Latest news with #defensiveLinemen
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Saints Visit With Free Agent Veteran Defensive Lineman
Saints Visit With Free Agent Veteran Defensive Lineman originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The New Orleans Saints are continuing to look for upgrades to their defensive front. On Monday, Mike Garafolo of the NFL Network was among the first to report that the Saints will be visiting with free agent defensive lineman Jonathan Bullard. Advertisement A nine-year NFL veteran, Bullard has played the last three seasons for the Minnesota Vikings. In those three seasons, Bullard has started 38 contests and contributed 2 sacks with 9 pressures and 15 tackles for loss. Originally a third-round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears out of Florida, Bullard played his first three years in Chicago. He's bounced around the league since, playing for the Cardinals, Falcons, and Seahawks between 2019 and 2021 before landing with the Vikings. Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) throws under pressure from Minnesota Vikings defensive end Jonathan Bullard (90). Mandatory Credit: Tork Mason/USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images Over his first nine seasons, Bullard has 6.5 sacks, 21 QB hits, and 28 tackles for loss. At 6'3" and 290-Lbs., he's shown the capability to play both tackle and defensive end. He also has experience in both 4-3 and 3-4 defensive schemes. Advertisement Between 2017 and 2018, Brandon Staley was a defensive assistant for the Bears while Bullard was with the team. Staley is the new defensive coordinator for the Saints, adding familiarity if there's a signing. New Orleans did not add an edge rusher until the seventh round of this year's draft. However, they used a third-round choice on Texas DT Vernon Broughton. The Saints also traded for NT Davon Godchaux and signed edge rusher Chris Rumph II in free agency. Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26) gets tackled by Minnesota Vikings defensive end Jonathan Bullard (90). Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images New Orleans also returns down linemen Bryan Bresee, Nathan Shepherd, Khalen Saunders, and Khristian Boyd. Edge rushers Cam Jordan, Carl Granderson, and Chase Young will also play some defensive end in certain alignments. Advertisement The Saints ranked 30th in total defense last year. They were an abysmal 31st against the run and ranked in the bottom fourth of the NFL with 39 sacks. Related: Saints Countdown To Kickoff With The History Of Number 97 Related: Saints Countdown To Kickoff With The History Of Number 98 Related: Saints Countdown To Kickoff With History Of Number 99 Related: Pro Football Focus Snubs Saints In Under-25 Rankings Related: Saints Quarterback Ranking According To Pro Football Focus Related: Most Underrated Saints Player Highlighted By PFF This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 2, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Desmond Watson wants to be known as more than just the heaviest player in NFL history
Buccaneers undrafted rookie defensive lineman Desmond Watson knows he's getting more attention than other undrafted rookies, and he knows that's because of his size. He hopes that doesn't stay the case forever. Watson weighed 464 pounds at Florida's Pro Day. He recently said he has dieted down to 437, but even at his slimmer weight he would be the heaviest player in NFL history, and that isn't what he wants to be known for. Advertisement "I feel like my name is etched in history, of course, as the official heaviest player in the NFL, or whatnot," Watson said, via "It's a good story; at the same time I don't want it to be my narrative. I want to be known as a football player, and a good football player at that. But it's nice to be able to make history. . . . I guess again because I did it in college, too. It's nice to be able to make history but all in all, I am a football player and I want to be known as a good one. So it's just a process that comes with it, I guess." Watson is no sure thing to make the Bucs' roster, and probably has a better chance if he can get his weight down under 400 pounds and show improved mobility and quickness. Right now he's a curiosity because of his size; he hopes to gain respect in the league because of his play.
