Tag: Justin Jefferson

CFB National Championship: 4 matchups to watch between top Saints draft prospects

The Saints have many top 2020 NFL Draft prospects to watch when LSU kicks off against Clemson in the CFB Playoff National Championship game.

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We’re hours away from the College Football Playoff National Championship game between the LSU Tigers and the Clemson Tigers, and as luck would have it, the game will be played in the New Orleans Saints’ home stadium — the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.

That presents a great opportunity for Saints shot-callers like coach Sean Payton, general manager Mickey Loomis, and scouting director Jeff Ireland to see some of the 2020 NFL Draft’s best prospects perform live in such a high-pressure situation. That doesn’t mean the Saints will draft anyone who plays in this game; but it does give these soon-to-be rookies a shot at making a memorable first impression.

Here are four matchups we’ll be watching closely:

When LSU has the ball

WR Justin Jefferson vs. CB A.J. Terrell

Jefferson went off against Oklahoma in the semifinals, posting 227 yards and catching four touchdown passes, but he’ll face a serious challenge in Terrell. According to Pro Football Focus charting, Terrell hasn’t allowed more than 60 yards in a game all season, and has surrendered just 14 completed passes into his coverage. That’s a natural collision point where both teams will be trying to compete with strength versus strength.

Either of these players would be huge additions for the Saints, but Jefferson’s success in a similar scheme has to be enticing. He excels at finding the open spaces within zone coverage, just like past Saints success stories like Marques Colston and Willie Snead once did. But Jefferson has better size and agility, and more upside, than any of those other potential predecessors.

TE Thaddeus Moss vs. LB/S Isaiah Simmons

Moss is an enthusiastic blocker and a fearless pass-catcher, even if he’s been more of an afterthought in the passing game than a featured piece (his 42 receptions rank fifth-most). Jared Cook is entering the final season of his two-year Saints contract, and the Saints struggled to adjust when blocking tight end Josh Hill missed time with a concussion. It’s easy to see Moss taking a year to learn the ropes as the third tight end before the Saints unleash him the next season, though he still has a year of college eligibility left as a redshirt junior.

Simmons would give the Saints rare versatility in the back seven, especially if paired with C.J. Gardner-Johnson. PFF graded him well at every position he played (which ranged from weakside linebacker to strong and free safety), so it’s easy to see the Saints disguising their coverage by trotting out Simmons alongside the equally-versatile Gardner-Johnson. However, with multiple starting linebackers returning from injuries (Alex Anzalone and Kiko Alonso), it might be easier to slot Simmons in as a day-one starter at the second level.

When Clemson has the ball

WR Tee Higgins vs. CB Kristian Fulton

Higgins has steadily improved at the college level from one year to the next, and now he’s seen as one of the best route runners in the country. He’s also one of the best at catching the ball when it’s sent his way, even when covered tightly by opposing defensive backs. Fulton will challenge him more than anyone else he’s faced, however, as there are few cornerbacks better in press coverage. But Higgins doesn’t need much space to break a tackle and take off at a sprint after the catch.

Just like with the matchup between Jefferson and Terrell, the Saints are short-handed at both wide receiver and cornerback going into 2020. Michael Thomas turned in a one-man show in the passing game and could benefit from some real help. The only cornerbacks the Saints have under contract next season are Marshon Lattimore, Janoris Jenkins, and Patrick Robinson.

RB Travis Etienne vs. S Grant Delpit

Delpit has a great reputation as one of the country’s best safeties — as seen by him winning the Jim Thorpe Award — and there aren’t many players who can run with him in pass coverage. But there’s a serious flaw in his game as a tackler, with PFF crediting him a sky-high 27% whiff rate on tackle attempts. Etienne will punish him and the rest of the LSU defense should Delpit slip and miss when he has a chance to bring the runner down; Etienne led FBS in both yards gained after contact per attempt (5.2) and tackles broken per attempt (.45).

Every team can use more defensive backs, but the Saints secondary is in a tough spot with starting strong safety Vonn Bell headed for free agency. Delpit could be a good replacement if he’s available at their draft slot. Also, Alvin Kamara has just one year left on his contract, and he turned in a disappointing performance last season. Etienne looks like a natural fit should the Saints plan to move on.

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Potential Bills prospects to watch in National Championship

Buffalo Bills prospect watch for 2020 National Championship Game.

The National Championship Game in college football will take place on Monday. Unfortunately the Bills won’t be in the AFC Championship next weekend, so offseason mode is upon us.

Could there be some future Bills players on the field?

Here are some prospects to watch who could be on Buffalo’s radar at the 2020 NFL draft:

LSU Tigers wide receiver Justin Jefferson. Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

WR Justin Jefferson, LSU

Wide receiver is going to be a very talked about position in regard to the Bills during the pre-draft process. Buffalo had successful years from John Brown and Cole Beasley in 2019, but could certainly stand to add more in their wideout room.

Justin Jefferson could be a strong prospect on Buffalo’s radar in the second or third round. The 2020 receiver draft class is considered by many as a deep class, so the Bills could potentially get a first-round talent in the second round. Could that guy be Jefferson?

Here’s how Draft Wire breaks down Jefferson’s game:

As much fun as Joe Burrow has been this season for the Tigers, Justin Jefferson has been a big beneficiary of that stellar play. Not that Burrow is the only reason for the success, Jefferson has given opposing corners fits all season long. His double-moves down the field have created so many big plays for the Tigers. His size and explosiveness translates well to the next level, he has the potential to be a playmaker in the NFL.

EDGE K’Lavon Chaisson, LSU

The Bills have a strong defense under Sean McDermott, but the pass rush can stand to improve. Jordan Phillips on the interior of the defensive line was effective with 9.5 sacks last season, but he’s a free agent and you’d really like to get more production from the defensive end spots.

Chaisson could be a guy in play for the Bills in the first round of the draft. Considering Shaq Lawson is also a free agent and Trent Murphy could be a cut causality, Chaisson could certainly make some sense.

Here’s how Draft Wire breaks down his game:

Chaisson is an absolute freak coming off the weakside of the offensive line. He has the bend that scouts will salivate over and the explosiveness to make him a handful at the next level. He has all the intangibles to be similar to another former Tiger, Danielle Hunter. He can play in both a 4-3 and 3-4 alignment without suffering any coverage ability if needed. His relentless motor and athleticism sets him apart from most edge rushers. Once he learns to use his hands with better technique, watch out.

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2020 NFL draft: Top prospects to watch in National Championship Game

2020 NFL draft: Top prospects to watch in National Championship Game

On Monday night, the eyes of the college and NFL world will be on the Louisiana Superdome as LSU and Clemson battle for the College Football National Championship.

There will be plenty NFL scouts in attendance and with the Eagles have several needs, Monday night will be a prime opportunity to scout some of college football best athletes.

Here are a few of the top prospects that can help the Eagles to watch courtesy of the Draft Wire:

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1. Justin Jefferson — WR — LSU

The Eagles can use an explosive playmaker on the outside and Justin Jefferson is a huge reason that Joe Burrow will be the No. 1 pick. Jefferson can run every route, he creates big plays and his explosiveness would put the Eagles offense on another level.

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2020 NFL draft: Top prospects to watch in National Championship Game

Monday night’s national title showdown between LSU and Clemson is loaded with top prospects for the 2020 NFL draft

This coming Monday all eyes will be on the National Championship Game in New Orleans, Louisiana. While both teams are playing for college football immortality, for select players it goes beyond their final game in a college uniform.

There will be plenty NFL scouts in attendance as they get one final opportunity to put their notes together in a game before the offseason bowl games, combines and pro day workouts.

LSU TIGERS

QB Joe Burrow

Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

At this point it seems like a foregone conclusion that Burrow will be the number one overall selection at this point. His Heisman season put him on the map and with the Cincinnati Bengals likely done with the Andy Dalton era all but over, look for Burrow to take off one tigers jersey and trade it for one in orange and black.

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Eagles 3-round mock draft after Wild Card playoff loss to Seahawks

Here is a 2020 NFL Draft 3-Round Mock Draft for the Philadelphia Eagles following their Wild Card playoff loss to the Seattle Seahawks.

It was a disappointing loss for the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, as they fell to the Seattle Seahawks 17-9 in the NFC Wild Card playoffs. Quarterback Carson Wentz was knocked out of the game in the 1st quarter on a cheap shot to the head from Seahawks pass rusher, Jadeveon Clowney. The loss of Wentz was the final nail in the Eagles coffin, or for a better way to describe it, the final player that needed the blue medical tent before it was too much for the Eagles to overcome in 2019.

Philly had so many injuries this season that many have lost count. No team in the NFL needed the offseason more than the Eagles, so now they can heal up and be ready for 2020. They also will have the chance to add some help to their team in the 2020 NFL Draft. After the loss to the Seahawks, the Eagles officially locked themselves into the 21st pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.

It will be interesting to see what Roseman and the Eagles do in the draft, but here is a 3-round mock draft following their exit from the playoffs.

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Round 1, Pick 21: C.J. Henderson, Cornerback, Florida

Cornerback is the biggest need for the Philadelphia Eagles in the 2020 NFL Draft. That is why former Florida Gators cornerback C.J. Henderson needs to be a target for the Eagles. Henderson is the next shutdown cornerback in the NFL. He has elite coverage skills and he is already better than every single cornerback the Eagles have.

Henderson would give defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz and the Eagles defense a difference-maker at cornerback, which is something they haven’t had in forever. The former Gator would be the Eagles No. 1 cornerback the day he walked into the building and give them a piece to build on for the defense.

The big knock on Henderson is that he doesn’t help much in the run game, but the Eagles do not need a cornerback who can help in the run game. They need a cornerback who does not get burnt deep three times a game and can also make a play on the football. Henderson did not have any interceptions this year, but he had 6 in his career at Florida, as well as 20 passes defended, with a career-high 11 in 2019.

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2020 NFL Draft: Bills bolster both sides of the ball in 3-round mock

In the three-round mock draft, Easterling has the Bills drafting a cornerback in round one.

In Draft Wire’s most recent mock draft, published just before the New Year, Luke Eastering sees a scenario where the Bills further bolster their defense. Interestingly enough, Easterling has Buffalo in selecting a best-player-available scenario, strengthening the defense and searching for value on day two of the draft.

In the three-round mock draft, Easterling has the Bills drafting a cornerback in Round 1. Ultimately, the first selection would give the Bills a firm solution opposite Tre’Davious White.

Here’s how Draft Wire breaks down Diggs’ selection by the Bills:

Rd. 1 Trevon Diggs | CB | Alabama

This defense already boasts one of the NFL’s top corners in Tre’Davious White, but the Bills could use an upgrade on the other side of the field. Diggs has the size, athleticism and ball skills to make an immediate impact for one of the league’s best units.

Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Trevon Diggs. Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Diggs was named an All-American by various publications and analysts, ranging from a first-team selection to a third-team choice. He intercepted three passes this year and allowed a passer rating of only 44.5 when targeted this year. Diggs elected not to play in the Citrus Bowl this year.

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Watch all of Joe Burrow’s touchdown passes in first-half blowout of Oklahoma

This one is over. Go enjoy your night.

The Oklahoma Sooners were on the wrong side of history in the College Football Playoff semifinal against LSU on Saturday.

Joe Burrow became the first player in the history of the College Football Playoff to throw for seven touchdowns in a game — and he accomplished the feat in the first half.

That’s not all. He’s already tossed for 403 yards and finished the half with fewer incompletions (6) than touchdown passes (7). This is just unfair.

His touchdown passes haven’t been easy, either. They’ve rarely come on short fields. Burrow is throwing the ball deep down the field and connecting with his targets over and through Oklahoma’s defensive backfield. He’s been straight up dominant.

Here’s a look at every single one of his touchdown passes so far.

First, he hit Justin Jefferson on a 19-yard strike. 7-0.

Then he hit Terrence Marshall on the move. 14-7.

For touchdown number three, he hit Jefferson down the field after he burned his man. 21-7.

For touchdown number four, he hit Jefferson deep and got a great effort from his receiver on the catch. 28-7.

Rinse, wash, repeat for touchdown number five. Jefferson got his fourth touchdown catch of the game on this play. 35-7.

After that, for touchdown number six, Thaddeus Moss got loose on the defense in a busted covered. He was as wide open as can be. 42-14.

For the final touchdown, he hit Marshall again in the back of the endzone. 49-14.

If there was ever a time when we needed a mercy rule in college football, it’s right now. Oklahoma is done. What an incredible half from Burrow and LSU.

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LSU WR Justin Jefferson catches 4 1st-half touchdowns in Peach Bowl

LSU wide receiver Justin Jefferson is lighting up the Oklahoma defense in the Peach Bowl

The LSU Tigers are running away with the Peach Bowl at halftime, and they have plenty of players to thank for their massive halftime lead.

Heisman Trophy winner Joe Burrow is lighting up the Sooners defense, and his favorite target has been Justin Jefferson.

Jefferson has hauled in four of Burrow’s five touchdown passes in the first half, as the Tigers have built a 49-14 lead heading into the locker room. Through two quarters, Jefferson’s stat sheet looks like a video game: Nine receptions, 186 yards, and the four scores.

One of the top receiver prospects in the country, Jefferson is putting on an absolute show for NFL scouts and decision-makers on one of college football’s biggest stages. This performance will bode well for his draft stock moving forward.

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Joe Burrow throws for 403 yards, 7 touchdowns in 1st half of Peach Bowl

Heisman Trophy winner Joe Burrow is destroying the Oklahoma defense in the first half of the Peach Bowl

The Heisman Trophy winner is living up to the hype in the College Football Playoff.

LSU quarterback Joe Burrow is torching the Oklahoma defense in the first half of Saturday’s Peach Bowl semifinal, tossing seven touchdown passes, four of them to Justin Jefferson.

Burrow now has a whopping 55 touchdown passes this season, all while setting an FBS record for completion percentage and only throwing six interceptions. His incredible run is continuing against what was touted as a much-improved Sooners defense.

Burrow has 403 passing yards through two quarters, completing 21 of 27 passes with no interceptions.

There’s technically still time for Oklahoma to make a comeback, but unless Burrow switches teams for the second half, it looks like the Bayou Bengals will be waltzing into the national title game.

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2020 NFL mock draft: 3-round draft sees CB early for Bills

Paulson Adebo to the Buffalo Bills in Draft Wire’s latest 2020 NFL mock draft.

The Bills arguably have the best secondary in the NFL. Could the club add the cherry on top with their first-round pick at the 2020 NFL draft? Draft Wire seems to think so.

In their latest three-round mock draft after Week 15, the Bills do exactly that, adding cornerback Paulson Adebo from Stanford.

Here’s explanation as to why:

25. Buffalo Bills

Paulson Adebo | CB | Stanford

It feels unfair to keep loading this defense up with studs, but that’s exactly what happens here. The Bills already have one of the league’s best corners in Tre’Davious White, but giving them another talented cover man like Adebo would make their secondary even more scary.

Making the case for a cornerback for the Bills in the first round is tough looking through the spectrum of their offense and other needs, even on defense. But at the second cornerback spot, the Bills have had a rotation with Levi Wallace and Kevin Johnson this season. The Bills have shown in the past that they’d prefer having someone in that role that the team can trust to play almost every snap in games.

Rounding out Buffalo’s next two picks are more of those needs we’ve referred to via the receiver and pass rusher positions:

58. Buffalo Bills | Justin Jefferson | WR | LSU

89. Buffalo Bills | Julian Okwara | EDGE | Notre Dame

Jefferson is a popular pick for the Bills via Draft Wire, as he was their selection in the most recent mock draft prior to this one. In Jefferson, the Bills would land a potential project for their No. 1 wideout spot in the future. After getting rid of Zay Jones, the Bills have a need for youth there as John Brown and Cole Beasley are playing well, but are vets. The 6-foot-2 Jefferson would give the Bills a bigger body the offense and Josh Allen needs on the outside, too.

Via Okwara, the Bills would help replace and put fresh blood into their pass rushing situation. The Bills could be without Shaq Lawson and Trent Murphy next year due to their contract situations. While the Bills have gotten to opposing quarterbacks in the second half of the season, plenty have come from the inside of their defensive line via Jordan Phillips and Ed Oliver. The edge defender position could see some improvement.