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USA Today
6 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Ranking Bills 2025 draft picks additions by potential impact
The Buffalo Bills added some new energy to their roster by selecting eight new players via the 2025 NFL draft. The picks add life and competition to a group that is trying to win its first AFC Championship in over 40 years. The Bills jave started to familiarize itself with their prospects, as the rookies have completed rookie camp and OTAs this summer. Based on their initial performance and college evaluations, we can make some early guesses about which players will have the biggest impact Bills this season. Here is a ranking of the 2025 Bills draft class's potential impact by Bills Wire. 8. WR Kaden Prather The Bills took a flyer on Prather in the seventh round. A large target at 6-foot-3, Prather can use his leverage to outwork cornerbacks. He started 12 games last year, reeling in 56 catches for 624 yards and four touchdowns. However, his best path to earning snaps this year will most likely come on special teams. 8. T Chase Lundt Lundt will be more of a long-term project for Buffalo. He has a dearth of experience, starting 48 games for Connecticut during his college career. Lundt was strong against FBS pass rushers, ranking as one of the best tackles against pressure. Lundt will have to work into a role on the roster as a swing tackle if he hopes to earn snaps this fall. A year on the practice squad might be more realistic for Lundt, as he works on his footwork at each tackle spot. 7. CB Dorian Strong Strong did very well in man coverage last year, allowing a completion percentage of only 22 percent. The Hokie had 20 solo tackles, six pass breakups, and two interceptions last year. A strong camp could see Strong sneak up the depth chart. Strong could challenge Dane Jackson for the CB4 spot if things fall into place. 6. TE Jackson Hawes Hawes is an intriguing prospect for the Bills. He is an excellent blocker for a tight end. The Bills used Alec Anderson as the sixth offensive lineman last year; Hawes may be able to slide into this role, as the team can emphasize his blocking skills. In addition, Hawes could give Buffalo a bit more versatility than Anderson, as the Georgia Tech product did well with limited targets in college. 5. DB Jordan Hancock Hanock played multiple spots in the secondary for Ohio State last year. He projects as a depth slot cornerback, but he also has experience as a safety. This could play well for him in Buffalo's secondary, as the Bills could use Hancock in a variety of schemes. His path to playing time is a little more complicated, with Taron Johnson ahead of him at slot corner. However, with the safety spots largely up in the air right now, Hancock could challenge for time as a reserve in the back end of the defense. 4. DT Deone Walker Walker brings a bit more size to the interior of the defensive line. If things fall correctly for him, Walker could see some substantial time as a one-tech defender for the Bills. Larry Ogunjobi will miss the first third of the season due to a suspension. In addition, DaQuan Jones is reaching the twilight of his career. With a strong training camp, Walker's path to time on the field could expand. 3. DT TJ Sanders Sanders was Buffalo's second-round pick. The Bills traded up 15 spots to select Sanders with the 41st overall pick. Sanders is versatile, having experience at both one-tech and three-tech alignments. Sanders fits more as a three-tech, but with Ed Oliver entrenched in that role, Sanders will need to kick over next to Oliver on the line. Sanders has been impressive as a pass rusher in the interior. The idea of him and Oliver causing problems on the opponent's interior line is an intriguing option for Buffalo. He also has an inside track at early snaps, as free agent signee Larry Ogunjobi will miss Buffalo's first six games due to a suspension. 2. EDGE Landon Jackson Jackson checks off all of the items that Buffalo loves in a player. He is a high-motor, versatile, straight-line tackler. Jackson is athletic and can play in any situation. He might not be a three-down starter early, but expect Jackson to make the most of his reps early in the season. Jackson will be saddled behind Greg Rousseau and Joey Bosa at the onset of the year. However, with Bosa's injury history, snaps may open up for Jackson. He looks to challenge AJ Epenesa to be first in line on the team's defensive rotation. 1. CB Maxwell Hairston Hairston was Buffalo's first-round selection in this April's Draft. All signs point to him earning a major role on the Bills defense this season. Hairston's skill set fits what the Bills need the most in their secondary. He has blazing speed, clocking in at 4.28 seconds in the 40-yard dash. He has great coverage skills, giving Buffalo an option to stay in man coverage when Hairston is lined up against some of the faster players in the NFL. The spot opposite Christian Benford will be an open competition between Hairston and Tre'Davious White. If Hairston settles in quickly, he will be a Week 1 starter for Buffalo.
Time of India
27-05-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
What Nic Enright's MLB debut with the Cleveland Guardians means after a cancer battle
Nic Enright's selection for the Cleveland Guardians isn't a typical rookie move because he battled Hodgkin lymphoma for more than three years. Not long after joining the Miami Marlins in December 2022, the 28-year-old learned he had cancer. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now He kept working for his baseball goals, even during the battle with cancer. During his debut against the Detroit Tigers on Sunday, Zack pitched two innings, did not allow a run, and struck out three batters, helping both the Cleveland Guardians and himself. From Virginia Tech to cancer diagnosis: Nic Enright's winding path to Major League Baseball Nic Enright began his baseball career after the Cleveland Guardians chose him in the 20th round of the 2019 amateur draft from Virginia Tech. It appeared he was making good progress in the minors until the Miami Marlins chose him in the Rule 5 draft last December. However, after noticing his neck was tightening, he was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma only weeks afterwards. In his 156 minor league games, including two starts, the former Hokie has a record of 17-11 and a 3.13 earned run average. It was clear that he was determined during treatment, as he came back to the Cleveland Guardians in 2023 and did not let cancer change the course of his career. Although he missed most of the Triple-A season with a shoulder strain, Enright had a great record of 2-1 and a 1.06 ERA in the games he did play. Cleveland Guardians honour legacy while Nic Enright continues cancer treatment By assigning number 59 to Nic Enright, the Cleveland Guardians pay tribute to Carlos Carrasco, who wore the same number for 12 seasons. Carrasco, who was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukaemia in 2019, came back to play for Cleveland that year, bonding the two players by showing that cancer would not end their playing days. With Strikeout Cancer Weekend being held at the time of Nic Enright's debut, Vogt said it was 'something you couldn't plan.' Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The outfielder is still receiving immunotherapy, having done four rounds last season with four more set for after the current season. Many cancer survivors, including Boston Red Sox pitcher Liam Hendriks, who fought non-Hodgkin lymphoma, are now supporting him. Cleveland Guardians supporters can enjoy upcoming matches on Bally Sports Great Lakes and Fox Sports Ohio and locally at home on WTAM 1100 AM radio. The team starts another homestand on Friday when they host the Chicago White Sox at Progressive Field. Also Read: Nic Enright's start in Major League Baseball means more than statistics, giving hope to cancer patients everywhere and proving that dreams are still possible in the face of great difficulties. Although Shane Bieber has only pitched for the Cleveland Guardians for a short time, he has made an impact outside the game.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Virginia Tech celebrates 2025 spring commencement
BLACKSBURG, Va. (WFXR) – It's the day college students dream of. On graduation Day at Virginia Tech, thousands of new Hokie alumni and their families celebrated. It started bright and early Friday morning in Lane Stadium, as students made their way onto the field. Once inside, they had mixed feelings knowing a journey everyone started together four years ago was coming to an end. 'We're kind of sad,' Frankie Klein, one graduating senior said. 'We've already cried a little bit today and we're probably going to cry a little bit more today because Virginia Tech is my home.' 'It's an understatement when people say this is home,' Nicholas Rizzi, another graduating senior said. 'It really feels like it, especially from someone not from here, it's a crazy feeling.' 'Just the overwhelming support from everybody in the stands,' Landon Nye, a third graduating senior, said. 'These are all our families and our best friends and just seeing everyone that we know, and love graduate together, it's unreal.' It was a similar feeling for some of the family members in the stands. Virginia Tech now offering on-campus recovery housing for students 'We feel like we're a part of the Virginia Tech family as well,' Tyra Epps, the mother of graduating senior Sydney Epps, said. 'We've been coming to family and friends, to homecomings, for football games and then now for commencement, so it's really been super exciting.' Students also got the coveted opportunity to move their tassels from one side to the other, and listen to one more rendition of Enter Sandman by Metallica. They also figured out who was inside the Hokie bird costume. 'When they found out, a few of them were like, 'Oh of course,' but a couple of them were shocked,' Marisa Goodwin, one of the former Hokie mascots, said. 'There's people who aren't in my immediate circle that some of them were super shocked and some of them expected it.' Some students are traveling across the country as part of their next step in life, but they know a part of them will always belong in Blacksburg, at Virginia Tech. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
USA Today
26-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
5 best players on the board for the Bucs after three rounds of the NFL Draft
5 best players on the board for the Bucs after three rounds of the NFL Draft The Bucs have made three solid picks through as many rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft. As we enter the third day, this is where the team's scouting department will earn its money, as the weeks and months spent on the road pay off. The Bucs have picks in the fourth, fifth and seventh rounds of the draft on Saturday. With those picks they need to address needs at the edge, safety, and tight end positions potentially. For my big board, they have some players they could target, with one nitable surprise that is sure to get some pushback. Here are the top 5 players I see that the Bucs should target on the final day of the draft. Kyle Kennard, Edge, South Carolina Kyle Kennard should not still be available on the final day of the draft, but here we are. The South Carolina edge defender had his best game of the year against the number four overall pick in the draft in Will Campbell, and his 2024 film in general is impressive. He can bull rush through a tackle just as well as he can finesse his way around them. Oronde Gadsden II, TE, Syracuse The Bucs had a visit with the Syracuse tight end with NFL bloodlines last week before the draft. They drafted one playmaker in wide receiver Emeka Egbuka, but they need one at tight end still. Cade Otton is entering a contract year, and they need to get the most out of him to see what he is capable of. Bringing in some competition will be good for him and Baker Mayfield, as this offense looks to become the best in the NFL. Deone Walker, DL, Kentucky The Bucs have one space-eating defensive lineman in the middle of their line in Vita Vea, but what about a second one? Deone Walker looked like a first-round player in 2023, but played hurt in 2024 and it affected his play in a major way. If the Bucs wanted to stash him for a year, get him healed, and coach him up, he could hit the ground running full-time in 2026 and be a part of the rotation up front for their defense. Antwaun Powell-Ryland, Edge, Virginia Tech With 30 sacks in his college career, Antwaun Powell-Ryland is one of the most productive edge rushers in college football over the last three years. The former Hokie could be a fun rotational edge rusher for the Bucs that could develop behind Yaya Diaby and Haason Reddick over the next year before seeing what he can be in 2026. Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado Hear me out, there would be no quarterback controversy for Shedeur Sanders in Tampa Bay with Baker Mayfield. There also aren't many more quarterbacks more versed to handle the media circus that can come someone's than Mayfield. The Bucs signed Kyle Trask for one more year so they could stash Shedeur for a year and then make him Mayfield's backup full-time next year.
Yahoo
14-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
High-three-star EDGE Joshua Pittman commits to Virginia Tech, feels 'home'
Virginia Tech is keeping one of the state's top talents home, as class of 2026 high-three-star EDGE/outside linebacker Joshua Pittman committed to the Hokies on Monday. The King's Fork High School (Suffolk, Virginia) standout ranks as the No. 13 prospect in the state of Virginia and as the No. 54 edge defender in the 2026 cycle. Advertisement Pittman has been a frequent visitor to Blacksburg, and he was most recently at Virginia Tech on March 29. He plans to play his college football for head coach Brent Pry, newly-hired defensive coordinator Sam Siefkes, outside linebackers coach Shawn Quinn, inside linebackers coach Xavier Adibi, edges coach Jireh Wilson, assistant head coach/offensive recruiting coordinator/wide receivers coach Fontel Mines (who played a big role in Pittman's recruitment) and the rest of the staff. "I chose Virginia Tech because it felt like home." Pittman said. "Ever since they first started recruiting me, they always made me feel like a priority at all times — never a dull moment in Blacksburg!" Pittman has built strong bonds with Pry and the rest of the Virginia Tech coaches. He feels like he is truly wanted by the staff and that he is a good fit in the defense. Advertisement "My relationship with Coach Pry is very genuine, and (same with) all the other coaches as well," Pittman said. "I know they want the best for me, and I wanna give my all to them!" On Pittman's visit last month, he was able to meet Siefkes for the first time in person and was educated about the defensive scheme and how he would fit in the system. Siefkes was hired by the Hokies on Jan. 27 after spending the previous two seasons in the NFL as linebackers coach for the Arizona Cardinals. "We got the chance to meet the new defensive coordinator (Siefkes) and I learned how I will be used in the new scheme as an outside linebacker/edge type guy," Pittman said about his most recent visit. "Also, I got to watch practice and see how they run things at practice!" Pittman will return to Blacksburg for his official visit to Virginia Tech during the weekend of May 30 through June 1, which he is looking forward to. He does not have any other trips scheduled, as he is locked in with the Hokies. As an in-state prospect, being able to suit up for Virginia Tech in the future is special for Pittman and his family. Advertisement "It means a lot to be Hokie," Pittman mentioned. "I'm following in a lot of great people's footsteps. I can't wait to make a name for myself on the next level!" The 6-foot-3, 225-pound Pittman has received additional scholarship offers from Duke, Indiana, James Madison, Michigan State, North Carolina, Pittsburgh, Syracuse, Wake Forest, West Virginia and others. The plan for Pittman at Virginia Tech is to play as an outside linebacker/edge defender who can rush the quarterback, set the edge in the running game and drop into pass coverage when needed. "They are recruiting me as linebacker/hybrid type guy," Pittman explained. "I would describe my game as fast-paced in the pass game — I can use speed and power (to rush the quarterback). I am very firm in the run game — nothing is getting outside of me. I am also a great open-field tackler!" Advertisement Pittman is just the second commitment in Virginia Tech's 2026 class thus far. He joins three-star wide receiver pledge Carnell Warren. SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH VIRGINIA TECH FANS AT
