Tag: Oregon Football

Linebacker is a popular pick for the Saints in Day 2 NFL mock drafts

The New Orleans Saints were linked to 2020 NFL Draft prospects like Troy Dye and Akkem Davis-Gaither in mock drafts for rounds two and three

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New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton identified linebacker as a position of need going into the second day of the 2020 NFL Draft, though he acknowledged the team might not be able to address it with a rookie draft pick. New Orleans might consider a free agent after the compensatory pick cutoff passes by on Monday, with veteran options like Nigel Bradham still available.

But linebacker has been the overwhelming pick for the Saints in updated NFL mock drafts, with experts doing their best to predict what may happen in rounds two and three. Not scheduled to pick until No. 88, late in the third round, it’s easy to imagine the always-aggressive Saints trading up the board on Friday night.

Two different mock drafts have the Saints staying put, however, and selecting Oregon linebacker Troy Dye. That take comes from both SI.com’s Kevin Hanson and Bleacher Report’s Matt Miller. The Athletic’s Dane Brugler graded Dye positively — he racked up 44 tackles for loss in four years with the Ducks, starting 47 of the 50 games he played — but projects him to more of a backup role due to his underdeveloped frame and a few recent injuries.

Instead, Brugler suggested a different linebacker in his own second-day mock draft: Appalachian State’s Akeem Davis-Gaither, an athletic tackling machine who dominated his competition in the Sun Belt; he earned recognition as that conference’s Defensive Player of the Year in 2019. Brugler projects Davis-Gaither to make an instant impact in sub-packages (he created five sacks last season on blitzes) while starring on special teams, which sounds like what the Saints will be looking for.

However, not everyone has the Saints picking a linebacker. The Draft Network’s Kyle Crabbs linked the Saints to UCLA cornerback Darnay Holmes in the third round with his updated mock draft. Holmes has started 33 of the 35 games he’s played for the Bruins, flashing serious ball skills with eight interceptions (and 28 total passes defensed). But he might not fit what the Saints like from a physical standpoint at just 5-foot-9 with 29 1/2-inch arms, despite his 4.48-second 40 time.

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Four-star WR Isaiah Brevard releases top schools

Four-star wide receiver Isaiah Brevard has named his top ten schools. Brevard plays football at Southaven High School in Mississippi.

Four-star wide receiver Isaiah Brevard has named his top ten schools. Brevard plays football at Southaven High School in Southaven, Mississippi. He’s one of the top players in Mississippi that’s a member of the class of 2021.

He announced his top ten via Twitter:

Brevard’s complete list of top schools includes: Ole Miss, Texas A&M, Georgia, Missouri, Nebraska, Oregon, Florida State, Louisville, Memphis, and Kentucky. He’s projected to end up with either the Oregon Ducks or the Ole Miss Rebels.

At Mississippi. Brevard would have a chance to be a key piece in Lane Kiffin’s first full recruiting class at Ole Miss. Will he stay home or go elsewhere? We’ll continue to update you on his recruitment.

Kirby Smart and Georgia have several commitments in the class of 2021. UGA is doing an excellent job securing top talent in the Peach State for the class. Georgia recently landed a commitment from four-star defensive end Elijah Jeudy.

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Georgia football lands 2021 4-star Elijah Jeudy

Georgia football picked up a commitment from 4-star 2021 DE Elijah Jeudy on Sunday.

Georgia’s 2021 recruiting class is starting to take shape, and it’s only a matter of time before the Dawgs are once again in the running for the top class in the nation.

On Sunday, Georgia picked up a commitment from four-star class of 2021 weak-side defensive end Elijah Jeudy, who announced his commitment to UGA via Instagram Live.

Jeudy, who is celebrating a birthday today, plays football for Northeast High School in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

At 6-foot-3 and 246 pounds, the edge rusher ranks as the nation’s No. 167 overall prospect and No. 12 weak-side defensive end.

Jeudy also put Texas A&M, Tennessee, Oregon and LSU in his top five. But in the end, it was the Dawgs who came out on top.

“Georgia, it feels like home down there. They show a lot of love to their family and to me,” Jeudy said during an interview with Rivals last week.

247Sports has compared Jeudy to Dallas Cowboys star DeMarcus Lawrence.

Here is their evaluation of Jeudy:

Jeudy has length and ideal size for rush end who can drop into coverage. Developed body has godo lower body strength. Athletic with burst and ability to change direction. Flexibility to dip shoulder and explode around edge. Uses hands well to keep offensive lineman off. Can re-direct down line of scrimmage. Excellent body control. Strong with gap integrity. Takes on blocks from proper side. Uses angles well. Willing to try different moves. Quick first step inside.

UGA now has seven commitments in the class of 2021:

5-star QB Brock Vandagriff

4-star OT Micah Morris

4-star DB David Daniel

4-star RB Lovasea Carroll

4-star SDE Jonathan Jefferson

4-star WDE Elijah Jeudy

3-star DT Marlin Dean

Is Georgia football in the lead for 4-star TE Brock Bowers?

Georgia football appears to be trending for 4-star TE Brock Bowers.

Two weeks ago, Brock Bowers, a four-star tight end in the class of 2021, released his top eight schools.

From Napa, California, he included only one SEC school in his most recent cut, Georgia.

Bowers’ full list is Cal, Georgia, Notre Dame, Oregon, Oregon State, Penn State, UCLA and Washington.

At 6-foot-3 and 225 pounds, Bowers is rated as the nation’s No. 2 tight end and No. 53 prospect overall.

Kirby Smart brought in Florida State graduate transfer Tre’ McKitty to help soften the blow of losing tight ends Charlie Woerner and Eli Wolf from last season’s squad. Georgia also signed 5-star tight end Darnell Washington in the 2020 class.

But looking ahead at the 2021 class, Georgia appears to be trending for Bowers. Per 247Sports’ Crystal Ball, Georgia is trending for Bowers, with all six of the votes going in favor of the Bulldogs.

Georgia offered Bowers back in September of 2019. He and his family took a trip to Athens in January for an unofficial visit.

From 247Sports’ scouting report on Bowers:

Boasts elite level athleticism, clocking a 4.5 40 as a sophomore and a 40-inch vertical. Has the speed to burn a linebacker and separate from a defensive back. Tracks the ball well, uses good body control and his hands to make his catches and routinely finds the soft spot in a defense. Plus blocker who can seal off the edge but used best as a pass-catcher. Projects as multi-year Power 5 starter and projects as second round pick.

Oregon hiring former Georgia Bulldogs interim coach

The Oregon Ducks are hiring former Georgia Bulldogs interim coach and player Bryan McClendon, who was an assistant at South Carolina.

The Oregon Ducks are hiring former Georgia Bulldogs interim coach and player Bryan McClendon. McClendon was the assistant/wide receivers coach at South Carolina before taking the wide receivers coach job in Eugene.

McClendon will be a great addition to Mario Cristobal’s staff. The Ducks are coming off a Rose Bowl victory over Wisconsin and are returning a load of talent.

McClendon joined the South Carolina Gamecocks for the 2016 season. He became their offensive coordinator there in 2018, but the Gamecocks have struggled mightily over the past two seasons going 11-14. He coached NFL stud Deebo Samuel during his time with South Carolina.

Georgia fans may remember McClendon from this key touchdown catch against Georgia Tech in 2005:

Nov 26, 2005: Atlanta, GA, USA: Georgia Bulldogs split end Bryan McClendon makes a touchdown catch against Georgia Tech. Georgia won 14-7. Credit: USA TODAY Sports Copyright (c) 2005 Christopher Gooley

McClendon won 44 games and two SEC Championships during his time in Athens as a player. He returned to Georgia as a graduate assistant coach in 2007-2008. He served as running backs coach from 2009 to 2014 (he coached both Todd Gurley and Nick Chubb) before becoming recruiting coordinator.

Sep 18, 2010; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs running backs coach Bryan McClendon. Credit: Paul Abell-USA TODAY Sports

McClendon served as Georgia’s interim coach in the 2016 Tax Slayer Bowl. Georgia won the game 24-17 over Penn State.

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Georgia football makes top-eight for nation’s No. 2 TE — Only SEC school on list

Georgia football is the only SEC school to make the top eight for the nation’s No. 2 tight end Brock Bowers from California.

On Sunday, Brock Bowers, a 4-star tight end in the class of 2021, released his top-eight schools.

Bowers hails from Napa, California and included only one SEC school in his most recent cut, The University of Georgia.

Bowers’ full list is as follows:

Cal, Georgia, Notre Dame, Oregon, Oregon State, Penn State, UCLA and Washington.

At 6-3 and 225 pounds, Bowers is rated as the nation’s No. 2 tight end and No. 52 prospect overall.

From 247Sports’ scouting report on Bowers:

Boasts elite level athleticism, clocking a 4.5 40 as a sophomore and a 40-inch vertical. Has the speed to burn a linebacker and separate from a defensive back. Tracks the ball well, uses good body control and his hands to make his catches and routinely finds the soft spot in a defense. Plus blocker who can seal off the edge but used best as a pass-catcher. Projects as multi-year Power 5 starter and projects as second round pick.

Georgia offered Bowers back in September of 2019. He and his family took a trip to Athens in January for an unofficial visit.

https://twitter.com/brockbowers17/status/1246950740960186371

For The Win mock draft projects Saints to trade up for a falling QB prospect

The New Orleans Saints could add a quarterback in the 2020 NFL Draft. One mock presented a scenario for them to pick Oregon’s Justin Herbert

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The NFL draft is a fickle process, with teams carefully guarding their intentions behind media smokescreens and say-a-little-in-a-lot jargon whenever coaches are forced to get in front of a microphone. Few teams are as difficult to pin down as the New Orleans Saints, who surprised the football world just a few years ago by trading up halfway through the first round to select pass rusher Marcus Davenport.

Could the Saints make another bold move in 2020? The latest mock draft from Henry McKenna over at For The Win suggests a scenario that might prompt another trade for New Orleans, with several quarterback prospects slipping far beyond their expected landing spots. When Oregon Ducks prospect Justin Herbert fell to the Philadelphia Eagles at No. 21 overall, McKenna picked the Saints to vault over several competitors and add their quarterback of the future:

TRADE! NEW ORLEANS SAINTS: JUSTIN HERBERT, QB, OREGON — I don’t know that Bill Belichick will be interested in Herbert, but you can be he’ll set smokescreens to confuse just about everyone. The Dolphins could be interested in the Oregon QB at this point in the draft. So to be sure the Saints trade up and land their quarterback of the future — let’s not kid ourselves about Taysom Hill. New Orleans nabs Herbert. They trade 24th overall and a 2021 third-round pick. Easy decision.

The price for making that move is easy to justify; the Saints expect to receive a third-round compensatory pick in 2021 after Teddy Bridgewater joined the Carolina Panthers in free agency. Herbert is also someone they’re familiar with, having watched him go through a week of practices at this year’s Senior Bowl. The Saints also credentialed scouts for a few of his games at Oregon last season, so he’s obviously been on their radar.

And for good reason. Herbert consistently makes good decisions with the football, keeping his eyes up and looking downfield for opportunities to make a play. He’s also not afraid to go off-script and buy time with his legs, though he’s done most of his work from the pocket. It’s easy to see the appeal.

But whether he actually does slip down the draft board feels unlikely. He’s ranked among the best quarterback prospects in this year’s class, with some teams reportedly preferring him to Alabama’s Tua Tagovailoa as the second-best option behind LSU’s Joe Burrow. Unless there’s a lot of mixed messaging going on through the media, fans should expect Herbert to come off the board early on April 23.

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2020 NFL draft: Shane Lemieux scouting report

Everything NFL draft fans need to know about Oregon offensive line prospect Shane Lemieux

Shane Lemieux | OL | Oregon

Elevator Pitch

A four-year starter at guard on a talented Oregon offensive line, Lemieux is a reliable blocker who plays with a high motor and a mean streak. He can stand to improve as a pass protector, and his technique can be sharpened up a bit, but he has the potential to develop into a solid starter with time.

Vitals

Height | 6-4

Weight | 310

College Bio Page

Strengths

While some offensive linemen in this class have more flash than Lemieux does, there aren’t too many players that have the grit that he has.

A portly and well-proportioned blocker, Lemieux has a wide frame that packs plenty of raw strength into it. He packs a powerful punch at the point of attack and has the grip strength to latch onto a defender and seal them off to create running lanes for his teammates. His lower body also carries plenty of strength, as he keeps his legs churning when engaged with his opponents to drive them back and pound them into the dirt. That power also helps him in pass protection, where he has the recovery strength in his anchor and core to neutralize bull rushes and other power rushes.

Lemieux plays with a high motor and fights hard on every down to win the rep. He has shown some capabilities of being able to block on the move, as he takes good angles as a down blocker or a pull blocker to create holes in the ground game. He has an impressive resume too, as he was a four-year starter at left guard who was named a second-team All-American by the Associated Press. His reputation as a leader on Oregon’s offensive line should help further boost his appeal.

Weaknesses

Though Lemieux brings a high floor to the table, he doesn’t bring a sky-high ceiling. He isn’t a stellar athlete, as while he can block with coordination at the second level and while on the move, he doesn’t have very good lateral agility in pass protection. He tends to struggle against stunting edge rushers, blitzes, and explosive and slipper interior defenders.

Lemieux has some technical flaws to his game, as well. His pad level is inconsistent, and he could stand to sink his hips on more of a regular basis and avoiding shooting upright. He has shown some flashes in his hand placement, but there are times when his strikes are misplaced and mistimed. His overall range as a blocker is fairly limited.

Projection: Day 3

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2020 NFL draft: Troy Dye scouting report

Everything NFL draft fans need to know about Oregon linebacker prospect Troy Dye

Troy Dye | LB | Oregon

Elevator Pitch

Dye is a lengthy, rangy and intelligent linebacker with three-down potential at the next level. His play strength is questionable at best, so he’ll likely have to see a majority of his reps come on special teams in his rookie year. However, the tools are place for him to develop into a starter.

Vitals

Height | 6-3

Weight | 231

College Bio Page

Career Stats

Strengths

One look at the stat sheet will show how impactful Dye was for Oregon’s defense during his time there.

A four-year starter, Dye tallied a whopping 391 career tackles with the Ducks, topping 100 tackles in a season twice. Part of why he was so productive had to do with the athleticism he brought to the table for their defense. He is a sideline-to-sideline linebacker with very good straight-line speed and the ability to beat ball-carriers to the edge in runs to the outside. He is a fluid mover in space who can go with the flow of the play before bursting downhill and pouncing on his opponents. He takes calculated angles to the ball and has plenty of range as a tackler due to his athleticism and his impressive length for the linebacker position.

Dye is an intelligent player whose instincts have progressively gotten better over time. His processing abilities have progressed, as he’s able to diagnose plays and act upon his reads much quicker than he did early on in his career. His 13 career sacks make him a dangerous blitzer when schemed correctly, and with 13 pass deflections over the past three seasons and 5 interceptions overall, he has solid production in coverage.

Weaknesses

The big concern with Dye is his frame. Length is far from an issue, but he doesn’t have much bulk on a lanky frame. His frame can likely afford to add on some weight, but as it stands right now, he doesn’t have the raw power to be an immediate starter at the next level. He struggles with taking blocks head-on and doesn’t pack much of a punch at the point of attack, hence limiting his schematic versatility on blitz plays. He doesn’t deliver powerful hits as a tackler, and the lack of weight he carries in his lower body could provide some issues against powerful NFL backs.

Dye is athletic, but he isn’t as sound in coverage as one would expect yet. His footwork in man coverage isn’t all that polished, and his feel for backpedaling and dropping back could be smoother. He also can do a better job of predicting which gap to shoot up as a run defender.

Projection: 3rd-4th Round

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Cameron Jordan lobbies for the Saints to sign ex-first round pick Dion Jordan

New Orleans Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan surveyed the list of available free agents and highlighted one name: pass rusher Dion Jordan

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How can the New Orleans Saints get better before the 2020 season? They’ve already begun working on that by signing free agent wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders, a two-time Pro Bowler who is one of the few route-runners in the league who can match Michael Thomas step-for-step. But what about the defense?

Cameron Jordan has some ideas. When browsing a list of available defensive linemen, the All-Pro pass rusher circled one name in particular: Dion Jordan, the third overall pick in the 2013 draft out of Oregon. He has spent recent years playing for the Seattle Seahawks and formerly-Oakland Raiders, having missed a lot of time after a 2015 suspension for violating the league’s performance-enhancing substance policy.

He’s played just 24 games in the last three years while dealing with a 2018 knee injury and a suspension related to an expired therapeutic use exemption for Adderall, and Jordan’s stat line isn’t going to raise many eyebrows; in those 24 games, he’s created 7.5 sacks and 13 quarterback hits, along with eight tackles for loss and two forced fumbles. But the Saints’ Jordan sees more than a box score.

The veteran identified the free agent’s tools as, “flexibility, inside rusher as well as outside rusher,” pointing to the younger Jordan’s success in creating pressure from all over the defense front, crediting it to rare flexibility for such a tall lineman (the prospect tips the scales at 6-foot-6, 284 pounds).

On top of that, Jordan sees a vision where they could both coexist in certain packages, such as an all-defensive ends look featuring both Jordans lined up upside, with Marcus Davenport and Trey Hendrickson flanking them. Another lineup he proposed would be a package calling for five linemen with hands in the dirt, bookended by himself and Davenport on the edge with interior linemen Sheldon Rankins and David Onyemata inside next to the other Jordan.

He’s certainly painting an intriguing picture. When Jordan’s playing days are over, a coaching career could be ahead of him, assuming he doesn’t get a job in the media. But back to his point about adding another Jordan: it would be a fascinating pickup, especially if he can steer clear of further suspensions.

The Saints defensive line was a strength of the team but got whittled down late last season with injuries. Adding someone like the “other” Jordan to the mix would make sense for the reasons already discussed. And it’s not like the Saints aren’t familiar with him; Jordan was picked by then-Miami Dolphins general manager Jeff Ireland, now the head of the Saints college scouting department. It’s something worth watching.

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