Latest news with #KennethMurray
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Tennessee Titans' Cody Barton on early impact, 'scheme lets us play fast'
When the Tennessee Titans signed linebacker Cody Barton as an unrestricted free agent, they set out to completely rebuild their linebacking corps around him. So far, that decision appears to be paying off. Barton came into his first training camp with the Titans and exceeded all expectations early in his tenure. The veteran linebacker is playing fast and making plays. This is a welcome sight, especially in pass coverage, where the Titans struggled in 2024. At this point, he looks to be a tremendous upgrade over Kenneth Murray in the middle of the defense. There is no doubt that Barton has the athleticism and mindset to make an impact, but what has allowed him to make such a smooth transition into the Titans' defense early? Barton said it's familiarity with the scheme and his comfort level within the system. He broke this down while speaking with the media after practice on Thursday, while discussing his pick-off of Cam Ward early in the session. 'I was in a similar scheme last year, so coming here wasn't some crazy new (system),' he said. 'In this scheme, he lets us play fast. I feel like the scheme matches what I have to bring to the table.' Throughout the offseason and now into camp, Barton appears to be a natural fit in the defense and has been a thorn in Cam Ward's side the entire time. His interception on Thursday was his third of the young quarterback since offseason workouts began in May. But his goal isn't just to make life difficult for the Titans' quarterbacks; it's to help them all improve and grow as a team. With Barton appearing to be the answer at one linebacker spot, the attention will now turn completely to the battle for playing time next to him on defense, and that competition should go up a notch once pads go on Saturday for the first time in training camp. This article originally appeared on Titans Wire: Titans' Cody Barton on early impact, 'scheme lets us play fast'
Yahoo
06-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
NFL Draft buzz is continuing to build for Oklahoma Sooners defensive leader as he plans to put himself in first-round conversation
NFL Draft buzz is continuing to build for Oklahoma Sooners defensive leader as he plans to put himself in first-round conversation originally appeared on A to Z Sports. The Oklahoma Sooners haven't produced a first-round defensive prospect in the NFL Draft since Kenneth Murray in 2020. Murray was Oklahoma's first defender to be selected in the first round since Gerald McCoy in 2010, a statline the Sooners would like to change moving forward. Advertisement They could begin turning around the process in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft with one of their best playmakers, who decided to return to the Sooners for this season after heavily weighing entering the NFL last year. Pass rusher R Mason Thomas has continued to build up steady buzz for next year's draft as summer scouting has gone on, and the NFL scouting world has taken notice. Pro Football Focus's Trevor Sikkema wrote up Thomas and described him as a "potential impact player in the NFL". "Thomas' measurables may seem as though they would pigeonhole him into a stand-up outside linebacker role. He can certainly shine there, and does align in that technique at times, but he also produces with his hand in the dirt pre-snap. That role allows him to get incredibly low and almost always win the leverage battle at contact, loading all of his weight onto his quads for maximum explosiveness in his first step off the ball. Big offensive linemen tend to struggle to mirror and stay in front of him. And his fast and active hands only compound the issue for helpless blockers, especially if he deploys a two-handed swipe to stay clean and attack the outside shoulder." Additionally, Sikkema noted that Thomas had hit 22 plays where he was clocked over 15 mph. Sikkema wasn't the only draft analyst to take note of Thomas this week, however. Advertisement Daft On Draft's Cory Kinnan also wrote about the standout Sooner, saying Thomas has him "reconsidering just how high he would draft his role." "The Oklahoma defensive line has the chance to be extremely good in 2025. They have explosive playmakers off the edge and absolute stalwarts along their interior. The headliner is R Mason Thomas, who may make me rethink how high I would take a designated pass rusher (DPR). He's explosive as heck off the ball and has not seen a corner he cannot bend and take. With quality wins against Will Campbell, Kadyn Proctor, and more, Thomas could be the next in a line of Oklahoma DPRs to make an NFL impact behind the likes of Ogbo Okoronkwo and Nik Bonitto." While no analysts have outright made the claim he should be a first-round pick, he's firmly put himself just on the outside fringe of round one. Both Sikkema and Kinnan called him a potential DPR in the NFL, but that role has evolved and been selected earlier and earlier in recent years. James Pearce Jr. was selected in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, with Donovan Ezeiruaku following shortly after at 44th overall. In 2024, Chop Robinson was also selected in the first round, 21st overall. None of these players were considered particularly good against the run to be a true "three-down" pass rusher, thus falling into that DPR category. If Thomas stays healthy for another season and continues to grow his game, why can't he be next? Advertisement Related: Could the Oklahoma Sooners be getting a massive recruiting win for elite blue-chip talent sooner than later? View the original article to see embedded media. This story was originally reported by A to Z Sports on Jul 6, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Cowboys have options to help survive absence of key defender, former 3rd-round pick
It's hard to find a more promising player on the Dallas Cowboys defense than third-year linebacker DeMarvion Overshown. Overshown, a 2023 third-round pick, has been quite the rising star since joining the Cowboys. Blessed with speed, explosiveness and game awareness, Overshown is a human highlight reel whenever he's on the field. The only problem is he's not regularly able to be on the field. Injuries are as much a part of Overshown's young career as his highlights. A pair of significant knee injuries have limited the 24-year-old to just 13 games through two seasons. Still recovering from offseason surgery, it's a situation that promises to bleed well into the Cowboys' 2025 campaign, requiring bridge players and contingency plans at the weakside linebacker (WILL) position early this season. Advertisement Overshown's exact return date has yet to be determined but given the severity and timing of the injury, anything before Thanksgiving would be considered an optimistic estimate. As such, the Cowboys have had to operate as if they're hunting for a true starter at WILL and not just a Band Aid to tread water. The Cowboys actively shopped the LB position throughout the offseason, adding veterans Kenneth Murray and Jack Sanborn and drafting Shemar James. It's a bit of a mystery as to where each player will fit on the Dallas defense this season but it's a safe bet new Cowboys defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus will test out a number of combinations. One player who could indirectly dictate where the pieces fit is second-year player Marist Liufau. Liufau, a third-round draft pick out of Notre Dame, flashed brightly during his rookie season. Liufau was inconsistent but displayed special traits which can't be taught. Like Overshown, he factors into the future at LB making his final landing spot somewhat clear. If Overshown is the future at WILL, then Liufau likely has to move to the middle (MIKE) at some point. With only two LB spots considered 'starters,' there aren't any other options left for Liufau. Granted the Cowboys could keep Liufau at WILL for another season while Overshown eases back. But with so much depth across the LB ranks it's probably wiser to start the move to MIKE right now. Advertisement If Liufau moves to the middle, he'll likely platoon with another player to share the workload. Sanborn, listed as the only MIKE on the roster, could be that player. This would leave Murray and the rookie (Shemar) James to duke it out at WILL. Murray, a veteran, is physically gifted but lacks the film to look like an obvious solution. James is equally as troubling since he's a Day 3 rookie who will be just lucky to crack a rotation in 2025. Even Damone Clark, the forgotten fourth-year LB, could step into the mix and serve as the bridge to Overshown this season. It really is an open competition heading into training camp. Eberflus is considered a LB guru, so if anyone can find an optional solution for both the short and long term, it's probably him. But Overshown is going to miss significant time in 2025 and finding a starting quality bridge player is imperative. Luckily for the Cowboys they have a handful of quality options to test out this summer. You can follow Reid on X @ReidDHanson and be sure to follow Cowboys Wire on Facebook to join in on the conversation with fellow fans! This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Cowboys will use summer to find bridge to injured LB Overshown
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Cowboys Sign Free Agent LB Touted as Gem
The Dallas Cowboys are hoping to have found another undrafted gem after the 2025 NFL Draft. Dallas gave linebacker Justin Barron of Syracuse a $20,000 signing bonus and roster bonus of $234,000 if he makes the practice squad this season. Precedence suggests that the Cowboys have a keen ability of identifying undrafted players who can become quality contributors at the NFL level. Advertisement Current undrafted players expected to make the 53-man roster include Terence Steele, Markquese Bell, Juanyeh Thomas, and Hunter Luepke. The Cowboys have also hit on undrafted players such as Tony Romo, Dan Bailey, and Ron Leary in the past. Barron has a chance to be an early contributor for a Dallas linebacker unit that is patiently awaiting the recovery of breakout star DeMarvion Overshown. With free agent acquisition Kenneth Murray slated to be the starting MIKE linebacker and second-year pro Marist Liufau slotted at the SAM linebacker, Barron will compete with Jack Sanborn and fellow rookie Shemar James for the WILL linebacker position while Overshown recovers. Ben Cooper of Pro Football Focus lists Barron as an undrafted free agent to watch this offseason. Advertisement "Barron earned 70.0-plus PFF run-defense grades in each of the past three seasons, and his 263 tackles over the span formed one of the highest totals in college football among linebackers and box safeties. He also allowed just two touchdowns on 144 career targets in coverage while breaking up nine passes,' Cooper wrote. Barron brings potential value as a versatile chess piece on a defense with his experience playing slot corner, linebacker, EDGE, and free safety in college. The reality here? This is practice squad stuff first. And maybe special-teams stuff above that. Still, with the PFF endorsement? Advertisement Barron will be an intriguing player to keep an eye on during training camp as he looks to carve out his spot on the roster. Related: Cowboys Tyler Booker In Prime Position For O-Line Superstardom Related: Jaydon Blue Is Better Than Tony Pollard?
USA Today
22-03-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Cowboys need these decisions to be force multipliers for 8 free-agent signings
Cowboys need these decisions to be force multipliers for 8 free-agent signings Everyone has a type. It might be Japanese autos, mint chocolate chip ice cream, high-drama relationships or Hawaiian pizza... but there are things some of us are just uniquely attached to in life. The personnel division of the Dallas Cowboys are certainly no differen; they have a type as well. Their preference is for former first-round draft picks who have failed to realize their NFL potential. The Cowboys have always valued traits and pedigree in their players, but this offseason it's become obnoxiously apparent. Kenneth Murray, Kaiir Elam, Solomon Thomas, Dante Fowler and Payton Turner are five recent additions who are also former first rounders. As if that wasn't enough pedigree to add in one offseason, Dallas also added former second rounders Javonte Williams, Parris Campbell and Miles Sanders. It appears they put a lot of stock into a player's raw traits, and the draft status that comes with it. Looking at the list of additions, it's fair to say none have lived up to the potential their respective draft status indicated. Even Fowler, a great player in his own right, has struggled living up to the billing of being the No. 3 overall pick in 2015. The others have been various degrees of disappointment since entering the league. Based on all the new additions, the Cowboys clearly hope their newly-assembled coaching staff can achieve what these players' previous staffs could not. All of the former first-round picks appear to have bona fide traits and skillsets capable of guiding them to greatness. They just need to navigate the many other factors that stand in the way of success. To say this is a tough task for the Cowboys' staff is an understatement. Each player will require a specific battle plan in order to elicit their best selves. Dallas obviously thinks highly of their staff, or they wouldn't be asking so much of them here. Millions upon millions have been invested in these players and they can't afford for them all to go bust. Fowler is a safe bet to perform well in 2025, but the others are anyone's guess. Murray has looked somewhat lost and undisciplined as an NFL linebacker. If the coaching staff can hammer home the appropriate assignments without slowing down his reaction time, they may have something in him. Elam appears to have confidence issues above all and could use a fresh start and blank slate. If he can pack good day on good day he may become a starting level player at some point. Turner has struggled in multiple areas of the game since being drafted by New Orleans in 2021. His 6-foot-6, 270-pound frame packs potential but he may have to be rebuilt from the ground up. Thomas is functional as a defensive lineman and likely to fit into the rotation early, but he could still be better against the run. His coach from New York, Aaron Whitecotton, clearly thinks he can play since he was likely part of the brain trust who endorsed the free agent signing. It's not unrealistic to think, even at age 29, Thomas could be more well-rounded in his play in 2025. The coaches believe in the players and the organization believe in the coaches. The Cowboys might not have that famous 'I can fix him' relationship mentality but they do have a deep desire to strike gold where other teams have struck out.
