Latest news with #NFLOffensivePlayeroftheYear
USA Today
3 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Six Eagles position battles to watch during Philadelphia Eagles training camp
After weeks of anticipation from rabid fans, the media, and the NFL, the Eagles are starting an urgent and exciting training camp, and we're highlighting six early position battles to watch. The Super Bowl champions have their rings and will now transition back to the practice field for installs and game-like activities at the NovaCare Complex. The Eagles made moves to strengthen some positions and fill pressing roster needs. Philadelphia added ten talented rookies on NFL draft weekend, as well as several high-profile free agents, who will enhance the competition in the coming days. After weeks of waiting for rabid fans, the media, and the NFL, the Eagles are kicking off an urgent and exciting training camp, and we're looking at six early position battles to watch. Backup running back NFL Offensive Player of the Year Saquon Barkley logged 345 rushing attempts and 2005 yards rushing in the 2024 regular season. After helping the Philadelphia Eagles win the Super Bowl, head coach Nick Sirianni and OC Kevin Patullo could be looking to lighten Barkley's load slightly in 2025. Will Shipley produced when given opportunities as a rookie, and A.J. Dillon has always been a physical, reliable dual-threat running back. Who'll win the backup running back spot is something to watch. 3rd WR Spot A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith are among the top ten at their positions, but both players missed multiple games in 2024. A reliable third option is a must for an offense that'll see teams shift towards taking away the duo on the outside. Jahan Dotson caught 19 of 33 targets for 216 yards in 17 regular-season games with the Eagles in 2024 after being acquired in a trade from Washington. Dotson's most likely competition will come from Terrace Marshall, Danny Gray, and Johnny Wilson. Wilson, whom the Eagles selected in the sixth round of last year's NFL Draft, made 16 regular-season appearances during his rookie season in Philadelphia. Wilson finished with five catches for 38 yards and a touchdown. He played on more than 50 percent of Philadelphia's offensive snaps just three times last season, and will look to carve out a role in 2025. Right guard position Tyler Steen lost training camp battles to Cam Jurgens in 2023 and Mekhi Becton in 2024, but has his best shot at earning the Eagles' right guard position in 2025. He'll battle former Texans first-round pick Kenyon Green, Matt Pryor, Trevor Keegan, and one of the rookies. Still just 23, Green missed two games as a rookie, the entire 2023 season, and five games last season with various injuries. Green started 14 of 15 games as a rookie but was the 77th-highest-graded guard (37.7) out of 77 players in Pro Football Focus rankings that year. Last season, Green was one of the lowest-graded offensive guards in the NFL. Inside linebacker spot Zack Baun is an All-Pro; he'll be the engine that drives the Eagles' defense. He'll need a running mate while Nakobe Dean works to return from a patellar tendon injury that could cost him most of the 2025 season. That leaves first-round pick Jihaad Campbell, second-year linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr., and fifth-round pick Smael Mondon Jr. Campbell is recovering from shoulder surgery and will see his first action at some point in August. The 6'3", 235-pounder has sideline-to-sideline speed and impressive coverage skills. He also flourished as a quality pass rusher, registering five sacks in 2024. Left cornerback position The Eagles lost Darius Slay (Steelers), James Bradberry (free agent), Avonte Maddox (Lions), and Isaiah Rodgers (Vikings) in free agency and signed Adoree' Jackson. Even with those moves, Philadelphia didn't draft a cornerback until the fifth round when they selected Mac McWilliams out of UCF. Williams (5-10, 191) will add some depth on the outside and in the slot, but he was a fifth-round pick for a reason. Ringo was the biggest winner of the draft and'll have the inside track to be a starter. Jackson saw first-team snaps during OTAs and has starting experience from his time with the Titans and Giants. Eli Ricks could be a player to watch if Jackson falters. Safety position The Eagles traded C.J. Gardner-Johnson to Houston for Kenyon Green, opening up a starting role for Sydney Brown or Tristin McCollum. Brown is a physical safety who is stout on special teams but doesn't operate efficiently in space or match up against elite pass catchers. Enter Andrew Mukuba, a Swiss army knife from Texas who could keep Brown relegated to special team duties. Mukuba can play the slot, operate in space, and play with range, drawing comparisons to Gardner-Johnson.
Fox Sports
3 days ago
- Sport
- Fox Sports
Which 10 Players Have The Best Odds to Win 2025 Offensive Player of the Year?
Last season, Saquon Barkley dazzled the NFL world in his debut season with the Eagles, helping Philadelphia win Super Bowl LIX and earning 2024 NFL Offensive Player of the Year honors along the way. However, 2025 is a new year, and anything is possible. That said, who's the favorite to win 2025 OPOY? Here are the 10 players with the best odds to do just that, according to DraftKings Sportsbook. Top 10 Players With Best Odds to Win NFL Offensive Player of the Year 10. San Francisco 49ers RB Christian McCaffrey (+2200) McCaffrey's 2024 campaign was a disaster, with the superstar running back playing just four games due to calf, Achilles and knee issues. At the same time, the two-time All-Pro is just one season removed from rushing for an NFL-high 1,459 yards and 14 touchdowns on 5.4 yards per carry, while tallying 67 receptions for 564 yards and seven touchdowns, all of which helped him become a finalist for the 2023 NFL MVP Award and win 2023 Offensive Player of the Year honors. The slippery back has electric speed, is elusive and also an essential element of San Francisco's passing game. A healthy McCaffrey has been arguably the best running back in the NFL in recent memory. T-8. Dallas Cowboys WR CeeDee Lamb (+2000) Lamb continues to make No. 88 shine bright. A four-time Pro Bowler and 2023 All-Pro, Lamb has totaled 1,100-plus receiving yards in each of the past four seasons and 100-plus receptions in each of the past three. Last season, Lamb logged 101 receptions for 1,194 yards and six touchdowns in 15 games in a year that saw quarterback Dak Prescott miss nine games due to a hamstring injury. Lamb has led Dallas in receiving yards in four consecutive seasons and is entering the first season of a four-year, $136 million deal. T-8. Los Angeles Rams WR Puka Nacua (+2000) Nacua missed six regular-season games in 2024 (five due to a knee injury and one due to rest) but was still sharp in the 11 games that he did appear in, totaling 79 receptions for 990 yards and three touchdowns. He then logged 11 receptions for 141 yards in the Rams' two playoff games. Nacua was first among wide receivers with a 92.8 overall grade, according to Pro Football Focus. Just one year ago, Nacua was a Pro Bowler, totaling 105 receptions for 1,486 yards and six touchdowns during his rookie season. T-6. Minnesota Vikings WR Justin Jefferson (+1700) Jefferson is arguably the best receiver the game has to offer. He's a menace in space, gets behind secondaries like nobody's business and produces consistently. A two-time All-Pro and four-time Pro Bowler, Jefferson totaled 103 receptions for 1,533 yards and 10 touchdowns last season. Jefferson, the 2022 NFL Offensive Player of the Year, has totaled 1,000-plus receiving yards in each of his five seasons in the sport and ranked eighth among wide receivers with an 87.2 overall grade last season, per PFF. His production could be difficult to forecast for next season, though, as the Vikings are rolling with QB J.J. McCarthy, who they traded up to select at No. 10 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. T-6. Houston Texans WR Nico Collins (+1700) Collins has become one of the most reliable receivers in the sport. Last season, Collins totaled 68 receptions for 1,006 yards and seven touchdowns, helping him earn his first career Pro Bowl nod. He then logged 12 receptions for 203 yards and one touchdown in Houston's two postseason games. Collins was second among wide receivers with a 91.6 overall grade, per PFF. He did all that despite missing five games due to a hamstring injury. The receiver has posted 1,000-plus receiving yards in each of the past two seasons. T-4. Atlanta Falcons RB Bijan Robinson (+1600) After a plausible and efficient 2023 rookie campaign, Robinson shouldered a larger role in Atlanta's backfield in 2024 and answered the call. Rushing for 1,456 yards and 14 touchdowns on 4.8 yards per carry and reeling in 61 receptions for 431 yards and one score, Robinson, who got the call on the run 90 more times than he did the year before (304 carries in 2024, compared to 214 carries in 2023), earned a Pro Bowl nod. Robinson, who's the focal point of the Falcons' offense, ranked second among running backs with a 92.8 overall grade last season, per PFF. T-4. Baltimore Ravens RB Derrick Henry (+1600) The Ravens brought in Henry to strengthen an already potent running game, and the 252-pound back did just that and then some. In what was his ninth NFL season, Henry rushed for 1,921 yards and an NFL-high 16 touchdowns on a career-high 5.9 yards per carry. Henry, a one-time All-Pro, five-time Pro Bowler and the 2020 Offensive Player of the Year, ranked first among running backs with a 94.0 overall grade, per PFF. The star running back projects to remain the No. 1 source of offense for Baltimore next to quarterback and two-time MVP Lamar Jackson. T-2. Detroit Lions RB Jahmyr Gibbs (+950) Gibbs is one of the most balanced running backs in recent memory. He has blazing speed, makes quick cuts and is a tremendous pass-catching back. Last season, Gibbs rushed for 1,412 yards and an NFL-high 16 touchdowns on 5.6 yards per carry, while totaling 52 receptions for 517 yards and four touchdowns. Gibbs, who ranked sixth among running backs with an 88.5 overall grade, per PFF, has been an integral part of Detroit's offense and a Pro Bowler in each of his first two NFL seasons. T-2. Cincinnati Bengals WR Ja'Marr Chase (+950) Like his former LSU teammate Jefferson, Chase has a reputable case for being the NFL's top receiver. Last season, Chase logged 127 receptions for 1,708 yards and 17 touchdowns, all three totals leading the sport. A one-time All-Pro and Pro Bowler in each of his four NFL seasons, Chase has tallied 1,000-plus yards in each of his four seasons and has consistently been star quarterback Joe Burrow's No. 1 target in the Bengals' passing game. Chase signed a four-year, $161 million extension with the Bengals earlier this offseason. 1. Philadelphia Eagles RB Saquon Barkley (+550) Full-blown hurdling a defender, setting NFL rushing records and becoming part of the Eagles' DNA, Barkley had a special debut season in Philadelphia. Rushing for an NFL-high 2,005 yards and a career-high 13 touchdowns on a career-high 5.8 yards per carry, Barkley earned All-Pro honors and was an MVP finalist. Already becoming just the ninth player all-time to rush for 2,000 yards in a single season, Barkley later set the NFL record for combined rushing yards in a single season (regular season plus postseason), finishing with 2,504 yards on the ground. To top it off, Barkley and the Eagles won Super Bowl LIX. Check out all of our Daily Rankers . Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account, and follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily! FOLLOW Follow your favorites to personalize your FOX Sports experience National Football League recommended Item 1 of 3 Get more from the National Football League Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more
Business Wire
4 days ago
- Health
- Business Wire
NFL Running Back Derrick Henry Joins Amazfit as Athlete Ambassador
MILPITAS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Amazfit, a leading global smart wearables brand owned by Zepp Health (NYSE: ZEPP), announced Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry as the newest elite athlete to join its growing roster of ambassadors. Known for his rare combination of speed and strength, Henry will utilize Amazfit wearables to power every phase of his training, recovery and sleep as he prepares for his 10th NFL season. 'As I progress in my career it's important to properly track my training and recovery so my body is ready for the on-field challenge every Sunday,' said Henry. 'Amazfit and the T-Rex 3 give me the tools to do this." Share As one of the most prolific running backs of his generation, Henry has amassed an impressive array of accolades during his career, including NFL Offensive Player of the Year, two rushing titles, and five Pro Bowl selections. With Amazfit as his official smart wearable partner, the former Heisman winner will integrate advanced health and fitness tracking into his training regimen and recovery routine using Amazfit's performance-focused smartwatches, fitness wearables and the Zepp App. 'As I progress in my career it's important to properly track my training and recovery so my body is ready for the on-field challenge every Sunday,' said Henry. 'Amazfit and the T-Rex 3 give me the tools to do this. From tracking my heart rate and training load to making sure I recover properly with sleep and stress monitoring, this partnership will help me take maintain peak performance week in and week out.' As he enters his 10th NFL season, Henry is doubling down on optimizing his health and recovery to extend his dominance on the field. Following one of the most productive seasons of his career, Henry has been training this offseason with the Amazfit T-Rex 3, using it to monitor key health metrics, recovery indicators, and sleep quality. Paired with the Zepp App, he can tap into AI-powered insights, track nutrition with the Food Log and use the all new BioCharge feature that measures changes in body energy throughout the day, all designed to help him perform at the highest level throughout the season. 'Derrick is one of the most respected and hardworking athletes in sports today, and his relentless drive to be the best mirrors our mission at Amazfit to help people unlock their full potential. We're excited to support his training journey as he prepares for the upcoming season and provide valuable insights to ensure he's performing at his best,' said Wayne Huang, Founder & CEO of Zepp Health. Henry joins a growing lineup of Amazfit athlete ambassadors, including Olympic gold medalist Gabby Thomas, HYROX world champions Meg Jacoby and Hunter McIntyre, Padel star Bea González, triathlete Morgan Pearson, distance runner Yemaneberhan 'Yeman' Crippa, and WTA top-10 tennis player Jasmine Paolini. Amazfit remains committed to empowering holistic health by supporting the four pillars of wellness: fitness, sleep, mindfulness, and nutrition. Whether tracking progress during high-impact workouts, optimizing recovery through sleep and readiness insights, or staying mindful with stress monitoring, Amazfit delivers a comprehensive approach to health that matches the intensity of world-class athletes like Henry. Explore the full range of Amazfit smart wearables and experience innovation that elevates performance, recovery, and precision at For more information, please visit and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube. About Amazfit Amazfit, a leading global smart wearable brand focused on health and fitness, is part of Zepp Health (NYSE: ZEPP), a health technology company with its principal office based in Gorinchem, the Netherlands. Zepp Health operates as a distributed organization, with team members and offices across the Americas, Europe, Asia, and other global markets. Offering a wide selection of smartwatches and bands, Amazfit's brand tagline, 'Discover Amazing,' encourages individuals to break barriers, exceed expectations, and find joy in every moment. Amazfit is powered by Zepp Health's proprietary health management platform, which delivers cloud-based, 24/7 actionable insights and guidance to help users achieve their wellness goals. Known for outstanding craftsmanship, Amazfit smartwatches have won numerous design awards, including the iF Design Award and the Red Dot Design Award. Launched in 2015, Amazfit is embraced by millions of users, with products available in over 90 countries across the Americas, EMEA, and APAC regions. For more information, visit
USA Today
14-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Christian McCaffrey feels 'great' entering camp. Why 49ers really need RB to stay healthy
A run of three consecutive conference championship appearances and two straight NFC West titles all came crashing down last season for the San Francisco 49ers. Which leads to the question: Has the 49ers' Super Bowl window closed? The answer to the question might depend on health. The 49ers were ravaged by injuries a season ago. A total of 16 players ended the year on injured reserve as the team limped to a 6-11 record and last place finish in the NFC West. Running back Christian McCaffrey, the 49ers' best skill position player, was one of the most notable players hurt during San Francisco's injury plagued season. He missed San Francisco's first eight games due to calf and Achilles injuries. He returned in November yet sustained a season-ending PCL injury in Week 12. Injuries aren't new to McCaffrey. He was limited to only 10 games from 2020-2021 because of injuries when he was on the Carolina Panthers before being traded to San Francisco in 2022. McCaffrey is one of the best running backs in the NFL when healthy (and popular fantasy football pick). Can the 29-year-old running back evade the injury bug this season? As the 49ers prepare for training camp, McCaffrey says he's healthy. 'I feel great. This offseason, I've spent a lot of time building back a base (and) starting from scratch. A lot of it was rehab,' McCaffrey said at 49ers' minicamp. 'I wanted to put myself in a position where I didn't miss a day of OTAs and I could practice and play football again, be healthy and not miss a day. I did that and now it's kind of kick back up the training again. I feel great.' The 49ers need McCaffrey to return to his 2023 form where he led league in rushing yards (1,459), touches (339), yards from scrimmage (2,023) and touchdowns from scrimmage (21) on the way to winning the 2023 NFL Offensive Player of the Year award. San Francisco lost several key players this offseason, a list that includes Dre Greenlaw, Charvarius Ward, Deebo Samuel, Talanoa Hufanga, Javon Hargrave and Leonard Floyd San Francisco's roster shakeup puts more of an onus on the team's star players such as McCaffrey to perform at a high level if the club wants to return to being a playoff contender. 'You guys saw in 2023 how important he is to what we want to be as an offense. He's an elite player and we're going to do everything we can to get him the ball, as much as we can. And yeah, his health is really important. He's one of our central players on offense,' 49ers offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak said this offseason. 'We want to hand him the ball, we want to throw him the ball, how he changes defenses when he's on the field for how they have to play us in certain coverages, right? Putting more guys in the box to stop the run, it has an effect on the opponents.' Can the 49ers get vintage McCaffrey in 2025? Head coach Kyle Shanahan is optimistic. 'He is a psycho in a good way and so like he does everything imaginable every single day,' Shanahan said in June. 'Last year he couldn't because he was battling injury all last year. And this year he is healthy, so he is right back to being who he is always been and it's really fun to watch.' Is the demise of the 49ers premature? The 49ers have the NFL's easiest strength of schedule based on their opponents' winning percentage from 2024. And if McCaffrey and the team's other core players can stay healthy, it might be too soon to write them off. Follow USA TODAY Sports' Tyler Dragon on X @TheTylerDragon.
USA Today
11-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Ranking every Eagles offensive position group by chance of making the 53-man roster
As we await the arrival of training camp, we're ranking every Eagles offensive position group by chance of making the 53-man roster Philadelphia will officially move past Super Bowl 59 next Friday, when they finally unveil their gigantic championship rings just days before reporting to the NovaCare Complex for training camp. Nick Sirianni's team is focused on having a singular goal for the 2025 NFL regular season. Howie Roseman orchestrated another roster makeover in free agency, the 10-player NFL Draft, and several talented undrafted free agents. The Organized Team Activities and now the Mandatory Minicamp have concluded, and Philadelphia will get a five-week break before returning to the NovaCare Complex. Training Camp begins in late July, with July 22 as the report day, followed by a practice on July 23. Although a surprise move or two could still be on the way, the majority of the work has been completed. After watching 12 players depart in free agency, Roseman added two dynamic SEC linebackers, an All-American pass rusher, three offensive linemen, and an accomplished quarterback from Philadelphia. As we await the arrival of training camp, we're ranking every Eagles position group by chance of making the 53-man roster. QB: 4 on training camp depth chart 1-Jalen Hurts 2-Tanner McKee 3-Kyle McCord: Draft rookie 4-Dorian Thompson-Robinson Hurts is the reigning Super Bowl MVP, and he'll enter 2025 with his fourth offensive coordinator in five years with the Eagles. After Philadelphia traded Kenny Pickett to Cleveland, Tanner McKee became the unquestioned backup quarterback. Dorian Thompson-Robinson offers an athletic option, but he'll likely be the odd man out after Howie Roseman drafted Syracuse quarterback Kyle McCord with pick No. 181 in the sixth round. The St. Joe's Prep star attended Ohio State before transferring and heading to Syracuse, and he created separation between himself and Thompson-Robinson. RB: 7 on training camp depth chart 1-Saquon Barkley 2-Will Shipley 3-AJ Dillon t-4 -Lew Nichols t-4 -ShunDerrick Powell (undrafted rookie) 6- Keilan Robinson 7-Montrell Johnson Jr. (undrafted rookie) Barkley earned NFL Offensive Player of the Year honors from the Associated Press and finished as a finalist for Most Valuable Player in his debut with the Eagles. Philadelphia signed former Packers running back A.J. Dillon to a one-year deal. Dillon sat out 2024 but offers a physical contrast to Barkley's elite athleticism. Will Shipley continues to improve, and he'll be the third running back. Keilan Robinson appeared in six games in his rookie season, seeing most of his action on special teams. Philadelphia added two undrafted rookies in Montrell Johnson Jr. (Florida) and ShunDerrick Powell (Central Arkansas). Johnson, a 5-foot-11-inch, 216-pound running back, wrapped up an impressive college career with over 3,000 rushing yards and 33 rushing touchdowns. Known for his powerful running style, big-play ability, and reliable hands out of the backfield, Johnson became a solid running back for the Gators after transferring from Louisiana. A former Sun Belt Freshman of the Year and an East-West Shrine Bowl participant, Johnson made an impact everywhere he played. Powell rushed for over 4,000 yards in his collegiate career with 42 total touchdowns. He had eight 100-yard games in 2024. The two-time FCS All-American is a three-down running back and potential special-teams standout. FB -1 Ben VanSumeren The former Michigan State linebacker is a special-teams standout who will transition full-time to the fullback position. WR: 12 on training camp roster 1-A.J. Brown 2-DeVonta Smith 3-Jahan Dotson 4-Danny Gray t5-Avery Williams t5-Johnny Wilson 7-Ainias Smith 8-Terrace Marshall Jr. 9-Elijah Cooks 10-Darius Cooper (undrafted rookie) 11-Taylor Morin (undrafted rookie) 12-Giles Jackson (Tryout) A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith are obvious roster spots. Jahan Dotson had his fifth-year option declined after catching 19 of 33 targets for 216 yards in 17 regular-season games with the Eagles in 2024, following his acquisition in a trade from the Washington Football Team. He also rushed once for 13 yards. Despite his struggles, Dotson played 649 offensive snaps during the regular season for Philadelphia, working as a No. 3 receiver behind A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. Danny Gray was the off-season standout and will battle Johnny Wilson and Ainias Smith for a roster spot. Terrace Marshall was signed to a one-year deal, offering elite athleticism from the slot, but a roster spot could be difficult. TE: 7 on training camp roster 1-Dallas Goedert 2-Grant Calcaterra 3-Kylen Granson 4-Harrison Bryant 5-EJ Jenkins 6-Nick Muse 7-Cameron Latu Dallas Goedert is back on a restructured deal, and it wasn't a rough decision after the veteran (team-record 52 career playoff catches) led the Eagles in receptions (17) and receiving yards (215) in the postseason. Philadelphia has Grant Calcaterra as the backup after signing Kylen Granson and Harrison Bryant. OL: 17 on training camp roster 1-Lane Johnson 2-Jordan Mailata 3-Landon Dickerson 4-Cam Jurgens 5-Tyler Steen 6-Kendall Lamm 7-Myles Hinton-Drafted Rookie 8-Cameron Williams- Drafted Rookie 9-Drew Kendall-Drafted Rookie 10-Brett Toth 11-Trevor Keegan 12-Matt Pryor/Hollin Pierce (Undrafted Rookie) 14-Darian Kinnard 15-Laekin Vakalahi -Roster Exempt 16-Marcus Tate-Undrafted rookie) According to PFF, Jordan Mailata (96.9) led the entire NFL in offensive and run-blocking grades (94.9). In addition, Mailata ranked 2nd in the NFL with a 91.7 pass-blocking grade, behind Tristan Wirfs (93.7). The Eagles acquired Kenyon Green from the Texans for C.J. Gardner-Johnson, and while he's a former first-round pick, the former Texas A&M star was the 76th highest-graded guard in the NFL out of 77 candidates, according to PFF. Former Alabama offensive tackle and third-round pick Tyler Steen was slightly better, landing at 75th with a 40.7 grade from PFF. There will be competition for this spot, and it's a noticeable downgrade after Mekhi Becton's exit. Lane Johnson ranked 1st among NFL RTs in PFF pass-blocking grade (88.1), pressure percentage (2.2%), and knockdown percentage (0.2%). He allowed zero sacks and 1 QB hit in 451 pass-blocking snaps. The Eagles added more depth in the draft by selecting Drew Kendall, Myles Hinton, and Cameron Williams.
