Tag: Louis Riddick

How ESPN’s NFL Draft coverage could look after Todd McShay’s layoff

ESPN will have a massive gap in its NFL Draft coverage with Todd McShay gone. Who will fill his shoes?

NFL Draft fans saw a jarring shift in ESPN’s coverage on Friday as longtime draft analyst Todd McShay was laid off amid a series of staffing cuts at the network.

The New York Post‘s Andrew Marchand shared the news on Friday of McShay’s departure.

McShay had been with ESPN since 2006 and been primarily associated with the network’s NFL Draft coverage alongside Mel Kiper Jr.

His layoff puts the network’s NFL Draft coverage in a different space, as new faces could ascend to a more prominent role during the year and especially on draft weekend.

While McShay will be a popular free agent for other sports media companies looking for one of the sharpest minds in the business on the NFL Draft, it’s worth wondering how things will look at ESPN in his absence.

Kiper will most likely continue his role with ESPN until he decides to retire, while a few other names will likely take on expanded roles.

You can likely count on seeing ESPN guys like Mike Greenberg, Booger McFarland and Rece Davis during draft weekend, but who will you hear from year-round?

These three people figure to have expanded roles at the network on broadcast and online.

Blake Freeland was Louis Riddick’s favorite pick for Colts

Blake Freeland was a solid pick in the eyes of Louis Riddick.

The Indianapolis Colts started Day 3 of the 2023 NFL draft adding some depth and upside to the offensive line by selection Blake Freeland out of BYU.

Bringing starting experience at both right and left tackle during his collegiate career, Freeland spent the last two seasons at the latter spot for the Cougars. He brings elite athleticism and movement skills, especially for a 6-foot-8 offensive tackle.

When going through his favorite non-first-round selections for every team, ESPN’s Louis Riddick landed on Freeland for the Colts.

Freeland likely will walk right into the swing tackle role unless the Colts add a veteran with starting experience like Donovan Smith. That isn’t expected, but it’s not outside the realm of possibilities.

A high-character player, Freeland is impressive when on the move and has a lot of experience working in a zone-blocking scheme during his time at BYU.

There are some technical issues that Freeland must improve at the next level. He could stand to be a bit more physical at contacy, and consistency with his hand placement will be the areas of focus. His pad level will naturally be an issue for him given his height.

But Freeland has all the tools to be a successful swing tackle in the NFL, and there’s a good chance he holds that role as early as his rookie season.

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Bears OC Luke Getsy on Justin Fields: ‘We got our guy’

Louis Riddick’s conversation with Bears OC Luke Getsy should put to rest any doubts about the team’s commitment to Justin Fields.

Ever since general manager Ryan Poles and head coach Matt Eberlus began their tenure with the Bears, conversations surrounding quarterback Justin Fields have been top of mind. No matter the day, week, or month, questions about whether or not Fields remains in the long-term plans persist.

Even when the team makes a bold move such as trading out of the No. 1 overall pick with the Carolina Panthers to move down to No. 9, essentially taking them out of the running for the top quarterbacks of the 2023 draft class. Despite those conversations continuing to take place in the media, offensive coordinator Luke Getsy made a strong statement to one NFL analyst about his quarterback that should silence those talks.

ESPN NFL analyst Louis Riddick joined ESPN 1000’s Waddle & Silvy show on Friday to discuss the upcoming draft and what the Bears should do. After he sang the praises of Tennessee offensive tackle Darnell Wright and discussed the risks when it comes to drafting Georgia defensive tackle Jalen Carter, he dropped a nugget about Fields after a conversation he had with Getsy.

“I talked to Luke Getsy down in Alabama for the Bryce Young pro day and I was like ‘hey, you down here looking at these quarterbacks?” Riddick said. “You trying to find one?’ And he was like ‘nope. We got our guy, we just need to help him out. Protect him and get him weapons. And we’re doing a pretty good job of it. We have a good start.’ I could not agree more so it’s not even a discussion in my book.”

Throughout the entire offseason, the Bears brass has somewhat played coy when Fields has come up in conversations. Poles and Eberflus have praised him, but haven’t fully come out to say that he’s the guy going forward. If anything, their actions speak louder than words with the trade out of the top pick while also acquiring wide receiver D.J. Moore from the Panthers. They’re showing a commitment to Fields, even if they’re not literally saying it out loud.

The Bears didn’t need to come out and say Fields is the guy moving forward, but Getsy putting it in black and white was refreshing to hear. It’s also worth pointing out that he talks about how they have a “good start” when it comes to getting him help. This conversation took place a month ago and Getsy isn’t shy about saying they need to put more around Fields. Perhaps it’s an indicator of what the Bears will do early in the draft.

Fields showed special ability last year when he scored 25 total touchdowns (17 through the air and eight on the ground) despite having a leaky offensive line and a poor supporting cast of receivers. He threw for 2,242 yards and ran for 1,143 yards in 15 games. His passing does need to improve but with the addition of Moore, a healthy Darnell Mooney, a full season of Chase Claypool, and hopefully more line reinforcements in the draft, he should take another step in 2023.

Getsy sees the potential and his conversation with Riddick is yet another reminder of the Bears’ commitment to Fields. Maybe now national analysts will move off the topic of trading the quarterback, but don’t hold your breath.

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Jaquelin Roy one of Louis Riddick’s favorite sleeper prospects

LSU’s Jaquelin Roy has the attention of ESPN’s Louis Riddick.

LSU has a slew of prospects preparing for the upcoming NFL draft.

One of them, [autotag]Jaquelin Roy[/autotag], has caught the eye of ESPN analyst Louis Riddick, with Riddick calling Roy one of his favorite sleepers.

“Even though he was not a regular starter for LSU, this guy has all of the tools to be a dominant NFL defensive tackle,” Riddick wrote. “If Roy is drafted by a team with a good defensive line room and position coach, he is going to be a breakout star of this draft.”

Riddick’s logic makes sense. Roy was a blue-chip recruit who flashed that talent at the highest level in the SEC. He wasn’t a star, so he won’t be a first-round pick, but he was a valuable piece for LSU up the middle.

He’s on the same talent level as some of the guys who will be first-round selections. In 2022, Roy ranked fourth in the pressures among SEC defensive tackles with 27. His 25 stops ranked second.

That production coupled with his size and talent will have some NFL teams interested in the defensive tackle.

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McShay recalls when Commanders owner Daniel Snyder attended a pro day

Washington fans certainly remember the last time an NFL owner attended a pro day.

Thursday, Ohio State hosted a Pro Day for 2023 NFL draft prospects.

During the ESPN television coverage, I noticed ESPN draft analyst Todd McShay and Louis Riddick informing the live audience that the Carolina Panthers not only had some scouts and coaches present, but Riddick said it was “the entire Panthers contingent” who were present.

McShay added he had been attending the pro days of the top rookie quarterbacks for the last 16 years. McShay continued, “And the last time I remember an owner being at a pro day was when Daniel Snyder was at RG3s (Robert Griffin) before they drafted him in Washington. So it says a lot that [Carolina owner] Tepper was here.”

McShay elaborated further, “But David Tepper, the owner of the Panthers, is also going to be in Tuscaloosa (AL) tomorrow for Bryce Young’s. He is going to be in Lexington (KY) for Will Levis’ (pro day) and then later in the week at Anthony Richardson’s in Florida.”

“So it’s going to be interesting to see how the owner plays into this as he tries to get to know all four of these quarterbacks as people and future businessmen.”

Washington fans are discouraged to be reminded that Griffin, after his highly successful rookie 2012 season, refused to run the offense designed by Mike and Kyle Shanahan and saw his lack of ability in an NFL pocket exposed.

Snyder had desired to have Griffin, trading up to the No. 2 pick in the draft to take Griffin. In turn, Snyder traded away the 2012 No. 6 pick, the 2012 No. 39 pick, the 2013 No. 22 pick, and the 2014 No. 2 overall selection. Though still exhibiting physical and athletic ability, Griffin’s performances were so subpar in 2013 and 2014 he never recovered, never experiencing anything successful in the NFL.

Though Snyder wanted and got Griffin, it was Shanahan who insisted Washington draft Kirk Cousins when he was available in the fourth round of that same 2012 draft. This resulted in much sharp criticism from NFL analysts being directed at Shanahan personally.

However, it was Shanahan who was proven correct and Daniel Snyder incorrect in judging NFL QB potential.

Louis Riddick praises Giants, Joe Schoen for a job well done

Louis Riddick believes the New York Giants and GM Joe Schoen did exactly what they had to with Daniel Jones and Saquon Barkley.

Despite coming down to the wire, the New York Giants agreed to a long-term deal with Daniel Jones. In turn, the Jones deal gave the Giants the freedom to use the franchise tag on Saquon Barkley.

As usual, for any news pertaining to the name Daniel Jones, the reactions on Twitter were mixed. However, ESPN NFL analyst Louis Riddick believes the Giants executed a perfect plan by retaining both Jones and Barkley.

Without the new deal for Jones, the Giants were prepared to tag him which likely meant Barkley was headed for free agency. The two have been considered a package deal for some time.

While Riddick’s take should put Giants fans at ease, it does hint that offensive coordinator Mike Kafka will be considered for head coaching positions again after the 2023 season.

Jones’ reported low Year 1 cap hit allows the Giants some freedom in free agency to perhaps improve the interior of the offensive line or go get DJ a weapon in the passing game.

With the Giants’ improved cap situation from last offseason, it should give general manager Joe Schoen the ability to upgrade the roster around Jones and Barkley.

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ESPN analyst rips Mac Jones for on-field frustrations in 2022

An ESPN analyst ripped Mac Jones for his display of emotion in the 2022 season.

The New England Patriots offense struggled in 2022, and quarterback Mac Jones was often seen expressing his displeasure, especially towards the end of the season. That did not sit right with one ESPN analyst, who criticized Jones for his actions on the field during games.

Jones put together a season that saw him throw for 2,997 yards, 14 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. His play improved as the season progressed, as he threw no interceptions in seven of his final nine games. Nevertheless, New England struggled to get the ball into the end zone, and his frustration was often on full display.

ESPN’s Louis Riddick did not like Jones’ actions, and he talked about them in a segment for ESPN’s Get Up on Thursday, as transcribed by Boston.com’s Hayden Bird.

“What you saw happening last year with Mac Jones both on the field and on the sidelines — where he showed just how frustrated he was with the operation that he was having to work with in terms of the play-callers and the people that were in his ear — is totally unacceptable,” said Riddick. “It’s unacceptable by [Robert] Kraft’s standards. It’s unacceptable by Bill Belichick’s standards. It’s unacceptable by Patriot Nation’s standards.

“Bill O’Brien now, he needs to settle things down for Mac Jones,” Riddick continued. “They need to get Mac Jones a bonafide No. 1 wide receiver to really go ahead and take the top off the defense and let Mac really expand upon his skillset and see where he can take them.’”

The Patriots will have a chance to improve their offense this offseason. They have over $32 million in cap space, and also have the 14th overall pick in April’s draft. A playmaking receiver and offensive line help are two things the Patriots need the most, and it will be intriguing to see how they fill those holes. The impact that newly-hired offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien may have for Mac Jones will be interesting, as the latter looks to put everything together in his third season.

Regardless, New England will have to make some major changes, if they want to be a contender in the AFC.

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Louis Riddick calls one candidate for Commanders’ OC a ‘freakin star’

It sounds like Riddick believes strongly in of one of Washington’s potential offensive coordinator candidates.

Louis Riddick knows a thing or two about the NFL. The former NFL safety spent 14 seasons between Washington and Philadelphia, working in the front office. Beginning his front-office career as a scout, Riddick was the director of pro personnel for both Washington and Philadelphia.

Since then, Riddick has become one of ESPN’s top analysts while still interviewing for open general manager positions. Some believe it’s only a matter of time before Riddick receives the opportunity to run his own team.

With his work at ESPN preparing for the 2023 NFL draft, Riddick spent last week at the Reese’s Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama. In addition to seeing some of the NFL’s top prospects, Riddick got an up-close look at several rising coaches.

One of those coaches was Atlanta Falcons quarterbacks coach Charles London. With a new Senior Bowl format that has rising coaches around the league working as coordinators and position coaches for the week, London was the offensive coordinator for the American team.

Does that name sound familiar to Washington fans?

London is one of six candidates known to have interviewed with Commanders head coach Ron Rivera for Washington’s vacant offensive coordinator position. In addition, London has reportedly also interviewed with the Tennessee Titans this offseason.

At last week’s Senior Bowl, Riddick came away impressed with London, labeling him a “freakin star” on Twitter.

London is an intriguing candidate. The former Duke running back has steadily moved up in the coaching ranks. He began his coaching career at his alma mater before moving to the Chicago Bears in 2007 as a quality control assistant.

After three years with the Bears, London spent the 2011 season with the Titans. In 2012, he was Bill O’Brien’s running backs coach at Penn State before following him to the NFL with the Houston Texans in the same position for the next four seasons. London returned to Chicago in 2018, where he coached running backs for three seasons before joining Arthur Smith’s staff as quarterbacks coach with the Falcons in 2021.

NFL teams clearly view London as a rising star. And with his knowledge of Atltanta’s outstanding running game, it shouldn’t be too long before London lands his first offensive coordinator job.

Riddick believes that the time is now.

Washington still hasn’t named an offensive coordinator and is believed to be waiting to interview Kansas City offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy after the Super Bowl. Therefore, London remains in play for the Commanders.

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Should the Commanders spend an early-round pick on a tight end?

Tight end is a sneaky need for the Commanders in 2023. One tight end is turning heads at the Senior Bowl.

On paper, it was hard not to like what the Washington Commanders had at tight end in 2022. Veteran Logan Thomas, coming off an ACL injury, was back and ready for Week 1.

In addition to Thomas, Washington had John Bates entering his second season and a pair of rookies in fifth-round pick Cole Turner and former college quarterback Armani Rogers.

Unfortunately, things don’t always go as planned. Thomas looked a step slow last season, which should be expected since he returned to the lineup just nine months after surgery. Washington also had its share of quarterback issues.

But it can’t be ignored that Thomas will be 32 in Week 1 and costs $8.7 million against the salary cap in 2023, per Over the Cap.

As for the other guys, Bates is an excellent blocker and catches about everything but is limited athletically. Turner battled injuries and failed to impress as a rookie, while Rogers stole the show in the summer, forcing his way onto the team. While Rogers flashed in limited opportunities, he also battled a late-season injury. Also, it didn’t appear that former offensive coordinator Scott Turner always knew how best employ Rogers.

All are under contract for 2023.

That begs the question, should Washington consider drafting a tight end in the early rounds of the 2023 NFL draft?

At this week’s Reese’s Senior Bowl, Washington has four coaches in the game, giving them unprecedented access to the talent on both sides. One player who is having a terrific week is Oregon State tight end Luke Musgrave.

At 6-foot-5, 255 pounds, Musgrave has the size teams covet. He is also fast. Really fast. Check this out from Dane Brugler of The Athletic:

He wasn’t one of the top eight fastest tight ends at the Senior Bowl. He was timed as one of the top eight overall fastest players. Musgrave was already considered a day-two prospect, and now teams will dig back into his college film to see if his play speed matches. It will.

Musgrave has good college tape, and there’s no doubt NFL teams will pay close attention to what he does at the NFL combine.

Louis Riddick knows talent, and he’s been impressed.

Washington isn’t going tight end at No. 16. However, if the Commanders trade back as they did last year, tight end becomes a possibility. Still, it’s expected that Washington will go with an offensive lineman or cornerback in round one.

But don’t rule out a tight end in round two. And if Musgrave is on the board in round two, he should absolutely be under consideration for the Commanders. Washington can’t go into 2023 counting on more production from its tight ends. Add another talented body to the group, even if it pushes someone off the roster.

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Louis Riddick says the Seahawks are ‘building something special’

Perhaps the most vocal supporter of what Seattle has going on right now is ESPN’s Louis Riddick.

Most NFL analysts are pretty bearish on the Seattle Seahawks heading into the 2022 season. Some sites are predicting they will finish as low as 4-13 this year. There are exceptions to the rule, though. Perhaps the most vocal supporter of what Seattle has going on right now is ESPN’s Louis Riddick, who said two months ago that this team is a sleeping giant.

Now Riddick is going even further. Yesterday on Twitter he said the Seahawks are building something special and just have to figure out that one position.

Naturally, Riddick is talking about the team’s quarterback situation – which is about as messy as it’s been in 11 years. Yesterday Drew Lock was named the team’s starter for tomorrow night’s preseason game against the Bears. 90 minutes later he tested positive for COVID-19, ruling him out against Chicago and taking away a great chance to prove he deserves to start.

Even though the QB depth chart is far from ideal, if you look closely the rest of the picture is already starting to come together thanks to a trong 2022 NFL draft class.

Throughout the offseason we have maintained that Seattle can surprise people if the team gets quality contributions from a handful of rookies at key positions: namely the two first-year players they drafted at offensive tackle, cornerback and on the edge.

Fifth-round pick Tyreke Smith has been on the PUP list so he’s unable to contribute. However, the other five important rookies are all showing a great deal of promise.

First and foremost, the tackle combination of Charles Cross and Abe Lucas had an exceptional debut on Saturday against the Steelers. Both proved stout in pass protection and Lucas in particular shined as a mauler in the run game.

At cornerback, Tariq Woolen and Coby Bryant are already in the mix to see serious playing time this season. Woolen’s freakish athleticism and burgeoning ball skills may put him in postion to start at RCB Week 1. Meanwhile, Bryant has looked promising enough in the slot for the team to feel confident enough to trade away Ugo Amadi, who was projected to be the backup behind Justin Coleman at this spot.

Finally, Boye Mafe had an absolutely explosive first NFL game in Pittsburgh, posting two sacks and a critical special teams stop – making it clear he’s ready to make an impact right away.

If these five players continue on their current course and the Seahawks land their next franchise QB in the 2023 draft, they’ll be back in the playoff picture sooner than anyone expected.

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