Latest news with #MaxChadwick
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Analyst Predicts Former First-Rounder as Eagles 'X-Factor'
Analyst Predicts Former First-Rounder as Eagles 'X-Factor' originally appeared on Athlon Sports. It has only taken two playoff runs, but Nolan Smith has quickly become one of the best playoff performers in Philadelphia Eagles history. Advertisement The Georgia product has recorded 4.5 sacks in the playoffs, including 3.5 during the team's postseason run to Super Bowl LIX. That is just a single sack behind Brandon Graham all-time in Eagles history. Going into the 2025 season, the Eagles can't just rely on Smith in the postseason. After an offseason where several edge rushers left the team, Philadelphia is expecting a major jump from Smith in his third year with the team. That is why Pro Football Focus' Max Chadwick and Dalton Wasserman called Smith the Eagles' "X-Factor" for the new year. "Philadelphia lost longtime contributors Josh Sweat and Brandon Graham this offseason, which puts third-year man Nolan Smith in the spotlight off the edge," Chadwick and Wasserman wrote. "Smith posted a solid 68.3 PFF pass-rush grade last season as he began to earn more playing time. In Philadelphia's four postseason games, he racked up 19 pressures and four sacks. Advertisement "If he can produce at that level for a full season, the Eagles will have no problem replacing their departed stars." Smith recorded a strong 6.5 sacks last year while improving as an every-down run defender. ... so it is not all just about individual numbers. But he is a first-round talent. And he now has a track record in the clutch. Will Nolan Smith be able to take the next step as a star? That's something the Eagles are hoping for as they begin their title defense. Related: Eagles Heavy Favorite To Snap Strange Sports Streak Related: Eagles A.J. Brown Makes Hilarious Admission After Viral Rollercoaster Experience This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on May 30, 2025, where it first appeared.
USA Today
30-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Who do Indianapolis Colts pick in way too early 2026 NFL mock draft?
Who do Indianapolis Colts pick in way too early 2026 NFL mock draft? In an incredibly early 2026 NFL mock draft from Pro Football Focus, the Indianapolis Colts are addressing the quarterback position. In an incredibly early 2026 NFL mock draft from Pro Football Focus, the Indianapolis Colts are addressing the quarterback position. Of course, a full year out, accuracy with these mocks isn't the purpose; rather, they can more so help put top prospects on your radar heading into the upcoming college football season. In this mock, the draft order was based on current Super Bowl odds, so the Colts held the eighth overall pick. PFF's duo of Max Chadwick and Dalton Wasserman, the two who put this mock together, had the Colts picking Arizona State quarterback Sam Leavitt. Before highlighting Leavitt, I guess let's start here: If the Colts hold the eighth overall pick next year, things obviously went poorly in 2025. The trickle-down effect from there could be a massive overhaul, which includes a new GM, a new coaching staff, and a new quarterback. That isn't what PFF is predicting with this mock. Again, Super Bowl odds determined the draft order, but it'll be the Colts' reality if they're picking in the top 10. Leavitt finished the 2024 season--his first as a starter--completing 61% of his passes at 8.1 yards per attempt with 24 touchdowns, and he was very good at taking care of the football, throwing only six interceptions with a turnover-worthy play rate of just 1.1%. Leavitt also rushed for 502 yards as well. "Leavitt had a brilliant first season as Arizona State's starter and is poised to become the engine of the Sun Devils' offense after Cam Skattebo's departure to the NFL," wrote PFF. "Leavitt's 88.9 PFF overall grade ranked ninth among qualified quarterbacks last season, while his 1.1% turnover-worthy play rate tied for third. If he further develops his chemistry with top receiver Jordyn Tyson, he could have a massive season."
USA Today
23-02-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Pro Football Focus believes that Notre Dame has a stacked roster in 2025
Pro Football Focus believes that Notre Dame has a stacked roster in 2025 This past year, you can make the argument that Notre Dame football overachieved, but if Pro Football Focus is right, this coming season won't be looked that way at all. The Irish return a good amount of its starters from a season where they went all the way to the College Football Playoff championship game. PFF's Max Chadwick and Dalton Wasserman both are extremely high on what the Irish could look like in the fall, as they recently discussed on their podcast. Both of them noted that during this past season, Notre Dame played plenty of young players and developed them at a high level, especially on the offensive line. They think that the defense won't skip a beat, and there are multiple intriguing offensive players that could flash during the season. As we saw this past year, you have to have depth to make a run in the CFP, and if Chadwick and Wasserman are correct, the Irish have that depth and more with one of the more complete rosters in all of college football. Five changes to the College Football Playoff format that would make the most sense Notre Dame's independence looks assured Could Notre Dame pick up a home-and-home with Tennessee or Nebraska?
USA Today
28-01-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Giants land player they 'have to draft' in latest PFF mock
The New York Giants hold the third overall selection in the 2025 NFL draft and all signs point to them selecting a quarterback there should the right one fall to them. In Pro Football Focus' latest mock draft from Max Chadwick that is exactly what happens. The Tennessee Titans select the Heisman Trophy winner, Colorado two-way sensation Travis Hunter, first overall followed by the Cleveland Browns' selection of Miami quarterback Cam Ward. That leaves Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders free and clear for the Giants. Giants owner John Mara didn't mince words in his postseason press conference, saying he's 'just about run out of patience' following New York's seventh losing campaign in the past eight years. He also mentioned that finding the team's quarterback of the future is the top priority for general manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll as they head into a make-or-break year. Sanders almost seems like a player the Giants have to draft here, given the stakes. He was one of college football's best signal-callers over the past two seasons. His 49 big-time throws since 2023 tied for fifth, and his 1.6% turnover-worthy play rate in that span ranked second to only Bo Nix. Sanders also was recently seen playing catch with Giants star receiver Malik Nabers in the streets of New York. The Giants met with Sanders this week at the East-West Shrine Bowl game in Texas and the interactions between the two parties were positive. Sanders even went as far as saying, 'We have a great relationship' about his meeting with the Giants. The Giants are expected to build up their quarterback room this offseason with a mixture of rookie and seasoned players. They currently have no quarterbacks under contract for the 2025 season other than an exclusive free agent option on Tommy DeVito.
