2020 Jags Wire mock 2.0: Post-Senior Bowl edition

With the 2020 Senior Bowl in the books, it’s now time to start looking forward to the NFL Combine. That also means it’s the perfect time for a new Jags Wire mock, as plenty of players increased their stock coming out of the annual all-star game. As …

With the 2020 Senior Bowl in the books, it’s now time to start looking forward to the NFL Combine. That also means it’s the perfect time for a new Jags Wire mock, as plenty of players increased their stock coming out of the annual all-star game.

As usual, we headed over to The Draft Network to crank up the simulator and here is the group we were able to acquire in the first four rounds:

9.) Javon Kinlaw, DT, South Carolina – As I expected, Javon Kinlaw came to the Senior Bowl and raised his draft stock. He was explosive off the snap and showed his ability to dip under the opposition. For the most part, there weren’t many offensive lineman who could handle Kinlaw’s mix of quickness and violence and many people left Mobile praising his upside.

Bringing in Kinlaw to work with Calais Campbell for the year would be huge as the veteran only has a year left on his contract. He’d also help strengthen the interior defensive line as they will likely be parting ways with Marcell Dareus.

20.) Kenneth Murray, LB, Oklahoma – I believe the Jags will follow last year’s free agency blueprint: hand out one big contract (Nick Foles in 2019) and get everyone else on prove it deals. That said, it wouldn’t shock me if the big contract went towards the tight end position because there are some good options to get like Hunter Henry, Eric Ebron and Austin Hooper.

This means the Jags would have to find a starting linebacker in the draft. Kenneth Murray is a player that brings it in the middle and could help the Jags’ woes against the run. Meanwhile, Jack could kick out to the weakside linebacker position where he’s had more success.

42.) Bryce Hall, CB, Virginia – A.J. Bouye’s future is uncertain with he team because the Jags could gain $11.5 million by releasing him. With that being the case, the Jags will need to draft a cornerback early.

Hall ended his 2019 season early because of an ankle injury and that may cause him to fall to the Jags in the second-round. At 6-foot-1, 200-pounds, Hall not only is big but plays big. His instincts are pretty solid, too, as he led the nation in pass breakups in 2019 with 22.

73.) Logan Stenberg, G, Kentucky – As a former offensive line coach, Logan Stenberg is a player Doug Marrone would definitely be happy with taking. At 6-foot-6, 327-pounds, Stenberg’s run blocking ability helped former tailback Benny Snell have a great deal of success while at Kentucky and he could do the same for Leonard Fournette.

The Jags have long needed to upgrade at right guard where A.J. Cann presently starts and will have ample opportunities to do so in the second and third-rounds. For my money, Stenberg could be the best guard available when they Jags are on the clock.

106.) Van Jefferson, WR, Florida – VanJefferson had himself a good week in Mobile, displaying sound footwork and the ability to get open out of his cuts. Add in the fact that he had success prior against various Southeastern Conference opponents and it’s easy to see why the Jags (and NFL in general) would be intrigued by him.

At 6-foot-2, 190-pounds, Jefferson would be a welcomed addition to the Jags’ receivers corps, which will likely be without veteran Marqise Lee come April because of his cap figure and past with injuries. Dede Westbrook will also be playing on the last year of his deal in 2020, so the team needs to be prepared if they can’t retain him.

Final season grades, report card for Oklahoma football’s 2019 season

Exactly one month ago to the minute, Oklahoma’s 2019 season came to an abrupt end. Here are the final season grades and report card.

Exactly one month ago to the minute, Oklahoma’s 2019 season came to an abrupt end.

A historic 63-28 loss to LSU in the College Football Playoff capped off one of the more riveting, roller-coaster riding seasons since the turn of the century.

The Sooners finished 12-2, won their fifth-straight Big 12 Championship behind a change of pace quarterback from its past two, a rebuilding defense and defensive staff. It may have been one of the better, more unexpected Oklahoma football seasons since three quarterbacks in 2013 lead the Sooners to an 11-2 season and a Sugar Bowl win over Alabama.

Here are the final season grades and report card of the 2019 Oklahoma football team.

QUARTERBACK — B-

Jalen Hurts — B-

Oklahoma’s 2019 signal-caller had an incredible statistical season. He led the Sooners to a No. 3 SP+ offensive output. Hurts led Oklahoma back to the College Football Playoff. 

The season started out strong. He looked to be making strides from his game manager past to a playmaking future. Then, from the Kansas State game on, Oklahoma was different.

The patented vertical passing game from Lincoln Riley was inexistent. Riley evolved the offense around the battering ram at quarterback he had, and Oklahoma was winning in spite of Hurts at times, instead of because of him. 

Who knows what the final answer will be on the Jalen Hurts’ experience at Oklahoma will be or when we’ll find out. But he was good enough to keep the Sooners in the hunt and inconsistent enough to almost keep them out down the stretch.

RUNNING BACK —  B+

Kennedy Brooks — A-
Rhamondre Stevenson — B
Trey Sermon — Incomplete

Kennedy Brooks is the steadying force of Oklahoma’s offense and will continue to be. His patience and smooth running style got him to another 1,000 yard season. 

Rhamondre Stevenson looks the part and is guy the Sooners could’ve used against LSU in the Peach Bowl. His strength matched with better-than-expected speed and elusiveness could make him RB1 after his suspension is cleared up in 2020. 

Trey Sermon will go down as an incomplete. Thought he was playing like an NFL running back early before his snaps decreased and then injured for the rest of the 2019 season.

H-BACK — B+

Jeremiah Hall — B+
Brayden Willis — B+

Think the future at this position is very bright. Riley got the two involved in very innovative ways and Hall and Willis blocked extremely well for the most part. The two should continue to be a big part of the offense in the future.

WIDE RECEIVER — B

CeeDee Lamb — A
Charleston Rambo — C+
Nick Basquine — B-
Jadon Haselwood — B-
Theo Wease — B-
A.D. Miller — C+
Drake Stoops — Incomplete
Trejan Bridges — Incomplete

TIGHT END — B+

Lee Morris — B+
Austin Stogner — B+

 

OFFENSIVE LINE — B-

OFFENSE — 83

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Kenneth Murray to participate in the State Farm All-Star Football Challenge

Before heading to the NFL Draft, linebacker Kenneth Murray will represent Oklahoma one more time on a national stage.

Before heading to the NFL Draft, linebacker Kenneth Murray will represent Oklahoma one more time on a national stage.

The 2020 State Farm All-Star Challenge pins 24 of the best football players (four from each conference) and runs them through a set of skill-based drills. Murray’s teammates for “Team Big 12” are former Kansas quarterback Carter Stanley two former TCU Horned Frogs, wide receiver Jalen Reagor and defensive tackle Ross Blaylock.

Murray is the ninth Sooner to participate in the event now in its twenty-second year. He joins Orlando Brown Jr. (2018), Mark Andrews (2018), Ogbonnia Okoronkwo (2018), Samaje Perine (2017), Dede Westbrook (2017), Juaquin Iglesias (2009), Mark Clayton (2005), and Jason White (2005) as Oklahoma participants.

Murray finished his 42 game career tied for eleventh in school history in total tackles (335) and is tied for eighth among Sooner linebackers in sacks (9.5). In his final season with Oklahoma, Murray earned AFCA second-team and AP third-team All-American honors.

The State Farm All-Star Football Challenge will be broadcasted on Friday, Feb. 1 at 8p.m. CT on ESPN2.

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Daniel Jeremiah’s mock draft 1.0: Ravens get their next great LB

NFL.com analyst Daniel Jeremiah has the Ravens taking their linebacker of the future in Oklahoma’s Kenneth Murray in the 2020 NFL draft

The Baltimore Ravens didn’t finish their season where they hoped, falling short in the NFL playoffs to the Tennessee Titans. Now holding the No. 28 pick in the 2020 NFL draft, the Ravens will have to make the most of a bad situation and hopefully plug one of their holes.

Former Ravens college scout and current NFL.com draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah believes Baltimore will go back to their roots. In his first mock draft of the season, Jeremiah has the Ravens selecting Oklahoma linebacker Kenneth Murray.

“The Ravens love shopping at Oklahoma. Murray is a dynamic athlete, and Baltimore needs an upgrade at the linebacker position.”

While the Ravens used to be all about Alabama players, the 2019 NFL draft pointed to that trend changing under new general manager Eric DeCosta. Of their eight picks last offseason, two were from Oklahoma, including first-round wide receiver Marquise Brown.

Murray is an intriguing prospect that seemingly fits exactly what the Ravens do perfectly. He’s a fast and physical linebacker who is great against the run and can drop into coverage. But he’s also a capable blitzer who can knife between linemen and get into the backfield in a flash.

Baltimore needs help at inside linebacker with both Josh Bynes and Patrick Onwuasor among their 21 pending free agents. But under defensive coordinator Don Martindale, the Ravens absolutely love to blitz from anywhere on the field, leading the league in blitz percentages this season. A player of Murray’s capability there would be a huge bonus for Martindale and Baltimore’s defense.

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Two Oklahoma players in USA TODAY Sports latest 2020 NFL mock draft

USA TODAY Sports released their 2020 NFL mock draft, and two Sooners made the cut.

USA TODAY Sports released their first 2020 NFL mock draft after the 2019 college football season, and two Sooners made the cut.

CeeDee Lamb and Kenneth Murray had their best seasons in crimson and cream in 2019, and will almost certainly  make an immediate impact on their future teams.

Lamb was among the top receivers in college football this season, and is only one pick below Alabama’s Jerry Jeudy at No. 12 on their mock draft. For the Raiders, landing a receiver is a priority, but Lamb is much more dynamic than the average receiver. He’s possibly more NFL ready than any Oklahoma pass-catcher we’ve seen before and his ability to grab 50-50 balls is unmatched. He will be a truly unique weapon for anyone that snags him in the first round.

Kenneth Murray is projected to go at No. 31 to the Chiefs, which should be familiar territory for him considering Kansas City’s high powered offense. Murray’s primary attraction is his speed, which the current Chief’s linebacker corps lacks.

The 85th NFL Draft will take place from April 23-25 in Las Vegas.

Oklahoma linebacker Ryan Jones enters transfer portal, per report

Oklahoma’s linebacking room just got a bit thinner.

Redshirt sophomore Ryan Jones entered the transfer portal on Wednesday.

Oklahoma’s linebacking room just got a bit thinner.

Redshirt sophomore Ryan Jones entered the transfer portal on Wednesday.

Jones played in just 18 games for the Sooners over the past two seasons, earning three starts in 2018.

The class of 2017 four-star recruit from Charlotte, NC. (Mallard Creek High School) tallied 29 tackles during his time in Norman, Okla. and even snagged an interception against UCLA during the 2019 campaign.

With the departure of Kenneth Murray to the NFL Draft and now likely Jones, Oklahoma’s linebacking corps will likely be led by redshirt senior Caleb Kelly, who played in the Sooners’ last three games of the season following an ACL tear in 2018, preserving his redshirt. Alongside Kelly will be young guns, Brian Asamoah and Dashaun White. The duo saw plenty of time on the field over the past season and both have great potential in Alex Grinch’s system.

Oklahoma has two true linebackers coming in via the 2020 recruiting class. Oklahoma City’s own Brynden Walker (Bishop McGuinness High School) and Shane Whitter (Burlington, NC; Walter M Williams School) are a pair of three-stars that will supplement and possibly play a role in the Sooners’ defense during the 2020 season.

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Oklahoma LB Kenneth Murray declares for 2020 NFL draft

Oklahoma linebacker Kenneth Murray is leaving school early to enter the 2020 NFL draft

One of the top linebacker prospects in the country is making the early jump to the pro football ranks.

Oklahoma’s Kenneth Murray is leaving school early to enter the 2020 NFL draft. Murray made his announcement via social media Thursday.

Widely regarded as potentially the top linebacker prospect in this year’s draft class, Murray is an intense competitor and an athletic playmaker who can impact the game at every level. His versatility allows him to make plays against both the run and pass, and his physical playing style will excite NFL decision-makers.

Murray should hear his name called in the first round come draft weekend.

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Oklahoma’s Kenneth Murray announced intentions to enter the NFL Draft

Oklahoma’s defensive leader is heading to the NFL. Linebacker Kenneth Murray announced his intentions to forgo his senior season and head to the NFL. The Decision…1 Thessalonians 5:24 #K9 pic.twitter.com/80gOrB0mRS – Kenneth Murray (@Kmurrayy_9) …

Oklahoma’s defensive leader is heading to the NFL.

Linebacker Kenneth Murray announced his intentions to forgo his senior season and head to the NFL.

“To Sooner Nation, there is truly no fan base like you. You have given me memories that will last a lifetime,” Murray said in a video. “I will always miss playing in the ‘Palace’ on Saturday’s. There is truly no place like it.”

Murray thanked former coach Bob Stoops, Lincoln Riley, linebacker coach Brian Odom and defensive coordinator Alex Grinch.

In his three years manning the Sooner defense Murray racked up 335 total tackles in 42 career starts. His 37 tackles for loss and nine sacks over the past three seasons have helped him accrue a late first-round or early second-round draft grade from multiple NFL mock drafts.

The NFL Draft begins on April 23 from Paradise, Nevada. Murray could become the first Oklahoma linebacker taken in the first two rounds since Teddy Lehman in 2004 (Second round, pick 37 overall).

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The 3 moments that defined Oklahoma’s 63-28 Peach Bowl loss

While the Sooners were in it, three plays changed the entire aspect of the game. Here are the three plays that defined Oklahoma’s 63-28 loss

No. 4 Oklahoma was in it.

The Sooners were going back-and-forth with No. 1 LSU over the first quarter before Joe Burrow and the Tigers’ offense overwhelmed Alex Grinch and the Oklahoma defense.

While the Sooners were in it, three plays changed the entire aspect of the game. Here are those three plays that defined Oklahoma’s 63-28 lopsided loss to LSU.

MISSED PASS INTERFERENCE

On third-and-10 on Oklahoma’s 38-yard line, Jalen Hurts evaded the pocket to his right.

He scanned the field and found Jadon Haselwood a tad behind the defense. Hurts gave him a chance to go make a play, and LSU true freshman defensive back Derek Stingley grabbed Haselwood’s side, interfering with the possible catch.

Nothing was called.

Lincoln Riley was irate. He berated the sideline judge for more than a couple minutes.

Haselwood said he felt the tug.

Oklahoma would have had first-and-10 in LSU territory.

They instead punted.

KENNETH MURRAY FALL

Kenneth Murray waited patiently for Joe Burrow to leave the pocket.

He shot out of a cannon, closing the distance between he and Burrow fast like usual. Murray was a couple steps from forcing Burrow to throw it away or take a sack.

He then slipped, but it appeared he hurt his hammy in the middle of his pursuit, too.

Burrow completed a 24-yard pass instead.

The next play would have been fourth-down deep in LSU territory.

The Tigers would go on to score to make it 21-7.

BOOKIE’S TARGETING

This one is the one that leaves with the most questions.

On third-and-10 on the LSU 20, Burrow escaped the pocket to his right.

There was one Oklahoma defender between him and getting a first down. Brendan ‘Bookie’ Radley-Hiles was in position to get the third down stop.

Bookie, instead, decided to take a shot at LSU running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire, who was running a route across the field.

Oklahoma’s nickel back was given a targeting penalty and was ejected.

It gave LSU a first down instead of having to punt.

The Tigers went on to score to make it 28-7.

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Kenneth Murray gets hurt in first quarter against LSU

Oklahoma’s best defender Kenneth Murray went down following a pursuit of Joe Burrow.

The Sooners’ tough start has gotten even tougher.

Oklahoma’s best defender Kenneth Murray went down following a pursuit of Joe Burrow.

Murray was closing in on Burrow who was scrambling when Murray slipped and stayed down following a chunk gain by the Tigers. He was holding his right hamstring while down on the ground and was continuing to get it looked at after getting back to the sideline.

Murray was assisted to the sidelines under his own power. Caleb Kelly will replace Murray for the time being.

ESPN reports that he has a noticeable limp on the sideline

UPDATE: Murray back out on the field on Oklahoma’s next defensive drive.

As more information becomes available this post will update.

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