Tag: tracker

Tracking Raiders coaching staff hires

The most up-to-date look at the Raiders new coaching staff under head coach Pete Carroll.

The Raiders coaching staff is filling up. There are still a lot of positions that have either not been filled or not reported yet. And, of course, there are some coaches who are still under contract, but who could still be let go should they add someone new at their position.

So, let’s gather them all into a list to see who is in place so far.

Head coach — Pete Carroll

Offense

Offensive Coordinator — Chip Kelly

Offensive line coach — Brennan Carroll

Quarterback coach — Greg Olson

Running backs coach — Deland McCullough

Wide receivers coach — Chris Beatty

Defense

Defensive coordinator — Patrick Graham (retained)

Defensive pass game coordinator — Joe Woods

Defensive line coach — Rob Leonard (retained)

Linebackers coach — John Glenn

Defensive assistant — Beyah Rasool

Special teams

Special teams coordinator — Tom McMahon (retained)

Other news:

Most coaches who we know will not be back, the team has hired their replacement. We know cornerbacks coach Ricky Manning Jr and safeties coach Gerald Alexander will not return, but we don’t yet know who their replacements will be.

Where Wisconsin’s transfer portal class ranks after landing LSU DT Jay’Viar Suggs

Where Wisconsin’s transfer portal class ranks after landing LSU DT Jay’Viar Suggs

Wisconsin landed a commitment from LSU transfer defensive tackle Jay’Viar Suggs on Friday.

Suggs is the Badgers’ 18th transfer commitment of the cycle (17 scholarship, one walk-on) and fifth defensive tackle. He joins the program with one year of eligibility remaining and projects to make an immediate impact along a transfer-heavy defensive front.

Related: Tracking Wisconsin football’s transfer portal offers, visits and commitments

The commitment continues Wisconsin’s momentum this transfer cycle. While the winter window closed on Dec. 28, players already in the portal don’t have a date by which they need to commit. The Badgers are still after numerous cornerback targets, among players at other remaining needs.

While the program is likely to make more additions, its place in the 247Sports’ team transfer portal class ranking is somewhat secured. That ranking: No. 9 overall and No. 2 in the Big Ten (behind No. 8 Nebraska). The only programs ranked ahead of the Badgers, in order, are Florida State, Mississippi State, Texas A&M, Auburn, Ole Miss, Texas Tech and LSU.

The Badgers have three four-star transfers out of 17 total scholarship commitments — Ball State tight end Tanner Koziol, Kentucky edge rusher Tyreese Fearbry and Idaho wide receiver Mark Hamper. Their other top-ranked commits are Louisville edge rusher Mason Reiger (0.88 rating), Tulane defensive lineman Parker Petersen (0.88), Grambling State defensive lineman Michael Garner (0.88) and UT-Martin defensive lineman Charles Perkins (0.88).

As indicated, Wisconsin has loaded up along the defensive front. The program needs a resurgent year from the position after it averaged just 1.3 sacks per game (No. 120 in the nation) in 2024. Its work landing both accomplished Football Bowl Subdivision-level players and promising Football Championship Subdivision standouts is a big reason for the class’ strong national ranking.

For more on the Badgers’ transfer class to date and its remaining top targets, bookmark our 2024 transfer offer, visit and commitment tracker.

Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes, and opinion.

Report: Wisconsin set to host transfer cornerback, former top recruit on official visit

Wisconsin set to host transfer cornerback, former top recruit on official visit

Wisconsin is hosting East Carolina transfer cornerback Andrew Wilson-Lamp on an official visit this weekend, according to 247Sports’ Matt Zenitz.

The veteran cornerback played three seasons at West Virginia before transferring to ECU for the 2024 season. He’s in the portal with one year of eligibility remaining.

Related: Ranking Wisconsin football’s transfer portal class by projected 2025 impact

Wilson-Lamp originally joined West Virginia as a four-star wide receiver recruit in the class of 2021, ranked as the No. 37 receiver in the class and No. 8 player from his home state of Ohio. He tallied just 14 tackles and three pass deflections in three seasons with the Mountaineers.

He then broke out as a primary starter at ECU in 2024, notching 23 tackles, two pass deflections, one interception and one forced fumble.

The cornerback officially entered the portal on Thursday, according to Zenitz. East Carolina finished its 2024 season with a Military Bowl win over NC State on Dec. 28. Players in bowl or College Football Playoff games are granted five days to enter the portal after their season concludes. That allowed Wilson-Lamp to depart after the winter window officially closed.

Zenitz reported Wilson-Lamp’s scheduled visit to Wisconsin just one hour after reporting his entry into the portal.

Wisconsin remains in pursuit of several transfer cornerbacks. The program is looking to bolster a position that lost considerable talent during the winter transfer window, including star freshman Xavier Lucas (pending his official entry). Wilson-Lamp is the most experienced of the Badgers’ remaining top targets. The program appears to have legitimate traction in his recruitment given the timing of his official visit.

For more on Wisconsin’s transfer targets and reported visits, bookmark our 2024 transfer offer, visit and commitment tracker.

Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes, and opinion.

Wisconsin outside linebacker announces intention to enter transfer portal

Wisconsin outside linebacker announces intention to enter transfer portal

Wisconsin outside linebacker Leon Lowery announced his intention to enter the transfer portal on Sunday.

The news follows the Badgers’ season-closing loss to rival Minnesota. That result pushed the team to 5-7 on the season, eliminating it from postseason contention.

Related: Everything Wisconsin coach Luke Fickell said about Badgers’ program, its future after loss to Minnesota

Lowery transferred to Wisconsin last offseason after four years at Syracuse. His transfer recruiting process was a rollercoaster — the veteran linebacker committed to the Badgers, quickly decommitted, and then committed again three days later.

Though he had emerged as a solid pass-rushing option at Syracuse, Lowery didn’t make much of an impact during his one year at Wisconsin. He finished the 2024 season with just 29 tackles (18 solo), one tackle for loss and one sack.

Wisconsin’s season was partially defined by its inability to generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks. DL Elijah Hills led the team in sacks with three. Aside from him, top outside linebackers Lowery, Darryl Peterson, John Pius, Aaron Witt and Sebastian Cheeks combined for just 6.5 sacks and 13 tackles for loss.

Lowery’s intention to enter the transfer portal, which officially opens on Dec. 9, is the first domino in what is sure to be a busy offseason of player movement at Wisconsin. Luke Fickell and his staff, including an offensive coordinator that has yet to be hired, are tasked with reversing the program’s current downward trajectory.

Experience and production at outside linebacker will be one obvious area of need when the offseason movement picks up.

Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes, and opinion.

BREAKING: Wisconsin lands commitment from class of 2026 iOL Benjamin Novak

Wisconsin lands its second commitment in the class of 2026

Wisconsin landed a commitment from three-star class of 2026 interior offensive lineman Benjamin Novak on Monday.

Novak chose the Badgers over other notable offers including Indiana, Kentucky, Louisville and Toledo. He is the second member of the Badgers’ class of 2026, joining three-star quarterback Jarin Mock.

The three-star offensive lineman is currently ranked by 247Sports as the No. 48 interior offensive lineman in the class of 2026 and No. 11 recruit from his home state of Indiana. The Badgers edging the in-state Hoosiers is noteworthy, especially given the pedigree of former Wisconsin and current Indiana OL coach Bob Bostad.

His commitment begins the Badgers’ momentum in the class of 2026. It won’t be until the calendar flips that a bow is fully tied on the program’s 2025 group. Until then, the class of 2026 news is unlikely to hit a true stride.

Novak’s commitment moves Wisconsin’s class of 2026 up to No. 45 in the nation at this early stage in the cycle. That standing does not figure to be close to where the Badgers will finish the class. Luke Fickell’s first two full classes with the program ranked No. 25 and No. 28, respectively.

Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes, and opinion.

Tracking Packers practice squad additions to start 2024 season

Tracking all the Packers practice squad additions to start the 2024 season.

The Green Bay Packers can start signing players to the practice squad after the waiver period ends on Wednesday. All NFL teams can carry 16 players on the practice squad during the 2024 season. Some will have 17, with a free spot designated for International Player Pathway players.

The Packers released 34 players on Tuesday, but many will return to Green Bay on the practice squad to start 2024. Once the practice squad is filled, a 53-man initial roster will turn into a complete 69-player (or 70, if Alex Hale is retained as the international player) team for Brian Gutekunst and Matt LaFleur.

Follow along as Packers Wire tracks all the additions made to the practice squad on Wednesday:

Signings by position (15/17)

QB: Sean Clifford
RB: Ellis Merriweather, Nate McCrary
WR: Julian Hicks, Jalen Wayne
TE: Messiah Swinson
OL: Lecitus Smith, Donovan Jennings
DE: Deslin Alexandre
DL: James Ester
LB: Chris Russell Jr.
CB: Robert Rochell, Kalen King
S: Omar Brown
K: Alex Hale (International Player Pathway)
P:
LS:

TE Messiah Swinson

The Packers will sign rookie tight end Messiah Swinson to the practice squad, per Ryan Wood of PackersNews.com. Swinson went undrafted out of Arizona State. He is an inline, run-blocking tight end.

DL James Ester

The Packers will sign rookie defensive lineman James Ester to the practice squad, per Ryan Wood of PackersNews.com. Ester went undrafted out of Northern Illinois. He produced two hurries and deflected a pass that was interception during the preseason.

QB Sean Clifford

The Packers will sign quarterback Sean Clifford to the practice squad, per Tom Silverstein of PackersNews.com. He will serve as the No. 3 quarterback behind Jordan Love and Malik Willis and could be an early-season elevation.

RB Ellis Merriweather

The Packers will sign running back Ellis Merriweather to the practice squad, per Matt Schneidman of The Athletic. Merriweather spent time on the Packers’ practice squad last year and ran hard this summer, especially in the preseason finale.

OL Lecitus Smith

The Packers will sign offensive lineman Lecitus Smith to the practice squad, per Matt Schneidman of The Athletic. He can play guard or center.

OL Donovan Jennings

The Packers will sign offensive lineman Donovan Jennings to the practice squad, per Matt Schneidman of The Athletic. The rookie from USF played tackle in college but has the size and athleticism to move inside.

CB Robert Rochell

The Packers will sign cornerback Robert Rochell to the practice squad, per Matt Schneidman of The Athletic. The veteran corner can play on the perimeter and on special teams.

CB Kalen King

The Packers will sign cornerback Kalen King to the practice squad, per Ryan Wood of PackersNews.com. The rookie seventh-round pick flashed playmaking ability.

DE Deslin Alexandre

The Packers will sign defensive end Deslin Alexandre to the practice squad, per Bill Huber.

K Alex Hale

The Packers announced the signing of rookie kicker Alex Hale. He is the team’s International Player Pathway player and won’t count against the practice squad.

RB Nate McCrary

The Packers announced the signing of running back Nate McCrary to the practice squad.

WR Jalen Wayne

The Packers announced the signing of receiver Jalen Wayne to the practice squad.

S Omar Brown

The Packers announced the signing of safety Omar Brown, a rookie out of Nebraska. He spent time with the Broncos. He also had a top 30 visit with the Packers before the 2024 draft.

LB Chris Russell Jr.

The Packers announced the signing of linebacker Chris Russell Jr. A collegiate teammate of Edgerrin Cooper, Russell was a tryout player and later spent time with the team during training camp.

Tracking Packers’ undrafted free agent signings following 2024 draft

Follow along with Packers Wire as we track all the Packers’ undrafted free agent signings following the 2024 NFL draft.

The 2024 NFL draft is complete. The Green Bay Packers made 11 picks over the three days, but the work isn’t done. General manager Brian Gutekunst and his staff will immediately begin signing undrafted free agents.

Follow along as we track all the Packers’ signings:

OL Donovan Jennings, USF (Aaron Wilson) — Jennings was pre-draft visitor. He’s getting a $10,000 signing bonus and a $100,000 guarantee salary.

OL Trente Jones, Michigan (Jeremy Fowler)

DL James Ester, Northern Illinois (Tom Silverstein)

TE Messiah Swinson, Arizona State (Exclusive Sports Group

DT Rodney Matthews, Ohio (Tom Silverstein)

LS Peter Bowden, Wisconsin (Tom Silverstein)

LB Ralen Goforth, Washington (Ralen Goforth)

2024 NFL draft: Chargers pick WR Cornelius Johnson with No. 253 overall selection

The Chargers added their third wide receiver in the draft with the selection of Cornelius Johnson.

The Chargers wrapped up their 2024 draft class with the selection of former Michigan wide receiver Cornelius Johnson with the No. 253 overall pick.

Johnson was the third wideout that Los Angeles took in this draft, with the other two being Ladd McConkey and Brenden Rice.

Johnson is also the second former Wolverine, joining linebacker Junior Colson in Los Angeles.

Johnson, who played for Michigan for five seasons, had career highs in receptions (47) and receiving yards (604) this past season. He finished his college career with 138 receptions for 2,030 yards and 14 touchdowns.

At 6-foot-3 and 212 pounds, Johnson is a big-bodied deep threat with raw athleticism and good playmaking ability to make contested catches. He is also physical in the run-blocking department.

2024 NFL draft: Chargers pick WR Brenden Rice with No. 225 overall selection

The Chargers added their second wide receiver in the draft with the selection of Brenden Rice.

The Chargers selected former USC wide receiver Brenden Rice with the No. 225 overall pick.

Los Angeles selected Ladd McConkey in the second round, but they seemed to be one player away from having a complete receiver room.

Brenden, the son of Hall of Fame NFL receiver Jerry Rice, caught for 791 yards and a team-leading 12 touchdowns during the 2023 regular season.

Before his two seasons with the Trojans, Rice played for Colorado. For his four-year collegiate career between the Buffalos and USC, Rice had 1,812 yards receiving and 21 touchdowns.

At 6 feet 2 inches and 208 pounds, Rice is a big-bodied and long-striding wideout with decent route-running skills. His game is predicated on physicality and his use of his strong hands to engulf passes thrown to him.

Rice also has experience returning kicks.

2024 NFL draft: Chargers pick RB Kimani Vidal with No. 181 overall selection

The Chargers added to the running back room with the selection of Kimani Vidal.

The Chargers selected former Troy running back Kimani Vidal with the No. 181 overall pick.

Los Angeles was likely to add to the backfield at some point in the draft, and they did so by getting Vidal, who should complement Gus Edwards and JK Dobbins.

Vidal was Sun Belt Conference Offensive Player of the Year and a third-team All-American in 2023 after he rushed for the second-most yards in the FBS (1,661). He left as Troy’s all-time leading rusher with 4,010 yards.

At 5-foot-8 and 215 pounds, Vidal has the explosiveness, vision, contact balance, lateral agility and passing game impact to be a key piece of the Bolts’ backfield committee early on.