Latest news with #ShrineBowl
New York Post
05-05-2025
- Sport
- New York Post
Giants ‘would not leave Shedeur alone' at Shrine Bowl before things imploded: Shawne Merriman
While Shedeur Sanders may have fallen wildly far in the NFL draft, interest in him from quarterback-needy teams at the top of the draft wasn't always a question mark. The East-West Shrine Bowl took place at the end of January — and some of the draft's top picks were still enamored with Sanders at that point in time. 'I talked to [Giants head coach] Brian Daboll and I also talked to the GM there (Joe Schoen), and I can tell you, between the Giants and the Titans, they would not leave Shedeur alone,' former NFL All-Pro Shawne Merriman said on Monday's 'Up & Adams' podcast with Kay Adams. 5 Kay Adams was joined by former NFL linebacker Shawne Merriman for Monday's episode of her podcast, 'The Up & Adams Show.' Up & Adams Show with Kay Adams Merriman is the founder and CEO of Lights Out Sports TV, which had the media rights to the Shrine Bowl's practices. Merriman said that the interest in the polarizing quarterback prospect was so heavy that he was 'almost tripping over their digital people with cameras because they were in our way. They were trying to get as close as they were to Shedeur, so I knew they were very high on Shedeur.' 5 Shawne Merriman is pictured while speaking on Sirius XM at Super Bowl LIX. Getty Images for SiriusXM 5 Shawne Merriman played eight seasons in the NFL, including six with the Chargers. Getty Images While he was blown away by the interest the Giants and Titans were showing in Sanders, clearly something went awry between then and the draft. 'I don't know what happened from the East-West Shrine Bowl and to the draft,' Merriman said. 'But whatever happened, caused everybody to slip or look past or not want to draft Shedeur. Because I can tell you right now that everybody was there to see him even though he wasn't practicing … the Giants — speaking of Brian Daboll and the GM there — and the Titans were very high on him and that was supposed to be their pick, so I'm not sure what happened at that point.' The Shrine Bowl is an annual game bringing together college football stars to compete in front of NFL scouts and, although he was invited and attended to meet with teams, Sanders elected not to actually play. 5 Giants coach Brian Daboll Thomas Salus-Imagn Images 5 Shedeur Sanders fell all the way to the fifth round of the NFL Draft. Cris Tiller / USA TODAY NETWORK Merriman believes that this, paired with his lack of participation at the combine and his reported poor meetings, could have been the difference in him being drafted first or third overall, compared to 144th — where he wound up being selected. In a Giants meeting specifically, Sanders reportedly failed to identify errors in a mock playbook the team used in the pre-draft interview process. That led to the quarterback being 'pissed,' and Big Blue not appreciating his mistake nor his reaction afterward. 'I don't know exactly because I'm not in those meetings, but I can tell you that they wanted to draft Shedeur at that time — the Titans or the Giants,' Merriman said. 'He was going there 100 percent just based on what I've seen and just the conversations that were happening [at the Shrine Bowl], so I know that he was supposed to go to one of those two teams in the first round.'
USA Today
05-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Breaking down Ravens' 2025 NFL draft class: Best pick, head-scratching pick, best value
Breaking down Ravens' 2025 NFL draft class: Best pick, head-scratching pick, best value We're taking a closer look at the Baltimore Ravens' 2025 NFL draft class with the best pick, sleeper, head-scratching pick, and more. The Baltimore Ravens added 11 draft picks to their roster in this year's NFL draft, landing Malaki Starks near the end of Round 1 to cap things off. Overall, the consensus for Eric DeCosta centered on draft value and landing prospects who can develop into starters regardless of the round in which they were selected. Of course, we won't know the actual impact of this year's class until these players hit the field and have time to develop, but on paper, it does look like DeCosta maintained and created another Super Bowl window. With the rookie minicamp having concluded, we're looking at this 2025 class, where we highlight the best pick, sleeper, head-scratching pick, and more. Best pick - Malaki Starks Starks played three seasons for the Bulldogs, recording 197 total tackles, 17 pass deflections, and six interceptions in his collegiate career. In the 2024 season, he had 77 total tackles, four for loss, and one interception. He was an All-American in 2023. Best value - Mike Green A projected top 20 pick slid down the board to Round 2, pick 59. Rookie outside linebacker Mike Green called it a 'blessing in disguise' that he ended up with the Baltimore Ravens, an organization with a rich defensive tradition. Green, who led the FBS last year with 17 sacks to go along with 23 tackles for loss while starring for Marshall, was widely considered one of the top pass rushers in the draft. Sleeper pick - LaJohntay Wester While he could struggle to earn snaps on offense, the Ravens addressed their most under-the-radar need in return specialist LaJohntay Wester. The Ravens struggled in punt return last season, ranking 16th with a 9.7-yard average and using four different players. Wester is a speedy returner who averaged 12.2 yards on punts last season at Colorado, including a 76-yard touchdown. At the Shrine Bowl, his acceleration was clocked at 6.2 yards per second squared, making him the second-fastest on offense since the Shrine Bowl partnered with Zebra Sports. Wester has a connection with Baltimore, playing under Ravens running back coach Willie Taggart at Florida Atlantic. Head-scratching pick -Carson Vinson Baltimore selected offensive tackle Carson Vinson out of Alabama A&M in the fifth round, after they had already selected another developmental offensive lineman in Emery Jones Jr. Offensive line depth has been a concern, and the Ravens went with Vinson, who played at the FCS level and competed against lesser competition. His Senior Bowl tape is solid, but Baltiomre could have potentially added another defender. position group to watch - Kicker Head coach John Harbaugh said the call at kicker will be 'football decision', but The Ravens' brass has been adamant in recent months in saying they'd follow the lead of the NFL's investigation before deciding on the future of kicker Justin Tucker, who 16 Baltimore-area massage therapists have accused of inappropriate sexual conduct as part of an investigation by The Baltimore Banner. Baltimore used a sixth-round pick on Arizona's Tyler Loop, the first kicker drafted in the organization's 30-year history.
USA Today
02-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Commanders land multiple selections in ESPN's top 100 picks of the draft
Commanders land multiple selections in ESPN's top 100 picks of the draft I'm a big fan of Ole Miss CB Trey Amos, day 1 starter in a press scheme. Leads CFB with 9 passes defended, great zone IQ, competitive run defender — James Foster (@NoFlagsFilm) November 12, 2024 The 2025 NFL draft is over, and the reactions and opinions of every pick are in! ESPN draft analyst Matt Miller released his top-100 picks of the NFL draft, and Washington made the list with multiple selections. Even with only 5 picks in the draft, Adam Peters and the Commanders made the most of each selection, and hit on value and talent. Here's a look at where Washington landed on Matt Miller's top-100 picks. #12 Trey Amos, CB, Ole Miss (Round: 2 Pick: 61) Draft experts from every outlet were shocked to see that Trey Amos fell to pick 61 after being mocked in the late first round. Washington hit the lottery in the 2nd round, and might have their franchise outside corner for years to come now. Matt Miller ranked the Trey Amos steal as the 12th best pick in the draft, after ranking Amos as the 31st best prospect in the draft. I had Amos as a Round 1 possibility to the Commanders in my final mock draft because of their need for a physical press cornerback. Instead, they were able to get him at the end of Round 2. Amos' ability to win at the line of scrimmage and be physical will allow him to shine opposite Marshon Lattimore. Trey Amos is a perfect fit for Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr's defense with his elite press-man skills, and excellent reaction burst in zone coverage with his 4.43 40-yard dash speed. The newest Commander in the secondary uses his long arms to break passes up at the catch point, and will fit in perfectly with Mike Sainristil and Marshon Lattimore. #100 Jacory Croskey-Merritt, RB, Arizona (Round:7 Pick: 245) Washington needed to revamp the running game this season, and they may have found a gem in Jacory Croskey-Merritt in the 7th round. The Commanders were linked to Croskey-Merritt throughout the draft process, and hosted him on a top-30 visit as well. Jacory missed out on almost all of his final season due to the NCAA ruling him ineligible, but he stuck with the team, attended meetings, and supported his teammates even after learning that he wouldn't play the rest of the season. He also made the most of a late invite to the Shrine Bowl where he ended up winning MVP of the All-Star game. Matt Miller had Jacory Croskey-Merritt as his 227th overall prospect, making him a great value pick at 245, and the 100th best pick of the draft. There's room for Croskey-Merritt to get onto the field early as a special teams return man and third-down back. The scheme fit and need in Washington for a pass-catching threat make this a fun pick. He plays with excellent vision, a quickness to make sudden cuts, and makes defenders miss in the open field. Washington needs fresh legs and a boost in the run game, and Croskey-Merritt is ready to bring it in the backfield next season.
USA Today
29-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Everything Chiefs fans need to know about K.C.'s Round 4 pick Utah State WR Jalen Royals
Everything Chiefs fans need to know about K.C.'s Round 4 pick Utah State WR Jalen Royals The Kansas City Chiefs needed to add a pass-catcher during the 2025 NFL draft, and elected to wait until Round 4 to select Utah State Aggies wide receiver Jalen Royals, who may prove to be one of the most underrated prospects in his class. Though a foot injury may have affected his draft stock, Royals was ultra-productive as a collegian and should be expected to push for playing time in a rotational role next season. Take a look at everything the Chiefs had to say about Royals in their official draft packet: Jalen Royals college bio "Spent three seasons at Utah State (2022-24)… Appeared in 32 games (21 starts) and recorded 126 catches for 1,914 receiving yards and 21 touchdowns… His 21 receiving touchdowns rank third all-time in school history… Recorded 55 receptions for 834 yards and six touchdowns in 2024… Spent one season at Georgia Military College (2021)… Recorded seven catches for 92 yards and two touchdowns… Was named the Senior Bowl and Shrine Bowl Offensive Player of the Week … Second-team All-Mountain West (2024)… College Football Network third-team All-American (2023)… First-team All-Mountain West (2023)… Academic All-Mountain West (2022)." Jalen Royals personal notes Had 26 catches for 455 receiving yards and four touchdowns during his senior season at Hillgrove High School (Ga.). Was an all-state high jumper and placed sixth at the 7A state track and field championships. Also played basketball. Jalen Royals draft notes Kansas City has selected fourteen wide receivers in the fourth round with the addition of to his selection, the franchise drafted WR Jehu Chesson (2017, Michigan), WR DemarcusRobinson (2016, Florida), RB/WR De'Anthony Thomas (2014, Oregon), WR Devon Wylie (2012,Fresno State), WR Will Franklin (2008, Missouri), WR Craphonso Thorpe (2005, Florida State),WR Samie Parker (2004, Oregon), WR Larry Parker (1999, USC), WR Fred Jones (1990,Grambling), WR J.R. Ambrose (1988, Mississippi), WR Chas Fox (1986, Furman), WR RonWashington (1981, Arizona State) and WR Andy Hamilton (1972, Louisiana State) in the fourthround. Royals becomes the first wide receiver to be selected by the Chiefs in the fourth round since WRJehu Chesson was taken 139th overall in the 2017 NFL Draft. The selection of Royals marks the second year in a row where the Chiefs have drafted anoffensive player in the fourth round following the selection of TE Jared Wiley out of TCU withthe 131st pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Royals was the 19th wide receiver taken overall and the fifth wide receiver taken in the fourthround of the 2025 NFL Draft. Royals is the first Utah State Aggie to be selected during the 2025 NFL Draft and the only formerAggie on the current Chiefs roster. What did Royals have to say after the Chiefs picked him? Q: What has your experience been like during this draft, and the excitement about being drafted by theChiefs? ROYALS: 'It's been crazy. Hearing all the names being called (and) passing me, then to hear my name inthe fourth round. It was an amazing call and just a blessing itself.' Q: You've had an interesting journey to the NFL – what has been your driving force? ROYALS: 'Just my why. Making it to the NFL has been a lifelong dream. Playing from JUCO and grindingthere, then getting an offer to Utah State and grinding there. Now, I'm a Chief. Grinding has been my whyright there.' Q: How excited are you to be a part of this Andy Reid offense and everything they've been able to dohere?
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
5 takeaways from the Baltimore Ravens' 2025 NFL draft class
The 2025 NFL draft is over, and the Baltimore Ravens made all 11 picks, beginning with the No. 27 selection on Day 1 of the three-day event. Eric DeCosta added two elite defenders with their first two picks, solid depth at the offensive line, and the team's first kicker in the 30-year history of the Ravens franchise. With the rookie minicamp fast approaching, we're looking at five takeaways from Baltimore's 11-player class. Ravens added offensive line depth Baltimore added three offensive linemen during the three-day event, adding two offensive tackles and a guard. The Ravens wanted to get younger in the trenches, and that goal was accomplished. Ravens added elite talent Baltimore selected Malaki Starks in the first round and Marshall All-American pass rusher Mike Green in the second round. Starks will allow Kyle Hamilton to be even more versatile, while Green is a professional pass rusher who'll terrorize quarterbacks. Ravens drafted a kicker The Ravens drafted a kicker for the first time in their 30-year history, which creates more uncertainty about Justin Tucker's future in Baltimore. The NFL is investigating Tucker for sexual misconduct, and team officials said they would wait to decide until the league finalized its investigation. Ravens retooled defense After struggling early on and improving down the stretch, Baltimore emphasized the defensive side of the football with six of their 11 picks on Zach Orr's unit. It's the first time the Ravens have used their first two selections on defenders since 2017 (Marlon Humphrey and Tyus Bowser). Special teams dynamo Tylan Wallace has been solid, but after Deonte Harty didn't work out, Baltimore used a pick on Colorado speedster, LaJohntay Wester. Last season, the Ravens ranked 16th in the NFL with a 9.7-yard average on punt returns and used four different players. Wester is a burner who averaged 12.2 yards on punts last season, including a 76-yard touchdown. His acceleration was 6.2 yards per second squared at the Shrine Bowl, making him the second-fastest on offense since the Shrine Bowl partnered with Zebra Sports. This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: 5 takeaways from the Baltimore Ravens' 2025 NFL draft class
