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USA Today
22-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Travis Hunter's father given permission by court to attend NFL draft in Green Bay
Travis Hunter's father given permission by court to attend NFL draft in Green Bay Being selected Thursday in the NFL draft won''t be the only good news Colorado Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter will have this week. Before the first round of the selection process takes place on Thursday, Hunter found out his father will be able to attend the draft in Green Bay. Travis Hunter Sr. was not allowed to attend the Heisman ceremony in December. However, the Palm Beach Post reported the wide receiver/defensive back's dad has been permitted to leave home confinement on Thursday and return on Friday. Travis Hunter is expected to be chosen in the top two or three picks of the draft. There has been buzz that he could go to the Cleveland Browns at two. Per the report: Hunter Sr., 39, was sentenced to 90 days in late September 2024 stemming from a 2023 arrest on gun and drug charges. He was released from the Palm Beach County West Detention Center in Belle Glade nine days before the Heisman Trophy ceremony in New York but was unable to attend. He was placed on a three-year period of probation and ordered to complete the first year under home confinement. Travis Hunter, the player, spoke of his dad when accepting the Heisman Trophy in December. "I want to say something to my father," Travis Jr. said at the time. "He's not here and wasn't able to make it but I know you're watching on TV. Dad, I love you. For all the stuff you went through man … Now look at your oldest son. I did it for you, man. "All the times that you didn't get to see me, or the times you did come to see my games. From not seeing probably two games in high school to seeing me on TV every weekend and coming to see me. That means so much to me. "I know you wanted to be here and you can't, but trust me, I got you. I'm bringing the trophy home. I love you."
USA Today
18-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
2025 NFL mock draft: Travis Hunter's stock rises, Jaxson Dart lands in first round
2025 NFL mock draft: Travis Hunter's stock rises, Jaxson Dart lands in first round Show Caption Hide Caption Mina Kimes shares her most "chaotic" team going into the NFL draft ESPN analyst Mina Kimes breaks down who she believes is very up in the air regarding their pick for the 2025 NFL Draft this year. Sports Seriously After much anticipation, the 2025 NFL Draft is just days away. The Tennessee Titans are on the clock. Is it a formality the Titans will select Cam Ward No. 1 overall? Cleveland Browns general manager Andrew Berry praised Colorado Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter. Are the Browns targeting Hunter at No. 2? Where is Hunter's teammate, Shedeur Sanders, going to end up? Defensive line is considered the deepest position group in the NFL draft. This year's running backs class is strong, too. We're going to get answers to all our questions from the draft in Green Bay next week. USA TODAY Sports' Tyler Dragon provides his third mock draft less than a week before all the action kicks off. 1. Tennessee Titans: QB Cam Ward, Miami The Titans and Ward have been tied together for weeks. Tennessee's reluctance to pursue a quarterback during free agency is an indication that they intend to draft a young passer. Ward is the consensus top QB in this year's class. 2. Cleveland Browns: CB/WR Travis Hunter, Colorado Browns GM Andrew Berry called Hunter a unicorn this week and compared the Heisman Trophy winner to Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani. The two-way player possesses the skills to play both ways. With Denzel Ward and Greg Newsome at corner, the Browns need more aid at wide receiver. 3. New York Giants: EDGE Abdul Carter, Penn State Carter's talent and athleticism off the edge will help him make an immediate impact in the NFL. He would instantly form a young formidable edge rushing duo with Kayvon Thibodeaux. The Giants ranked 24th in total defense last year. 4. New England Patriots: OT Will Campbell, LSU The Patriots ranked 31st in pass block win rate and last in run block win rate in 2024, according to ESPN. As a result, New England had the worst total offense in the AFC. The Patriots must fortify their O-line. 5. Jacksonville Jaguars: DT Mason Graham, Michigan The Jaguars had the second-worst defense in the NFL last season. Graham is an active three-technique defensive tackle with good strength. His 34 pressures ranked in the top 10 for all interior lineman in college football in 2024. 6. Las Vegas Raiders: RB Ashton Jeanty, Boise State The Raiders averaged an NFL-low 79.8 rushing yards per game in 2024. It was the lowest rushing average by a team in a single season since 2022. Pete Carroll's teams in Seattle routinely had stout rushing attacks. Jeanty and Brock Bowers are foundation pieces on offense. 7. New Orleans Saints (via NYJ): QB Shedeur Sanders, Colorado New Saints coach Kellen Moore inherited Derek Carr. They aren't in a committed long-term relationship. Plus, Carr is reportedly dealing with a shoulder issue. The Saints can start a new era at QB with Sanders with this projected trade with the Jets. He's a prototypical dropback passer, and throws with good accuracy and anticipation. 8. Carolina Panthers: LB Jalon Walker, Georgia Carolina had the worst total defense in the NFL in 2024. The team's 32 sacks were second to last in the NFC, and they ranked 31st in the league pass rush win rate, per ESPN. Walker is a hybrid player who can play edge or off-ball linebacker. 9. New York Jets (via NOR): TE Tyler Warren, Penn State The Jets believe in Justin Fields, but they have to surround him with better weapons. Warren is a complete tight end who blocks well and is tough to tackle with the football in his hands. MORE: Why third time will be the charm for Justin Fields 10. Chicago Bears: OT Armand Membou, Missouri The Bears landed three new interior offensive line starters this offseason. The job fortifying the O-line isn't finished. Caleb Williams was sacked 68 times during his rookie season, the third most in NFL history. 11. San Francisco 49ers: EDGE Mike Green, Marshall The 49ers will have at least two new starters along their defensive line entering the season. Green could be one of them. Green's 17 sacks led college football last season. He's athletic, explosive and has the bend and flexibility to get around the edge. 12. Dallas Cowboys: RB Omarion Hampton, North Carolina The Cowboys lost Rico Dowdle in free agency. Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders were added, but Omarion Hampton would give Dallas a much-needed long-term answer at the position. 13. Miami Dolphins: OT Grey Zabel, North Dakota State Dolphins left tackle Terron Armstead retired after 12 seasons. Zabel can play four of the five offensive line positions. He allowed one sack and six pressures at left tackle his final year at North Dakota State. 14. Indianapolis Colts: TE Colston Loveland, Michigan Whether the Colts start Anthony Richardson or Daniel Jones, they need more production out of the tight end position. The Colts top tight end had a paltry 14 receptions last season. Loveland is a pass catching tight end who would make an immediate impact in Indy. 15. Atlanta Falcons: EDGE Mykel Williams, Georgia After ranking last in the NFC in sacks in 2024, the Falcons have an opportunity to boost their pass rush with the acquisition of Leonard Floyd in free agency and Williams through the draft. The 6-foot-5 edge rusher has significant upside. He tallied five sacks, nine tackles for loss and two forced fumbles last year. 16. Arizona Cardinals: CB Jahdae Barron, Texas Pro Football Focus gave Barron a 91.3 coverage grade for last year, the best of any cornerback with at least 300 snaps. Barron's five interceptions were tied for first in the SEC, and he also led the team with 11 pass breakups. The Cardinals ranked in the bottom half of the league in total defense. 17. Cincinnati Bengals: DT Kenneth Grant, Michigan The Bengals devoted a lot of resources on offense. They must get better on defense through the draft. DJ Reader's departure in free agency last offseason was a significant loss. Grant is the type of player who can fill the void in the interior. 18. Seattle Seahawks: G Tyler Booker, Alabama Booker has the size, girth and length to be an elite guard. He was arguably the best guard in college football in 2024. He allowed zero sacks and only nine pressures his final year with the Crimson Tide. 19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: CB Will Johnson, Michigan Johnson is a big 6-foot-2, instinctive cornerback with good ball skills. He set a Michigan record with three interceptions returned for touchdowns in his career. Tampa Bay finished 29 in pass defense in 2024. MORE: Raiders, 49ers best fits for Will Johnson 20. Denver Broncos: WR Tetairoa McMillan, Arizona McMillan has a big catch radius and is a long stride runner The 6-foot-5 wide pass catcher is a possession receiver with good ball skills. McMillan and 6-foot-4 Courtland Sutton would give the Broncos a basketball team on the outside. 21. Pittsburgh Steelers: DT Derrick Harmon, Oregon Quarterback is an option here. But with several quality defensive linemen available, the Steelers select the Oregon product with massive upside. The 6-foot-4 defensive tackle has impressive size, length and strength. 22. Los Angeles Chargers: DT Walter Nolen, Ole Miss Nolen's athleticism and explosiveness make him a first-round three-technique defensive tackle. The Chargers lost their best defensive tackle, Poona Ford, in free agency. Nolen, at 6-foot-4 and 296 pounds, has the size and potential to be a force in the interior. 23. Green Bay Packers: CB Maxwell Hairston, Kentucky Hairston is a fast cornerback who has good man and zone coverage skills. His 4.28 40-yard dash time was the fastest at the 2025 NFL Combine. The Packers put CB Jaire Alexander on the trade block. 24. Minnesota Vikings: S Nick Emmanwori, South Carolina Veteran Harrison Smith decided to return for his 14th season, but the Vikings need to start grooming Smith's heir apparent. Emmanwori is regarded as the top safety in the draft. His 88 tackles led South Carolina last season. He also produced four interceptions. 25. Houston Texans: WR Matthew Golden, Texas Golden earned himself plenty of money when he ran a wide receiver-best 4.29 in the 40-yard dash at the NFL combine. The Texans need a speed receiver because Tank Dell's knee injury will likely keep him out all of 2025. 26. Los Angeles Rams: LB Jihaad Campbell, Alabama The middle of the Rams' defense has been a weakness since veteran Bobby Wagner departed for the nation's capital. Nate Landman was added in free agency, but Campbell would give the Rams the athletic and impact linebacker the team's been missing. 27. Baltimore Ravens: S Malaki Starks, Georgia Starks is a versatile safety who has a nose for the football and is comfortable in coverage. He led the Bulldogs with 77 tackles in 2024. The Ravens had the second worst pass defense in the NFL last season. 28. Detroit Lions: EDGE Donovan Ezeiruaku, Boston College The ACC Defensive Player of the Year finished second in the FBS with 16.5 sacks and third with 20.5 tackles for loss. The Lions' defense was ravaged by injuries this past season and needs more depth up front. 29. Washington Commanders: EDGE Shemar Stewart, Texas A&M The Commanders lost their sack leader Dante Fowler Jr. in free agency. Stewart's college production raises some questions (only 4.5 sacks in three seasons), but he possesses high upside. 30. Buffalo Bills: DT Tyleik Williams, Ohio State Williams is a hole filling run defender. He has a good first step and quick feet for his size. The Bills can get younger and more explosive in the interior. 31. Kansas City Chiefs: EDGE James Pearce Jr., Tennessee The Chiefs witnessed the effects of a stout defensive line firsthand. Star defensive tackle Chris Jones is Kansas City's only consistent pass rusher. Pearce led Tennessee with 7.5 sacks and 13 tackles for loss last year. 32. New York Giants (via PHI): QB Jaxson Dart, Mississippi A trade between two division rivals. The Giants grab their QB of the future who can sit and learn this year while Russell Wilson starts. Many scouts have the Ole Miss product as the third-ranked QB prospect in the draft. Follow USA TODAY Sports' Tyler Dragon on X @TheTylerDragon.
Boston Globe
15-04-2025
- Sport
- Boston Globe
Taking a closer look at LSU offensive lineman Will Campbell and whether he'd be a good fit for the Patriots
Why he wouldn't: Campbell's arm length has been one of the most dominant story lines of the pre-draft process. With the understanding the preferred minimum is usually 33 inches, he measured at 32⅝ at the combine. (He was measured at 33 inches at LSU's Pro Day last month.) If his arm length is an issue, he might be forced to move inside to guard. Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up Alternatives: There are a handful of offensive tackles who are considered top-100 prospects who could be had later in the draft if the Patriots decide to pass on Campbell. Kelvin Banks (Texas), Josh Simmons (Ohio State), and Josh Conerly (Oregon) are likely to go later in the first round or near the top of the second round. Missouri right tackle Armand Membou has generated his share of pre-draft buzz, and is a Day 1 candidate, as well. Advertisement What they're saying: 'I always look at it as, do you play that way or do you play longer? Do you play to the max of what you have, or do you play under what you have? I've had guys in the past that have played for me that have 33- [or] 34-[inch arms] and haven't played like that. I've had some guys that had some shorter arms and played like they had longer arms. I just think it's something that you bring up that you just want to make sure that you evaluate and see if it affects the player in a positive way or a negative way.' — Patriots offensive line coach Doug Marrone One more thing: Logan Mankins and Joe Thuney played tackle in college (and both didn't have the requisite 33-inch arm length, according to former Patriots offensive line coach Dante Scarnecchia), but ended up moving inside and flourishing at the next level. Related : The skinny: Throughout the pre-draft process, the New England braintrust has seemed to hint that arm length isn't a deal-breaker for them at tackle, which would seem to portend a choice of Campbell if they stay at No. 4. Campbell indicated at the combine in February he'd be open to playing guard or tackle. It's all about where he can make the biggest impact. 'A lot of teams that I've talked to, they see me as a tackle,' he said. 'But I feel like I've told all the teams that I feel like I put the stuff on tape to show that I can play tackle at a very high level. But I'm willing to do whatever I can to help the team win. If you told me I was going to start at right guard versus being a [backup] left tackle, I'm going to tell you to put me at right guard.' Advertisement In the end, if Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter or Colorado Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter are there when the Patriots are on the clock, they grab one of those players and don't look back. But if both are gone and New England can't trade down, then Campbell could very well be the guy for the Patriots. Christopher Price can be reached at
USA Today
14-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
2025 NFL draft prospects: Best landing spots for Abdul Carter, Travis Hunter, more
2025 NFL draft prospects: Best landing spots for Abdul Carter, Travis Hunter, more Show Caption Hide Caption Warren Sapp explains what makes Travis Hunter such a special player Warren Sapp sits down with Lorenzo Reyes at Radio Row to share why Travis Hunter is such a special player. Travon Walker was the most recent defensive player to go No. 1 overall in the NFL draft in 2022. Only three defensive players have been selected with the top pick since 2014. Will a defensive player hear his name called No. 1 overall in the 2025 NFL draft? The first round of this year's draft could be dominated by defense. Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter and Colorado Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter headline a stacked group of prospects. Where will the top defensive players be selected during April's draft? USA TODAY Sports explores the best landing spots for the highest-rated defenders in the 2025 draft. NFL DRAFT WR PROSPECTS: Best landing spots for Hunter, McMillan, Golden NFL draft landing spots for top defensive prospects Travis Hunter CB/WR, Colorado Best fit: New England Patriots Hunter is a fluid and smooth route runner with excellent hands. As a cornerback, he diagnoses routes quickly and possesses tremendous ball skills. He played over 86% of Colorado's offensive snaps and 82% of the team's defensive snaps. Hunter caught 96% of his catchable passes and only accounted for three dropped passes. Pro Football Focus gave Hunter a 90.3 coverage grade, the second-highest grade for a cornerback with at least 400 snaps. The Patriots had the worst total offense in the AFC and finished 22nd in the NFL in total defense last season. New England needs help on both sides of the ball, and Hunter can provide it. Abdul Carter EDGE, Penn State Best fit: Cleveland Browns Carter finished his collegiate career ranking sixth all-time at Penn State in sacks (23.0) and eighth in tackles for loss (39.5). His 12 sacks last year ranked seventh in the nation and 52 pressures ranked in the top 10. Pro Football Focus gave Carter a 92.4 pass rush grade, which ranked first among all college edge rushers with at least 250 snaps. The Browns run a 4-3 defense where Carter can line up opposite 2023 NFL Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett. With Garrett commanding much of the attention, Carter would see fewer double teams and chip blocks coming off the edge. Furthermore, Carter could learn from arguably the best pass rusher in the game. Carter and Garrett would provide the Browns with one of the top edge rush duos in the NFL. NFL DRAFT: Penn State's Abdul Carter visits with fourth and final team Mason Graham DT, Michigan Best fit: Carolina Panthers Graham is regarded as the top three-technique defensive tackle in this year's draft. His 34 pressures ranked in the top eight among all interior defensive linemen in college football. He led all Michigan defensive linemen with 45 tackles. Carolina finished 2024 with the NFL's worst total defense and was at the bottom of the league in points per game. Quarterback Bryce Young needs more weapons on offense but the Panthers aren't going to win many games if their defense can't stop anybody. Jalon Walker LB, Georgia Best fit: Atlanta Falcons Walker produced a team-high 10.5 tackles for loss, and his 6.5 sacks tied for a team-best. The Butkus Award winner is considered a hybrid player who can play edge or linebacker. The Falcons need assistance in both areas after they finished last in the NFC in sacks and ranked 23rd in total defense. Leonard Floyd was a necessary addition to Atlanta's base 3-4 defense and Walker could play on the opposite side. Jahdae Barron CB, Texas Best fit: Jacksonville Jaguars Pro Football Focus gave Barron a 91.3 coverage grade for last year, the best of any cornerback with at least 300 snaps. Barron's five interceptions were tied for first in the SEC, and he also led the team with 11 pass breakups. The Jaguars had the NFL's worst pass defense last season, allowing 257 yards per contest. The team's finished 26th or below in pass defense for three straight years. Jasonville's leaky defense is void of a shutdown corner. Mike Green EDGE, Marshall Best fit: San Francisco 49ers Green is an explosive pass rusher who is relentless coming off the edge. Green's 17 sacks led college football in 2024 and set a Sun Belt Conference record. He also compiled 84 tackles and 22.5 tackles for loss. The 49ers lost plenty of talent on defense. They will have at least two new starters along their defensive line entering the season, including at defensive end. Leonard Floyd's 8.5 sacks and 44 pressures are gone. San Francisco needs to supply Nick Bosa with more assistance. Mykel Williams EDGE, Georgia Best fit: Cincinnati Bengals Williams has high upside, and his 6-foot-5, 260-pound frame gives him the necessary traits to be a standout defensive end. He had five sacks in his final season at Georgia, which ranked second on the squad. Any team who selects Williams will be betting on his potential. Trey Hendrickson had 17.5 of Cincinnati's 36 total sacks this past season. Hendrickson wants out if the Bengals can't grant him a new deal. The Bengals need to build their defense through the draft after doling out massive contracts on offense. NFL DRAFT: Stock up, stock down for these players following pro day workouts Walter Nolen DT, Ole Miss Best fit: Los Angeles Chargers In 2022, 247Sports ranked Travis Hunter and Nolen as the top two high school football players in the country. He lived up to the billing in 2024. The three-technique defensive tackle tied for a team lead with 14.0 tackles for loss. He additionally had 6.5 sacks and 30 pressures. Nolen was an anchor on Ole Miss' stingy run defense, which allowed an FBS-low 2.3 yards per carry. The Chargers lost their best defensive tackle, Poona Ford, in free agency. Nolen, at 6-foot-4 and 296 pounds, has the size and potential to be a force in the interior. He would start immediately in Los Angeles. Kenneth Grant DT, Michigan Best fit: Arizona Cardinals The big-bodied one-technique defensive tackle is a run-stuffing machine. He tallied 32 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss and three sacks in his final season in Ann Arbor. The Cardinals have long needed a disruptive defensive tackle. They ranked in the bottom half of the league in run defense. Calais Campbell, who's drinking out of the fountain of youth, was brought back to Arizona but he's not a long-term solution at 38 years old. Will Johnson CB, Michigan Best fit: Las Vegas Raiders The Raiders need to improve their depth at cornerback. They recently cut Jack Jones after a down year in Las Vegas. The Raiders gave up 29 touchdown receptions and allowed a 96.5 passer rating to opposing quarterbacks; both marks ranked near the bottom of the league. New Raiders coach Pete Carroll is accustomed to big and physical corners. He helped architect the 'Legion of Boom' in Seattle. Johnson is a 6-foot-2 corner whose playstyle matches his size. He set a Michigan record with three interceptions returned for touchdowns in his career. Nick Emmanwori S, South Carolina Best fit: Minnesota Vikings The 6-foot-2 safety has speed and versatility. His Next Gen Stats total score of 85 ranked first among safeties at the combine. At the same time, his 4.38 40-yard dash time was the second-best safety time in Indianapolis. Vikings veteran safety Harrison Smith is returning for his 14th season. Minnesota must find Smith's heir apparent at some point. Most scouts have pegged Emmanwori as the top safety in this year's draft. His speed and athleticism would be a welcoming addition to Minnesota's defensive backfield. Jihaad Campbell LB, Alabama Best fit: Los Angeles Rams Campbell led Alabama with 117 tackles, 12 tackles for loss and five sacks in his final season. His performance earned him first-team All-SEC recognition. He possesses the speed and athleticism to be an every-down linebacker. Next Gen Stats gave Campbell an 82 total score at the combine, first among linebackers. The Rams haven't had an enforcer at inside linebacker since Bobby Wagner in 2022 and Ernest Jones in 2023. This offseason, leading tackler Christian Rozeboom departed for Carolina. The Rams added Nate Landman, but are they done addressing what was a weak position group last year? Derrick Harmon DT, Oregon Best fit: Pittsburgh Steelers At 6-foot-4 and 313 pounds, Harmon has the build of a prototypical defensive tackle. He tallied a career-best 10.5 tackles for loss, five sacks and 45 tackles for the Ducks in 2024. He has position versatility along the defensive line. The Steelers traditionally have stout defensive fronts. But Cameron Heyward, who will be 36 years old at the start of next season, is by far Pittsburgh's best defensive linemen and Larry Ogunjobi left in free agency. Follow USA TODAY Sports' Tyler Dragon on X @TheTylerDragon.
NBC Sports
07-03-2025
- Sport
- NBC Sports
Michigan CB Will Johnson to miss Pro Day workout with hamstring injury
Michigan cornerback Will Johnson, one of the top prospects in the 2025 NFL draft, has suffered another injury that will cause him to miss Michigan's Pro Day. Johnson can't work out at Michigan on March 21 because of a hamstring injury, according to ESPN. Injuries were already a concern with Johnson after he missed most of last season with shoulder and toe injuries. He is expecting to be healthy enough to work out for NFL teams on April 14. Johnson was one of Michigan's best players in 2023, when they won the national championship, and was named defensive MVP of the College Football Playoff National Championship Game. Johnson and Colorado Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter are considered by many to be the top two cornerbacks in this year's draft.
