Latest news with #JavonHargrave
Yahoo
8 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
3 hottest Minnesota Vikings takes coming out of 2025 minicamp
The post 3 hottest Minnesota Vikings takes coming out of 2025 minicamp appeared first on ClutchPoints. The Minnesota Vikings wrapped up their 2025 minicamp with a roster brimming with intrigue, competition, and a dash of controversy. As the NFC North tightens and expectations soar, the Vikings' summer sessions have produced plenty of storylines. Here are the three hottest takes coming out of Eagan as the team eyes a return to the playoffs. J.J. McCarthy's Cautious Start Isn't a Red Flag Matt Krohn-Imagn Images All eyes in Minnesota are on J.J. McCarthy, the rookie quarterback handed the keys to a 14-win team that fell short in the postseason last year. While some fans expected fireworks, McCarthy's minicamp performance was measured, leaning heavily on short throws and conservative reads. Critics might see this as a sign of hesitancy or lack of readiness, especially when compared to Sam Darnold's aggressive approach last summer or even Sam Howell's willingness to air it out during recent drills. Advertisement But here's the hot take: McCarthy's slow integration is a deliberate, strategic move by head coach Kevin O'Connell and his staff. The Vikings aren't asking McCarthy to be a gunslinger out of the gate, they're building his confidence and command of the offense methodically. Veteran defender Javon Hargrave even compared McCarthy's poise to Brock Purdy, emphasizing the rookie's calm under pressure. Coaches like Josh McCown are focused on refining McCarthy's mechanics and decision-making, not rushing him into risky situations. This approach isn't a sign of trouble, it's a sign the Vikings have learned from past mistakes with young quarterbacks. By the time the regular season arrives, McCarthy could be one of the most prepared rookie starters in recent memory, ready to unleash his full arsenal when the stakes are highest. Jordan Addison Is Poised for a Breakout Jordan Addison's rookie campaign was impressive, but the big question entering 2025 was whether he could maintain that production without Kirk Cousins. Early minicamp returns suggest Addison is not just surviving, he's thriving. The chemistry between Addison and McCarthy has been a focal point, with both players spending extra time together after practices to fine-tune their connection. Advertisement Addison's route-running and ability to separate have made him a reliable target, and his rapport with McCarthy is growing by the day. But here's the real kicker: Addison's skill set is so robust that he's poised to be a star no matter who's throwing him the ball. With Sam Howell showing off his deep-ball prowess in minicamp and McCarthy's accuracy in the short game, Addison is positioned to be the focal point of the passing attack in any scenario. The Vikings' offense is designed to maximize playmakers, and Addison is emerging as one of the most versatile and dynamic receivers in the NFC North. Don't be surprised if he eclipses his rookie numbers and becomes a Pro Bowl candidate—even as the team transitions to a new era at quarterback. Dallas Turner and the Defense Could Be the Real Engine Behind a Playoff Push While much of the offseason buzz has centered on the offense, the Vikings' defense has quietly asserted itself as the backbone of the team during minicamp. Dallas Turner, who was overshadowed by veterans in his rookie year, has emerged as a key figure in Brian Flores' aggressive scheme. His performance in drills and scrimmages suggests he's ready to join the rotation of pass rushers that keeps offensive lines guessing and quarterbacks on edge. Advertisement The defense as a whole dominated the minicamp finale, with newcomers like Isaiah Rodgers stepping into starting roles and linebackers like Blake Cashman making plays in coverage. Turner's development is particularly significant—if he can bring consistent pressure off the edge, the Vikings' defense could transform from solid to elite. Flores' philosophy of rotating pass rushers to keep them fresh has worked for Super Bowl contenders in the past, and Turner's emergence gives Minnesota the depth and explosiveness needed to execute that plan. If the defense continues to gel and Turner becomes a disruptive force, the Vikings could ride their defense deep into January, even as the offense finds its footing with a new quarterback. As training camp approaches, the competition will only intensify, and these storylines are sure to evolve. The Vikings' coaching staff has set the stage for a season where both veterans and young talent will be pushed to their limits. If these hot takes hold true, Minnesota could not only exceed expectations but also reestablish themselves as a true contender in the NFC. The coming months promise drama, development, and perhaps a few surprises that could define the 2025 campaign. Related: JJ McCarthy blames Michigan 'stigma' for 'public doubt' Related: Kevin O'Connell's 'challenge' to J.J. McCarthy before crowning QB1
USA Today
26-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
How 49ers 2nd-round pick fits on overhauled D-line
How 49ers 2nd-round pick fits on overhauled D-line On the way to a disappointing 6-11 record in the 2024 season, the San Francisco 49ers' defense ranked No. 18 in the NFL in rushing yards allowed per game with 124.6 yards per game. In seven games, the 49ers allowed over 150 yards on the ground, including 220 yards to the Buffalo Bills in an ugly 35-10 loss in the snow. Along with already allowing a significant amount of yards on the ground, the 49ers' defensive front went through a flurry of changes in the offseason. Players like Javon Hargrave, Maliek Collins and Leonard Floyd have all exited Santa Clara. With their first two picks in the 2025 edition of the NFL draft, the 49ers addressed their holes on the defensive line, but with a specific set of traits. After landing one of the top run-stuffing edge players in the first round with Georgia's Mykell Williams, John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan added another defensive line prospect in the second round that should be able to impact the run defense on day one. With the No. 43 overall pick, the 49ers added Texas defensive tackle Alfred Collins in the second round. The 6-foot-6, 330 lb defensive tackle racked up 18 tackles for loss in 64 career games in Austin. In his final season with the Longhorns, Collins earned an 85.0 run defense grade with Pro Football Focus in 287 run defense snaps. Collins notched an 87.2 overall grade, rating No. 9 overall, in front of first-round picks, Derrick Harmon, Tyleik Williams and Kenneth Grant. As a run-stopping big man in the center of the defense, Collins should give the 49ers they haven't had in recent years. The 49ers haven't added a defensive tackle in the first two rounds since selecting Javon Kinlaw in the first round of the 2020 draft. While Collins should be able to give the 49ers solid piece against the run in his rookie season, Collins has the athleticism and body type to develop into a pass rusher from the interior defensive line. Alongside Williams, Collins should give star pass rusher Nick Bosa some much-needed coverage on the defensive line. After a disappointing performance from a veteran-led group in 2025, the 49ers will boast a younger, new look defensive line group with a pair of top draft picks in 2025 with Robert Salah as the play caller on defense. This post originally appeared on Niners Wire! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!
USA Today
09-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
PFF identifies big pass rusher as 49ers' best Day 2 2025 NFL draft fit
PFF identifies big pass rusher as 49ers' best Day 2 2025 NFL draft fit After a quiet free agency period, the San Francisco 49ers need to cash in on their 11 selections in the upcoming 2025 NFL draft. The 49ers released each of their starting defensive tackles from last season in Javon Hargrave and Maliek Collins. Hargrave was limited to just three starts after a partially torn triceps. As San Francisco looks to reshape the middle of its defense, the 49ers will have to do so through the NFL draft. In Pro Football Focus' best day two fits for every NFL team, San Francisco finds some much-needed defensive tackle help. PFF writes that the perfect day two fit for the 49ers is South Carolina defensive lineman T.J. Sanders. The 49ers need a disruptive presence on the interior, so targeting a disruptive 3-technique like Sanders makes too much sense. His wicked first step and lateral quickness — due to his basketball background — allowed him to penetrate at a high level, contributing to his 90.3 PFF pass-rush grade versus true pass sets last season. - Mason Cameron, Pro Football Focus. Sanders was a third-team All-American, first-team All-SEC and recognized as the SEC Interior Defender of the Year per College Football Nation last season with the Gamecocks. The Associated Press and Phil Steele each tabbed Sanders as a second-team All-SEC selection in 2024. The 6-foot-4, 297 pound defensive tackle totaled 50 tackles, seven tackles for loss and four sacks last season. Sanders earned a defensive grade of 82.4, a pass rushing grade of 81.9 and a run defense grade of 77.0 per Pro Football Focus last season. According to PFF, Sanders tallied 33 total pressures in 2024. Sanders finished his college career with 109 tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks and six pass breakups across 39 games played and 16 starts.
Washington Post
13-03-2025
- Sport
- Washington Post
Vikings bring in Javon Hargrave to further bolster defensive front, bring back safety Harrison Smith
MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Vikings made another major move on interior redesign by agreeing to terms Wednesday with two-time Pro Bowl defensive lineman Javon Hargrave, and they shored up their secondary by bringing back safety Harrison Smith for a 14th season. Hargrave was released by the San Francisco 49ers after playing in only three games for them in 2024 because of a torn triceps that required surgery. He'll get a two-year, $30 million contract with $19 million guaranteed, according to agent Drew Rosenhaus.
Yahoo
11-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Vikings agree to terms with DL Javon Hargrave
Kwesi Adofo-Mensah is not going to let anyone get ahead of him when it comes to roster building with talent left in the pool. The Vikings kick-started Tuesday by signing defensive lineman Jonathan Allen and guard Will Fries to deals totaling $148 million, but it turns out, Adofo-Mensah wasn't done. NFL Media's Tom Pelissero announced the Vikings agreed to terms with defensive lineman Javon Hargrave. Hargrave was one of the more effective defensive linemen in the Eagles' talented rotation during their run to the Super Bowl. Hargrave now joins a Vikings defensive front that includes Allen, Harrison Phillips, Jalen Redmond, and Levi Drake Rodriguez. The Vikings' interior defensive line struggled to stop the run and rush the passer effectively, that should be fixed for the 2025 season. The best part of all of this? The Vikings' social media team is well aware of just how hilarious this is of Kwesi Adofo-Mensah. After the news of this latest signing, they shared a simple message to every fan and opposing team in the NFL. 🙂 — Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) March 11, 2025 This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: Javon Hargrave agrees to terms with Vikings after Super Bowl run
