Tag: Jamar Johnson

Broncos have cut or traded 3 members of 2021 draft class

Denver’s draft class from 2021 still looks great overall.

The Denver Broncos have cut or traded three members of their 2021 NFL draft class, and more cuts might be on the way.

Last year, Denver picked safety Jamar Johnson in the fifth round and cornerback Kary Vincent Jr. and defensive lineman Marquiss Spencer in the seventh round.

The Broncos later traded Vincent to the Philadelphia Eagles for a sixth-round pick. That was an excellent move given that Denver picked him one round later than that and had plenty of depth at corner at the time.

This year, the Broncos waived Johnson in their first round of roster cuts. Denver then waived/injured Spencer in the second round of cuts.

Spencer initially cleared waivers and reverted to the team’s injured reserve list, but Denver reached an injury settlement with the defensive lineman, making him a free agent. Spencer and Johnson might be candidates for the practice squad next week, but they’re off the team at least for now.

Meanwhile, wide receiver Seth Williams (sixth round) and outside linebacker Jonathon Cooper (seventh round) might also be on the roster bubble ahead of Tuesday’s deadline to submit a 53-man roster.

The good news for the Broncos is that general manager George Paton made 10 picks last year, and the first six have looked brilliant so far: CB Pat Surtain, RB Javonte Williams, OL Quinn Meinerz, OLB Baron Browning and DB Caden Sterns are also poised to have key roles this season.

Overall, it still looks like an excellent draft class for Denver, but the late-round picks aren’t all going to hit, and that’s normal in the NFL.

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Broncos cut 5 players to get down to 85-man roster

The Broncos have parted ways with five players, including former fifth-round pick Jamar Johnson.

The Denver Broncos waived five players on Tuesday, the team announced.

Denver parted ways with safety Jamar Johnson, running back Max Borghi, wide receiver Kaden Davis, tight end Rodney Williams and receiver Travis Fulgham.

Johnson joined the team as a fifth-round pick out of Indiana last year. He dressed for three games and played 38 snaps on special teams as a rookie. If Johnson is not picked up by another team, he might be a candidate for Denver’s practice squad later this month.

Borghi is an undrafted rookie who joined the Broncos earlier this month. He rushed four times for 10 yards in the team’s first preseason game last week.

Davis is also an undrafted rookie. He played just 10 snaps in Week 1 of preseason and did not record any catches.

Williams, another undrafted rookie, was also held without a catch last week.

Fulgham is a fourth-year receiver who spent part of last season on Denver’s practice squad. He played 22 snaps in the first preseason game and caught one pass for 11 yards on three targets.

In addition to Tuesday’s five roster moves, the Broncos also signed linebacker Joe Schobert on Monday. Schobert (6-1, 240 pounds) was brought in to add more depth at linebacker while Jonas Griffith (elbow) is sidelined.

To make room for Schobert on the 85-man roster, Denver waived offensive lineman Ben Braden with an injury designation. Braden was a backup with the Green Bay Packers from 2020-2021 under coach Nathaniel Hackett.

The next round of cuts for the Broncos will arrive on Aug. 16 when the team has to get down to 80 players. After that, Denver has to finalize a 53-man roster before Aug. 30.

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Secret Superstars of the 2021 preseason: Week 3

Week 3 of the 2021 preseason marked every player’s last chance to stand out. Which under-the-radar players did that the most as the preseason came to an end?

The last week of any preseason means different things to different types of players. Established veterans, if they play at all, are trying to shake the last bits of rust off, establish communication with new coaches and teammates, and try to avoid any injuries. High draft picks are trying to show what they’re capable of — if they’re not already starters, they’re trying to be. Then, there are the low draft picks, the undrafted players, and the veterans who are just trying to land on a roster. The real drama of the preseason is theirs — these players are playing for their professional lives, and they hope they just get enough reps to convince their current teams — or other teams if they don’t make final cuts — that they have something to offer at the NFL level.

Here are the Secret Superstars of Week 3 of the 2021 preseason — some players who either established roster spots, or, at the very least, put up enough good tape to make other NFL teams take notice.

10 players the Lions could target Day 3 of 2021 NFL Draft

The Detroit Lions will look to round out their 2021 NFL Draft heading into Day 3 and some of these players may interest the Lions

We have arrived at the final day of the 2021 NFL Draft, and the Detroit Lions have only two selections, one in the fourth (112) and one in fifth (153), to either try to fill any remaining gaps or make a particular unit that much stronger.

GM Brad Holmes has been content on staying put and allow the draft to come to him, so it might be slim he works a trades to accumulate further picks. He was able to address some weak points on defense with Levi Onwuzurike to play the 3-tech, Alim McNeill at the nose, and Ifeatu Melifonwu as a versatile press corner.

Holmes is sticking to his board, taking the best players he feels could help the team versus reaching for needs and pigeonholing them in any way. Some of the needs they might address in Day 3 are wide receiver, linebacker, or safety.

Here are a few players that could pique the interest of the Lions front office and put a stamp on what has been a solid draft so far.

Amon-Ra St. Brown, WR, USC

St. Brown is projected to fit best in the slot, but it is not out of the realm he could push outside as well. Even though he is on the smaller end, he makes up for it with a competitive streak that coaches will love. He has strong route-running ability, tracks the ball with ease, and could become a returner as well if asked.

Jabril Cox, LB, LSU

The Lions have put a premium on athleticism this draft, and Cox is filled up to the rim with it. He is one of the more athletic linebackers allowing to cover in any scheme coverage. Due to his size, he may struggle with blocks and run defending, but he could potentially turn into a three-down defender with his strong character and athletic ability.

Tylan Wallace, WR, Oklahoma State

Wallace had a very productive career at Oklahoma State, racking up 3,316 yards and 26 touchdowns during his collegiate career leading his team in yards the last two years. He is a route tactician allowing him to find the gaps in coverage and put himself to make the catch with strength and catch radius. He may lack size and not have the greatest speed, but he is a versatile receiver that can line up inside and outside and make the strong contested catch.

Hamsah Nasirildeen, S, Florida State

When Nasirildeen walks into the room, you notice him with a towering figure that gives the edge especially playing safety. He has the physicality to make his presence felt and a toughness that is unmeasurable. He finds himself in trouble from time with his route anticipation and eye discipline lacking while suffering a torn ACL late in 2019, affecting his 2020 status. Still, he has the character and versatility to make it has a hybrid safety while seeing time on special teams.

Jamar Johnson, S, Indiana

A player most thought to be off the board by now is sitting there as a top player heading into Day 3 that the Lions could be eyeing. He was primarily lining up as a free safety in Indiana; he has versatility and size to play in the box and split up the duties. He may shy away from tackling, but his range and ball skills would make him an interesting option to play alongside Tracy Walker.

Trey Smith, G, Tennessee

The Lions have stocked the cupboard with some massive players so far this draft, and it wouldn’t be out of the question they could make another individual that brings the offensive line its final piece. He is a mauler upfront and not afraid to knock you in the chin and could fill in a tackle in a pinch. For a big man, though, he may not have the best body control, and recovering from blood clots in his lung may take him, draft boards. If everything is clear, the Lions could have their guard of the future.

Derrick Barnes, LB, Purdue

He may not look like the prototypical linebacker measuring at only 6 feet; he does have a wicked skill set that makes him valuable as an outside linebacker in coverage or play off the edge. He can find a valuable home as a core special teamer while playing certain defensive situations with his high motor, length, and reaction skills.

Simi Fehoko, WR, Stanford

He is one of the older players on the circuit, but his ball skills make him a very enticing player in the later rounds worth developing. He has excellent body control and reliable hands, with most of his catches resulting in a first down or touchdown. He can line up inside or outside depending on the situation with his impressive short-area quickness while seeing some at special teams while he improves his route running,

Quincy Roche, Edge, Miami

There is no denying the production Roche was able to produce in college, racking up 30.5 sacks during his time at Temple and Miami. With his high motor and first-step quickness, he gains that valuable edge to make the highlight plays in the backfield. He might find a hard time adjusting to the NFL with his average length, especially against NFL tackles, but he has the effort and toughness that could overcome those deficiencies.

Jacob Harris, TE, UCF

Even though he labeled as a tight end, he fits in that same category as Kyle Pitts as an offensive weapon, and his athleticism was on full display at his Pro Day, putting up numbers that only Pitts was able to muster. Now Harris was 30 pounds light than Pitts; the traits are there the coaches can harness. The production lacks only 49 catches and less than 1,000 yards in his career, but he can play as a valuable receiving threat that can mismatch all day.

Falcons draft Chazz Surratt, Jamar Johnson in 3-round CBS Sports mock

Atlanta scouted quarterbacks Justin Fields and Trey Lance at length, while showing interest in Florida tight end Kyle Pitts. Since we don’t know Fontenot’s intentions, the forecast calls for another week of mock drafts.

With very little depth on the roster and veteran quarterback Matt Ryan still under contract, the best move for the Atlanta Falcons in next week’s draft may be to trade back and acquire as many picks as possible. At this point, it’s anyone’s guess as to what Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot will do, though.

Atlanta scouted quarterbacks Justin Fields and Trey Lance at length, while showing interest in Florida tight end Kyle Pitts. Since we don’t know Fontenot’s true intentions, the forecast calls for another week of mock drafts.

In a new three-round mock from CBS Sports, Chris Trapasso has the Falcons staying at pick No. 4 and drafting Pitts, “While they field calls, the Falcons ultimately turn them down and pair Pitts with Julio Jones and Calvin Ridley.”

If you follow our site, you’re probably well aware of Pitts’ strengths and weaknesses by now. The freakishly athletic playmaker out of Florida has drawn comparisons to Pro Football Hall of Fame receiver Calvin Johnson. Here’s an example of Pitts’ rare talent that has NFL scouts drooling.

In the second round of the mock, the Falcons select Chazz Surratt, a linebacker out of North Carolina. Surratt has good instincts despite being relatively new to the position. Here’s an excerpt from Draft Network’s scouting profile of the UNC linebacker.

“Surratt is an exciting package of size, mobility, and physicality, but there are times studying his tape when you are reminded that he is still new to the position,” writes Joe Marino. “Surratt will need to continue developing at the position and if he does, he has the makings of a starting pursuit-style linebacker that can make plays on every down.”

Last but not least, Atlanta drafts Indiana safety Jamar Johnson, a lesser-known prospect that seems to be rising up draft boards over the past two weeks. Johnson is one of those players who you just have to watch on film to fully appreciate the kind of range and ball skills he has.

The Falcons have nine picks in the 2021 NFL draft, and while everyone is focused on their top-five selection, there is a lot of talent to be had in the middle rounds. Atlanta must hit on a handful of these picks if the team is going to make a serious run at the playoffs this season.

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ESPN’s Kiper, McShay send Cowboys CB in 1st, DT, OT, Safety in 3-round combo mock

ESPN’s Kiper, McShay send Cowboys CB in 1st, DT, OT, Safety in 3-round mock. Cowboys Wire breaksdown each selection and how they would fit on the roster.

With just a little more than a week until the first night of the 2021 NFL draft,  thousands of mock drafts dissecting players and their fits on potential teams have been penned. However, in regards to the Dallas Cowboys some mock drafts are more friendly than others. ESPN draft analysts Mel Kiper and Todd McShay recently released a three-round mock draft where they alternate selections, choosing players they feel would be the best fit.

Kiper and McShay’s selections for the Cowboys would be an ideal scenario, and while the un-predictability of the NFL draft could render even the best mock draft useless, it’s interesting to study what two of the top draft analysts feel would be the best fits for Dallas. The Cowboys have four selections in the first three-rounds of next weeks draft, with the selections being at number 10, 44, 75 and 99.

10. Patrick Surtain II, CB, Alabama

McShay gets the first selection for the Cowboys and with five quarterbacks and no defensive players selected in the top-ten, Dallas gets their choice of defenders. Surtain’s size (6-foot-2) and instincts would be a great fit in Dan Quinn’s scheme.

Dallas gets first pick of the defensive pool, and I’m reuniting Surtain with his former Alabama teammate Trevon Diggs in this CB room. Surtain is a true shutdown corner.

Surtain’s chances of being available here: 84.7%

44. Christian Barmore, DT, Alabama

For the Cowboys second pick, McShay goes back to the Crimson Tide’s national championship defense.

Only three teams allowed five-plus yards per carry last year, and Dallas was among them. Barmore would help stop the bleeding in the middle of the defense.

Even though the 21 year-old is a bit raw, his power and energy make Barmore arguably the top defensive tackle in the class. The Athletic’s Dane Brugler has Barmore ranked as the 20th best player on his overall draft board. Barmore would likely start immediately for Dallas, giving them a respectable rotation that would include Trysten Hill, Neville Gallimore, Antwaun Woods and Brent Urban.

75. Walker Little, OT, Stanford

With the Cowboy’s first pick in the third-round, Mel Kiper takes the reigns adds some depth to the tackle position.

Offensive line is a sneaky need for the Cowboys, who had major injury issues last season. Little missed nearly all of 2019 with a knee injury and opted out of last season, but he has a first-round tool set.

With both Tyron Smith and La’el Collins missing most of last season, Dallas would be wise to draft a young potential tackle of the future. With the expected return of both Smith and Collins and the signing of Ty Nsekhe, the 6-foot-7, 313 pounder would not be forced into the lineup and would have time to develop some needed play-strength. However, if two of Dallas’ top tackles were to go down, Little would be a upgrade over Brandon Knight and/or Terrance Steele. Little would be a pick that would pay dividends in the future.

99. Jamar Johnson, S, Indiana

Stephen Jones spoke earlier in the week about the Cowboys potentially selecting a safety early in the draft if the right player was available, Mel Kiper believes Johnson could be that player

A safety helps fill all of the Cowboys’ most immediate needs, as we’ve also given them a corner, defensive tackle and offensive tackle. Johnson could challenge Donovan Wilson and free-agent signing Damontae Kazee for a starting job.

While Johnson is not the most physical player, his strengths are his range, awareness and ball skills. He would likely find playing time in a rotation with Kazee, until he gets more comfortable in the NFL. While Dallas fans would understandably like to see a safety selected higher than pick 99, Johnson is a good player who fits exactly what Dan Quinn values in a free safety.

With four picks in the first three rounds the Dallas Cowboys came away with a corner, defensive tackle, offensive tackle and a safety. Those are four positions of need for Dallas and they added three players that would compete for starting jobs immediately.

If next weeks draft plays out remotely close to this, the Cowboys would be ecstatic. Fans should keep their fingers crossed that Dallas is graced with a little luck from the draft gods.

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