Keeanu Benton – Page 13 – Syndication Server

Mock draft watch: Lions load up defense with a top-shelf QB in Draft Wire’s latest 2-round projections

Now that the calendar has flipped into December, mock draft season really starts heating up. The latest two-round mock draft projections from Draft Wire definitely turn up the burners for the Detroit Lions.

With their first pick, the one acquired from the Los Angeles Rams, the Lions select Ohio State QB C.J. Stroud. The pick was fourth overall entering Week 14 and these projections were completed by Draft Wire editor Luke Easterling prior to Thursday night’s comeback win by the Rams over the Raiders.

Jared Goff isn’t a problem or anything, but he’s also not a long-term solution for the Lions. If they luck out and get a top-five pick from the Rams, this scenario would give them the perfect opportunity to land their quarterback of the future in Stroud.

Detroit’s own first-rounder, No. 15 overall, hits up the defense. Versatile Alabama DB Brian Branch gets the nod. Branch plays both safety and nickel CB for the Crimson Tide, and that happens to be the primary role needed in Detroit’s defense this offseason,

Detroit’s corner play on the outside has been a pleasant surprise so far this season, but they could still use a hybrid defender with the versatility to line up in the slot or at either safety spot. Branch is the perfect fit, having handled a similar role in Nick Saban’s defense with great success.

The Lions have two second-round picks as well. Detroit’s pick falls at No. 45 overall, while the team also owns the Vikings pick at No. 61 thanks to the T.J. Hockenson trade. Those picks also address defense.

At 45, the Lions build the family by selecting LB Noah Sewell from Oregon. Yes, he is Penei’s brother. The projection here is higher than he’s generally expected to go after an underwhelming season for the Ducks, but Sewell offers starting potential. At 61, Detroit adds some beef with Wisconsin DT Keeanu Benton. It’s another position where the Lions must add some young depth with higher upside, and Benton checks those boxes.

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Mock Draft Watch: Browns land Wisconsin DT Keeanu Benton in Dane Brugler’s latest

As we get into the winter season, mock draft season is officially underway. In Dane Brugler’s latest, the Browns land Keeanu Benton.

While the Cleveland Browns do not have a first round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, they are currently slotted to have the 41st pick if the event were today. It is not a secret that the Browns need a defensive tackle, and that is exactly what The Athletic’s Dane Brugler gave them in his latest mock as Wisconsin’s Keeanu Benton was the pick.

Benton is currently ranked as my eighth-ranked defensive tackle in the class, so going early in the second round is rich. While Michigan’s Mazi Smith was off the board, Alabama’s Byron Young or Illinois’ Johnny Newton could serve as more explosive and dynamic defensive tackles for the Browns to target as they come onto the clock in the 2023 NFL Draft.

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Seven Badgers earn Big Ten Honors on special teams and defense

Seven Badgers were selected by coaches and media to the Big Ten All-Conference teams:

On Tuesday afternoon, the Big Ten released its All-Conference teams chosen by coaches and media for defense and special teams. There were five Badgers selected in the coaches’ Big Ten Honors, while there were seven picked by the media.

Outside linebacker Nick Herbig was the only Badger to be consensus first-team All-Big Ten, because of his excellent play off the edge for Wisconsin this season. Herbig finished the regular season with a conference-high 11 sacks and 15.5 tackles for loss. It is also worth noting that he has only played in 11 full games this year, after missing the Purdue matchup due to injury.

Although this season has been disappointing for the Badgers as a team, it is great to see individual players get recognized for their exceptional performance throughout the year.

Below are the Badgers named to the Big Ten’s All-Conference teams for defense and special teams:

Who are the top defensive tackles for Browns to target in the 2023 NFL Draft?

The Browns are in need of interior help, so who are the best defensive tackles in the 2023 NFL Draft? Cory Kinnan gives his top-10 at this point in the season.

The Cleveland Browns are in desperate need of defensive tackle help. They will need to overhaul their defensive tackle room with the real possibility that none of the current bodies return in 2023. This can happen via trade or free agency, but more than likely young guys will be added to the room by way of the 2023 NFL Draft.

Luckily for the Browns, this looks like a deep class of defensive tackles as last year’s crop was not. Who are the best defensive tackles in the 2023 NFL Draft? Here are my top ten guys who look to make the jump to the NFL this Spring.

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PHOTOS: Wisconsin shuts down Maryland 23-10 in the rain

Photos from Wisconsin football’s 23-10 victory in the rain over the Maryland Terrapins:

Despite the rain and strong winds, the Wisconsin Badgers decimated the Maryland Terrapins in a 23-10 victory at Camp Randall Stadium on Saturday.

The Badgers relied heavily on their ground game and running backs Braelon Allen and Isaac Guerendo. The duo combined for 233 rushing yards and two touchdowns, while Guerendo turned on the jets for an extraordinary 89-yard rushing touchdown in the first half.

The Wisconsin defense played lights out, holding the Terrapins to 5-17 on third down and under 200 total yards of offense. Outside linebacker Nick Herbig had a great first game back with three tackles for loss, as well as two sacks against Maryland quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa.

It was an outstanding victory for Wisconsin against the now 6-3 Terrapins. The Badgers will head on the road next weekend to face off against Big Ten West rival Iowa.

Below are photos from Wisconsin football’s 23-10 victory in the rain over the Maryland Terrapins:

Browns reenforce defensive interior with Byron Young in 2023 NFL Mock Draft

The Cleveland Browns need to overhaul their defensive front, and they do just that here in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft

We would be doing a 2023 NFL Mock Draft even if the Cleveland Browns were undefeated at this point in the season. However, starting with a record of 2-5 in 2022, draft season is getting highly incentivized once again as the Browns might be offloading some of their expiring contracts for additional draft picks before Tuesday’s trade deadline.

This year is a bit different for the Browns, however, as they do not have a first round pick for the third time since 2019. Last year the Browns traded out of the second round as well to then select Martin Emerson in the third.

Who do the Browns land here in this 2023 NFL Draft simulation? Let’s dive right in and take a look as we work through their eight current picks. Pro Football Network’s mock draft simulator was used for this exersize.

PHOTOS: Wisconsin falls to No. 3 Ohio State 52-21

Photos from Wisconsin football’s blowout loss to the Ohio State Buckeyes on Saturday night:

On Saturday night, Wisconsin Badgers fell on the road to the No. 3-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes 52-21. The Badgers’ offense struggled to move the ball against the Buckeyes, and the defense gave up 539 total yards of offense.

This game got out of hand early with Ohio State up 31-7 at halftime, while Wisconsin’s last 14 points came in garbage time during the fourth quarter. A bright spot for the Badgers could be running back Braelon Allen’s 75-yard touchdown run at the end of the game, which gave him 165 rushing yards and a touchdown on the day.

The Badgers will hope to rebound next week at home against a Brett Bielema-coached Illinois Fighting Illini squad.

Below are photos from Wisconsin football’s blowout loss to the Ohio State Buckeyes:

Badgers PFF grades: Top 5 defensive players from week 3 win over New Mexico State

Here’s a look at the top 5 highest graded defensive players from Wisconsin’s 66-7 victory over New Mexico State, according to Pro Football Focus:

Head coach Paul Chryst and the Wisconsin Badgers (2-1) took care of business at Camp Randall Stadium on Saturday afternoon, beating the visiting New Mexico State Aggies 66-7 in a game that was never close.

The Badgers’ defense, led by Jim Leonhard, only allowed seven points (which came in garbage time), 242 yards of offense, and wound up forcing three turnovers.

The defense dismantled the Aggies two quarterback system from the jump, ending eight of New Mexico States’ 15 possessions in three and outs.

The Badgers, currently unranked, finished conference play on a high note and will now prepare for a grueling Big Ten slate that begins with a road test against the Ohio State Buckeyes.

Here’s a look at the top 5 highest graded defensive players from Wisconsin’s 66-7 victory over the New Mexico State Aggies, according to Pro Football Focus.

LOOK: Wisconsin rebounds against New Mexico State 66-7

Photos from Wisconsin football’s dominant victory over the New Mexico State Aggies:

After a tough loss to the Washington State Cougars, the Wisconsin Badgers dominated the New Mexico State Aggies 66-7 in the final game of the Badgers’ three-game homestretch at Camp Randall Stadium.

The phenomenal performance was led by a great effort from Jim Leonhard’s defense which had three interceptions. The Badgers also limited the Aggies to only 242 total yards, which mostly came in the second half against their backups.

On offense, quarterback Graham Mertz had a great game finishing with 251 passing yards, three touchdowns and an interception. Wisconsin RB Braelon Allen continued his good form with 86 rushing yards and three touchdowns.

It is great to see the Badgers rebound after a difficult loss, especially ahead of their matchup next week on the road against the No. 3-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes.

Below are photos from Wisconsin football’s dominant victory over the New Mexico State Aggies:

Badgers PFF grades: Top 5 defensive players from week 1 victory over Illinois State

Here’s a look at the top 5 highest graded defensive players from Wisconsin’s 38-0 victory over Illinois State, according to Pro Football Focus:

The No. 18 Wisconsin Badgers (1-0) kicked off its season opener at Camp Randall on Saturday night with a 38-0 victory over the visiting Illinois State Redbirds.

Jim Leonhard’s defense was able to hang a goose egg to begin the season, but the underlying numbers showed a slightly less dominating performance. Wisconsin gave up 243 total yards, 186 of which came through the air but made several timely plays that changed the course of the game.

UW played without its No. 1 cornerback Alexander Smith, but the secondary appeared to struggle with the Redbirds passing attack, giving up several chunk plays.

Senior safety John Torchio stole the show with his 100-yard pick-six in the first quarter, and outside linebacker Nick Herbig looked like a guy who will be playing on Sundays next season, registering four tackles and two sacks.

Overall, it was a solid showing for a defense replacing eight starters from last season’s top-ranked unit in the country.

Here’s a look at the top 5 highest graded defensive players from Wisconsin’s 38-0 victory over Illinois State, according to Pro Football Focus.