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Yahoo
28-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Ohio State's Donovan Jackson showcased strong versatility that should bolster his NFL Draft stock
(This article was written with the assistance of Castmagic, an AI tool, and reviewed by our editorial team to ensure accuracy. Please reach out to us if you notice any mistakes.) Based on the insights shared by Yahoo Sports' Nate Tice and Mike Tice in the "Football 301 Podcast" episode, Donovan Jackson emerges as a notable NFL Draft prospect for several compelling reasons. Firstly, Jackson boasts versatility in his play, having shown proficiency at guard and tackle during his time at Ohio State. His experience playing multiple positions on the offensive line makes him a valuable asset for any NFL team looking for depth. Advertisement Secondly, Jackson's athleticism stands out. Even though he shifted to tackle following Josh Simmons' injury, it was the later tackle tape that highlighted his movement skills, making him even more appealing as a guard. The Tices appreciated his athleticism and ability to perform in space, which suggests that Jackson has the potential to excel in various offensive schemes. "How do you miss on the player like this?" Mike Tice asked. "This player is going to be a good player in the league for. For quite a while. ... "I would definitely have Jackson ahead of [Alabama guard Tyler] Booker." Advertisement Moreover, Jackson's pedigree and physical attributes are hard to ignore. As a player who started multiple games and demonstrated solid performance at a high level of competition, he has the experience and background that scouts often look for in a draft prospect. Finally, his length (33-inch arms), combined with the athleticism noted by Nate and Mike Tice, positions him as a strong candidate to contribute effectively at the next level. To hear more NFL discussions, tune into "Football 301" on Apple, Spotify or YouTube.
Yahoo
26-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Oregon DL Derrick Harmon has versatility and high ceiling, giving him shot to go early in 2025 NFL Draft
Oregon DL Derrick Harmon has versatility and high ceiling, giving him shot to go early in 2025 NFL Draft As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, Oregon's Derrick Harmon is emerging as a standout prospect on the defensive line. Harmon is drawing significant attention for his versatility, skills and ability to impact the run and passing game. Yahoo Sports' Nate Tice ranked him 15th on his big board entering April and Charles McDonald put him 21st on his board. Harmon is heralded for his adeptness at playing across the defensive line. Tice appreciates Harmon's ability to line up as a true three-technique defensive tackle, meaning he typically lines up on the outside shoulder of the guard, positioning himself perfectly to disrupt runs and passes. Oregon's Derrick Harmon is among the top defensive linemen prospects in this NFL Draft. (Photo by Brandon Sloter/Image) (Brandon Sloter via Getty Images) Harmon's game film illustrates his proficiency not merely in racking up big plays but also in doing the important in-between work. He's noted for keeping his feet moving, maintaining his gaps and contributing significantly during twists and games, a tactic involving defensive linemen exchanging roles to confuse the offensive line. One of the more fascinating comparisons for Harmon is to former NFL star Akeem Hicks. Like Hicks, Harmon is expected to contribute effectively against both the pass and run, potentially proving to be a valuable asset to any defensive scheme. This versatility allows him to fit into gap-shooting defenses, where the objective is to penetrate and disrupt the backfield, as well as two-gap systems, where retaining a position and controlling the blocker are key. Advertisement The enthusiasm surrounding Harmon is largely due to his balanced skill set, suggesting a high floor with plenty of ceiling yet to be realized. Harmon's robust performance numbers were highlighted in the "Football 301 Podcast" episode that broke down the top defensive linemen in this upcoming draft. Whether dominating at the line of scrimmage or making critical stops behind it, Harmon is poised to be a significant asset in this year's defensive line class. To hear more NFL discussions, tune into "Football 301" on Apple, Spotify or YouTube.
Yahoo
25-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
2025 NFL Draft: Abdul Carter leads class of top 5 edge rushers
(This article was written with the assistance of Castmagic, an AI tool, and reviewed by our editorial team to ensure accuracy. Please reach out to us if you notice any mistakes.) The Football 301 Podcast episode gave a breakdown of the top edge rushers of the 2025 NFL Draft. These players represent some of the exciting defensive prospects in the upcoming draft, each bringing various skills and potential impacts to NFL defenses. Here is the analysis from Yahoo Sports' Nate Tice and Charles McDonald. Abdul Carter (Penn State): Carter is widely considered one of the top edge rushers in the 2025 draft class. Known for his exceptional get-off speed and athleticism, Carter can create significant disruption by beating offensive linemen off the snap. Despite some concerns about his ability against the run, his pass-rushing potential makes him a prime candidate for early selection. Carter's projection as a double-digit sack producer makes him attractive to NFL teams looking for an impact player off the edge. "I think he's probably got the cleanest projection as far as being like a potential double-digit sack guy in the NFL. ... I just don't really think there are any other guys who move quite like that that are also closer to being able to affect pass rushes [from] Day 1," McDonald said. Mykel Williams (Georgia): Williams, initially touted as a top prospect heading into the season, stands out with his power and ability to play multiple positions along the defensive line. While not the fastest edge rusher, his strength and technique set him apart. His play against high-level college competition suggests he could become a reliable NFL starter, particularly in a 4-3 defensive end role. Though his upside might lean more toward being a solid, reliable contributor than a superstar, Williams' ability to play the run and pass makes him valuable. Shemar Stewart (Texas A&M): Stewart offers a high ceiling due to his incredible athletic traits, though his lack of production at Texas A&M remains a concern. With just 4.5 career sacks, Stewart's draft evaluation is based mainly on his physical potential rather than college performance. His size, speed and power prompt comparisons to players like Ezekiel Ansah, who required NFL development. Teams intrigued by Stewart's upside might look to draft him with the hope that coaching can unlock his potential. Mike Green (Marshall): Transitioning from Virginia to Marshall, Green showed remarkable production by leading the FBS with 17.5 sacks in his final year. His fierce style, coupled with solid athleticism, makes him an attractive prospect. Despite being slightly smaller for an edge rusher, Green's ability to affect both the run and pass positions him as a potentially high-end No. 2 edge rusher in the NFL. "You can see Green standing out against high-end competition [against] Ohio State, who won the national championship and have some first-rounders on that offensive line," Tice said. James Pearce Jr. (Tennessee): Known for his speed, Pearce showcased impressive athleticism by running a 4.47 40-yard dash. However, concerns about his lack of power and effectiveness against bigger offensive linemen have been raised. His athletic profile compares somewhat unfavorably to prospects like Nolan Smith Jr. and Leonard Floyd, given his mediocre explosion measurements such as vertical and broad jumps. Pearce will likely be sought after as a situational pass rusher, though questions about his ability to perform consistently remain. To hear more NFL discussions, tune into "Football 301" on Apple, Spotify or YouTube.
Yahoo
21-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Best QB fit for Giants is actually Russell Wilson, not Aaron Rodgers
(This article was written with the assistance of Castmagic, an AI tool, and reviewed by our editorial team to ensure accuracy. Please reach out to us if you notice any mistakes.) It seems like the New York Giants are in a tough spot with their quarterback situation. In considering the quarterbacks they've reportedly shown interest in — Aaron Rodgers, Russell Wilson, Jameis Winston and Joe Flacco — the consensus among Yahoo Sports' Nate Tice and Charles McDonald on the Football 301 Podcast is that Wilson might give them the best chance to win immediately. Although Wilson isn't quite the player he was in his prime, his mobility could be crucial behind the Giants' current offensive line, which has its challenges. Winston, while entertaining with his unpredictable plays, might also be a viable option, bringing explosive play potential despite the risks. Ultimately, it's a balancing act of skills, risks and how well each quarterback might fit with the offensive system already in place. And while Rodgers would undoubtedly bring an exciting narrative to the team, the reality is that Wilson's experience with challenging offensive line conditions might make him the best immediate fit under the current circumstances. To hear more NFL discussions, tune into "Football 301" on Apple, Spotify or YouTube.
Yahoo
20-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
2025 NFL Draft: 7 running backs to watch, with Ashton Jeanty leading the group
(This article was written with the assistance of Castmagic, an AI tool, and reviewed by our editorial team to ensure accuracy. Please reach out to us if you notice any mistakes.) Here are the top running back prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft discussed in the Football 301 Podcast by Yahoo Sports host Nate Tice and draft analyst Trevor Sikkema of PFF. These potential draftees offer a mix of versatility, power, speed and game-breaking abilities, making them exciting prospects in this draft class. [You could win $25K in the Women's Bracket Mayhem contest. Enter now!] Ashton Jeanty (Boise State): Tice and Sikkema have him as the head of the RB class. Tice highlighted Jeanty's balance through contact and versatility as a three-down back, drawing comparisons to Alvin Kamara. On the Kamara comp, Sikkema said, "We finally have somebody that's actually worth the Alvin Kamara comp because first and foremost the balance through contact is there. "This is somebody who is consistently bouncing off all sorts of tackles, whether it's wrap-up tackles, whether it's guys trying to hit, lay big hits, whatever it is. His center of gravity at 5-foot-8, 5-foot-9, is so low. He is so powerful. The weight is distributed so well." Omarion Hampton (North Carolina): Tice and Sikkema see him as a potential first-round pick. Tice, who has him No. 27 on his big board, compares him to Joe Mixon for his ability to get downhill quickly and excel in zone schemes. "I like him best in his own [zone] blocking scheme, but this is somebody who's just built really well as an NFL back," Sikkema said. Cam Skattebo (Arizona State): Sikkema appreciates his relentless running style and ability to churn out extra yards, even if his top-end speed isn't elite. He has Scattebo as his third favorite back because of his consistency. "I'm a sucker for somebody who will give me literally all they have every single time they touch the football," Sikkema said. TreVeyon Henderson (Ohio State): Known for his big-play ability and pass protection skills, Henderson has shown flashes of brilliance that make him a valuable prospect. "He's gonna have a role in the league for 10 years just doing those two things, big plays and pass protection," Tice said. Quinshon Judkins (Ohio State): He started the season as Sikkema's top back and showed explosive play in the college football playoffs, reminding them of his high potential. Dylan Sampson (Tennessee): Known for his track speed and big-play ability, although he needs to improve holding onto the football. Kaleb Johnson (Iowa): A bit of a wild card with huge upside due to his Todd Gurley-like running style when conditions suit his strengths in certain schemes. To hear more NFL discussions, tune into "Football 301" on Apple, Spotify or YouTube.
