Tag: Winners

2020 NFL Combine winners: Running backs

Examining and identifying the top on-field running back performances from the 2020 NFL Combine.

The 2020 NFL Combine continued their on-field drills on Friday night, this time featuring offensive linemen and running backs. As always, the workouts begin with the 40-yard-dash, and when they shifted into position drills, we got to see a handful of new drills.

The Lions’ interest in adding a running back could vary depending on their confidence in the health of Kerryon Johnson and Bo Scarbrough. Don’t be surprised if the Lions patiently wait for value and would be willing to add a ball carrier on Day 2 or 3. Let’s take a look at those who earned positive marks today.

Jonathan Taylor, Wisconsin

5-10, 226, 40 y/d: 4.39, Vertical: 36″, Broad: 10-3

After back-to-back 2,000+ yard rushing seasons, Taylor had entered the 2020 NFL Combine with an impressive resume. Friday night added fuel to the fire after he ran a position group leading 4.39 40-yard-dash (at 226 pounds) and looked stellar in on-field drills. Longterm, teams will be concerned about the wear and tear his college career had on his body, and he may not fill some teams desire to acquire a more agile back, but his combination of vision, quick feet, power, and long speed will have him in the conversation to be the first running back selected.

Cam Akers, Florida State

5-10.5, 217, 40 y/d: 4.47, Vertical: 35.5″, Broad 10-2

Akers was dynamic in the on-field drills, reminding people that he has the skill set to hear his name early on Day 2 of the draft. Jump cuts, speed cuts, quick feet, Akers handled them all with precision. He also put his natural hands on display, routinely making catches, including a sweet one-hander in the flat.

A.J. Dillon, Boston College

6-0.5, 247, 40 y/d: 4.52, Vertical 41″, Broad: 10-11

The Lions value running backs with explosive traits. Kerryon Johnson and Bo Scarbrough both had vertical jumps of 40″ and broad jumps of at least 10-5, and the only running back in this class to match those high marks was Dillion. Add in his size, 247-pounds, power running style, and aggressive downhill mentality and it’s easy to project Dillion in the Lions offensive scheme. There is some concern surrounding his heavy usage at Boston College, and his pass protection skills need some attention, but he showed in on-field drills at the Combine that he has a bright NFL future.

Darrynton Evans, Appalachian State

5-10, 203, 40 y/d: 4.41, Vertical: 37″, Broad: 10-5

If the Lions are looking for a more balanced runner, who can carve out a role as a third-down back — he’s a terrific pass blocker — and special teams player, yet still have the upside to develop into an every-down player, then Evans should be on their radar. He showed quick feet, long speed, balance, and reliable hands during the on-field drills.

Notes:

  • On the broadcast, Daniel Jeremiah called DeeJay Dallas (5-10, 217, Miami) “The best pass protecting back in the draft class in my opinion”.
  • Don’t worry too much about the 4.6 40-yard-dash by Clyde Edwards-Helaire (5-7, 207, LSU) he showed great explosion and quickness and is still one of the top backs in this class.

2020 NFL Combine: Winners from the TE group

Overall, the tight ends group underwhelmed on the day but a few players stood out and likely separated themselves from the pack.

The 2020 NFL Combine opened their on-field drills with the tight ends group. The group began, as always, with the 40-yard-dash, but when they shifted into position drills, we were introduced to a few new drills.

Overall the group underwhelmed, and with the Lions investing heavily at the position last offseason, it would be surprising if they selected a tight end from this year’s class before the later part of Day 3.

Let’s take a look at those who did earn positive marks today.

Adam Trautman, Dayton, 6-5, 255

In the mix to potentially be the first tight end selected, Trautman ran a middle-of-the-road 4.75 40-yard-dash but looked sharp in drills — including a new blocking sled drill, where he may have been the only player to use proper technique. As one of the more balanced tight ends in the class, he will likely be selected before the Lions start looking at the position.

Albert Okwuegbunam, Missouri, 6-5.5, 258

Entering the season Okwuegbunam was discussed as the potential top tight end in this class, but an underwhelming redshirt junior season that saw him put up a career-low statistical season quieted the hype around him.

The hype started back up today after he ran an official 4.49 40-yard-dash (no other tight end ran under 4.60). But, when they shifted on-field, his speed slowed in favor of improving his catch accuracy, which will leave scouts wondering if he actually plays as fast as he can run in a straight line.

Stephen Sullivan, LSU, 6-5, 248

Sullivan’s 4.66 40–yard-dash was a solid score, but when he got on the field, it was no surprise that the former wide receiver stood out in the pass-catching drills. At LSU, he took a backseat in production to Thaddeus Moss, but with the NFL’s desire to add more mismatch move tight ends, his stock could be on the rise. If the Lions don’t bring back Logan Thomas — or find his replacement in free agency — Sullivan could be a late-round target.

Notes:

  • Moss (6-2, 250, LSU) was flagged with a broken foot during medicals and was not cleared to participate.
  • Cole Kmet (6-6, 262, Notre Dame), who may challenge Trautman for top honors, didn’t do enough to stand out.
  • Hunter Bryant (6-2, 248, Washington) was expected to fly based on his game tape, but his 4.73 40-yard-dash, while respectable, was slower than expected.

10 Winners from Senior Bowl practice week

A recap of the best performances from an impressive week of practice at the Reese’s Senior Bowl in Mobile.

This past week in Mobile scouts, GMs, and coaches gathered at Ladd-Peebles Stadium in Alabama to get a firsthand look at some of the best players available in this year’s NFL Draft. The game was Saturday, and the South squad led by the Cincinnati Bengals coaching staff won 34-17, but the real action that matters most was the week of practice sessions.

Jim Nagy, executive director of the Senior Bowl, did an excellent job putting together a loaded roster for each squad and while several projected top 40 picks  dropped out of the game for various reasons (TCU corner Jeff Gladney, LSU corner Kristian Fulton and Ohio St. corner Damon Arnette) there was still plenty of talent on display throughout the week. We take a look at the standouts from the Senior Bowl practices thus far in preparation for Saturday’s Game.

Kyle Duggard, S, Lenoir-Rhyne

A small-school safety with big-time game showed he belongs in the conversation with the best safety prospects in this draft. Listed at 6-foot-1, 218 pounds, Duggard has good length for the position and is expected to run somewhere in the mid 4.4s in the 40-yard dash.

He reportedly did a excellent job in coverage showing patient feet, trusting his leverage and using length to undercut and intercept a pass in Wednesday practice. He has helped to improve his draft stock potentially into the second round of the NFL Draft and can continue to do so with a good showing in Saturday’s game.

Van Jefferson, WR, Florida

Jefferson, Son of former WR Shawn Jefferson, has put on a route running clinic through three practices. He runs routes with great tempo and is very smooth coming out breaks with no wasted motion.

Defensive backs have had a hard time sticking with him. He has also done a good job catching the football and finishing plays, looking to stand out in a loaded WR class.

Josh Uche, LB, Michigan

Uche has shown he has the speed off the edge to be a constant problem for blockers. Equipped with long arms and immediate explosion, he has done an excellent job making these blockers uncomfortable in drills. At Michigan, Uche was known for attacking the pocket but at only 6-foot-1, 241 pounds he has a more prototypical size of an off-ball linebacker.

However, in these practices he has shown he is comfortable dropping into underneath coverage and playing the run. He’s a prospect who could be mentioned in the top 50 players of this draft.

Jason Strowbridge, DL, North Carolina

This versatile defensive lineman has been consistently winning one on ones whether he is lined up on the outside or inside. Measuring in at 6-foot-4, 267 pounds and a 33-inch wingspan he has the size, strength and violent hands to be a base end in a 4-3. He also offers position flex as he can kick inside on passing downs which should increase his value among NFL teams.

Adam Trautman, TE, Dayton

This small school TE has impressed this week in Mobile with his on field athleticism, his smooth route running and body positioning to finish catches. In a good, but not great TE class, Trautman is vying to be the first at his position drafted in April. So far he is off to a good start and looks to continue the his strong showing in Saturdays game.

Javon Kinlaw, DT, South Carolina

While Kinlaw has already been widely considered a top 20 player in this year’s NFL Draft, he did not disappoint with his performances in the first two days of practice.

Showing the skills that has front offices drooling over him. He was difficult to block in one-on-one drills, showing his excellent get off, power, athleticism and ability to lock out his arms and shed blockers.

Kinlaw is dealing with some tendinitis in one of his knees and didn’t participate in the final practice of the week and was held out of Saturdays game for precautionary reasons.

Dane Jackson, CB, Pittsburgh

The 6-foot, 185-pound cornerback has made his presence felt in all three of the practices with his best showing in Thursday’s final stanza. He stood out in the red-zone period where he had three pass break ups, two of which came when he was in position to undercut slant routes.

He has shown his physicality by getting his hands on receivers, opening his hips, and contesting catches.

Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon

Arguably the most physically gifted Quarterback in this class listed at 6-foot-6, 235 pounds, Herbert has the arm strength, physical tools, and mental processing to become a top tier quarterback in the NFL.

This was a week where Herbert could show consistency from his footwork to his accuracy and that’s what he did. His arm strength has been evident through these practices and he has stepped out of his comfort zone trying to engage with his fellow players and coaches in a way that could show he does indeed have the natural leadership to be a franchise QB.

Denzel Mims, WR, Baylor

Mims has been consistent all week showing he has been putting in the work in the off-season on his route running by tightening his footwork in and out of his breaks. Mims showed the ability to extend his hands away from his body and make contested catches. He is a long and fast athletes who did a good job downfield timing his jumps and making contested catches.

Ben Bartch, OT, St. Johns

The small-school standout who was a former TE is making waves in Mobile this week with his performances in practice. He has looked good in his lateral movements and has held his own at the Point of Attack. He showed during these practices he was light on his feet and was not overly stressed by speed on the edge. He needs to continue to work on not being over aggressive and ending up on the ground, but his play this week may have helped him reach Top 100 consideration by NFL teams.

Not for anything they did or did not do during on field work  but the fact that injuries held Cal safety Ashtyn Davis, Utah DL Leki Fotuy and Arizona State WR Brandon Aiyuk out of work this week was a disappointment. All three of these prospects are projected top 100 picks.

You can follow Julius on Twitter @IFeArGoDBoi. 

[vertical-gallery id=637870]

[lawrence-newsletter]

Tennessee Titans at Oakland Raiders odds, lines, picks and best bets

The Tennessee Titans (7-5) try to keep up in the AFC playoff race in Week 14 as they hit the road to take on the Oakland Raiders (6-6). The two teams will play at 4:25 p.m. ET at RingCentral Coliseum. Titans at Raiders: Week 14 preview, betting …

The Tennessee Titans (7-5) try to keep up in the AFC playoff race in Week 14 as they hit the road to take on the Oakland Raiders (6-6). The two teams will play at 4:25 p.m. ET at RingCentral Coliseum.

Titans at Raiders: Week 14 preview, betting trends and notes

Get some action on the games by betting at BetMGM. New customer offer: RISK-FREE First Bet (up to $500!) paid in free bets.

  • Tennessee has won three straight games and five of six.
  • Oakland has lost two in a row.
  • Titans QB Ryan Tannehill is 5-1 since taking over as the starter. He has completed 72.7% of his passes for 1,602 yards, 12 touchdowns and only four interceptions. He also has three rushing touchdowns.
  • Oakland has allowed 74 points in its back-to-back losses while scoring only 12.
  • Titans RB Derrick Henry has 496 rushing yards in his last three games.

Titans at Raiders: Key injuries

Titans WR Adam Humphries (ankle) might not play. Henry (hamstring) has missed practice time but returned on a limited basis Thursday.

Raiders WR Hunter Renfrow (ribs) is not expected to play. Starting OL Trent Brown (pectoral) and OL Gabe Jackson (knee) might miss the game. RB Josh Jacobs (shoulder) missed the first two days of practice.

Titans at Raiders: Odds, betting lines and prediction

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 2 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Titans 31, Raiders 17

Moneyline ( ?)

The Raiders (+120) are in a freefall while the Titans (-143) are playing their best ball of the season and making a run at the playoffs. Take the TITANS (-143) even though a $10 bet on the road team would net a $6.99 profit.

Against the Spread ( ?)

The Titans are favored at -2.5 (-121). The Raiders have failed to cover the spread in their last three games, while the Titans have covered three games in a row. Potentially without Jacobs, Oakland will struggle offensively. Give the points and take the TITANS-2.5 (-121).

Over/Under ( ?)

The total is set at 46.5 points. Titans games have hit the over six straight times. But Oakland has hit the under in three straight games. This will be close but Tennessee’s offense combined with the points the Raiders are giving up will get the total there. Take the OVER 46.5 (-110).

Want action on this game? Sign up and bet at BetMGM. If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

MORE:

A heated Jerry Jones gets dropped from Dallas radio interview after cursing on the air

Jason Witten gets visibly upset on sideline in conversation with coach

It’s possible that the horrendous NFC East could end in a four-way tie

Joe Buck’s over-the-top call shows how low the bar is for Mitch Trubisky

How the loss to Chicago affects the Cowboys’ playoff chances

Mike Norvell gets No. 18 to American Athletic title game by staying true to gambling nature

The biggest play of the most important game of this historic Memphis football season was about Mike Norvell staying true to Mike Norvell. Because after he went for it when he could have padded the lead and failed, he went for it again. He dialed up …

The biggest play of the most important game of this historic Memphis football season was about Mike Norvell staying true to Mike Norvell.

Because after he went for it when he could have padded the lead and failed, he went for it again. He dialed up a trick play that was equal parts aggressive and successful. That was everything Norvell has proven to be during his four years as the Memphis head coach.

Tailback Patrick Taylor took the hand-off from quarterback Brady White, then Taylor flipped the ball to wide receiver Kedarian Jones, who then tossed the ball back to White.

Streaking down the field was wide receiver Damonte Coxie, who out-leaped a Cincinnati defender for a 46-yard touchdown catch early in the fourth quarter that pushed the Tigers' lead back to double digits.

Never mind the stakes of the situation. Never mind what conventional wisdom would have suggested. 

This was the defining blow in the Tigers' 34-24 win over Cincinnati on Friday at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium, even though this roller coaster of a game was far from over.

There was still a Memphis fumble recovery overturned by replay, a 51-yard third-and-15 conversion by Cincinnati the very next play, and a touchdown to draw the Bearcats within a field goal again. There was still an interception by White and another defensive stand by a Memphis defense that was gouged at times in the first half. 

BOLD PREDICTIONS: Our experts forecast unexpected results for Week 14 

STAFF PICKS: Predictions for all the Top 25 during rivalry weekend

RIVALRY DRAMA: Five games in Week 14 that will impact the playoff race

But all of it happened because of that one play, because Norvell stayed aggressive when other coaches might not have.

It's why Memphis is now in the midst of the first 11-win season in program history. It's why the Tigers will play in their third-straight American Athletic Conference championship game and they'll get to host it next Saturday at the Liberty Bowl against this very same Cincinnati team.

It's why, ultimately, this program is just one more win away from playing in the biggest bowl game this city has ever seen. 

But that bowl game, that one last win, it won't validate Norvell. That's already done. Friday was just more confirmation.

All you had to do was listen to the thunderous "Let's go Tigers" chant that broke out with less than four minutes to go, right before Antonio Gibson iced this game with one last touchdown run.

So as Memphis went through a muted postgame celebration, it seemed like ages ago these two teams traded questionable coaching decisions in the third quarter with the Tigers nursing a 20-17 lead.

First, Norvell called timeout facing third-and-1 from the Cincinnati 15-yard-line, watched tailback Patrick Taylor Jr. lose a yard and elected to go for it on fourth-and-2 instead of settling for a short field goal. 

White's bootleg pass was incomplete and momentum was firmly with Cincinnati all of a sudden.

But Cincinnati coach Luke Fickell, facing fourth-and-1 from the Memphis 17-yard line, responded to Norvell's aggressiveness by leaving his offense on the field rather than attempt a game-tying field goal. The Memphis defense responded, stuffing Cincinnati during a second half that was dominating as the first half was worrisome. 

Another Memphis rout seemed in the offing when this regular-season finale began. Defensive back Chris Claybrooks took the opening kickoff 94 yards to the house, and Memphis made the AAC’s best defense look like every other defense it has faced in recent weeks and quickly built a 17-3 lead.

But Cincinnati proved to be up to the challenge, which should not have been, in retrospect, much of a surprise considering the Bearcats had just one loss — to Ohio State — coming into this game. There’s a reason Fickell and Norvell are both always listed on those coaching hot boards whenever a Power Five conference job opens up. 

So there was Cincinnati during a second quarter in which it methodically took apart the Tigers’ defense and got back into the game. Bearcats redshirt freshman Ben Bryant, making his first career start, completed 11 of 12 passes, dissecting the Memphis secondary during two touchdowns that took a combined 26 plays, gained a combined 165 yards and ate up 11:30 of game clock before halftime. 

By halftime, a very clear message had been sent. Getting back to the AAC championship game was not going to be easy.

Two teams playing in back-to-back weeks with a league title hanging in the balance has happened three times before, including each of the past two seasons.

In 2012, Stanford beat UCLA by 18 in their regular-season finale but needed a fourth-quarter comeback to win the Pac-12 championship game. 

In 2017, Boise State and Fresno State played twice in a row. Fresno State won the regular-season finale and Boise State came back the next week and won the Mountain West Conference championship game.

Last year, meanwhile, Middle Tennessee State and UAB went through this and it's the only time both games were played in the same location (Murfreesboro). In this instance, MTSU won the regular-season finale and UAB turned around and won the Conference USA championship game. 

Which is all just to point out that Friday's seesaw affair might not be an indication of what's to come next Saturday. 

But Norvell will still be Norvell, so you have to like the Tigers' chances.