Latest news with #BrentSobleski
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Colts rookie tagged as ‘overlooked'; can have breakout year
The running back position is one of the most disposable in the game of football. Teams have learned that they can get solid production out of the position without prioritizing investing at the position. There are, of course, exceptions. The Colts are one of those teams to sway slightly from the norm as they will pay two-time Pro Bowl back Jonathan Taylor $11.9 million to be their starter, according to Spotrac. Indy added more bodies at the position this offseason after 2024 proved their depth behind Taylor was lacking. Khalil Herbert signed a one-year deal in free agency as a veteran player who can provide a change of pace and lessen the load on Taylor. The Colts also drafted DJ Giddens out of Kansas State, who's already received buzz as a dark horse candidate to emerge as a reliable piece in Shane Steichen's offense. Bleacher Report's Brent Sobleski mentioned Giddens among the rookie running backs he believes are being overlooked this offseason and could surprise in 2025. Sobleski mentioned how the Colts running back play dropped off significantly when Taylor became unavailable due to injury— an occurrence which has become more common in recent years. The 26-year-old has missed 16 games in the last three seasons. But he thinks Giddens is a perfect fit to go along with Taylor. 'A bit of Taylor can be found in DJ Giddens' game. Over the last two seasons, the Kansas State product amassed 3,150 yards from scrimmage and 21 total touchdowns. He has a gliding style with breakaway speed,' he writes. 'With the likelihood of Taylor missing at least some time for the fourth straight season…and Giddens providing explosive capabilities out of the backfield, the rookie can be a relatively big part of Indianapolis' offensive plans.' The Colts were excited about Giddens when they drafted him in the fifth round in April. Head coach Shane Steichen likes his combination of a tough play style with versatility. 'The vision, the contact balance, the way he runs—he's a 4.43 (40-yard dash) guy that can catch the ball out of the backfield, is big for our team as well. So, it's a good get.' Of course, Giddens still has to earn his snaps in training camp, beginning July 23. But, there's no denying the league could be in for a rude awakening if the Colts are able to unleash him in their run-heavy offense.
Yahoo
03-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Patriots trade pitch adds $112 million superstar playmaker
The New England Patriots have had a great offseason, and a significant part of that success can be attributed to hiring new head coach Mike Vrabel. Vrabel was one of the biggest name-coaching candidates on the market, and Vrabel should be able to help take New England to the next level. Advertisement One thing that could make the Patriots' offseason even better is adding a star pass rusher for Vrabel, and Brent Sobleski from Bleacher Report has a trade idea that sends Pittsburgh Steelers pass rusher T.J. Watt to New England for a 2026 second-round draft pick, a 2027 third-round pick, and safety Jabrill Peppers. "If a team such as the New England Patriots comes into play, a potential Watt trade clearly becomes a salary-dump for the Pittsburgh Steelers," Sobleski wrote. "Notice that each of the previously mentioned suitors is found on the NFC side of the ledger. They're not direction competition for Pittsburgh to make another run at a Super Bowl. Make no mistake, these recent moves by the Steelers, including the signing of Aaron Rodgers, is all about getting to another Super Bowl this season. Whereas, the Patriots aren't a direct threat to Pittsburgh's primary goal, because New England is in a rebuilding phase and still has the financial flexibility to give Watt what he wants contractually. Yes, the two squads play each other this season, though it's early enough in the year (Week 3) where a team like New England is still trying to find its new footing under a new coaching staff and with a new-look roster." Watt, 30, is entering his ninth NFL season and is seeking a new contract, still playing on a four-year, $112 million deal. But the Steelers have shown no signs of wanting to agree to a new deal. Follow The Sporting News On WhatsApp The Patriots have a great amount of cap space and draft capital and could potentially secure a deal for Watt if the Steelers are looking to move him. More NFL: Cowboys-Steelers trade idea brings former draft target to Dallas
Yahoo
30-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Dolphins' 2025 First-Round Pick Predicted To Be a Bust
Dolphins' 2025 First-Round Pick Predicted To Be a Bust originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Kenneth Grant, the hulking 6'4", 331lb defensive tackle hailing from the University of Michigan, went 13th overall to the Miami Dolphins in the 2025 NFL Draft. Advertisement While he brings impressive size and run-stopping prowess, Bleacher Report's Brent Sobleski includes him in a cautionary list of first-round picks in the 2025 NFL Draft who could end up being disappointments in their rookie seasons, implying that he might be a bust. Sobleski's piece emphasizes that not every "flashy" first-round pick will pan out, and Grant is among those who might struggle to live up to expectations early in their pro careers "Grant has an uphill battle to climb as this year's 13th overall pick," Sobleski said. "He's a nose tackle by trade, and most won't appreciate his primary job of taking up space and keeping his teammates clean so they can make plays." Miami Dolphins first-round pick Kenneth Grant holding up his jersey (1) at his post-draft press conference on Friday, April 25, 2025, in Miami Habib / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images Another big component that factored into Sobleski labeling Grant as what can best be called a potential bust, at least in the upcoming NFL season, is how high Grant was picked. You rarely see nose tackles taken at No. 13 overall, which puts big expectations on the rookie. Advertisement "A nose tackle drafted that high in the process better be the next Dexter Lawrence or Haloti Ngata," Sobleski said. Grant brings game-altering potential as a powerful interior defender and flashed pass rushing capabilities in college. His ceiling has never been in question, but his immediate readiness and fit as a perceived "space-eater" at No. 13 is raising red flags. When training camp and then preseason begins the world will get a better picture of how Grant should be expected to perform come the regular season. Related: Dolphins' Young CB Entering Make-Or-Break Year This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 29, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
29-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
49ers' First-Round Pick Has 'Potential to Disappoint'
49ers' First-Round Pick Has 'Potential to Disappoint' originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The San Francisco 49ers selected Georgia defensive lineman Mykel Williams with the 11th pick in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, but some are already doubting the rookie. Advertisement In a recent article by Bleacher Report's Brent Sobleski, he lists six first-round draft picks that have the "potential to disappoint" in their first season in the leagued one of the players he mentions is the former Georgia Bulldog. "The opportunity to play opposite Nick Bosa certainly helps," Sobleski wrote. "Williams can be an excellent run defender at the onset of his professional career. But the 20-year-old will need time to hone his craft for a year or two before he becomes the pass-rusher that San Francisco hopes he can be." Williams switched from an interior defender to being an edge rusher, so his ability to get to the quarterback is not exactly up to the NFL level yet. But he can do other things very well, which is why the team picked him in the first round. While he tallied just five sacks in his final season at Georgia, he was able to wrap up other ball carriers in the backfield with nine total tackles for loss. He was also able to tally 21 total tackles, deflect a few passes at the line of scrimmage, and force two fumbles. Advertisement While his edge-rushing ability might not be as good as it could be entering the league, having a superstar like Nick Bosa mentoring him could give Williams a but of an edge heading into his rookie season. Related: 49ers Urged to Sign $19 Million Super Bowl-Champion Gamble Related: George Kittle Gets Brutally Honest About Retirement Plans This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 29, 2025, where it first appeared.
