Latest news with #NFLScoutingCombine
Yahoo
2 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Steelers Rookie RB Kaleb Johnson Puts Doubters on Notice: ‘Last Time I Checked, I Hit 22 MPH'
Pittsburgh Steelers rookie running back Kaleb Johnson sends a warning to those who are doubting his speed. PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Steelers third-round rookie running back Kaleb Johnson fell down draft boards after running a 4.57-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine. He's heard the noise and has a warning for those who want to continue doubting his speed. Advertisement 'My catching ability, my route running, really my speed,' Johnson said of what goes unnoticed in his game. 'Last time I checked, I hit 22 miles per hour.' Johnson is a bigger back, standing at 6-foot-1, 224 pounds. But he has proven to be more than capable of breaking off big runs during his three years at Iowa. Last season, he reached 22 miles per hour per GPS measurements on field, which translates to a 40-yard dash in the 4.3s. Only a handful of NFL players have hit 22 mph, including new Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf, and nobody is questioning his speed. Johnson has the production to back it up, too. He had a breakout season in 2024, rushing for a career-high 1,537 yards (6.4 yards per carry) and 21 touchdowns. He also recorded 22 catches for 188 yards and two more scores. Kaleb Johnson, Iowa Athletics The only question now is if Johnson can translate his play to the next level. However, he seems to have a good chance of doing just that as a workout freak. Advertisement The 21-year-old is simply focused on getting better every day, and that includes picking the brains of the other veterans in the room. 'Getting better one percent every day, learning from some of the older people like Jaylen Warren and Kenny Gainwell,' Johnson said. 'I'm excited to keep working.' This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Steelers Rookie RB Kaleb Johnson Puts Doubters on Notice: 'Last Time I Checked, I Hit 22 MPH'
USA Today
2 days ago
- Business
- USA Today
Where Omarion Hampton, Najee Harris rank among top 32 running backs in NFL
Where Omarion Hampton, Najee Harris rank among top 32 running backs in NFL The Chargers' running game was filled with inconsistencies throughout the 2024 campaign. J.K. Dobbins showed flashes, but injuries plagued him once again. The front office reinforced the position significantly this offseason, which began with the signing of veteran Najee Harris. While he hasn't lived up to the billing of a former first-rounder, Harris has recorded 1,000+ rushing yards in each of his first four NFL seasons. That was viewed as a short-term answer, but then the front office found their guy for the future in Omarion Hampton with the 22nd pick in the 2025 NFL draft. The running game should take a huge step forward this season, between the talent in the running back room and the addition of Mekhi Becton on the offensive line. In their annual rankings of the top-32 running backs in the NFL, Pro Football Focus ranked both Hampton and Harris on its list, 24th and 26th, respectively. Trevor Sikkema had this to say about Hampton: Hampton's placement here is in flux, since he has not taken an NFL snap yet. But we know running backs can break out early, and Hampton has the talent - and landing spot - to do that. He earned PFF rushing grades of 88.7 and 88.4 in each of his last two seasons at North Carolina. Hampton was a freak over his last two collegiate seasons, as he combined for 3,759 yards from scrimmage and 33 total touchdowns. He was one of the best in the country at breaking off tackles, but he also possesses the necessary breakaway speed. Hampton ran an impressive 4.46 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine. Not only did the former North Carolina product slot above his teammate, Harris, but he was also ranked ahead of talented veterans like Rhamondre Stevenson. The Chargers rookie slotted ahead of two other running backs from his draft class that made the list, while Ashton Jeanty came in at No. 14. It'll likely be a split backfield to begin the year, but as Hampton gets more comfortable, it's hard to imagine him not seeing the field a ton more than Harris.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
During the NFL Scouting Combine, defensive tackle Deone Walker thought Lamar Jackson was "robbed" of the MVP ... now he is teammates with the man who actually won the award.
During the NFL Scouting Combine, defensive tackle Deone Walker thought Lamar Jackson was "robbed" of the MVP ... now he is teammates with the man who actually won the award. originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Buffalo Bills star Josh Allen was deservedly awarded a large pay day this offseason with a new six-year $330 million contract after the best season of his career in 2024. Advertisement The all-around quarterback shined with a league-leading 77.3 QB rating after 3,731 yards passing and 28 touchdowns to just six interceptions. He led the Bills to another 13-4 season, AFC East title, and berth in the conference championship game where Buffalo was on the doorstep of a Super Bowl appearance. Allen's stellar season ended by winning his first MVP award, narrowly edging out the reigning MVP Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens. This conclusion wasn't met with too much criticism, as Allen was the favorite to win the award all throughout the regular season. However, these distinctions of "value" are extremely subjective and always up for interpretation and debate. At the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, various outlets asked prospective draftees on their opinion of the MVP race. Advertisement One video resurfacing online shows Kentucky defensive tackle Deone Walker claim he believes Jackson should've won the award over Allen. "Lamar. He got robbed." In an awkward turn of events, Walker would later get drafted by the Bills in the fourth round to team up with Allen. In Walker's defense, this claim was recorded weeks before the draft with him having no idea that he would be future teammates with the actual MVP winner. Nonetheless, the moment likely brought about a laugh between the two when they first crossed paths in the locker room. Walker's rookie season may be a difficult climb as the 6-7 330-pounder is recovering from a concerning back injury. That, plus his awful athleticism score at the Combine compared to the rest of his class, may have been an explanation for him dropping to a Day 3 pick. Advertisement If he can return to the elite status he first projected before the injury, the Bills may have gotten a steal with an enormous D-line disruptor. Walker has a chance to make a name for himself and regain any trust he might've lost with the always passionate Bills Mafia after his past remarks about their QB. Related: Bills Hopes Pinned On One Key Weapon Not Named 'Josh Allen' Related: Can Bills' 'Borderline Elite' Roster Claim Super Bowl Glory? This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 2, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Seventh-Round Pick Looking to Make Mark with Steelers: ‘I Just Have a Dawg Mentality'
PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Steelers' seventh-round pick Donte Kent is looking to make his mark with the team. So far at OTAs, he's primarily played in the nickel. 'Most of my time is in the nickel right now,' Kent said. 'I think I can play inside or outside, but I feel comfortable in (the nickel). We'll see where it goes.' Advertisement The Steelers selected Kent with their second pick in the seventh round, No. 229 overall, in the 2025 NFL Draft. A four-year starter at Central Michigan and three-time All-MAC honoree, Kent brings intrigue as a developmental prospect with notable athletic traits. Best known for his speed, Kent ran a 4.38-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine. He also made an impact in the return game, ranking fifth in the nation with an average of 13.5 yards per punt return. His quickness and agility made him particularly effective in man coverage, where he excelled at mirroring slot receivers. In 53 career games at Central Michigan, Kent made 234 tackles (171 solo), 4.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sack, two interceptions, 47 pass breakups, 49 passes defended, two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery, and a blocked kick. 'I just have a dawg mentality,' Kent said about his ball-hawk traits. 'That ball is my ball. My mindset is I'm going to go make a play on the football every pass thrown my way.' Advertisement Kent's brother, Desmond, played at Robert Morris, while his other brother, Ronald, is in the Canadian Football League on the British Columbia Lions. Kent, who's the youngest child on his mom's side, credits his brothers for making him tougher. 'I'm the baby on my mom's side. I have three older brothers. In my opinion, they all could play professional football. It just ain't work out that way for everybody. It's been a competitive household whether we're playing Madden, playing football out on the street, wrestling in the house. Whatever we're doing, it's always been competitive. And me being the baby, they always picked on me a little bit. Nothing crazy but they picked on me. That built the toughness that I have right now and the competitive nature that I have, as well. All credit to my brothers.' Kent also credits his time at Harrisburg (Pa.) High School for building his character. 'At Harrisburg, we breed dawgs. We breed dawgs still to this day. We're breeding dawgs, and that just carried over when I got into college,' Kent said. 'Playing at Harrisburg we're a lot of people don't make it out, it just motivates me still to this day. To show people that there's always a better life out there.' Advertisement As with fellow seventh-round pick Carson Bruener, Kent's special teams performance could be a key factor in what dictates whether he makes the 53-man roster. He is expected to compete for a role as a gunner on punt coverage and as a return specialist—both roles he thrived in during his time in college. While expectations are modest for Kent entering his rookie season, the Steelers have a history of finding value in late-round and undrafted defensive backs. Recent examples include Beanie Bishop Jr and Arthur Maulet, and, in past years, Mike Hilton. Alan Saunders and Joe Fitzgerald contributed reporting for this story. This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Seventh-Round Pick Looking to Make Mark with Steelers: 'I Just Have a Dawg Mentality' Advertisement Related Headlines
USA Today
29-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Packers expected to sign rookie WR Sam Brown Jr.
Packers expected to sign rookie WR Sam Brown Jr. The Green Bay Packers are expected to sign rookie wide receiver Sam Brown Jr., who went undrafted out of Miami and was a former teammate of Matthew Golden in Houston, per NFL reporter Aaron Wilson. The Packers roster is currently at capacity, so a corresponding move is required. Brown played two seasons at West Virginia (2020-21), two seasons at Houston (2022-23) and his final season at Miami (2024). He played with Golden during both the 2022 and 2023 seasons. In 2023, Brown led Houston with 62 catches for 815 yards, and he was named a honorable mention All-Big 12 pick. Last season, Brown caught 36 passes for 509 yards and three scores across 12 games for Miami. His final collegiate stats: 43 games, 149 catches, 1,903 yards and nine touchdowns. Brown (6-2, 200) ran the 40-yard dash in 4.42 seconds (1.51-second 10-yard split) and hit 41.5" in the vertical leap at the NFL Scouting Combine. Despite some collegiate production and two solid athletic testing measures, Brown wasn't drafted and hasn't signed with an NFL team before now. Lance Zierlein's scouting report: "Brown played at three schools over five seasons but failed to produce at a standout level. Frankly, there are more flashes on Brown's 2023 tape at Houston than there were on his Miami tape from 2024. He lacked creativity to beat press and struggled to finish plays as a deep option in both seasons. He has some instincts in space and flashes route-running potential, but it's hard to find enough consistent tape to make a clear projection of what he could provide as a pro." According to Pro Football Focus, Brown averaged only 1.64 yards per route run and caught 18 of a possible 41 contested catches over his collegiate career. His drop rate was 7.5 percent. Over his final two seasons, Brown forced 31 missed tackles after the catch. Over 91 percent of his career snaps came on the outside, meaning he has little experience in the slot. Despite having terrific speed, Brown caught only one of eight pass targets thrown over 20 yards in the air last season at Miami and has a low career catch percentage on deep throws. The Packers' wide receiver room currently consists of Romeo Doubs, Jayden Reed, Dontayvion Wicks, Bo Melton, Malik Heath, Matthew Golden, Savion Williams, Christian Watson (injured), Mecole Hardman, Julian Hicks, Corneilus Johnson and Jadon Janke. Janke was added most recently, and he was in the injured/rehab group during Wednesday's OTA session open to the media.
