Tag: John Simpson

Raiders OL John Simpson steps up at left guard as Richie Incognito doesn’t practice

John Simpson steps up at LG for Raiders with Richie Incognito missing practice

Day 2 of Raiders training camp commenced today missing one of its veteran starters. Left guard Richie Incognito was not on the field with the team Thursday after practicing in full on Day 1.

Stepping up with the first team at left guard was second-year guard John Simpson. The former Clemson Tiger was selected in the fourth round of the 2020 draft. He saw action in seven games as a rookie with two starts.

Incognito is by far the most veteran offensive lineman on this team. He would be the most veteran player on a lot of lines, but this team, in particular, has three new full-time starters, two of whom have a combined one start between them.

Adding Simpson to that group would make Denzelle Good and Kolton Miller the only veteran players on the first team.

There is some veteran competition on the interior in the form of Nick Martin. The former Texans’ starting center will be a utility reserve interior lineman, lining up at both center and guard.

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Lions trade No. 109 pick to the Raiders for two picks

Lions picked up a 4th and a 5th

Lions fans will have to wait a bit longer than expected to learn who the team’s first pick of Day 3 will be. The Lions traded their first pick, No. 109 overall, to the Las Vegas Raiders.

In exchange for the third pick of the fourth round, the Lions picked up a later fourth-round pick, No. 121 overall, and a fifth-round pick, No. 172.

With the pick, the Raiders selected Clemson guard John Simpson.

2020 NFL Draft Ranking: Guards

2020 NFL Draft Ranking: Guards

The Cleveland Browns are getting to be addressing the offensive tackle position early, but they are also going to be looking to add another contributor to the interior. This year’s guard class is weaker than most, but there are a few players who are ready to contribute immediately.

Just a reminder that I grade generously and optimistically.

Most writers only rank 20-25 first-round grades and that is probably more indicative of their talent rather than where they are selected. I rank prospects based on the highest I could possibly see them be snagged.

Just a reminder that I grade like I make love: generously

Most writers only rank 20-25 first-round grades and that is probably more indicative of their talent rather than where they are selected. I rank prospects based on the highest I could possibly see them be snagged.

1st Round

1. Robert Hunt, Louisiana-Lafayette, 6-5, 323 pounds

Hunt is an already large individual and he looks like he could potentially add even more weight while still maintaining his surprisingly quick feet. He also provides versatility as he could play tackle if need be. The biggest obstacle for Hunt is that he struggles against counter-moves.

2. Netane Muti, Fresno St., 6-3, 315 pounds

Muti is an absolute stud and showed off his versatility, dominating at both guard and tackle while in college. He has immense potential, but he is a polarizing prospect due to concerns about his health. Muti only played two games in 2018 due to an Achilles tear and three games in 2019 due to a Lisfranc injury.

3. Ben Bredeson, Michigan, 6-5, 315 pounds

Bredeson was the true star in the Wolverine offense as he rarely had a bad game as a four-year starter. His strength and size allow him to thrive on the inside and this should allow him to see time sooner rather than later. A few teams maybe turned off by Bredeson due to his lack of ideal athleticism.

4. John Simpson, Clemson, 6-4, 321 pounds

The All-American dominates in the run game and loves to find work in the second level. He looks like how a GM would create a mauling guard and he plays with that style as well. Simpson has missed one or two blocks, but that can likely be chalked up to sloppiness, but there are athletic concerns too.

5. Damien Lewis, LSU, 6-2, 327 pounds

Lewis is a former JUCO stud that once he found his footing at LSU started 27 games in a row at right guard. All-SEC player who was vital in helping the Tigers win the Joe Moore Award for the nation’s best line. Lewis has the ideal body size for an immovable object. Lewis is a bit rough in the passing game and that will need work at the next level.

2nd Round

6. Shane Lemieux, Oregon, 6-4, 310 pounds

Lemieux loves to drive opponents into the dirt, but also has quick enough feet to work in space and can be special when asked to pull as a lead blocker. Like Lewis, Lemieux is not the most ideal pass protector and this will need to improve for him to start at the next level.

7. Solomon Kindley, Georgia, 6-3, 337 pounds

Kindley is a three-year starter with 32 starts under his belt. He was recruited as a tackle, but made the transition early in his college career and saw extensive minutes on both the left and right side. He loves looking for working until the whistle blows. Kindley is still fairly raw as he often just needed his strength to win in college. He may need a red-shirt season.

8. Logan Stenberg, Kentucky, 6-6, 317 pounds

Stenberg is arguably the best in the class in working in close quarters and has the ideal strength that should allow that trait to transition to the NFL. He has a powerful initial punch. Stenberg would be ranked higher on this list, but he is not the ideal athlete teams look for.

9. Ezra Cleveland, Boise St., 6-6, 311 pounds

Cleveland is a three-year starter at tackle for an extremely fast-paced offense and he only helped himself with a fantastic Senior Bowl week. He also has great size with the potential to add more weight. Cleveland had a very impressive combine, but I don’t see that athleticism on film and believe he gets beat by more athletic edge rushers if he remains at tackle.

10. Ben Bartch, St. Johns, 6-6, 309 pounds

Bartch thrives when moving to the second level and maybe the best in the class at attacking downfield. This is likely due to his tight end roots as he only made the transition to tackle in college. Bartch is still a raw prospect with a ton of room to grow, but he is still learning the position and his level of competition did him no favors.

11. Jonah Jackson, Ohio St., 6-3, 306 pounds

Jackson has impressive hands with the strength to hold onto a defender as long as needed. His hands are also very active and quick and he can reset them when needed, especially against counter-moves. He also has excellent ability to mirror defenders. Jackson is not the best athlete.

12. Tremayne Anchrum, Clemson, 6-2, 314 pounds

Anchrum was All-ACC this past season and has been the starter at right tackle for the Tigers the last two years. He has been a vital part of the team’s 29-1 record the last two seasons and his versatility will help at the next level as well. Anchrum best projects to guard due to his severe lack of length.

3rd Round

13. Simon Stepaniak, Indiana, 6-4, 313 pounds

Stepaniak has a ton of experience as he started 31 games for the Hoosiers and has obvious leadership qualities as he was named team captain. He also provides versatility as he played extensively on both the left and right sides. He does have the ideal size to go with the requisite strength, but lacks the length most teams are wanting and is not an option as tackle.

14. Calvin Throckmorton, Oregon, 6-5, 317 pounds

Throckmorton is arguably the most consistent and versatile lineman in this class as he has taken snaps all across the line. He has a good frame to land on the inside at the next level. Throckmorton doesn’t have the explosive initial get off needed to stay at tackle and this isn’t ideal at guard either. Browns fans will remember former 2016 fifth round selection, Spencer Drango and Throckmorton shares a lot of the same traits as Drango, but with a tad higher ceiling.

15. Kevin Dotson, Louisiana-Lafayette, 6-4, 310 pounds

There is a lot to like about Dotson, he is built like the prototypical guard and he plays with ideal strength. He also has the length needed to play at the next level and can thrive in space and land body blows when on the move. Dotson likes his job and takes joy in putting dudes in the dirt. The problem with Dotson is he is not the smoothest pass protector.

16. Jon Runyan, Michigan, 6-4, 306 pounds

Runyan plays like a prospect with NFL bloodlines as he is a fairly technical player and he provides instant versatility considering that he played tackle in college. Runyan can play in the NFL for ten seasons as he has the football IQ to remain on rosters. He projects best at guard though due to his struggles in the passing game.

17. Terence Steele, Texas Tech, 6-6, 312 pounds

Steele was red-shirted in 2015 and immediately became the starting left tackle in 2016 and eventually started 37 games in a row at right tackle. Don’t let the lack of post-season honors fool you. Steele was one of the better linemen in the Big -12 and has the ideal length with a wingspan of 85 1/8 inches and 35 7/8 inch arms, which were some of the best numbers at the combine and Senior Bowl.

Steele is a waist bender and this bad habit needs to change and makes it hard to project him at tackle as edge rushers will eat that up. Steele has a similar profile to that of former Houston Texan, Chris Clark. That has made this a common comparison, but Steele has a higher ceiling than the ten-year veteran.

18. Steven Gonzalez, Penn St., 6-4, 341 pounds

Gonzalez plays with great strength and was named All-Big 10 after having another dominating season. He has plenty of experience as he has been the starter at left guard the last three seasons for the Nittany Lions. Gonzalez doesn’t have the quickest feet even for someone of his size they are a bit underwhelming.

19. Daishawn Dixon. San Diego St., 6-5, 330 pounds

Dixon is a prime candidate to be an immediate impact player and is the potential sleeper in this group. Dixon has dominated his competition as a three-year starter at left guard in a pro-style offense and has the right body type; all these combined means an easy transition to the NFL. Dixon isn’t ranked higher due to his lack of ideal athleticism and time will tell how much this hinders him.

4th Round

20. Gage Cervenka, Clemson, 6-3, 325 pounds

21. Marcus Keyes, Oklahoma St., 6-4, 315 pounds

22. Kyle Murphy, Rhode Island, 6-3, 316 pounds

23. Tre’Vour Wallace-Simms, Missouri, 6-5, 330 pounds

24. Michael Onwenu, Michigan, 6-3, 344 pounds

25. John Phillips, Boston College, 6-6, 305 pounds

26. Scott Frantz, Kansas St., 6-5, 303 pounds

7th Round

27. Zack Johnson, North Dakota St., 6-6, 310 pounds

28. Dallas Warmack, Oregon, 6-2, 310 pounds

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5 interior offensive linemen Bears should target in 2020 NFL Draft

It might a weak interior linemen class, but there are some prospects that would be good fits for the Bears.

Offensive line is no doubt one of the biggest roster concerns for the Bears. While the Bears brought in offensive linemen Germain Ifedi and Jason Spriggs during free agency, it wouldn’t be a surprise for the Bears to target a guard in the draft.

With a starting right guard spot up for grabs, Chicago figures to be in the market for a young guard. But while the offensive tackle class is a deep one, the same can’t be said for the interior linemen. With that said, there are some prospects that would be good fits for Chicago.

Let’s take a look at five offensive guards the Bears should target in the NFL Draft:

1. Cesar Ruiz, Michigan

AP Photo/Carlos Osorio

Ruiz is arguably the best interior lineman in this draft class, and he’d be an immediate contributor for the Bears. While Ruiz has lined up at center for the last two seasons with the Wolverines, he’s capable of playing either left or right guard. Ruiz’s combination of athleticism, skills and technique make him a player that should develop into a solid interior lineman at the professional level.

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2020 NFL Draft: Jets land Jerry Jeudy in Draft Wire’s new 7-round mock

The Jets land Jerry Jeudy in Draft Wire’s most recent seven-round mock draft projections.

The Draft Wire just released its latest seven-round mock draft, which has the Jets taking a top receiver.

In this seven-round projection, Luke Easterling Draft Wire’s has the Jets making some interesting picks. First, Easterling has the Jets spurning an offensive tackle in favor of taking a potential All-Pro wide receiver in Jerry Jeudy.

From there, the projections teeter from needs to positional value. Easterling has the Jets addressing the tackle position, but it’s the right side, which is less of a concern. He is able to find immediate, impact starters in the third and fourth rounds, but from there, the Jets aren’t drafting based on needs.

With that said, let’s take a look at Eatserling’s projections for the Jets in Rounds 1-7.

Round 1

11. Jerry Jeudy | WR | Alabama

(AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)

With Tristan Wirfs, Jedrick Wills and Mekhi Becton all off the board before the 11th pick, Easterling has the Jets swinging for the fences by taking Alabama wide receiver Jerry Jeudy over the fourth-best tackle, Andrew Thomas.

Jeudy is the perfect No. 1 wide receiver for Sam Darnold. He’s a crisp route-runner who has the natural speed and ability to take the top off of defenses. Jeudy’s experience in pro-style route combinations at Alabama should bode well for his transition to the pros.

While Jeudy didn’t put up the numbers he did in his sophomore year with the Crimson Tide, he was still among the top receivers in the country last year. Starting all 13 games, he corralled 77 receptions for 1,1263 yards and 10 touchdowns, repeating as a first-team All-SEC pick.

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Report: Bills have pre-draft meeting with John Simpson

Per Pewter Report, the Tampa Bay Bucs met with offensive lineman John Simpson. The outlet also specifics that he met with a few other teams, including the Bills:

On Thursday, Bills general manager Brandon Beane said when the ongoing coronavirus pandemic hit full scale, he was in South Carolina visiting Clemson.

Perhaps we have some insight into why, and it’s not just because of wide receiver Tee Higgins.

Per Pewter Report, the Tampa Bay Bucs met with offensive lineman John Simpson. The outlet also specifics that he met with a few other teams, including the Bills:

Simpson was a second-team All-American in 2019 for the Tigers. The 6-foot-5, 330 pound lineman also has a nugget in his background that Buffalo head coach Sean McDermott will appreciate: he was a high school wrestler as well.

The senior had an up-and-down Senior Bowl, but flexed his muscle, literally, at the combine, by putting up 34 bench press reps. That was the third-highest among all offensive linemen at the combine.

The Bills do have depth at their offensive line, and the unit is returning all five starters in 2020 after Quinton Spain re-signed with the team this offseason. But Buffalo could still stand to add a rookie prospect to groom for future starting consideration with one of their upcoming draft picks.

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Chargers select future signal-caller, double dip in trenches in CBS Sports’ 3-round mock draft

The Los Angeles Chargers stack deck on the offensive side of the ball in CBS Sport’s latest three-round mock draft.

The Los Angeles Chargers are gearing up for the start of free agency, but the focus still revolves around what the franchise is going to do in the 2020 NFL Draft.

Free agency will play a part of how they’re going to go about their draft, but at the moment, addressing the quarterback position and offensive line will be the main focal point.

In CBS Sports’ latest three-round mock draft, the Bolts did that with their first three selections, with them using their No. 6 overall selection on Utah State quarterback Jordan Love.

Here’s a look at how the rest of the mock draft panned out:

  1. No. 6, QB Jordan Love, Utah State
  2. No. 37, OT Ezra Cleveland, Boise State
  3. No. 71, OL John Simpson, Clemson

Love is arguably the most polarizing quarterback in this year’s draft. His ability to make any throw on the field from multiple set points is very impressive, but he needs to improve his decision-making process and accuracy at the next level.

Love would benefit from sitting behind Tyrod Taylor for a year in order to correct those weaknesses to his game before taking over as the team’s starting quarterback.

The Chargers could benefit from Cleveland’s athleticism at the position. He needs to improve his play strength in the run game, but his balanced athleticism and loose movement skills allow him to stymie different types of rushers off the edge.

In his rookie season, he would be capable of filling in an immediate void at right tackle or competing for starting reps at left tackle now that Russell Okung is no longer on the team.

Finally, the Bolts shore up their offensive line with Simpson. He possesses the competitiveness and character that the Chargers covet.

The former high school state wrestler has extremely strong hands and does whatever it takes to finish his blocks as a run blocker. He has a really powerful anchor and sound technique in pass protection.

Simpson would offer competition at the guard spot, possessing the skillset to start in Year 1.

5 OL prospects Bears should watch at NFL Scouting Combine

One of the glaring needs the Bears will need to address this offseason is the offensive line, where there’s work to be done for the future.

There were no shortage of concerns on the offensive side of the ball for the Bears in 2019. One of the glaring needs the Bears will need to address this offseason is the offensive line.

While they’re pretty much stuck with what they’ve got — with the exception of a vacant right guard position — in 2020, there’s plenty of work to be done in the NFL Draft in regards to building for the future.

With that said, here are five offensive line prospects the Bears should watch at the NFL Scouting Combine next week:

1. Damien Lewis, LSU

Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports

The Bears are looking to fill the vacant role at right guard, and LSU guard Damien Lewis could very well be the guy for the job. Lewis started 28 straight games at right guard for the Tigers. He’s a physical force up front and does well under pressure. Lewis had a strong showing at the Senior Bowl, and his draft stock will only continue to rise with a strong outing at the NFL Combine.

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