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Miami Herald
24-07-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
Where the Dolphins' offensive line stands, with insight from several. And an early problem
The Dolphins' shuffling along the offensive line can be viewed through two different prisms. The glass half full perspective: They have a skilled pass-blocking left tackle (Patrick Paul) who's mammoth (6-7, 326 pounds), had Pro Football Focus' highest pass-blocking grade among all FBS tackles in 2023 and permitted just two sacks in 1,053 pass-block snaps over his final two years at the University of Houston. They have a right tackle, Austin Jackson, who blossomed in 2023 before a knee injury torpedoed his 2024 season after eight games. They have center Aaron Brewer, who was PFF's seventh highest-rated at his position last season and much improved in pass protection. They have a supreme left guard in James Daniels, who permitted just two sacks in three years with the Pittsburgh Steelers, covering 39 games and 1,367 pass-blocking snaps. And they have rookie guard Jonah Savaiinaea who 'looked like an All-Pro in the Alamo Bowl,' according to ESPN's Louis Riddick. There's also the glass half empty perspective: Jackson is coming off knee surgery last November and Daniels is back from a Week 4 torn Achilles. (Both are healthy.) Paul, replacing former Pro Bowler Terron Armstead, has been beaten some early in camp, and PFF ranked him 79th of 81 tackles last season. Savaiinaea permitted four sacks at Arizona last season and 'can be knocked off balance at times,' according to Mel Kiper Jr. Brewer wasn't as effective in the running game late in the 2024 season as he was earlier in the year. The Dolphins must hope that 2025 reflects more of the former than the latter. Jackson, the longest-tenured member of the line, cites reasons for optimism, including the athleticism of Daniels and Savaiinaea, who are good fits for this system, and Paul's skill set. 'We are young in the interior and really athletic,' Jackson said of Daniels (27) and Savaiinaea (21). 'You can expect a lot of speed, strength. We have the stamina to be fast the entire game. 'Mike McDaniel was talking today; we want to finish our games faster, with more intensity, more urgency to finish the games. You can expect the same kind of thing from our interior linemen.' Defensive lineman Zach Sieler said Thursday that Savaiinaea 'has all the talent in the world. His frame is great. He has good feet. I'm excited to see him grow as a player.' Last year's guard combo, Robert Jones and Liam Eichenberg, wasn't good enough, particularly with runs up the gut. Eichenberg, who is out indefinitely with an undisclosed injury, was PFF's 69th-ranked guard out of 77 and allowed 29 pressures, while Jones (who signed with Dallas in March) had the line's worst run-blocking grade (per PFF) and permitted five sacks and 28 pressures. Daniels participated in multiple sets of team drills on Thursday and seems fully recovered from the Achilles. He was PFF's second-rated guard last season before his Achilles tear. One overriding objective: Improve a running game that had the highest percentage of runs stuffed for no gain in short-yardage situations (44%, tied with New England) and ranked 28th in the league in yards per carry (4.0). 'You are going to see all types of blocking,' Jackson said. 'I'm excited for our run game as well as our pass game, but mostly our run game because that's what we hang our hat on this system.' Paul's play will be critical in how the Dolphins' season plays out. Filling in for Armstead last season, Paul permitted three sacks and 15 pressures in 229 pass blocking chances, and PFF rated him 81st (worst) among tackles as a run blocker. 'In college you can just body people [and get away with] lack of technique,' Paul said late last season. 'When I went back and watched my college tape in the predraft process, it was like I was beating people on sheer size. In the NFL, they're technicians. These people are paid to rush the passer. They're not going to stop once you get your hands on them. They're going to counter a second time and get there whatever way is possible. It's a big change.' On Thursday, Paul said he studied every one of his 337 offensive snaps last season 'to see where I can improve. I also studied other tackles throughout the league to pick games from them and see how they can be successful in different situations. I watched everyone, watched every single tackle for 31 teams. I'm a real film junkie, so that's what I do. I really like watching [the 49ers'] Trent Williams.' He values the mentorship offered by Armstead in the past year: 'He's getting into his media aspect of life. When I see him, I see him.' He also appreciates the blossoming relationship with Savaiinaea: 'Me and Jonah, we hang out all the time. Through the offseason, me and him were here in this building every single day working. So naturally, when you spend that much time together, you're gelled like one.' Dolphins linemen committed far too many presnap penalties during the first two days of camp, and they're self-imposing a penalty: running post-practice laps. Jackson said it was players — not coaches — who came up with the idea to run laps after practice. 'We have presnap penalties, we are going to punish ourselves for that,' he said. 'Things we can control, if we make a mistake in practice, we're going to self-correct ourselves with a little disciplinary action.'
USA Today
24-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
NFL analyst names this Rams starter a potential trade candidate
The Los Angeles Rams aren't known for shipping out too many of their starters ahead of a season. Players like Cooper Kupp and Christian Rozeboom left during the middle of the offseason, either because the team wanted to move on from them (Kupp) or their contracts simply ran out (Rozeboom). However, with the draft well behind them and the 2025 preseason staring straight ahead, Pro Football Focus' Bradley Locker thinks the Rams could trade one of their starters from the past few years: tight end Tyler Higbee. Although the Rams have ushered in a new receiving corps in the past few years, Higbee has long been a staple of Sean McVay's offense. At the same time, the team's recent tight end investments could signal that Higbee's time in Los Angeles is nearing its end. Higbee was effective when on the field last year, turning in a 76.4 PFF overall grade with a 79.1 PFF receiving grade — his best since 2019. But the 32-year-old played only 128 snaps due to a knee injury and is in the final year of his current contract. The Rams' jubilation in landing second-round tight end Terrance Ferguson is eye-opening, especially because the team has searched for a coveted weapon for multiple offseasons. On top of that, Los Angeles returns Davis Allen (63.3 PFF run-blocking grade) and Colby Parkinson (66.2 PFF pass-blocking grade) as depth behind the newcomer. Los Angeles parted with Cooper Kupp earlier this offseason, and Higbee may be next in line. Ferguson is most certainly the heir apparent to Higbee's role, with one of Allen or Parkinson sliding in as the run-blocking backup. However, it might be unwise to trade away Higbee before the team really knows what they have in Ferguson. This past season proved that Allen and Parkinson could not step into a pass-catching role while Higbee was out with injury. So, if Ferguson takes time to develop, the Rams would be back to the same issue that plagued them to start the 2024 season. Who would want the 32-year-old Higbee, either? Former first-round tight end Noah Fant is a free agent, and the Rams have much more invested in Higbee as a piece of their offensive game plan than any other team. Keeping Higbee for now makes the most sense unless the Rams have a compelling offer on the table.
USA Today
19-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Texans' Nico Collins named to PFF's list for top 10 ‘safety-blanket WRs'
How secure of hands does Houston Texans Pro Bowl receiver Nico Collins have as a go-to target for C.J. Stroud? One reporter thinks he's a top 10 option in the passing game entering this fall. Pro Football Focus' Lauren Gray recently compiled a list describing the NFL's best safety blanket pass-catchers. Per the parameters, a security blanket is someone who was their quarterback's top target when blitzed/under pressure. Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London led the way with the 21.1 percent threat rate, while Baltimore Ravens WR Zay Flowers ranked third with a 20 percent threat rate behind Los Angeles Chargers rookie Ladd McConkey. As for Collins, he came in ninth with an 18.4 percent success rate after helping the Texans secure a second AFC South division title in as many seasons. "Collins recorded a league-best 90.9 PFF receiving grade with this quarterback under pressure last season, after securing 29 catches for 411 yards, 18 first downs and a touchdown," Gray wrote. "He ranked third in yards after contact (52) and explosive gains (15) and led the league in yards per route run (2.60). "Few have been greater than Collins in pressured situations over the past two seasons. He ranks in the top five in catches (41) and receiving yards (769) and the top three in first downs (32), explosive gains (24) and yards per route run (2.34). He sports the NFL's second-best pressured PFF receiving grade in that span (90.6)." Collins being a safety blanket for Stroud helped Houston's gunslinger go from a No. 2 overall pick into a top 10 passer with a pair of playoff wins. Even with a hamstring injury that limited him to 12 games, Collins still managed to finish with over 1,000 receiving yards, 68 catches and seven touchdowns. His 83.8 yards per game ranked top five among receivers last fall, though he was averaging 111.4 yards per game over the first four games. Hopefully, Collins can build off his productive pairing with Stroud in Year 3 together while still serving as a safety blanket on a run past the AFC Divisional Round playoffs.
USA Today
14-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Jauan Jennings landing spots: Raiders, Titans best fits if 49ers trade WR
Jauan Jennings is entering the final year of his two-year, $15.3 million contract extension with the San Francisco 49ers. The 49ers selected the 28-year-old wide receiver in the seventh round of the 2020 NFL Draft, and he is now seeking a second extension to remain in the Bay Area. Jennings reportedly wants a new contract or a trade, per ESPN's Adam Schefter. San Francisco has handed out contract extensions to its core veterans this offseason. Linebacker Fred Warner landed a three-year, $63 million contract extension including $56 million guaranteed. Meanwhile, tight end George Kittle and quarterback Brock Purdy also signed multi-year extensions this offseason. Kittle became the highest-paid tight end in the league with his deal. Will the veteran receiver become the next piece to secure an extension, or will he be traded? JALEN RAMSEY TRADE: Dolphins deal star CB to Steelers in blockbuster move Last offseason, Brandon Aiyuk faced a similar scenario with the team, which ultimately led to an extension in late August. Jennings' production was excellent last season when he stepped into a significant role with the offense riddled with injuries. He recorded career highs in receptions (77), yards (975) and touchdowns (6). He graded as Pro Football Focus' 18th wide receiver among 223 qualifiers. The 49ers traded Deebo Samuel this offseason and Aiyuk's return date from a knee injury is uncertain; the Niners would be very thin at the position if they opted to move Jennings. However, given his breakout season and playoff experience, several teams around the NFL could consider bringing the Tennessee product into the mix. Here's a look at the top landing spots if the 49ers decide to move Jennings. Las Vegas Raiders The Raiders are rebuilding after hiring Pete Carroll and trading for Geno Smith. It won't be easy to contend in the AFC West in 2025, but they could challenge for a playoff spot. Carroll has notoriously leaned on the ground game and Las Vegas is primed to do so after selecting Ashton Jeanty sixth overall. Kyle Shanahan has lauded Jennings' ability to block. Among receivers with at least 200 snaps on run plays in 2024, Jennings ranked No. 1 in blocking per Pro Football Focus. Tight end Brock Bowers is expected to lead the team in targets while Jakobi Meyers operates out of the slot. Las Vegas could excel by adding a perimeter receiver like Jennings to pair with second-round rookie Jack Bech. NFL 18 GAME SCHEDULE: Patrick Mahomes 'not a big fan' of potential expansion New York Jets There may not be another team looking to run the ball more than the Jets in 2025. New head coach Aaron Glenn, a defensive specialist, brought Tanner Engstrand with him from the Motor City to the Big Apple to serve as his offensive coordinator. They had a front row seat during their time in Detroit to watch the benefits of a dynamic run game. With Justin Fields under center, the offense could thrive with an outstanding run-blocking receiver like Jennings. The Jets have a couple of veterans on the roster in Allen Lazard and Josh Reynolds, but they could use a higher-ceiling player like Jennings to add upside to the room. Garrett Wilson is an elite receiver and can strengthen his impact with another weapon on the field. Tennessee Titans A homecoming? Cam Ward could use additional weapons on offense. The team lacks athletic playmakers outside of Calvin Ridley, who accounted for 49.2% of the Titans' air yards, the highest team share of any player in the NFL. Tennessee signed Tyler Lockett in free agency but he will turn 33 in September. It's also worth noting that new general manager Mike Borgonzi was not a part of the front office that traded for Ridley. That could lead Tennessee to search for another veteran upgrade as it looks to support Ward during his rookie season. Jennings played five college seasons with the Tennessee Volunteers and attended high school in Murfreesboro, which is roughly 35 miles from where the Titans play. Denver Broncos Sean Payton is always searching for ways to add wrinkles to his offense. Jennings can help create mismatches across the field by lining up in various formations alongside tight end Evan Engram and top wideout Courtland Sutton. Like Ridley in Tennessee, Sutton dominated the team's air yard share at 49%. Denver could use another trustworthy pass catcher. The Broncos also have one of the league's best gadget players in Marvin Mims Jr. but the receiver room is thin behind him. Denver is looking to make the next step and contend in the AFC playoff picture in 2025 with Bo Nix. The addition of Jennings would provide the team with another veteran with playoff experience. COWBOYS: QB Dak Prescott says he's fully recovered from hamstring surgery Cleveland Browns The Browns' offense has question marks all over it. There's a four-man quarterback competition heading into training camp between Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders. Cleveland's second-round pick, running back Quinshon Judkins was arrested on July 12. The receiver room consists of Jerry Jeudy, Cedric Tillman and much-maligned Diontae Johnson. The lack of depth at receiver is concerning. Tillman flashed in four healthy games after Amari Cooper was traded but he missed the final six games of the season due to a concussion. Meanwhile, Johnson signed as a free agent after he bounced around between three teams in 2024. Whoever ends up under center could benefit from the services of Jennings in what appears to be an offense in need of playmakers.
USA Today
01-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Breakout Watch: PFF identifies two Cowboys who should surpass expectations in 2025
Pro Football Focus' NFL Show recently moved team by team through the NFL, naming at least one player from each franchise who is poised for a breakout season in 2025. As is often the case (and the goal) of shows like this, the hosts disagreed on who should be selected from the Dallas Cowboys' roster. In this instance, both come from the offensive side of the ball. The first player earned high praise from his days in college to his time in Dallas. The second from his early career work that has been derailed by injury. Dalton Wasserman pointed to second-year player Cooper Beebe as the Cowboys breakout player to watch. If he ascends to levels predicted, the Cowboys offense could elevate to all new levels this coming season. Trevor Sikkema respectfully disagreed, naming a far more controversial player and far less impactful player instead; Javonte Williams. Wasserman called Beebe the best guard in college football his last two seasons at Kansas State. It's a decree in which many scouts agree and if it wasn't for his non-elite athletic testing and underwhelming measurables, he would have been atop far more boards in the draft. Beebe, named OG3 on Dane Brugler's Beast, slipped to the Cowboys in the third round. It would have made perfect sense for the Cowboys to use him at guard, but they theorized that a move inside to center, a position he'd never played, would cancel out any concern surrounding his physical measurables. Wasserman points out Beebe's inexperience inside at center and highlights the learning curve Beebe established in Year 1. After surendering two sacks in his first two games Beebe would only allow one more sack all season at his new position. He was called a possible 'anchor.' Williams, signed in free agency, is an early favorite to take the field as RB1 in Week 1. While that may sound like an endorsement for his skills it's more of an indictment on the Cowboys handling of the position group. There are no clear favorites to win the job, and every day looks more and more like it will be RB-by committee in 2025. Sikkema admits he's been looking for Williams to breakout for a while now, likening the situation to Kyle Pitts in Atlanta. He also points to Williams' declining numbers in yards after contact each year in the league. Williams was a tough sell for the PFF host since it seemed like even he didn't believe and predictions of a breakout season might be rooted in ancient draft projection rather than current NFL performance. Beebe stands to be the more realistic breakout player, as well as the more impactful option. Offensive linemen don't normally rotate plays on offense meaning they stand to impact every snap in both phases of the game. The most snaps Williams has ever taken in his career is 574 snaps, a mark set just last year. With any luck both players will post career seasons for the Cowboys. Beebe's situation between two young first rounders looks as stable as one could hope for and Williams' situation in the RB room points to a committee where no one should be asked to contribute more than they can handle. You can follow Reid on X @ReidDHanson and be sure to follow Cowboys Wire on Facebook to join in on the conversation with fellow fans!
