Latest news with #TarheebStill
Associated Press
2 days ago
- Sport
- Associated Press
Khalil Mack 'couldn't give up on that dream' of winning with the Chargers
EL SEGUNDO, Calif. (AP) — Khalil Mack mulled retirement early in the offseason. It didn't take long for him to decide to return to the Los Angeles Chargers. He agreed on a contract extension in March, never becoming an unrestricted free agent. 'Got tremendous leadership here, very familiar with guys already here,' he said Wednesday at minicamp. 'It was a no-brainer.' Mack, who turned 34 in February, is in his 12th season in the league and fourth with the Chargers. Despite nine Pro Bowl selections and a Defensive Player of the Year honor, he has never won a playoff game in five appearances. 'You're chasing that feeling of wanting to win,' Mack said. 'I couldn't give up on that dream and that goal for myself and the franchise.' Defensive coordinator Jesse Minter said having Mack return 'means everything.' 'Khalil is one of the best ever to do it,' he said. Mack was at the Chargers facility to train in February and March, setting a tone for his teammates. 'The impact that he had on other people to train at his level is pretty incredible,' Minter said. 'For young guys to have him around, it just makes everybody better.' Around the same time Mack re-signed, the Chargers released defensive end Joey Bosa. He later signed with the Buffalo Bills. 'I texted him the other day saying it was weird not having him in the room breaking the silence with his little awkward jokes,' Mack said. Second-year cornerback Tarheeb Still influenced Mack's decision to stay. 'Just the mindset he has. His is the same approach and mindset when I train,' Mack said. 'I want to be a machine, move people easy.' Will this be Mack's final season? 'I'm trying not to speak too fast or too far in the future,' he said. 'My wife says, 'You keep saying you're going to retire. Why you keep doing that?'' ___ AP NFL:
Express Tribune
15-04-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
NFL Draft 2025: Sleeper picks to look out for on Draft Day 24 April
Finding true sleepers in the 2025 NFL Draft has become more difficult in the modern scouting era, but every year produces overlooked talents who rise quickly. Despite expanded media coverage and shifting college eligibility dynamics, players like Bucky Irving and Tarheeb Still have proven that value can be found well beyond Round 1. With the draft fast approaching on April 24, several prospects stand out as potential late-round gems poised to make early impacts at the professional level. RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Arizona Limited to just one game last season and snubbed from the combine, Croskey-Merritt has flown under the radar. But after dominating the East-West Shrine Bowl and posting standout pro day numbers—including a 4.45-second 40-yard dash and 41.5-inch vertical—the 5-10, 206-pound back showed off elite athleticism. His decisive cuts and tackle-breaking ability stand out, though ball security and pass protection remain areas of concern. RB Jaydon Blue, Texas Blue's elite speed makes him dangerous in space. At 5-9 and 196 pounds, he's a threat on the perimeter and as a receiver, although his effectiveness drops in crowded lanes. WR Dont'e Thornton Jr., Tennessee Thornton brings downfield firepower, averaging 25.4 yards per catch in 2024. His 6-5 frame and speed give him vertical value, though he lacks refined route-running skills. WR Isaac TeSlaa, Arkansas Formerly at Hillsdale College, the 6-4, 214-pound TeSlaa offers size and reliable hands. He faces challenges creating separation but has upside as a big slot or red-zone target. OT Logan Brown, Kansas A former five-star recruit who revived his career after injury and dismissal, Brown has the size and mobility for tackle duties but needs refinement in technique and leverage. DT Jamaree Caldwell, Oregon A 6-2, 332-pound interior lineman, Caldwell draws double teams and displays surprising agility. He fits best in schemes needing interior disruption, though his play can lack control. DE Bradyn Swinson, LSU Swinson could sneak into Day 2, offering speed and flexibility off the edge. At 6-4 and 255 pounds, he needs to improve block shedding and add strength to reach full potential. DE/OLB David Walker, Central Arkansas Walker dominated at the FCS level with 31 sacks and 63 tackles for loss. Though undersized at 6-1, 263 pounds, his leverage and strength suggest disruptive potential in the NFL. LB Smael Mondon Jr., Georgia Despite a strong Georgia pedigree, Mondon didn't receive top billing. A versatile 6-2, 224-pound linebacker, he can cover and play the run but must improve consistency and awareness. LB Collin Oliver, Oklahoma State Oliver impressed as a freshman in 2021 but missed most of 2024. A 6-2, 240-pound pass rush specialist, his tweener build may limit his role but not his impact. LB Nick Martin, Oklahoma State Though small at 6-0, Martin excels in pursuit and coverage. His ability to close space quickly makes him a viable sub-package linebacker. CB Tommi Hill, Nebraska Hill brings size (6-1, 213 pounds) and speed but lacks fluidity. His value lies in matchups with bigger receivers if he can improve technique and stay healthy. CB Upton Stout, Western Kentucky At 5-9, Stout brings physicality and instincts to the slot corner role. His size limits his outside potential, but he could become a reliable nickel defender. S Billy Bowman Jr., Oklahoma Bowman recorded 11 interceptions in three seasons and excels in coverage. At 5-10, 192 pounds, his size is a concern, but his range and awareness could keep him on the field. From dynamic runners to hard-hitting defenders, these prospects could become surprise contributors in the NFL—despite being projected outside the early rounds.
