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USA Today
a day ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Three Wisconsin Badgers appear on PFF's list of the NFL's top centers for 2025 season
Three Wisconsin Badgers appear on PFF's list of the NFL's top centers for 2025 season A trio of former Wisconsin Badgers landed on ProFootballFocus' list of the top 32 centers entering the 2025 NFL season. Captained by Super Bowl-winning center Creed Humphrey, PFF's hierarchy features former Badger standouts Joe Tippmann, Tyler Biadasz and Tanor Bortolini. Tippmann, who is entering his third campaign representing the New York Jets, landed at No. 11 on the ranking between Arizona Cardinal Hjalte Froholdt (No. 10) and Cleveland Brown Ethan Pocic (No. 12). The Fort Wayne, Indiana, native has started in 31 of 33 career games in New York, including all 17 games at center a season ago with four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers at the helm. The Jets, with building star Breece Hall and Badger alumnus Braelon Allen in the backfield, rushed 363 times for 1,561 yards and eight scores behind Tippmann in 2024. Here's PFF's analysis on how the 2022 Honorable mention All-Big Ten center stacks up this coming season: "Tippmann took a big step forward in his second NFL season, earning a top-10 PFF overall grade (73.4) among centers. He improved his figure by more than 10 points on the grading scale over his rookie campaign, which bodes well for his ability to continue his career progression at just 24 years old." Amherst, Wisconsin, product Tyler Biadasz was the second Badger on PFF's recent list at No. 15. The five-year NFL veteran and 2022 Pro Bowler made 49 starts across four seasons with the Dallas Cowboys before suiting up in 15 games with the Washington Commanders during the 2024 slate. With rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels at the helm and both Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler in the backfield, Washington rushed for 2,619 yards and 25 scores in 2024, with Biadasz leading the blocking effort. Only the Eagles and Ravens totaled more yardage on the ground. Here's PFF's take on the veteran: "Biadasz, in his first year with the Commanders, started off the 2024 season on a high note. Through the first nine games, his 79.3 PFF pass-blocking grade charted as the second-highest mark at the position. While that momentum faded as the season went on, and as Biadasz dealt with injury and illness, he still managed to finish with solid marks as a run blocker and a pass protector." Fresh off his first season with the Indianapolis Colts, Tanor Bortolini earned the No. 30 designation on the annual ranking. The Wisconsin product started in five of 12 total appearances for the Colts, largely contributing due to injuries at the position. Nonetheless, PFF's staff did not ignore the impression he made. "With the injuries to Ryan Kelly this past season, it was Bortolini and veteran Danny Pinter who stepped in to shoulder the load. Both are expected to compete for the starting job this summer. Bortolini showed a bit more of a well-rounded game in his first year as a pro, albeit on a limited sample. He produced a 64.0-plus PFF grade as both a run blocker and a pass protector, which may bode well for his chances of taking control of the starting job in 2025." As of June 6, all three players are poised to start for their respective franchises this coming season. The Colts, Jets and Commanders all kick-start their 2025 seasons on Sept. 7. Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes and opinion
USA Today
3 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Texans Kamari Lassiter sneaks onto Pro Football Focus' top 32 CBs list for 2025
Texans Kamari Lassiter sneaks onto Pro Football Focus' top 32 CBs list for 2025 Kamari Lassiter set the tone for No. 2 cornerbacks during his rookie season with the Houston Texans. Some could argue he was the top rookie defensive back after shutting down quality No. 2 receivers like Chicago's Rome Odunze and Los Angeles' Quinten Johnston in the playoffs. Does Pro Football Focus agree? Not entirely. While the former second-round pick made the list of the top 32 cornerbacks in the league for this fall, he appeared at No. 31, just one spot higher than Dallas Cowboys star Daron Bland. "There were several great rookie seasons in 2024, and Lassiter's was arguably right behind those of Cooper DeJean and Quinyon Mitchell," PFF's John Kosko wrote. "He ranked third among rookies in PFF advanced coverage grade and 15th among all cornerbacks. He also led the NFL with a 45.2% completion rate allowed." Drafted 42nd overall last season, Lassiter arguably was the best rookie defender in his class. According to The 33rd team, from Week 9 on, the former Georgia standout did not allow more than 50 yards in coverage in a game. He also forced two interceptions, a 50% completion rate and only gave up 21.7 yards per outing. In 16 games, Lassiter totaled three interceptions, a safety, 10 pass breakups and only allowed a 54.4% completion rating. He and third-round pick Calen Bullock became staples in coverage, helping Houston win a second straight AFC South division title and postseason victory. Philadelphia's Cooper DeJean ranked 11th and led all rookie cornerbacks while his teammate, Quinyon Mitchell, ranked inside the top 20 at No. 16. The Texans open the regular season on the road against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium on Sept. 7.
USA Today
4 days ago
- Business
- USA Today
Marcedes Lewis hasn't discussed teaming up with Aaron Rodgers, Steelers, TE says
Marcedes Lewis hasn't discussed teaming up with Aaron Rodgers, Steelers, TE says Show Caption Hide Caption Former NFL QB Alex Smith weighs in on the Aaron Rodgers situation Alex Smith explains why Aaron Rodgers should return for at least one more year. Sports Seriously Marcedes Lewis is hoping to suit up for a 20th and final NFL season in 2025. Could the 41-year-old seek to reunite with his former teammate Aaron Rodgers to achieve his goal? Lewis was asked by Kay Adams on the Friday, May 29 episode of her "Up and Adams" show about the possibility of playing with Rodgers to close his career. The 2006 first-round pick revealed it is something the two discussed during their five seasons together with the Green Bay Packers. "It's always been something A-Rod would bring up, even when we were in Green Bay," Lewis said. "He was like, 'Hey, we gotta retire together.'" Lewis explained that he and Rodgers "connected and became really good friends" while they were with the Packers. He credited their willingness to put in the work to find consistent success with being the "thread" between them. Does that connection mean Lewis could end up with the Pittsburgh Steelers if Rodgers signs with the organization? The veteran tight end threw cold water on that theory for the time being. "Nah, we haven't talked about playing with the Steelers," Lewis said. "No." Perhaps that will change if Rodgers signs or if the Steelers dip into the tight end market after losing projected third-stringer Donald Parham to a torn Achilles. OPINION: Signing Aaron Rodgers is wrong move for Steelers at this point Lewis spent the last two seasons of his career with the Chicago Bears and played 19.37% of the team's offensive snaps in 2024. He had just one catch for two yards but thrived as a blocker, grading as Pro Football Focus' 12th-best pass blocker among tight ends. Lewis – who also suited up for all 17 games, marking the fourth consecutive season he achieved that goal – is hoping to find a similar role as he seeks out a new landing spot for the upcoming NFL season. "For me, it's just ... whoever values me and respects me and knows my skill set and [is] able to put me in position to play and not just be a guy on the sideline thinking that I'm 'just an older guy,'" Lewis said when explaining where he would like to play in 2025.
USA Today
7 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Kyle Pitts landing spots: Chargers, Titans best fits if Falcons trade TE
Kyle Pitts landing spots: Chargers, Titans best fits if Falcons trade TE Show Caption Hide Caption Greg Olsen believes Travis Kelce 'controls how he leaves the game' Former NFL tight end Greg Olsen has high praise for Travis Kelce and shares when he believes Travis Kelce will eventually retire from the NFL. Sports Seriously Kyle Pitts is entering the final year of his rookie contract with the Atlanta Falcons. Will the No. 4 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft remain in Atlanta for the entirety of the 2025 NFL season? Multiple teams have reached out to the Falcons about the possibility of trading for Pitts, per Fox Sports' Jordan Schultz. Atlanta would prefer to keep Pitts but would consider moving the 24-year-old for a Day 2 pick. Pitts' production hasn't quite lived up to his top-five status. He recorded a 1,000-yard season as a rookie but hasn't eclipsed 667 yards in three seasons since. He has just 10 career receiving touchdowns, though he logged a career-high four in 2024, a season during which he logged 47 catches for 602 yards and graded as Pro Football Focus' 44th tight end among 74 qualifiers. Given Pitts' youth – he won't turn 25 until October – and with his hyper-athletic 6-6 frame, several teams around the NFL could consider bringing the Florida product into the fold in hopes of tapping into his potential. Here's a look at the top landing spots if Atlanta decides to move Pitts. Justin Herbert loves throwing to his tight ends, as 23% of the Chargers' 491 total targets last season went to players at the position. The Chargers have a couple of solid, veteran tight ends on the roster in Will Dissly and Tyler Conklin, but they could use a higher-ceiling player like Pitts to add upside to the room. Cam Ward thrived throwing to Elijah Arroyo – a 6-5, mismatch weapon – during his lone season at Miami. The Titans have similarly sized threats in Josh Whyle (6-6) and rookie Gunnar Helm (6-5) on the roster, but Pitts is more athletic than the duo of recent mid-round picks. It's also worth noting new general manager Mike Borgonzi was not a part of the front office that selected Whyle or current starter Chig Okonkwo (6-3, 238 pounds). That could lead Tennessee to search for a veteran upgrade as it looks to support Ward during his rookie season. The Patriots are building around Drake Maye but don't have many proven weapons at the position. One way to mitigate those issues would be to run a lot of two-tight-end sets, something new offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels has done successfully throughout his career. Pairing Pitts with Hunter Henry would give New England a dynamic tight end duo. The Patriots still have a league-high $67.3 million in cap space, per so they could afford to absorb Pitts' deal and sign him to an extension. STEFON DIGGS: Mike Vrabel says Patriots 'aware of' boat video Here's another AFC East option for Pitts. The Pittsburgh Steelers reportedly had trade discussions with the Dolphins surrounding veteran tight end Jonnu Smith. If Miami moves Smith, that would leave Pharaoh Brown and Julian Hill as the team's top options at the position. Pitts would provide a suitable replacement for Smith and would add much-needed size to a receiving corps that features the smaller-stature duo of Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. Sean Payton is always looking for players to operate in the "Joker" position on his offense. The role is designated for hybrid players who can create mismatches across the defense by lining up in various formations. The Broncos already acquired one "Joker" in the offseason by signing tight end Evan Engram. Why not make it two by adding Pitts? It's easy to imagine him unlocking his full potential given how Payton was able to develop Jimmy Graham – perhaps Payton's most notable "Joker" – into an All-Pro talent. The Eagles were able to keep Dallas Goedert for the 2025 NFL season despite rumors he could be traded. That said, he is set to turn 31 in January and will be a free agent following the season. Pitts' contract will expire after the season as well, but Howie Roseman could still target younger tight end as a potential successor for Goedert.
USA Today
27-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Iowa football center Logan Jones stands atop the best centers in the Power Four in 2025
Iowa football center Logan Jones stands atop the best centers in the Power Four in 2025 Winning in the trenches is what the Iowa Hawkeyes want to do and build their success upon. Their 2024 campaign saw that success in the form of a historic rushing attack. There is the hope that the offensive line can continue to improve under Tim Lester in his second year as the offensive coordinator. One area Iowa can count on to maintain success is at center, arguably the most important position on the offensive line. Logan Jones, Iowa's star center, is back for another year up front, leading the way, and already viewed as one of the best players in all of college football, he is now atop Pro Football Focus' best Power Four centers entering 2025. Logan Jones boasts Pro Football Focus' highest grade among any Power Four returning center this year. The Iowa native from Council Bluffs came to Iowa as a defensive tackle, but was transitioned to the offensive line after just one year. Over the last three years up front, he has registered 38 total starts. Logan Jones' performance in 2024 earned him First-Team All-Big Ten honors at center. With a new quarterback and running back plugging into Iowa's offense, Logan Jones' ability to help identify blitzers, defensive schemes, and set up the blocking will be more crucial than ever as he enters another year leading the way up front. Contact/Follow us @HawkeyesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Iowa news, notes and opinions. Follow Riley on X: @rileydonald
