2020-04-29

Jalen Saunders signed by Canadian Football League team

Canadian Football League’s Ottawa Redblack franchise signed wide receiver Jalen Saunders to a one-year contract, the team announced last week, via CFL.ca.

“He’s explosive, versatile and will fit into the offense very well, ” Redblack's general manager Marcel Desjardins told Ottawa Sun.

Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
After suffering a torn ACL in 2018, Saunders was placed on XFL’s injury reserve list after being drafted in the league's October draft by the Houston Roughnecks.


  • “I’m back fully ready to go. I was ready to play in the XFL,” Saunders said, via The Sun.


Saunders, 27, has one career reception after being selected by New York Jets in fourth-round of the 2014 draft.




2020-04-28

Samaje Perine signs with Cincinnati Bengals

Samaje Perine will join former teammates Rodney Anderson and Joe Mixon in Cincinnati after being released by the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, the team announced on Tuesday.

After being released by Washington Redskins, where he had eight career starts, the Cincinnati Bengals signed the running back to their practice team, before 2019 season, before joining Dolphins in week 16 last season.

Jonathan Newton/Washington Post

Perine, 24, has 188 career carries totaling for 655 rushing yards, including one touchdown on the ground. He added 25 receptions for 187 yards for one touchdown.

The financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.


CeeDee Lamb looks forward joining Dallas Cowboys

It'll ‘be pretty nice' to play for America’s Team.

CeeDee Lamb was drafted by Dallas Cowboys in this year's draft after the run-blocking receiver fell to 17th overall pick.

"I just want to be another target Dak can rely on... Being in that type of offense is going to be pretty nice, ” Lamb told FOX Sports' Jimmie Johnson, Kurt Menefee, via Twitter.

Carmen Mandato/Getty Images

Lamb, an All-American, was drafted behind Alabama receivers Henry Ruggs, Jerry Jeudy.


At Oklahoma, Lamb averaged 19.0 yards per catch in 173 catches for 3,292 yards totaling 32 touchdowns

2020-04-27

San Francisco acquires Trent Williams

‘I am thankful this is the over.'

Washington Redskins traded tackle Trent Williams on Saturday to San Francisco 49ers, the 49ers announced on Saturday.

They received a fifth-round pick in this year's draft and a future third-round pick in next year's draft in compensation for the All-Pro tackle.

On Saturday, John Lynch, General Manager of the 49ers, welcomed the addition of Williams, despite not securing him to a long-term contract.

Mark Tenally/Associated Press

"I think the plan was to land him right now and then let the rest kind of work itself out,"  Lynch told ESPN.com.

After growing mistrust of Washington's team management and medical staff, Williams met briefly with newly hired head coach Ron Riveria. The conversation was characterized as ‘positive’ by Riveria.

However, Williams ‘realized there was no relationship there’ in March.

Vincent Taylor, Williams’ agent, later said Washington didn’t negotiate in ‘good faith' and demanded they trade or release his client.

"Although Trent Williams will always love and respect Dan Snyder, his teammates, and the Washington Redskins' fans, he wants to be traded or released. It's time for the organization to act in a manner that is in both Williams' and the team's best interest," Taylor told ESPN.com.

Williams, 31, is entering the final season of a five-year, $68M contract, according to Spotrac, it’s the fourth-highest contract among left tackles in the league.

"We felt like even though we were assuming some risk without the Trent Williams thing being done, that was a risk we were willing to take," Lynch said, via ESPN.com.

Williams will likely seek a restructured contract or extension ahead of the start of the season -- he's due to $12.5M this season.

After the trade, Williams thanked Washington.

"I'm thankful this is over. Thanks to Dan and the organization for all they've done for me. Still a lot of love for the fans and that locker room. Now I'm focusing on being the best player I cay be for the 49ers," Williams told Rapoport.




Miami Dolphins release Samaje Perine

Running back Samaje Perine was released by Miami Dolphins, the team announced on Sunday.

Perine, who has eight career starts, was among four waived by the organization, a day following the league's draft. He joined Miami in week 16th ahead of New England Patriots, he had five rushes for 16 yards.

Alex Brandon/Associated Press
He was drafted in fourth-round by Washington Redskins in 2017, where he had 635 yards in two seasons before he was cut by the organization.

Cincinnati Bengals signed Perine to the practice squad, before the 2019 season before joining the Dolphins.


2020-04-26

Carson Wentz welcomes Jalen Hurts to Eagles

Eagles selected quarterback Jalen Hurts with 53rd overall pick in the 2020 National Football League Draft.

While Philadelphia’s selection raised eyebrows around the league, quarterback Carson Wentz welcomed, via Tweet:

“Welcome to the best football in America brotha!” Wentz, 27, signed a 4-year, $128M multi-year extension last season.

AP Photo/Alonzo Adams
Wentz missed eight games in four-seasons, five in 2018 and three previously in 2017.

A member of the Eagles coaching staff says the team plans to utilize both, Hurts and Wentz, says Press Taylor, Eagles passing game coordinator.

“I think at some point, one of the big things will be having multiple people on the field who can throw the ball,” Taylor said, Eagles Wire.

“That’s something going forward … You’ve seen the ‘Philly Special,’ you’ve seen all different versions of double passes. I think at some point I can see something like that coming into play.”

Quarterback Donovan McNabb played ten seasons in Philadelphia expressed confidence in Hurt's talent fitting into head coach Doug Pederson’s west coast system.

McNabb appeared on The Zach Gelb Show on CBS Sports Radio, Friday.

McNabb said, via Radio.com:

“So I like the fact that Jalen Hurts is playing under a West Coast system, where he can learn from Doug, which I learned from Doug in my rookie season. And then we both learned from Andy. This will be a great fit for him, to at least learn under Doug, be able to continue to refine his three-step, five-step, seven-step drop, which he's done throughout this offseason, and knowing, and seeing, obviously, the result of it all. So I'm excited about it.”

Oklahoma coach Lincoln Riley congratulated Hurts on Twitter.

“Congratulations Jalen Hurts. So proud.”

“We’re so, so thrilled for you, what an opportunity man,” Riley added, via 247Sports. “An unbelievable story and the best is yet to come my man.”

Hurt said he looked forward to having the opportunity to the organization.

"I am an Eagle and it's a blessing," Hurts said in a statement, via Philadelphia Eagles official site. "I'm just looking forward to being a part of the organization and meeting the guys."

2020-04-25

CB Parnell Motley to sign with Tampa Bay as UDFA

Cornerback Parnell Motley will sign as an undrafted with Tampa Bay Buccaneers, according to Darren Wolfson, Minneapolis’ KSTP.

Wolfe tweeted Motley chose Tampa over Minnesota Vikings, who went undrafted in the NFL's seven-round draft.
Caitlyn Epes/The Daily

The terms of the agreement were not disclosed as the team hasn’t officially announced Motley's signing.

Motley, who wasn’t invited to league's February's league scouting combine, ran 4.47-40 at Oklahoma’s Pro Day. However, he performed poorly in vertical (30 in.), long jump (108 in.), bench press (12), and cone drills (7.2 seconds).

He played four seasons at Oklahoma, recording 41 total tackles, including six turnovers, five forced fumbles, and one interception in his senior season.


2020-04-24

Jalen Hurts, Neville Gallimore likely taken in second round

Jalen Hurts, Neville Gallimore is the top-rated available prospects from the University of Oklahoma after the opening night of the 2020 National Football League draft.

San Diego Chargers selected LB Kenneth Murray (23), WR CeeDee Lamb (17) was taken by Dallas Cowboys, the fewest Oklahoma players chosen in the first-round since 2018 draft.
Sue Ogrocki/Associated Press
NFL columnist Nate Davis, USA Today, released his latest mock draft ahead of Friday evening's rounds two and three. Davis projects Hurts, Gallimore will be taken in the second round.

Davis predicts Hurts to Pittsburgh Steelers, he writes:

Playing behind veterans Calais Campbell and Derek Wolfe in Baltimore's D-line rotation might give Gallimore the requisite time and positive examples to unlock his potential.

He predicts Gallimore to Baltimore Ravens:

Last season was proof positive that this team needs a better backup plan behind Ben Roethlisberger, now 38 and coming off elbow surgery. Hurts could use more seasoning but his dual threat abilities could also take this an offense in exciting new directions.


Lamb, Murray taken in first-round

A pair of Oklahoma players were taken in the first round of the National Football League draft on Thursday.

CeeDee Lamb was taken 17th overall by Dallas Cowboys. The highest chosen prospect from Oklahoma in 2020 class. Owner Jerry Jones said, Lamb was the sixth rated player on the organization’s draft board, according to ESPN's Todd Archer.

Ian Maule, Tulsa World
"Lamb prevailed," Jones told ESPN.com. "We just didn't want to miss him. Those trades ultimately are supposed to add another player to be valuable, but we couldn't trump him. He was just there. He's a football player. He's a playmaker. He just earned it."

Lamb, 21, was the third receiver selected after Alabama receivers Henry Ruggs  (12th) and Jerry Jeudy (15th). Cowboys Executive Vice President Stephen Jones believed Lamb wouldn’t be available at 17th overall.

"We felt like he was a top-10 player in this draft, and we'd never see him," Stephen Jones added, via ESPN.com.

Oklahoma coach Lincoln Riley was thrilled for Lamb.

"I'm very thrilled for CeeDee and his family,” Riley said, via Tulsa World.

Linebacker Kenneth Murray, 22, was the second player selected on the first night at 23rd by Los Angeles Chargers.

Riley predicts Murray would have an ‘instant impact’ for the Chargers.

"He was one of the most influential and active players we've ever had in terms of off-the-field activities and has just been a great all-around Sooner. He's also a tremendous example of the progress of 'Speed D' and we look forward to him having a great career and becoming an instant-impact player with the Chargers, ” Riley said, via Tulsa World.

2020 NFL Draft continues today, Friday, April 24, at 6 pm/ct.

2020-04-23

Neville Gallimore attributes family for success

Neville Gallimore will become the first defensive tackle drafted since Stacey McGee in the 2013 National Football League draft.

Gallimore, 23, is the son of Jamaican immigrants, receiving over 30 football scholarship offers from various universities around the United States, despite being raised in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
Brett Deering/Getty Images
“My father is the biggest motivation for me,” Neville wrote to league general managers in an letter, via Ottawa Sun.

“He’s been sick most of my life. Because of all he’s had to go through, we just have a very special relationship. When I was growing up, and now whenever I’m home, I’m like my dad’s seeing-eye dog. When I’m at home and my dad’s awake, I’m awake. When my dad’s asleep, I’m still up. I’m just always trying to make sure that he’s good.”

Gallimore is ranked the 63rd overall prospect in this year's draft, writes Jeff Legwold, ESPN NFL analyst.

2020 NFL Draft is April 23 -25.

Kirk Herbstreit: Jalen Hurts' qualities are off the chart

Jalen Hurts is considered one of the ‘most intriguing' prospects in this year's draft, according to ESPN's college football commentator Kirk Herbstreit.

He believes Hurts at quarterback will be a dual-threat in the National Football League.

“Because the NFL is changing to guys who are dual threats, there's a place for him,” Herbstreit said, via 247Sports.com.


Hurts, 22, a graduate transfer from Alabama, is projected anywhere from late first-round to early third-round in this year’s draft.

“Put him at running back or wide receiver...nope, that's not going to work. He's a quarterback. You can maybe use him with a wrinkle or package. But like I said, I think he's the most intriguing guy in this draft. To see where the NFL thinks where he's going to go. As far as leadership, character, he's off the charts.”

Hurts appeared in three College Football Playoff Semi-finals, twice with Alabama and once with Oklahoma.

The 2020 NFL Draft begins Thursday, April 23 to April 26.

Four Sooners named to Top 100 prospects in NFL Draft

Four Sooners are ranked in the top 65 of ESPN NFL analyst Jeff Legwold’s Top 100 prospects of the 2020 National Football League Draft.

Clemson’s Isaiah Simmons, S/LB, was named Legwold's top prospect in his rankings released on Saturday ahead of this week’s draft.

Simmons is followed by Chase Young, DE, Ohio State, LSU quarterback Joe Burrow, Ohio State CB Jeff Okudah, and DT Derrick Brown of Auburn rounded out his top-5.

AP Photo/Alonzo Adams

Wide receiver CeeDee Lamb was highest-ranked at No. 13 in his Top 100, Legwold calls him a “big-play machine.”

“The sheer number of quality receiver prospects might push some down the board. Many believe Lamb is the best of this year's group. He's a big-play machine -- 24 career catches of at least 40 yards -- with ultra-reliable hands and also forces missed tackles.”

Linebacker Kenneth Murray was ranked the 16th overall prospect.

“Murray has tremendous range and finishes tackles all over the field. He has elite burst, and his play speed is among the best on the board,” writes Legwold.

Jalen Hurts is ranked the third-best quarterback prospect at 32nd overall in the draft, behind Burrow (third) and Tua Tagovailoa, who’s ranked ninth.

Legwold says Hurts “is calm under pressure, has boatloads of toughness and high-end movement skills and possesses the ability to extend plays and escape the pocket. There is a vastly underrated awareness in his game and, in the right hands, he will be a starter.”

Defensive tackle Neville Gallimore is ranked 63rd overall. His “potential is greater than his production, with no more than four tackles in a game last season. There is just too much speed, quickness and effort to pass up, though, ” Legwold writes.

The draft runs Thursday, April 23rd to 25th, and is available on ABC, ESPN, and NFL Network.

2020-04-22

Four Sooners will participate in NFL Draft virtually

Four Sooners will virtually participate in the 2020 NFL Draft.

Quarterback Jalen Hurts, linebacker Kenneth Murray, defense lineman Neville Gallimore, and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb are among the 58 who will virtually participate, according to NFL.com, after the league canceled activities in Las Vegas due to COVID-19.

Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Participating virtually in the April 23-26 draft poses a logistics challenge for the National Football League. It required the league to send two boxes of equipment, Murray told The Oklahoma's Abby Bitterman

Bitterman writes:
The NFL sent out camera equipment to each of the prospects with instructions on how to set it up. Murray said his two big boxes of equipment arrived last Tuesday. 
“We have two separate cameras,” Murray told Bitterman. “One is for just to stream and then we have one that’s for the interviews that we have after we get drafted.”

Bellagio Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas was originally scheduled to hold this year's draft.

2020-04-20

Trent Williams likely traded this week; Mixon to Washington for Williams?

Trent Williams will likely 'get traded'  ahead of this week’s draft, NBC Sports' Peter King reported on Monday.

As Williams continues his holdout with the Washington Redskins, running back Joe Mixon is looking for a long-term extension with the Cincinnati Bengals.

John Grieshop/Getty Images

A trade floated around by Michael Luciano of 12UP was Williams in-exchange for Mixon. Mixon, an up-and-coming talent, is entering the final season of 4-year, $4M rookie contract.

Luiano writes:
The two players could conceivably be traded for each other straight up, but the Redskins would likely need to surrender a third-round pick, as they are adding a younger player who would be expected to serve as the focal point of their offense.

Williams, 32, is demanding a trade out of Washington after sitting out last season. The All-Pro tackle is in the final-season of 5-year, $66M contract with the organization.

Washington has seven picks in the upcoming draft, they hold only two in the first three rounds (2nd) and (66th).

The 2020 NFL Draft is April 23-26.

*This story previously stated Williams would be traded, it has been corrected to reflect he would be likely -- with a quote from Peter King's report from Monday, April 20.

2020-04-18

Kyler Murray, Mark Andrews named to All-Decade team

Murray, Andrews among the best of 2010s.

Oklahoma standouts Kyler Murray, Mark Andrews, were named a member of Max Prep's All-Decade team.

Andrews, a consensus four-star wide receiver Dessert Mountain High School (Scottsdale, Ariz.), would move to tight-end at Oklahoma.
Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
As a senior, he would haul in 68 catches for 1,122 yards and 17 touchdowns, earning the nationally ranking of the seventh-best receiver in 2014 class by Rivals. He would commit to Oklahoma over Alabama, Notre Dame and Ohio State.

Murray, a five-star quarterback Allen High School (Allen, Tex.), went 43-0, leading Allen to three consecutive state championships in 5A, the highest classification of high school football in the state of Texas.

He would earn 2014 Gatorade National Player of the Year honors in his senior season after throwing 3,674 yards, 48 touchdowns while completing 70.6 percent passes.

All-Pro wide receiver, Mike Evans, a teammate at A&M, believes he might be the best, “[Texas HS Football] the best and QB the hardest position so I guess Kyler Murray the best HS player ever, ” Evans tweeted.

Murray would join former Oklahoma coach Kevin Sumlin at Texas A&M, before transferring to Oklahoma and winning the 2019 Heisman Trophy.


Baker Mayfield, Kyler Murray on NFLPA's Top 50 sales list

Two Sooners continue to drive sales.

Baker Mayfield, Kyler Murray, represented Oklahoma on the year-end NFLPA’s Top 50 players sales list from March 1, 2019-February 29, 2020.

Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield ranked fifth according to figures released by Players Association, that keeps track of all licensed merchandise sales in retail and online outlets.

Christian Petersen/Getty Images
Mayfield continues to drive sales appearing in the top five sales across many categories – including Funko Pop vinyl, FY20’s “sock-cess” socks, youth apparel.

Kyler Murray drafted first-overall the last offseason, ranked 37th in jersey sales in his rookie season with Arizona Cardinals – fourth-best among rookies.

RELATED: Cale Gundy to Mayfield Hater: Never Heard of Him In 47 Years

Super Bowl-winning quarterback Patrick Mahomes had the league’s jersey in the period.

Joe Mixon willing to holdout

Joe Mixon appears willing to hold out.

Cincinnati Bengals appear certain to draft quarterback Joe Burrow with the first overall pick in 2020 NFL Draft. However, their star running back ‘is prepared' to holdout if he doesn't sign a long-term contract with the organization in the offseason.

Andy Lyons/Getty Images
Mixon, 23, is entering the fourth season of his 4-year, $4.3M rookie contract and is reportedly “ prepared for a holdout if they can’t agree to a long-term deal, ” The Athletic's Paul Dehner writes.

Mixon is headed toward a substantial salary increase.

Last week, Christian McCaffrey signed a four-year, $64M contract with Carolina Panthers, the richest for a running back in league history.

Mixon, McCaffery have somewhat comparable stats. However, McCaffery owns a better career average in yards-per-rush 4.7 compared to Mixon's 4.2. McCaffery (8.3), also, betters Mixon (8.1) in yards-per-reception.

In 2019, Mixon started 15 games totaling 1137 yards on 248 carries, averaging 4.1 yards per rush.


2020-04-16

Kenny Stills likely out in Houston

Wide receiver Kenny Stills’ tenure in Houston could be ending soon.

Stills, 27, is reportedly the ‘odd man out' in the Houston Texans organization, The Athletic's Aaron Reiss writes. If they are unable to trade Stills (late-round pick, reportedly value) they can cut him saving the team over $7M.

Michael Hickey/Getty Images
Stills is entering the final season of a four-year, $28M contract.

After Bill O’Brien, Texan's general manager and coach, traded All-Pro receiver DeAndre Hopkins the team picked up Brandin Cooks, Randall Cobb and Will Fuller. A move, likely, limiting snaps for Stills after starting only five games last season following a trade between Miami Dolphins and Texans.

Possible landing spots for Stills could be Philadelphia and Green Bay.

2020-04-15

Analyst: CeeDee Lamb's competitiveness separates him

Wide receiver CeeDee Lamb is among NFL Network draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah's favorite prospects in the upcoming draft.

Lamb, an All-American at Oklahoma, earned the ‘red star' which scouts give to prospects their watching on their draft boards.
Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
"One in the first round is CeeDee Lamb,” Jeremiah said, via 247Sports. “Red Star for me because of how competitive he is. We talk about it after the catch—he just refuses to go down. It doesn’t matter what portion of the game it is, he’s always going 100 miles an hour, plays with unbelievable effort. So he would be my top end Red Star.”

Lamb, 21, is mid-first round prospect – is projected from anywhere from ninth to 16th – in a talented receiver corp. class featuring Clemson wideout Tee Higgins, Alabama receivers Jerry Jeudy and Henry Ruggs III.

The NFL Draft 2020 draft is April 23-26.

Jalen Hurts meets with Chargers, Packers

Quarterback Jalen Hurts met virtually with Los Angeles Chargers and Green Bay Packers ahead of this month’s NFL Draft, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

While both franchises are in the quarterback market, the Chargers have the immediate need after Phillip Rivers’ departure leaving Tyrod Taylor, 30, the lone quarterback with experience.

Kyle Crabbs of The Draft Network has Los Angeles taking Utah State quarterback Jordan Love with 31st overall pick via trade with San Francisco 49ers, the team currently holds the 37th and 71st overall selections.
AP Photo/Alonzo Adams

Green Bay is entering 15th season with Aaron Rodgers, 36, who’s in the second year of 4-year, $134M contract. They hold the 30th and 62nd overall selections. Fansided’s Patrick Schmidt has the Packers taking Love with the 30th overall pick.

Hurts’ draft stock has been rising among league executives and scouts, according to ESPN's NFL Draft analyst Mel Kiper, noting the graduate transfer is a ‘hot name' in recent weeks.

RELATED: Analyst: Tampa Bay is worst fit for Jalen Hurts

Last season, Hurts completed 69.7 percent of his passes for 3,851 yards and 32 touchdowns – adding another 1,298 yards on the ground and 22 scores.

2020 NFL Draft will be held April 23-25.



2020-04-14

Adrian Peterson voted best recruit of all-time

Former Oklahoma running back Adrian Peterson defeated fellow running back Reggie Bush in 247 Sports' All-Time Recruit Bracket in the finals determined by the votes of fans.

Many scouts saw Peterson, a three-sport athlete at Palestine High School (Palestine, Tex.), as rare talent – Peterson reflected back saying he could have ‘came out' of Palestine and played in National Football League.

"Not to sound cocky or anything, or confident, but yeah, I do feel like I could have came out my senior year of high school and played in the NFL," Peterson said, via CBS Sports, in 2015.
Scott Taetsch/Getty Images
Peterson, a fifth seed, in Peyton Manning region defeated Derwin James in the first round of the 64-man bracket. Bryan Bresee, top ranked 2020 recruit, would fall to Peterson in round of 32.

Related: Scout: Adrian Peterson was 'mythical greek god' out of high school

Peterson narrowly defeated top-ranked Jadeveon Clowney in the Sweet 16 round by merely 1,500 votes, All Fields advanced to an elite eight matchup against Justin Fields, defeating the Ohio State prospect by over 7,000 votes.

Thus, setting up a Final Four matchup between Peterson and Vince Young, the top ranked quarterback in 247Sports recruiting services rankings. All Day would defeat the Longhorn quarterback advancing to finals against ninth-seeded Reggie Bush.

After 400,000 votes casted Peterson would defeat Bush in the finals.

Bob Stoops among creditors listed in XFL bankruptcy filing

Bob Stoops is among the creditors listed in XFL's filling of Chapter 11 bankruptcy in United States Bankruptcy court in Wilmington, Del., the Wall Street Journal first reported on Monday.

Stoops is one of seven coaches listed, according to Action Sports' Darren Rovell, he's owed over $1M.

The Stamford-based World Wrestling Entertainment, the parent company of Alpha Entertainment, had over 23.5% ownership of class B shares of the defunct league.

Vernon Bryant/The Dallas Morning News

Prior to Friday's announcement of the league-wide layoffs in a 10-minute conference call, Jeffrey Pollack, Chief Executive Officer of the league, reportedly didn’t consult with board members, sources told Rovell on Monday.

RELATED:
Bob Stoops, Other Sooners' XFL Careers End After League Shuts Down

“The WWE board has no role in the XFL, and there was no conversation, that happened,” Jerry McDevitt, an attorney for WWE said in statement.

The executives of the league are reportedly looking for potential buyers, The Journal reported on Monday evening.

Stoops ends his abbreviated XFL coaching career 2-3.



2020-04-13

CeeDee Lamb, Kenneth Murray in top 20 of Joel Klatt's mock draft 1.0

Mock draft alert!

FOX Sports lead college football analyst Joel Klatt has released his first mock draft on Saturday ahead of next week's NFL Draft.



Klatt has Cincinnati Bengals selecting LSU quarterback Joe Burrow with the first overall pick, as most mock drafts. Klatt's mock draft 1.0 doesn’t take into account trades.

Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
No. 12 – Las Vegas Raiders - CeeDee Lamb, wide receiver: "CeeDee Lamb is the best wide receiver in this draft after the catch,” Klatt said, via 247Sports. “He's also great in terms of catch radius and catching in traffic. He runs decent routes, although not quite as precise as Jerry Jeudy ... but CeeDee Lamb is an absolute monster and I can see him having a huge NFL career in his future. After the catch with the football in his hands, he does things that are just absolutely magical. If you were to pause the film on some runs like against Texas and you said he scored on this play, you'd be like 'What? My mind is blown. There's no way he scored.' And he was in the end zone."

No. 20 – Jacksonville Jaguars - Kenneth Murray, linebacker: “Kenneth Murray is a 4.52 (40-yard dash) player, a really good leader, son of a preacher,” Klatt has previous said, via 710 AM Seattle. “He would fit in that culture. He’s best in the blitz and running down plays from the backside but I’m saying if you have pluggers and you have a guy like Kenneth Murray who can run really good (from) sideline to sideline, I think that that could be a good fit if you’re looking at the second level as well … If you can plug up front and keep those linebackers free, maybe Kenneth Murray is a good selection at the second level.”

The 2020 NFL Draft is April 23-25 televised on ABC/ESPN/NFL Networks.

Free agent Tony Jefferson plays waiting game as rehabilitation continues

Former Oklahoma safety Tony Jefferson is playing the waiting game.

Since tearing his ACL and LCL midway through the 2019 season, Jefferson has been rehabbing his left knee -- working with a physical therapist until the covid-19 pandemic struck.

“I was really getting into a groove with my workouts and my rehab,” Jefferson told Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic. “I was really turning the corner and then, this comes.”

Jefferson attempted to purchase equipment to continue his rehabilitation from his Southern California home, adhering to the states’ stay-at-home orders.

Shawn Hubbard/Baltimore Ravens
"Most of it is sold out because I guess everybody is trying to use the (in-home) equipment now,” Jefferson explained, via Pro Football Rumors. “I’m waiting two or three weeks just to get a medicine ball.”

RELATED: Several Teams Likely To Pursue S Tony Jefferson

Jefferson, 28, is still a free agent after being released by Baltimore Ravens in a salary cap ($14 million) saving move  following three seasons with the team.

“I know that my knee is feeling fine, and I know that I have teams that are ready. I’ve just kind of let my agent do his thing. We’re just waiting for this virus to settle down, and I think something will happen quickly.”

Jefferson could reunite with former Arizona coach Bruce Arians in Tampa Bay speculates Greg Auman of The Athletic.

Mel Kiper: Jalen Hurts' draft stock is rising

Oklahoma quarterback Jalen Hurts' draft stock is rising.

NFL Draft guru Mel Kiper spoke highly of Hurts on ESPN's Radio's ”ESPN GameDay” on Saturday, saying the quarterback's name has been the ‘hot name' among NFL executives and scouts ahead of April 23-25 NFL Draft.

“A lot of good things,” Kiper said, via 247Sports. “You want to talk about hot guys? He’s one … I think Lamar Jackson kind of opened that door. People questioned his passing. People questioned Jalen’s passing. It got better at Oklahoma but still not perfect … He’s not getting out of the second round.”

Jeffrey McWhorter/Associated Press
Hurts, a graduate transfer from Alabama, was a 2019 Heisman Trophy finalist. Last season, he completed 69.7 percent of his passes for 3,851 yards and 32 touchdowns.

Kiper has previously predicted Hurts wouldn’t be available on draft board on day three.

“I think he’s a late-second or third rounder,” Kiper said, via 247Sports, following the NFL Scouting Combine in March. “I don’t think he gets to day three. I think in the third round, somebody jumps at this guy with his intangibles through the roof. You run under 4.6. You saw the rushing touchdowns, he had 23 at Alabama, 20 this year at Oklahoma.”

Hurts will be one of 58 draft prospects virtually participating in this month's draft.

RELATED:
Analyst: Tampa Bay Is Worst Fit For Jalen Hurts

2020-04-12

Chauncey Billups upsets Trae Young in H.O.R.S.E. Challenge

Chauncey Billups pulls an upset.

Billups defeated from Oklahoma standout Trae Young, a favorite to win NBA H.O.R.S.E. Challenge.

Young, 21, playing from his Norman, Okla. home, took an early commanding lead putting three letters on Billups, the 2004 NBA Finals MVP, in the first-round of the televised competition on Sunday.

Carmen Mandato/Getty Images
However, Billups, a retired 17-season league veteran, countered with five buckets giving him a first-round victory over Young in the tournament.



The semifinals and final of the tournament will air Thursday, April 17, at 9 p.m. on ESPN.




2020-04-11

Bob Stoops, Other Sooners' XFL Careers End After League Shuts Down

Bob Stoops will be unable to improve his 2-3 record in the XFL, as the league has disbanded.

The XFL announced job layoffs for nearly all of its employees, the league's Chief Executive Officer Jeffrey Pollack announced in a 10-minute conference call on Friday, ESPN’s Kevin Seifert and Field Yates reports.

“It's done,” a former employee told ESPN, concerning the league’s future.

Vernon Bryant/The Dallas Morning News
The league comprised of multiple former players coached by Stoops, including Landry Jones, Dominique Franks among others.

"Given the uncertainty of the current environment, the XFL has suspended operations and is evaluating next steps, ” World Wrestling Entertainment, the parent company of Alpha Entertainment, said in a statement on Friday.

Vince McMahon, CEO of Alpha Entertainment, hired Oliver Luck as league commissioner.

Luck, former Athletic Director of West Virginia University, was able to lure Stoops back to the sidelines, after his sudden retirement in 2017 to coach XFL's Dallas Renegades.

Stoops drafted Jones as his starting quarterback, leading the Renegades to 2-1 record, throwing 784 yards, five touchdowns.

The company said only a few executives would remain.


2020-04-10

Analyst: Tampa Bay is worst fit for Jalen Hurts

Quarterback Jalen Hurts is widely considered an early to mid-round prospect in this month's NFL Draft.

Bleacher Report's Matt Miller, a former league scout, projects Hurts will go in the second round at 34th overall to the Indianapolis Colts, meanwhile, Pro Football Focus, the analytical football site, has him slated to the Colts at 75th pick.

As many know, analysts and commentators use separate formulas and factors (best available, trade factors i.e.) in constructing their mock drafts. However, Bleacher Report's Brent Sobleski took a different approach looking at the worst potential landing spots for the incoming quarterback class.

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Sobleski, an NFL Draft analyst, believes Hurts wouldn’t fit into head coach Bruce Arians' pro style system in Tampa Bay.

“[The] Heisman Trophy runner-up needs a coach with a vision for his skill set. As good as Bruce Arians is, he isn't that coach, ” Sobleski writes.

Hurts, a graduate transfer from Alabama, led the Sooners in rushing with 1,298 yards, contributing to 22 touchdowns by ground.

RELATED: Mel Kiper: Jalen Hurts' draft stock is rising

“Hurts' mobility must be factored into the scheme. Otherwise, a team will limit his overall effectiveness. The dual-threat quarterback is at his best when utilizing run-pass options.

“But Arians isn't going to change his approach. He prefers sturdy, drop-back pocket passers. He's gone from Ben Roethlisberger to Andrew Luck to Carson Palmer to Jameis Winston to Brady. Hurts is the exact opposite of what the coach wants at the position.”

WATCH: Jalen Hurts Combine Workouts

Through the air, Hurts added 3,851 yards, completing 69.7% of his passes adding 30 touchdowns.

Hurts joins teammates Kenneth Murray and CeeDee Lamb as likely early round draft selections in the April 23-25 NFL Draft.








2020-04-09

Sportsbook: Kyler Murray Has Fifth Best Odds To Win League MVP

Kyler Murray is among the league favorites to win the Associated Press National Football League Regular Season Most Valuable Player award, per William Hill, a Las Vegas, New Jersey-based Sportsbook.

Murray, first overall draft pick in 2019 NFL Draft by Arizona Cardinal, is listed as 20-1 (+2000) odds tied with Deshaun Watson, Houston Texans quarterback, according to odds released on Thursday.
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Kansas City quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who led the Chiefs to a comeback Super Bowl victory over San Francisco, leads the league odds with 9-2 odds. The league's defending MVP winner Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens quarterback, has second-best odds at 7-1 (+700) odds.

Veteran quarterback Russell Wilson of Seattle Seahawks is listed with the third-best odds, according to the sportsbook, at 10-1 followed by Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady, 3-time league MVP, at 18-1.

Other Notable Odds:
Dak Prescott (25/1)
Drew Brees (25/1)
Jimmy Garoppolo (30/1)
Saquon Barkley (30/1)
Baker Mayfield (40/1)
Derek Carr (60/1)
Joe Mixon (150/1)
Damien Williams (200/1)


Trae Young To Compete Against Chauncey Billups In H.O.R.S.E. Competition

Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young will be among NBA, WNBA participants in an eight-player H.O.R.S.E. competition, a made-for-television event, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski first reported on Wednesday.

Young will face Chauncey Billups, former Detroit Pistons forward, in the first round of the NBA HORSE Challenge, the league announced on Thursday. Young, Billups will be joined by Oklahoma City guard Chris Paul, among others.

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ESPN will televise the opening round on Sunday (6 PM/CT), which will have players isolated in remote locations, with the semifinals and finals of the competition on April 16th.

Young, 21, became the fastest player in association history to reach 350 three-pointers, reaching the mark in 140 games besting Portland Trailblazer guard Damon Lillard's 142 game record.

State Farm Insurance Co. will donate over $200,000 to relief efforts on behalf of the players to fight COVID-19.



2020-04-08

Scout: Adrian Peterson Was 'Mythical Greek God' Out of High School

Adrian Peterson arrived in Oklahoma as an Army All-American. But is he the all-time best recruit in the modern era?

After 300,000+ votes casted on 247Sports’ All-Time Recruit Bracket that includes 64 of the most highly touted recruits. Reggie Bush, a former five-star recruit from San Diego, Cali., joins Peterson in the bracket championship.

Peterson, a consensus five-star recruit from Palestine, Texas, rushed for 2,960 yards, 32 touchdowns in his senior season, averaging 11.7 yards per carry, at Palestine High School in state's 3A class.

Christian Petersen/Getty Images
Billy Burton, a 247Sports founder and former Editor-in-Chief of Rivals.com, watched Peterson raise to the top of Rivals' recruiting board, personally scouting him on multiple occasions for the recruiting service.

“When you’re looking for a No. 1 recruit in the country, you’re looking for that mythical Greek god,” Burton said, via 247Sports. “That’s what he was.”

The fan voters are suppose to take into account only their high school resume, not college or professional achievements.

In 2019, Peterson was inducted into the Texas High School Football Hall of Fame.

Vote here.




2020-04-07

Trae Young Continues Social Distancing With Practice Against Normi

Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire
As the world continues to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic, officials continue to urge communities to practice social distancing.

Arenas across the country remain dark, NBA players remain unable to enter team facilities. Trae Young has continued to build his social media presence during the absence of team basketball.

Young, outside his Norman home, shows the Atlanta Hawks guard crossing up his miniature defender Normi in his latest post via Instagram. The French bulldog played exceptionally well defense against the Eastern Conference All-Star, however, Young was able to still reach the basket.



View this post on Instagram

The Best Defender I’ve ever been up against...🤣🏀🐶 @normi_lanta 1st Team!!!! #QuarantineHoops
A post shared by Trae Young (@traeyoung) on

Follow the former Oklahoma standout on his social media channels at https://instagram.com/traeyoung and @TheTraeYoung.

CeeDee Lamb - Draft Profile

Mark J. Terrill/Associated Press
Draft Prospect – Lamb, CeeDee

Position: WR

Class: Junior

Age (At Draft): 22

Height: 6-2

Weight: 198

40: 4.5

Vertical: 34.5

Hands: 9 ¼

Rating: 4-Star, Foster High (Richmond, TX), per Rivals

Scoop: New York Jets could select Lamb if they prioritizing a receiver for the third-year quarterback Sam Darnold, Lance Zierlein speculates… Daniel Jeremiah also thinks Lamb will be drafted by the Jets... Mel Kiper believes Dallas Cowboys will draft Lamb using B.A. formula (best available), in return, he will quickly becomeme elite out... Doug Farrar believes Lamb  be the next great Broncos wideout with the help quarterback Drew Lock.

Characterized: Explosive, three-level playmaker... bluechip body control, ball skills, hands and insticts... Inexhaustible, elite... Total package...Exceptional...

Projected: Mid-first round








Adrian Peterson Named To All-Decade NFL Team

Add All-Decade.

Oklahoma great Adrian Peterson was named to National Football League’s All-Decade team, the league announced on Monday.

Peterson, 35, entering his 14th season is still competing at such a competitive level that is required at running back, he started for Washington Redskins in 15 games, last season. He earned the name “All Day, ” by his work ethic in youth football by his father Nelson Peterson.

Ron Jenkins/Associated Press

A product of Palestine, Texas, Peterson was a highly-coveted recruit out of high school, his body carried him to All-Pro level, selected first overall in 2006 NFL Draft by Minnesota Vikings.

At Oklahoma, he finished third in career rushing at the school. In the league, today,  Peterson ranks fourth on all-time rushing leader chart with 14,216 yards trailing 1,246 yards behind Barry Sanders as third leading rusher.

Tom Brady (quarterback), Joe Thomas (tackle), Aaron Donald (defensive lineman), Von Miller (linebacker), Justin Tuck (kicker) and JJ Watts (defensive lineman) join Peterson as unanimous All-Decade selections.

The All-Decade team is decided by 48-member selection committee,  criteria of consideration to the team roster is being an Associated Press All-Pro, Pro Bowl selection or named Pro Football Writers of American All-Conference member.

Peterson is in final year of $5M, two-year contract with Washington.

2020-04-06

Dominique Franks Named Owasso Defensive Backs Coach

Defensive back Dominique Franks was named defensive backs coach at Owasso High School (Owasso, Okla.), the district announced.

“Excited beyond words,” head coach Bill Blankenship told Tulsa World. “I got to coach Dom in high school so we developed a real close relationship.”

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Franks, 32, a graduate of Tulsa Union High School (Tulsa, Okla.) previously played three seasons at Oklahoma (2006-09) under Mike Stoops.

In the National Football League, he played five seasons with Atlanta Falcons and Baltimore Ravens after being selected in fifth round of 2010 NFL Draft.



2020-04-02

Daryl Williams, Bills Agree To One-Year Deal

Tackle Daryl Williams has agreed to one-year contract with Buffalo Bills, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, financial terms of the contract were not disclosed.

Selected in fourth-round in the 2015 NFL Draft, 102nd overall, he was previously named to 2017 Associated Press second-team.

Jeremy Brevard / USA TODAY Sports
Pro Football Focus ranked Williams 42nd in total snaps in 2019 after missing a game, allowing 12 sacks last season.