Tag: Joshua Uche

Patriots LB Uche explains why he wants to be called ‘Joshua’

Uche explains heartfelt reasoning behind wanting to be called “Joshua” moving forward

The name is Joshua Uche, moving forward.

On Tuesday, the New England Patriots linebacker said he was leaving the abbreviated version of his name in the rearview and taking up the full name given to him at birth.

When asked to explain the change in name preference, Uche gave a heartfelt reason, when speaking with media members. It all boils down to the simple fact that it is the name his father gave him, and he wants to honor that name from here on out.

“One of the biggest disciplinarians other than Bill Belichick. … He’s the reason I’m standing here today,” said Uche, when talking about his father.

Uche is in a good place playing on a one-year extension with the Patriots and an opportunity to maximize his value in 2025. The new regime has shown they aren’t afraid of shelling out cash to keep their best players.

If Uche can get back to being the sack monster he was in 2022, he could be the next major extension looming on the horizon for the Patriots.

Saints make a few bold moves in our latest seven-round 2020 mock draft

The New Orleans Saints started our latest seven-round 2020 NFL mock draft by trading up for Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver CeeDee Lamb.

The New Orleans Saints already have 68 players under contract for the 2020 season, but only 53 of them will be kept around for opening day. Just like we’ve seen in past years, this roster is too deep and talented for every rookie draft pick to stick, so it’s important that the Saints make calculated moves to target players who have a shorter path to contributing than taking scratch-off lottery tickets on a bunch of long shots.

In last week’s seven-round mock draft, we took a more conservative approach and traded back a few times, garnering extra picks to help maneuver the draft board. This time, however, we tried out the mock draft simulator from Pro Football Network, which allows you to trade 2021 draft picks as well as selections in this year’s event.

The Saints are one of the NFL’s most aggressive outfits in the draft, having traded up at some point in each year of Sean Payton’s tenure (except in 2006, during his first days on the job, and in 2012, when he was suspended), and it’s important that we reflect that by having the ability to deal out future picks.

They’re always wheeling and dealing, giving up next year’s draft picks to make immediate upgrades. Fans and analysts may hate the gamble of giving up future assets, but until the NFL draft is abolished altogether or the heat death of the universe (whichever comes first), the Saints won’t have a piper to pay. There will always be future picks to trade.

So with all that said: move on to the next page to find out how we added several impact players in this seven-round mock draft, and which picks are left to work with another day.

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6 more players the Jets should target at the Senior Bowl

Florida’s Van Jefferson and Michigan’s Josh Uche are among prospects at the Senior Bowl that the Jets should prioritize come April.

While this Senior Bowl class isn’t the deepest one in recent memory, that still doesn’t mean that there aren’t players worth targeting in Mobile.

We already highlighted six players that the Jets should keep an eye on down in Alabama. Well, now we are highlighting six more.

Certain players have been flashing this week and evaluators believe that several Senior Bowl participants have improved their draft stock with their performance in practice this. Let’s take a look at a few more names the Jets will want to consider with game day here.

WR Van Jefferson – Florida

(Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports)

This one seems like a no brainer, as Van Jefferson is the son of Jets wide receivers coach Shawn Jefferson.

The former Florida Gator was named one of the South Squad offensive practice players of the week, as voted on by the position group they competed against in practice.

In all three days of practice, Jefferson consistently stood out in one-on-one drills. He showed his ability to create separation with his flexibility as a receiver. His route running ability has opened some eyes, too.

Being the son of a 13-year NFL receiver seems to be paying off for Jefferson.

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13 potential Bills prospects to watch at the 2020 Senior Bowl

Buffalo Bills prospects to watch at the 2020 Senior Bowl.

The Senior Bowl is upon us, which means the beginning of the draft season. Plenty of first and second day draft picks end up taking part in the festivities.

Josh Allen, anyone?

In 2019, 10 first-round picks took part in the game and since his tenure as Buffalo’s head coach, Sean McDermott has taken a liking to seniors due to their extra year of maturity and experience. There’s a good chance the Bills dip back into the Senior Bowl pool in 2020 with nine total draft picks currently slated to them at the upcoming draft.

With that, here are 13 Senior Bowl prospects to monitor for the Bills at the event as practices begin on Tuesday ahead of Saturday’s game:

Clemson Tigers offensive lineman John Simpson (74). Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports

OL John Simpson, Clemson

The Bills might have an opening for starting spot on their offensive line via Quinton Spain. He’s a free agent and where he struggled according to Pro Football Focus’ metrics were as a run blocker. Clemson’s John Simpson is described as a powerful blocker who could improve a bit as a pass blocker at the next level.

Simpson is currently projected as a mid-round pick that could use a big week at the Senior Bowl. Playing at a powerhouse school and using football to pull himself out of a tough upbringing. That could attract the Bills to him. Simpson can play both guard position, but only lined up at left guard in 2019.

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