Tag: Tulane

2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: QB Michael Pratt, Tulane

Tulane’s Michal Pratt enters the NFL draft

Michael Pratt became a freshman starter at Tulane after three games that season and remained there for the next three years. He enters the draft as one of the most experienced quarterbacks. Pratt was relatively durable, missing only a couple of games because of a sprained knee to start the 2023 season. He played in 11 games but never appeared totally healthy, even though he led them to the AAC Championship game for the second straight season.

Pratt ended his time with Tulane as their all-time passing leader and opted out of their bowl game to prepare for the NFL draft. He’s improved during his four years as a starter. But he’s also entering the NFL draft in a year considered to have a very strong quarterback class. Pratt is expected to hear his name called on Day 3 when teams want to add to their depth.

Height: 6-2
Weight: 217 pounds
40 time: 4.65 seconds

Table: Michael Pratt NCAA stats (2020-23)

Year School Games Runs Yards TD Pass Complete Yards Avg. TD Int
2020 Tulane 10 115 229 8 254 140 1806 12.9 20 8
2021 Tulane 12 105 154 5 329 190 2390 12.6 21 8
2022 Tulane 13 129 478 10 338 215 3009 14.0 27 5
2023 Tulane 11 98 286 5 283 185 2406 13.0 22 5
Credit: Matthew Hinton-USA TODAY Sports

Pros

  • Solid build for a pocket passer
  • Capable scorer at the goal line with 28 rushing touchdowns at Tulane
  • Superior mechanics when he throws, even when passing off-platform
  • Quick feet and solid balance makes him hard to sack
  • Adequate arm strength to hit all short, intermediate and sideline passes
  • Tough player and highly competitive – was unquestioned team leader for the last three years.

Cons

  • Some inaccuracy on deeper throws and outside of the numbers
  • Lacks elite arm strength
  • Plenty of rushes in college, but lacks the quickness and change-of-direction to be a true dual threat
  • Intelligent, but played in an offense that wasn’t that sophisticated or required him to make rapid, high-level decisions so he’ll face more complexity in the NFL
  • Tended to hold onto the ball too long and needs work on knowing when to get rid of the ball

Fantasy outlook

Pratts is only expected to be an NFL backup and while he’s been good in almost all areas, he hasn’t been elite in any of them. But he’s been solid at Tulane playing within their system, and he could continue to improve in the NFL.

His best quality is that he can step in and help an NFL team, and as a deeply drafted quarterback, he’ll come at a very low price. He’ll remain well outside of immediate fantasy value, and will need to continue to grow and land in the right spot for his future to become brighter.

Saints targeting Ravens assistant Keith Williams for WR coach

The Saints are targeting Ravens assistant Keith Williams for their wide receivers coach; he coached Derek Carr at Fresno State and previously worked at Tulane

Here’s another name to watch as the New Orleans Saints fill out their offensive coaching staff. NewOrleans.Football’s Nick Underhill reports that the Saints are interviewing Baltimore Ravens assistant Keith Williams for their wide receivers coach opening, looking to replace Kodi Burns.

Williams has spent the last three years in Baltimore, initially starting out as the team’s pass game specialist before focusing his work on the receiving corps. But he’s been in the game a long time. Before coming to the NFL he coached at Nebraska, Tulane, and Fresno State, working closely with Derek Carr and Davante Adams early in their college careers.

So he’d obviously have some familiarity with Carr and new insight to bring to the coaching staff. We’ll see if the Saints are able to seal the deal and pull Williams away from Baltimore, so stay tuned. Klint Kubiak has checked most of the boxes in filling out his new-look offensive coaching staff, with a receivers coach being the last major spot to fill.

[lawrence-auto-related count=4]

Quick Saints takeaways from Jeff Ireland’s Senior Bowl interview

Quick Saints takeaways on Trevor Penning, the 2023 draft class, Tulane QB Michael Pratt, and more Broncos departures from Jeff Ireland’s Senior Bowl interview:

There are few events more important to the New Orleans Saints’ pre-draft process than the annual Senior Bowl, where coaches and scouts get an opportunity to meet with dozens of draft prospects and see them go through their paces at three days of practices.

Local media caught up with Saints assistant general manager and vice president of college personnel Jeff Ireland this week, who shared his take on a number of topics including players already on the roster and those he’s looking to add. You can find his full media availability session here, but we highlighted some key takeaways:

Former Tulane wide receiver Chris Brazzell commits to Vols

Former Tulane wide receiver Chris Brazzell commits to Tennessee.

Tulane redshirt freshman wide receiver Chris Brazzell entered the NCAA Transfer Portal on Dec. 4.

Brazzell committed to Tennessee on Thursday.

“Former Tulane star wide receiver Chris Brazzell is committing to Tennessee, a source tells 247Sports,” Matt Zenitz announced. “The 6-foot-5 Brazzell, one of the most highly-sought after receivers in the portal, posted 711 yards and five touchdowns as a freshman at Tulane this year.”

The 6-foot-5, 195-pound Brazzell appeared in 15 games at Tulane from 2022-23. He recorded 45 receptions, 722 receiving yards and five touchdowns for the Green Wave.

READ: Tennessee football early signing period tracker

READ: Early enrollees in Tennessee football’s 2024 signing class

USA TODAY’s shocking bowl projections after Week 11

Alabama football projected to face Group of 5 opponent this bowl season

With just two games left in the 2023 college football regular season, there are about ten teams that feel like they have a viable chance to make the Playoffs and every year we wonder who is going to be left out. However, it almost always sorts itself out with the next month consisting of games like Michigan vs. Ohio State and Alabama vs. Georgia in the SEC Championship Game.

The Alabama season has been so up and down that it has been hard to even begin predicting where the Tide may be this post season. However, at 9-1 with an SEC Championship berth already locked up, the Tide control their own destiny. A road trip to Auburn and an SEC Championship in Atlanta vs Georgia makes for two incredibly hostile environments, but as long as Alabama continues to get better, I feel oddly confident in this Nick Saban team. Over the past year or two, it has felt like the Tide are hanging on for dear life by the end of the season, but this team feels like it is peaking at the right time.

Not everyone shares the same level of optimism for this Alabama team though. Erick Smith of USA TODAY Sports released his updated bowl projections following Week 11 and his projection for the Tide may surprise you. As things currently stand, Smith envisions that Alabama will be taking on Tulane in the Peach Bowl with both sides being at-large.

As for the Playoffs, Smith predicts that Michigan and Florida State will play in the Rose Bowl and Georgia will face in the Sugar Bowl. Needless to say, the next month is going to be awesome.

Contact/Follow us @RollTideWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Alabama news, notes and opinion. You can also follow Sam Murphy on Twitter @SamMurphy02.

SEC Bowl Projections: Alabama to the Peach Bowl in latest from USA TODAY Sports

Alabama’s projected opponent in the Peach Bowl may come as a shocking surprise

With only three weeks left in the 2023 college football season, it’s time to start taking a quick glance at what this bowl season may have to offer. It is the final year of the four-team playoff before expanding to the 12-team so this is the final year of the bowl season as we know it.

For the Alabama Crimson Tide, their playoff aspirations are still alive but they are definitely going to need to have some games go in their favor over these next couple of weeks. Alabama still has road trips to Kentucky and Auburn that should not be overlooked, but they will likely be a double-digit favorite in both games. So, the Tide’s playoff hopes and aspirations will likely entirely come down to Dec. 2 when they will more than likely take on the Georgia Bulldogs in Atlanta with the SEC Championship on the line.

USA TODAY Sports already has their eye on bowl season as they have released their Week 10 bowl projections. Erick Smith does not share my optimism that Alabama will be playing in the final four but rather has them playing a shocking opponent in the Peach Bowl.

Alabama football bowl projections with four games left in 2023 season

USA Today projects Crimson Tide to take on a Group of 5 opponent in 2023 bowl season

Despite an unfortunate loss to the Texas Longhorns in Week 2 of the 2023 college football season, the Alabama Crimson Tide still control their own destiny to make it to the College Football Playoff and win the national championship. Alabama picked up a massive two-touchdown victory over SEC rival Tennessee before spending last weekend on a bye. The Tide hosts No. 14 LSU this weekend in a game that will likely determine who represents the West in the SEC Championship Game. The Tide still has two tough road games against Kentucky and Auburn as well as their home finale against Chattanooga.

In the first College Football Playoff Rankings of the year Alabama came in at No. 8, one spot behind their lone loss – Texas. The beauty in the playoffs is off the teams slowly begin to knock themselves out one week at a time now. No. 1 Ohio State and No. 3 Michigan are still yet to play, No. 5 Washington and No. 6 Oregon could likely meet in the PAC-12 Championship game and No. 8 Alabama and No. 2 Georgia could meet in the SEC title.

There is still much chaos left to ensue this season, but as things currently stand, Alabama fans might not be thrilled with USA Today’s bowl projection for the Tide. Erick Smith predicts that Alabama will not only miss out on the playoffs, but they will miss out on a Power 5 opponent as they will take on at-large No. 24 Tulane in the Peach bowl. Smith projects that Georgia, Michigan, Oregon and Florida State will be the teams in the final four team playoff.

Contact/Follow us @RollTideWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Alabama news, notes and opinion. You can also follow Sam Murphy on Twitter @SamMurphy02.

Oregon bloggers and Pac-12 reporters react swiftly to another USC defensive face-plant

When USC’s 27-point lead over Colorado was reduced to 7, people who follow Oregon and the Pac-12 made it clear: USC won’t reach the Pac-12 title game.

This felt a lot like the Cotton Bowl. This brought back memories of the Cotton Bowl. This created Cotton Bowl vibes. This was Tulane all over again. This was the Tulane game. On and on and on. Fans and reporters and bloggers found it impossible to avoid thinking about the Cotton Bowl against Tulane when USC watched a 48-21 lead turn into a 48-41 final score on Saturday against Colorado.

USC won this time, unlike the Cotton Bowl, but the defense losing the plot in the fourth quarter felt very much the same. USC blew a 15-point lead in the final 4:30 of the Cotton Bowl. USC won this game only because its lead was bigger — 48-21 — and Colorado ran out of time.

Oregon Duck bloggers and Pac-12 reporters, not to mention USC fans, were quick to react to USC’s defensive woes under Alex Grinch. The verdict on this USC team could not be clearer after Week 5, despite the win: This team is in real trouble. You can debate that all you want, and that’s fine, but Oregon-based Pac-12 football experts think the Ducks are in really good shape … and USC is not.

Let’s get a taste of the reactions below:

Saints among teams scouting future pros at Tulane vs. UAB

The Saints were among teams in attendance scouting future pros at Tulane’s conference opener against UAB | @crissy_froyd

It’s no secret the New Orleans Saints have a solid relationship with Tulane’s football team. The Green Wave practice in the Saints’ facilities at certain times, head coach Willie Fritz has paid visits to training camp, and Tulane names have crossed through as potential players to take the field in the same city at the next level.

And the Saints have been dropping in at Yulman Stadium a good bit, most recently with a representative in attendance for the Saturday matchup between UAB and Tulane as the Green Wave open up conference play.

The Saints had one individual on-site, joining the Los Angeles Chargers, Seattle Seahawks, Miami Dolphins, Cleveland Browns and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

While there are multiple potential 2024 NFL draft prospects between the two sides here that may provide intrigue to the Saints and other teams who came to the contest, some have suggested that Tulane quarterback Michael Pratt could be one of the primary potential targets as he’s received plenty of NFL attention before and throughout the season.

According to sources, Pratt was being talked about “not far behind” USC quarterback Caleb Williams and UNC quarterback Drake Maye. It was also said he had a third-round grade on him with the potential of moving even higher than that.

Other possible draft prospects of note for the Green Wave in this cycle include wide receiver Jha’Quan Jackson, kicker Valentino Ambrosio, defensive lineman Patrick Jenkins and cornerback Jarius Monroe, among others.

This is not the first time the Saints have sent a scout over this season, including Week 1 against South Alabama. They’ve maintained a scouting presence with this local team.

[lawrence-auto-related count=4]

2024 NFL Draft prospect Michael Pratt emphasizing ‘first down, get down’ mentality

Tulane quarterback Michael Pratt is putting more emphasis on protecting himself for the remainder of the 2023 season.

Tulane head coach Willie Fritz describes his quarterback, Michael Pratt, as one who is “always on.”

“He (doesn’t get) burned out and he doesn’t get screwed up,” Fritz said. “He doesn’t play calm. He’s a very excitable guy, he’s fired up and into it all the time. But it’s in a good way, you know, it’s not where he’s panicking in any way shape or form.”

A lot of that is reflected in Tulane signal-caller’s aggressive running style that has earned him a lot of recognition (and additional yards on the ground for the Green Wave) but has also come at a price at some times.

Fritz has said throughout the season that he’d like to see Pratt take less hits, something that seems to be a point of emphasis for him personally now that he’s had to sit out arguably the two most important games of his career where draft stock is concerned due to injury.

Those are the 2022 matchup against the Houston Cougars in which Kai Horton shined in an overtime victory as the third man up at quarterback and the contest against Ole Miss in which the Green Wave came up short in 2023.

Pratt sustained a knee injury during the fourth quarter of the team’s Week 1 meeting with South Alabama, making his return against Nicholls State on Saturday.

When he did, one of the things that stood out was that he was sliding more, though with a little more of an unorthodox, headfirst motion.

“Normally, I’ll slide more like a baseball slide, but with my knee, I didn’t want it to kind of feel weird so this week was more of a headfirst slide,” Pratt laughed. “So, gotta get used to that.”

Moving forward, it seems to have resonated with him more how running the ball in risky fashion, or perhaps even unnecessarily at times, can have its consequences that include taking him out of games that greatly alter his overall resume as a draft prospect.

“It just kind of comes with experience,” Pratt said. “I’ve gotta be a little better with that. Not try to do too much with the ball and just take what they give me and be able to get down better.”

Heading into Week 5 against UAB, Pratt holds an 84.2% completion rate, passing for 484 yards with 6 touchdowns and 1 interception as he continues to show marked improvement as a passer.

He’s carried the ball 20 times for 72 yards with 1 rushing touchdown in 2023.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]