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14 hours ago
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The biggest surprise from Commanders' first unofficial depth chart of 2025 NFL season
The post The biggest surprise from Commanders' first unofficial depth chart of 2025 NFL season appeared first on ClutchPoints. While the Washington Commanders enjoy their first-round draft pick, they are still trying to sort out the Terry McLaurin situation. Also, here is the biggest surprise from the Commanders' first unofficial depth chart of the 2025 NFL season. Because of the progression of the Commanders during the 2024 season, they entered this offseason with more stability on the roster. That's especially true after they acquired Deebo Samuel and Laremy Tunsil. So the first official release of the team's depth chart wasn't going to be frontloaded with surprises. However, there is one thing that deserves a closer look. Commanders rookie RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt listed fifth team It makes sense from one direction. Croskey-Merritt was a seventh-round pick in this year's draft. So whatever he gets, he will have to earn. That means he started the summer behind guys like Jeremy McNichols and Chris Rodriguez Jr. Of course, he's also behind starter Brian Robinson Jr. and backup Austin Ekeler. However, it's a little surprising because the season is drawing closer. And some people believe Croskey-Merritt will make the 53-man roster and be a significant backup. He has been one of the Commanders' biggest surprises this summer, according to 'There has been a lot of hype surrounding seventh-round running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt,' Zach Selby wrote. 'There's a lot to like about him; he's quick, decisive, and can burst through running lanes. It's been a while since he's played in a meaningful game, but it didn't appear as if he's lost a step during OTAs and minicamp.' Croskey-Merritt has made an impression on head coach Dan Quinn, even though it's not the full picture, according to 'Yeah, at that position, like I said, it's a hard one to evaluate in non-pads because you don't know, did the person make the tackle? Did he break the tackle? And so it's the offensive line, the defensive line, the running backs are sometimes the hardest,' Quinn said. Is there a method to the placement of Jacory Croskey-Merritt? And perhaps that feeds into Croskey-Merritt remaining low on the depth chart. Still, the clues may be there already about his impending move to RB3 eventually. 'But what you can evaluate is the explosion on the cut, the assignment, was the read correct?' Quinn said. 'Having Anthony (Lynn, running backs coach) here is a really big deal, from a running back standpoint. He's got so much experience and can give the insight to the players to absolutely get them right. 'But I think it's the violence of the cuts. That he can get his shoulders square and get downhill fast. So I'm very excited to see, once we get into some opportunities. Does he get tackled? [Or] does he not? Does he run through some? But he's off to a really good start.' The Commanders rarely got explosive plays from the backfield in 2024. If they add that to the offense this year, things could elevate to another level with Jayden Daniels running the show. What role does the offensive line play? Most of what happens on the ground will be impacted by whether the offensive line improves as much as it should with the addition of Tunsil. Quinn said he likes what he's seen from Tunsil and Brandon Coleman, according to 'They're unique, and now we've seen both pull,' Quinn said. 'How do you get out and go? So, whether it's a guard pull on a counter or both guard and tackle pulling, just to tackle, maybe on a sweep or a toss play. And that jumped out to me that usually you don't have that type of flexibility. 'Oftentimes, there's one really good puller, and sometimes it's the left guard when you're running into this side. When you have the flexibility to move and be dominant, get into the combinations, it's a big deal for us. And part of our offense is being at the line and being aggressive, but having that ability to pull and move, that's a hard thing defensively to defend.' There are a lot of reasons to think Croskey-Merritt could be more than a backup in 2025. But when the team is comfortable moving him up to RB3 remains to be seen. One thing is for sure: the Commanders need to be better with the ground attack this season. They can't rely on big runs from Daniels to be the biggest threat. Ekeler is past his prime, so it's up to Robinson to step up and be that threat. If he can't, the door is open for Croskey-Merritt. The Commanders think they got a steal, and time will tell if that's true. Related: What Commanders' Jayden Daniels 'knows' about Terry McLaurin trade drama Related: Commanders rumors: Terry McLaurin wants 'parts' of DK Metcalf's contract
Fox News
17 hours ago
- Sport
- Fox News
Top 10 QBs Heading Into 2025 College Football Season
Week 0 of college football is rapidly approaching, meaning we can officially debate teams' rosters. There are no more transfers to impact teams this season, depth charts are more settled and we can zero in on the most important position in sports — quarterback. There has been a lot of movement in the offseason with QBs heading to different schools, as well as some recruits coming into the fold for programs. Heck, some are growing through the program and are moving up the depth chart just from graduations in front of them. Whatever the reason, we can now officially rank QBs with a reasonable guess as to what they are walking into, team and conference-wise. So, here are the 10 best quarterbacks entering the 2025 college football season, according to FOX Sports Research. Last season was something of a breakout campaign for Hoover, when he tossed 27 touchdowns against 11 interceptions. Moreover, he nearly hit 4,000 yards, finishing just 51 short of that number. That yardage mark was seventh among all QBs last season and his 303.8 pass yards per game was sixth in the nation. The one concern is his ball control. He lost six fumbles a year ago. Overall, he had four games with multiple turnovers, something TCU can ill-afford if they want to compete in the Big 12. After putting up 24 passing touchdowns as a redshirt freshman with the Sun Devils, Leavitt is ready to jump to the next level. Although his 24 passing TDs don't wow you, he only had six interceptions and didn't lose any fumbles. If your QB can take care of the ball, you will always be in the game, but being in the game isn't going to cut it in 2025. If Arizona State is going to compete for another CFP berth, Leavitt will need to hit the 30 touchdown mark and keep his turnovers down. This is a bet on the potential of Lagway more than anything. Last season, he didn't even throw 200 passes over the whole season and completed less than 60 percent of them. That is not going to get it done in the SEC, but the physical tools are remarkable. The potential showed up in a big way in the games against Ole Miss and Florida State last season when he combined for 406 passing yards and four passing touchdowns. Carson Beck joins the list from a new school this year with his transfer to the ACC to join Miami. Beck seemed like a sure-fire first-round pick a year ago, but things didn't quite go as expected. Even saying that, though, he put up some solid numbers. He threw for nearly 3,500 yards to go with 28 passing touchdowns. That was a solid season, but his 12 interceptions and three fumbles lost were a big problem. If he can control his turnovers – something that should be easier in a weaker conference – then he could be among the nation's best. Seemingly a lock to enter the NFL Draft after last season, Allar stunned everyone with his choice to return in hopes of pursuing a national title (and maybe becoming the No. 1 pick in 2026). Either way, Penn State lucked out big time. Last season, against tough competition in the new-look Big Ten, he combined for 30 touchdowns and had just nine turnovers. The key is playing within himself. Last season, Penn State was 10-0 when he had at least one passing touchdown and one or fewer interceptions. Famous for getting an enormous offer to leave South Carolina, Sellers decided to stay with the Gamecocks for 2025. This season, it's fair to expect him to take a massive leap forward. In 2024, South Carolina went 5-1 when he had multiple touchdown passes, something he no doubt will need to build upon if they are going to compete in the brutal SEC. A big transfer into the SEC, Mateer put up big numbers for Washington State last season, tossing 29 touchdowns to go with 15 rushing touchdowns. A combined 44 touchdowns? To give that context, he was the only QB last season to have at least 25 passing touchdowns AND double-digit rushing touchdowns. That is a ridiculous number, but now he gets tested in the SEC with the Sooners. No doubt, one of the favorites for a Heisman bid is Garrett Nussmeier, who finished tied for 10th in the nation last season with 29 passing touchdowns and is playing in an offense that is very friendly to QBs. Moreover, he was one of just six quarterbacks in the country to post 4,000 or more passing yards, something he should have no problem doing again. His 12 interceptions are a concern, but if he can lower that to single digits, it could be a special year. Arch is perhaps the most talked-about college QB ever, with the amount of experience he has, but he has talent. There is no denying it. Coach Steve Sarkisian is the perfect coach to work with Manning, and we got a glimpse of his potential, most recently in the team's fifth game last year against Mississippi State, when he passed for 325 yards with two passing touchdowns and completed 84 percent of his passes. If he can build on that early, he could take the No. 1 spot. Speaking of gaudy numbers, Klubnik threw for 36 passing touchdowns and added seven rushing touchdowns to his numbers last season. That placed him third in the entire country in touchdowns responsible for, while also only throwing six interceptions. He took care of the ball and was still able to sling it all over. If he can match that or surpass that this year, Clemson has a great shot at a CFP berth, and an excellent chance at the Heisman. Check out all of our Daily Rankers. Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account, follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
4 takeaways from New York Jets' first depth chart of 2025
We are a days away from the New York Jets' first preseason game on Saturday against the Green Bay Packers. The Jets released their first unofficial depth chart earlier this week in advance of the game. While the key word the team used is 'unofficial," it gives you a general idea of the coach's thinking based off the first few weeks of camp. Most of the depth chart is exactly as expected, but there are a few surprises at certain positions. Here are Jets Wire's four takeaways from the release of the Jets depth chart: Jeremy Ruckert…..TE1? Mason Taylor suffered a high ankle sprain in practice this week and while Aaron Glenn said it wasn't too serious, he will not play on Saturday. However, before Taylor's injury, it was a bit of a surprise when the depth chart was released and it showed Ruckert and not Taylor as TE1. Ruckert has had a good camp overall and while he's made some mistakes, his blocking in the run game has improved and he's made some plays during 11v11 drills. If Taylor is healthy before the season starts, he's expected to be the starting tight end. But, Ruckert should receive plenty of reps in Saturday's preseason opener and could give Glenn plenty to think about with a strong game. Defensive End Depth is a Major Concern Jermaine Johnson will start out on the PUP list but is expected to be ready for the regular season. Will McDonald has had an outstanding camp so far, not only showing his speed, but adding power on the rush that hasn't been seen yet from the third year defensive end. But, after JJ and McDonald, the cupboard is bare at a very important position. Micheal Clemons, for now, is listed as the starting defensive end opposite McDonald. But, this is more of formality as once Johnson is activated off the PUP list, he'll be the starter. Clemons has been mostly disappointing in his Jets career, but has looked good in camp, earning high praise from both Glenn and Defensive Coordinator Steve Wilks. After Clemons, the depth gets very worrisome with mostly unproven or disappointing players. Rashad Weaver is listed as the primary backup behind McDonald, but has only one season of more than five sacks on his resume and that was three years ago. Behind Clemons on the depth chart are Eric Watts and Braiden Macgregor, who were signed as UDFA's last year, but made little to no impact. Rookie Tyler Baron is listed behind Weaver, but is not expected to see too much playing time in his first season. It's possible they can still add a free agent before the end of the preseason with former Lions defensive end Z'Darius Smith still available. Malachi Corley over Arian Smith…..for now. Perhaps a bigger surprise on the depth chart than Ruckert as TE1 is that Malachi Corley is ahead of rookie Arian Smith at Wide Receiver. If you've been watching any of the practices, it's been clear that Smith has outperformed Corley on every level. Smith's blazing speed has been on full display and his issues with drops so far have been greatly exaggerated. He's worked with the first team as well as the second team offense and should see plenty of action on Saturday. The same can't be said about Corley, who's struggled a bit during drills and only been working with the third string offense. He also hasn't been used at all during Special Teams drills. Not exactly encouraging signs for the second year receiver known as the "YAC King" in college. The Jets receivers are a bit banged up with Josh Reynolds and Xavier Gipson suffering injuries during last week's Green and White scrimmage. Corley needs to start showing something and Saturday night would be a good place to start. Tippmann vs. Myers Arguably, the biggest competition at training camp is at center between Joe Tippmann and Josh Myers. It was a bit of a shock when GM Darren Mougey told reporters earlier in the offseason there would be a competition, even though Tippmann was very good last year on the offensive line. According to Myers, Glenn told him he would be able to compete for the starting job which was a big reason he signed with the Jets. Tippmann had some issues during last season's camp with snapping the ball to Aaron Rodgers, but was one of the best centers in the league against the run, finishing with a PFF grade of 77.3, ranking him eighth out of 64 centers. Tippmann is more versatile than Myers and has been lining up at guard due to an injury to John Simpson. The Jets depth on the offensive line is much stronger compared to last season with the addition of not only Myers, but Chukwuma Okorafor as the swing tackle. This doesn't feel like much of a competition and barring a complete meltdown from Tippmann, it's his job to lose. Austin McNamara one? If we're commenting on the punting situation with the roster, there isn't much left to complain about regarding the depth chart. The Jets elected to release fan favorite Thomas Morstead during the offseason in favor of a youth movement. It started out as McNamara, who was barely on the Bengals practice squad for a cup of coffee before being released. He was signed by the Jets in March and was going to compete against rookie Kai Kroeger, who was signed as a UDFA out of South Carolina. Kroeger was waived last week to make room for cornerback Ryan Cooper, who was claimed off waivers from the Dolphins. The coaching staff must have a lot of confidence in McNamara's ability if they've already cut his competition and barring a last minute addition, he'll handle all punting duties for Saturday's game against the Packers. If he has a rough game, expect some competition on Monday morning in Florham Park. This article originally appeared on Jets Wire: Takeaways from the Jets' first depth chart of 2025
Yahoo
a day ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Quinn Ewers Hit With Disappointing News as First Miami Dolphins Depth Chart is Revealed
Quinn Ewers Hit With Disappointing News as First Miami Dolphins Depth Chart is Revealed originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Following a tremendous career with the Texas Longhorns, Quinn Ewers is now fighting for the Miami Dolphins' backup role. Following his time in Austin, Ewers ranks No. 4 in school history in wins with a 27-9 record, became the first Texas quarterback ever to lead them to back-to-back conference championship games, ranked No. 3 in school history for passing yards with 9,128, No. 3 in career passing touchdowns with 68 and also led the program to its first two College Football Playoff appearances. However, injuries derailed what could have been an even more promising career, and likely played a role in him falling to the seventh round of this year's draft, where the Dolphins selected him with the 231st overall pick. Although he has been frequently making highlight throws during the team's training camp, ESPN released its updated depth chart for every NFL team, and it appears Ewers has some work to do as he's listed as the third quarterback. Miami Dolphins Depth Chart Starter: Tua Tagovailoa 2nd: Zach Wilson 3rd: Quinn Ewers Due to Tagovailoa's injury history and the fact that he is a proven commodity, it seems extremely unlikely that he will see any playing time during the preseason. This means both Wilson and Ewers should receive ample opportunities to prove who should be the backup behind Tagovailoa. The Dolphins will play their first preseason game on Aug. 10 against the Chicago Bears, and although head coach Mike McDaniel says he doesn't believe in depth charts, we will quickly learn who is the QB2 based on who goes in story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 4, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Jalen Milroe Surges Past Former NFL Starter on First Seattle Seahawks Depth Chart
Jalen Milroe Surges Past Former NFL Starter on First Seattle Seahawks Depth Chart originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Despite being viewed as a potential first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, former Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe ended up sliding into the third round. The 22-year-old who was the starter for Alabama for two seasons was selected with the No. 92 pick by the Seattle Seahawks. Although every player's dream is to go in the first round, Milroe likely couldn't have gone to a better situation. There is virtually no pressure on him as the Seahawks signed former Minnesota Vikings quarterback, Sam Darnold, to a three-year, $100.5 million contract this offseason, and also have Drew Lock, who has started 28 career games on the roster as well. However, based on ESPN's initial depth chart, Milroe may be climbing the depth chart sooner than most expected. Seattle Seahawks Depth Chart As reported by ESPN, the Seahawks depth chart goes as follows: QB1: Sam Darnold QB2 Jalen Milroe QB3 Drew Lock If this truly ends up being the case, Milroe has taken major strides following his final season at Alabama. During his final year in Tuscaloosa, Milroe was criticized heavily for forcing passes into windows that weren't there after being late on reads. In his final season at Alabama, Milroe threw a career-high 11 interceptions to just 16 touchdowns, an increase of five more interceptions than he threw in 2023. Although training camp is still ongoing and the preseason games have yet to be played, clearly, Milroe is finding some success in the pacific story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 5, 2025, where it first appeared.
