Tag: Ryan Watts

Shane Steichen, Reggie Wayne attend Texas pro day

Some important Colts’ figures attended the Texas pro day.

Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen and wide receivers coach Reggie Wayne were in attendance at the NFL pro day for Texas ahead of the 2023 NFL draft.

While the Colts will have several scouts attending pro days and workouts leading up to April’s big event, it’s noteworthy when a head coach makes a trip.

It’s also notable that Wayne is in attendance considering the Longhorns have two fringe Round 1 receiver prospects in Xavier Worthy and Adonai Mitchell.

While the wide receiver prospects will certainly garner the most attention for the Colts, there are several other prospects the team likely had an eye on during the pro day.

Tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders is considered one of the top prospects at the position and likely a Day 2 pick. Defensive tackle Byron Murphy is expected to go in the first round while fellow defensive tackle T’Vondre Sweat is a projected Day 2 selection.

Safety Ryan Watts also could be on Chris Ballard’s radar considering his elite RAS (9.84).

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6 options for the Saints to replace Marcus Maye at safety

The Saints will be replacing Marcus Maye at safety, but who are their choices? Between in-house options, draft prospects, and free agents, here are six candidates:

Here’s another challenge for the New Orleans Saints offense: replacing Marcus Maye at safety. It’s been reported that the Saints will release Maye at the start of the new league year on March 13, buying them time to make decisions on other players before filing his release with the league office.

Even if Maye’s availability was a concern (he missed a full 17-game season’s worth of time with injuries and a suspension through two years), the Saints still need to account for his loss in the secondary. Between in-house options, draft prospects, and free agents, here are six candidates to watch:

6 standouts from DB, TE workouts at 2024 NFL Scouting Combine

Which cornerbacks and tight ends stood out most on Day 2 in Indianapolis?

The Jacksonville Jaguars have made no secret that they want to add to their cornerback room. New defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen hinted at the need in his introductory press conference and general manager Trent Baalke was much less subtle when he said it’s “a group we need to address.”

Thus, there are plenty of cornerbacks — like Alabama’s Terrion Arnold, Clemson’s Nate Wiggins, and Toledo’s Quinyon Mitchell — who could end up being the No. 17 overall pick in April. And all of those players were on display Friday at the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine.

The Jaguars seem less inclined to add a tight end to their roster, but that position competed Friday as well. Here are six players who stood out in Day 2 at the combine:

Texas CB Ryan Watts runs a 4.53 40-yard dash at NFL combine

Ryan Watts had an impressive showing at the NFL combine.

Texas cornerback Ryan Watts had a strong showing at the NFL combine on Friday. The 6-foot-2, 208-pound defensive back displayed good speed in front of those scouting the measurable athletic performances.

Watts ran a respectable 4.53 40-yard dash which could come as a surprise to those who watched Texas this season. The former Ohio State transfer was viewed as a smart, physical corner who often got beat in downfield coverage.

The former Little Elm (TX) player seemed to be targeted several times downfield in Texas’ loss to the Washington Huskies in the College Football Playoff. Washington had its fair share of success targeting Watts downfield. While the cornerback was often close to making a play, the Huskies found a way to get the football past him to their receivers.

Watts’ struggles in 2023 were not necessarily for lack of speed. The 4.53 speed should provide some confidence about his potential to NFL teams looking for defensive backs.

WATCH: Texas safety BJ Allen intercepts pass to Xavier Worthy

BJ Allen made quite a play in this interception.

Depth chart positioning is up for grabs this spring in Austin, Texas. BJ Allen might have a grasp on his opportunity if this highlight play is any indication.

Allen was seen in ball hawk mode intercepting a deep pass intended for Texas wide receiver Xavier Worthy. Judging by the context of the play, it looks like the former Aledo safety was getting reps with first team players. The clip shows him making the play with starting safety Jerrin Thompson and cornerback Ryan Watts in the vicinity.

The former four-star player probably would settle behind Arkansas transfer Jalen Catalon had the veteran player been healthy. Even so, if Allen continues to make more plays like the one in this highlight the Longhorns might have to find a place for him on the field.

In some ways, Allen shares similarities with Texas safety Jerrin Thompson, who didn’t see as many opportunities early. Should he get his moment, it looks like the young talent is ready to capitalize.

Predicting the starting secondary for Texas football in 2023

The secondary looks to be a strength of the Longhorns’ defense in 2023.

The secondary looks to be a strength of the Longhorns’ defense in 2023. Texas has a great mix of returning production and an influx of talent in its defensive backfield.

Ryan Watts, Jerrin Thompson and Jahdae Barron have tons of snaps under their belts as Longhorns. They are joined by the transfer duo of Jalen Catalon and Gavin Holmes, along with some exciting young pieces.

Position battles between the defensive backs are one of the more intriguing storylines to follow in spring practice.

Wake Forest transfer Gavin Holmes and sophomore Terrance Brooks are competing for the cornerback spot across from Ryan Watts. Blue chip freshman Malik Muhammad is already turning heads as well.

Fourth-year safety Kitan Crawford is earning first-team snaps while Catalon deals with an injury. Crawford has been mentioned multiple times as one of the standouts of spring ball.

Texas has the chance to boast one of the best defenive back units in the Big 12 Conference. Here is a look a the predicted starter at each position ahead of the 2023 campaign.

Texas Football: Longhorns Wire awards for the 2022 season

Longhorns Wire hands out team awards for the 2022 season.

The 2022 regular season has come to an end for the Texas Longhorns. Continue reading “Texas Football: Longhorns Wire awards for the 2022 season”

Steve Sarkisian provides an injury update prior to Kansas State matchup

Coach Sarkisian sounded optimistic about the health of defensive backs Anthony Cook and Ryan Watts.

Steve Sarkisian provided an injury update on two key members of the Texas secondary ahead of Saturday’s matchup at No. 13 Kansas State.

Coach Sarkisian sounded optimistic about the health of defensive backs Anthony Cook and Ryan Watts. Sarkisian mentioned “Both (Cook and Watts) look pretty good to me,” in his media availability on Thursday.

Having the secondary at full strength would provide a massive boost for the Longhorns going down the stretch. Cook left the Oklahoma State game early with an arm injury while Watts has been nursing an upper-body injury since the Iowa State game.

Cook is one of the more consistent players on the defense, totaling 46 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss and a forced fumble on the season. Watts has proved to be a major addition from the transfer portal. He has started all eight games and picked up his first interception against Oklahoma State.

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Two Texas players among ESPN’s top impact transfers this season

ESPN ranked the top 50 impact transfers, Quinn Ewers isn’t the highest ranked Texas player.

Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian and his staff added several talented playmakers to the roster this offseason via the NCAA transfer portal. Continue reading “Two Texas players among ESPN’s top impact transfers this season”

Studs and duds from Texas’ 41-20 victory over UTSA

Bijan Robinson and Roschon Johnson set the tone for Texas.

No. 21 Texas improved to 2-1 on the season after a 41-20 victory over UTSA in front of a packed house at DKR.

The game played much closer than the score indicates. Texas led 24-20 late in the third quarter before a Jahdae Barron pick-six broke the game open.

The Longhorns ran the ball effectively behind great performances from Bijan Robinson and Roschon Johnson. The duo combined for over 300 yards of total offense and four touchdowns.

Texas’ defense bounced back from a sluggish start to the game with a lockdown second half. The Horns held the Roadrunners to just three points after going down 17-7 in the second quarter. Linebackers Jaylan Ford and DeMarvion Overshown tallied 25 tackles in the effort.

Steve Sarkisian is proud of the way his team overcame adversity. Texas responded to the early deficit by outscoring UTSA 34-3 to close the ballgame.

Here is a look at the studs and duds from Texas’ win over UTSA on Saturday night.