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USA Today
26-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
2025 NFL draft: Chargers pick EDGE Kyle Kennard with No. 125 overall selection
2025 NFL draft: Chargers pick EDGE Kyle Kennard with No. 125 overall selection The Chargers selected former South Carolina edge defender Kyle Kennard with the No. 125 overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft. Los Angeles entered the draft needing to inject the position room with more juice behind Khalil Mack and Tuli Tuipulotu. Kennard, the Georgia Tech transfer, played 54 games over five years and started every game he played for South Carolina in his only season with the Gamecocks. He led the SEC with 11.5 sacks, coming up just shy of Jadeveon Clowney's school single-season sack record (13). Kennard earned the Bronko Nagurski Award in 2024, given to the Most Outstanding Defensive Player. Kennard has the get off, speed rush and range to be a solid designated pass rusher but will need to build upon his consistency with his pass-rush moves and defending the run to become an every-down player.
New York Times
26-04-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
NFL Draft best available players for Baltimore Ravens: Jaydon Blue, kicker prospects
The Ravens started the 2025 draft with defense, taking Georgia safety Malaki Starks in the first then stopping the slide of Marshall edge rusher Mike Green, who likely dropped due to two sexual assault allegations in his past (he denies both), in the second. They finished Day 2 by addressing the O-Line with LSU's Emery Jones Jr., who could be viewed as a potential starting guard or a swing tackle. Baltimore has eight picks to work with on Day 3; these are some of the players who could make sense on Saturday. (Ravens have two picks in the fourth round at Nos. 129 and 136; one pick in the fifth at No. 176; four in the sixth at Nos. 183, 203, 210 and 212; and one pick in the seventh at No. 243) Korie Black, CB, Oklahoma State: A three-year starter, Black had a strong senior season with three interceptions and nine pass breakups. He's a long outside corner and plays with physicality and attitude. Black started 38 games in college and brings special teams value. Jaydon Blue, RB, Texas: Despite being part of a running back-by-committee at Texas, Blue managed 1,098 all-purpose yards and 14 touchdowns in 2024. Due to his explosiveness, receiving ability and special teams experience, he could find his place in a crowded backfield. Andres Borregales, K, Miami: With Justin Tucker's future uncertain, the Ravens have done extensive work on kickers. Brugler ranks Borregales as the top kicker in the draft after a season in which he made 18 of 19 field goal attempts and all 62 of his extra-point tries. Borregales was 7-of-10 from 50-plus yards in his college career. Advertisement Ryan Fitzgerald, K, Florida State: Ravens senior special teams coach and kicking guru Randy Brown led a private workout for Fitzgerald last week. He made all 13 of his field goal attempts last year and was 5-of-5 from 50-plus yards, including a 59-yarder. Jackson Hawes, TE, Georgia Tech: While the Ravens don't currently need a tight end, that could change if they deal Mark Andrews this offseason. Hawes, who started his college career at Yale, had 51 catches over four college seasons. He's one of the most physical and technically sound blocking tight ends in the draft, and that appeals to the run-heavy Ravens. Shemar James, ILB, Florida: Per Brugler, James models his game after Ravens 2020 first-round pick Patrick Queen. James was a two-year starter at Florida who plays with speed and energy, but he has to show better play recognition. He had 64 tackles and two sacks last season. Kyle Kennard, DL, South Carolina: He's coming off a season in which he had 11 1/2 sacks and became the first South Carolina player to win the Bronko Nagurski Award as the nation's top defensive player. At 6-foot-4, 254 pounds, Kennard lacks a cohesive pass-rush plan and doesn't stand out as a run defender, but he has a nose for the quarterback. Keandre Lambert-Smith, WR, Auburn: The Penn State transfer developed into a major big-play threat in his final college season, finishing second in the SEC in receiving yards per game (81.8) and top-10 nationally in yards per catch (19.6). He's a deep threat, which is a piece the Ravens could use. Jaylin Lane, WR, Virginia Tech: At 5-foot-10, 191 pounds, Lane projects as a slot receiver at the next level. It's his return skills that should intrigue the Ravens. He averaged 10.9 yards per punt return and 21.8 yards per kickoff return to go along with two return scores in college. Rayuan Lane III, S, Navy: A four-year starter at Navy, Lane III established himself as a ball hawk and one of the country's top special teams players. Lane, who grew up in Baltimore and attended the Ravens' local pro day, had six interceptions and five forced fumbles over his final two college seasons. Smael Mondon Jr., ILB, Georgia: He's one of the best athletes in the draft. A three-year starter at Georgia, Mondon plays with physicality and explosiveness — durability questions likely pushed him to Day 3. Mondon was one of the Ravens' top-30 visits. Jaylen Reed, S, Penn State: Reed was a defensive enforcer for the Nittany Lions, leading the team in tackles (98) and tying for the team lead in interceptions (three). The 6-foot, 211-pound safety loves getting downhill and trying to land big hits on the ball carrier. He does have some lapses in discipline. Advertisement Elijah Simmons, DT, Tennessee: A projected NFL nose tackle, Elijah Simmons ultimately could replace the retired Michael Pierce and play behind Travis Jones. Simmons didn't play many snaps at Tennessee, and his production has never really matched his ability, but he has upside as an early-down run stuffer. Jackson Slater, G/C, Sacramento State: Slater is a natural guard, but he took reps at all five positions during the Senior Bowl. He has the versatility and size (6-foot-3, 311 pounds) to be a potential NFL starter. Carson Vinson, OT, Alabama A&M: One of the top non-FBS prospects in the draft, Vinson was a five-year starter at Alabama A&M. At 6-foot-7, 314 pounds, he possesses strong physical traits and plays with good balance and power. (Photo of Jaydon Blue: Tim Warner / Getty Images)
USA Today
26-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Social media reacts to Notre Dame S Xavier Watts drafted by the Atlanta Falcons
Social media reacts to Notre Dame S Xavier Watts drafted by the Atlanta Falcons It wasn't what many expected, but Notre Dame safety Xavier Watts was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons with the No. 96 overall pick of the NFL drafts third round. The former wide receiver made the transition look smooth, as a junior he won the Bronko Nagurski Award, and was named a unanimous All-American. Watts senior year wasn't quite as successful as the year before, but he was still a consensus All-American. He finishes his Fighting Irish career playing in 55 games, with 188 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 13 interceptions with one returned for a score and 18 passes defended. Social media reacted to the selection of Watts by the Falcons, and as you'll see his coach Marcus Freeman's thoughts is exactly the same sentiment from me. Xavier Watts becomes an Atlanta Falcon What a moment for Watts, to hear his named getting called in the NFL draft. We know that it wasn't where he wanted to be selected, but he'll use it as motivation and get to work with the Falcons. What led up to Xavier Watts getting drafted Anytime a trade is made to move up and a team picks you, it's a sign that they didn't want to miss out. That's exactly what happened with Watts, as the Falcons traded a pick later in the third and a fifth next year to move up and take the Irish star safety. Head coach Marcus Freeman It was a late night for coach Freeman, but well worth staying up to see Watts getting drafted. As he said in his post-spring press conference, players go through plenty of delayed gratification. That was exactly the case tonight. ESPN's Field Yates We saw plenty of that over the last two years, and Yates really likes the move the Falcons made with drafting Watts. It was very surprising to see him last this late into the draft, but Atlanta will be very happy with the former Notre Dame star. Atlanta GM Terry Fontenot on why Watts The Falcons believed that there was going to be a run on safeties and Watts was high on their draft board. Fontenot was very complimentary about his newest Falcon, calling him a 'stud.' They decided to be aggressive and went to get Watts. We love Watts too You got to love when the local media is excited about a pick, in this case being Watts. We love him as well, as we saw him dominate the secondary over the last two seasons. Xavier Watts reaction to getting selected It probably wasn't something that Watts could see when transitioning from a wide receiver to a safety, but it all worked out in the end. You can see his relief that the process is over and he knows where his next football home is. Congrats Xavier!
USA Today
25-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Michigan football ties program record with three first-round NFL draft picks
Michigan football ties program record with three first-round NFL draft picks Michigan football expected to have four players hear their name called on Thursday, the first-round of the 2025 NFL draft — which would have set a program record. However, the Wolverines had to settle for tying the record. The maize and blue saw defensive tackle Mason Graham selected at No. 5 overall by the Cleveland Browns, tight end Colston Loveland picked at No. 10 overall by the Chicago Bears, and defensive tackle Kenneth Grant selected by the Miami Dolphins at No. 13 overall. However, due to a knee injury, cornerback Will Johnson slid out of the first round altogether, after being long expected as a top 10 pick. Michigan football released some notes and tidbits on the first round of the draft on Friday morning. Here are some interesting factoids. Full release The University of Michigan football team had a program-record-tying three players chosen in the first round of the NFL Draft, held Thursday (April 24) evening at Lambeau Field and the adjacent Titletown District in Green Bay, Wis. Michigan was the only program with multiple top 10 picks as defensive tackle Mason Graham led the group with his selection by the Cleveland Browns with the fifth overall pick and tight end Colston Loveland was chosen by the Chicago Bears with the 10th overall selection. The three Wolverines drafted in the first round of this year's draft tied a school record. The program also had three first round selections in 1995 (Tyrone Wheatley, Ty Law and Trezelle Jenkins) and 2001 (David Terrell, Steve Hutchinson and Jeff Backus). Graham became the first Wolverine player off the board with his selection by the Browns. Graham earned unanimous first-team All-American honors in 2024 after collecting second-team accolades in 2023 as a starter on Michigan's National Championship Team. A two-time first-team All-Big Ten selection, he was a finalist for the Outland Trophy and Bronko Nagurski Award in 2024 and was a semifinalist for both the Lott IMPACT Trophy and Bednarik Award. Graham appeared in 39 games with 27 starts at defensive tackle in his three seasons, contributing 108 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, nine sacks and one fumble recovery. He has been the consensus No. 1 defensive tackle in the draft after leading Michigan's defensive line with a career-best 45 tackles, including 7.0 TFLs, 3.5 sacks and one blocked field goal attempt in 2024. Five picks after the selection of Graham, the Chicago Bears made Loveland the 10th pick of the draft. Loveland was the Wolverines' top receiving threat in 2024, setting a tight end record with 56 catches for 582 yards (10.4 avg.) and five touchdowns. He was a second-team All-American and a finalist for the John Mackey Award as the nation's top tight end last season. A two-time All-Big Ten selection, Loveland earned first-team honors during the 2023 national championship season and second-team accolades in 2024. He appeared in 39 career games at tight end over his three seasons with 24 starting assignments. Loveland caught 117 passes for 1,466 yards and scored 11 TDs during his career and hauled in a reception in 31 straight games played. He is the 28th Wolverine to eclipse 100 career receptions (third TE) and 33rd player in school history (fifth TE) to reach double digits in receiving TDs. Loveland was also a two-time recipient of Michigan's top Offensive Skill Player of the Year award (2023-24). The third Wolverine to come off the board, defensive tackle Kenneth Grant was chosen by the Miami Dolphins with the 13th overall pick. Grant is Michigan's record holder among linemen with 11 career passes defended – 10 PBUs and one interception. He contributed 69 tackles, 11.0 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks and three fumble recoveries to go along with the record-setting 11 passes defended. Grant appeared in 41 career games and made 17 starts at defensive tackle. He was selected as a third-team All-American by the Associated Press in 2024 and earned second-team All-Big Ten honors during the 2023 and 2024 seasons. In addition, Grant was a two-time recipient of the Woodley-Graham Award as Michigan's top defensive lineman or edge defender (2023-24). The second and third rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft will be held Friday evening (April 25) starting at 7 p.m. ET. Notes: • With the three selections in the first round, a Michigan player has been selected in 87 consecutive NFL Drafts (1938 to present), continuing the program's NCAA record streak among its peers. • Michigan has had 64 players selected in the first round of the draft (AAFC, AFL and NFL). • This is the seventh straight draft in which a Michigan player has been chosen in the first round, setting a new school record; surpassed the six straight with at least one first-rounder during the 1991-96 drafts. • With Graham and Loveland being selected in the top 10, Michigan has had 23 players taken within the first 10 picks of the draft (AAFC, AFL and NFL drafts). • Three Michigan players have been selected in the first 10 picks of the last two drafts: JJ McCarthy (10th, Minnesota Vikings, 2024), Mason Graham (5th, Cleveland Browns, 2025) and Colston Loveland (10th, Chicago Bears, 2025). • It is the 11th time that Michigan has had multiple first-round NFL Draft picks. • With his selection at fifth overall, Graham became the highest drafted defensive tackle in school history. • Graham is the 13th player chosen in the first five picks of the draft (AAFC, AFL and NFL drafts). • Graham is the program's third-highest drafted defensive player since the AFL-NFL merger: Aidan Hutchinson (2nd, Detroit Lions, 2022), Charles Woodson (4th, Oakland Raiders, 1998) and Graham (5th, Cleveland Browns, 2025). • Loveland is the program's first offensive skill player selected in the first round since Braylon Edwards was the third pick of the 2005 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns. • Loveland is just the second Wolverine tight end chosen in the first round; joining Ron Kramer who was the fourth pick of the 1957 NFL Draft by the Green Bay Packers. • Graham and Grant became the first pair of Michigan defensive tackles selected in the first round of the same draft.
Chicago Tribune
24-04-2025
- Sport
- Chicago Tribune
Can Travis Hunter really play both offense and defense in the NFL? Champ Bailey knows the obstacles.
BOULDER, Colo. — Take it from Hall of Famer Champ Bailey, one of the last true two-way stars to come out of college: Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter will have his hands, feet and head full trying to play both wide receiver and cornerback in the NFL. 'It's easy to just say, 'Oh, yeah, he can go play both,'' Bailey said. 'Well, there's so much preparation that goes into playing one thing. So you've got to consider: What is it going to take to do everything all the time like he did in college?' Digesting two playbooks. Navigating concurrent position meetings. Convincing coaches that switching back and forth from one side to the other won't diminish his effectiveness or learning curve on either side. Then there's the mental toll, the physical toll, the emotional toll. 'It's almost unrealistic when you think about it,' Bailey said. 'But we're looking at one of the greatest athletes we've ever seen. It changes your mindset to think he could possibly do this. I'm not going to rule it out.' Few can relate to what Hunter did in college — and will try to do in the pros — better than Bailey, who won the Bronko Nagurski Award as the nation's top defender in his final season at Georgia in 1998, when he picked off three passes and also starred on offense, catching 47 passes for 744 yards and five touchdowns. Bailey, however, would play almost exclusively at cornerback in the NFL after being drafted at No. 7 by Washington in 1999. During his 15-year pro career, Bailey saw just nine targets at wide receiver. Five of them came in 2000, when he caught three passes for 78 yards to go with five interceptions. But coach Norv Turner was fired midway through Bailey's second season, and Turner's replacement, Marty Schottenheimer, squelched Bailey's ambitions to dabble on offense. 'So it's all about timing,' Bailey said. 'What if he was my coach my first year? I would have never played offense.' Bailey suggested that for Hunter to really get a chance to be a two-way player in the NFL, he'll have to land with the right team, coach, teammates, scheme — on both offense and defense — and schedule plus the proper amount of patience. Hunter is widely expected to get drafted second by the Cleveland Browns — who need help at both of his positions — Thursday night after the Tennessee Titans take Miami's Cam Ward as their new quarterback to kick off the 2025 NFL draft. Hunter told the Browns, and every other team he met with, not to bother selecting him if they're not going to let him line up on both sides. Deion Sanders, the Hall of Famer who played defensive back and wide receiver in the NFL — he had two interceptions and a touchdown catch in 1996 for the Dallas Cowboys — was Hunter's coach at Jackson State and Colorado and had no qualms about letting him play both ways. Sanders, however, allowed Hunter to take several days off after games to recuperate, a luxury he won't have in the NFL. Last season Hunter caught 96 passes for 1,258 yards and 15 touchdowns and collected 35 tackles, 11 pass breakups, eight forced incompletions and four interceptions while allowing just one touchdown. He logged a whopping 1,461 snaps, according to Pro Football Focus. By way of comparison, NFL Defensive Player of the Year Patrick Surtain II played 978 snaps in 17 games last season, all on defense. It's unlikely Hunter will be able to play every snap in the NFL, Bailey said, so the biggest decision for the team that drafts him is which side will be his primary position. Scouts are divided on whether it would be best for him to be a cornerback who gets a handful of offensive snaps or a wide receiver who occasionally plays in sub packages on defense. 'It's rare to have corners with length and athleticism and ball skills all wrapped up into one. He has that. So any defensive-minded coach is going to say, 'We want you over here,'' Bailey said. 'But you can't ignore that he had 1,300 yards this past year. That's a significant amount of yards to ignore in his production on offense.' Which position is primary will have an enormous impact on Hunter's career. 'Fit is everything,' Bailey said. 'There are so many moving parts to this.' Bailey added that Hunter needs a head coach who won't allow his offensive and defensive coordinators to fight over him, and he said if the position meetings for defensive backs and wide receivers are held at the same time, Hunter would be putting in hours of overtime every day to catch up. Then there's negotiating the learning curves on the field. 'You've got to learn how to communicate with your safeties, your other corners, anybody that's on your side,' Bailey said. 'Once you get that down and you understand the terminology of the defense, you can pull back a little bit from the mental side of it — a little bit — if you're playing offense. 'But it's risky because you leave some stuff out there. It's just he has to put in more time.' What would be easier, to be a full-time cornerback and part-time wide receiver or vice versa? 'It's both hard,' Bailey said. 'That's my thing. Doing one by itself is hard.' One thing Bailey is sure of is that Hunter needs to take his shot at playing both ways while he's young. 'If I had to bet on it, I would say he'll be at one position down the road,' Bailey said. 'I don't know what it would be because he's so exceptional at both. But right now with his youth and his bounce, he's a great athlete right now, he's fresh. You don't want to wear him out but you also want to utilize what you have.' Originally Published: April 24, 2025 at 3:51 PM CDT
