Latest news with #BuckyBrooks
Fox News
18-07-2025
- Sport
- Fox News
Texas' Arch Manning Dodges Question On Possible 2026 NFL Draft Entrance
Arch Manning has only started two games in his college football career. However, that hasn't prevented top NFL Draft experts from declaring the Texas quarterback as the top prospect in the 2026 class. But as some wonder if Manning will declare for the 2026 NFL Draft, he's keeping his focus on Texas' 2025 season. "I'm really just worried about getting through this interview and then getting through the run tomorrow," Manning told reporters when asked if he's given any thought about entering the 2026 NFL Draft during SEC Media Days on Tuesday. "I'm just focused on this year and getting better each day." Not only has Manning been viewed as the favorite to be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, but some have considered him to be one of the top quarterback prospects in recent memory. FOX Sports' Bucky Brooks wrote in May that Manning is more talented than his uncles, Peyton and Eli Manning, as he ranked him as his No. 1 quarterback for the 2026 draft class. [Related: Ranking 2026 QB draft class: Is Arch Manning clear-cut No. 1 of a stacked bunch?] With the possibility of Manning, who is a redshirt sophomore, declaring for the draft after the season looming, Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian is hoping that he plays well enough in 2025 to make a tough choice. "I just want the guy to have a really good season this year, and we'll cross that bridge when he comes to it," Sarkisian told reporters on Tuesday. "I hope he has a really hard decision to make, because that means he played really good." The hype surrounding Manning began before he even arrived in Austin. He was ranked as the No. 1 recruit in the 2023 recruiting class, and his last name only added to the buzz surrounding his recruitment. But Manning mostly sat on the bench for his first two seasons at Texas, with Quinn Ewers starting for the Longhorns and leading them to the College Football Playoff in each of the last two years. As he moves into a starting role for the 2025 season, Manning admits that going from highly sought-after high school recruit to the Texas backup quarterback wasn't an easy transition. "This is not really a big deal, but I played every year in high school," Manning said on Tuesday at SEC Media Days. "It was a 2-A high school. That doesn't mean anything, but from sitting out and not playing, that was pretty tough." Manning passed for 939 yards and nine touchdowns and ran for four touchdowns last season, making the first two starts of his college football career when Ewers suffered an injury early in the season. He could have seen the field earlier had he gone elsewhere. But in an era where college athletes have newfound maneuverability thanks to the transfer portal — and the ability strike lucrative deals at interested schools — the quarterback chose to ride it out. "[Transferring] never really crossed my mind," Manning said. "I knew Texas was the place I wanted to be. It was the city I wanted to be in, a great education. I had friends there. I was still developing and growing as a football player and a person. So I never really wanted to leave. If there was somewhere else I wanted to be, I would have gone." Two years since first arriving in Austin, his days of watching offensive possessions from the sideline are likely behind him. Ewers moved on and up, drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the seventh round in April, passing the torch to the newest playmaker in one of football's most famous families. Manning's confidence masks the simple fact that the most talked-about player in college football has played in just 12 career games going into the Aug. 30 season-opener at Ohio State (on FOX and the FOX Sports app), the defending national champion and the team that beat the Longhorns in the Cotton Bowl last January. Now that the wait is over, coach Steve Sarkisian thinks he is ready. "He's got an unbelievable work ethic. And I think, if he stays true to himself, that's going to help him navigate these waters as they present themselves," Sarkisian said. "I think he's prepared for the moment, but now it's just time for him to go do it and enjoy doing it quite frankly." Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account, follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily.
Yahoo
30-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
NFL Analyst Predicts Big Season for Ravens' Jaire Alexander
NFL Analyst Predicts Big Season for Ravens' Jaire Alexander originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Baltimore Ravens are in full "win now" mode after signing veteran free agent defensive back Jaire Alexander this offseason. Advertisement The deal is for one year and $4 million, all guaranteed. Alexander, who signed a four-year, $84 million contract with the Green Bay Packers in 2022, is just 28 and still has a lot of football left in him. His departure from the Packers wasn't performance-related, but due to a hefty $25 million cap hit for 2025. That might be part of the reason why analyst Bucky Brooks predicted that Alexander could be a candidate for next year's NFL Comeback Player of the Year award. "A two-time Pro Bowler in seven seasons with the Packers before being released this offseason, perhaps a change of scenery will help Alexander shake the injury bug and rediscover what once made him the highest-paid corner in the league," Brooks wrote. Advertisement The former Louisville Cardinals defender was dealing with injuries recently. Over the past two years, Alexander has played in just 14 total regular-season games due to numerous injuries, including groin, back, shoulder and knee issues. He missed the Packers' final eight games of 2024, including their wild-card round loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. When he's been healthy, Alexander has been one of the best at his position. Across seven playoff games, he has posted 28 tackles, three interceptions and five pass breakups. That's the Jaire Alexander the Ravens are looking forward to having. Related: Ravens Gain Offensive Help in Way-Too-Early 2026 3-Round NFL Mock Draft Related: Ravens TE Entering 'Make-Or-Break Season' This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 30, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
28-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Could Buccaneers' Baker Mayfield Win MVP?
Could Buccaneers' Baker Mayfield Win MVP? originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield divides opinion among the NFL fraternity, with some waiting for the big drop-off, while others think he will continue on his current trajectory. Advertisement With the Buccaneers again the favorites for the division, and having one of the most explosive offenses in football after an offseason that saw Emeka Egbuka be added to the weapons list, Tampa Bay has all the tools to be one of the best offenses with Mayfield leading it. But when it comes to Baker, Bucky Brooks has listed all his long shots for major NFL awards, and when it comes to the MVP, his pick is Baker. "If Mayfield matches his 2024 numbers (71.4% completion rate, 4,500 passing yards with 41 touchdowns) and the Buccaneers win the NFC South for the fifth year in a row, I won't be surprised if the former No. 1 overall pick rises to the top of the MVP conversation," Brooks wrote. Baker Mayfield (6) of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers warms up before an NFL football wild card playoff game against the Washington Commanders at Raymond James Stadium on Jan. 12 in Tampa, Florida.(Photo by) Yeah, we can see it. Advertisement An offense that has Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Jalen McMillan, Egbuka, and Cade Otton along with Bucky Irving and Rachaard White as pass-catching backs, and an offensive line that has all five starters returning, Baker is set up for success. How much success, though? We aren't sure. But to generate MVP buzz, he would have to at least match his numbers from last season, and have a better record, and not go through the slump he went through either (injuries played a big role in it). Yes, it's a long shot, but Mayfield has all the tools needed to thrust himself into the conversation. Related: Bucs GM 'Very, Very Excited' About Next Season Related: Analyst Believes 2025 Could Be Final Season for Buccaneers Legend This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 28, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
23-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
NFL analyst predicts Bears make playoff run after impressive offseason
The Chicago Bears are aiming to go from worst to first under new head coach Ben Johnson, which won't be easy in one of the toughest divisions in football. But they've had quite the impactful offseason that could make them a surprising contender. That started with the hiring of Johnson as head coach and his vision was clear in the team's new additions. Chicago overhauled the entire interior offensive line with the trades for guards Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson and signed center Drew Dalman in free agency. They continued in the draft with tackle Ozzy Trapilo, who's competing for the starting left tackle job. Advertisement Meanwhile, the Bears continued to add to their playmakers with the draft selections of tight end Colston Loveland and wide receiver Luther Burden III. They also addressed the defensive trenches with the free-agent additions of defensive tackle Grady Jarrett and defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo. Bucky Brooks dubbed the Bears one of the five teams that won the 2025 offseason, where he praised the Johnson hiring and Chicago beefing up their pass blockers and pass catchers. But more than that, Brooks expects Chicago to live up to the hype (unlike last year) as a "dark horse contender" that has a chance to "enjoy a worst-to-first rise in the NFC North." "The table is set for the Bears to make a playoff run this season," wrote Brooks. "They have upgraded their play-caller, playmakers and pass protectors to ensure Williams sparks a turnaround as a sophomore." There were many who had Chicago pegged as potential contenders last season, following the selection of quarterback Caleb Williams, but that ended with a 5-12 record that included a 10-game losing streak. But this year feels different with Johnson running the show. His vision has been clear with what he's expecting, and he's the kind of leader this team was begging for last season. Advertisement Although, the Bears also have the second most difficult strength of schedule this season, so they will be tested. But they'll have a chance to contend if they take care of business in the NFC North. Follow Bears Wire on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears predicted to make playoff run after impressive offseason
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Top Scout Offers Intriguing Insight into Buccaneers Schedule Challenge
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are in an interesting situation going into 2025. They defeated both the Detroit Lions and Philadelphia Eagles (the top two seeds in the NFC) last season, but finished just 10-7. Their wild card loss to the Washington Commanders have some wondering Tampa Bay's run of dominance as an NFC contender is coming to an end. Advertisement Even if the Buccaneers themselves don't believe that. Tampa Bay has won the last four division titles in the NFC South, and are favorites to win a fifth-straight year. With plenty of intriguing matchups coming up in 2025, though, plenty of analysts have debated the most important on the year. writer Bucky Brooks has a different opinion on what could be Tampa's toughest opponent. In his mind, it's the Arizona Cardinals. "This duel between a couple of former No. 1 overall picks features enough of a Hollywood storyline to be worthy of a more prominent time slot than 1 p.m. on Sunday," Brooks said. "Mayfield takes on his former Oklahoma teammate and fellow Heisman Trophy winner in a battle of undersized quarterbacks leading dark-horse contenders. Advertisement "Diminutive passers are no longer dismissed in the NFL, and this NFC clash will provide executives and scouts with another opportunity to appreciate the ways playmakers of all sizes can get it done in today's game." Arizona has improved their win total in each season under Jonathan Gannon as head coach, but they need to finally make a push for the postseason. With a strong rushing attack, an improved defense, and a quality quarterback, the Cardinals are a dark horse candidate to win the NFC West. And even fight among teams like the Buccaneers for seeding come playoff time. Related: Buccaneers Insider Reveals 'Most Anticipated' Game of 2025 Schedule Related: Buccaneers Earn Monster Grade After Offseason Deals
