed former XFL defensive tackle Jack Heflin after his minicamp tryout. He’s won a spot on an NFL roster before:

[anyclip pubname=”2103″ widgetname=”0016M00002U0B1kQAF_M8036″]

Here’s another solid depth signing: NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reports that the New Orleans Saints are signing defensive tackle Jack Heflin after he tried out at their recent rookie minicamp, adding more pro experience to a group that could use it. Heflin played for the XFL’s Houston Roughnecks this year after previously appearing in games for the Green Bay Packers and New York Giants.

Heflin, 25, played college football for three years at Northern Illinois before transferring to Iowa — from there he signed with the Packers as an undrafted free agent, and played well enough in preseason to earn a spot on their roster, though he was later bumped down to the practice squad. He’s totaled just 40 defensive snaps in five career NFL games, though he put up over 300 snaps on tape in the XFL this season.

He’ll be competing for the fourth defensive tackle spot with Malcolm Roach, Prince Emili (returning from last year’s practice squad), and Jerron Cage (an undrafted rookie out of Ohio State), with the top three spots secured by Bryan Bresee, Khalen Saunders, and Nathan Shepherd.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

3 ex-Giants named to 2023 All-XFL Team

Three former members of the New York Giants have been named to the 2023 All-XFL Team after impressive seasons.

Three former New York Giants players have been named to the 2023 All-XFL Team.

Orlando Guardians tight end Cody Latimer, and defensive lineman Jack Heflin and linebacker Trent Harris of the Houston Roughnecks were all named this week as All-XFL Team honorees.

Latimer, 30, was a second-round selection of the Denver Broncos out of Indiana back in 2014. As a wide receiver, he never lived up to his draft status and ended up signing with the Giants in 2018 as a free agent. Injuries would curtail his Giants career, however, and was signed and released by Washington after some legal issues.

He resurfaced this year as a tight end with Orlando.

Heflin, an undrafted free agent out of Iowa in 2020, originally signed on with the Green Bay Packers and eventually ended up spending a month on the Giants’ practice squad last season before being released.

Harris was an NFL journeyman who spent two seasons with the Giants from 2020-2021 after entering the league as an undrafted rookie free agent. He also played for the New England Patriots, Miami Dolphins, Baltimore Ravens and Las Vegas Raiders.

Latimer led all XFL tight ends in most statistical categories and Harris led the league in sacks (9.5).

[lawrence-related id=709985,709926,709930]

[stnvideo key=”GEvIUKVBfl-2724743-7491″ type=”float”]