Latest news with #TropicalBowl
USA Today
11-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Get to know Saints rookie minicamp tryout JaVaughn Byrd
Get to know Saints rookie minicamp tryout JaVaughn Byrd The Northern Illinois standout makes his case to make this year's roster. Meet JaVaughn Byrd. A standout defensive back from Northern Illinois who has his sights set on making a name for himself in the NFL. The 6-foot-1, 194-pound DB brings prototypical size to the position and fits the mold of what the New Orleans Saints have looked to add to their secondary. Like any minicamp invitee, Byrd faces an uphill battle to crack the final 53-man roster. However, his impressive resume, proven production and athletic profile could give him a real shot at sticking around. Without further ado, here are five questions to get to know JaVaughn Byrd and his case to earn a spot on the Saints' 2025 roster: Q: What makes JaVaughn Byrd an intriguing NFL prospect despite going undrafted? A: Byrd checks off a lot of boxes for NFL teams. He was a 4-year starter and two-time second team All-MAC selection at Northern Illinois. His physical traits immediately jump off the screen and in testing standing at 6-foot-1, 194-pounds, with 33-inch arms (top 7% among DB prospects), while jumping a 34-inch vertical, and a 10-foot-5 broad jump. He's also known as a film junkie and student of the game. Teams specifically value his discipline on the field and his consistency, shutting down opposing top receivers from Power 4 schools. Q2: How has Byrd's special teams ability impacted his league interest? A: Byrd has made a clear impact on special teams, blocking multiple field goals and even returning one for a 90+ yard touchdown. That type of versatility is exactly what NFL coaches are looking for as they attempt to build depth on their roster. It's a big reason why Byrd has heard from a multitude of teams during the pre and post-draft process. Q: What are Byrd's connections with the Saints? A: Saints defensive coordinator Brandon Staley started his coaching career at Northern Illinois, so he knows firsthand the type of defenders the Huskies program produces. That familiarity, along with Byrd's strong game tape and work ethic, could have played a role in the team extending a minicamp invite to him. Q: How did Byrd's play at NIU showcase his skill set? A: Byrd's resume speaks for itself. He intercepted multiple passes in his career, while locking down the opposing teams top receivers week after week. His combination of footwork, arm length, and the ability to play the ball in the air helped NIU finish 4th in total defense nationwide in 2024, and he was a key contributor to their upset win over Notre Dame. Q: What type of pre-draft and post-draft interest did Byrd receive? A: Byrd had a strong pre-draft process, including participating in the Tropical Bowl, a workout with the Bears, and pre-draft talks with the Dolphins, Chiefs, and others. Post-draft, he earned minicamp invites from the Bears, Saints, Commanders, and Steelers. As minicamp continues, Byrd will be given every opportunity to make his presence known along the Saints defense. With a strong impression early on, he could be setting himself up to make some hay come September.
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
San Francisco 49ers Invite Former Wisconsin Badger to Rookie Minicamp
Undrafted free agent signings and tryout opportunities are rolling in following the 2025 NFL Draft. A pair of former Wisconsin football players were selected at the draft hosted by the Green Bay Packers. The draft itself was among the most disappointing in recent history for the Wisconsin Badgers. Wisconsin only saw two of its former players selected. Neither of the former Badgers were picked before the final round. Advertisement However, a handful of players who finished their time in college football are hoping to take the path less traveled onto an NFL roster. Like another Badger that went undrafted a year ago, perhaps one may end up with the San Francisco 49ers. Wisconsin Football Defensive Lineman Earns Tryout with San Francisco 49ers Elijah Hills accepted a rookie minicamp invite from the 49ers, according to a social media post by the Badgers. The tryout opportunity comes after the defensive lineman participated in the Tropical Bowl - a postseason all-star game for college football seniors and NFL Draft hopefuls. "God is good!" said Hills, following the invitation. Advertisement The Rockaway, New Jersey native spent his final season of NCAA eligibility in Madison after spending three years with the FCS Albany Great Danes. In his lone season with Wisconsin football, Hills recorded 26 total tackles, led the Badgers with 5.5 tackles for loss, and tied with linebacker Christian Alliegro's team-high 3.0 sacks. Hills appeared in all 37 games the Great Danes played during his time with Albany. In his final season at the FCS level, he helped Albany reach the national semifinals by recording nine tackles for loss, three fumble recoveries, and three blocked kicks - all career-highs. The former Delbarton School product hopes to turn his lone season with the Badgers into a roster spot in San Francisco, like another transfer before him. 49ers general manager John Lynch signed quarterback Tanner Mordecai as an undrafted free agent following the 2024 NFL Draft. Mordecai has spent the past year on the practice squad with San Francisco and has appeared in two preseason games, completing six of ten passes for 103 yards. Related: Wisconsin Football Having Its Worst NFL Draft Run in 35 Years Stay in the loop with all things Wisconsin Badgers by visiting for more updates. Ready to join the community? Follow Athlon Sports on YouTube, Facebook, and X to join in on the conversation. You can follow author Kedrick Stumbris at @KedrickStumbris on X
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Here are 153 prospects connected to Patriots in 2025 NFL Draft
The pre-draft process is very important. This is the time of year when teams meet, scout, interview and ultimately decide if a prospect is worth investing in. Under Mike Vrabel, the Patriots were busy this offseason. Advertisement The team met with prospects at All-Star events such as the East-West Shrine game and Senior Bowl. Vrabel was seen at Pro Days at Boston College, Ohio State, and Texas. The Patriots met with 30 players at the NFL Combine. They also welcomed 30 prospects to Gillette Stadium for pre-draft visits. All that information leads to the team putting together their final draft board for the start of Thursday's 2025 NFL Draft. Last year, Drake Maye was one of the most well-connected prospects to the Patriots. The team also had plenty of contact with Ja'Lynn Polk, Caedan Wallace, Joe Milton III, and Jaheim Bell before selecting those players. In 2023, the Patriots were well-connected to future draft picks Christian Gonzalez, Demario 'Pop' Douglas, Marte Mapu, Atonio Mafi, Chad Ryland, Bryce Baringer, and Isaiah Bolden. Advertisement This year, we can connect 153 prospects to the Patriots. Here's a look at the players sorted by position and draft projection: Quarterbacks Quinn Ewers, Texas (Mike Vrabel at Pro Day) – Round 3 Jordan McCloud, Texas State (Meeting) - UDFA Seth Morgan, New Hampshire (Local Pro Day) - UDFA Jake Wilcox, Brown (Local Pro Day) - UDFA Wide receivers Travis Hunter, Colorado (Combine) – Round 1 Tetairoa McMillan, Arizona (Combine, Visit) – Round 1 Matthew Golden, Texas (Combine, Mike Vrabel at Pro Day) – Round 1-2 Jayden Higgins, lowa State (Senior Bowl) – Round 2 Jaylin Noel, lowa State (Senior Bowl, Visit) – Round 2 Advertisement Jalen Royals, Utah State (Senior Bowl) – Round 2-3 Tre Harris, Ole Miss (Combine) – Round 2-3 Kyle Williams, Washington State (Senior Bowl, Visit) – Round 3 Tez Johnson, Oregon (Eliot Wolf at Pro Day) – Round 4 Keandre Lambert-Smith, Auburn (Visit) – Round 4-5 Tai Felton, Maryland (Senior Bowl) – Round 4-5 Arian Smith, Georgia (Senior Bowl, Virtual meeting) – Round 5 Pat Bryant, Illinois (Senior Bowl, Combine) – Round 5 Ricky White, UNLV (Combine) – Round 5-6 Xavier Restrepo, Miami (Combine) – Round 5-6 Brett Buckmann, Connecticut (Local Pro Day) - UDFA Nehemiah Martinez, Abilene Christian (Pro Day) - UDFA Advertisement Jamall Pritchett, South Alabama (Meeting)- UDFA Justin Shorter, Holy Cross (Pro Day) - UDFA Carl Smith Jr., Robert Morris (Tropical Bowl) - UDFA Landon Parker, Troy (Tropical Bowl) - UDFA Jeremiah Hunter, Washington (Tropical Bowl) - UDFA Jacolby George, Miami (Virtual meeting) - UDFA Jeremiah Webb, South Alabama (Private workout) - UDFA Running backs Omarion Hampton, North Carolina (Combine) – Round 1 Dylan Sampson, Tennessee (Visit) – Round 2-3 RJ Harvey, UCF (Senior Bowl, Combine) – Round 3 Trevor Etienne, Georgia (Visit) - Round 3 Jordan James, Oregon (Eliot Wolf at Pro Day) – Round 3 Kyle Monangai, Rutgers (Combine) – Round 4-5 Advertisement Jaydon Blue, Texas (Mike Vrabel at Pro Day, Visit) – Round 5 Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Arizona (Shrine Bowl, Visit) – Round 5-6 Kalel Mullings, Michigan (Local Pro Day) – Round 5-6 Marcus Yarns, Delaware (Senior Bowl) – Round 7 Josh Williams, LSU (Shrine Bowl) - UDFA Jalen White, Georgia Southern (Tropical Bowl) - UDFA Treshaun Ward, Boston College (Tropical Bowl) - UDFA ShunDerrick Powell, Central Arkansas (Hula Bowl, Pro Day) - UDFA Braedon Sloan, Ball State, (Pro Day meeting) - UDFA Tight ends Mason Taylor, LSU (Senior Bowl, Combine) – Round 1-2 Terrence Ferguson, Oregon (Eliot Wolf at Pro Day) – Round 2-3 Advertisement Gunnar Helm, Texas (Combine, Mike Vrabel at Pro Day) – Round 3-4 Jackson Hawes, Georgia Tech (Senior Bowl) – Round 5-6 Gavin Bartholomew, Pitt (Combine) – Round 6 Rivaldo Fairweather, Auburn (Shrine Bowl) - UDFA Bryson Nesbit, North Carolina (Combine) - UDFA Robbie Ouzts, Alabama (Combine) - UDFA Thomas Gordon, Northwestern (Meeting) - UDFA Tackles Will Campbell, LSU (Visit) – Round 1 Armand Membou, Missouri (Matt Groh at Pro Day) – Round 1 Josh Conerly Jr, Oregon (Senior Bowl, Combine, Wolf at Pro Day) – Round 1-2 Josh Simmons, Ohio State (Combine, Vrabel at Pro Day) – Round 1-2 Aireontae Ersery, Minnesota (Senior Bowl, Visit) – Round 2 Advertisement Ozzy Trapilo, Boston College (Senior Bowl, Vrabel/Marrone at Pro Day, Local Pro Day) – Round 3 Charles Grant, William & Mary (Combine) – Round 3 Anthony Belton, NC State (Senior Bowl) – Round 3-4 Cameron Williams, Texas (Mike Vrabel at Pro Day) – Round 4 Carson Vinson, Alabama A&M (Senior Bowl) – Round 5 Xavier Truss, Georgia (Local Pro Day) – Round 6-7 Mason Miller, North Dakota (Hula Bowl) - UDFA DeVonte Gordon, Wake Forest (Tropical Bowl) - UDFA Zovon Lindsay, Coastal Carolina (Tropical Bowl) - UDFA Cole Birdow, Merrimack (Local Pro Day) - UDFA Guards/Centers Kelvin Banks, Texas (Mike Vrabel at Pro Day) – Round 1-2 Advertisement Miles Frazier, LSU (Senior Bowl) – Round 3 Marcus Mbow, Purdue (Senior Bowl) – Round 3 Wyatt Milum, West Virginia (Senior Bowl) – Round 3-4 Drew Kendall, Boston College (Vrabel/Marrone at Pro Day, Local Pro Day) – Round 4 Hayden Conner, Texas (Mike Vrabel at Pro Day) – Round 6 Jake Majors, Texas (Mike Vrabel at Pro Day, Meeting) – Round 6-7 Easton Kilty, Kansas State (Meeting) - UDFA Dylan Poirier, New Hampshire (Hula Bowl) - UDFA Jack Conley, Boston College (Local Pro Day) - UDFA Bert Hale, Louisiana Tech (Pro Day) - UDFA Janeiro Wakeham, IPP (Pro Day) - UDFA Edge rusher Abdul Carter, Penn State (Combine, Visit) – Round 1 Advertisement Mike Green, Marshall (Senior Bowl) – Round 1 Shemar Stewart, Texas A&M (Visit) – Round 1 Mykel Williams, Georgia (Visit, Pro Day) – Round 1-2 Nic Scourton, Texas A&M (Combine, Visit) – Round 2 Landon Jackson, Arkansas (Senior Bowl) - Round 2 Jordan Burch, Oregon (Eliot Wolf at Pro Day) – Round 2 Oluwafemi Oladejo, UCLA (Eliot Wolf at Pro Day, Visit) – Round 2-3 Princely Umanmielen, Ole Miss (Senior Bowl) – Round 2-3 Josiah Stewart, Michigan (Senior Bowl) – Round 3 Barryn Sorrell, Texas (Mike Vrabel at Pro Day) – Round 3-4 Kyle Kennard, South Carolina (Senior Bowl, Meeting) – Round 4 Jah Joyner, Minnesota (Senior Bowl, Combine) – Round 5 Advertisement B.J. Green, Colorado (Hula Bowl) - UDFA Seth Coleman, Illinois (Hula Bowl) - UDFA RJ Oben, Notre Dame (Senior Bowl) - UDFA Josiah Silver, New Hampshire (Pro Day) - UDFA Defensive tackle Mason Graham, Michigan (Combine, Visit) – Round 1 Kenneth Grant, Michigan (Combine) – Round 1-2 Derrick Harmon, Oregon (Eliot Wolf at Pro Day) – Round 1-2 Darius Alexander, Toledo (Visit) – Round 2-3 Alfred Collins, Texas (Mike Vrabel at Pro Day) – Round 2-3 T.J. Sanders, South Carolina (Senior Bowl) | Source – Round 2-3 Joshua Farmer, Florida State (Visit) – Round 3 Cam Jackson, Florida (Senior Bowl) - Round 3-4 Deone Walker, Kentucky (Pro Day meeting) – Round 4 Advertisement Vernon Broughton, Texas (Mike Vrabel at Pro Day) – Round 4 Cam Horsely, Boston College (Vrabel at Pro Day) – Round 5 Nazir Stackhouse, Georgia (Meeting) – Round 5-6 Hector Johnson, Endicott (Local Pro Day) - UDFA DeAndre Jules, South Carolina (Pro Day) - UDFA Carson Primrose, Rhode Island (Local Pro Day) - UDFA Linebackers Jalon Walker, Georgia (Pro Day) - Round 1 Jihaad Campbell, Alabama (Combine) – Round 1 Danny Stutsman, Oklahoma (Combine) – Round 3 Jeffrey Bassa, Oregon (Meeting) – Round 3-4 Kain Medrano, UCLA (Eliot Wolf at Pro Day) – Round 4 Barrett Carter, Clemson (Senior Bowl, Combine) – Round 4 Nick Martin, Oklahoma State (Senior Bowl, Visit) – Round 5 Advertisement Eugene Asante, Auburn (Senior Bowl) – Round 5-6 Cody Lindenburg, Minnesota (Senior Bowl) – Round 5-6 Karene Reid, Utah (Senior Bowl) - UDFA Jesiah Pierre, UCF (Tropical Bowl) - UDFA Xander Mueller, Northwestern (Meeting) - UDFA Luka Sarac, UC Davis (Pro Day) - UDFA Ruben Hyppolite II, Maryland (Private workout) - UDFA Matt Jones, Baylor (Hula Bowl) - UDFA Cornerbacks Travis Hunter, Colorado (Combine, Pro Day) – Round 1 Jacob Parrish, Kansas State (Visit) – Round 2-3 Quincy Riley, Louisville (Senior Bowl) – Round 3-4 Bilhal Kone, Western Michigan (Senior Bowl, Combine, Pro Day) – Round 4-5 Korie Black, Oklahoma State (Meeting) – Round 5 Advertisement Tommi Hill, Nebraska (Senior Bowl) – Round 5-6 Mac McWilliams, UCF (Senior Bowl, Combine) – Round 5 Tyron Herring, Delaware (East West Shrine Bowl) - UDFA Ca'lin Vigers, Louisiana-Monroe (Hula Bowl) - UDFA Caleb Mead, New Hampshire (Pro Day) - UDFA Terrence Spence, James Madison (Private workout) - UDFA Safeties Jonas Sanker, Virginia (Senior Bowl, Combine) – Round 3 Andrew Mukuba, Texas (Mike Vrabel at Pro Day) – Round 3-4 Maxen Hook, Toledo (Senior Bowl) – Round 4-5 Jayden Johnson, Arkansas (Tropical Bowl) - UDFA Wande Owens, New Hampshire (Local Pro Day) - UDFA Andrews Keaton, Temple (Pro Day) - UDFA Zachariah Twardosky, Endicott (Local Pro Day) - UDFA Advertisement Myles Griffin, Louisville (Tropical Bowl) - UDFA Keondre Jackson, Illinois State (Senior Bowl) - UDFA Braden Price, Rhode Island (Local Pro Day) - UDFA Andreas Keaton, Temple (Pro Day Meeting) - UDFA Kickers Andy Borregales, Miami (Shrine Bowl, Jeremy Springer at Pro Day) - Round 6 Ryan Fitzgerald, Florida State (Private workout) – Round 6-7 Ben Sauls, Pitt (Combine) – Round 7 Tristian Vandenberg, Memphis (Private workout) - UDFA Jordan Noyes, Colorado State (Jeremy Springer at Pro Day) - UDFA More Patriots Content
USA Today
20-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Saints hosted extremely productive Northwestern linebacker for visit at the Tropical Bowl
Saints hosted extremely productive Northwestern linebacker for visit at the Tropical Bowl The New Orleans Saints have met with many prospects this spring to cover their bases and make sure their big board is ready for the 2025 NFL draft. That has included players from various positions, however, linebackers had been somewhat neglected as they had only a few meetings with prospects at that position. This changed when reports recently came out that the Saints were one of the teams that met with Northwestern linebacker Xander Mueller. In a discussion with Justin Melo of The Draft Network, Mueller reflected on his meetings and which teams he has had the opportunity to speak with so far: "I met with a few teams at the Tropical Bowl in January. I had a few sit-down interviews. I met with the Patriots, Texans, Titans, Chargers, Bears, Raiders, Commanders, Dolphins, and Saints." Mueller missed three games in 2024 with a lower-body injury, but he would still produce at a solid level, picking up 57 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 1 interception, 4 pass deflections, and a forced fumble with a recovery. However, his 2023 season is a better indicator, as in 13 games he had 110 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 5 sacks, 3 interceptions, 2 pass deflections, and a forced fumble. His athleticism is hit or miss in many categories, with a 7.07 Relative Athletic Score from Kent Lee Platte. Mueller performed exceptionally well in the agility drills, with a 4.20-second shuttle, and a 6.99-second three-cone drill. The negatives from his scores would be the 10-yard split at 1.69 seconds, his weight at 230 pounds, and his bench press reps with 12. Ultimately he has some of the tools that teams look for in a linebacker prospect, and he has shown high-level production previously. Now it just comes down to whether or not the Saints would utilize a Day 3 pick on him, or keep him as a priority undrafted free agent and see how things fall with other teams.
USA Today
19-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Under-the-radar QB prospect could be answer to lingering problem for 49ers
Under-the-radar QB prospect could be answer to lingering problem for 49ers The San Francisco 49ers still have to get quarterback Brock Purdy's extension done, but that's not the only box they need to check at the most important position on their roster. We've covered how San Francisco still needs to find a long-term backup option for their franchise QB. Their best option may be an under-the-radar prospect who didn't play his college football in the US. Taylor Elgersma, a senior from Wilfrid Laurier in Ontario, checks all the physical boxes teams look for with quarterback prospects. He's listed at 6-4, 227 pounds and has the arm talent that matches his frame. On tape the skill set is clear. Elgersma can play. He has a big arm and he's accurate at all three levels of the field. He's deliberate with his dropbacks and his athleticism isn't going to strike fear into any defensive coordinators. He also didn't take any snaps from under center. That's going to require some work if he's going to carve out a role in the NFL. However, he can move in the pocket, doesn't lose velocity when throwing from different angles, throws well on the run and does a nice job using his shoulders and eyes to manipulate defenders. Elgersma also played hockey growing up and the toughness from that shows through in his willingness to stand in the pocket and deliver throws as he's being hit. In his last two years at Wilfrid Laurier, Elgersma started all 24 games and completed 74.2 percent of his throws for 7,734 yards (10.1 yards per attempt), with 60 touchdowns and 19 interceptions. All of that makes for an interesting late Day 3 prospect for a team that doesn't need a starter right away. In fact, the 49ers don't even need a backup. Mac Jones signed a one-year deal this offseason, but at some point San Francisco needs to find a backup signal caller on a cheap, multiyear contract. Elgersma is intriguing specifically for the 49ers because he clearly needs work to become a viable NFL backup. There's talent there, though. San Francisco's QB situation gives him the runway to develop on the practice squad as a rookie before sliding up to the QB2 job next offseason, helping the 49ers avoid needing to find an uninspiring veteran backup QB for a third consecutive year. Elgersma's mental makeup and desire to play the sport could push him over the top and help him reach the potential his production, measurables and tape say he has. Initially there weren't many invites for Elgersma on the college all-star game circuit. He got a spot at the College Gridiron Showcase and played well enough to get a Tropical Bowl invite. His Tropical Bowl performance earned him a ticket to the Senior Bowl where he was coached by Jordan Traylor. Traylor is the assistant offensive coordinator and assistant quarterbacks coach for the Minnesota Vikings. He served as Elgersma's QB coach at the Senior Bowl. He doesn't foresee any additional obstacles Elgersma may face after playing his college football in Canada. 'I think because he loves this so much none of this is gonna matter a year or two from now," Traylor said in a phone conversation. That love of football shined through in the way he studied the Senior Bowl playbook, diligently went through play calls in practice and sent late-night text messages to his coach about the offense. That desire to learn isn't something every player has, and it may be his ticket to maximizing his talent at the next level. 'His obsession with the game is the one trait that I've learned from the evaluation process with these QBs," Traylor said, "those guys that can't put game down overcome shortcomings. He doesn't really have any physical or mental limitations though." There are a handful of interesting quarterbacks projected to be available in the later rounds of this year's draft. Elgersma may not have the same type of experience as those QBs, but he's a player the 49ers should bet on in their quest to find a longer-term option behind their franchise signal caller.
