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USA Today
26-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
BREAKING: Former Texas Longhorn QB Quinn Ewers drafted by Miami Dolphins
BREAKING: Former Texas Longhorn QB Quinn Ewers drafted by Miami Dolphins Q 🤘 With the 231st pick in the #NFLDraft, we have selected QB Quinn Ewers from @TexasFootball. — Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) April 26, 2025 Former Texas Longhorns quarterback Quinn Ewers has been drafted by the Miami Dolphins. The Southlake, TX native was taken 231st in the seventh round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Ewers was the starting QB at Texas for three years, leading UT to back-to-back appearances in the College Football Playoff semifinals. Texas coach Steve Sarkisian thanks injuries cost Ewers in the draft. 'His quick release, his ability to make the short to intermediate throws is uncanny. I mean, this guy throws darts. The ball comes out of his hands so effortlessly, so precise and it's literally on point every single time, right? I give him credit — he worked at his craft, too. He was a shotgun, little more of an Air Raid-type quarterback that came into the program and really worked on the nuances, the play-action pass, the RPO game, the deep-ball shots. And I we saw him grow, not only physically, but I think mentally and emotionally, he turned into a great leader for us. So somebody is going to get a really good player that may be a little undervalued because of some of some of the injuries,' Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian said in an appearance on Chris Simms' podcast. Ewers played in 35 games, leading the Longhorns to 27 wins. Over the past two seasons, he compiled a 21-4 record as a starter, the best two-year stretch for a Texas quarterback since Colt McCoy's 25-2 run in 2008-09. Ewers holds the longest active streak in the FBS with 26 consecutive games throwing a touchdown, the second-longest in Texas history behind McCoy's program record of 29. A semifinalist for the 2024 Walter Camp Player of the Year, Maxwell Award, and Davey O'Brien Award, Ewers was also a top-10 finalist for the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award. He earned 2023 AP All-Big 12 Second Team honors and was named the Most Outstanding Player of the 2023 Big 12 Championship Game. Ewers transferred to Texas from Ohio State in January 2022. To prepare for the NFL Draft, Ewers hired former Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy. Follow us on X/Twitter at @LonghornsWire.
USA Today
23-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
2025 NFL Draft: 10 prospects who can make an immediate impact for the Eagles
2025 NFL Draft: 10 prospects who can make an immediate impact for the Eagles With the draft now hours away, we're looking at ten prospects who can make an immediate impact for the Philadelphia Eagles Round 1 of the 2025 NFL draft kicks off just days from now as the Eagles and 31 other teams prepare to retool and reshape their rosters. Eagles GM Howie Roseman is a master manipulator of draft capital and never shy about trading up or down the board. Philadelphia enters the draft process with plenty of pressing needs and a retooled roster that will need to replace six key defense contributors. There are plenty of storylines to monitor heading into the selection process, including whether the Eagles draft for value or need and which position upgrade is the most urgent. With the draft fast approaching, we're looking at ten prospects who can immediately impact Philadelphia. WR Xavier Restrepo, Miami (FL) He makes up for what Restrepo lacks in high-end athletic tools and size with short-area quickness and body control, evidenced by his 99th-percentile PFF receiving grade versus single coverage. He would be the perfect complement in the slot to A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith out wide. James Pearce Jr., OLB, Tennessee The 6-foot-5, 243-pound Pearce led Tennessee in sacks (7.5), tackles for loss (13), and quarterback hurries (10), while adding a forced fumble and a fumble recovery in 2024. Pearce earned first-team All-SEC honors and was a semifinalist for the Bednarik, Lombardi, and Walter Camp Player of the Year awards. He also earned first-team All-SEC honors in 2023, when he had 10 sacks, 14.5 tackles for loss, 16 quarterback hurries, an interception return for a touchdown, and two forced fumbles. T.J. Sanders, DT, South Carolina Sanders is a 6-5, 275-pound defensive lineman who can play on the edge or in the defense's interior. Sanders spent four years in the Gamecock program, appearing in 39 games over four seasons with 16 career starts. Sanders logged 109 tackles with 17.5 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks and turned pro after earning All-America and All-SEC honors. Elijah Arroyo, TE, Miami Arroyo averaged nearly 17 yards per catch in 2024 and is elite after the catch. Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama The 6'3", 235-pounder Campbell has sideline-to-sideline speed and impressive coverage skills. He also flourished as a quality pass rusher—he registered five sacks in 2024. Malaki Starks, S, Georgia The 2nd team All-American led the team with 77 tackles. Mykel Williams, ED, Georgia Williams was a second-team All-SEC selection during the 2024 college football season. Williams racked up 67 tackles, 21.5 tackles for loss, and 14 sacks in 40 games. Walter Nolen, DI, Mississippi The 6-foot-3, 305-pound dynamo led the Ole Miss defense in 2024, logging 48 tackles (career-high), two pass deflections (career-high), one fumble recovery, and 6.5 sacks (career-high). Jalon Walker, LB, Georgia During the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine, Walker was measured in at 6-foot-1, 243 pounds in Indianapolis with an armspan of 79⅞ inches -- the reach length scouts want in rushers. By comparison, Ole Miss All-American Walter Nolen's armspan, at 6-foot-3¾ and 296 pounds, was measured at 78⅝ inches. Walker was the Butkus Award winner as the nation's best linebacker this past season as he led the Bulldogs' defense in tackles for loss (10.5) and sacks (6.5), with three of those sacks coming against Texas. Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan The junior and projected first-round draft selection leaves Ann Arbor tied for second in receiving touchdowns (11), third in receptions (117), and third in receiving yards (1,466) among all tight ends in program history. Mike Green, Edge, Marshall Green spent the last two seasons at Marshall after transferring from Virginia following his freshman season. While at Marshall, Green played in 26 games and recorded 127 tackles, 32 tackles for loss, and 21.5 sacks. He also added two passes defensed, one fumble recovery, and four forced fumbles in his two seasons. Last season, as a redshirt sophomore, Green led the FBS in sacks (17.0), tackles for loss (22.5), sack yardage (144), and tackles by a defensive lineman (84). His 17 sacks established a new Sun Belt Conference record. Will Johnson, CB, Michigan Philadelphia drafted a cornerback in Round 1 last spring. After watching Darius Slay, James Bradberry, Isaiah Rodgers, and Avonte Maddox all depart, the Eagles could look to move up if Johnson starts to fall. Johnson has strong ball skills (nine career interceptions, including two pick-sixes in just six games last season) to pair with his great 6-foot-2 size. Will Campbell, OL, LSU Campbell is an athletic marvel who can play multiple positions, something the Eagles covet. During Campbell's 37 games at LSU, he allowed only 45 pressures and only three sacks, with one coming in his first game and one coming in his last game. Campbell was awarded LSU's coveted No. 7 this year, which is given by the coaching staff each season to the player deemed the team's best playmaker (because of NCAA rules, Campbell wore No. 66 with a No. 7 patch on his jersey).
USA Today
15-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
11 Ideal NFL draft prospects for the Eagles after initial free agency moves
11 Ideal NFL draft prospects for the Eagles after initial free agency moves After Philadelphia added 14 players during the first wave of free agency, we're looking at 11 ideal 2025 NFL draft prospects for the Eagles Philadelphia has the NFL's most explosive offense, with few holes and plenty of firepower to carry the organization back to the Super Bowl. Howie Roseman is always looking to add game-changing talent, and after adding 14 players in free agency, we've identified 11 ideal prospects who'll fit Nick Sirianni and Vic Fangio's culture. WR Xavier Restrepo, Miami (FL) He makes up for what Restrepo lacks in high-end athletic tools and size with short-area quickness and body control, evidenced by his 99th-percentile PFF receiving grade versus single coverage. He would be the perfect complement in the slot to A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith out wide. James Pearce Jr., OLB, Tennessee The 6-foot-5, 243-pound Pearce led Tennessee in sacks (7.5), tackles for loss (13), and quarterback hurries (10), while adding a forced fumble and a fumble recovery in 2024. Pearce earned first-team All-SEC honors and was a semifinalist for the Bednarik, Lombardi, and Walter Camp Player of the Year awards. He also earned first-team All-SEC honors in 2023, when he had 10 sacks, 14.5 tackles for loss, 16 quarterback hurries, an interception return for a touchdown and two forced fumbles. Kevin Winston Jr., S, Penn State Winston Jr., who missed most of the 2024 college football season with an injury, bypassed his final year of eligibility and entered the 2025 NFL Draft. Just days after being named the Big Ten defensive player of the week for his 12-tackle performance at West Virginia, Winston sustained a partially torn ACL. Winston attempted to play in Penn State's home opener against Bowling Green on Sept. 7 but managed just 15 snaps and left the game in the first half. He later had surgery and missed the remainder of the season. In 2023, he was an honorable mention all-Big Ten in 2023 after leading the team in tackles (60), recovering two fumbles, breaking up five passes, and intercepting one pass. Winston (6-2, 205 pounds) entered this season as one of the team's top-ranked NFL Draft prospects, ranking as a first-round pick among some draft scouts, and he could give Philadelphia size and versatility at the position. T.J. Sanders, DT, South Carolina Sanders is a 6-5, 275-pound defensive lineman who can play on the edge or in the defense's interior. Sanders spent four years in the Gamecock program as an All-State basketball player in high school, appearing in 39 games over four seasons with 16 career starts. Sanders logged 109 tackles with 17.5 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks and turned pro after earning All-America and All-SEC honors. Elijah Arroyo, TE, Miami Dallas Goedert is 30 years old and has missed 30 games with injuries since 2022. The noise around his potential departure grows by the day. Philadelphia had an exit strategy in place for Zach Ertz. They did the same with Goedert by drafting a dynamic tight end with run-after-the-catch abilities. A late bloomer at Miami, Arroyo entered 2024 with 11 receptions in three seasons, but after quarterback Cam Ward's arrival, the pass-catcher blossomed. Arroyo averaged nearly 17 yards per catch in 2024 and is elite after the catch. Lathan Ransom, DB, Ohio State The safety played in 55 games and made 37 starts at Ohio State, overcoming injuries. During his final season in Columbus, Ransom finished with 74 total tackles, nine tackles for loss, one sack, two passes defended, three forced fumbles, one interception, and one fumble recovery. Alongside Downs, a unanimous All-American, Ransom earned first-team All-Big Ten honors in 2024. Kobe King, LB, Penn State The Eagles' defense is full of Swiss army knives, and King gives Vic Fangio another pass-rushing, run-stopping linebacker to work with. A native of Michigan, King recorded 41 tackles, four tackles for loss, and three pass deflections during his redshirt freshman season in 2022. The following season, King recorded 59 tackles, six for loss and 1.5 sacks. Last season, the Nittany Lion linebacker recorded 97 tackles, nine tackles for loss, and three sacks. Upton Stout, DB, Western Kentucky Upton Stout is an undersized but physical cornerback from Western Kentucky who brings serious potential at 5'8″ and 178 pounds. His slight frame and limited length make him a slot CB at the next level. Stout attacks everything downhill and will significantly contribute to the run game and against screens. Connor Colby, OL, Iowa Colby is a quick, agile offensive guard who will improve an NFL team's zone running scheme. Colby started 23 straight games at right guard for the Hawkeyes. Before that stretch, Colby started seven games at left guard, six at right tackle, and 11 at right guard. With 45 career starts under his belt, Colby is among the most seasoned offensive linemen in the 2025 draft class. Colby is agile in space and rarely misses his marks. Josh Conerly, OL, Oregon Philadelphia loves athletic offensive linemen, and Conerly fits that mold as Lane Johnson's eventual successor. The Seattle native, who started his career as a running back before transitioning to offensive tackle as a sophomore, doesn't turn 22 until November. In his three seasons at Oregon, Conerly Jr. played 41 games and was a two-year starter. He played 1,881 snaps at left tackle in three seasons and had a 78.0 overall grade from PFF for the 2024 season. Sai'vion Jones, Edge rusher, LSU Standing 6'4 3/4", 280 pounds, Jones is one of the few defenders in the class capable of playing defensive end or outside linebacker and could be a game wrecker in Vic Fangio's scheme. Jah Joyner, Edge rusher, Minnesota The Eagles love athletic pass rushers, and after losing Josh Sweat in free agency, Howie Roseman reloads with Jah Joyner. Joyner had a standout performance at the Senior Bowl; last season had 32 tackles — 5.5 for loss — 4.5 sacks, seven passes defended, and two forced fumbles. Joyner was an All-Big Ten Honorable Mention in the last two seasons and played 42 games in his four-year career.
USA Today
08-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Breaking down the Eagles picks in Mel Kiper's latest 2-round 2025 NFL mock draft
Breaking down the Eagles picks in Mel Kiper's latest 2-round 2025 NFL mock draft Mel Kiper has the Philadelphia Eagles selecting an All SEC pass rusher and an a versatile safety in his latest 2025 NFL mock draft for ESPN The 2025 NFL draft is now 16 days away, and as players complete their top 30 visits, mock drafts are changing after several big free agent signings and blockbuster trades. The Steelers are waiting for a decision on Aaron Rodgers, but Russell Wilson's signing with the Giants could make things interesting for Shedeur Sanders and teams like the Saints. Philadelphia and teams at the bottom of the draft will spend the next two weeks evaluating the players who can make an immediate contribution. The Eagles have eight picks, and GM Howie Roseman will work to stockpile talent while retooling and maintaining a Super Bowl window. Mel Kiper released his fourth mock draft of the spring, and he has Philadelphia adding an athletic pass rusher and a versatile safety. Pick 32 Philadelphia Eagles: James Pearce Jr., OLB, Tennessee The 6-foot-5, 243-pound Pearce led Tennessee in sacks (7.5), tackles for loss (13), and quarterback hurries (10), while adding a forced fumble and a fumble recovery in 2024. Pearce earned first-team All-SEC honors and was a semifinalist for the Bednarik, Lombardi, and Walter Camp Player of the Year awards. He also earned first-team All-SEC honors in 2023, when he had 10 sacks, 14.5 tackles for loss, 16 quarterback hurries, an interception return for a touchdown and two forced fumbles. What Kiper said: The defending Super Bowl champs lost some key parts of their defense in free agency, including edge rusher Josh Sweat. Being able to get after the quarterback is important for Vic Fangio's defense, and there's a glaring void now on the edge. There are mixed opinions around the league on whether Pearce is a first-rounder, but he has the traits to develop into a speedy disruptor in the right system. He had 17.5 sacks over the past two seasons and ranked second in the nation in pressure rate last season (19.0%). Pick 64 Philadelphia Eagles: Kevin Winston Jr., S, Penn State Winston Jr., who missed most of the 2024 college football season with an injury, bypassed his final year of eligibility and entered the 2025 NFL Draft. Just days after being named the Big Ten defensive player of the week for his 12-tackle performance at West Virginia, Winston sustained a partially torn ACL. Winston attempted to play in Penn State's home opener against Bowling Green on Sept. 7 but managed just 15 snaps and left the game in the first half. He later had surgery and missed the remainder of the season. In 2023, he was an honorable mention all-Big Ten in 2023 after leading the team in tackles (60), recovering two fumbles, breaking up five passes, and intercepting one pass. Winston (6-2, 205 pounds) entered this season as one of the team's top-ranked NFL Draft prospects, ranking as a first-round pick among some draft scouts, and he could give Philadelphia size and versatility at the position.
USA Today
03-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
NFL Draft: ESPN analytics ranks 15 most likely picks for the Eagles at No. 32 overall
NFL Draft: ESPN analytics ranks 15 most likely picks for the Eagles at No. 32 overall ESPN analytics ranked the 15 most likely selections at 32nd overall for the Eagles, and Donovan Ezeiruaku was the NFL Draft pick for Philadelphia We're just days away from the start of the NFL draft, and the next week will feature mock draft projections, expert predictions, and fans clamoring to guess who their favorite teams will select. ESPN's Draft Day Predictor tool does a great job of estimating the percent chance prospects will be available at each pick. Here is a behind-the-scenes peek at how ESPN analytics accomplishes that: 'The underlying model is based on prospect grades from Scouts Inc., expert mock drafts, team needs, and a few other factors. The Predictor considers these factors in proportion to how accurate they have been in the past.' From the 15th-most likely selection down to the highest percentage of chances, the numbers tell us who could be available when Philadelphia is on the clock. Edge Rusher Donovan Ezeiruaku Chances taken: 6.5% The Eagles have to replace edge rusher Josh Sweat, who signed with the Cardinals after getting 2.5 sacks in Super Bowl LIX. Ezeiruaku is a bit undersized (6-3, 248 pounds) but uses his 34-inch arms and elite first-step speed to get around the edge and under the hands of offensive tackles. He was highly productive this past season, with 80 tackles and 16.5 sacks, the second-best mark in the FBS. CB Maxwell Hairston Chances taken: 6.4% During his time at Kentucky, Hairston played in 32 career games with 20 starts. He logged 89 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, and one sack. Added 10 pass breakups, six interceptions, and three forced fumbles OL Grey Zabel Chances taken: 5.9% The Eagles build through the trenches, and Zabel is rising up draft boards and can flourish at three different positions. DE James Pearce Jr. Chances taken: 5.7% The 6-foot-5, 243-pound Pearce led Tennessee in sacks (7.5), tackles for loss (13), and quarterback hurries (10), while adding a forced fumble and a fumble recovery in 2024. Pearce earned first-team All-SEC honors and was a semifinalist for the Bednarik, Lombardi, and Walter Camp Player of the Year awards. He also earned first-team All-SEC honors in 2023, when he had 10 sacks, 14.5 tackles for loss, 16 quarterback hurries, an interception return for a touchdown and two forced fumbles. DT Walter Nolen Chances taken: 5.3% Philadelphia lost Milton Williams in free agency and has Jordan Davis entering the final year of his rookie deal with a decision about his fifth-year option looming. Nolen can be a game-wrecker on the interior and is athletic enough to be a viable and versatile pass rusher for the Eagles and Vic Fangio. The 6-foot-3, 305-pound dynamo led the Ole Miss defense in 2024, logging 48 tackles (career-high), two pass deflections (career-high), one fumble recovery, and 6.5 sacks (career-high). DT Kenneth Grant Chances taken: 4.6% Kiper lists the 6-3 339-pound Grant as the No. 19 overall prospect for the 2025 draft and the No. 4 draft-eligible defensive tackle prospect. A native of Gary, Indiana, Grant formed the nation's best interior defensive line tandem with Mason Graham, who declared for the draft earlier this month and ranks No. 4 on Kiper's Big Board. Grant led Michigan with two fumble recoveries and ranked second on the team with five pass breakups, adding 3.0 sacks, 6.5 tackles for loss, and 3.0 quarterback hurries. He earned second-team All-Big Ten honors and third-team AP All-America honors. Grant had four tackles and an assisted tackle for loss in Michigan's 13-10 upset win over archrival Ohio State on Nov. 30. DT Malaki Starks Chances taken: 4.6% 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. Edge Rusher Mike Green Chances taken: 4.3% Last season, as a redshirt sophomore, Green led the FBS in sacks (17.0), tackles for loss (22.5), sack yardage (144), and tackles by a defensive lineman (84). His 17 sacks established a new Sun Belt Conference record. CB Azareyeh Thomas Chances taken: 4.2% At 6-foot-2 and 198 pounds, the addition of Thomas, a specialist as an outside press-coverage corner, could allow Cooper DeJean to remain in the slot. OL Josh Conerly Jr. Chances taken: 3.9% Philadelphia loves athletic offensive linemen, and Conerly fits that mold as Lane Johnson's eventual successor. The Seattle native, who started his career as a running back before transitioning to offensive tackle as a sophomore, doesn't turn 22 until November. In his three seasons at Oregon, Conerly Jr. played 41 games and was a two-year starter. He played 1,881 snaps at left tackle in three seasons and had a 78.0 overall grade from PFF for the 2024 season. OL Josh Simmons Chances taken: 3.8% Edge Rusher Nic Scourton Chances taken: 3.4% DT Derrick Harmon Chances taken: 3.0% WR Trey Amos Chances taken: 2.8% OL Tyler Booker Chances taken: 2.7% WR Emeka Egbuka Chances taken: 2.3% DB Nick Emmanwori Chances taken: 2.2% WR Luther Burden III Chances taken: 2.0% RB Omarion Hampton Chances taken: 2.0% CB Benjamin Morrison Chances taken: 1.9% CB Shavon Revel Jr. Chances taken: 1.8% CB Jahdae Barron Chances taken: 1.5% OL Donovan Jackson Chances taken: 1.4% WR Matthew Golden Chances taken: 1.2% RB TreVeyon Henderson Chances taken: 1.1% OL Aireontae Ersery Chances taken: 1.1%
