Latest news with #Zierlein
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
NFL analyst says Rams' UDFA was one of the best at his position in the 2025 NFL Draft
Lance Zierlein couldn't believe what he was saying when he watched tape North Carolina running back Omarion Hampton on a recent flight ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft. While watching the soon-to-be first-round pick by the Los Angeles Chargers, Zierlein said he kept seeing standout plays from UNC's right guard, Willie Lampkin. Despite his smaller frame (6-1, 285 pounds), Lampkin was consistently holding his blocks and opening running lanes for Hampton. Advertisement 'He's the best guard tape that I've seen so far... and that's not hyperbole," Zierlein said on Check the Mic with Steve Palazzolo & Sam Monson. "Had he been 6-foot-4, or even 6-3-and-a half probably, 312 pounds, he's probably a first-round pick.' Instead, the Rams signed Lampkin and 16 undrafted free agents after the 2025 NFL Draft. And if Zierlein is to be believed, Lampkin could be another steal for the Rams. Lampkin was a consistent starter all throughout college. He played in 61 collegiate games (38 at Coastal Carolina and 23 at UNC) and, as Zierlein noted, a great run-blocker for Hampton. Advertisement The Rams have had a lot of success with UDFAs in recent years, too. Left tackle Alaric Jackson, who just signed a huge extension, went undrafted. Starting inside linebacker Omar Speights wasn't draft either. Lampkin has some competition to make the team. While he wouldn't supplant Kevin Dotson anytime soon, he'll need to beat out KT Leveston and fellow UDFA Ben Dooley. Zierlein has a lot of faith in him, though. This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: NFL analyst says Rams' 2025 UDFA was one of the best at his position
USA Today
02-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
NFL analyst says Rams' UDFA was one of the best at his position in the 2025 NFL Draft
NFL analyst says Rams' UDFA was one of the best at his position in the 2025 NFL Draft Lance Zierlein couldn't believe what he was saying when he watched tape North Carolina running back Omarion Hampton on a recent flight ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft. While watching the soon-to-be first-round pick by the Los Angeles Chargers, Zierlein said he kept seeing standout plays from UNC's right guard, Willie Lampkin. Despite his smaller frame (6-1, 285 pounds), Lampkin was consistently holding his blocks and opening running lanes for Hampton. 'He's the best guard tape that I've seen so far... and that's not hyperbole," Zierlein said on Check the Mic with Steve Palazzolo & Sam Monson. "Had he been 6-foot-4, or even 6-3-and-a half probably, 312 pounds, he's probably a first-round pick.' Instead, the Rams signed Lampkin and 16 undrafted free agents after the 2025 NFL Draft. And if Zierlein is to be believed, Lampkin could be another steal for the Rams. Lampkin was a consistent starter all throughout college. He played in 61 collegiate games (38 at Coastal Carolina and 23 at UNC) and, as Zierlein noted, a great run-blocker for Hampton. The Rams have had a lot of success with UDFAs in recent years, too. Left tackle Alaric Jackson, who just signed a huge extension, went undrafted. Starting inside linebacker Omar Speights wasn't draft either. Lampkin has some competition to make the team. While he wouldn't supplant Kevin Dotson anytime soon, he'll need to beat out KT Leveston and fellow UDFA Ben Dooley. Zierlein has a lot of faith in him, though.
Miami Herald
26-04-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
Dolphins select UF cornerback Jason Marshall Jr. with second of three fifth-round picks
The Dolphins finally addressed cornerback on Saturday when they plucked former Florida Gators defensive back Jason Marshall Jr. with the 150th pick. Miami badly needs corners after cutting Kendall Fuller and mutually agreeing to try to trade Jalen Ramsey. Marshall, who attended Miami Palmetto High, had 98 tackles (including eight for loss), two interceptions and 25 passes defended in four seasons and 45 games for the Gators. The 6-0 Marshall was limited to seven games by injury last season and had 20 tackles, no interceptions and four passes defended. He missed the final six games with a shoulder injury. Lance Zierlein called him an 'outside cornerback with good size, athleticism and experience but too much inconsistency on tape. Marshall can disrupt the release from press and ride route turns to stay in position to defend the throw. He falls asleep against play-action and misdirection. 'Also, he has poor hands when it's time to flip the field. For his size, he's a disappointing tackler, especially in run support. The lack of urgency and determination Marshall shows on tape could hurt his stock.' He was a five-star prospect coming out of Palmetto and ran a 4.49 in the 40 yard dash at the Combine. Zierlein said his strengths are: Possesses prototypical size for his punch jolts receivers as a press movements to trace the route knee-bend for fluid size and strength to hinder catch space. Zierlein said his weaknesses are: Falls asleep against play-action and interceptions on the field because of poor catch play with enough determination when he falls behind on a inside blocks and loses contain against wide more contact that he delivers as a tackler.
Miami Herald
25-04-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
Sizing up all the UM draft prospects and their projections. UM bring in Longhorns kicker
Some final draft projections for Miami Hurricanes, beyond Cam Ward, who went No. 1 to Tennessee on Thursday night: ▪ Tight end Elijah Arroyo: Lance Zierlein, who projects him as a second-rounder, sizes him up this way: 'He displayed a willingness as both a point-of-attack and move blocker, but his technique and play strength will need upgrading. He's an average athlete who struggles to beat man coverage but appeared to get faster and more fluid as the 2024 season wore on. He plays with awareness in space and secures throws with sure hands in traffic.' The mocks: He is being projected 42nd to the Jets (by Mel Kiper Jr.), 67th (by ESPN's Jordan Reid), 55th by The Athletic's Dane Brugler and 70th by Chad Reuter. ▪ Running back Damien Martinez: Zierlein projects him as a sixth-rounder and describes him as a 'productive three-year starter with an impressive blend of power, dexterity and decisiveness. First and foremost, Martinez is truly a 'big back' who proves he can find yards after contact on most carries. Despite a lack of breakaway speed, Martinez averaged 6.2 yards per carry on 514 career totes. He can catch passes here and there but could be best dialed in as a complementary banger capable of taking on the lion's share of the carries if needed.' The mocks: He's being projected 99th (by ESPN's Reid); 113th by Brugler (third round) and 189th (sixth round) by Reuter. ▪ Receiver Xavier Restrepo: Zierlein projects him to go undrafted after he ran poorly (albeit while nursing an injury) at his Pro Day, and assesses him this way: 'Feisty, slot-only target who has maximized his talent and honed his craft. Restrepo is a route chef who reeks of urgency and plays faster than the stopwatch times him, but his timed speed will almost surely hurt his draft stock. His instincts, blitz recognition and talent to scramble open when plays break down will make him a favorite of quarterbacks and play-callers. Subpar length and average measurables could create some hesitation for NFL evaluators, but the lack of speed is a much bigger concern.' The mocks: He's projected to go in the fifth round (145th overall) by ESPN's Reid; in the sixth round (178th) by Reuter; and 197th by Brugler. ▪ Tackle/guard Jalen Rivers: Zierlein projects him as a fourth-rounder, describing him as a 'burly offensive lineman with natural anchor and above-average length. He could get a shot at right tackle but slow feet will put him in harm's way against NFL edge rushers… His mass and length increase his likelihood of finding starting reps on the interior, provided he can stay healthy.' The mocks: He's projected to go in the fourth round/136th overall by ESPN's Reid; in the fourth round (105th) by Brugler; and in the sixth round (209th) by Reuter. ▪ Edge player Tyler Baron: Zierlein projects him as a fifth-rounder and says he has 'the size and athleticism for consideration as an edge defender in odd or even fronts. He doesn't create fear with his rush quickness or skill level but he's an active worker with a slippery upper body that could foreshadow improvement in rush efficiency with more work. Baron projects as a middle-round edge prospect whose ceiling could be tied to his ability to become a more consistently disruptive force.' The mocks: He's projected to go in the fifth round (152nd overall) by Reuter, in the sixth round (208th overall) by Reid and with the next-to-last pick in the sixth round by Brugler (215th). ▪ Receiver Jacolby George: Zierlein predicts he will go undrafted and said he has 'consistent production but lacking desired pro traits. George is a feisty competitor who has allowed that fire to burn his team with critical penalties at times. Unless he can rebrand as a crafty slot receiver, the difficulty he encounters when trying to beat physical cornerbacks could be an overriding concern for teams.' The mocks: None of the three seven-round mocks have him being drafted. ▪ Receiver Sam Brown: Zierlein predicts he will go undrafted and said 'Brown played at three schools over five seasons but failed to produce at a standout level. Frankly, there are more flashes on Brown's 2023 tape at Houston than there were on his Miami tape from 2024. He has some instincts in space and flashes route-running potential, but it's hard to find enough consistent tape to make a clear projection of what he could provide as a pro.' The mocks: None of these three seven-round mock drafts have him being selected. ▪ Defensive lineman Simeon Barrow Jr: Zierlein said he's a seventh-rounder or priority free agent who is 'heavy on starting experience but light on measurables. Barrow lacks the size and length of an NFL interior defender but flashes good upper-body power to shed and tackle when he's singled up. He has enough rush potential for consideration as a three-down backup but will need to add more functional mass to his frame to have a chance.' The mocks: None of these three seven-round mock drafts have him being selected. ▪ Linebacker Francisco Mauigoa: Zierlein projects him for the seventh round and said he's a 'productive three-year starter with the frame and physicality of a throwback banger….. He's too limited for third-down duties as a pro, so he'll have to prove he's a capable backup as a two-down run thumper and quality special-teams player.' The mocks: Brugler has him going in the seventh round, at 225. ▪ Kicker Andres Borregales: He went 18 for 19 on field goals and 62 for 62 on extra points last season, and Zierlein said he figures to go in the fifth or sixth rounds. ' The keys to Borregales' accuracy, Zierlein said, 'are his repeatable stroke and consistent ball-striking. He doesn't have a cannon for a right leg but he has enough power to hit from distance at an admirable clip. He has a good chance to win a pro job as a rookie.' The mocks: He's projected to go late in the sixth or early in the seventh — 212th by Brugler, 216th by Reuter; and 220th by Reid. ▪ Safety Meesh Powell, cornerback Daryl Porter Jr. and center Zach Carpenter could get offers as free agents. Kicker visits UM, which is hosting more than 10 portal targets this week, is bringing in Texas Longhorns kicker Bert Auburn, per 247 Sports. He went 16 for 25 on field goals and 64 for 64 on extra points last season. In four years at Texas, he made 66 of 86 field goals and all 178 extra points. Auburn, who has one year of eligibility left, led the Big 12 with 29 field goals in 2023, the Longhorns' final season in that conference. He's 2 for 6 from 50 plus yards in his career, with a long of 54. Last season, he was 5 for 6 on field goals of 20 for 29, 4 for 5 from 30 to 39, 6 for 12 from 40 to 49 and 0 for 2 from 50 plus yards. Before last season, he was better from 40 to 49 yards, hitting 16 of 21 in his previous three seasons. FAU transfer Carter Davis is the only scholarship kicker on UM's roster at the moment following the recent departure of second-year player Abram Murray, who was the No. 4 kicker in the 2024 class but struggled this spring. It's possible Davis could retain only the kickoff job — because of his strong leg and high touchback rate — even if Auburn picks Miami. Davis was just 4 for 11 on field goals in two years at FAU. Also Friday, UM was scheduled to host transfer portal visits with North Carolina State linebacker Kamal Bonner, UF safety Gregory SmithIII and receiver Keelan Marion (BYU) and Tony Johnson (Cincinnati).
Miami Herald
11-04-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
Can Dolphins find impactful young defensive tackle to pair with Sieler? Exploring options
If the NFL season started today, the Dolphins would be starting a subpar nose tackle (Benito Jones) and a journeyman alongside Zach Sieler. They would still be reeling from the distressing loss of Calais Campbell to the Arizona Cardinals. Fortunately for the Dolphins, the season does not begin today. The Dolphins are expected to try to find a long-term starting defensive lineman in the draft, and the first three rounds feature about a dozen players who might be able to step in immediately as NFL starters. Examining defensive tackles who could be in the mix for Miami with any of their three picks in the top 100 (13, 48, 98): First round If Michigan's Mason Graham is gone (and most expect him to be gone by pick 10), there's no tackle who necessarily projects to No. 13. In first-round trade downs, you could make the case for: ▪ Oregon's Derrick Harmon: He had two sacks, 35 quarterback pressures, two forced fumbles, four pass breakups and 10 tackles for loss last season. ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr., who projects him 21st, said the 6-5, 330-pound Harmon 'has the versatility to move all over the D-line, but his best spot is inside, where he can use his speed and power to be disruptive.' A case could be made to take Harmon at 13, though that's a bit earlier than most project. Lance Zierlein calls him a 'position-versatile building block that makes moving the football a much tougher task. Harmon is wide, long and naturally powerful at the point of attack. Harmon can play up and down the line in both odd and even fronts. He will bring an instant dose of stinginess and toughness to any defense he joins.' ▪ Michigan's Kenneth Grant: The 6-4, 331-pound tackle is stout against the run and had three sacks and 17 pressures last season. Kiper and NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah mock him 30th. He was a third-team All-American last season and Zierlein describes him as 'a broad-bodied nose tackle whose tape can run hot and cold depending on the game and the types of blocks he's facing. He struggles to anchor when hit with down blocks due to his narrow base and tall pads, but he uses his power and length to beat single blocks and split double teams when he finds the crease. Grant's game will finally come together in full when he's able to take his impressive physical attributes and impose his will on opponents.' ▪ Mississippi's Walter Nolen: The 6-4, 296-pounder had 6.5 sacks and 14 tackles for loss last season. Kiper projects him to go at the end of the first round, noting he's 'very disruptive thanks to explosive traits and strong hands.' He has 26 tackles for loss in his past 25 games. Zierlein said Nolen 'has NFL-starting size but won't blow you away with his physical traits. However, he gains quick advantages with his explosiveness into contact and ability to beat up blockers when singled up.... Nolen's blend of explosiveness and playmaking talent create high upside as a three-down interior lineman.' Potential second-round options ▪ Ohio State's Tyleik Williams: He could be off the board before pick 48; Chad Reuter has him going 43rd. ESPN's Jordan Reid mocks him 53rd, noting 'Williams is a dominant run defender who can compress the pocket as a pass rusher.' The 6-3, 334-pounder had 28 tackles for loss and 11.5 sacks in four seasons, including eight and 2.5 last season. Zierlein calls him a 'drain-clogging run defender with violent first contact and nimble feet for impressive tackle production. The knock-back pop and ability to eat up runners in his general vicinity could help him become an impactful, run-stuffing three-technique.' ▪ Texas' Alfred Collins: The 6-6, 332-pound second team All-American had 55 tackles (5.5 for loss) with a sack, seven pass breakups, a forced fumble and blocked kick last season. The Dolphins brought him in for a '30' visit and really like him. Reuter slots him 51st, three spots after Miami's pick. ESPN's Reid mocks him 52nd, noting 'he is an A+ run defender and sturdy at the point of attack, and he maximizes the impact of his 34⅝-inch arm length.' Zierlein said: 'Collins isn't going to stand out in one particular area, but he plays hard and has outstanding physical traits to blend right into an NFL defensive rotation.... He's not a premier playmaker but he has the size, talent and alignment versatility to help fortify a defensive front as an early contributor and future starter.' ▪ Toledo's Darius Alexander: The 6-4, 305-pounder last season had 40 tackles, including 7.5 for loss, with 3.5 sacks and an interception return for a touchdown against Pittsburgh. Kiper projects Miami will take him at 52. Zierlein calls him an 'interior lineman with the size, length and physicality.... His best football could be ahead of him, but for now, he projects as an average rotational player or backup.' ESPN's Jordan Reid mocks him 40th and calls Alexander 'a powerful, disruptive defender who can play multiple alignments.' ▪ Oregon's Jordan Burch:The 6-foot-4, 279 pounder missed four games with a knee injury last season but had 11 tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks, five pass breakups and a forced fumble. ESPN's Reid, who mocks him 50th, said Burch 'can be deployed as a 3-technique in an even front or a 4-technique in odd alignments.' Zierlein said Burch's 'tape can be inconsistent, but he offers physical traits and upside as a rusher.... Burch leaves too many plays on the field, but the upside will have teams anxious to light the fire and get more out of him.' ▪ South Carolina's T.J. Sanders: The 6-4, 297-pounder had 50 tackles (7.4 for loss) and four sacks in 2024. Reid, who mocks him 56th, said Sanders 'routinely generates pressure up the middle and his 2.40-second average time to first pressure this past season led all FBS defensive linemen.' Zielein calls Sanders 'a powerful road block... He rarely touches the ground. Sanders' blend of power and pressure should put him on the board for both odd- and even-front defenses as a potential three-down solution.' ▪ FSU's Joshua Farmer: The 6-3, 305-pounder had 32 tackles (eight for loss) with four sacks last season. Farmer, who had 11 sacks over the past three seasons, is a 'broad-shouldered interior defender worth consideration as a 3-4 end or a 4-3 interior lineman,' Zierlein said. 'His traits will be coveted but his upside might be as a rotational defender with average starting potential.' Reuter mocks him 58th. Third-round options at No. 98 ▪ Those include Virginia Tech's Aeneas Peebles; Kentucky's Deone Walker (Reuter mocks him to Miami at 98); Iowa's Yahya Black; Nebraska's Ty Robinson; Tennessee's Omarr-Norman Lott and Maryland's Jordan Phillips and Utah's Junior Tafuna. Walker, who is 6-7 and 331 pounds, had 13 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks in 2023 but just 5 and 1.5 last season. Zierlein said he has 'rare traits' but 'might require a heavier lean on projection over tape. Walker's traits and upside could make him a more consistent NFL talent if he improves his technique and ramps up his motor.'
