Tag: Shaun Wade

2020 NFL Mock Draft: What the Giants’ first three rounds could reap

Draft Wire recently released a three-round mock draft, which provides a glimpse into what the New York Giants may do in 2020.

The New York Giants select fourth overall in the upcoming 2020 NFL Draft in April and everyone has their opinion about what general manager Dave Gettleman should do to improve the team.

Luke Easterling of our sister site Draft Wire recently published his end of season three-round mock draft. Here’s what he came up with for the Giants.

Round One, Pick No. 4 

Andrew Thomas , OT Georgia (6’5″, 320) 

Losing out on (Chase) Young hurts, but this pick is hardly a consolation prize. The Giants need a franchise left tackle every bit as much as they need an impact edge rusher, and Thomas has all the physical and mental tools to be an immediate and long-term upgrade at a premium position.

You don’t ever have to justify taking a franchise left tackle high in the draft to me. I need no convincing. A top left tackle is the cornerstone of any offense and, in my opinion, Thomas could end up being a more valuable piece than Young would have been simply because he can both pass and run block, which will help both Daniel Jones and Saquon Barkley out big time.

Round Two, Pick No. 36

Shaun Wade, CB Ohio State 

Another cornerback? Didn’t the Giants just draft four potential starters in the last two drafts? Yes, they did, but there’s always room for more and Wade is the kind go talent that might be hard to pass up on. They couldn’t land Young, so why not grab another Buckeye standout? The only issue is whether the underclassman declares. Many scouts think Wade would greatly benefit from another season in Columbus.

Round Three, Pick No. 68 

Surrendered to the New York Jets in the Leonard Williams trade. 

A major blunder whether or not they re-sign Williams. Gettleman foolishly forked over two draft picks for an impending free agent who was at a lull in his career. That is something a contender one or two players away from winning the Super Bowl does, not a team that has one winning season over the past seven.

The Giants will very likely be awarded a compensatory selection at the end of the third round (somewhere in the mid-90s) for losing Landon Collins in free agency, but they will be missing out on another opportunity here due to Gettleman’s wanton handling of draft assets.

[lawrence-related id=637310,637301,637286]

Ohio State DB Shaun Wade to make decision on NFL Saturday

Ohio State cornerback Shaun Wade will be making his decision on his NFL plans on Saturday. Will he stay or forego his senior year?

The Ohio State secondary was a much improved one in 2019 compared to what we saw just a season ago in 2018. It helped turn a defense that struggled with the big play become a top five national unit this season.

But as good as that sounds, there is a lot to work to do next year because the Buckeyes are staring down the barrel at potentially losing all four members of the back-end. Safety Jordan Fuller and cornerback Damon Arnette are graduating, and it’s likely a lock that Jeff Okudah declares for the draft as the best corner prospect in the class if he comes out early.

But that’s not all. The other corner, Shaun Wade, is also contemplating an early jump to the NFL. He’s just a sophomore, but was red-shirted his freshman year, so he’s three years removed from graduating high school and thus, also eligible to enter the draft.

There’s really been no tea leaves to read on whether Wade would make the jump or stay in school, but it was clear Ohio State wasn’t as great of a defense when he was out of the game. He’s still a little raw but he’s extremely skilled.

So, the question remains — will Wade leave early or come back?

We won’t have to wait long, because he’ll be making his decision via live stream on Letterman Row this coming Saturday at Noon. He (or someone close to him) is dubbing it “The Decision.”

It would obviously be great news if Wade were to come back for one more season at Ohio State. Not only could he use a little more seasoning as the unquestionable No. 1 guy at the corner position, but it would help ease some of the new starters into the rotation for whatever new assistant coach comes to work with the secondary.

So tune in. We’ll have reaction to whatever his decision is when it’s made known.

Ohio State vs Clemson: Shaun Wade ejected for targeting in second quarter

Ohio State lost starting cornerback Shaun Wade after he was ejected for targeting on Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence in the 2nd quarter.

The Ohio State Buckeyes third-starting cornerback Shaun Wade was ejected for targeting on Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence. It was a game-changing call.

As Wade blitzed on Lawrence, both the he and defensive end Chase Young collapsed on Lawrence.

Sadly, the ref viewed the play as dirty andd has ruled Wade out for the remainder of the most important game of his career. Wade was a highly impactful player, and his absence will be missed. Even more, it kept a Clemson drive alive that resulted in a touchdown.

The Buckeyes will now heavily rely on Jordan Fuller, Damon Arnette Jr., and Jeff Okudah. With the game now within a field goal, Wade’s absence is as crucial as ever.

That said, here’s a look at the play that Wade received a targeting call on.

It was excruciating to see for Ohio State fans. And one has to wonder if this is really what the spirit of targeting is all about?

Ohio State Football is the official DBU and will need to back it up against Clemson. Look at this crazy stat from 2019 as proof.

Several programs brag about being DBU in college football. Look at this stat though that provides further evidence that Ohio State BIA.

There’s been a fight all season (for years really) about which team is college football is DBU. Standing for Defensive Back University, it’s been Florida and LSU bickering for the top spot. But somebody has to tell them.

Many believe it’s been Ohio State’s title to lose all along. And that isn’t about to happen this year.

With Jeff Okudah and Damon Arnette, the Buckeyes easily have the most talented corner tandem, with Okudah projected to be the best cornerback prospect in college football.

Arnette and even fellow corner Shaun Wade are supposed to hear their names called in the late April draft as well. It’s not just about the potential on this roster but their success. And that’s before we even begin discussing safety Jordan Fuller who is the eraser on the back-end playing center field. He too, is most likely going to land on an NFL roster.

But wait. Here’s a stat by PFF College that proves exactly why Ohio State is DBU — at least this year.

Only one TD allowed by the combination of Okudah and Arnette in 2019? That’s hard to believe, and speaks volumes for what this group does for a much improved defense this year.

But it’s not just this year.

Ohio State has boasted elite corners such as Marshon Lattimore, Denzel Ward and Eli Apple this past decade. The Buckeye program consistently trains some of the best corners in the world.

That said, with one of the nation’s best defenses, Ohio State’s secondary will be tested like they’ve yet to be this season on Saturday.

The nation’s No. 2 ranked Ohio State pass defense, giving up just 148.5 yards per game through the air, will meet Clemson’s No. 1 pass defense, giving up just over 138.5 per game.

The Ohio State-Clemson matchup will be a battle of two elite defense going against two potent offense. Something’s got to give right?

The dynamic QB-WR trio of Trevor Lawrence, Tee Higgins, and Justyn Ross will meet Okudah, Arnette and gang in the Fiesta Bowl, and it will be a matchup for the ages. The 6-foot-4 Higgins has averaged over 140 yards per game over Clemson’s last two games alone and is a red-zone nightmare for opposing secondaries.

Will Ohio State’s defensive backs continue to lock down some of the nation’s best? This will be the real test of whether or not it deserves the title of DBU.

Or in the case of what they’ve dubbed themselves — BIA (Best in America).

Ohio State is staring down a complete rebuild in the secondary for 2020

All four DBs for Ohio State could head to the NFL after this season, and the Buckeyes could be staring at a rebuild there in 2020.

The Ohio State Buckeyes lost Clarke Phillips III yesterday, and it may end up hitting them hard as the NFL Draft could take the bulk of their star defensive backs.

All three cornerbacks for Ohio State could head to the NFL after this season, and the Buckeyes could be in trouble if that happens. At the very least, Jeff Okudah and Damon Arnette are expected to leave. The secondary will also lose All Big-Ten performers Jordan Fuller at safety to graduation.

Okudah is a projected top-five pick while Arnette may be able to sneak into the first round as well, and will certainly be selected before the draft’s final day.

The wild card for Ohio State is Shaun Wade.

Will the Buckeyes third-string corner leave as well?

Wade, a five-star recruit coming out of high school, is projected as top-50 pick according to USA Today’s Draft Wire. After missing the 2017 season, Wade’s tenure hasn’t been what many had hoped, but the skill is still there, and he’s been coming on. He would be the most talented and experienced pass-defender heading into next season.

The loss of the entire back end of the defense could be back-breaking for the team that’d have to figure out their defensive sets without the help of a superstar roaming the field.

With four-star cornerback Ryan Watts inbound and four-star safety Lathan Ransom also coming in, the Buckeyes should have a capable secondary taking the field next season, but it certainly won’t be the same strength we’re currently seeing. There will need to be some development, and likely a lot of growing pains with so much youth.

Guys like Cameron Brown, Amir Riep and Sevyn Banks return and will factor in, but they too will need an offseason of development and seasoning.

Clark Phillips would also be a young one, but it would be one more talented and athletic DB to drop into a competitive situation. That can never hurt. Now Ohio State will need to have a plan for all the losses in the secondary, and it’ll be doing it without Jeff Hafley.

Latest 2020 NFL mock draft has Bears addressing defensive needs in 2nd round

In a new 2020 NFL Mock Draft, the Bears address two needs on defense: cornerback and edge rusher.

The Chicago Bears will have plenty of needs to address this offseason, both on offense and defense — and one could argue special teams.

General manager Ryan Pace will have a lot of work to do to free up salary cap space in the offseason — to resign free agents in-house and look elsewhere for assistance. But it’ll also be what he does in the NFL Draft that will be important for the future of this team.

The Bears currently hold the 47th and 49th picks in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, as they got Oakland’s second-round pick (No. 47) in the Khalil Mack trade.

In Draft Wire’s latest mock draft, they have the Bears addressing two needs on defense: cornerback and edge rusher.

With the 47th pick, they have the Bears selecting Ohio State cornerback Shaun Wade. In 12 games with the Buckeyes, Wade has 26 total tackles, including 4 tackles for loss, as well as one interception and two forced fumbles. With Prince Amukamara’s status in question heading into the offseason, the Bears will need to address the cornerback position. Second-year player Kevin Toliver has been getting playing time in place of Amukamara as he recovers from a hamstring injury.

Then with the 49th pick, they have Chicago taking Boise State edge rusher Curtis Weaver. In 13 games, Weaver has 13.5 sacks, one forced fumble, one interception and 50 total tackles. While the Bears picked up Leonard Floyd’s fifth-year option, Floyd hasn’t been able to capitalize opposite one of the league’s best edge rushers in Khalil Mack. Since notching two sacks against the Packers in the season opener, Floyd has just one sack. The Bears need some more quality pass rushers to pair with Mack.

While there are certainly other needs Chicago needs to address this offseason — tight end, offensive line and quarterback depth — there are going to be some holes for Pace to plug in on defense.

[lawrence-related id=433571,433528,433561,433487,433482]

Ohio State vs. Wisconsin 2019 Big Ten Championship football Preview And Prediction

Ohio State will tussle with Wisconsin for the second time this season in the Big Ten Championship Game. Here’s our preview and prediction.

Records

Ohio State (12-0), Wisconsin (10-2)

Broadcast, TV, Game Time

Date: Saturday, December 7
Game Time: 8pm ET
Network: FOX
Venue: Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis – Capacity: 70,000
All-Time Series: Ohio State leads 60-18-5
Last Meeting: Ohio State defeated Wisconsin 38-7 earlier this year

Boom! There’s nothing quite like owning your arch rival. The Buckeyes took care of business in impressive fashion with a dominating win over the Wolverines in Ann Arbor this past Saturday.

The regular season is done and now it’s time to focus on bigger prizes, namely a Big Ten Championship and College Football Playoff birth.

The Buckeyes will  face the Badgers of Wisconsin in a rematch of a crossover game from earlier in the season in which Ohio State cruised to a 38-7 victory in less than ideal weather conditions.

Weather won’t be a factor under the cover of Lucas Oil Stadium as Ohio State looks for its third straight Big Ten Championship.

On to Indy!

Next … The game plan

Pages: Page 1, Page 2, Page 3

Ohio State vs. Michigan 2019 football Preview And Prediction

Ohio State travels to Michigan to renew the annual grudge match in The Game. We’ve got your preview and prediction for Saturday.

[jwplayer cqrtEFDS-o2AELQvx]

Records

Ohio State (11-0), Michigan (9-2)

Broadcast, TV, Game Time

Date: Saturday, November 30
Game Time: Noon ET
Network: FOX
Venue: Michigan Stadium – Capacity: 107,601
All-Time Series: Michigan leads 58-50-6
Last Meeting: Ohio State defeated Michigan 62-39 in 2018

In a season that was supposed to finally be the year for Jim Harbaugh and the Wolverines to get over the hump, it’s been more of the same. Unfulfilled expectations.

On the other side, Ohio State was picked as low as fourth in the Big Ten with new coach Ryan Day taking over for Urban Meyer. However, the Bucks have just kept rolling with a high powered offense and a new look defense.

Michigan has been steadily improving as the regular season winds down. This isn’t the same team that squeaked by Army and got trucked by Wisconsin and TTUN would like nothing more than to knock the Buckeyes down a notch and give Harbaugh his first win over Ohio State.

This one is setting up to be an epic battle in the Big House. Throw the records out the window for The Game – it’s officially Michigan week!

Next … The game plan

Pages: Page 1, Page 2, Page 3

5 NFL Draft prospects to watch for Lions fans in CFB Week 13

Five players Lions fans should watch in college week 13, including Zack Moss and Antonio Gandy-Golden

The college football season is wrapping up quickly. Just a couple of weeks are left on the Saturday slate, just a few more chances to get a leg up on the scouting for the 2020 NFL Draft.

Here are five players on display in Saturday’s games that should interest the Detroit Lions when draft season rolls around. Not every one of these is a top-shelf prospect. Remember, there are seven rounds and the Lions are in need of a lot of help…

Shaun Wade, CB, Ohio State

He’s only a redshirt sophomore but there are whispers Wade will declare early. And the twitchy 6-1 corner would look very good in Honolulu Blue.

Wade plays almost exclusively in the slot, which is unusual for a longer CB with his athleticism and speed. But it makes him a great fit for Detroit, which can use help inside given the recent play from Justin Coleman and the complete lack of depth behind him.

Two big feathers in Wade’s cap that you can check out when his Buckeyes face off against Penn State in the de facto Big Ten East title game (12 p.m. ET, FOX): he tackles like a strong safety and he communicates very well with his fellow DBs in transitions.

Pages: Page 1, Page 2, Page 3, Page 4, Page 5

5 potential Chargers prospects to watch in Week 13

Chargers Wire’s Gavino Borquez lays out the college prospects you should be watching on Saturday.

It’s Saturday, which means it’s time for another edition of The Scouting Notebook.

The Scouting Notebook features prospects to keep an eye on when the majority of the college games take place. While some think it’s too early to talk about the 2020 NFL draft, there’s never a bad time to talk about the future of the Chargers.

With that being said, here are five prospects to watch for in Week 13.

CB Shaun Wade, Ohio State, #24, 9:00 a.m. PT, FOX

The Chargers haven’t added a true playmaker at the cornerback position since signing Casey Hayward back in 2017. While Michael Davis has been decent this season, the team could look to replace him with a long-term solution, who has plenty of talent.

Wade, the 6-foot-1 and 190 pounder, primarily plays in the slot for the Buckeyes. For someone of his size, it’s a little unusual but he has the speed and athleticism to thrive on the outside in the NFL. The redshirt sophomore has the read and react skills from zone coverage that defensive coordinator Gus Bradley would covet.

Today, Wade will be under the microscope of many NFL evaluators as he and Ohio State battle it out with the Penn State Nittany Lions in a top-10 matchup on Saturday morning.

Pages: Page 1, Page 2, Page 3, Page 4, Page 5