Sports blog information from USA TODAY.
The New York Giants address multiple areas of need in the latest The Sporting News mock draft, including the selection of a real “steal.”
The NFL mock draft season is in full swing and some prognosticators are going deep such as The Sporting News’ Vinnie Iyer, who released his full seven-round mock this week.
How did the New York Giants make out? Fairly well, it seems. Here’s a day-by-day breakdown of their picks.
Looking at the perfect mid/late-round running back fits for the Philadelphia Eagles in the 2022 NFL draft
The Eagles currently have four running backs on the roster and the with the NFL draft fast approaching, the organization could choose to bypass adding another ball carrier.
If Howie Roseman chooses to replace Jordan Howard, there are several worthy candidates to join the depth chart, while not interfering with Kenneth Gainwell’s development as a second-year player.
With Miles Sanders entering the final year of his rookie deal, here are the perfect mid to late-round running back fits for the Eagles in this month’s draft.
The Houston Texans must draft a running back. Where in the 2022 NFL draft should the Texans invest their capital to bring in a young RB?
This past Friday, the Houston Texans made one of their more significant signings of free agency in running back Marlon Mack. Mack, formerly of the Indianapolis Colts, represents one of the few outside free agents they’ve added to the team this off-season and a much needed presence in the running back room.
Mack ran for 1,091 yards during the 2019 campaign for the Colts and was set to share the backfield with rookie running back Jonathan Taylor prior to an unfortunate ACL tear in September of 2020. Taylor, of course, went on to become one of the best running backs in the league with the backfield to himself. As such, Mack was left as the odd man out and forced to leave to find opportunity for volume.
The 26-year-old joins a Houston team with Rex Burkhead and Royce Freeman as the primary competition for snaps. Mack lacks high-end athleticism but has patience and power to navigate between the tackles and is a seemingly great fit for what Pep Hamilton has preached he wants to do in the 2022 perspective.
From exclusively a skill perspective, Mack factors in as the team’s immediate best running back on first and second downs. Seemingly, he’s filled a large void where Houston was once concerned about how they would aid second year quarterback Davis Mills
However, his presence on the roster is not one where the Texans should feel comfortable exhaling at the position. They still have one of the weakest running back groups in the league and will likely need more than their a motivated Marlon Mack to make a splash in the AFC South this upcoming season.
They need another running back.
Based on general manager Nick Caserio’s other moves thus far this off-season, another addition through free agency seems unlikely. This places the ability of Houston to add another the back solely on the 2022 NFL Draft. If there’s no doubt to the question of “if,” the new narrative becomes: when? A question that may best be broken down into three tiers if one operates under the assumption the Texans won’t trade.
In the draft, Breece Hall has separated into a tier of his own by all accounts. If Houston wants a shot at the three-down back, he will likely need to be selected with the team’s first pick of Day 2 at 37th overall. There are mumblings of teams selecting Hall late on Day 1 and it would appear virtually impossible for the back to last until their next pick at 68th overall. Hall would provide an immediate bell cow presence to the offense and a dynamic in the back field that the Texans haven’t employed in years. The premium talent that provides a back you can construct an offense around will also require a premium pick.
Breece Hall since 2019:
— PFF Draft (@PFF_College) March 31, 2022
🥇 3,920 rushing yards (most in P5)
🥇2,310 yards after contact (most)
🥇 50 rushing TDs (most)
🥇 194 forced missed tackles (most)pic.twitter.com/tYQgsAKqAv
Houston could turn to the next tier of backs if that price is too rich. Two others that still project as potential three-down contributors, Michigan State’s Kenneth Walker and Texas A&M’s Isaiah Spiller, are likely late Round 2 or early Round 3 picks. Each were dynamic talents at the college level but concerns over Walker’s ability in the passing game and Spiller’s speed that make them less complete prospects than the previously mentioned Hall. Regardless, if selected at Nos. 68 or 80, their presence on the roster would slot either as the immediate top running back on the depth chart after Day 2.
Finally, Houston could bolster their defense & passing game by simply waiting until Day 3. At 107 or pick 108, a variety of names from the Senior Bowl are available and could contribute in more of a committee fashion with Marlon Mack and Burkhead. Tyler Badie from Missouri, although undersized, led the SEC in rushing in 2021. Arizona State’s Rachaad White is a dynamic home run threat that projects well to Pep Hamilton’s scheme. Alabama’s Brian Robinson and Cincinnati’s Jerome Ford are both tough, in between the tackle runners that were a huge part of fueling their teams into the College Football Playoff. The options are endless.
Tyler Badie led the SEC with 1,604 rushing yards and 916 yards after contact in 2021 🐯pic.twitter.com/wBoHQgdQI4
— PFF Draft (@PFF_College) February 18, 2022
Whenever Houston decides to address running back, they’ll be in a great position to upgrade the room. Mack’s presence means they no longer have to force a selection they aren’t comfortable with. Hopefully Caserio doesn’t interpret it to mean more than that.
The #Chiefs met with a former Center High School star at the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine.
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Kansas City Chiefs prospect interviews at the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine continue to roll in, but this time it’s a player that fans should be familiar with.
Arizona State RB Rachaad White told reporters on Thursday that he’d met with the Chiefs and several other teams at the combine. White, of course, was an all-state selection at Center High School in Kansas City, Missouri before going on to junior college and eventually playing for former Chiefs HC Herm Edwards (2006-2008) with the Sun Devils.
Beyond calling Kansas City home, White is also a fan of its NFL team. He grew up idolizing former Chiefs RB Jamaal Charles, and praised his footwork and vision in the second level during his media availability at the combine on Tuesday.
Arizona St tailback Rachaad White, an alum of Center High School in KC, is speaking this morning at the NFL Combine. He said that Jamaal Charles was one of his favorite players growing up. pic.twitter.com/6LQHIObhnt
— Matt McMullen (@KCChiefs_Matt) March 3, 2022
#ASU RB Rachaad White compared his game to Jamaal Charles.
Said he loved his vision and footwork into the 2nd level. pic.twitter.com/pJk6fK6auG
— Daniel Alameda (@AlamedaViews) March 3, 2022
White was highly productive in his past two seasons at Arizona State, putting up over 2,000 scrimmage yards and 22 touchdowns on 275 touches in that span. He’s listed at 6-2 and 210 pounds and runs with power, patience and elusiveness. His burst and acceleration are among some of the best in this class. People are also expecting him to jump out of the building in vertical and broad jumps at the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine.
It’s unclear whether White had a formal or informal interview with the Chiefs, but it’s clear that they have some level of interest in the local prospect. The team currently only has two running backs under contract for the 2022 NFL season. With a first-round investment in Clyde Edwards-Helaire in 2020, it’d make sense to see them swing for a mid-round running back this year.
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In the latest mock draft from NFL.com’s Chad Reuter, the New York Giants stock up and add value at several different positions.
With free agency still a month away and the 2022 NFL draft soon to follow, it’s difficult to gauge what teams are thinking right now when it comes to their needs for the upcoming season.
For the New York Giants’ new general manager, Joe Schoen, things are very complex at the moment with little cap room to work with and a roster full of holes.
In his latest three-round mock draft, NFL.com’s Chad Reuter has the Giants filling some of those needs with five selections in the first 103 picks. Here’s how Reuter sees it unfolding.
Round 1, Pick 5: Ikem Ekwonu N.C. State · OT · Junior
Ekwonu is a wide-bodied stud who has lighter feet than you’d expect for someone with his girth. The Giants could play him at guard or tackle.
With Evan Neal off the board, this is a solid pick. The Giants like versatility and Ekwonu can give it to them. The only problem is if Ekwonu ends up at guard, they would have used a top 5 pick on him and that goes against positional value here.
A pure tackle would be better here. Or even a trade back for a slew of picks might be better. Just a quick note, the Giants would be passing on Oregon edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux to make this pick.
Round 1, Pick 7: Devin Lloyd, Utah · LB · Senior (RS)
Lloyd steps into the middle of the Giants’ defense, providing run-stopping ability but also the athleticism to work in coverage and attack the passer. He showed some potential to affect games as a pass rusher like Dallas Cowboys rookie Micah Parsons did last fall when given the chance.
It’s s bit of a stretch to compare any player to Parsons but this pick would be welcomed by Giant fans. Big Blue has avoided taking linebackers in the first round for the last 40 years but in this spot, it appears to be warranted. Lloyd is a stud. The Giants could use some of those.
Round 2, Pick 36: Trey McBride, Colorado State · TE · Senior
Another rough and tumble player who could continue the Giants’ long legacy of greatness at tight end. McBride won the Mackey Award this past season and had a great week at the Senior Bowl. He is an excellent pass catcher and blocker and they would be lucky to get him as he may be off the board here. McBride’s presence would instantly make Daniel Jones better.
Round 3, Pick 67: DeAngelo Malone, Western Kentucky · Edge · Senior
One can argue the Giants should take another offensive lineman here as there are still a lot to be had and heaven knows they need some. But they also need players who can get to the quarterback and Malone — a two-time C-USA Defensive Player of the Year — will be difficult to pass on with new defensive coordinator Wink Martindale needing pieces to ramp up the pass rush.
Round 3, Pick 103 (via 49ers through Dolphins): Rachaad White, Arizona State · RB · Senior
This is likely Saquon Barkley’s last year with the Giants unless he can convince them he can still be elite. The Giants will likely take a running back in this draft to suit their needs. They also could use a versatile running back with some size and durability and White checks all of those boxes.
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Chargers Wire’s Gavino Borquez and Cole Topham break down the 2022 NFL draft prospects that made themselves money at the Senior Bowl.
Now that the 2022 Senior Bowl is over, it is time to reflect back on the meaning of the week.
Which NFL draft prospects helped themselves the most throughout their time in Mobile? Let’s dive in with our winners and risers.
Our winner(s): Kenny Pickett (Pitt) and Malik Willis (Liberty)
Pickett refused to have his hands measured at the Senior Bowl, citing an issue with his double-jointed finger. No matter how much stock you place in the hand size of quarterbacks, Pickett was accurate and put together quality performances across all three days of practice. He was accurate, progressed through his reads quickly, and got the ball out in a timely fashion.
Throughout the week, Willis was an interesting study. His lower body fundamentals can be a mess at times in the pocket and Willis will need a strong coaching staff to develop that area at the next level. However, his ability to extend plays, find receivers on the run, and throw off-platform are traits to salivate over. The ball zips out his hand and I did not see a pass wilt on him all week.
Our biggest riser: Carson Strong (Nevada)
Like Willis, Strong entered Senior Bowl week as a wild card of sorts. By the event’s conclusion, Strong had done enough to disassociate himself from that label. For starters, he clarified the medicals around his knee and did not wear a brace after sporting one all through the 2021 season at Nevada. This resulted in increased mobility and comfortableness exiting the pocket and operating on bootlegs. Strong was fearless throwing the deep ball in practice, showing off his cannon and throw power. Sometimes, the ball would have too much arc, which increased the hang time, and often the receiver would have to sit on the end of the rope to make the catch. Nevertheless, Strong proved he has the intangibles to play quarterback in the NFL.
Our winner(s): Abram Smith (Baylor) and Brian Robinson (Alabama)
A compact rusher at 5’10” and 220 pounds, Smith was the best all-around running back in Mobile. A former linebacker, Smith showcased that physicality by punching through the line with vigor and running through tacklers with his frame. His deceiving burst allowed him to quickly dip in and out of the box.
Robinson performed well in every facet of the position but gained the respect of defenders for his work in pass protection. When practice was moved indoors on Thursday, Robinson put together his best showing. He bowled over Georgia linebacker Channing Tindall in a National Championship blitz pickup rematch. It was one of the more memorable moments at the Senior Bowl this year.
Our biggest riser: Rachaad White (Arizona State)
White introduced himself to those on the East Coast who fell asleep before he fueled the Sun Devil offense this season. White brought all the traits to the Senior Bowl that made him a star in ASU’s backfield. His jump-cut ability, soft hands out of the backfield, and methodical approach behind the trenches to allow the offensive line to root themselves in their blocks are all translatable to today’s NFL playstyle.
Our winner(s): Christian Watson (NDSU) and Calvin Austin III (Memphis)
Hulking 6’4” size and a spiderweb-like catch radius. Fluid hips and freakish speed that defy the physics of his frame. Strong hands and tracking skills to reel in the football through traffic. Watson dominated in pretty much every aspect of the wide receiver position at the Senior Bowl and quickly garnered the “unguardable” tag from the media in attendance.
Austin III was expected to be one of the Senior Bowl’s high-profile wideouts but surprised on Monday by measuring in two inches shorter than expected. The 5’7” speedster evaporated concerns over his height by becoming untouchable off the line and separating consistently on every level of his route. Austin’s electric route running and dauntless mentality was thrilling to watch and won the respect of a talented American defensive back group.
Our biggest riser: Bo Melton (Arizona State)
A legacy product out of Rutgers, Melton showed off one of the more advanced release packages at the Senior Bowl. Melton displayed exceptional short-area quickness and overall smoothness as a route runner. He ran a technical route tree, incorporated rocker steps as well as hesitation at the top of his stems, and was used heavily as a gadget player for the National offense in 11-on-11.
Our winner(s): Trey McBride (Colorado State) and Jeremy Ruckert (Ohio State)
McBride, the John Mackey Award winner, reaffirmed that he is this year’s No. 1 tight. Not only did he flash by catching nearly everything thrown his way during practices, but McBride showed athleticism in his routes to create separation, ran through arm tackles to pick up yards after the catch and finished plays with aggression. Further, McBride displayed the chops as a blocker. He capped off his impressive Senior Bowl week with a touchdown in the game.
Ruckert’s production was limited because of the offense he played in at Ohio State. Throughout the week, not only was he adept as a blocker but he showed why he is going to be far more reliable in the passing game as a pro. Ruckert looked smooth with his routes and his ball skills stood out, as he made grabs away from his body.
Our biggest riser: Greg Dulcich (UCLA)
McBride reassured that he remains the top tight end in this class, but Dulcich made a statement as one of the guys right behind him. At his best catching the football, Dulcich displayed fluid downfield strides and an understanding of route depth, with vacuum-like hands to reel in everything thrown his way. For a team like Chargers in need of someone to fill the “F” role, Dulcich is worth considering.
Our winner(s): Zion Johnson (Boston College) and Trevor Penning (Northern Iowa)
Johnson was our top guard coming into the week and he only helped maintain that spot with his showing throughout the week. While it took some time for him to adjust to center after spending his time in college at tackle and guard, Johnson quickly found his groove. With a combination of play strength, lateral quickness, leverage and proper hand placement, defenders struggled to get by him. He also provided a surge in the running game.
After facing and dominating small-school pass rushers, this was a big test for the presumed first-rounder. While it wasn’t always pretty for him as he struggled with leveraging and keeping his balance against power at times, Penning improved each day, with his mauler’s mentality and nasty temperament when finishing plays being the highlight of the week.
Our biggest riser: Cole Strange (Chattanooga)
After Quinn Meinerz put together a dominant week coming out of a Division III program, everyone was wondering if there would be another small-school stud to follow in his footsteps, and it was Strange. When isolated in pass protection in one-on-one drills, Strange stymied his opponents with a great anchor, base, and power absorption and the footwork to mirror. Further, he created consistent movement in the run game. Strange made his case to be a Day 2 selection.
Find out which players impressed and disappointed on the first day of the 2022 Reese’s Senior Bowl.
The 2022 Reese’s Senior Bowl kicked off on Tuesday with the National and American teams starting their practices.
Which players impressed? Which players disappointed?
Here are my picks for the biggest winners and losers from the first day of on-field action.
The Senior Bowl is underway in Mobile. Here are five observations from the collegiate all-star game’s first day of practices.
Houston Texans assistant directors of player personnel Matt Bazirgan and James Liipfert have a big task ahead of them this offseason.
The Texans have four picks in the top-100 for the first time since 2019, including their top pick at No. 3 overall in the 2022 NFL draft. With the Texans seemingly safe at quarterback, they don’t necessarily need to devote all of their attention therein. However, the club needs to be on point at the other positions.
One of the preliminary events of the “underwear Olympics,” otherwise known as the predraft process, is the Senior Bowl. Practices kicked off for day one in Mobile. Here are five observations.
2022 #SeniorBowl: 7 running back prospects for the #Eagles to watch #TheDraftStartsInMobile #NFLDraft2022 #FlyEaglesFly
We’re less than 100-days from the start of the 2022 NFL draft and with Philadelphia owning three first-round picks, Howie Roseman will need to increase the normal due diligence done on eligible prospects.
The draft actually starts in Mobile, Alabama, where the start of senior bowl practices will kick off on Tuesday, February 1.
The rosters are stacked with talent on both the American and National teams, with the former Eagles assistant coach Duce Staley leading the American side.
We’re profiling the position groups for both teams, while also breaking down several players at each group for Philadelphia to watch.
The first group up we’ll be the running backs.
Friday’s quick look at six fantasy items to know
Winding down the 2021 season and already in the middle of the fantasy playoffs. But here’s a little something for everyone – 2022 rookie running backs! The incoming class is not considered to be a great one and once again, the first one is likely to be selected in the second round. But that means any team can reach the best rushing talent in the draft, even teams with great offensive lines. Najee Harris sets an encouraging example from this year.
These six were chosen by scanning numerous of the best NFL draft sites and finding their cumulative best backs. There’s plenty of consensus with the Top-3 but the field really spreads out quickly. Consider this the starting point for these players who can help or hurt their draft stock with bowl games, the combine and Pro Days. Staying healthy and out of trouble pays off as well.
(All times EST; weight, height, and 40-times are unofficial)
1.) Isaiah Spiller, Texas A&M (6-1, 225 pounds, 4.5 40-time)
FRI DEC 31 TaxSlayer Bowl, 11 AM, (ESPN)
Wake Forest vs. Texas A&M
The Junior came within 54 yards of having three 1,000 yard seasons as a rusher. He’s bigger than most – almost fullback size – and he’s probably the slowest with an estimated 4.5 40-time, but he’s at or near the top in almost all current rookie rankings. He’s big enough to pick up the blitz, offers all the benefits of a power-back who can stay on the field for all three downs since he’s caught 74 passes in college. His college resume is solid though he never ran for more than 1,011 yards in a season but he’s always gained around 5.5 yards per carry. He’ll be viewed as a full-time back by the team that drafts him.
2.) Breece Hall, Iowa State (6-1, 215 pounds, 4.43 40-time)
WED DEC. 29, Cheez-it Bowl, 5:45 PM, (ESPN)
Clemson vs. Iowa State
The junior is the prototypical size and speed for a three-down back and he’s been very productive at Iowa State where he gained up to 1,572 yards and 21 scores in a season. He totals 82 catches in his three years and is considered to be excellent in pass protection. Has the quickness to make defenders miss and the power to keep his balance when contacted and fight for extra yards. Great hands and demonstrates talent in every phase of his position. He too should be considered as a three-down back.
3.) Kenneth Walker III, Michigan State (5-10, 210 pounds, 4.26 40-time)
THU DEC 30, Peach Bowl, 7:00 PM, (ESPN)
Pittsburgh vs Michigan State
He’s faster and more electric than the first two backs listed. Has the ability to accelerate quickly with a second gear and is very dangerous in the open field. This junior wasn’t a full-time back until this year but already gained 1,624 rush yards with 198 touchdowns. He’s less used as a receiver in the scheme at MSU and totals just 19 receptions in college. There’s no reason to assume he cannot develop his receiving skills quickly, his speed and shiftiness makes him a very viable target out in the flats on a pass play. Very athletic and a threat to score on any play.
4.) Zamir White, Georgia (6-0, 215 pounds, 4.38 40-time)
FRI DEC 31, Orange Bowl, 7:30 PM, (ESPN)
Michigan vs. Georgia
There is less consensus on White who comes out of the running back factory known as Georgia but hasn’t rushed for more than 779 yards in a season but always averaged over 5.2 yards per carry. He was in a timeshare for the Bulldogs that is how they handle their backfield. He’s only caught 15 passes in college but Nick Chubb and D’Andre Swift didn’t do a lot of receiving there. He’ll do himself a favor with a good performance in the Orange Bowl.
5.) Kyren Williams, Notre Dame (5-9, 199 pounds, 4.44 40-time)
SAT JAN 1, Fiesta Bowl, 1 PM, (ESPN)
Notre Dame vs. Oklahoma State
The Junior topped out at 1,125 rushing yards and 13 scores last year but he also added up to 42 receptions in a season. He’s multi-talented and not only noted for rushing and receiving but also for blocking. He can be a physical runner despite a smaller frame than many running backs. But he can run inside or outside, catch the ball and has the speed to make him dangerous when he reaches the second level of the defense. He’s an all-purpose back that can run, play the slot, return kicks – whatever the team needs.
6.) Rachaad White, Arizona State (6-2, 210 pounds. 4.46 40-time)
THU DEC 30, Las Vegas Bowl, 10:30 PM, (ESPN)
Wisconsin vs. Arizona State
The Senior only played in two seasons at Arizona State where he topped out this year with exactly 1,000 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns, and also 43 catches for 456 more yards. He is elusive and a game-breaking running back. He’s also invited to the Senior Bowl. He has great lateral speed and a second-gear for home-run potential whenever he has the ball. He is considered one of the best pass-catching backs in the draft and his stock could be hurt because his high school career was limited by injury, and he ended up at a small Div. II college and redshirted. He transferred to Mount San Antonio Community College. From there he almost jumped to UCLA but ended up with ASU. His lack of playing for a single school makes it harder to evaluate him but plenty of analysts are interested in his talent more than his back history.
