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USA Today
21-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
The big question facing Devin Lloyd, Jaguars' LBs during training camp
Let's explore the big question facing Devin Lloyd and the Jaguars' linebackers during training camp. The Jacksonville Jaguars' rookies have already reported for training camp on July 19th. The veterans will arrive on July 22nd, and the first practice will take place on July 23rd. So with training camp almost here, we are taking a position-by-position look at the Jaguars' roster, specifically examining the one big question that faces each unit. Up next are the linebackers. If you missed any of our other previews, you can find them below. Can Anthony Campanile's defense help Devin Lloyd reach another level? Anthony Campanile's coaching background at the NFL level is rooted in the linebacker position. Most recently, he was the linebackers coach for the 2024 season with the Green Bay Packers, where Quay Walker and rookie Edgerrin Cooper impressed in Campanile's one season with the team. As a rookie, Cooper was among PFF's highest-graded linebackers last season. He was also a two-time NFC Defensive Player of the Week, and he was the NFC Rookie of the month in December. Walker, meanwhile, had arguably his best season in the NFL. There was a four-game stretch prior to Walker injuring his ankle in Week 15, where he was doing a bit of everything for the Green Bay defense, ranking among the best at the linebacker position during that span of games in yards per catch allowed, quarterback pressures, and run stops. As Cooper and Walker did, can Lloyd take another step under Campanile and his defense? Lloyd finished the 2024 season making 106 of his 111 tackle attempts, and he was among PFF's highest-graded linebackers in the run game. In coverage, he allowed 11.6 yards per catch with one interception and one pass breakup. In Campanile's defense, where multiplicity and throwing a variety of looks at opposing offenses will be a key element, Lloyd's versatility could be a real weapon in this scheme. "We're excited about him," said Liam Coen earlier this offseason. "A guy that we see we can do some things with. We do feel excited about some of his versatility and experience." Lloyd is entering the final year of his rookie deal. The Jaguars did not pick up his fifth-year option for the 2026 season, which makes him a free agent next offseason, although Jacksonville certainly can extend him at any time.
USA Today
16-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Chicago Bears training camp preview: Cornerbacks
Chicago Bears training camp is just around the corner, which means it's time to start looking ahead at the roster the team is bringing to Lake Forest. We're unveiling our Bears 2025 training camp position previews, where we're breaking down every player by position and examining the biggest question facing the group. Next up on defense, we're looking at arguably the strongest position group on the roster: Cornerback, which is led by two-time Pro Bowler Jaylon Johnson and newly-extended nickel cornerback Kyler Gordon. Those two roster spots are guaranteed, but there could be an intriguing battle for that starting job opposite Johnson on the outside between incumbent starter Tyrique Stevenson, Terell Smith and rookie Zah Frazier. Let's take a look at the Bears' cornerbacks heading into training camp: Jaylon Johnson After signing a well-deserved contract extension during the 2024 offseason, Jaylon Johnson once again proved that he's one of the most important players on this Bears roster -- and one of the NFL's best cornerbacks. Johnson had his second consecutive Pro Bowl season, where he forced three turnovers and recorded a career-high in tackles (53) and tackles for loss (7) all with teams electing to steer clear of him when they could. He'll be a cornerstone of Dennis Allen's defense and primed to earn an All-Pro nod. Kyler Gordon Kyler Gordon has developed into one of the NFL's best nickel cornerbacks, and he could find even more success under new defensive coordinator Dennis Allen. Last season, he had a career-high 75 tackles, including our tackles for loss, four pass breakups, 0.5 sack, one forced fumble, three fumble recoveries and two QB hits in 15 games. Gordon certainly fits that "attacking, aggressive style of defense" that Allen is looking to build in Chicago. Gordon inked a three-year, $40 million contract extension to keep him in Chicago through 2028. Tyrique Stevenson Tyrique Stevenson looked primed for a breakout season following an impressive Week 1 performance against the Titans, which included a pick-6 and NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors. Unfortunately, his entire second season was marred by his part in the Hail Mary loss against the Commanders, where he was seen on video talking with fans -- and out of place -- as the final play got underway. But Stevenson should benefit from the addition of new head coach Ben Johnson and this coaching staff. We'll see if Terell Smith or rookie Zah Frazier will beat him out of a starting job. Terell Smith While the assumption is Tyrique Stevenson will be the starter for the third straight season, new head coach Ben Johnson has made it clear there's no depth chart yet. So there are starting jobs up for grabs, including at cornerback opposite Jaylon Johnson. Terell Smith is a bit of a dark horse candidate to take Stevenson's job, and he nearly beat out Stevenson for the starting job when both were rookies in 2023. Smith actually outperformed Stevenson last season. He has impressive ballhawking ability and was one of the better coverage defensive backs last year, per Pro Football Focus (ranking 19th out of 222). We'll see if Smith can usurp Stevenson -- and hold off rookie Zah Frazier -- for the job. Zah Frazier The Bears drafted Zah Frazier in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL draft to add even more depth to their deepest position group. Frazier caught the eye of defensive backs coach Al Harris during the pre-draft process, so he certainly has that going for him. While Tyrique Stevenson is expected to start for the third straight season, he could see competition from Frazier and Terell Smith for that starting spot opposite Jaylon Johnson. Even if Frazier doesn't win the starting job as a rookie, he would serve as a valuable special teams contributor and step in when needed. Josh Blackwell Josh Blackwell, a former undrafted free agent in 2022, was set to become a restricted free agent, was signed to a multi-year extension before the start of free agency where he became one of the highest-paid special teamers in the NFL. Blackwell was claimed off waivers from the Philadelphia Eagles in Aug. 2022, and he's served as a key depth piece at cornerback and has been a core special teams contributor for Chicago ever since. While Blackwell likely won't see the field much -- as Kyler Gordon's backup at slot cornerback -- he'll continue to serve as a key special teamer as a gunner or even return specialist. Nick McCloud The Bears signed Nick McCloud to a one-year deal during free agency to add depth to their cornerback room and a valuable special teams contributor. McCloud, a former undrafted free agent, has spent time with the Buffalo Bills (2021) and Cincinnati Bengals (2021) before becoming a regular contributor for the New York Giants (2022-24), mostly on special teams, and serving a brief stint with the San Francisco 49ers (2024). But McCloud faces an uphill battle for a roster spot in Chicago following the selection of Zah Frazier in the 2025 NFL draft. The Bears will likely only carry six cornerbacks, and McCloud would most likely be the odd man out. Nashon Wright Nashon Wright went from one NFC North team to another after he was cut by the Minnesota Vikings and then shortly after signed to a one-year deal by the Bears. Wright got his start with the Dallas Cowboys, as a third-round pick in 2021, and played three seasons in Dallas before being traded to Minnesota in exchange for cornerback Andrew Booth Jr. He spent most of his time on the Vikings practice squad, appearing in one game exclusively on special teams. Now, Wright is reunited with former Cowboys defensive backs coach Al Harris, now serving in the same role in Chicago. But he faces an uphill battle for a roster spot. Shaun Wade The Bears signed Shaun Wade to a one-year deal this offseason to compete for a roster spot in a loaded cornerback room. Wade, a former fifth round pick, spent time with the Baltimore Ravens before being traded to the New England Patriots, where he played in 14 games with six starts. Last season, Wade spent time on the Los Angeles Chargers' practice squad before signing with Chicago this offseason. Wade likely isn't going to earn a spot on the 53-man roster, but a strong training camp and preseason could earn him a roster spot elsewhere or even a spot on the practice squad. Ameer Speed The Bears tendered Ameer Speed to an exclusive rights contract this offseason to add more depth to the defensive backfield. Speed, a former sixth-round pick by the New England Patriots, was signed to Chicago's practice squad back in 2024. He also spent a brief stint with the Indianapolis Colts (2023) on their practice squad before being added to the Bears' practice squad. Speed isn't expected to earn a roster spot in a loaded cornerback room, but he could contend for another stint on the practice squad. Jeremiah Walker The Bears signed Jeremiah Walker as an undrafted free agent this year, where he joins an experienced cornerback group with plenty to teach him. Walker played in five seasons at Stephen F. Austin (2020-24), where he totaled 188 tackles, including five tackles for loss, one sack, four interceptions, 25 pass breakups and two forced fumbles in 54 career games. Walker isn't expected to earn a spot on the 53-man roster given the depth of this position group, but a strong summer could warrant a spot on the practice squad. Big Question: Will Tyrique Stevenson hold onto his starting job? There aren't many concerns about the Bears at the cornerback position, but there could be an intriguing battle for the starting job opposite Jaylon Johnson on the outside. While Tyrique Stevenson has been the starter since his rookie season, he's coming off a rough sophomore campaign marred by the Hail Mary loss to the Washington Commanders. But with a new coaching staff in place, Stevenson gets a chance for a fresh start. But can he hold off a pair of talented young corners in Terell Smith, who nearly won the starting job when he and Stevenson were rookies in 2023, and rookie Zah Frazier, who caught defensive backs coach Al Harris' eye during the pre-draft process. At this point, Stevenson certainly feels like the favorite. But Ben Johnson made it clear that all jobs will be earned. Follow Bears Wire on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram
USA Today
11-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Fred Weary's 58-yard Emmitt Smith fumble recovery TD is the Saints Play of the Day
How many players can say they had takeaways from a Hall of Fame quarterback and running back in the same game? Not many players can say they had takeaways from a Hall of Fame quarterback and running back in the same game, but former New Orleans Saints cornerback Fred Weary can. Weary's 58-yard touchdown on a fumble recovery off of Dallas Cowboys superstar Emmitt Smith is our pick for the Saints Play of the Day as we reach Day 58 in our countdown to this year's season opener. You can watch it for yourself right here. We'll get to the fumble return in a second, but it's worth mentioning that Weary intercepted Troy Aikman earlier in this game, too. The Saints took the field on Christmas Eve, 1999 with a 2-12 record and Jake Delhomme making his first career start at quarterback. Mike Ditka's team needed a win, but they had their work cut out for them against a 7-win Cowboys squad that was fighting for a shot at the playoffs. Delhomme led the offense to an early scoring drive that ended with a field goal, and on the next play from scrimmage Weary intercepted Aikman -- returning the ball 22 yards to set up a Delhomme touchdown pass on the following drive. But it was all Cowboys from there. Dallas scored 17 unanswered points until Delhomme rocketed a 51-yard touchdown pass to wideout Eddie Kennison late in the third quarter, which Aikman answered with a score of his own. Delhomme ran for a touchdown from 4 yards out to tie it up in the fourth quarter, and then it seemed like the Cowboys were ready for a clock-killing drive to win on their terms. Weary had other plans. Smith fumbled on a big hit from Saints defensive tackle Robert Newkirk, and Weary raced to pick up the loose ball. And he wasn't finished. He went streaking down the sideline for 58 yards and a go-ahead touchdown. The teams traded punts after that until Saints linebacker Mark Fields picked off Aikman from his own end zone in a last-minute goal line stand, and the game ended with a punt returned by (who else?) Deion Sanders. And New Orleans pulled off the upset. Wins were few and far between in those days, and getting the better of a neighboring rival like the Dallas Cowboys was something a lot of fans took pride in. This was Weary's best eyear in black and gold; he ended the 1999 season with a career-high 14 passes defensed (2 interceptions) and 4 fumble recoveries, plus 68 tackles and that score. He earned his lone award for NFC Defensive Player of the Week after thsi performance.
USA Today
10-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Falcons training camp: 3 position battles to watch in 2025
Examining three position battles to keep an eye on during Falcons training camp Even though we've reached the slowest period of the NFL offseason, training camp is just around the corner. The Atlanta Falcons will report to their Flowery Branch facility on July 23 and hold their first practice on July 24. While the team is pretty much set on offense, there are a few positions up for grabs on defense as camp approaches. The Falcons have new faces at all three levels of their defense, including three rookies with a chance to start this season. Here's a look at three position battles to keep an eye on when the team reports for training camp. Safety: Jordan Fuller vs. Xavier Watts The Falcons did not re-sign veteran Justin Simmons in free agency, leaving a vacancy at the other safety spot next to Jessie Bates. Instead, the team signed safety Jordan Fuller to a one-year, $1.2 million contract. Fuller has familiarity with head coach Raheem Morris, starting for the Rams during their Super Bowl run in 2021. The 27-year-old has started 57 career games since 2020. Atlanta also selected safety Xavier Watts in the third round of the draft. Watts recorded six interceptions while not allowing a single touchdown last season at Notre Dame. If he can improve as a tackler, there's a good shot he can overtake Fuller on the depth chart this season. Don't be surprised to see Fuller start in Week 1, though. LB: Divine Deablo vs. Troy Andersen This is another interesting one. Deablo, a relatively unknown talent, signed with the Falcons as a free agent. Fans weren't sure if the team signed Deablo to start at inside linebacker or merely to add depth. However, the former third-round pick has impressed the coaching staff thus far. Morris has even suggested Deablo may wear the green dot this season. Former second-round pick Troy Andersen remains in the mix for the other starting inside linebacker job. When healthy, Andersen has shown a ton of promise. However, he's only appeared in 26 games over three seasons. In Week 4, Andersen recorded 16 tackles and a pick-six to win NFC Defensive Player of the Week but was placed on the season-ending injured reserve list due to a knee injury. Deablo looks like the favorite, but Andersen's immense upside gives him a chance to start. DL: Ruke Orhorhoro vs. Morgan Fox The Falcons' entire defensive line could potentially be on this list. Aside from veteran defensive tackle David Onyemata, it's unclear who will start at the other two spots. Right now, we've got Zach Harrison penciled in for one of these jobs, with second-year defensive lineman Ruke Orhorhoro and veteran Morgan Fox battling it out for the other spot. Fox, 30, signed with the Falcons as a free agent. He has spent most of his career as a versatile backup, appearing in 120 games (34 starts) since entering the league in 2016. Orhorhoro was a healthy scratch for the first four games of the 2024 season. The rookie played well enough when he was out there but suffered an ankle injury in Week 8. Ideally, the former Clemson standout will serve as the long-term replacement for Grady Jarrett. After all, the team traded up to select Orhorhoro with the 35th overall pick in the 2024 draft. - Check out our latest Falcons 53-man roster projection ahead of training camp
USA Today
16-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Former NFL executive sees All-Pro potential in Packers LB Edgerrin Cooper
Former NFL executive sees All-Pro potential in Packers LB Edgerrin Cooper Former NFL personnel executive Marc Ross believes Green Bay Packers linebacker Edgerrin Cooper has All-Pro potential as he enters a highly anticipated second season in 2025. Ross, who worked for both the Philadelphia Eagles and New York Giants in personnel and scouting and now contributes for NFL Network and picked Cooper among his "guaranteed risers" who will produce more in 2025 than in 2024. From Ross: "Despite being banged up in training camp and missing three games during his rookie season, it was easy to see why Cooper was my favorite player coming out of the 2024 NFL Draft. He collected 3.5 sacks, 13 tackles for loss, an interception and 77 tackles while playing just 45 percent of the team's defensive snaps last season. He was an absolute menace, and that was before adding about 10 pounds of muscle this offseason. Think of what Cooper -- who looks as explosive as ever, per head coach Matt LaFleur -- can do in a full-time role for Jeff Hafley's unit. He has the ability to become an All-Pro player and should take the defense to the next level in his second season if he can stay healthy." Cooper has all the ingredients necessary for a legitimate breakout season in 2025. He proved he could produce and showcased elite playmaking ability as a rookie, and he's combining his obvious talent with physical and mental development as a second-year professional player. Mix all that in a bowl with increased opportunity -- Cooper played under 500 snaps as a rookie -- and the final product could be something special. Adding extra weight could help Cooper better withstand the tough work involved with playing off-ball linebacker across 17 games during an NFL season. As a rookie, Cooper was a situational player early and later missed time with an ankle injury. Along the way, he was the NFC Defensive Player of the Week in both Week 8 (at Jacksonville Jaguars -- 9 tackles, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble, 1 pass breakup over 34 snaps) and Week 15 (at Seattle Seahawks -- 7 tackles, 1 sack, 1 interception, 2 QB hits, 1 pass breakup over 34 snaps) and ended up on the PFWA's All-Rookie Team. After returning from an ankle injury in December, Cooper produced 35 tackles and an NFL-high 8.0 tackles for loss over the season's final four games while playing over 80 percent of the defense's snaps -- possibly providing a glimpse of what Cooper can do as a full-time player for Jeff Hafley in 2025. Cooper actually received an All-Pro vote last year after finishing second among off-ball linebackers in tackles for loss. He could get many more in 2025 if he continues ascending as a playmaker and stays on the field as a second-year player.
