Tag: spencer brown

Panthers waive DL Frank Herron, sign 2 more

Panthers waive DL Frank Herron, sign 2 more

According to Monday’s waiver wire, the Carolina Panthers have parted ways with Frank Herron. This comes nearly one month after the team signed the 26-year-old defensive tackle.

Herron broke into the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the New England Patriots in the spring of 2018. The 6-foot-4, 305-pounder bounced around a number of practice squads before finally registering on-field action as a Detroit Lion over seven games from 2019 to 2020.

The waiver wire also noted the Panthers have signed two undrafted rookies of their own, bringing in Northwestern University linebacker Paddy Fisher and University of Alabama at Birmingham running back Spencer Brown.

Fisher, 6-foot-3 and 240 pounds, was a four-year starter for the Wildcats. He recorded 401 total tackles, 2.0 sacks and four interceptions.

A four-year standout as well, Brown rushed for 4,011 yards and 41 touchdowns in his collegiate career. He is the only player to be named Conference USA Championship Game MVP twice (2018 and 2020).

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Draft pick finds perfect way to join Bills Mafia

Spencer Brown joined the Bills Mafia in style after being chosen by Buffalo in the third round

There have been many celebrations by players as they have been chosen in the NFL draft. However, none top that of Spencer Brown.

The 6-foot-8, 314-pound offensive lineman from Northern Iowas was chosen by the Buffalo Bills in the third round on Friday.

If you want to get in good graces with the Bills Mafia, what is the only thing one can do?

Damn right, that is put yourself through a table.

Brown is the first player from Northern Iowa drafted by the Bills.

Some background via Bills.com:

Brown competed in football, basketball, golf, and track at Lenox High School in his hometown Lenox, Iowa. The school, nestled in a town with a population of 1,407 as of 2010, fielded an eight-player team.

Brown played tight end in addition to fighting through double teams to rack up 17 sacks as a senior and earned first-team all-state honors.

 

Bills draft pick Spencer Brown appropriately celebrates joining team by jumping through table

Of course he did.

Spencer Brown already gets it.

The Buffalo Bills selected the offensive tackle out of Northern Iowa with a third-round pick on Friday night, and Brown knew what to do right away to celebrate.

As you’ll see from the video below, he climbed up on a ladder and jumped through a table, just like the members of the Bills Mafia the fanbase that is known for traditionally smashing tables whether it’s for playoff games, or for other life events. This table, thankfully, was not lit on fire.

Brown, of course, was so pumped, as were the people he was celebrating with:

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8 things to know about Bills third-round pick Spencer Brown

Thing to know about Buffalo Bills third-round pick at 2021 NFL draft, Northern Iowa offensive lineman Spencer Brown.

The Bills rounded out the second day of the 2021 NFL draft but switched sides of the ball. Still, that doesn’t mean they left the trenches.

After going back-to-back pass rushers in Greg Rousseau and Carlos Basham Jr., Buffalo opted for offensive tackle Spencer Brown. While a product of Northern Iowa, Bills general manager Brandon Beane advised not to sleep on him.

Beane, via video conference on Friday, said Brown will get his chance to compete for playing time in 2021. Specifically he mentioned the swing tackle spot.

Considering that, you’ll want to get to know Brown.

Here are eight things to know about the Bills’ new offensive lineman:

Lions mock draft watch: PFN creates wild 7-round Detroit mock

AJ Schulte from Pro Football Network hands in a 7-round mock draft that has many twists and turns helping the rebuild for the Detroit Lions

By now, we have so many mock draft variations in the last few months; we are ready for the real thing to happen finally. With the draft only a handful of days away, experts and analysts finalize their draft boards and take a final stab where players will land, with AJ Schulte from Pro Football Network being the latest with his in-depth 7-round mock draft.

Typically experts keep it as simple as possible considering how exhausting a 7-round mock is, but nobody told Schulte that. He came up with one of the wildest Lions mock drafts out there with not just one trade but three trades when it was all said and done that jump-starts their rebuild in a big way.

1st trade: Philadelphia Eagles send picks 12, 84, 123, and Indianapolis’ conditional second-round pick in 2022 to the Lions in exchange for pick 7, which the Eagles selected OT Penei Sewell

2nd trade: Arizona Cardinals send picks 16 and 49 to the Lions in exchange for pick 12, which the Cardinals picked CB Jaycee Horn.

3rd trade: Cleveland Browns trade WR Jarvis Landry and a fourth-round pick in 2022 to the Lions for pick 112, where the Browns select OG Robert Hainsey.

Now we have all the terms settled and picks selected; here is the Lions full haul.

1st round (16): Rashod Bateman, WR, Minnesota

2nd round (41): Jamin Davis, LB, Kentucky

2nd round (49): Spencer Brown, OT, Northern Iowa

3rd round (72): Jevon Holland, S, Oregon

3rd round (84): Rashad Weaver, EDGE, Pitt

3rd round (101): Shakur Brown, CB, Michigan State

4th round (123): Kenneth Gainwell, RB, Memphis

5th round (153): Darrick Forrest, S, Cincinnati

Acquired: WR Jarvis Landry, conditional 2022 2nd round pick, and 2022 4th round pick.

It is worth noting the conditional 2022 2nd round pick from the Eagles is from the Carson Wentz trade and could turn into a first-rounder if Wentz plays 75% of the Colts offensive snaps in 2021 or Wentz plays 70% of the Colts offensive snaps in 2021, and the Colts make the playoffs. So in this scenario, the Lions could be walking away with three first-round picks in 2022 if those terms are met.

Bateman is one of the more well-rounded receivers with his savvy route running to create separation no matter where he lines up on the field. He is NFL-built, and if it weren’t for his opt-out, we would be talking about him going higher, but just relying on 2019 tape teams are hesitant. Luckily for the Lions, they get a receiver who can instantly become a feature target and building block for the future.

Davis has seen his draft stock skyrocket after obliterating his Pro Day, showing off his superb athleticism that allows him to cover a lot of ground and wallop the ball carrier. Even though he only has one year of strong production, he has the intangibles you can’t teach and could develop into the Lions next MLB.

Spencer Brown, a natural right tackle, put his name on the map after a strong showing at the Senior Bowl, and then after putting up an insane 4.4 short shuttle at 311 pounds at his Pro Day, he is cementing his name as one of the more athletic tackles to come out of the draft. His consistency may be squirrelly at times, but his ability to mirror defenders will allow him to compete with Tyrell Crosby at right tackle.

Holland can be the next swiss army defender in the Lions arsenal, seeing time at split safety and nickel allowing him to play matchup football, which Dan Campbell looks to implement heavily. Some parts of his game will need some refinement, but he is a ball-hawk (9 ints in college), able to defend the run and pass equally, and his versatility will be heavily welcomed on the Lions defense.

Weaver is a technical pass rusher who wins with his handwork and length, not speed, and can line up inside and outside and create favorable matchups. Shakur Brown is also one of those versatile defenders who can line up outside and inside corner due to his strong instincts and play-making skills. What Forest lacks in size for safety, he more than makes up for it with heart and desire and could go from a key special teams player to a rotational role at safety.

Even though the Lions are all but set at running back this year, general manager Brad Holmes has not shied away from enhancing the room during his time with Rams, and it would show with the Gainwell selection this late in the draft. It might be overkill, but having Swift and Gainwell lined up together will create very favorable matchups as shifty, pass-catching backs giving the offense a new dynamic they can take advantage of.

As for the Landry trade, the Browns are probably not sellers when it comes down to it, but for the sake of the argument, Landry could be that strong veteran presence in the locker room. He can line up inside or outside and would fit right into the culture the new Lions regime is trying to establish in Detroit and be that bridge for the young players walking in.

The Lions were able to grab high character players who have grit, passion for football, a quality Holmes is looking for in players. Even though this mock seems off-the-wall, especially with the number of trades, it paints a picture for potential players the Lions could target and inject young talent in the roster.

16 OTs the Colts could draft to replace Anthony Castonzo

Which OTs are best for the Colts?

The Indianapolis Colts offensive line has been considered one of the best in the NFL over the last few years after selecting Quenton Nelson in the 2018 NFL draft.

The unit took on a major loss when their long-time left tackle, Anthony Castonzo, announced his retirement on January 12. His void is still a glaring issue when you take a gander at the current roster. While general manager Chris Ballard added veterans Sam Tevi and Julién Davenport in free agency, both players should be viewed as depth pieces that will compete for a spot on the roster. 

Indianapolis currently only has six picks and only two (Nos. 21, 54) of those fall on the first two days of the draft. Ballard has made at least eight selections in his four draft classes so it will be interesting to see if he stays put or trades back to add some ammunition for him to work with. It will be dependent on how the board falls and if one of his guys will fall to the No. 21 pick.

While left tackle is a pressing need, that doesn’t mean it will be the first position off the board for the Colts. Offensive tackle is one of the deeper groups in this class so Ballard can wait if he needs to, but he should leave Day 1 or 2 with the next left tackle that will be counted on to fill Castonzo’s shoes. 

There have been 18 offensive tackles selected in the first round of the last five NFL drafts:

2016: 4
2017: 2
2018: 2
2019: 4
2020: 6

Based on recent history, we can expect at least three tackles to hear their names called on the first night. Teams that could select a tackle before Indianapolis include the  Carolina Panthers, Los Angeles Chargers, Minnesota Vikings, Washington Football Team, and Chicago Bears. As it is every year, we truly don’t know how the board will fall on April 29.

Let’s take a look at some potential Day 1 and 2 options for the Colts.:

OT prospects for Colts in each round of 2021 draft

Which OT prospects should the Colts consider?

The Indianapolis Colts will be entering the 2021 NFL draft looking to find a replacement for longtime left tackle Anthony Castonzo, who announced his retirement after 10 seasons following the 2020 campaign.

Though the Colts will toy with the idea of moving either Quenton Nelson or Braden Smith to left tackle, there is a strong chance they use one of their picks in first or second round at the position. This draft class boasts a deep group, many of which will have the attention of the Colts.

In free agency, the Colts made some small moves at offensive tackle. They signed Julién Davenport and Sam Tevi to the roster on one-year deals, which likely sets up the competition for the swing tackle spot on the depth chart.

We have also taken a look at wide receivers and edge rushers in each round for the Colts ahead of the draft.

Now, let’s take a look at offensive tackle prospects in each round of the 2021 draft for Indy:

10 small-school prospects for the Eagles to consider in the 2021 NFL Draft

10 small-school prospects for the Eagles to consider in the 2021 NFL Draft

The Eagles are no strangers to targeting small school players in the NFL draft and the results have mostly been positive.

The Eagles used the 2016 Senior Bowl to analyze Carson Wentz and Howie Roseman used the No. 2 pick on the former North Dakota State star.

Dallas Goedert, Todd Herreman, Jeremiah Trotter, and Brian Westbrook also make the list.

There have been plenty of small-school gems drafted over the years and with the Eagles in need of some retooling, here are 10 sleeper prospects who could interest the Birds.

Chargers HC Brandon Staley reveals traits at positions of need ahead of NFL draft

Chargers head coach Brandon Staley was very open when asked what type of players the team is looking for.

With the 2021 NFL draft just weeks away, rumors are flying and hats are trying to tipped in terms of who teams might be selecting.

For the Chargers, head coach Brandon Staley, who spoke with the media on Thursday, was asked a few questions in regards to what type of players the team is looking for at positions that need to be addressed.

Starting with the offensive line, Staley emphasized size as a key factor, adding that they want to become a bigger team.

If we are trying to connect the dots, specifically at the tackle position, guys like Christian Darrisaw (6′ 4″, 322), Samuel Cosmi (6′ 6″, 314), Teven Jenkins (6′ 5″, 317) and Spencer Brown (6′ 8″, 311) fall under this category, while Rashawn Slater (6′ 4″, 304) and Alijah Vera-Tucker (6′ 4″, 308) might fall short of their thresholds.

Shifting gears to the other glaring position of need, with that being cornerback, Staley said players they value have to be able to cover man-to-man, have movement ability when playing off coverage, ball skills when they’re at the third level and the ability to tackle in open space.

To me, Patrick Surtain, Jaycee Horn, Asante Samuel, Jr., and Greg Newsome are a few that fit the description.

Staley was really open when answering the questions, not appearing to have a poker face. It will be really interesting to see how they piece the rest of the roster when the draft rolls around. For now, we can use the information given and continue to try to predict the outcome.

2021 NFL draft: An offensive tackle for Chargers in each round

Here is a look at some of the offensive tackles the Chargers could consider in each round of the 2021 NFL draft.

The offensive tackle spot sits near the top in regards to positional groups that need to be addressed in the upcoming draft for the Chargers.

Luckily, this year’s crop has starting caliber talent from the first day of the draft all the way until Day 3.

With that being said, here’s a tackle from each round that could fit in Los Angeles:

Round 1 | Christian Darrisaw, Virginia Tech

Darrisaw, the 6-foot-5 and 315 pounder, was a three-year starter with 34 starts in college, all of which came at left tackle. Allowing only six total pressures on 267 snaps in pass protection, he has good length, demonstrates good timing and quickness with his punches, and has plus grip strength.

In the run game is where Darrisaw is at his best, flashing good quickness moving forward. He shows solid ability to reach and has the athletic traits and movement skills when getting to the second level to pave the way for ball carriers.

Overall, Darrisaw projects as a strong NFL starter at left tackle with All-Pro upside.

Honorable Mention: Samuel Cosmi, Texas

Round 2 | Dillon Radunz, North Dakota State

Radunz only played in one game this past season, but he made 32 consecutive starts at left tackle to close out his collegiate career and the Bison went 32-0 in those games. He earned 79.1 and 87.2 pass-blocking grades in his 2018 and 2019 seasons, respectively, per PFF.

While he needs to get better at finishing blocks, Radunz has the athleticism, range, foot quickness and run-blocking temperament needed to succeed in the NFL. While he develops more mass and add bulk to his frame, his skillset suggests a high ceiling.

Round 3 | James Hudson, Cincinnati

After not allowing a single sack and only giving up six total pressures on 358 pass-block snaps this past season, Hudson had still gone under the radar. However, he raised some eyebrows last month in Mobile, AL at the Reese’s Senior Bowl.

The former defensive lineman shows off lower body athleticism, a wide base, aggressive hands and competitive temperament to stay square to rushers in pass protection. In the run department, he shows the athletic ability when pulling and quickness to reach block.

Given the position transition, Hudson’s technique is still a work in progress and he could afford to add more mass and strength, but he has potential to be a high upside starter at tackle.

Honorable Mention: D’Ante Smith, East Carolina

Round 4 | Spencer Brown, Northern Iowa

After starting 32 of 33 games, Brown decided to sit out of his final season due to the delay until the spring because of COVID-19. He used that time to train with former NFL offensive tackle Joe Staley to help improve his game in preparation for the Reese’s Senior Bowl.

Towering at 6-foot-8 and 321 pounds, Brown has the combination of size, length and athleticism to thrive in the NFL. The former tight end is a mirroring magician in pass protection with smooth feet, plus core strength aggressive hands and flexibility.

While Brown is a premiere pass protector, he needs to develop more power and improve the finer details to the position that will lead to more success in the run department. With some refinement, he could be a quality starter at the next level.

Honorable Mention: Brady Christensen, BYU

Round 5 | Adrian Ealy, Oklahoma

Starting all 11 games in 2020, Ealy earned Second-Team All-Big 12 honors. Ealy allowed only three sacks on 421 pass blocks, per Pro Football Focus. In 2019, he also secured Second-Team All-Big 12 marks, starting all 12 games. He appeared in 28 games in three seasons, starting 23 of them.

Standing at 6-foot-6 and 324 pounds, Ealy has the size that NFL teams are looking for. He has great footwork and decent movement skills for his size and he is an aggressive player moving forward in the running game. Ealy needs to refine his pass blocking technique, but he has the necessary traits to be counted on.

Honorable Mention: Walker Little, Stanford

Round 6 | Dan Moore, Texas A&M

For the past three seasons, Moore served as Aggies’ starting left tackle, starting in 36-straight games. Moore was named a second-team All-SEC selection this season by the league’s coaches in 2020. He was a key piece of an offensive line that only allowed six sacks all season.

Standing at 6-foot-4 and 315 pounds, Moore has a guard frame with great length for the position. He is a decent athlete, showing foot quickness, lateral mobility and lower body power to generate movement. Moore’s hand usage needs work, but his skillset offers a solid developmental option.

Honorable Mention: Cole Van Linen, Wisconsin

Round 7 | Josh Ball, Marshall

Ball was a former four-star recruit and member of Florida State, but he was dismissed after some off-field issues. After joining the Thundering Herd, he didn’t start until the 2020 season, where he asserted himself as a promising hog molly.

Checking in at 6-foot-7 and 309 pounds, Ball isn’t that hard to miss on the football with his giant-sized body. He is a powerful tackle, showing strong hands at the point of attack. Ball shows decent athleticism and adequate length to make it difficult for pass rushers to get around him.

Ball projects as a swing option on both sides at the next level, as he doesn’t possess a significant strength nor an unfixable weaknesses. If his baggage checks out, he would be an intriguing developmental piece.

Honorable Mention: Carson Green, Texas A&M