Why New England Patriots’ selection of QB Bailey Zappe is lauded by former NFL GM – NFL Nation

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Quick-hit thoughts and notes around the New England Patriots and NFL:

1. Happy with Zappe: One of the more compelling moments of ESPN’s broadcast on the third day of the 2022 NFL draft came when the Patriots selected Western Kentucky quarterback Bailey Zappe late in the fourth round (No. 137).

Host Rece Davis said what many who follow the Patriots might have been thinking: Help me understand this pick — especially after selecting Mac Jones in the first round the year before, and with other notable needs, particularly on defense.

It sparked an insightful discussion with analysts Todd McShay and Louis Riddick, which covered how it can be good business to draft and develop quarterbacks.

That was on point to former NFL GM Randy Mueller, who served in the front offices of the Seattle Seahawks, New Orleans Saints and Miami Dolphins, and was named NFL Executive of the Year in 2000 while with the Saints. He applauded the Zappe pick.

Bucs rookies on playing with the GOAT
Bears banking on rookies in secondary
McDaniel clicks with players
Washington unlocks Broncos return game?
Raiders emphasize versatility

“I wasn’t surprised. At that point in the draft, you’re trying to identify traits with players that maybe not everybody sees. And I think Bill [Belichick] and his crew have done as good a job at that as any, across the board at all positions,” Mueller said.

“I see a lot of positives in Bailey Zappe. When you get to the third day of the draft, I think it’s too much to turn your back on, regardless of position. Everybody seems to want to fill needs throughout [the draft], but I’m more about getting the best group of players and not bypassing good players to fill needs. And I think Bailey was one of those guys, although I don’t think everyone sees that.”

Mueller, who now runs Mueller Football Advising Services, studied all quarterbacks in the draft. While the 6-foot-1, 215-pound Zappe was the fifth selected, Mueller rated him No. 2 behind only first-round pick Kenny Pickett (No. 20 to the Steelers).

“Everyone’s criteria is always a little different, but what I saw is a guy who sees, anticipates and processes, all from the pocket, combined with some accuracy and the ability to make all the throws because he has plenty of arm,” Mueller said.

“I’m not looking for 6-foot tall quarterbacks, per se, but he plays a lot bigger than that. The fact he has the vision and anticipation from the pocket; I’m not saying he’s Drew Brees or Russell Wilson or anything, but … he trends more in that line just because of that anticipatory skill set.”

Zappe’s production was off the charts in 2021, when he completed 475 of 686 (69.2%) passes for 5,967 yards, with 61 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. He had transferred to Western Kentucky from Houston Baptist, following his offensive coordinator, Zach Kittley.

Mueller noted the system Zappe ran, coupled with his production and skill set, in rating him so highly.

“The other guys, for me, there’s a leap of faith in the ability to process, to anticipate, to throw on time and to still be athletic enough to move within the pocket,” he said.

“I think he’s a natural, throws with the right trajectory, with touch. A lot of second- and third-level things he does, I’ve seen pro quarterbacks after four, five years still not be able to do. So I think he’s further along the learning curve than most give him credit for.”

2. Mueller’s memory: When Mueller spent 2002 to 2005 working as an analyst for ESPN, he visited Patriots practice — the first time he had attended a training camp other than with a club for which he worked. One thing he saw that day resonated.

“I remember watching Tom Brady, this was in Year 3 or 4 of his career, and his attention to detail with his footwork within the pocket. The fact he was still working on that stuff stuck with me forever,” Mueller said, adding that it altered his view when evaluating the position.

“I think that’s one of the things Tom doesn’t get enough credit for — the [movement] within the pocket — with footwork and everything else. I also saw some of that with Bailey [Zappe].”

3. Early riser: Patriots assistant Joe Judge, who is working with the quarterbacks, said Zappe was at the team facility very early Tuesday morning “trying to get ahead.” Such diligence is often the best way to make a solid first impression on coaches. It also might have been necessary, as Zappe, receiver Tyquan Thornton and running back Pierre Strong Jr. left town later in the week to attend the NFLPA Rookie Premiere in California, the annual event that introduces top marketable rookies to sponsors.

4. Kraft’s note: Who knew? When Patriots owner Robert Kraft received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Sports Business Journal on Wednesday night, Eli Manning told the crowd how he received a handwritten congratulatory note from Kraft about five days after Manning’s Giants shocked the Patriots in Super Bowl XLII. “The impact of a handwritten note has left an impression on me after all these years,” Manning said.

5. Vince’s honor: The date for Vince Wilfork’s Patriots Hall of Fame induction ceremony is TBD, but it would be fitting if he were honored at halftime of the home opener Sept. 25 against the Ravens. That’s because Wilfork said if there is one game that stands out in his career, it’s the 23-20 win against Baltimore in the AFC Championship Game on Jan. 22, 2012, when he rose up in the fourth quarter to make two clutch plays on defense — ripping down running back Ray Rice on a third-and-3 run and then harassing quarterback Joe Flacco on a fourth-down stop.

6. Perkins’ prep: The Patriots have a notable void at outside linebacker opposite Matthew Judon, and 2021 third-round pick Ronnie Perkins (Oklahoma) is one candidate to fill it. Perkins didn’t appear in a regular-season game as a rookie, in part because he was buried on the depth chart behind Kyle Van Noy, Jamie Collins and others. Outside linebackers coach Steve Belichick said Perkins has stayed in Foxborough throughout the offseason to put himself in the best position to “take a step forward.”

“All that really matters at the end of the day is what happens when we put the pads on,” Belichick said. “But he’s done everything right to this point.”

7. Wade’s fresh start: The Patriots traded fifth- and seventh-round picks to acquire rookie cornerback Shaun Wade from the Ravens last September, but he appeared in only three games as a reserve because of a combination of acclimating to a new system and injuries. Cornerbacks coach Mike Pellegrino said it’s a “fresh start” for the 6-foot-1, 191-pound Wade, who is “a longer guy with good quickness.” Pellegrino also noted that Wade has improved this offseason after targeting a couple of undisclosed coaching points.

The Patriots have a wide-open competition at cornerback that also includes Jalen Mills, Malcolm Butler, Jonathan Jones, Marcus Jones, Jack Jones and Terrance Mitchell, and Pellegrino repeated multiple times the “best guys will play.”

Where Wade fits — similar to Perkins at outside linebacker — is one of several under-the-radar offseason storylines for New England.

8. Fins up: Why are the Patriots opening the season with the Dolphins for the third straight year? Partly because Miami requested to be on the road in Week 2 because of a Lady Gaga concert at Hard Rock Stadium that week. So that increased the odds they would be at home opening week, narrowing their opponent options to seven teams (Buffalo was already locked into facing the Rams). The Patriots were the pick when balancing other considerations, but don’t expect a Patriots-Dolphins Sunday opener in 2023. “I assure you we’ll keep an eye on New England-Miami in Week 1 next year,” said NFL VP of Broadcasting Mike North.

9. Walsh’s legacy: Ross Douglas joined the Patriots in 2021 with the official title of NFL coaching fellowship/defense, and he’s flipped to work with receivers alongside Troy Brown this spring. The Avon, Ohio, native credits New England director of skill development Joe Kim for helping him get his foot in the door, as Douglas first met Kim when he took his taekwondo class as a 5-year-old. He also credits the late Bill Walsh, because Douglas’ position was made possible through his diversity fellowship program.

“It means absolutely everything to me,” Douglas said. “A lot of good college football coaches and a lot of talented minorities, it’s hard to get into NFL buildings — whether it’s because of lack of resources, lack of connections. So that’s our gateway.”

10. Did you know? There were four NFL teams that played their first two regular-season games on the road last season, which is how the Patriots will open their 2022 season (at Miami and Pittsburgh). The 49ers and Broncos won both games, the Cowboys split, and the Vikings lost both.

Check out our Latest News and Follow us at Facebook

Original Source

Dan Snyder reportedly in trouble as NFL owners try to vote him out

An anonymous NFL owner told Jarrett Bell of USA Today that the fellow owners are counting that could lead to the ousting of Dan Snyder.

Dan Snyder is no stranger to controversy and investigations. Recently, the Washington Commanders owner is being investigated by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Virginia attorney general’s office for financial improprieties.

That has apparently caught the ire of fellow NFL owners.

In a bombshell report by USA Today’s Jarrett Bell, an anonymous NFL owner told the outlet that owners were “counting votes” to potentially oust Snyder as the owner of the Commanders.

Report: NFL owners taking votes to potentially oust Dan Snyder

It is important to note that in order for Snyder to be removed as Commanders owner and forced to sell the team, there would need to be 24 votes to do so. With the anonymous owner’s comments, they are at least exploring the possibility.

This all stems from the Commanders being the subject of a Congressional committee probe, which said that Snyder may have kept two books of financial information to paint a different picture of the team’s money situation, per a report from Front Office Sports.

Not only that but the withholding of ticket revenue, which every team must share 40 percent of among fellow owners.

This is not the first time that the Commanders organization was investigated, as they were the subject of an investigation regarding allegations of a toxic workplace environment. The NFL fined the Commanders $10 million following their investigation.

It is unknown whether owners will vote out Snyder and force him to sell the team, but this one owner is at least taking the steps to see if it can be done.

Check out our Latest News and Follow us at Facebook

Original Source

George Kittle banging the drum loudly for Trey Lance

George Kittle has rave reviews about San Francisco 49ers quarterback Trey Lance.

The San Francisco 49ers could be in the midst of a quarterbacking change, but that does not seem to bother tight end George Kittle in the slightest, who thinks Trey Lance is an absolute … DOG!

Kittle appeared on The Pat McAfee Show Friday to promote Tight End U. Though he has had great success catching passes from Jimmy Garoppolo, Kittle understands the NFL is a business. When the 49ers traded three first-round picks on the Walter Payton Award-winning quarterback out of North Dakota State, the writing was on the wall for Garoppolo leading the 49ers in the long run.

The good news is Kittle has seen what Lance can do in practice, so he is a big believer in what the 49ers have in their quarterback room.

“Once Trey Lance gets a lot of reps just watch out because some of the things I’ve seen him do in practice mind-boggle me,” said Kittle about Lance on Friday’s episode of The Pat McAfee Show.

San Francisco 49ers: George Kittle is a big believer in Trey Lance becoming a star

So much pressure is riding on Lance to be a success for the 49ers. Once Garoppolo is healthy enough, he will almost certainly be traded this offseason. Again, San Francisco did not trade three first-round picks because Kyle Shanahan liked “Five Guys around 3.” Lance had the highest upside of any passer in the draft not named Trevor Lawrence. Undeniably raw, but so much potential…

Backing up what Kittle is saying, he trusts the culture the 49ers have in place to give Lance the best chance at success. If the 49ers have to run the ball 35 times a game in a Shanahan zone-blocking scheme fever dream, Kittle will be all about that. He did play for Kirk Ferentz at Iowa after all. How the 49ers adapt under center this season will decide if they are Super Bowl viable or not.

See, the 49ers have shown they can not only get to but win playoff games with Garoppolo under center. The issue has been beating a player more talented at the position than him (i.e., Patrick Mahomes, Matthew Stafford). The hope is Lance can take his game up to a top-tier level, whereas Garoppolo could only get them so far. He is so much better than Alex Smith and Jared Goff, though.

If George Kittle is all board the Trey Lance hype train, then we better listen to the All-Pro tight end.

Check out our Latest News and Follow us at Facebook

Original Source

L’Jarius Sneed update provides more context

More information has come about regarding the situation involving L’Jarius Sneed’s car.

Kansas City Chiefs cornerback L’Jarius Sneed had his car shot up in his native Louisiana on Friday.

While it was a scary incident in Minden, Louisiana, FanSided‘s Matt Verderame reported on Friday evening that Sneed was not at the scene of the crime, nor even in his hometown just yet. The car in question was registered in his name though, thus why news of his potential involvement in the matter first surfaced on Friday afternoon. Thankfully, Sneed is alright, but this will be investigated.

Sneed is entering his third NFL season with the Chiefs out of Louisiana Tech.

L’Jarius Sneed car shooting: More information from the Friday afternoon incident

The Chiefs are counting on Sneed to have a big year for them in the back-end of their defense. Kansas City may be the slight favorites to repeat in the AFC West race, but all three of the Chiefs’ divisional rivals are certainly capable of making the playoffs this fall. After losing Tyrann Mathieu and Charvarius Ward in free agency, look for Sneed to take on a bigger role on the Chiefs’ defense.

Frankly, even if Sneed had nothing to do with the incident taking place in Minden, Louisiana over the weekend, this should not land well with the Chiefs organization. Again, they are trusting a third-year pro and a former fourth-round pick to do big things in the defense this year. One could argue the secondary is this team’s Achilles heel. This is not the attention Sneed should be wanting.

As soon as more information comes out from the car shooting, FanSided will keep you up to date.



Check out our Latest News and Follow us at Facebook

Original Source

A.J. Brown felt threatened hosting youth football camp in Nashville

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown revealed why he decided to pull out of hosting a youth football camp in Nashville.

Wide receivers have been on the move this NFL offseason. On the first night of the NFL Draft, the Tennessee Titans traded A.J. Brown to the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for a first-round pick. It was then revealed that the Eagles signed Brown to a four-year contract extension.

On Friday, May 20, Brown released a statement indicating that he was pulling out of hosting a youth football camp that was scheduled for June in Nashville due to his peace being “threatened by adults who feel a way because I was traded.” Brown apologized to the kids and said he did not want to put himself at risk.

A.J. Brown releases statement regarding youth camp cancellation

“I’m so sorry I let down your kids and many others but I will not put myself in a place where my peace is going to be threatened by adults who feel a way because I was traded,” wrote Brown, h/t ProFootballTalk. “I’m every bad word it is for taking care of MY FAMILY! If you’re not aware just look on social media. I’m a man first and I will always do what I feel is right for me and my family. People are upset and that’s fine but it’s not that serious when it comes to me. People can disrespect me on social media and that’s fine but being disrespectful to my face is whole another things and I’m not tolerating it on any level. So forgive me for not putting myself in a place where my peace could be threatened because if something happens and I react, I’m the one who has everything to lose and not willing to risk my peace, my family, or my job.

“I would love to make everyone children’s day but not if I’m putting my own at risk. Please don’t say nothing is going to happen because nobody knows that. I’m sure someone will still have a problem with this and that’s fine as well. If you can’t understand that then it’s because you don’t want to. Take care! Love.”

Brown was in search for a new contract with the Titans, as his rookie contract expired at the end of the 2022 season. Ultimately, both sides could not reach an agreement on a deal, which resulted in Tennessee negotiating a trade with Philadelphia. And it occurred in the middle of the first round of the draft.

It was revealed shortly after the trade was announced that the Eagles and Brown agreed to terms on a four-year, $100 million contract. Meanwhile, the Titans used their recently acquired 18th overall pick to select Arkansas wideout Treylon Burks.

Brown apologized for pulling out of the camp, but he says he did so in order to look out for his safety.



Check out our Latest News and Follow us at Facebook

Original Source

Aaron Rodgers should be fuming over latest NFL analyst disrespect

Aaron Rodgers is the back-to-back NFL MVP, but you wouldn’t guess it with the disrespect being thrown the way of the Packers quarterback.

It’s been quite a jam-packed past couple of years for Aaron Rodgers both on and off the field. There’s no reason to belabor the points that have been countlessly made about his choices outside of the gridiron, but things on the field, at least individually, have gone quite swimmingly for him.

After all, Rodgers didn’t win back-to-back NFL MVP trophies for just showing up with a questionable new hairdo and putting on his jersey.

Put simply, when you block out all of the noise, Rodgers is one thing that he’s always been: one of the best — if not the best — quarterbacks in the league.

And that’s what made it all the more shocking to see two separate NFL analysts slight the Packers quarterback as one said Justin Herbert was the next Aaron Rodgers while the other didn’t include him in the five best quarterbacks in the two-minute drill:

Aaron Rodgers disrespect truly makes no sense

Plainly, these are comical takes.

Herbert is fantastic, but to say that he has been Rodgers-esque after just two seasons — two years in which he didn’t lead the Chargers to the playoffs, it should be noted — is just unrealistic. Maybe he gets to be at Rodgers’ level, but there’s no reasonable way to say that right now.

And as for the two-minute drill, that’s even more laughable. Rodgers has been and remains a nightmare for opposing defenses in the final moments of a game. He’s the grim reaper coming to kill all hope, and he’s done that more than a time or two as well.

It’s going to be an interesting season for the Packers with the changes that have been made on the roster. With that being said, if Rodgers is one for bulletin-board material, this would certainly qualify as such. And that should frighten the NFL for what’s to come in 2022.



Check out our Latest News and Follow us at Facebook

Original Source

3 post-June 1 cut candidates that look expendable

Green Bay Packers, Mason Crosby. Mandatory Credit: USA Today Sports/PackersNews

In the wake of the 2022 NFL Draft, these Green Bay Packers veterans could be in very real danger of being cut this offseason. 

It’s been quite the offseason for the Green Bay Packers, one of ups and downs, to be sure. Aaron Rodgers elected to return, much to the surprise of many, but the team also traded away stalwart wide receiver Davante Adams to the Raiders.

Then came the 2022 NFL Draft when the team, once again, didn’t use either of their first-round picks on a wide receiver, though they did trade up into the early second round to take Christian Watson. Still, there are holes on this roster, receiver being one of them, that need to be filled and the Packers will have to do some maneuvering to make that happen.

With the all-important June 1 date looming, though, it would make sense for Green Bay to look where they could save money while not hurting the product they put on the field. Having that in mind, these three players look like prime cut candidates of the Packers with a post-June 1 designation.

Note: All cap figures are via Over the Cap.

Packers: 3 veteran cut candidates after 2022 NFL Draft

3. Mason Crosby, K

Make no mistake, Mason Crosby has enjoyed a legendary career in Green Bay and, for much of that time, fans have enjoyed him all the same. In the 2021 season, however, there were quite a few moments that were less than enjoyable for the veteran kicker.

While Crosby did convert a reliable 49-of-51 extra points on the season, he posted the second-worst field goal conversion rate of his career at just 73.5 percent (25-of-34). That included some truly troubling stretches in which there was little confidence among the fanbase that he could pull through in the manner that he has so many times before.

Adding to the concern about Crosby is that the 37-year-old is set to hit $4.735 million against the salary cap this season. For a kicker who looked arguably the worst he has in his illustrious career, that seems like a pretty hefty price tag to be paying if you’re the Packers.

The franchise has brought in two kickers to compete with Crosby this offseason and, while they cut JJ Molson on Friday, they still have Dominik Eberle on the roster to compete and at a much cheaper price. Simply, it might be time to go in a new direction from the franchise legend.

Check out our Latest News and Follow us at Facebook

Original Source

Nick Foles one-ups Carson Wentz again by taking Colts roster spot

The Indianapolis Colts are adding Nick Foles to their quarterback room just months after trading Carson Wentz to the Washington Commanders.

The two former Eagles signal-callers have since moved on to, well, I wouldn’t call it greener pastures. However, Foles does add a veteran presence to the Colts locker room, something they could use behind Matt Ryan given Jacoby Brissett is now in Cleveland.

Foles’ last QB experience came in Chicago, where he threw for an 11:8 touchdown-to-interception ratio in two seasons at the helm. If anything, Foles proved once and for all that he’s a solid backup, but not a star QB in the making, despite his Super Bowl LII heroics.

Nonetheless, Foles does have experience working with Frank Reich, and he’ll be able to step in should Ryan get injured at any point this season. Indy also has Sam Ehlinger, James Morgan and Jack Coan in the QB room, but Foles clearly trumps them as a QB qualified enough to hold the clipboard.

Colts: Nick Foles gets the best of Carson Wentz again

Sure, it’s a bit of stretch, but one can’t help but laugh at Foles being Reich’s preferred QB of choice in the building, rather than Wentz, who underwhelmed in his lone season in Indy.

Wentz was erratic and unpredictable at times, while Foles is at least a steady presence. Reich knows what he’s getting at times, while a Wentz-led offense could score a touchdown or turn the ball over on any given play.

Unfortunately for the former top-5 pick, the latter was all too often the result in 2021.



Check out our Latest News and Follow us at Facebook

Original Source

L’Jarius Sneed’s car repeatedly shot at in frightening incident

Kansas City Chiefs defensive back L’Jarius Sneed was not involved in the shooting in Louisiana, his agent clarified on Friday afternoon.

Sneed’s car was repeatedly shot at, but police stated that he was not inside at the time of the incident, thankfully.

The 25-year-old’s agent put out a statement regarding the shooting on social media:

“A random and unnecessary act of violence occurred when Mr. Sneed was visiting his home town. No one was injured, but gunshots damaged his vehicle. He was briefly questioned and released without incident. There is a $5,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the people or peoples responsible for the act. Please contact the Minden City Police Department Detective Division with your information.”

Chiefs: L’Jarius Sneed’s car involved in frightening incident

Sources told TMZ Sports that while Sneed was not driving the car, two of his friends were at the time. The shooting, at least for now, appears to be random.

Sneed later showed up at the scene of the crime and was questioned by police, as is normal procedure given the vehicle is listed to him. The 25-year-old was not arrested, and cooperated with police to the fullest extent.

Sneed has started 21 games with the Chiefs, recording five interceptions, three sacks and 117 combined tackles. He’s quickly become on of the key contributors on Steve Spagnuolo’s defense.

The Chiefs have yet to comment on the situation.



Check out our Latest News and Follow us at Facebook

Original Source

Las Vegas Raiders emphasize versatility while shuffling their D-line – NFL Nation

HENDERSON, Nev. — When Matthew Butler‘s cell phone came to life in the fifth round of the NFL draft last month, the former Tennessee defensive lineman did not recognize the number on the screen.

“It just showed ‘Las Vegas, Nevada,'” Butler said. “So, my heart stopped a little bit.”

Indeed, when it comes to the Las Vegas Raiders and defensive linemen, the 702 area code has been getting a lot of work this offseason. Because besides drafting Butler with the No. 175 overall pick, the Raiders also selected LSU’s Neil Farrell Jr. one round earlier. Las Vegas then signed a pair of undrafted rookie D-linemen in Notre Dame’s Myron Tagovailoa-Amosa and Iowa’s Zach VanValkenburg, both of whom are listed as ends.

This after signing a gaggle of veteran defensive tackles in free agency — from Bilal Nichols to Kyle Peko to Vernon Butler to PJ Johnson to Tashawn Bower to Andrew Billings — while re-signing Johnathan Hankins and retaining Kendal Vickers.

Oh yeah, and the Raiders traded away defensive end rusher Yannick Ngakoue and signed edge rusher Chandler Jones to pair with Pro Bowler Maxx Crosby.

The Raiders’ new regime re-shuffled its D-line deck … and then some.

Bucs rookies on playing with the GOAT
McDaniel clicks with players
Washington unlocks Broncos return game?
Raiders emphasize versatility
ND’s Austin embracing NFL journey

“We didn’t have many [defensive linemen] on the roster to start with,” said new Raiders coach Josh McDaniels. “There was a lot of opportunity at that position.”

To be fair, McDaniels was speaking specifically of the two interior defensive line positions. To be more general, with the Raiders valuing versatility in all of their players, they will show a variety of new fronts under new defensive coordinator Patrick Graham.

A 4-3 base, as has been the Raiders’ look for a decade-plus? Sure.

What about a 3-4, which more closely resembles Graham’s sensibilities? As McDaniels has said since he was hired in January, a base defense is basically a nickel now. So you need interchangeable pieces, and the more positions one can play, the more playtime said player will get.

Which is why you shouldn’t read too much into Jones being listed as a linebacker on the team’s transactions page, or Farrell as a defensive lineman, or Tagovailoa, who trends as a classic “tweener,” as an end.

“During my career at LSU,” Farrell said, “I played defensive end. I played defensive tackle. I played nose guard. So whatever the team needs, I’m willing to do.”

Keep in mind, Clelin Ferrell, the No. 4 pick of the 2020 draft, is still on the roster and might translate better as an end in a 3-4 scheme. As is Malcolm Koonce, who was drafted in the third round last year, had two sacks in his first two games as a defensive end but also started seeing practice reps at outside linebacker late in the season.

Plus, the AFC West is loaded at quarterback, with Russell Wilson joining the Denver Broncos to add to Patrick Mahomes with the Kansas City Chiefs and Justin Herbert with the Los Angeles Chargers.

Then there’s this: the Raiders have ranked in the bottom half of the NFL in scoring defense in 19 straight seasons, the longest such streak by any team since 1970, according to ESPN Stats & Information.

No wonder Las Vegas has gone so heavy on the D-line this offseason.

In Farrell, the Raiders got a 6-foot-4, 319-pound fifth-year senior who had 45 tackles, 9.5 for a loss, with two sacks for LSU last fall. Pro Football Focus had the two-time SEC Academic Honor Roll member fourth in FBS with 24 run stops, 10 of which were either for no gain or a loss.

Butler, at 6-4, 295 pounds, was also a fifth-year senior who blossomed last season. He played an SEC-high 726 snaps and led Tennessee’s defensive linemen in tackles (47) while being fourth in tackles for loss (8.5) and third in sacks (5) with seven QB hurries and a forced fumble. PFF had him in the top 10 of SEC D-linemen in rush defense.

The 6-2, 270-pound Tagovailoa-Amosa, who played five years at Notre Dame (sensing a trend yet?) and was a team captain, had two sacks last season while the 6-4, 263-pound VanValkenburg played three years at Iowa after transferring from Division II Hillsdale. He had five sacks as a senior.

As McDaniels put it, the Raiders have been taking “a few swings” on the defensive line this offseason, from free agency through the draft and the UDFA signings.

“Like I said, we’re going to need some depth there in camp anyway,” McDaniels said. “We are going to improve the competition at each position that we can, and I think we’ve put a group in there that’ll do that now.”

Check out our Latest News and Follow us at Facebook

Original Source

Exit mobile version