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Yahoo
28-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Falcons Receive A+ Grade for 2025 NFL Draft Success
The Atlanta Falcons earned high marks for their 2025 NFL Draft class, focusing on defense and adding high-value players with just five picks. General manager Terry Fontenot and head coach Raheem Morris targeted pass rushers and defensive backs, selecting Georgia linebacker Jalon Walker at No. 15 and Tennessee edge rusher James Pearce Jr. at No. 26. In the later rounds, they added Notre Dame safety Xavier Watts at No. 96 and Oklahoma defensive back Billy Bowman Jr. at No. 118. They finished the draft by picking Wisconsin offensive tackle Jack Nelson at No. 218 for depth. Advertisement Analysts praised the Falcons for finding potential starters like Pearce, known for getting to the quarterback, and Watts, a ballhawk in the secondary. Their undrafted free agent group, including cornerback Bruce Harmon and wide receivers J.J. Jones and Quincy Skinner Jr., also earned praise for adding young talent across key positions. Falcons Finish 2025 NFL Draft With an A+ Grade The Falcons' strong draft showing was backed up by high grades across the board. According to NFL Draft Files, Atlanta finished with an A+ overall grade, with each of their five selections earning at least an A-. First-round picks Walker (A-) and Pearce (A) are expected to make early impacts, while Watts (A+), Bowman (A), and Nelson (A) were seen as excellent value picks in the later rounds. Analysts noted that Pearce and Watts, in particular, could become immediate contributors as rookies, adding needed speed and playmaking ability on defense. Advertisement With a mix of high-value picks and potential starters, the Falcons' 2025 draft class has fans excited for the future. If the rookies live up to expectations, Atlanta's defense could see a major boost right away. Related: New Atlanta Falcons CB Cobee Bryant Fueled by Being Undrafted Related: James Pearce Jr. Motivated by Falcons Fans' Support After First-Round Pick
Boston Globe
26-04-2025
- Sport
- Boston Globe
Four things to know about new Patriots safety Craig Woodson
Woodson has plenty of playing experience. Woodson was a sixth-year senior at Cal this past season. However, unlike many other players with his experience in the college game during the name, image, and likeness (NIL) era, Woodson spent all six of his college years in Berkeley. Advertisement Woodson was mostly a depth player during his first two years with Cal in the 2019 and 2020 seasons before his 2021 season came to an early end due to an injury he suffered in a preseason practice. He returned in 2022, though, and didn't miss a game after that. He played and started in all 38 games for Cal over the last three seasons. Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up As Woodson remained at Cal and took advantage of the extra year of eligibility due to COVID-19, he became a captain over the last two seasons. He turned 24 in February, making him one of the older prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft. In fact, he's three years older than Patriots first-round pick Will Campbell. Advertisement Woodson primarily played free safety, but has experience at other positions. The Patriots already have plenty of safeties on their depth chart, with Kyle Dugger, Jabrill Peppers, and Marte Mapu among the notable names returning. But Woodson offers experience at free safety as those aforementioned players have mostly been strong safeties in the NFL. Craig Woodson is the most underrated safety in the 2025 Draft. Do-it-all player with range, positional versatility, sound tackling, ball skills, and the ability to HIT 👀 4th round grade. Reminds me a bit of Jalen Thompson — NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) Woodson recorded 335 snaps at free safety, 266 snaps inside the box, and 146 snaps as a nickel corner in 2024, per Pro Football Focus. He recorded even more snaps at free safety (523) to go with 202 snaps inside the box and 209 snaps as a nickel corner in 2023. On top of that, Woodson had 450 career snaps on special teams at Cal. He's willing to keep doing that with the Patriots. 'Whatever they need me to do on special teams in New England, I'm there for it,' Woodson told reporters Saturday. 'I'm not the type of player who's like, 'I'm too good for special teams.'' Draft evaluators seem split on Woodson, but one projects him to be a starter. At 6 feet and 200 pounds, Woodson isn't the most physically imposing safety. But he actually tested relatively well among safeties in the athletic drills, recording a 4.45 40, 36-inch vertical, and a 10-7 broad jump. That gave him an athletic score of 73, via NFL Next Gen Stats, which was the 10th-best among safeties in the 2025 class. Still, the Athletic's Dane Brugler isn't sure if his traits are good enough to make him a starting-quality player at the next level. 'Whether playing down or on the backend, Woodson shows terrific recognition of run-pass development to smartly put himself in positions to make plays. He is at his best in short zones or split-safety alignments, where he can maintain spacing and drive on the football,' Brugler wrote in 'The Beast' draft guide. 'Overall, Woodson doesn't have dominant size or traits that make him jump off the film, but he is good enough in most critical categories NFL teams want at the safety position. He will be ready from day one to compete for a depth role.' Advertisement NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah, on the other hand, believes Woodson can be better than just a depth piece. 'I love what the Patriots are doing. They got another good player. He's going to be a starter,' Jeremiah said on NFL Network's broadcast of the draft. 'You talk to folks at Cal, they'll rave about his intelligence, leadership, and toughness. Then, you watch his tape and he makes plays on the football. Then, I'm like, 'OK, what's the knock?' Well, he can't run, but then he goes out and runs a 4.45. Maybe he's a little bit older? 'But we're starting to run out of excuses on why this guy's not going higher. He's a good football player.' Daniel Jeremiah on Pats 4th rd pick Craig Woodson "I love what the Pats are doing. They got another good player, he's gonna be a starter. Folks at CAL rave about his intelligence leadership & toughness" Last 3yrs at CAL • 226 Tkls • 10 TFL • 5 INT • 19 PD • 3 FF — 🏆🥇 (@fsh733) Woodon's an aspiring actor, too. Beyond the gridiron, Woodson has an interest in the arts. He received his bachelor's degree in film and media studies in 2023 as he's been a photographer for family events and helped the Cal media football team on occasion. Woodson also has his eyes on the big screen. 'I would love to do some acting. I've always said one thing I want to get accomplished before I leave this planet, man, I want to get into one movie, at least. Maybe some type of drama movie or something. I don't know, but I think I can do okay at acting,' Woodson Advertisement When he arrives to Foxborough, Woodson won't be the only member of the Patriots' secondary with an interest in the arts. Fourth-year corner Marcus Jones is a singer, releasing several songs.
USA Today
09-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Former WVU OL could be ideal target for Commanders
Former WVU OL could be ideal target for Commanders Wyatt Milum is an absolute MAULER and one of my favorite day 2 options. He's a guard in the NFL, but a damn good one. — NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) April 8, 2025 The Washington Commanders are two weeks away from the 2025 NFL draft. Picking 29th in the first round, Washington can go in many different ways, thanks to general manager Adam Peters building a balanced roster that doesn't force him to draft for need. The Commanders have specific positions of need. Washington has mostly been linked to edge rushers early in the draft, but if Peters and head coach Dan Quinn like other positions better, they will look for a pass rusher later. Peters will draft the best player available. One position you can be certain that the Commanders will address at some point during this month's draft is the offensive line. Washington has met with multiple offensive linemen, whether it was at the Senior Bowl, virtually, at pro day, or on a top 30 visit, the Commanders have done their due diligence. While it would appear that Washington has its starting line locked up, the Commanders see how the Eagles have built their roster and will continue adding players to the offensive and defensive trenches. One player to watch is West Virginia offensive tackle Wyatt Milum. Milum checks every box for Peters and Quinn. He played a lot of college football. Milum started four years at West Virginia, including the last three at left tackle. At 6-foot-6, 313 pounds, Milum has the size to play tackle in the NFL, but many believe he could be an All-Pro at guard. Milum plays with a nasty streak. He is similar to current Washington right guard Sam Cosmi. Cosmi began his NFL career at tackle before moving to guard, where he's a rising star. Could the Commanders select Milum, give him a chance at right tackle, or immediately move him to left guard? Much of that depends on what their plans are for Brandon Coleman. Coleman will get the first crack at right tackle. If Washington selected Milum, the offensive line would look much better moving forward. Remember, Cosmi will likely miss at least half of next season with a knee injury, with former right tackle Andrew Wylie replacing him at guard. Milum could compete with Nick Allegretti to start at left guard. Don't bet against Milum at tackle, though. Here he is against Penn State's Abdul Carter, who many consider the best player in the draft. Nice jump-set by WVU OT Wyatt Milum on DE Abdul Carter. Milum's arms aren't as long as you'd like, but he's got the grip strength, instincts, and recovery ability to stick at OT in the pros. I've been high on him for a while now, and I see no reason to falter as we get closer… — Matt Wilson (@CoachWilson66) April 4, 2025 The Commanders did host Milum on a top 30 visit, so there is clear interest.
USA Today
24-03-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Steelers Scouting Report: DT Walter Nolen, Ole Miss
Steelers Scouting Report: DT Walter Nolen, Ole Miss Walter Nolen is a DOMINANT run defender and flashes excellence as a pass rusher 🚀 Nolen posted 72 stops while only missing 5 tackles in his college career. He's also posted 67 pressures and 14 total sacks. He's a player I expect to see go in round 1. — NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) January 30, 2025 The Pittsburgh Steelers may have addressed the wide receiver room this offseason, but the defensive line—arguably the biggest area of concern positionally—was left on the back burner in free agency. Several free agent signings and re-signings like DTs Isaiahh Loudermilk, Daniel Ekuale, and Esezi Otomewo were solid for depth, but the Steelers lack a true, starting-caliber defensive lineman next to DT Cam Heyward and NT Keeanu Benton. Enter Ole Miss Rebels DT Walter Nolen III, a first-round caliber defensive line prospect fans should begin to familiarize themselves with as the 2025 NFL Draft grows ever closer. Name: Walter Nolen III Walter Nolen III College: Ole Miss Ole Miss Height: 6'4" 6'4" Weight: 296 lbs 296 lbs Combine performance: N/A, did not participate in drills Nolen played with Texas A&M from 2022 to 2023 before transferring to Ole Miss in 2024—a decision that proved to be the right one, as he was named First-Team All-American for his efforts. Stats: 2022: 10 games, 29 tackles, 3 TFL, 1 sack 10 games, 29 tackles, 3 TFL, 1 sack 2023 : 12 games, 37 tackles, 9 TFL, 4 sacks : 12 games, 37 tackles, 9 TFL, 4 sacks 2024: 13 games, 48 tackles, 14 TFL, 6.5 sacks Strengths: What Nolen lacks in technique, he more than makes up for with impressive raw talent. He boasts considerable power and a sturdy base that allows him to eat up double teams with ease. He also has an explosive get-off at the snap, enabling him to attack the gap quickly against zone runs and catch offensive linemen off guard on passing downs. Weaknesses: Despite his size and incredible strength, Nolen's technique still needs refinement. He can be overzealous in his pass rush at times, which leads to mistakes such as exposing his chest to opposing offensive linemen, poor hand placement, and a limited pass-rush move repertoire. While he's been able to get away with these errors in college thanks to his freakish physical traits, these are fixable issues even at the next level. How would he fit on the Steelers' defense? Nolen has the size, agility, and strength to play either DE or DT for the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Ole Miss DT would likely fill the hole left by former Steelers DT Larry Ogunjobi—who recently signed with the Buffalo Bills but was quickly suspended by the NFL for a PED violation. While Nolen's strength is impressive, it likely wouldn't be enough to earn him a starting role in Pittsburgh right away. His raw talent doesn't outweigh the need to refine his pass-rush moves, and he could benefit from learning behind veterans like Heyward and Ekuale as he continues to develop.
USA Today
05-03-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Broncos met with DL Kenneth Grant at the NFL combine
Broncos met with DL Kenneth Grant at the NFL combine Kenneth Grant is a MENACE at the center of a defense. He constantly draws double teams but has still managed 8 sacks, 50 pressures, and 39 run stops in the last two seasons. He's all of 6'3, 342lbs and is an INCREDIBLE athlete at that size. Could end up a top 10 pick. — NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) January 31, 2025 It looks like the Denver Broncos would like to beef up their defensive line this spring. D.J. Jones is scheduled to become a free agent next week and even if the Broncos re-sign Jones, Denver doesn't have much depth behind him. If the Broncos don't shore up the position during free agency, they could address it during the NFL draft in April. Of note, Denver met with Michigan defensive lineman Kenneth Grant at the NFL combine last month, according to the Denver Gazette's Chris Tomasson. Grant (6-4, 331 pounds) bench-pressed 225 pounds 22 times at the combine. Grant received third-team Associated Press All-American honors last fall after totaling 32 tackles (6.5 behind the line), five pass breakups and three sacks. Before that, he earned second-team All-Big Ten recognition in 2023 with 29 tackles (five behind the line), six pass breakups and 3.5 sacks. NFL mock drafts have Grant projected as a mid-to-late first-round prospect. The Broncos hold seven draft picks this year and Grant could be a potential target at pick No. 20.
