Latest news with #SilverandBlack
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Former Raiders Starter Signs with AFC Contender
Despite being one of the worst teams in the league last season, the Las Vegas Raiders still had a strong defense. The defensive line in particular was stout, and they battled through a multitude of injuries to be effective against even the best offensive line groups in the league. While young defensive ends dominated on the edge, the Raiders relied on a strong veteran presence on the interior. However, with a new regime in place for Las Vegas, not every player from last year's team was retained. Advertisement Newer and younger talent joined the Silver and Black this offseason, which forced several key members of the defensive line out the door. Former Raiders DT John Jenkins (95).Kirby Lee-Imagn Images One of those players was 12-year NFL veteran John Jenkins, who did not receive a contract from the Raiders during free agency after two years of service with the team. On Friday evening, the Baltimore Ravens announced that they had signed Jenkins to a one-year deal. The Ravens needed to add more depth and versatility to their defensive line to get over the hump and finally take down the Chiefs and Bills, so Jenkins was an obvious addition. At nearly 36 years old, he may not have much left in the tank, but he can be a solid contributor as they make a push for the Super Bowl this season. Advertisement In his two years with the Raiders, Jenkins played and started in all 34 contests. He recorded 107 tackles, including seven for a loss, as well as 2.0 sacks, six passes defended and a defensive touchdown. Las Vegas shockingly chose to move on from him this offseason, but luckily, he is getting another opportunity with a strong team. Related: Insider Gives Latest on Raiders-Jalen Ramsey Trade Speculation Related: Raiders Reportedly Poach Another High Level Executive From Eagles
Yahoo
03-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
What to know about early Top 30 visits: CB clear priority
Benjamin Morrison | Photo by James Black/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images With the Senior Bowl and NFL Combine in the books, the final event(s) to keep tabs on ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft are each team's Top 30 visits. Recently, it was reported that the Las Vegas Raiders will be bringing in Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers along with cornerbacks Will Johnson from Michigan and Benjamin Morrison from Notre Dame. Advertisement So, let's get to know those three a little more. Quinn Ewers The Raiders have been linked to Ewers since the combine, as many felt he had a strong performance in Indianapolis to pick up some traction in the QB3 battle. That makes the former Longhorn an option in the second or third round for the Silver and Black as a potential long-term replacement for Geno Smith. While the front office undoubtedly wants to get Ewers on the whiteboard and test his football IQ, the organization is likely also looking into his injury history. Last season, he suffered a torn oblique and high-ankle sprain that the team's doctors will want to take a deeper look at. Additionally, Ewers missed three games in 2022 and a couple of contests in 2023, meaning he has a rather long injury history that's worth exploring before the draft. Advertisement On the field, the Texas product is a bit of an enigma as Bleacher Report's Dame Parson outlines below. 'Quinn Ewers flashes the potential to be a high-end quarterback but lacks consistency,' Parson wrote. 'When kept clean in the pocket and in a groove, Ewers can deliver the football with timing and accuracy like a point guard on the hardwood. He throws with good pacing for catchable passes. Ewers can live in the short and intermediate areas of the field. His arm angles provide an outlet to throw around defenders pushing the pocket in his lap. 'Again, when 'locked in,' Ewers throws with great anticipation, with the ball meeting the receiver quickly out of their breaks. At his best, he is working on time and on schedule to execute the offense as designed. ' Will Johnson Will Johnson Behind jack-of-all-trades Travis Hunter, Johnson has widely been considered the second-best cornerback in the 2025 class since the summer. His big play ability is a significant reason for that, recording nine career interceptions with three pick-sixes in 37 games at Michigan. However, the former Wolverine has been sliding in mock drafts recently and his injury history is likely the primary reason. Johnson missed the second half of the 2024 season with turf toe and recently sat out of Michigan's pro day with a hamstring injury. That comes after skipping the on-field drills at the combine last month, so the Silver and Black are definitely looking to dive into his medicals. Advertisement If he gets the nod of approval from team doctors, Johnson has the potential to be the No. 1 corner the Raiders' defense needs as his scouting report from B/R's Cory Giddings is promising. 'Johnson projects as one of the top cornerbacks in this year's draft, with the potential to be an impact player early in his NFL career,' Giddings wrote. 'His combination of size, length, physicality and versatility in coverage make him a valuable asset for any defensive scheme. While he will need to refine his change of direction and reduce his tendency to gamble in coverage, Johnson's ability to disrupt plays both in the air and on the ground gives him a high ceiling. With proper coaching and development, Johnson can potentially become a top-tier defensive back in the NFL.' Benjamin Morrison Morrison falls into a similar category as Johnson. The former Golden Domer had impressive ball production in college, racking up nine interceptions (six in 2022) and 18 passes defended (10 in 2023) for the Fighting Irish. But, also like his Michigan counterpart, he missed the majority of the last campaign with an injury. Morrison tore a labrum in his hip which required surgery, forcing him to miss Notre Dame's final 10 games (including the playoff run) in addition to sitting out of the combine and the school's pro day. While the cornerback said he's hosting a private workout (h/t Irish Illustrated's Drew Mentock), the Raiders' doctors definitely want to take a look at that hip and see how his recovery is progressing. Advertisement If the medicals are clean, the Notre Dame product could be a great addition to Las Vegas' secondary. 'Morrison projects as a late first-round to early second-round pick with the potential to be a first-year starter in the NFL,' B/R's Giddings wrote. 'His combination of smooth athleticism, versatility in coverage, and physicality in the run game makes him a well-rounded prospect capable of fitting into multiple defensive schemes. While he needs to improve his transitions and maintain discipline in zone coverage, Morrison's skill set offers a high ceiling. With continued development, particularly in his ability to shed blocks and refine his coverage techniques, Morrison has the potential to become a reliable starting cornerback at the next level.' More from
