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The Independent
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Independent
Mixed emotions in Wales camp after fightback ends in defeat
Ethan Ampadu admitted there were mixed emotions in the Wales camp after their extraordinary fightback against Belgium ultimately ended in failure. Wales recovered from conceding three goals in the opening 27 minutes of their World Cup qualifier in Brussels on Monday to draw level in the second half through Harry Wilson, Sorba Thomas and Brennan Johnson. But Kevin De Bruyne's late volley eventually saw Wales lose 4-3 – the first defeat of the Craig Bellamy era – and leaves the Dragons with an uphill battle to top the group and qualify automatically for next summer's World Cup. 'Obviously there's frustrations, our mentality is to win every game,' said Leeds captain Ampadu. 'We were very disappointed with the first half and the manner in which we conceded the goals. That's not really us. 'But to show the character to fight and come back, it is something Wales has shown for many years. 'We're proud of how we came back and the determination we showed. 'We gave ourselves a lot to come back to. We kind of got there, but we didn't finish it off. 'There's still a long way to go, a lot of points to play for and games to go out there and win.' Wales will resume their World Cup campaign away to Kazakhstan in September, one point behind new Group J leaders North Macedonia. Group favourites Belgium, ranked eighth in the world, are three points behind Wales with two games in hand and visit Cardiff in October. Midfielder Jordan James said: 'I think teams will watch this and fear us because it was a good performance. 'Against many big teams, the opposition sit back and protect the goal. 'We know we're good enough and have got the players to hurt teams. 'Sometimes they were able to get through because they've got top players, but when you do put teams under pressure, you see what can happen. 'We didn't give up (at 3-0 down) and a lot of nations would have given up. 'That's in our DNA. The game is never over. Even at 30 minutes, we know we've got ages left. If they can score three, we can score three. 'It's madness when you're involved in a game like that. You've got to try and keep a level head, but it's a hard one to take.'
Yahoo
01-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
The Washington Commanders did not give up much in the trade for Deebo Samuel.
The Washington Commanders did not give up much in the trade for Deebo Samuel. originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Washington Commanders traded with the San Francisco 49ers back in March to acquire star wide receiver Deebo Samuel. Advertisement And it seems the deal is already paying off. According to multiple reports, the seventh-year veteran wideout has been impressing so far in OTAs, which makes the price that the Commanders paid for him even more ridiculous. Acquiring a player like Samuel, one would expect to pay a pretty hefty price, but the only thing that Washington sent the Niners was a fifth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, which they then used on Oregon running back Jordan James. So apparently, one of the better wide receivers in the NFL is worth a rookie running back who is currently RB3 on the 49ers' depth chart. Obviously, there are other factors involved. Money. Age. Injury. Attitude. Advertisement But ... No matter how little they paid for him, the Commanders are happy that they have a player of Samuel's caliber for their superstar quarterback to throw to. Jayden Daniels had a spectacular rookie season in 2024, so having upgraded weapons will make him that much scarier. Samuel finished this past season with 670 yards and three touchdowns, which is not bad considering he missed a couple of games due to a calf injury. The 29-year-old receiver seemed read for a fresh start somewhere other than San Francisco, and the Commanders are more than willing to give that to him. He will be looking to help the team contend in a strong NFC East with the likes of the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles. Advertisement Related: Jayden Daniels Warning Shot Fired By Commanders at NFL Rivals Related: Oddsmakers Say Commanders Closing Gap On Eagles This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on May 31, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
49ers Use ‘Deebo' Pick on Projected McCaffrey Replacement
San Francisco 49ers fifth-round selection Jordan James knows a thing or two about speed. James assumed the starting running back role from the departed Bucky Irving at Oregon last season and topped the Big Ten in rushing yards with 1,267 yards, while scoring 15 touchdowns. Advertisement The season before, James rushed for 759 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns sharing the backfield with Irving, now of the Tampa Buccaneers. He also averaged an FBS-high 7.1 yards per carry. The 49ers had a need to find an eventual successor for Christian McCaffrey, and head coach Kyle Shanahan would prefer it be a back who fits their run scheme which is zone based. During his video call with reporters following his selection in Round 5 of this NFL Draft (with the pick gained in the Deebo Samuel trade), the running back said there are similarities between the offenses at Oregon and in San Francisco. "I think they have a great outside-zone run scheme that I'm pretty good at, that I did a lot at Oregon," James said. "So, I think I'll fit pretty well into their scheme, into their offense in general." Advertisement The 49ers traded former backup running back Jordan Mason to the Minnesota Vikings this offseason. They need someone to fill that spot. Directors of player personnel Tariq Ahmad, RJ Gillen and director of scouting and football operations, Josh Williams, spoke Saturday evening when the draft was over and shared their opinion on James. 'He's physical and then in the pass game, I thought at the pro day he showed he could catch the football well,' Williams said. 'And he's good in pass protection as well. A guy that made a lot of sense for what we wanted.' Ahmad then chimed in on James. 'We love Jordan James,' Ahmad said. 'We loved him before, off [of the] tape. He had more burst and acceleration than what we expected. He's going to be a great fit for us. He will add a lot of value next year." Related: Newest 49ers Mykel Reveals Goal As Something More Than Contract Related: 49ers Sign 1st-Round Pick and Pro Bowl Lineman
USA Today
02-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Most of the 49ers 2025 draft class is sorely lacking in one key area
Most of the 49ers 2025 draft class is sorely lacking in one key area Relative Athletic Score has become a go-to tool for NFL draft analysts looking to quantify a prospect's athleticism and see how it may translate to the pros. For San Francisco 49ers fans in search of their 2025 draft class's RAS, avert your eyes. On a list compiled by Pro Football and Sports Network, the 49ers ranked a measly 23rd in average RAS. The good news is one player, running back Jordan James, drags the average down significantly. A pair of other draft picks didn't compile enough pre-draft athletic testing to qualify for an RAS score. Via PFSN: The San Francisco 49ers' 2025 NFL Draft class would've fared better from an athletic standpoint if it were not for Oregon running back Jordan James. His 4.65 score is well below average for the position. At 5'9 1/3" and 205 pounds, his size is a strong contributor to that low score. He also lacked explosion in the jumping tests. Kansas State safety Marques Sigle had the highest score among 49ers draftees. His 9.64 ranks 44th all-time for free safeties. Sigle showed off his elite speed and explosion with a 4.37 40-yard dash and 10'10" broad jump. Iowa guard Connor Colby (9.48) also stood out. He ran a strong 5.11 40 and posted a 9'2" broad jump. He also has pretty good size for an interior offensive lineman. Among the players who didn't qualify for a score were Georgia edge rusher Mykel Williams and Texas defensive tackle Alfred Collins. Collins has elite size at 6'5 1/2" and 332 pounds but put up terrible jumping numbers. Williams has a solid frame and good speed but had limited testing numbers. While injecting more athleticism may be helpful in the near future, it's not a huge deal this year's class had a low RAS. Athleticism isn't the hallmark of James's game, which was apparent on film. Their two defensive linemen who didn't qualify are also quality athletes on tape, even if they're not elite in that department. Overall the 49ers just need a handful of quality starters from this year's 11 draft picks. Their RAS is acceptable with that expectation. Don't be surprised if over the next couple of years the 49ers starting bringing in more high-ceiling players with greater athletic traits. The focus this season going toward players they think will contribute right away instead of toward high-end athletes makes sense. As long as their picks, particularly Williams and Collins, produce, their class's RAS ranking will be a forgotten bit of history.
USA Today
14-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Ranking and evaluating the top-10 running backs in 2025 NFL draft
Ranking and evaluating the top-10 running backs in 2025 NFL draft It's a good time for the New England Patriots to be in the market for a running back considering the 2025 class has one of the deepest pools of talent at the position in recent memory. There will be opportunities in every round to add to the offensive backfield in New England. Even Patriots coach Mike Vrabel hinted at the possibility of the team acquiring a "good young runner." "I think so, having a good young runner, that's potentially something we would like to do," Vrabel said at the NFL Annual Meeting, via Evan Lazar. If they decide to address the running back position, these are the top-10 options at the 2025 NFL draft. For those following this series, I broke down the quarterback position last week. Now, we're turning our attention to a solid group of running backs in this class. Let's dive in. 10. Jordan James, Oregon Jordan James is a compact, powerful runner with a well-rounded game that often flies under the radar due to his time in committee backfields. He's got strong burst, impressive leg drive, and a veteran-level sense of patience and pacing. James excels in short-yardage and red-zone situations, consistently finding ways to move the chains and punch the ball into the end zone. He plays with great pad level and lateral agility, and his ball security is rock solid. Because of his limited usage in college, he enters the league with minimal wear and tear — a plus for a position that often takes heavy punishment. There are some concerns, though. He lacks elite top-end speed, isn't much of a receiving threat and needs development in pass protection. There are also questions stemming from a 2024 head injury and other missed games that scouts will need to clear. Still, James offers late-round value as a change-of-pace or rotational power back who can thrive in a downhill scheme. 9. Cam Skattebo, Arizona State Cam Skattebo is one of the most energetic downhill runners in this class. At 5-foot-10 and 215 pounds, he brings elite contact balance and a natural feel for the flow of the defense. He's a patient runner who presses the line of scrimmage well, then bursts through creases with power and vision. As a receiver, Skattebo has natural hands and is a reliable target in the passing game, adding to his versatility. His jitterbug style and relentless energy make him a perfect change-of-pace back. He thrives in short-yardage situations and is a dependable option near the goal line. That said, his flaws are clear. He has fumbled 10 times over the past three years and lacks true long speed (4.64 40-yard dash). His pass protection is inconsistent, and he's shown a tendency to try too hard to make something out of nothing — often leading to negative plays. Durability is a concern due to his heavy usage in college, but Skattebo has the grit and skill set to carve out a meaningful NFL role. 8. Trevor Etienne, Georgia Trevor Etienne — younger brother of NFL standout Travis Etienne — is one of the smoothest runners in this class. A transfer from Florida to Georgia, Etienne (5'9', 198 pounds) put up impressive testing numbers and shows electric burst, vision and cutting ability. He draws natural comparisons to Kenneth Walker with his ability to maintain speed through direction changes and create in tight spaces. Etienne's receiving ability is highly underrated. He dropped just one of 63 career targets, catches away from his frame with ease and transitions into a runner almost instantly after the catch. His pass protection is solid for his size — he's willing and technically sound, but still developing. At just 20 years old, he's still filling out physically and may not project as a true bell-cow back. However, his upside as a dynamic runner and pass catcher makes him one of the more exciting prospects in a deep class. Teams looking for an explosive, dual-threat back will love what Etienne brings. 7. Dylan Sampson, Tennessee Dylan Sampson is an electric runner in a compact frame. At 5-foot-8 and 200 pounds, he packs a punch, with burst, agility and short-area quickness that make him a nightmare in open space. He excels in zone schemes thanks to his vision and decision-making. Sampson has an 80 percent conversion rate on third-and-short attempts, and he understands leverage well in pass protection. He's a slasher — capable of making defenders miss with quick cuts and sharp spins. His size does raise concerns about his ability to handle a full workload. He also lost four fumbles in 2024 and has limited experience catching passes out of the backfield. There's some projection needed in terms of his role at the next level, but if used correctly, Sampson could thrive as a change-of-pace back or third-down option with explosive upside. 6. Devin Neal, Kansas Devin Neal is a highly versatile back who brings fluidity, burst and polish to his game. He's got a quick first step and a natural feel for zone blocking schemes. Neal's change-of-direction skills are impressive. He's able to cut with minimal speed loss and stay balanced through traffic. He's fumbled only four times on 760 touches and has experience in both gap and zone concepts, adding to his pro-readiness. He's shown steady improvement as a pass-catcher, though his hands still aren't considered natural. He lacks elite contact balance and can be brought down by first contact more than you'd like. He also needs work in pass protection, especially in identifying blitzers and staying square. But the upside is clear — Neal is a smooth athlete with home-run ability and the versatility to fit into a variety of NFL schemes. 5. Quinshon Judkins, Ohio State Quinshon Judkins is one of the most explosive backs in the class. At 6-foot-2 and 221 pounds with a 4.48 40-yard dash, he posted elite vertical, broad jump and 10-yard split numbers — and that athleticism shows up on tape. Judkins runs with power and precision, bouncing off tackles and making defenders miss with stiff arms and subtle cuts. His vision and awareness at full speed are excellent. Judkins thrives in short-yardage and high-leverage situations. He has incredible ball security (just three fumbles over 800 collegiate touches), and he consistently grinds out extra yards. His top-end speed isn't elite, and he can get a bit tight when trying to string multiple cuts together. He also needs improvement in pass protection — both in terms of technique and recognition. Still, he's one of the best power backs in this class with enough wiggle and explosiveness to be more than just a short-yardage option. 4. Caleb Johnson, Iowa Caleb Johnson brings old-school toughness to the position. At 6-foot-1 and 224 pounds with a 4.57 40-yard dash, he's a strong, physical runner who embraces contact and gets stronger as the game goes on. Johnson displays excellent vision and tempo — often leaning into contact and maximizing every yard. His pad level is consistently low, and he does a great job of pressing the hole before exploding through it. He's not flashy, but he's dependable. Johnson isn't much of a receiving threat, and he lacks top-end breakaway speed. His hands are average, and his pass protection needs improvement. But what he lacks in finesse, he makes up for in grit and reliability. He's the type of back that can earn a role early as a rotational power back and has long-term starter potential for a downhill scheme. Teams looking for a steady between-the-tackles presence will like what Johnson brings to the table. 3. TreVeyon Henderson, Ohio State TreVeyon Henderson is a dynamic home-run threat with elite acceleration and the vision to make defenders miss at every level. He's one of the most explosive backs in this class and brings value both as a runner and a pass protector. Henderson excels in space, using his burst and lateral agility to create big plays. His second-level vision is exceptional, helping him set up blockers and find lanes in the open field. He's a well-rounded player with soft hands, strong pass-blocking skills and rare quickness. Henderson's cuts are sudden and sharp, and his contact balance makes him a nightmare in one-on-one situations. That said, there are a few areas of concern. He missed extended time in both 2022 and 2023 with injuries, and there's a tendency for him to get overly creative — dancing in the backfield instead of just hitting the hole. He can also bounce runs outside prematurely, which may not work as consistently in the NFL. Still, Henderson's upside is undeniable. 2. Omarion Hampton, North Carolina Omarion Hampton is a powerful, explosive runner with a rare blend of size (6'0", 221), speed (4.46 40-yard dash) and athleticism (38-inch vertical). His tape is violent in the best way — constantly churning through tackles and running with a downhill, punishing style. He showed a strong ability to find tight seams and explode through them, even behind a poor offensive line. Hampton has strong burst and decisive running instincts. Once he identifies a hole, he hits it hard and finishes his runs. His hands are soft, and he catches well through contact. He thrives when building momentum and is tough to bring down when he gets going. However, he still needs refinement in pass protection. He tends to rely on cut-blocking techniques and doesn't always square up with his hands and pad level. His route tree is also limited, consisting mostly of swing passes and screens. Still, he's one of the most complete backs in the class and will push for a first-round selection. 1. Ashton Jeanty, Boise State At 5-foot-8 and 211 pounds, Ashton Jeanty may not blow you away with his physical build, but his tape says it all — he's a special, potentially generational talent. He's the closest prospect we've seen to Saquon Barkley in quite some time. Jeanty has elite contact balance and vision, with the burst and long speed to break away once he finds daylight. He's a legitimate threat as both a runner and pass-catcher, featuring soft hands and an impressive catch radius. Despite his size, Jeanty shows incredible durability and thrives under heavy workloads. He's built like a workhorse, with the pad level and leg drive to power through contact. In pass protection, he's well above average for a college back, capable of diagnosing blitzes and holding his own. There are a few holes in his game. The only knocks are his compact frame and a somewhat limited route tree. Load management could be a concern given how heavily he was used in college, but even that is minor when compared to his upside. He's a top-10 pick in this class and should make an instant impact in the NFL. Follow Patriots Wire on Twitter and Facebook.
