Latest news with #NFLOffensivePlayeroftheYear
Yahoo
2 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Christian McCaffrey 'as healthy as can be,' says 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan from OTAs
Perhaps the best news out of San Francisco 49ers ' OTAs is head coach Kyle Shanahan saying running back Christian McCaffrey is "as healthy as can be." McCaffrey, soon to turn 29, was limited to only four games last season due to Achilles tendinitis in both ankles and a right knee injury that prevented him from making any explosive movement or cuts. He rushed for 202 yards with no touchdowns, averaging four yards per carry. Videos from the 49ers' workouts in Santa Clara showed McCaffrey making sharp cuts and showing burst out of them, which had everyone excited that the eight-year veteran is fully recovered and healthy going into the 2025-26 season. McCaffrey is two seasons removed from a career-high and NFL-leading 1,459 yards rushing and 14 TDs, with another 564 yards and seven scores on 67 catches. That earned him NFL Offensive Player of the Year, along with being named first-team All-Pro and his third Pro Bowl honor. He signed a two-year, $38 million extension last June, keeping him under contract through 2027. As could be expected, the 49ers' rushing attack was impacted significantly by McCaffrey's absence. The team ranked 12th in the NFL last season with 2,163 yards and 17 TDs, averaging 4.7 yards per carry. Compare that to 2023, when San Francisco ranked third with 2,389 yards and 27 scores, bolstered by McCaffrey's league-leading total. Jordan Mason was the 49ers' leading rusher last season with 789 yards and was limited by ankle and shoulder injuries. But he signed with the Minnesota Vikings in free agency. That leaves Isaac Guerendo as San Francisco's top returning rusher with 420 yards. Yet he also struggled with knee and ankle issues. McCaffrey looking recovered and healthy should be especially encouraging for the 49ers, as the running back could miss some of training camp while on paternity leave. But that gives Guerendo, fifth-round pick Jordan James and undrafted free agent Corey Kiner opportunities to get some snaps and prepare to make contributions.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Christian McCaffrey 'as healthy as can be,' says 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan from OTAs
Perhaps the best news out of San Francisco 49ers' OTAs is head coach Kyle Shanahan saying running back Christian McCaffrey is "as healthy as can be." McCaffrey, soon to turn 29, was limited to only four games last season due to Achilles tendinitis in both ankles and a right knee injury that prevented him from making any explosive movement or cuts. He rushed for 202 yards with no touchdowns, averaging four yards per carry. Advertisement Videos from the 49ers' workouts in Santa Clara showed McCaffrey making sharp cuts and showing burst out of them, which had everyone excited that the eight-year veteran is fully recovered and healthy going into the 2025-26 season. McCaffrey is two seasons removed from a career-high and NFL-leading 1,459 yards rushing and 14 TDs, with another 564 yards and seven scores on 67 catches. That earned him NFL Offensive Player of the Year, along with being named first-team All-Pro and his third Pro Bowl honor. He signed a two-year, $38 million extension last June, keeping him under contract through 2027. As could be expected, the 49ers' rushing attack was impacted significantly by McCaffrey's absence. The team ranked 12th in the NFL last season with 2,163 yards and 17 TDs, averaging 4.7 yards per carry. Compare that to 2023, when San Francisco ranked third with 2,389 yards and 27 scores, bolstered by McCaffrey's league-leading total. Advertisement Jordan Mason was the 49ers' leading rusher last season with 789 yards and was limited by ankle and shoulder injuries. But he signed with the Minnesota Vikings in free agency. That leaves Isaac Guerendo as San Francisco's top returning rusher with 420 yards. Yet he also struggled with knee and ankle issues. McCaffrey looking recovered and healthy should be especially encouraging for the 49ers, as the running back could miss some of training camp while on paternity leave. But that gives Guerendo, fifth-round pick Jordan James and undrafted free agent Corey Kiner opportunities to get some snaps and prepare to make contributions.
USA Today
3 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Eagles deservingly claim the top spot on a unique ranking of NFL rosters
Eagles deservingly claim the top spot on a unique ranking of NFL rosters lead draft writer slots the Eagles first on a ranking of pro football's most complete teams. There was already an air of confidence hovering over the Philadelphia Eagles' organization. After two OTA sessions, it has thickened. Serious question... Why wouldn't it? Sure, Philadelphia has to start over and climb the mountain again. Yes, 31 other franchises would love to knock them from their perch, but let's be honest. If the Birds take care of business, how many of those 31 franchises have the firepower to get the job done? That isn't stated to sound arrogant. It's only an acknowledgement of the talent Philadelphia leadership structure has assembled, but how about this? If you still aren't convinced, let's call a witness to the stand. Your honor... The defense calls lead draft writer. Eric Edholm places the Eagles atop his list of the NFL's most complete teams. The Baltimore Ravens are home to a two-time MVP. The Buffalo Bills are home to the reigning MVP. The Kansas City Chiefs have Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid. The Detroit Lions were the top-seeded playoff team in the NFC last season. What do they all have in common? Well, they have several things in common, but here are two worth noting. They all land among the top five on Eric Edholm's list of the NFL's most complete teams, and they're all staring up at Philadelphia, which claimed the top spot. "They incurred free-agent losses this offseason befitting of a Super Bowl champion and a franchise that has won 45 games (including playoffs) over the past three years. After all, everyone wants to be like the Eagles. Yet even with some departures, primarily on the defensive side, the team remains set up to compete for a title again thanks to the brilliant craftsmanship of GM Howie Roseman." That's a direct quote from Edholm, and he's right. The Eagles don't have many weaknesses. Their quarterback is the reigning Super Bowl MVP. Their starting tailback is the reigning NFL Offensive Player of the Year. They have the game's best offensive line. There are arguably stars at every level on offense and defense. The starting wide receiver duo is the game's best. Zack Baun is an All-Pro. Even the young stars play like seasoned veterans. All head coach Nick Sirianni does is win. Vic Fangio has fine-tuned a relatively young defense into one of the game's best, and his unit can get better. And, how can we forget about Howie Roseman? He's pro football's top general manager. When you put it all together, it's easy to see why ESPN's Bill Barnwell calls this the franchise "most likely to inspire jealousy" in other teams. The schedule is brutal. There are difficult stretches, and there aren't any consecutive home games, but when it's all said and done, there's very little reason to assume anything other than this team will be in the championship race again.
USA Today
5 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Eagles updated 90-man roster ahead of OTAs, mandatory minicamp
Eagles updated 90-man roster ahead of OTAs, mandatory minicamp Here's an overview of the Philadelphia Eagles' 90-man roster ahead of six OTA sessions and one mandatory minicamp on June 10 The NFL off-season is nearly complete, and Philadelphia made moves to strengthen some positions and fill pressing roster needs. The Eagles added ten talented rookies on NFL draft weekend, and they hit the practice field immediately with two days of rookie minicamp on Friday and Saturday. 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. The defense has undergone an overhaul after defensive tackle Milton Williams (New England), Josh Sweat (Arizona), cornerback Darius Slay (Pittsburgh), cornerback Isaiah Rodgers (Minnesota), and linebacker Oren Burks (Cincinnati) all departed via free agency. The Eagles also traded away safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson, who was third in the NFL with six interceptions last season, and backup quarterback Kenny Pickett. Update: At least one tryout participant from the weekend's Rookie Minicamp will get an extended look with the Eagles. The Eagles announced that they have signed rookie wide receiver Giles Jackson. To make room for Jackson, the Eagles waived running back Tyrion Davis-Price. With the NFL schedule release now complete, here's an overview of the Philadelphia Eagles' 90-man roster ahead of six OTA sessions and one mandatory minicamp on June 10. QB --4 Jalen Hurts Tanner McKee Dorian Thompson-Robinson Kyle McCord- Drafted Rookie Hurts is the reigning Super Bowl MVP, and he'll enter 2025 with his fourth offensive coordinator in five years with the Eagles. After Kenny Pickett was traded to Cleveland, Tanner McKee became the unquestioned backup quarterback. At the same time, Dorian Thompson-Robinson offered an athletic option at No. 3. Things got even more interesting 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, where he demolished several of Donovan McNabb's school records. RB --6 Saquon Barkley A.J. Dillon Will Shipley Lew Nichols ShunDerrick Powell (undrafted rookie) Montrell Johnson Jr. (undrafted rookie) In his debut season with Philadelphia, Saquon Barkley earned NFL Offensive Player of the Year honors from the Associated Press and finished as a finalist for Most Valuable Player. 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. 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 --11 A.J. Brown Elijah Cooks Jahan Dotson Danny Gray Terrace Marshall Jr. Ainias Smith DeVonta Smith Johnny Wilson Darius Cooper (undrafted rookie) Taylor Morin (undrafted rookie) Giles Jackson (Tryout) Despite missing three games due to injury, A.J. Brown led the team with 1,079 receiving yards. He also ranked 1st in receiving average (16.1) (min. 60 catches) and 3rd in receiving yards per game (83.0) (min. 13 games), behind Ja'Marr Chase (100.5) and Justin Jefferson (90.2). DeVonta Smith posted a career-high 8 TDs in the regular season and hauled in a 46-yard TD in Super Bowl LIX. During the run to the Super Bowl, he became the franchise's all-time leader in postseason receiving yards (595). 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 after being acquired in a trade from Washington. 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. Dotson improved with time and had his most impactful game of the season during the Eagles' win over Kansas City in Super Bowl LIX, with two catches for 42 yards on three targets. The 2022 first-round pick could have an increased role for the 2025 season if Philadelphia moves on from Goedert. Terrace Marshall was signed to a one-year deal and offers elite athleticism from the slot. TE --7 Dallas Goedert Grant Calcaterra Kylen Granson Harrison Bryant EJ Jenkins Nick Muse 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 --16 Jordan Mailata Landon Dickerson Cam Jurgens Kenyon Green Lane Johnson Tyler Steen Brett Toth Darian Kinnard Laekin Vakalahi -Roster Exempt Kendall Lamm Trevor Keegan Matt Pryor Drew Kendall- Drafted Rookie Myles Hinton-Drafted Rookie Cameron Williams- Drafted Rookie Hollin Pierce- (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. DT -- 7 Byron Young Moro Ojomo Gabe Hall Jordan Davis Jalen Carter Thomas Booker Ty Robinson -Drafted Rookie During the regular season, Jalen Carter was 4th among interior DL with an 81.5 PFF pass-rush grade, behind Chris Jones (91.0), Cameron Heyward (87.2), and Jeffery Simmons (81.6) in that category. Davis logged 27 tackles (15 solo), one sack, and two passes defended while playing in all 17 regular-season games in 2024. He added six tackles (four solo), including two sacks and one pass defense across four playoff appearances. Davis started every regular-season game for the second year in a row, but he logged 122 fewer defensive snaps and ceded snaps to second-year defensive lineman Moro Ojomo. Davis logged 27 tackles (15 solo), one sack, and two passes defended while playing in all 17 regular-season games in 2024. He added six tackles (four solo), including two sacks and one pass defense across four playoff appearances. Ojomo finished the 2024 season with 20 tackles (six solo) in 17 regular-season games. Ojomo saw a significant increase in workload in his second season with the Eagles, playing 370 defensive snaps and 70 snaps on special teams while appearing in all 17 of the team's regular-season games. Ojomo will be a starter, with Milton Williams departing. Philadelphia selected Nebraska's Ty Brown in the fourth round for depth and physicality. Edge Rusher -9 Bryce Huff KJ Henry Jalyx Hunt Patrick Johnson Azeez Ojulari Nolan Smith Jr. Josh Uche Ochaun Mathis Antwaun Powell-Ryland Jr. -Drafted Rookie We're predicting Hunt will get the first shot at replacing Josh Sweat despite Josh Uche getting signed. Hunt finished the 2024 season with 21 total tackles (12 solo), including 1.5 sacks, while adding one pass defended and two forced fumbles over 16 regular-season games. Former Giants pass rusher Azeez Ojulari is another explosive player to watch. Philadelphia drafted All-American pass rusher Antwaun Powell-Ryland in the sixth round. LB -- 7 Zack Baun Nakobe Dean Dallas Gant Jeremiah Trotter Jr. Jihaad Campbell-Drafted Rookie Smael Mondon Jr. -Drafted Rookie Lance Dixon - (undrafted rookie) Baun is a Defensive Player of the Year finalist and All-Pro, while Trotter Jr. should get the first shot at replacing the injured Nakobe Dean. Baun was PFF's highest-graded LB (90.1) in the regular season, producing 150 tackles and 5 FFs (2nd in the NFL, behind T.J. Watt – 6). In the playoffs, Baun became the second NFL LB since 1991 to generate takeaways in each of their first four career postseason starts (Devin White in 2020), which included an INT of Patrick Mahomes in Super Bowl LIX. Philadelphia drafted Jihaad Campbell at No. 31 and Smael Mondon Jr. in the fifth round. CB -- 11 A.J. Woods Quinyon Mitchell Cooper DeJean Tariq Castro-Fields Kelee Ringo Eli Ricks Parry Nickerson Adoree' Jackson Mac McWilliams -- Drafted Rookie Brandon Johnson -(Undrafted rookie) B.J. Mayes - (undrafted rookie) Kelee Ringo should get the first opportunity to replace the departed Darius Slay, while Adoree Jackson has history as a starting cornerback in the NFC East. Mitchell and DeJean are stars and should be even more productive in 2025. Philadelphia drafted Mac McWilliams and signed two undrafted rookies. S -- 7 Lewis Cine Reed Blankenship Andre Sam Tristin McCollum Sydney Brown Andrew Mukuba- Drafted Rookie Maxen Hook -(Undrafted rookie) Specialist --4 Avery Williams Jake Elliott Braden Mann Charley Hughlett
USA Today
22-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Saquon Barkley doesn't mince words when ranking the 2024 Eagles vs. other champs
Saquon Barkley doesn't mince words when ranking the 2024 Eagles vs. other champs If one wants to know where Saquon Barkley believes the 2024-25 Eagles rank, all they have to do is ask him. We're in luck. 'Exciting Mics' did exactly that. What you are experiencing is familiar. You are not alone. That uneasy feeling comes from podcast fatigue. At this point, there are just too many to keep up with. Thousands are covering the Philadelphia Eagles. Some are better than others, but there are also a handful worth tapping the 'subscribe' button to keep up with when they are dropping new material. Here's one you'll need to add to the list: Exciting Mics. It features Philly's 'Exciting Whites', a.k.a. Reed Blankenship and Cooper DeJean. We'll see if they add rookie Ty Robinson at some point, but until then, they seem to have a nice pool from which they can pluck upcoming guests. How about the reigning NFL Offensive Player of the Year? Saquon Barkley appeared in the second episode, and you'll undoubtedly want to know what he said about the defending champions. Saquon ranks the 2024-25 Philadelphia Eagles as a top-five team all-time. "I firmly believe, when you look at our team that we had last year, and I know we're not looking too far into the past, but our team last year... I think we're a top-five team of all time." Those were the words of one Saquon Barkley, a tad over a dozen minutes into the Exciting Mics podcast. "If you look at the season, outside of the first four games, like, it was 'belt to ass'". Saquon rushed for 2,005 yards last season, making him only the ninth player in NFL history to have done so. Some say we were robbed of history, that Philly should have allowed him the opportunity to break Eric Dickerson's single-season rushing record (2,105). Ultimately, the coaching staff and organization decided they didn't want to risk getting him injured. They determined they couldn't stomach the idea of possibly losing one of their most dangerous offensive weapons for the duration of the postseason. No one can argue with the results of that decision. He and his Eagles are again Super Bowl Champions, and had he not played in the Divisional Round Game vs. the Los Angeles Rams, that may not have happened. But, how about that claim? Top five all-time? That's some excellent company to be in. That places Philly's second Super Bowl winner alongside the 1972 Miami Dolphins and 1985 Chicago Bears. Saquon is a student of the game. He knows that, but he's never been one to mince words. If he believes it, everyone else should think this is worth a conversation.
