Draft Wire’s 4-round mock gifts Ravens some unique offensive talents

The Baltimore Ravens stack their offense in Draft Wire’s latest four-round mock of the 2020 NFL draft.

The 2019 NFL season is over as well as the Senior Bowl. That means the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine is the next chance for prospects to help or hurt their draft stock. With the combine next week, this is a final opportunity to run a mock of the 2020 NFL Draft with just what prospects put on tape and not the hype that surrounds any outlier measurements or individual drills.

Luke Easterling of Draft Wire did exactly that, creating a four-round mock draft that gives his predictions on how things will shake out. As is usual with all mock drafts at this point, this doesn’t include any compensatory picks (since they haven’t been announced yet) or trades. But it’ll give you a great idea at some players Baltimore could be quite interested in in the 2020 NFL Draft.

Let’s kick this mock draft off with Baltimore’s first pick, at No. 28:


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Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images

1st round (No. 28) – RB Jonathan Taylor, Wisconsin

“Mark Ingram’s absence was painfully obvious in Baltimore’s playoff meltdown, and the Ravens would do well to seek a young back who can do all things he brings to the table. Taylor is a complete runner who has the vision, patience, power and explosiveness to be a dangerous weapon in the league’s top rushing attack.”

We’ve already talked at length about Taylor in Easterling’s previous mock draft, so I’ll keep it short here. Running back isn’t a terrible idea at some point in this draft simply as more depth and an eventual replacement for Ingram. But getting one in the first round doesn’t really make a ton of sense considering the Ravens have two guys they feel comfortable with starting and a third running back they took last year in Justice Hill. Finding roster space for a fourth running back would be just too much.

Instead, Georgia offensive lineman Solomon Kindley (No. 29), TCU wide receiver Jalen Reagor (No. 30), LSU linebacker Patrick Queen (No. 33), LSU wide receiver (No. 34), Alabama outside linebacker Terrell Lewis (No. 36) or Wisconsin offensive lineman Tyler Biadasz (No. 37) would all make better sense in the first round of this mock draft for Baltimore.

The rest of the Ravens’ selections are better fits, so click on the next pages to see who Easterling mocks to Baltimore in the second, third and fourth rounds.

No. 28 / No. 60 / No. 92 / No. 119 / No. 124

Kentucky Associate Head Coach reportedly turns down Michigan State Football offer

Vince Marrow of Kentucky has reportedly rejected an offer to become the lead recruiter at Michigan State.

The Mel Tucker era is underway at Michigan State and he is currently looking to fill his coaching staff with prime talent from around the country. According to a report from Matt Jones of Kentucky Sports Radio, Tucker reached out to Kentucky’s Vince Marrow to become the lead recruiter for Tucker’s administration. Today, Jones provided an update, declaring that Marrow turned down Tucker’s offer.

This comes after reports indicated that Tucker and MSU had made a large counteroffer to the associate head coach and tight ends coach from Kentucky, which he has reportedly rejected.

Here is Matt Jones initial reaction and announcement of Marrow’s decision:

It was reported earlier in the week that Tucker will not be retaining any of Dantonio’s staff, but he will need to start moving quickly to fill his staff openings to get everything in order for the season.

We will keep updating this story as more details emerge.

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Steve Kerr on Devin Booker’s All-Star Game snub: ‘I voted for him’

Steve Kerr said he voted for Devin Booker to make the 2020 NBA All-Star game and was disappointed when the Suns’ guard didn’t get the nod .

For the first time in years, the Golden State Warriors do not have a member of their team participating in the NBA All-Star Game. While the 2019-20 edition of the Warriors may not have a player competing at an All-Star level, the Phoenix Suns have a different argument.

Joining the Warriors on the outside of All-Star weekend is Suns’ shooting guard, Devin Booker. The Kentucky Wildcat product is averaging 26.4 points, 6.3 assists and 4.2 rebounds per game. Booker is shooting a career-best 49.9 % from the field, adding 36.2 % from beyond the arc.

Booker has been a centerpiece for the Suns’ steady improvement, leading them to 21 wins before the All-Star break. Over the past four seasons, Phoenix has had win totals of 19, 21, 24 and 23 for the entire year.

However, Booker’s efficient season wasn’t enough to get a nod to the 2020 All-Star game in Chicago.

The Golden State Warriors’ head coach, Steve Kerr was an advocate to get Booker into the game and was disappointed when the Suns’ shooting guard didn’t get a bid from the Western Conference. Before Golden State tipped off against Booker and the Suns, Kerr told reporters in Phoenix that he voted for Booker to get into the game.

I agree with them on the All-Star part — I voted for him, and I’m not just saying that cause we’re playing against them tonight — I’m not saying that to butter him up. I think he’s had an All-Star year; I think he’s been fantastic — the efficiency, the Suns’ overall improvement — I think he’s played a huge role in it, and I was disappointed for him. I don’t know him, but just watching him — he’s an All-Star player. It happens every year though — you get a couple of guys left out, and you think, ‘well, they deserved it’ and then you look at the team and go, ‘everybody on the team pretty much deserved it too’— so it’s never an easy math equation.

Although their coach is a fan of Booker’s game, it’ll be Golden State’s final challenge before the All-Star break to slow him down. Damion Lee, Jordan Poole and Ky Bowman will be tasked with containing Booker on his All-Star revenge tour.

A quick stop in Phoenix will be the Warriors’ final chance to end their current three-game losing streak before the All-Star break.

Kentucky downs Tennessee, 77-64

Kentucky downs Tennessee, 77-64.

KNOXVILLE — Coming in to its Southeastern Conference showdown against Kentucky, the Tennessee men’s basketball team had notched a pivotal road win at Alabama with a strong second half.

But the Volunteers, who returned home to face the Wildcats Saturday, could not continue their winning ways as they came up on the short end of a 77-64 decision at Thompson-Boling Arena.

The Vols (13-10 overall, 5-5 in the SEC) had some bright moments, but in the end it was Kentucky’s effort from the free throw line that would be the difference.

The Wildcats, which fell behind only once when they trailed 4-2 early, were 22-for-25 from the foul line in the contest. Kentucky (18-5, 8-2) went 16-for-18 from the charity stripe after halftime.

The Wildcats got a career-high 13 points (including three 3-pointers) from Johnny Juzang, who came off the bench after Kentucky found itself in foul trouble in the first half.

Kentucky, which left Knoxville tied for first place in the SEC, led 37-30 at halftime. The Wildcats are tied with LSU and Auburn for the top spot in the conference as Bruce Pearl’s Tigers got a 91-90 overtime win at home and handed the Bayou Bengals their second consecutive league loss. LSU lost to Vanderbilt earlier this week.

Immanuel Quickley led the Wildcats with 18 points. Nick Richards and Tyrese Maxey added 15 points apiece, while Ashton Hagans finished with 10.

For Tennessee, Santiago Vescovi matched his career-high with 18 points and made a 3-pointer to pull the Vols to within 51-47 with 9 minutes, 10 seconds remaining in the game.

Jordan Bowden and John Fulkerson each had 16 points and two assists for the Vols. Bowden grabbed nine rebounds while Fulkerson pulled down seven for the Vols, which saw its five-game home winning streak against Kentucky come to a halt.

 

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.

Belk Bowl: Virginia Tech vs. Kentucky odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Tuesday’s Belk Bowl between the Virginia Tech Hokies and Kentucky Wildcats, with NCAA football betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Virginia Tech Hokies (8-4) and Kentucky Wildcats (7-5) do battle in the Belk Bowl Tuesday, played at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C. Kickoff is set for 12 p.m. ET (ESPN). We analyze the Virginia Tech-Kentucky odds and betting lines, while providing college football betting tips and advice on this matchup.

Virginia Tech vs. Kentucky: Three things you need to know

1. The Wildcats will be making their first-ever appearance in the Belk Bowl. They’re looking for a second consecutive bowl victory after upsetting Penn State in the Citrus Bowl last season by a 27-24 count.

2. Kentucky ranks fourth in the country with 274.8 rushing yards per game, while Virginia Tech ranked 27th against the rush defensively, yielding 123.4 yards per outing. That will be where this game is won or lost.

3. The Under is 4-1 in Kentucky’s past five bowl games, while going 6-2 in its past eight neutral-site games. The Over is 6-2-2 in Virginia Tech’s past 10 neutral-site contests.


College football season is almost over! Place your bets on this game, or others, at BetMGM now. Place your bets and win, win, win!


Virginia Tech vs. Kentucky: Odds, betting lines and picks

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Monday at 9:30 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Virginia Tech 31, Kentucky 17

Moneyline (ML)

VIRGINIA TECH (-134) was humming along until a loss to Virginia in the regular-season finale. Still, the Hokies are the play here, as Kentucky (+110) is just too one-dimensional. That’s fine against the likes of Vanderbilt or Tennessee-Martin, but it won’t fly against a more seasoned team like the Gobblers.

Against the Spread (ATS)

VIRGINIA TECH (-2.5, -115) is a strong play against Kentucky (+2.5, -106). The Hokies have cashed in five of their past six, and as mentioned, they’re just more balanced. If the Hokies can shut down, or at least limit the likes of Swiss Army Knife Lynn Bowden Jr., who led the team in rushing and receiving yards, they’ll shut down Kentucky and hoist a trophy.

Over/Under (O/U)

OVER 45.5 (-110) is worth a small-unit play, but don’t get crazy. The Over has dominated for the Hokies in neutral-site games, going 6-2-2 in the past 10, and 7-3-1 in their past 11 as a favorite on a neutral field. The Over is 7-3 in Kentucky’s past 10 against winning teams, and 20-7 in its past 27 non-conference tilts, too.

Want some action in this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Louisville at Kentucky odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s Louisville Cardinals at Kentucky Wildcats sports betting odds and lines, with NCAA basketball betting picks and tips.

The Louisville Cardinals (11-1, 2-0 ACC) and Kentucky Wildcats (8-3, 0-0 SEC) square off at Rupp Arena in Lexington at 3:45 p.m. ET Saturday. We analyze the Louisville-Kentucky odds and betting lines, while providing college basketball betting tips and advice on this matchup.

The Cardinals are ranked fourth in the USA TODAY Sports men’s basketball coaches poll.

Louisville at Kentucky: Three things you need to know

1. The Cardinals covered the spread in five of their past six games, and they’re 4-1 against the spread in the past five as a road favorite, too.

2. Kentucky has cashed in just one of its past five against the spread, while going 1-4 ATS in the past five at home. The favorite has cashed in four of the past five meetings in this series, which bodes well for Big Blue.

3. Kentucky still ranks 330th in the nation with just 27.8% of its 3-pointers made. The Wildcats are 14th in the country with 78.5% free throws made.


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Louisville at Kentucky: Odds, betting lines and picks

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:10 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Louisville 67, Kentucky 62

Moneyline (ML)

The moneyline wasn’t available at the time of publishing.

Against the Spread (ATS)

LOUISVILLE (+1.5, -121) is the play, as the No. 4-ranked Cardinals are slight dogs on the road. You can expect the Cardinals to feel a little disrespect and come out with a chip on their shoulders against the rival Wildcats (-1.5, +100).

Over/Under (O/U)

UNDER 131.5 (-110) is the way to go, as it has been the dominant trend for the ‘Ville. The Under is 4-1-1 in the past six for the Cards, and 14-5 in the past 19 against teams with a winning record, too. The Under is 19-7 in the past 26 at home for the Wildcats, and 20-8 in the past 28. Unless Kentucky suddenly gets well and starts banging 3-pointers, something the Wildcats have struggled with all season, this game should stay Under the projected number.

Want some action in this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Ohio State vs. Kentucky odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Kentucky Wildcats sports betting odds and lines, with NCAA basketball betting picks, tips and bets.

The Ohio State Buckeyes (10-1, 1-1 Big Ten) and Kentucky Wildcats (8-2, 0-0 SEC) tangle in the CBS Sports Classic Game at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas at 5:15 p.m. ET. We analyze the Ohio State-Kentucky odds and betting lines, while providing college basketball betting tips and advice on this matchup.

The Buckeyes are ranked fourth in the USA TODAY Sports men’s basketball coaches poll. The Wildcats are No. 6.

Ohio State vs. Kentucky: Three things you need to know

1. Ohio State G Duane Washington Jr. (ribs), who averages 11.4 points and 1.8 assists, is questionable to play. He has missed the past two games.

2. Kentucky ranks a dismal 117th with 75.4 points per game, and an even worse 334th in 3-pointer percentage at just 27.5%. Defensively the Wildcats are 26th in the nation, allowing just 60.2 PPG.

3. These teams last met Dec. 19, 2015 with the Buckeyes coming away with a 74-67 victory.


Get some action on this game or others by placing a bet at BetMGM!


Ohio State vs. Kentucky: Odds, betting lines and picks

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 5:15 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Kentucky 72, Ohio State 67

Moneyline (ML)

There were no moneyline odds available at the time of publishing.

Against the Spread (ATS)

KENTUCKY (+3.5, -110) heads into this one with just two covers across its past eight games overall. However, the ‘Cats are 4-1 ATS in the past five as an underdog and 13-2-2 ATS in the past 17 neutral-site games as a ‘dog. In addition, they’re 23-11-2 ATS in the past 36 on a neutral court. Ohio State (-3.5, -110) is impressive at 8-1 ATS in the past nine games overall, but Kentucky gets it done here.

New to sports betting? Every $1.10 wagered on Kentucky will proft $1 if the Wildcats win outright or don’t lose by 4 points or more.

Over/Under (O/U)

OVER 131.5 (-110) is the play here, going 7-2 in Ohio State’s past nine neutral-site battles. The Over is also 5-1 in Kentucky’s past six games following a straight-up loss. Look for the Wildcats to bounce back with a solid offensively showing after falling to the Utah Utes 69-66 on this same Las Vegas court Wednesday.

Want some action in this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Utah vs. Kentucky odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Wednesday’s Utah Utes vs. Kentucky Wildcats betting odds and lines, with NCAA basketball betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Utah Utes (8-2, 0-0 PAC-12) and the Kentucky Wildcats (8-1, 0-0 SEC) tangle on a neutral-site floor at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas at 11 p.m. ET Wednesday. We analyze the Utah-Kentucky odds and betting lines, while providing college basketball betting tips and advice on this matchup.

Utah vs. Kentucky: Three things you need to know

1. Kentucky G Ashton Hagans rolls in with 16.3 points and 8.7 assists per game across his past six outings.

2. Kentucky freshman G Tyrese Maxey is just 4-for-26 from the field across his past three games.

3. The Utes enter this game with a 29-29 record all-time in Las Vegas, while going 8-8 under head coach Larry Krystkowiak.


Get some action on this game or others by placing a bet at BetMGM!


Utah vs. Kentucky: Odds, betting lines and picks

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 1:40 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Kentucky 85, Utah 77

Moneyline (ML)

Kentucky (-769) is heavily favorited to win, but the ML is too chalky to warrant a wager. A $10 bet on the Wildcats to win outright returns a profit of just $1.30.

Against the Spread (ATS)

UTAH (+11.5, -110) will be able to keep it within single digits, mainly due to the erratic shooting of Maxey. While he has been playing lockdown defense, he has really struggled from the perimeter, and that’s his calling card. Until he gets on track, opponents of the Wildcats (-11.5, -110) will be able to reel them in.

Over/Under (O/U)

OVER 138.5 (-110) is the play here. Expect Kentucky to snap out of its shooting funk a little bit. The Over is 12-5 in Utah’s past 17 against teams with a winning percentage of .600 or better. While it’s all Under all the time for Kentucky, some trends are made to be broken.

Want some action in this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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John Calipari Takes in Notre Dame/Detroit Mercy

I see Calipari at Notre Dame and immediately have flashbacks to the close-call that was the 2015 Midwest Regional

There was an all-time college sports heel in attendance last night when Notre Dame’s basketball team got back in the win column after beating Detroit Mercy, 110-71.

Kentucky head basketball coach John Calipari and his wife made the trip north from Lexington to take in the game, specifically to see their son Brad play and score 12 points for Mercy.

Calipari and Digger Phelps – I can only imagine those conversations.

I see Calipari at Notre Dame and immediately have flashbacks to the close-call that was the 2015 Midwest Regional final that the Irish lost in the closing seconds despite leading most the night and were that-close to ruining Kentucky’s perfect season.

Instead Wisconsin did so in the Final Four a round later.

Whatever the case at least Notre Dame handled business in a game against an inferior opponent. Hopefully last night breathes some air back into the lungs of a team that has looked largely dead the last week as a good showing against UCLA Saturday would be welcome.