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Cincinnati’s 2023 NFL Draft Prospects led by Ivan and Deshawn Pace, Josh Whyle

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The most successful season in program history paved the way for their largest draft haul ever, but can the Cincinnati Bearcats follow that with another deep class in the 2023 NFL Draft? It’s easy to believe that all their star talent left for the NFL this spring. However, there are still a significant number of playmakers left behind that you should be watching out for this fall.

Cincinnati prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft

Nine players. The program’s first first-rounder for over 40 years. A selection in six of the seven rounds. Cincinnati’s 2022 class, much like their college football heroics, was unprecedented at the Group of Five level. When you lose that amount of talent, it’s natural to expect a downturn in results and a substantially reduced draft class the following year. Yet, it’s easy to see nine or more players that could make up the 2023 NFL Draft class.

Ivan Pace Jr., LB

With the departures of two linebackers and a safety, Cincinnati lost over 300 tackles of production to the NFL this spring. Their attempts to replace that start with the transfer of Miami (OH) linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. The 6’0″, 239-pound LB is a force in all facets of the game, not allowing a touchdown in coverage while snagging an interception. However, it’s his ability coming downhill that is tantalizing as a 2023 NFL Draft prospect. Pace has incredible closing speed and gets the job done behind the line of scrimmage.

Deshawn Pace, LB

The Pace brothers might be one of the most deadly duos not just in the AAC but in the whole of college football. At 6’2″ and 218 pounds, Deshawn Pace has safety size but the attitude and physicality of a traditionally sized LB. His experience as a high school safety shows up in his coverage ability.

Meanwhile, he packs a punch coming downhill. Pace has routinely showcased impressive play recognition skills and has the athletic profile to act upon them. Cincinnati’s top returning defensive producer tallied 95 tackles and four interceptions last fall. Expect him to elevate his 2023 NFL Draft stock with a stellar junior season.

Josh Whyle, TE

Cincinnati tight end Josh Whyle has been a consistent pass-catching weapon during Desmond Ridder’s reign under center. As the Bearcats transition to Evan Prater, Whyle will provide a reliable target for the young QB. At 6’5″ and 245 pounds, Whyle has great size at the position as an obvious above-the-rim mismatch nightmare. He compounds that with decent physicality to his game, both at the catch point and as a blocker. Meanwhile, he can turn on the jets with a surprising burst to extend plays when they look to be over.

Ja’von Hicks, S

With significant losses in the secondary, the importance of the return of fifth-year senior Ja’von Hicks should not be underestimated. A starter of almost 30 games, he brings experience and leadership to the defensive backfield. At 6’2″ and 205 pounds, Hicks is a decent-sized safety prospect who plays with a forceful style. When tackling, he routinely tries to separate the ball from the ball carrier. He has good eyes and closing burst in coverage while boasting good length and the vertical athleticism to challenge at the catch point.

Malik Vann, DE

Another Cincinnati defensive player who eschewed the draft last year for another go-around is defensive end Malik Vann. The 6’3″, 275-pound monster manned the 3-4 defensive end spot for the Bearcats for the most part of last season. While his 8 1/2 tackles for loss with 3 1/2 sacks might not sound prolific, Vann has some alluring traits that should earn him 2023 NFL Draft consideration. He’s extremely powerful at the point of attack, bullying offensive linemen while showing impressive twitchy athleticism for his size.

Arquon Bush, CB

With Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner and Coby Bryant departed to the NFL, it’s Arquon Bush’s time to shine in the Cincinnati secondary. Not that the playmaking cornerback hasn’t already been impressive, tallying three interceptions and six pass breakups last fall. Predominantly a nickel CB in his Bearcats career, a move outside could help elevate his 2023 NFL Draft stock. He’s got the speed, size, and ball skills to be impactful there while possessing impressive ferocity and play-recognition ability. Bush also boasts special-teams experience.

Lorenz Metz, G

Amongst the turnover from Cincinnati’s successful season, the offensive line returns all their parts. One of the most intriguing prospects amongst them is gargantuan German guard Lorenz Metz. The 6’9″, 326-pound offensive lineman had his struggles at tackle but found a home at guard, earning first-team All-AAC recognition. His size will make him instantly intriguing as a 2023 NFL Draft prospect. However, he also boasts ludicrous strength and nastiness and moves far better than you’d expect from a man of his size.

James Tunstall, OT

A former FCS All-American for Stony Brook, James Tunstall became a full-time starter for Cincinnati in his first season at the FBS level. While he had some ups and downs, Tunstall showcased alluring potential last fall. He’s powerful, owns a violent punch, and is a genuine people mover in the run game. He also showcased decent movement skills. If he can work to eradicate some less-desirable elements of his game and play with more consistency, he could earn attention in the 2023 NFL Draft class.

Jeremy Cooper, G

Another Cincinnati offensive lineman who could parlay a good season into 2023 NFL Draft attention is guard Jeremy Cooper. At 6’4″ and 315 pounds, Cooper has good size for the interior offensive line. At the same time, he sets with a wide base and impressively low stance. This allows him to play low, gaining a leverage advantage. He’s demonstrated strength and goes into battle with a quick pair of hands.

Jake Renfro, C

Having made six starts as a true freshman, Jake Renfro enters his third season with Cincinnati as a permanent fixture at the pivot. The potential 2023 NFL Draft prospect has good size at the center position, measuring 6’3″ and 310 pounds. He’s explosive off the snap and showcases excellent movement skills to get out to the second level in the run game. Furthermore, he can set with a strong anchor and has demonstrated violence in his hands and enough length to walk defensive linemen away from his quarterback.

Dylan O’Quinn, OT

A former high school tight end and defensive end, Dylan O’Quinn made the switch to the offensive line for Cincinnati, gradually developing to the point of earning first-team All-AAC recognition in 2021. At 6’4″ and 305 pounds, he’s not the biggest offensive tackle in the 2023 NFL Draft class. However, he routinely demonstrates impressive technique with good hand timing and placement to be an effective pass protector. O’Quinn also displays sought-after football intelligence, picking up stunts and twists with effortless regularity.

Tre Tucker, WR

Calling Tre Tucker a wide receiver is a disservice to his impact on this Cincinnati team. He’s an all-around weapon, a 5’9″ pocket rocket who can run a 4.3-second 40-yard dash while possessing the explosive vertical athleticism that helps him elevate himself above his diminutive frame. While his ability to win with speed and twitchy route running out of the slot will excite, he also adds significant special-teams excellence as a kick returner that could prove alluring when the 2023 NFL Draft comes around.

Jowon Briggs, DT

A former high school standout who played for Virginia before transferring to Cincinnati for 2021, Jowon Briggs made an impact in his first season with the Bearcats. Expected to elevate his role with the departure of Curtis Brooks, Briggs could be a riser in the 2023 NFL Draft defensive tackle class. At 6’2″, 315 pounds, he boasts good size on the defensive interior. Briggs is explosive off the snap, extremely strong in his ability to push the pocket, and has the speed and football intelligence to give offensive lineman nightmares.

Jabari Taylor, DE

While opposing offensive coordinators hone in on stopping teammate Vann, don’t sleep on Jabari Taylor as an impact-making defensive line prospect in the 2023 NFL Draft for Cincinnati. The 6’1″, 280-pound DE has been a productive rotational piece for the Bearcats, with some of his brightest moments coming in their biggest games. He’s powerful, relentless, and made a 40-yard field goal during spring practice. Not that the latter is relevant, but I will jump on any opportunity to highlight special-teams prowess.

Leonard Taylor, TE

While Whyle might be considered the standout tight end on the Cincinnati roster, Leonard Taylor could also attract some 2023 NFL Draft recognition. He boasts great size for an NFL tight end, measuring 6’5″ and 260 pounds. As you’d expect from a man of his size, he’s a proficient blocker. However, what’s exciting is the unexpected smoothness and quickness of his route running. Taylor also showcases excellent ball-tracking ability as a pass-catching threat downfield. He’s definitely one to watch this fall.

Other potential Cincinnati 2023 NFL Draft prospects

  • Wilson Huber, LB
  • Tyler Scott, WR
  • Jadon Thompson, WR
  • Nick Mardner, WR
  • Ryan Montgomery, RB
  • Ty Van Fossen, LB
  • Taj Ward, CB
  • Jacob Dingle, S
  • Ryan Coe, K

Oliver Hodgkinson is an NFL Draft and College Football Analyst for Pro Football Network. Check out the rest of his work here, and you can find him on Twitter: @ojhodgkinson.





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

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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.

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?

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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.

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.

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.

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

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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NFL World Reacts to Epic Super Bowl Intro From CBS

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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)

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+.

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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