NFL

How many ACC prospects will go in the first round?

Published

2 years ago

May 14, 2022

darragh

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The fallout from the 2022 NFL Draft is still fresh, and the college football season is a few months away. However, it is time to turn the chapter to the 2023 class. In 2022, four ACC prospects were selected in the first round (third-most among all conferences), but how many could we see in 2023?

2023 NFL Draft: How many ACC prospects will go in the first round?

We have to recap the past to put the future into perspective. Last year, the ACC had four representatives drafted in Round 1: NC State OT Ikem Ikwonu (No. 6 – Carolina Panthers), Boston College G Zion Johnson (No. 17 – Los Angeles Chargers), Pittsburgh QB Kenny Pickett (No. 20 – Pittsburgh Steelers), and Florida State EDGE Jermaine Johnson II (No. 26 – New York Jets).

From 1936-2009, the ACC had 229 players selected in Round 1, the third-most of any conference. Since 2010 (last 13 drafts), the conference has averaged 4.69 players drafted in the first round. So, with the history lesson out of the way, how many ACC prospects could hear their names called in the 2023 NFL Draft?

ACC prospects who could go in the first round

It is a futile task to predict how many players from a given conference will go in Round 1 this far out. We do not know. Even if we had all the information in the world, the NFL Draft likes to throw a wrench in predictions. But this exercise allows us to explore the top draft-eligible talent in the ACC and who could rise above the rest.

Near locks

I’m being careful with the verbiage here, as there are few true “locks” when it comes to the NFL Draft. Wide receiver Jordan Addison exploded onto the scene for Pitt last year, aiding in Kenny Pickett’s ascension. Yet, he may not be a Panther for much longer as he entered his name into the transfer portal. There is a chance Addison returns next season, but all signs point to the uber-talented wideout playing elsewhere.

A Pitt prospect not in the transfer portal, DT Calijah Kancey has been a consistent force for the Panthers’ defense. The 6’0″ and 275-pounder isn’t the biggest man, but he makes up for it with technique and easy-to-see athleticism.

Clemson has a trio of first-round caliber prospects in LB Trenton Simpson, DT Bryan Bresee, and EDGE Myles Murphey. Simpson is one of the better athletes at the position, and DC Brent Venables deployed him as such. The No. 1 recruit in 2020, Bresee had his 2021 campaign cut short due to a torn ACL. If he is 100% healthy, he should enjoy a breakout campaign on the interior. Lastly, Murphy has been a consistent disrupter off the edge. While he can rush the passer, he is an even stronger run defender.

The quarterbacks

On paper, five ACC quarterbacks could propel themselves into the first-round conversation. And in all likelihood, at least one or two will be Round 1 signal-callers. But which ones?

Boston College’s Phil Jurkovec was thought of as a contender for Day 1 capital in the 2022 class before injury robbed him of the opportunity to prove his case. The offensive line will be retooled, but Christian Mahogany remains up front, and WR Zay Flowers is still catching passes on the outside.

Clemson’s D.J. Uiagalelei is in a QB battle with true freshman Cade Klubnik. If the “veteran” loses, he can kiss his first-round aspirations good by. Still, he has the physical tools to right the ship in his second season as the starter in “Death Valley.”

Former USC QB Kedon Slovis will be taking the reins from Pickett in Pittsburgh, and I would feel much better about his prospects if Addison returned. Nevertheless, Akron transfer Konata Mumpfield hopes to be a key piece of the receiving puzzle.

NC State head coach Dave Doeren has gone on record calling Devin Leary the best passer in the nation. The flashes of arm talent are there, and one exceptional campaign could thrust him into Day 1. Last but not least is Miami’s Tyler Van Dyke. In a similar boat to Leary, Van Dyke showcased his ability last year, but a full year of consistent play under center will be pivotal for his draft stock.

Other ACC names to know in the 2023 NFL Draft

UNC WR Josh Downs was Sam Howell’s only reliable pass catcher last season. He is an explosive playmaker who simply creates separation. Downs was the Tar Heel’s offense and should retain that role in 2022. Still, a change under center muddies the waters, especially coming from a player of Howell’s caliber throwing him the football.

Virginia possesses an elite receiving duo in Dontayvion Wicks and Keytaon Thompson. Thomspon is a converted QB at 6’4″ and 210 pounds and outmuscles opponents. He can break tackles and win contested situations all while being a versatile weapon all over the field. Wicks was the Cavaliers’ downfield threat, averaging 21.1 yards per reception en route to 1,203 yards and 9 TDs. He possesses legitimate 4.4 speed and can take the top off defenses.

Yet another Pitt prospect to know is edge rusher Habakkuk Baldonado. A native of Rome, Italy, Baldonado began playing in the states in 2017. But you couldn’t tell by watching his tape as he was a terror off the edge. He was a second-team All-ACC honoree last year after generating 12 tackles for loss and 9 sacks. Alongside Kancey, expect Baldonado to continue to grow.

Miami CB Tyrique Stevenson spent his first two years as a slot defender for Georgia. But after transferring to South Beach, Stevenson has proven to be a dependable outside corner. He allowed just 51% of his targets to be caught last year, allowing no more than 49 yards in a single game. He has the size, length, and skill set to maintain his dominance in 2022.

Honorable mentions

Sean Tucker, RB, Syracuse
Jordan McFadden, OL, Clemson
Robert Scott Jr., OT, Florida State
Zion Nelson, OT, Miami (FL)
Carter Warren, OT, Pittsburgh
Tyler Davis, DT, Clemson
Yasir Abdullah, LB, Louisville
Tony Grimes, CB, North Carolina
Akeem Dent, S, Florida State

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NFL

Taylor Swift Is Shown Chugging a Beer on the Jumbotron at Super Bowl 58

Published

3 months ago

February 12, 2024

darragh

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Global superstar Taylor Swift made it to the big game to support her boyfriend, Kansas City Chiefs star tight end Travis Kelce. In the second quarter, it was evident that she was having a good time at the Super Bowl after taking a 12-hour flight from Tokyo the night prior.

Taylor Swift Seen Chugging Beer at Super Bowl

Swift’s attendance has been highly anticipated, as many fans questioned whether she would be able to make it to the big game since she had been in Japan until Saturday for her Eras Tour.

Sure enough, she made it to the Super Bowl and was seen making a grand entrance alongside Blake Lively and Ice Spice.

Swift made it back to the States with plenty of time to make it to Allegiant Stadium to support Kelce. After a leg of her Eras Tour, where she performed several nights in Japan, the singer appeared to let loose.

In a box full of friends, Swift was shown chugging a beer with Ashley Avignone. She was shown on the jumbotron and slammed her cup down after she finished her beer.

Legend 😂 pic.twitter.com/hk27JTAXZ9

— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) February 12, 2024

There was a mix of cheers and boos as Swift was shown on the big screen, and a long pass to Mecole Hardman was the only highlight of the first half for Swift and her friends. The 49ers led the Chiefs, 10-0, late in the second quarter.

On social media, Swift garnered plenty of support from NFL fans.

“If you’re hating on her you can kick rocks man she’s the best,” one user posted on X.

“The one thing I learned this season is that she is actually fun,” another said.

“Booing Taylor Swift chugging a beer is so soft. She’s just one of us now and I respect it ,” another posted.

At the time of the beer chugging, Kelce, Taylor Swift’s boyfriend, has had one catch for a single yard. It came on the first possession, which ended up being a three-and-out. The Kansas City Chiefs hadn’t done much otherwise.

They did have a deep pass play to Hardman, which put them in the red zone, but Isiah Pacheco fumbled on the very next play — one that Kelce was surprisingly on the sideline for.

Swift and Kelce have garnered much media attention as their romance has taken off throughout this NFL season.

Swift was able to support her boyfriend at many of his games throughout the final stretch of the season, as her Eras Tour was on a break. But starting on Feb. 7, she went back on the road.

MORE: NFL World Reacts to Unbelievable Super Bowl Trick Play

Despite performing in Tokyo the night before the Super Bowl, she was able to make it in time to support her boyfriend due to the time difference and is having a good time doing so.

As the 2023 NFL season comes to a close, the 2024 NFL Draft is on the horizon. Pro Football Network has you covered with everything from team draft needs to the Top 100 prospects available. Plus, fire up PFN’s Mock Draft Simulator to put yourself in the general manager’s seat and make all the calls!

Listen to the PFN Fantasy Podcast

Listen to the PFN Fantasy Podcast! Click the embedded player below to listen, or you can find the PFN Fantasy Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms. Be sure to subscribe and leave us a five-star review! Rather watch instead? Check out the PFN Fantasy Podcast on our Fantasy YouTube channel.

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What Happened to the 49ers Linebacker?

Published

3 months ago

February 12, 2024

darragh

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The San Francisco 49ers sustained a massive blow during the second quarter of Super Bowl 58, as linebacker Dre Greenlaw left the game on a medical cart.

CBS Sports confirmed that the veteran Greenlaw suffered an Achilles tear, ruling him out for the rest of the game against the Kansas City Chiefs.

What Happened to Dre Greenlaw?

The outside linebacker, who had already been battling past injuries to his hamstrings and calves, left with what appeared to be a leg injury.

And somehow, his left leg looked like it buckled as he tried to trot onto the field with the Niners’ defense.

#49ers LB Dre Greenlaw appeared to suffer an injury while running on the field.

pic.twitter.com/zx0l1NjTew

— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) February 12, 2024

Greenlaw clutched his left leg in agony before being helped off the field.

CBS Sports sideline reporter Evan Washburn reported that the outside linebacker left with what was ruled as a lower leg injury. He was later determined to sustain an Achilles injury.

Greenlaw was declared out for the rest of the game.

#49ers LB Dre Greenlaw (Achilles) is now officially out for the game.

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) February 12, 2024

Greenlaw Carted Off in Passenger Seat

Even more noticeable was where Greenlaw sat on the cart.

He ended up leaving not in the back of the medical vehicle but ended up riding shotgun with his leg injury.

He can’t sit in the back? pic.twitter.com/9jpz0rdoF1

— Big Cat (@BarstoolBigCat) February 12, 2024

One would think that with an injury like an Achilles ailment, medical officials would try to make the player as comfortable as possible before they leave. It wasn’t the case here.

MORE: San Francisco 49ers Depth Chart

Regardless, Greenlaw was replaced by Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles for the rest of the first half. Greenlaw became the most significant injury of the game.

As the 2023 NFL season comes to a close, the 2024 NFL Draft is on the horizon. Pro Football Network has you covered with everything from team draft needs to the Top 100 prospects available. Plus, fire up PFN’s Mock Draft Simulator to put yourself in the general manager’s seat and make all the calls!

Listen to the PFN Fantasy Podcast

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NFL World Reacts to Epic Super Bowl Intro From CBS

Published

3 months ago

February 12, 2024

darragh

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Super Bowl 58 is here and it’s going to be exciting. The San Francisco 49ers and Kansas City Chiefs are facing off in the final game of 2023.

CBS is broadcasting the game and the opening was nothing short of amazing. How is the NFL world reacting to the electric Super Bowl-opening video?

Epic CBS Super Bowl Intro Garners Reaction From NFL World

The video, which spanned four minutes and 19 seconds, featured players from both teams talking about the big game and what it means to them. It also featured their families talking about their journeys to this point.

“Amazing intro! Reminds me of my dad! Bravo on the intro!,” one NFL fan said on X (formerly known as Twitter)

And now, the end is near.

And so, the @49ers and @Chiefs face that final curtain. pic.twitter.com/YgIEGOAMb1

— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) February 11, 2024

Additionally, Frank Sinatra’s “My Way” played in the background, giving it a near-movie feel. “This was incredible.,” another person said on X. “And so, the @49ers and @Chiefs face that final curtain,” CBS Sports said.

The 49ers finished the regular season as the top seed in the NFC with a 12-5 record. After their first-round bye, they defeated both the Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions to earn their trip to Las Vegas for the Super Bowl. Both of their victories came in comeback fashion, including an NFC Championship-record 17-point comeback.

The Chiefs, on the other hand, had a more uphill battle. Entering the playoffs as the AFC’s third seed, they finished the regular season with an 11-6 record. In the playoffs, they defeated the Miami Dolphins, Buffalo Bills, and Baltimore Ravens to punch their ticket.

Super Bowl 58 is a re-match of Super Bowl 54 when the Chiefs defeated the 49ers 31-24. The win was the first in Patrick Mahomes career, as he also won Super Bowl MVP. Four years later, the Chiefs have made three more and won another. For the 49ers, this is their first trip back to the big game since.

The game kicked off at 6:30 p.m. ET with the 49ers receiving the opening kick. In addition to being broadcast on CBS, the game is also being streamed on Paramount+.