Latest news with #JulianBlackmon
Yahoo
a day ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Panthers reporter hints at team's next possible addition
The Carolina Panthers might not be done with the reconstruction of their defense. Darin Gantt of covered the team's recent defensive overhaul in this week's "Ask The Old Guy," his regular mailbag series. And when asked about possible additions to the secondary, Gantt throws out a few interesting names and thoughts: If they're going to be out shopping for more help, the good news is there are multiple qualified guys at the spot they're thinnest at (safety). Guys including Julian Blackmon (who visited in March), known commodity Justin Simmons (who was an All-Pro in Denver for Ejiro Evero), and several more are still sitting there on the market. They spent the spring looking at young options there, but could stand to be more experienced and deeper. Advertisement As Gantt notes, Blackmon met with the Panthers earlier this offseason. The 26-year-old has spent each of his five NFL campaigns as a member of the Indianapolis Colts, amassing 300 combined tackles and 10 interceptions since 2020. Carolina, according to multiple reports, has also expressed in Simmons—who spent the 2022 season under Evero. That year saw the two-time Pro Bowler and four-time second-team All-Pro notch a league-leading six interceptions along with a career-high three forced fumbles. The team's safety room currently features free-agent signee Tre'von Moehrig, 2025 fourth-round pick Lathan Ransom, Demani Richardson, Nick Scott and a trio of undrafted rookies (Isaac Gifford, Jack Henderson and Trevian Thomas). Follow @ThePanthersWire on Twitter/X for more Panthers content. This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Panthers reporter hints at team's next possible addition
USA Today
07-02-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Colts 2025 offseason position preview: Safeties
Over the last few weeks we've been taking a position-by-position look at the Indianapolis Colts roster heading into the offseason, with our lens more so on what's ahead and what's needed at each position group. To wrap things up, we will be taking a closer look at the safety position. But if you missed any of our other previews, follow the links below. Quarterback Running back Wide receiver Tight end Interior offensive line Offensive tackle Defensive tackle Defensive end Linebacker Cornerback Safety overview There was a positive development at the safety position last season for the Colts, which is that we saw Nick Cross take a step forward. Cross was a reliable tackler and very good against the run. In coverage, he held opponents to just over 9.0 yards per reception and also had improved ball production with three interceptions and two pass breakups. However, Julian Blackmon would battle through a shoulder injury for most of the season, and his production took a step back compared to 2023. And as a whole, the play from the entire Colts' secondary as a group just wasn't good enough. 'We've got to get better,' said general manager Chris Ballard about the Colts' secondary as a whole during his end of season press conference. As a unit, the Colts ranked in the bottom 10 of the NFL in passer rating, yards per pass attempt–giving up too many big plays–pass deflections, and completion rate. New defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo and his disguise-heavy scheme that has often gotten good production from the secondary and can hopefully provide this unit with a boost. But along with that element, Ballard can't sit on his hands this offseason either–additions need to be made. Positional need this offseason The need at safety for the Colts is two-fold. For the reasons just mentioned, improved play and added competition to hopefully help elevate this position group is a must. But in addition to that, pure depth is a need as well. Currently under contract for the 2025 season at the safety position are Cross, Rodney Thomas, and Marcel Dabo. That's it. When we think of the Colts' biggest needs this offseason, safety is easily in the top three, along with cornerback and tight end–and hopefully the offensive line isn't added to that list. Free agency options The good news for the Colts is that if Ballard is going to explore free agency, there is a lot of high end talent available at safety this offseason. With help from Over the Cap, here are the top available free agent options at the position this offseason: Xavier Woods Tre'von Moehrig Jeremy Chinn Julian Blackmon Justin Simmons Camryn Bynum Jordan Poyer Justin Reid Harrison Smith Isaiah Pola-Mao Andre Cisco Jevon Holland Damar Hamlin Eric Murray Will Harris What about the NFL draft? Whether it be in free agency or the draft, if the Colts are going to add to the safety position, be mindful of where the safety options that are out there line up primarily. With Cross having made strides last season as a strong safety, my guess is that the Colts look to fill the deep safety role specifically. With help from PFF's big board, here are the top safeties available in the early rounds of this year's draft: Malaki Starks, Georgia Xavier Watts, Notre Dame Sebastian Castro, Iowa Kevin Winston Jr., Penn State Lathan Ransom, Ohio State Nick Emmanwori, South Carolina Andrew Mukuba, Texas Jonas Sanker, Virginia Billy Bowman Jr., Oklahoma Upton Stout, Western Kentucky Akili Arnold, USC
