Tag: Jalen Redmond

2023 NFL draft: 16 potential interior defensive line targets for the Seahawks

Here are 16 interior defensive line prospects they could target in the draft, including a few who they have already had official meetings with.

The Seattle Seahawks are deadly serious about upgrading their interior defensive line this offseason. They have already invested a bunch of money on the inside in free agency by signing Dre’Mont Jones from the Broncos and bringing back Jarran Reed. They have also let all of their 2022 interior DL starters walk, paving the way for a total overhaul. While they’ve already done some of that work, the bulk of it will take place during the 2023 NFL draft.

Here are 16 interior defensive line prospects they could target in the draft, including a couple who they have already had official meetings with.

Rams 2023 Draft Prospect Profile: Jalen Redmond (IDL, Oklahoma)

Jalen Redmond out of Oklahoma could be a solid IDL option for the Rams on Day 3 of the 2023 NFL draft.

The current interior defensive line unit of the Los Angeles Rams lacks production outside of Aaron Donald. Before the Rams make any moves this offseason, the current starters alongside Donald are projected to be a combination of Jonah Williams, Bobby Brown III, or Marqise Copeland.

The reason for the lack of experience in the trenches on the defensive side of the ball is due to Greg Gaines departing in free agency and A’Shawn Robinson still being a free agent. Besides potentially adding a veteran before next season, the Rams could use the 2023 NFL draft to bolster their defensive line room.

If the Rams elect to use a Day 3 pick on an interior defensive lineman, Jalen Redmond out of Oklahoma is an interesting prospect.

Vikings land talented class in Jordan Reid’s seven-round mock draft

The Minnesota Vikings land a star wide receiver and QB of the future in Jordan Reid’s seven-round mock draft for ESPN.

The Minnesota Vikings could go a myriad of directions in the NFL draft. There are talks about moving up for a quarterback or moving down to collect more draft capital.

In his seven round mock draft, ESPN’s Jordan Reid had the Vikings staying put and taking USC WR Jordan Addison at 23rd overall.

With only five total picks, I would be surprised if the Vikings actually remained here and made a selection. They are a prime trade-back candidate. Still, after the release of Adam Thielen, there’s a gaping hole at the WR2 spot opposite Justin Jefferson. Addison would give the offense another versatile player who can line up inside and outside. A detailed route runner, Addison has physical traits that are similar to those of Calvin Ridley, who was a first-round pick in 2018. Addison’s success in multiple offensive schemes (Pitt and USC) will help his NFL value. Addison could thrive off the attention given to Jefferson by defensive coordinators.

The idea of getting Addison is a great one for the Vikings. He is a dynamic receiver that can get open with both technique and quickness. His size will be a concern

The Vikings also get a developmental quarterback in UCLA’s Dorian Thompson-Robinson in the fourth round and Reid called it his favorite fit in round one.

Kirk Cousins is entering the final year of his contract, and it’s clear the Vikings want to keep their quarterback options open. Thompson-Robinson would provide them with a cheap backup who could be groomed as an eventual successor for Cousins. Thompson-Robinson is viewed as a notch below the top five quarterbacks in this class, but his stock has risen after an impressive pre-draft process.

Here is the full outcome of picks that Reid had the Vikings taking.

  • 23. Jordan Addison, WR, USC
  • 87. Owen Pappoe, LB, Auburn
  • 119. Dorian Thompson-Robinson, QB, UCLA
  • 158. Jalen Redmond, IDL, Oklahoma
  • 211. Kei’Trel Clark, CB, Louisville

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Where did Oklahoma Sooners land in ESPN 7-round mock draft?

Led by Anton Harrison, five Oklahoma Sooners were selected in Jordan Reid’s seven-round 2023 mock draft for ESPN.

The 2023 NFL draft is a month away and the Oklahoma Sooners look like they’ll be well-represented throughout the seven-round selection process.

The biggest question is will they have a return to the first round of the draft? After CeeDee Lamb’s selection in the 2020 draft, Oklahoma’s gone two-straight without a first-rounder. Offensive tackle Anton Harrison could change that.

ESPN’s Jordan Reid produced a seven-round mock draft (ESPN+), and five Oklahoma Sooners were selected. Where did they land? Let’s check it out.

Unpacking Future Packers: No. 38, Oklahoma DL Jalen Redmond

Up next in the Unpacking Future Packers draft preview series is Oklahoma DL Jalen Redmond.

The Unpacking Future Packers Countdown is a countdown of 100 prospects that could be selected by the Green Bay Packers in the 2023 NFL draft.

Around this time last year, Green Bay’s defensive line coach Jerry Montgomery told the local media that he’d love for the Packers to add a twitchy defensive lineman. Brian Gutekunst delivered by drafting Devonte Wyatt in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft.

“You’d love to add a high-level third-down pass rusher,” Montgomery said. “A little bit more twitchy of a guy that can add to the rush from the inside standpoint.”

A twitchy defensive lineman that Gutekunst could target in the 2023 NFL Draft is Jalen Redmond. The Oklahoma defensive lineman checks in at No. 38 in the Unpacking Future Packers countdown.

“Fantastic athlete,” Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables said during the Senior Bowl roster reveal show. “Incredibly explosive. Really twitched up…His best football is ahead of him.”

During his first two seasons at Oklahoma, Redmond recorded 13.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks. After sitting out the 2020 season, Redmond recorded eight tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks while playing in eight games during the 2021 campaign. This past season Redmond recorded 10 tackles for loss and four sacks. 

“Jalen Redmond had a solid final season in Norman,” Josh Helmer, the Co-Host of the Locked On Sooners podcast said. “His 10 tackles for loss and four sacks each ranked third on the Sooners. With the fourth-most snaps per Pro Football Focus among OU defensive linemen, Redmond delivered in his final campaign with the Sooners.”

Over the past two seasons, Redmond has recorded 18 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks, and 57 pressures. When he was on the field, Redmond was a disruptive interior force for the Sooners. With his athleticism, it’s a safe bet he’s on Green Bay’s board as they look to improve the front seven. 

“Redmond’s greatest strength has been rushing the passer throughout his time at OU,” Helmer said. “Over the course of his OU career, the Midwest City native racked up 31.5 tackles for loss and 14 sacks.”

Redmond explodes out of his stance. He’s twitched up and that short-area explosiveness was on full display at the combine when he clocked a 1.71 10-yard split. That time was tied for the second fastest among interior defensive linemen. That initial quickness and closing burst helped him get after the quarterback on a consistent basis for the Sooners. 

“Jalen Redmond brings those traditional edge pass-rushing traits potentially to the interior of an NFL defense,” Helmer said. “For the right price in this 2023 NFL draft, he could wind up being a steal if he stays healthy and proves he can hold up on a down-to-down basis.”

Redmond is strong at the point of attack. He has the lateral agility to sidestep blocks and showcases great range as a run defender. With his initial quickness he consistently disrupts the action in the backfield. Redmond played in 32 games during his time as a Sooner and finished with 31.5 tackles for loss.  

“Redmond’s 17 stops this past season are a good indication that he can help slow an opponent’s run game,” Helmer said. “Weighing in at 291 pounds at the NFL Combine, he could add a little bit to his frame. But, it’s his 1.71 10-yard split that I’m looking at from the Combine to showcase his explosiveness.”

Fit with the Packers

Jarran Reed and Dean Lowry have both left Green Bay this offseason via free agency. That leaves Kenny Clark, Devonte Wyatt, and TJ Slaton as the foundational pieces along the defensive line for the Packers.

That trio combined for 5.5 sacks last season. The Packers need to bolster their pass rush and by adding Redmond the Packers would be giving their interior pass-rush a much-needed shot in the arm. 

“I’m drafting Redmond because I feel like I could be finding a pass-rushing steal late in the draft,” Helmer said. “He could comfortably line up both inside and outside as he did at Oklahoma. If Redmond demonstrates he can stick his nose in there and be a factor in run support, then he’ll carve out a role for himself on an NFL roster.”

The Packers need to get Clark help up front. Wyatt is a candidate for a breakout campaign during his second year in the league and on paper is one of the most talented players Clark has ever played with along the defensive line. 

Redmond has the athleticism to develop into a disruptive force up front. With his tools, Redmond could develop into a force playing alongside Clark in Green Bay.

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Vikings 2023 7 round mock draft 7.0: Prioritize wide receiver

What would a Vikings mock draft look like after reloading the defense in free agency and prioritizing wide receiver twice?

The Minnesota Vikings have a lot of different ways they can go in the NFL draft. There will be some discussion on what needs are most important but the Vikings can address most of them through both free agency and the NFL draft.

I have now done six mock drafts for the Vikings this offseason and they all have taken a slightly different turn each time. This one has the Vikings trading back and focusing on the defense.

Mock draft 1.0
Mock draft 2.0
Mock draft 3.0
Mock draft 4.0
Mock draft 5.0
Mock draft 6.0

5 takeaways from the Oklahoma Sooners performance at the NFL Scouting Combine

Five takeaways from Oklahoma Sooners at the 2023 NFL Scouting combine.

One of the biggest weekends for the football world just came to completion. This weekend served as a massive evaluation tool for determining the future of the next stars of the NFL.

Oklahoma has no shortage of stars in the pro ranks at the moment but has the opportunity for a number of players to hear their names called in April.

Seven Sooners made the trek to Indianapolis to participate in the NFL Scouting Combine.

The Oklahoma Sooners, as a whole, put on a fine display of athleticism as multiple players put up great testing numbers. Social media was set ablaze watching [autotag]Anton Harrison[/autotag], [autotag]Marvin Mims[/autotag], and [autotag]Jalen Redmond[/autotag] test. With the combine over, these former Sooners will begin preparing for their pro day.

Here are five takeaways about the Oklahoma Sooners from the NFL Scouting Combine.

Jalen Redmond shines at NFL Combine, sets social media ablaze

Oklahoma’s Jalen Redmond put on a magnificent display of athleticism at the NFL scouting combine yesterday.

The next crop of Oklahoma Sooners has descended upon Indianapolis for the most extensive interview. They’re looking to showcase themselves in front of the NFL world at the NFL scouting combine.

Oklahoma’s success on the field this season was not up to usual standards. However, the Sooners still had a handful of talented players.

One of those Sooners, Jalen Redmond, was the only defensive lineman representing Oklahoma in Indianapolis.

Redmond spent the last four years trying to live up to the four-star recruit he entered college as. Injuries always felt like his biggest enemy. He was productive and a problem for opposing offensive lines when he was healthy. On Thursday afternoon, he showcased why Oklahoma had such high hopes for him when he was healthy. His testing numbers were excellent from top to bottom.

Redmond was the second-fastest among defensive tackle prospects at 4.81 seconds. To further highlight his get-off, he had the second-fastest 10-yard split of 1.71 seconds behind Pitt’s Calijah Kancey. The 10-yard split also helps illustrate a defensive tackle’s ability to get off the ball and their ability in short-area pursuit.

He further showed off his explosiveness, leading the way among interior defensive linemen with the best broad jump and vertical in the group.

On Friday, Redmond flexed his strength by putting up 27 reps of 225 pounds on the bench, fourth among his position’s peers.

Next up will be the interview process. However, his tape, combined with his athletic testing numbers, highlight his best football is still in front of him. The medical check will be paramount after dealing with life-threatening blood clots that forced him to miss the 2020 season due to COVID concerns and some lingering knee issues.

Redmond was second on the team in 2022 with 10.5 tackles for loss. He finished his final season with 23 tackles which included four sacks. His other most notable year came in 2019 when he played in 13 of 14 games and made four starts. He led OU with 6.5 sacks and ranked third with 11.0 tackles for loss. Redmond’s natural athleticism was on full display for the NFL world, and it’s hard to imagine he didn’t make a bit extra money for his performance.

2023 NFL Scouting Combine: Biggest winners from Thursday’s workouts

Highlighting the prospects who made themselves money on Day 1 of the NFL Scouting Combine

The 2023 NFL Scouting Combine began at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, with edge defenders, defensive tackles and linebackers taking the field.

Here are the prospects who helped their draft stock during Thursday’s testing and on-field workouts:

2023 NFL Combine results for Jalen Redmond

Results for Oklahoma Sooners defensive tackle Jalen Redmond at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine.

Defensive tackle Jalen Redmond had himself a day to kick off the 2023 NFL draft combine for the Oklahoma Sooners.

Redmond is one of seven Oklahoma Sooners who will participate in the scouting weekend in Indianapolis, working through drills for NFL teams. And it was a good day.

The Sooners’ defensive tackle showed off his athleticism by leading or finishing in the top two of each event at his position. Redmond had a solid career at the University of Oklahoma. He led the Sooners in sacks back in 2019 as a redshirt freshman before opting out of the 2020 COVID season.

Over the course of his Sooners’ career, he recorded 71 total tackles, 31.5 tackles for loss, and 14 sacks over three seasons.

With good production and a fantastic showing at the NFL combine, Jalen Redmond is a player that will begin shooting up mock drafts in the coming weeks.