Latest news with #DefensiveTackle
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Jaguars activate DT Maason Smith
Defensive tackle Maason Smith is set to start practicing with the Jaguars. Smith was placed on the physically unable to perform list at the start of training camp due to an undisclosed injury and the Jaguars announced that he has been activated on Thursday. Smith was a second-round pick last season and started five of the 11 games he played for Jacksonville. He had 17 tackles, three sacks, and three passes defensed during his rookie season. The Jaguars have Smith listed as a second-string defensive tackle on their depth chart. Arik Armstead and DaVon Hamilton are the first-teamers while Jordan Jefferson, Tyler Lacy, James Carpenter, Keivie Rose, and Eli Mostaert are also on hand.
Yahoo
22-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Eagles' 'Disruptive' Jalen Carter Wins Surprising ESPN Ranking
Eagles' 'Disruptive' Jalen Carter Wins Surprising ESPN Ranking originally appeared on Athlon Sports. A host of players on the Philadelphia Eagles are poised to find their names at the top of their respective position rankings as judged by media folks, most recently by ESPN. Advertisement Before Tuesday, running back Saquon Barkley was already given the top spot in his ranking in the wake of a 2,000-yard rushing season. Other stars like A.J. Brown, Jordan Mailata, and Lane Johnson should all have top spots when it comes to the receivers list and the offensive line grouping. And now? Philadelphia has another player with a top ranking, but at a different position. Jeremy Fowler ranked Eagles All-Pro defensive tackle Jalen Carter as the No. 3 overall defensive tackle in football. Advertisement "A year ago, evaluators around the league projected big things for Carter, who had already shown a knack for beating top-shelf offensive guards at the line," Fowler said. "He validated that faith with All-Pro second-team honors, a Pro Bowl nod, and a Super Bowl ring. Carter's 4.5 sacks and 8.8 percent pass rush win rate are not gaudy, but he's the classic need-to-see-him-in-person player. "He's as disruptive as they come. The only thing keeping him out of the top two is experience." Carter is Philadelphia's best defensive player. He was the anchor on a defense considered the best in the league. While he did not put up dominant numbers in Super Bowl LIX, the former Georgia's star impact allowed other players to succeed around him. Advertisement He has already shown an ability to stand out at such a young age, which is just further evidence that the Eagles have one of the great players in the league. And, we must say, we're impressed (and a bit surprised) that the good people of Bristol get all of this. He is essentially now getting the same sort of recognition that players like Kansas City's Chris Jones and New York's Dexter Lawrence receive, and it is clear that he is "next" on the proverbial list of superstar players at defensive tackle. Related: Eagles Earn Least-Surprising Position-Group Ranking In Entire NFL Related: Eagles' Forgotten Prospect Poised For Bigger Role In Jalen Hurts Attack This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 9, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Dexter Lawrence is Giants' Last Great Hope in This Era
Dexter Lawrence is Giants' Last Great Hope in This Era originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Former general manager David Gettleman was by all measures a disaster with the New York Giants. His free agent additions blew up in his face, and he made crucial draft decisions that are still hurting the team today. Advertisement There was one decision, though, that Gettleman should be commended for. It's the one move that is still with the team today. Dexter Lawrence is a three-time Pro Bowler, a two-time All-Pro and has been a finalist for the award of the Defensive Player of the Year. As a playmaking tackle - a rare thing – he recorded 30 sacks in his first six seasons with the team. Some now rank him as the best defensive tackle in the NFL. The second first-round pick taken by the team in the 2019 NFL draft has put up numbers – superb for an interior defensive lineman. And as important as anything else, Lawrence has conducted himself as a consummate professional and leader on the Giants. Advertisement And he's done it in the face of all the losing seasons in New York, which is no easy task. Now, it's time for the organization to hold up its end of the bargain. Lawrence will be 28 years old midway through the 2025 season. The Giants should feel obliged to build something around their superstar to show him – and to show New York fans - that they are committed to making him a winner. They were unable to do this in the latter portion of Eli Manning's otherwise stellar career. They remain haunted by their failure at the beginning of Saquon Barkley's career. They cannot allow that to happen with Lawrence. Advertisement Gettleman made many mistakes throughout his career as the Giants' general manager. His best move, though, is central to getting the Giants out of their current hole. And New York needs to find a way – even in the rugged NFC East – to hit the accelerator on roster-building so Lawrence's time here is not wasted. Related: Kelce Raves About Giants' Late-Round Steal At Tight End Related: Giants Offensive Line Given Brutally Harsh Grade by PFF This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 10, 2025, where it first appeared.
