Photo by Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images Could the younger Cross be a second generation Giant? It’s starting to be a familiar sight to see the scions of familiar names from the NFL’s past as draft prospects. Notre Dame defensive tackle Howard Cross III is a name that will stand out to Giants fans in particular. After all, his father, Howard Cross Jr., spent 13 seasons (from 1989 to 2001) as a tight end for the Giants, and is currently a sideline reporter for the Giants Radio Network. It also just so happens that the Giants could certainly use an additional defensive lineman. Could the younger Cross follow in his father’s footsteps as a Giant? Prospect: Howard Cross III (56)Games Watched: vs. Texas A&M (2024), vs. Stanford (2024), vs. Navy (2024), vs. Ohio State (2024) Measurables Height: 6-foot (estimated)Weight: 290 pounds (estimated) Strengths Best traits Quickness Agility Hand usage Versatility Cross III is a good sized defensive tackle prospect with solid athleticism and technical foundation. Cross has a good frame to be a B-gap defender, likely a 3 or 4i-technique, at the NFL level. He has adequate size at 6-foot-1, 290 pounds (listed, though he appears bigger than that on the field), as well as good initial quickness and lateral agility. Cross typically times the snap well and has a crisp first step with little wasted motion or energy. He’s an experienced defender with six seasons at Notre Dame, and has a solid repertoire of pass rush moves as he enters the NFL. Cross mixes power and finesse with a bull rush, club-rip, arm-over, and push-pull moves when attacking individual gaps. He also understands how to work as a part of a larger play and uses his lateral agility to occupy blockers and allow his teammates to flow to the ball. Cross generally plays with good leverage and discipline, allowing him to control individual blockers – and occasionally double teams – in the run game. Likewise, he seldom overruns plays or bites too hard on misdirection. He’s typically quick to disengage in pursuit and shows good hustle when running down ball carriers. Weaknesses Worst traits Top end athleticism Technique consistency Cross is best described as a “good but not great” athlete. That isn’t a weakness in and of itself, but it does limit his game somewhat as he doesn’t have stand-out size or length. He doesn’t quite have the explosiveness or power to consistently overwhelm blockers, nor does he have elite length to have a big tackle radius. As such, he can miss tackles if the ball carrier makes sufficiently fast moves in close quarters. Likewise, because he isn’t particularly explosive or twitchy, he needs consistently good technique to be a consistent threat as a pass rusher. Cross’ hand usage is good overall, but it can be unfocused or sloppy at times, leading to blockers stymieing his initial rush or him struggling to neutralize blocks quickly. Cross also shouldn’t be asked to hold up to double-teams on a regular basis. He can do so occasionally, but he lacks the strength and mass to consistently control multiple blockers. He can also struggle to disengage at will or make plays off of blocks as well. Game Tape (Cross is the Notre Dame defensive tackle wearing No. 56) Projection Cross III projects as a rotational defensive tackle in a one-gap defensive scheme. He would likely be best as a B-gap defender in a 4-3 defense, or a Multiple defense that uses 3 or 4i techniques when in nickel packages. He could also play in the A-gap or as a defensive end in a 3-man front, though a B-gap penetrator is likely his best role. Cross has enough play strength to stand up to, and control, blockers when he plays with good leverage and technique. However, playing as a penetrator in an attacking defense is the best fit for his traits and skill set. Cross could still use reps polishing his technique to allow him to consistently neutralize blocks, but he should be able to find his way into a defensive line rotation relatively early in his career. And while he may never be an every-down player, teams would likely feel good about rotating him onto the field in most situations. Does he fit the Giants?Yes Final Word: An early Day 3 value
New York Giants draft prospects – Howard Cross III, iDL, Notre Dame
Eagles Film Review: Zack Baun is the team’s most important defensive player
Kara Durrette/Getty Images Howie Roseman can’t let Philadelphia’s top linebacker walk out the door. It’s the NFL offseason, so it’s time to get into the Eagles’ upcoming free agents before we get into draft season. I’ll give my general thoughts and some clips to back them up, then conclude with my overall thoughts on the player and whether he should be re-signed. This time, I will look at Zack Baun. All stats in this one are Pro Football Focus and from the regular season only. You can check out my podcast feed here to hear more from me. If you want to support me further, I have a Patreon linked to my podcast, which really helps me out. Zack Baun Stats I’m not the biggest fan of using stats to evaluate linebacker play, but I’ll include some anyway. I wouldn’t worry about the missed tackles. Yes, he misses a few, but it’s partly because he’s always flying around to the football. He isn’t the best tackler, but it’s not an apparent weakness. It is no surprise to see him ranked as the best coverage linebacker in the NFL. Overall I rarely speak so positively about one individual. I find it difficult to express how good I think Zack Baun is and how valuable he is to this Eagles’ defense. I think Baun’s season was phenomenal. He was everywhere. Summarizing how good he was in just one article is almost impossible. I could write an entire book on how good Baun was this year. Let’s look at some of his biggest strengths as an individual. This will look like a highlight reel because Baun made so many plays this year. The ability to turn and run in coverage? Check ✅ This play is absurd. Eagles Defense All22 thread vs. Jags. 1) I can’t quite believe how good this is from Zack Baun. This is absolutely mental. The Jags call is perfect for this Eagles coverage and Baun somehow has enough athleticism to backpedal and make a play on the ball. This would be a good play… pic.twitter.com/WxetPio8Bv — Jonny Page (@JonnyPage9) November 5, 2024 The ability to get out in the flat and make tackles in space? Check ✅ Eagles’ Defense All22 vs. Browns. 1) I know I do go on about him, but I’m just a big fan of Zack Baun. First play of the game he plays the run well and then the next play he has to keep his run fit and quickly get out to Njoku in the flat. He’s a really good athlete for the… pic.twitter.com/4M7k2EseIl — Jonny Page (@JonnyPage9) October 15, 2024 The ability to run down the field with WIDE RECEIVERS? Check ✅ Tell me who else can do this? 13) Guys. Zack Baun. What on earth. He’s running down the field with a WR from the opposite side. I think Blankenship is a little bit lost as the single-high here so it’s a good thing Baun is an absolute freak. Pay him everything. He deserves it all. Quinyon does a fantastic job… pic.twitter.com/P4dTdImXpk — Jonny Page (@JonnyPage9) January 13, 2025 The instincts to diagnose a run play instantly and penetrate through tight gaps before tackling the back behind the LOS? Check ✅ 8) I couldn’t post a film thread without posting Zack Baun… How do you blow up a zone run? Dart through the gap before the guard can climb to the second level. Baun’s instincts are simply off the charts. What an incredible player. pic.twitter.com/lwUgRUm4gq — Jonny Page (@JonnyPage9) January 20, 2025 The ability to rush the quarterback? Check ✅ 6) I thought Fangio sent some timely pressures in this game too. Here is Zack Baun absolutely blowing up the running back on a 6-man blitz (this was a harsh roughing the passer call) and some excellent man coverage from Quinton Mitchell. Q had another good game, although this… pic.twitter.com/nYlFqnQXJO — Jonny Page (@JonnyPage9) October 15, 2024 The ability to turn the ball over – by forcing fumbles or intercepting opposing quarterbacks? Check ✅ 8) Man, Zack Baun was exceptional once again. What a fantastic play to cause the fumble here. The combination of athleticism, instincts and playmaking ability is very rare. What a fantastic signing. pic.twitter.com/MMZwF5kB6s — Jonny Page (@JonnyPage9) December 23, 2024 9) I don’t know what to say about Zack Baun. He’s elite. At everything he does. This is a former EDGE rusher dropping into coverage, reading Jordan Love’s eyes, and stepping infront of a route that he has no business covering! It’s just pure instincts. He’s unbelievable. pic.twitter.com/hpZT1Gnq2Z — Jonny Page (@JonnyPage9) January 13, 2025 I think you get the idea. I could have posted a lot more plays, too. Baun was a joy to watch. Individually, Baun had an unbelievable season. Schematically, he’s the Eagles’ most important player. Vic Fangio is known for post-snap rotation in the secondary. Everyone always talks about this. This year, Fangio’s success against the run was all about pre-snap rotation with his defensive front. The front routinely moved from 4-man to 5-man fronts to get an extra body on the defensive line. These shifts happened at the very last second, forcing the offensive line to switch their assignments at the very last second. Offensive lines struggled to handle these shifts all season long. The Eagles could keep playing with light boxes but with heavy fronts. It was a huge reason why this Eagles’ run defense was outstanding. Why was Vic Fangio able to do this? Zack Baun. 9) Ah man, the Eagles are really going to miss BG’s ability to kick inside. It’s been so effective this year. He blows up this run. I hope he does come back next year, but if this is the last play I post of BG, it has been a pleasure to watch him. An Eagles legend. This team… pic.twitter.com/zLkKac6bp2 — Jonny Page (@JonnyPage9) November 26, 2024 Of course, you might wonder, surely other defensive coordinators can also drop a linebacker into the EDGE position?
Eagles’ Christian Parker is not going to be the Saints’ new defensive coordinator
Kara Durrette/Getty Images Good news for Philadelphia. Philadelphia Eagles defensive passing game coordinator/defensive backs coach Christian Parker will NOT joining the New Orleans Saints as Kellen Moore’s defensive coordinator. The Saints are instead hiring Brandon Staley for their DC opening, according to a report from NFL insider Ian Rapoport. Staley was the Los Angeles Chargers’ head coach when Moore was their offensive coordinator in 2023, so, it’s not exactly surprising to see them reunite. The Eagles will be happy to retain Parker, who also interviewed for the Saints’ DC job. Parker has been viewed as a rising assistant. He reportedly interviewed for two defensive coordinator openings last offseason before landing in Philly. Parker only strengthened his resume in 2024 as part of the Eagles’ top-ranked, Super Bowl-winning defense. Rookie cornerbacks Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean especially thrived under his tutelage. While he’s set to return to Philly in 2025, it’s quite possible that Parker will land a defensive coordinator job next offseason. Especially if the Eagles’ defense is anything close to as dominant as they were in 2024.
Jordan Mailata was PFF’s highest-graded NFL offensive player in 2024
Eric Hartline-Imagn Images Eagles roster outlook: Offensive tackle The Philadelphia Eagles’ Super Bowl season is over and the 2025 NFL offseason is officially here. We’re continuing our Eagles roster outlook series by examining the offensive tackle position. PREVIOUSLY: Quarterback | Running back | Tight end | Wide receiver. THE PLAYERS JORDAN MAILATA STATS: 802 snaps, 12 starts, 1st out of 85 tackles graded by PFF, 2 sacks allowed, 0 hits allowed, 18 hurries allowed, 7 penalties PLAYOFF STATS: 268 snaps, 4 starts, 4th out of 22 tackles graded by PFF, 1 sack allowed, 0 hits allowed, 5 hurries allowed, 2 penalties REVIEW: In a sign that he’s become highly regarded by his teammates, Mailata was voted as a captain for the first time in his career. Aside from missing a four-week stretch due to a hamstring injury, Mailata was excellent in 2024. Pro Football Focus REALLY loved his performance this past season, writing the following: “Not only did his 95.1 overall grade lead all offensive players this season, but it has only been bested once by an offensive lineman in PFF history dating back to 2006 – Trent Williams in 2021 (96.6). Mailata was dominant in the run game, earning a 94.5 grade in that department, while placing second among left tackles in pass-blocking grade and allowing just two sacks all season.” Despite this high praise, Mailata somehow did not make the Pro Bowl. Lol. He did earn second-team All-Pro honors. And he’s now a Super Bowl champion. OUTLOOK: It’s pretty crazy how far Mailata has come since being a 2018 seventh-round pick who had never played football. He’s an elite player at his position and he’s a great leader. The Eagles are very happy to have the 27-year-old, who is signed through 2028. MY TAKE: Stay. LANE JOHNSON STATS: 937 snaps, 15 starts, 5th out of 85 tackles graded by PFF, 1 sack allowed, 1 hit allowed, 12 hurries allowed, 8 penalties PLAYOFF STATS: 253 snaps, 4 starts, 2nd out of 22 tackles graded by PFF, 1 sack allowed, 0 hits allowed, 3 hurries allowed, 2 penalties REVIEW: Johnson was his excellent self yet again in 2024. He missed just two games: 1) one when he was dealing with a concussion in Week 4 and 2) one when the Eagles were resting starters in Week 18. Despite Johnson playing at an elite level, he was snubbed from first-team All-Pro honors, instead being a second-team selection. Somehow the Eagles’ offensive line paved the way for the best running back season in NFL history and majorly contributed to a Super Bowl win … and yet they had no first-team All-Pro players on the line. Sure, that makes sense. In any case, Johnson finished the 2024 on top as a two-time Super Bowl champion. History should remember him as the best starter on both of those offensive lines. And also as a Hall of Famer. OUTLOOK: Johnson, who turns 35 in May, recently said he is looking forward to “many more years to come” with the Eagles. He’s currently signed through 2026. There are currently no signs of him slowing; he might be able to play into his late 30s or even early 40s if he really wants to do that. At the very least, he doesn’t seem to be planning on retiring after 2025. MY TAKE: FRED JOHNSON STATS: 481 snaps, 6 starts, 76 out of 85 tackles graded by PFF, 8 sacks allowed, 5 hits allowed, 25 hurries allowed, 4 penalties PLAYOFF STATS: 17 snaps REVIEW: Fred was first forced into action when Lane suffered a concussion in Week 3 and also had to miss Week 4. He then played at left tackle when Mailata spent four weeks on injured reserve. Fred didn’t exactly dominate when he was out there but he did manage to avoid being a total liability that wrecked the Eagles’ offense. The Birds went 5-1 in his six starts. OUTLOOK: Fred, who turns 28 in June, will be a free agent in March. He might be interested in signing with a team that’ll give him a more realistic path to playing time than he’ll find in Philly. If Johnson remains unsigned on the open market for a bit because no one wants him, the Eagles could bring him back on a one-year deal as their swing tackle. I tend to think some team will take a chance on him since there isn’t exactly an abundance of quality offensive linemen entering free agency. MY TAKE: Go. DARIAN KINNARD STATS: 71 snaps, 1 start, 74th out of 141 tackles graded by PFF, 1 sack allowed, 0 hits allowed, 2 hurries allowed, 0 penalties REVIEW: Kinnard seemed to be on the roster bubble ahead of cuts from 90 to 53 players and the Eagles decided to keep him. He was a healthy scratch for most of the season with the two exceptions being when 1) he played three garbage time snaps at left guard in Week 8 and 2) he made a Week 18 start at right tackle when the Eagles were resting their key players against the New York Giants. OUTLOOK: Kinnard is signed through 2025. If Fred Johnson isn’t back, there’s an opportunity for him to step up as the top swing tackle behind Mailata and Lane. At the very least, he has a solid chance to make next season’s roster as a depth offensive lineman if he doesn’t majorly struggle this summer. MY TAKE: Stay. LAEKIN VAKALAHI REVIEW: The Eagles signed Vakalahi, who had never played football at the time, as an undrafted rookie free agent last year. Due to his considerable inexperience, the coaches trusted him to play just eight snaps in the entire preseason. Vakalahi then spent the 2024 season on the practice squad as an international exemption. OUTLOOK: This offseason will mark Vakalahi’s first full one in the Eagles’ offseason training program. Perhaps the 22-year-old will be develop enough to be trusted to play significant snaps in the preseason. He’ll likely spend
5 biggest storylines of the 2025 NFL offseason
Will the Bengals work things out with Tee Higgins? Can the Patriots effectively use their mountain of cap space? 5 biggest storylines of the 2025 NFL offseason 2YK9083 Foxborough, United States. 17th Nov, 2024. November 17, 2024; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots huddle during the NFL game between Los Angeles Rams and New England Patriots in Foxborough, MA. Anthony Nesmith/CSM/Sipa USA (Credit Image: © Anthony Nesmith/Cal Sport Media/Sipa USA) Credit: Sipa US/Alamy Live News By Zoltán Buday Posted Feb 21, 2025 9:15 am EST Tee Higgins’ situation is at the forefront of the NFL offseason: The Bengals could franchise-tag Higgins for the second straight year before signing him to a long-term deal. The Chiefs have some decisions to make along the offensive line: Their tackle spots proved to be problematic in 2024. 2025 NFL Draft season is here: Try PFF’s best-in-class Mock Draft Simulator and learn about 2025’s top prospects while trading and drafting for your favorite NFL team. Estimated Reading Time: 4 minutes With free agency and the 2025 NFL Draft, the offseason presents plenty of topics to discuss and analyze in the next weeks or months. We narrowed these down and highlighted five storylines that deserve the most attention — and should get the most attention — throughout the offseason. Will the Cincinnati Bengals extend WR Tee Higgins? Similar to last offseason, the Bengals need to decide what to do with wide receiver Tee Higgins, who they franchise-tagged in 2024. Higgins is PFF’s highest-ranked free agent, having earned a 90.0 PFF receiving grade since entering the league in 2020, tied for 15th among 71 qualifying wide receivers. Quarterbacks targeting Higgins over the past five seasons have generated a 106.8 passer rating, seventh best in the NFL. There are some durability concerns, as Higgins has not topped 800 snaps in the regular season since his rookie year. Still, he could be a No. 1 wide receiver for many teams and would still be the best No. 2 wide receiver in the NFL if he stays in Cincinnati. What will the New England Patriots do in free agency? While the Patriots were arguably the worst team in the NFL in 2024 and were just one game away from securing the first pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, there is hope for New England fans due to the team’s significant assets in free agency. No team has more cap space than the Patriots, who boast $27 million more than the second-place Raiders. There are multiple ways in which the Patriots could attack the offseason, but the most obvious is helping out second-year quarterback Drake Maye, who showed enough potential in Year 1. They should look to add wide receivers and strengthen an offensive line that was considered the worst in the NFL last season. Regardless, the Patriots are expected to be key players during free agency, and their moves could shape the market overall. Try PFF’s mock draft simulator — trade picks and players and mock for your favorite NFL team. How will Ben Johnson mold the Chicago Bears‘ offense? The Bears hired arguably the most coveted assistant coach in the NFL in former Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. They will pair him with the first overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft, quarterback Caleb Williams. Johnson’s offense in Detroit was built around a strong offensive line — arguably the best — but Chicago’s 2024 offensive line performed below average and Williams’ pocket awareness did not help the situation. It will be interesting to monitor the immediate changes Johnson makes to the offense to continue Williams’ development. Where will the rookie quarterbacks go? Unlike other years, not many quarterbacks are expected to go in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Only Miami’s Cam Ward and Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders are obvious first-round selections, with both being expected to be taken in the top 10 or even the top 5. Naturally, there are more than two teams at the top of the draft that need a quarterback. The first three — the Tennessee Titans, the Cleveland Browns and the New York Giants — are all potential landing spots, while the Las Vegas Raiders and the New York Jets also need new quarterbacks. Will some of those teams delay selecting a franchise quarterback until next year’s draft? And which two will end up with Ward and Sanders at the end of April? Try PFF’s mock draft simulator — trade picks and players and mock for your favorite NFL team. Will the Kansas City Chiefs address their offensive line? For the second time in the past five seasons, one Super Bowl storyline was Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes being under constant pressure, contributing to their defeat. To those who followed Kansas City’s season closely, this was not necessarily a surprise. The Chiefs had issues at offensive tackle all year, especially on the left side of the line. Players lining up at left tackle for the Chiefs in 2024 combined to earn a 50.0 PFF pass-blocking grade and allowed pressure on 11.3% of pass plays. Both were the worst marks in the NFL. That level of production at one of the most important positions is a recipe for disaster, and Kansas City will almost certainly need to address the position. Whether they reshuffle the line and move right tackle Jawaan Taylor to the left side, sign or draft a new player or trust one of their younger players to fill the hole is yet to be seen.
NFL Draft expert gives insight to what Rams should do in first round
Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah provides insight to Rams draft before the NFL Combine next week The NFL Draft process is fully underway as the college all-star games such as the Senior Bowl and Shrine Bowl have each taken place and the NFL Combine is next week. For a second consecutive year, the Los Angeles Rams will have a first-round pick as they look to build on a strong year. While the Rams will look to have another good draft, this may not be as strong of a class as recent years. NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah sat down with the media on Thursday and described it as a ‘starters draft’. “Maybe you don’t have that super star that we have had in years past,” said Jeremiah. “But we do have a boatload of starters, particularly the defensive line.” Jeremiah answered questions for nearly three hours, but here were the prime takeaways, specifically when it comes to the Rams. The Best Option Might Be a Trade Back Currently the Rams sit at 26 which might be considered a bit of a dead zone in the draft. It may be possible to find good starters and contributors in that area, but there may not be the difference-maker. With the lack of value in that spot, trading out of that pick is going to be a popular perceived direction for the Rams and General managed Les Snead should take. Said Jeremiah, “Les has done such a good job in that range, so getting out of there and collecting extra picks, I’m all for that, especially when you kind of look at the direction that they could be looking. There’s still a need for corners, receivers. They could pluck a tight end. That’s good position groups there on day 2. If they were to slide back a little bit and collect some more resources there, I’ve got a lot of respect and appreciation for their ability to scout and find guys there. That would definitely make sense to me.” The big question is whether or not the Rams would be able to find a trade partner. If that area is perceived as part of a ‘dead zone’ and there isn’t a first round quarterback worth trading up for in that spot. As Jeremiah noted, I haven’t been able to find that buzz out there for someone who is a quarterback who teams would want to get at the bottom of one.” While the Rams may want to trade back, finding a trade partner may be easier said than done. With that said, Jeremiah stated a few times that, “there’s not a lot of depth of starting tackle caliber players in this draft.” If a team needs a starting caliber left tackle, the bottom of round one with players such as Josh Conerly Jr. and Joshua Simmons may be the last chance to do it. Said Jeremiah, “The one thing I would keep an eye on is if you have some teams with tackle needs, depending on what happens with the Ravens with Ronnie Stanley, they could be one that could potentially move up…I would say keep an eye on the offensive tackle market and maybe that could drive some movement” This is part of what makes it so important for the Rams to bring back Alaric Jackson. At the very least, they know what Jackson is going to give them on a week-to-week basis. Taking a rookie offensive tackle in this class is a huge risk. Conerly isn’t a perfect prospect and Simmons has an injury history. If the Rams can bring back Jackson, that gives them more of an option to trade back in that area. The Rams-Stafford Situation ‘Has a Lot of Personnel Departments Intrigued’ A big turning point in the offseason is going to be what happens with the Rams and quarterback Matthew Stafford. The two sides are meeting in Indianapolis at the NFL Combine next week. That will very likely be the meeting that determines whether or not Stafford is back in Los Angeles. If the two sides can’t get a deal done, they could start looking at orchestrating a trade. Said Jeremiah on the situation, “I know that it has a lot of people in personnel departments and general managers intrigued and seeing what’s going to transpire there with him and the Rams. The fact that they didn’t just come out and say he’s not going anywhere has led people to believe that’s a possibility.” Both sides should understand that the best path forward is together. Unfortunately, that’s not always enough in the NFL. There’s been a lot of noise recently, some of which has most definitely been used as leverage during negotiations. This will be a situation to monitor over the next few weeks. Why Darius Alexander is a Fit for the Rams In Daniel Jeremiah’s most recent mock draft, he had the Rams going with a surprise pick at 26 with Toledo’s Darius Alexander on the defensive line. The 26th overall pick may be a little rich for Alexander, at the same time, in a trade back situation he would be a great target. There seems to be a narrative that the Rams don’t have a need defensive line. However, if Bobby Brown doesn’t return, they lose a starter and potentially two depth pieces in Larrell Murchison and Neville Gallimore. This isn’t to say that Tyler Davis couldn’t slot into that role. At the same time, adding another difference-maker at that spot wouldn’t be a bad idea. Jeremiah praised the Rams as, “the best young defensive line in the NFL.” The Rams had three first-round picks on the defensive line when they drafted Aaron Donald. A primary goal in the draft is to select good players and Alexander is a good player. He also fits exactly what the Rams look for at the position. Said Jeremiah, “Just in terms of body type, like range, explosive, that’s kind of what the Rams have got a
Ravens announce 6 coaching hires and a promotion for Willie Taggart
Ravens announce 6 coaching hires and a promotion for Willie Taggart glenn erby The NFL off-season is underway, and with the scouting combine just days away, the Ravens have announced the addition of several coaches to Head Coach John Harbaugh’s staff. Willie Taggart also got a promotion. Donald D’Alesio –DB Coach D’Alesio spent the past three seasons as the Chiefs’ safeties coach, where he helped develop Justin Reid, Bryan Cook, and others for the previous back-to-back Super Bowl winners. Anthony Levine Sr. –Assistant Special Teams Coach Asst. Special Teams Coach Anthony Levine Sr., during their game against the Green Bay Packers at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024. Levine spent the past two seasons coaching for the Tennessee Titans but returns to Baltimore, where he played for the Ravens from 2012 to 2021. Matt Pees –Assistant Linebackers Coach. Titans defensive coordinator Dean Pees coaches the defense with his son Matt Pees. photographed at Saint Thomas Sports Park Thursday, Nov. 21, 2019 in Nashville, Tenn. Nas Titans Pees 001 Pees was a defensive analyst for the Chicago Bears last season, spent the previous three seasons as a defensive assistant coach for the Atlanta Falcons, and previously as a quality control coach with the Tennessee Titans. He coached with his father, Dean Pees, in Tennessee and Atlanta and will do so again in Baltimore. Kevin Hartman –Assistant Strength & Conditioning Coach. BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – NOVEMBER 07: A Baltimore Ravens “Purple Rising” helmet is seen on the field before the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at M&T Bank Stadium on November 07, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) Willie Taggart Oct 21, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry (22) celebrates with running back coach Willie Taggart after they beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images Taggart has added Assistant Head Coach responsibilities alongside his role as the running backs coach. Taggart was a longtime head coach (2010-2022) at Western Kentucky, South Florida, Oregon, Florida State, and Florida Atlantic. Previous news Dec 31, 2024; Glendale, AZ, USA; Boise State Broncos former coach Chuck Pagano in attendance of the Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images The Ravens previously announced the additions of Chuck Pagano, who will serve as a Sr. Defensive Assistant/Secondary Coach, and Inside Linebackers Coach Tyler Santucci.
Establishing an identity should be of utmost importance for the Colts
Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images Who are the Colts? What is the identity of the Indianapolis Colts? This should be the top question for Chris Ballard and his staff as they prepare for an offseason that finds a team with no current direction. Evaluating talent on the roster should be step one. Step two is determining which direction to go and who is out there to get them to that place. Can you honestly say you know what the Colts hang their hat on at the end of the day? That is the issue that must be addressed. Ballard has preached for years that he wants to build in the trenches. That is where it all starts according to him, but we haven’t seen his trench warfare pan out. The defensive line was solid a year ago, but they fell off in 2024. That is an old school approach to team building, however, and hasn’t produced any level of success. Drafting dozens of pass rushers, hoping one will stick, has been an underwhelming failure. Additionally, the offensive line hasn’t been the same since Philip Rivers which was most likely a product of his ability to get the ball out immediately than the ability of the line to protect. This unit is extremely expensive and has been playing below its paycheck. In the Peyton Manning days, it was all about the offense. We knew the team was going to give up points on the other side, but with so many weapons on offense, the Colts could almost always outscore their opponent. Looking at the offense now, it is far from a juggernaut. While it hasn’t been ignored, Ballard hasn’t gone anywhere close to all in to make it a superior unit. Yes, he finally drafted a quarterback, but in a league of premium receivers helping lead the charge, the current unit is far from the top. The defense is about as bad as it can get, but that doesn’t mean things can’t change quickly. If that is where Ballard wants to focus, he can transform this unit overnight. Draft or bring in top tier cornerbacks, upgrade the linebackers in free agency, and solidify the safety positions. Those are all things that can be done in a season or two. Look no further than the Minnesota Vikings or the Philadelphia Eagles. Their defenses are two of the best after shrewd drafting and free agency moves. Things can change quickly. Rosters can improve overnight, but Chris Ballard and his team need to pick a lane. Well, pick a lane and address the key positions that lead to winning in modern day football. It won’t be easy, but it wouldn’t be that hard either. Be aggressively focused. That should be the motto for the Colts this offseason. With a solid front, the defense seems to be the place to go all in. Shore up the secondary and get better tackling linebackers and this unit could take off. Do that and it could be enough to save Ballard’s job for another year.
Raiders quarterback: Fans split on a Wilson, Carroll reunion
Russell Wilson, Pete Carroll | Photo by Chris Unger/Getty Images Will the Super Bowl-winning pair reunite in Las Vegas? As soon as Pete Carroll was hired as the head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders, rumors and speculation about a potential signing of quarterback Russell Wilson in free agency began. And it won’t stop. Wilson and Carroll were together in Seattle from 2012-21 and won a Super Bowl together and appeared in another Super Bowl. A source close to both Carroll and Wilson told Silver and Black Pride that they expect Wilson to join the Raiders this season because it makes too much sense. The source explained Wilson would likely love it and Carroll would probably be on board. The two had a messy breakup in 2022 when Wilson was traded to Denver. But the two have since made up and Wilson, 36, has spoken kindly of Carroll publicly. We recently asked our community members if they would like to see the Raiders, who badly need a quarterback, sign Wilson, who was Pittsburgh’s starter for most of last season. It was an extremely close vote. In a poll with 849 votes cast, 429 voters (51 percent) don’t want the Raiders to sign Wilson, while 420 votes (49 percent) are in favor seeing Wilson wear the Silver and Black. We get both sides. Yes, Wilson is older and not overly effective, but he could be a good bridge quarterback. Still, the Raiders likely won’t be a factor in the AFC West until they fully solve their quarterback situation.
ESPN: Bills happy with Amari Cooper as 2025 NFL free agency approaches
ESPN: Bills happy with Amari Cooper as 2025 NFL free agency approaches Nick Wojton Amari Cooper was traded by the Cleveland Browns to the Buffalo Bills at the 2024 NFL trade deadline and it remains to be seen what his future holds. Cooper, 31 next season, is a pending free agent. Could he be one-and-done in Buffalo? According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Bills would not mind Cooper sticking around despite some low production in 2024. ESPN ranked the top-50 pending free agents this offseason and Cooper landed at No. 18 overall. In the breakdown on the receiver, Fowler notes that the Bills are happy with Cooper making it sound like there is interest from the team. While Cooper’s numbers weren’t great in Buffalo, he did play through injury which required surgery. He opted to tough it out which was likely appreciated in the locker room. Fowler’s full free agency profile on Cooper can be found below: Cooper’s tape is beginning to show signs of decline, but he is still a detailed route runner who can uncover at multiple levels of the field. In 14 games with both the Browns and Bills this season, Cooper caught 44 passes for 547 yards and four touchdowns. In nine full seasons, Cooper has topped the 1,000-yard receiving mark seven times and has 64 career touchdown catches. Fowler’s latest: The Bills have been happy with Cooper, despite low production compared with past seasons. He has been a good team player in Buffalo, and the Bills are intrigued by getting him into a full offseason program with quarterback Josh Allen. Though his free agency future is uncertain, a return to Buffalo does not appear off the table.
