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Ohio State Fallout, Bryce Young Impresses With His Arm, and More

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The Alabama, Liberty, and Virginia Pro Days were the next stops on the NFL Pro Day schedule, as several highly-rated prospects worked out in front of NFL decision-makers. Let’s take a look at how prospects such as Bryce Young, Demario Douglas, and Dontayvion Wicks performed during today’s events, as well as the other headlines coming out of Alabama, Liberty, and Virginia.

Pro Day News and Rumors | All Eyes on Bryce Young at Alabama

A day after Ohio State worked out for scouts, it was Alabama’s turn. Info has been slow coming in, as many scouts left immediately to catch planes to Lexington, Kentucky, so here’s what I got.

There’s been a lot written about Bryce Young — all I will add is scouts I spoke with were impressed with his arm. They felt his deep passes and longer lateral outs were stronger than they expected. Scouts were also impressed with his footwork and placement when Young simulated dropping back from underneath center.

MORE: Should Bryce Young Be the No. 1 Overall Pick in 2023?

Defensive lineman DJ Dale stood on his Combine numbers but did position drills. He looked fluid and very smooth. Dale is receiving a lot of interest from the New Orleans Saints, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Detroit Lions.

Scouts had 40 times on tight end Cameron Latu in the low 4.6s. That is two-tenths better than the 4.81 seconds scouts projected prior to the season.

Demario Douglas and Durrell Johnson Shine at Liberty’s Pro Day

There were approximately 30 teams on hand for Liberty’s Pro Day — a workout that saw two players stand out.

Shrine Bowl participant Demario Douglas continues his upward move on receiver boards. He timed 7.00 seconds in the three-cone, which was the only test he did not complete during Combine workouts. Just as he did during the Shrine Bowl and Combine, Douglas ran sensational routes, looked incredibly quick-footed, and caught everything thrown in his direction.

The measurements (5’8 1/4″, 30 1/4″ arms, and 8 3/4″ hands) could be an issue for some teams, but in the right system, Douglas will be a tremendous slot receiver/return specialist. The Tennessee Titans, who need a speed receiver (Douglas timed as fast as 4.38 seconds on watches at the Combine), as well as the 49ers, are showing a lot of interest. I have Douglas graded as a fifth-round pick, but it would not surprise me if he sneaked into the fourth.

Durrell Johnson, one of the most underrated linebackers/edge rushers in the upcoming draft, was impressive. He measured 6’5″ and 251 pounds — almost 20 heavier than scouts expected. On a sore hamstring, he timed 4.68 seconds in the 40 with a 1.44 10-yard split. Prior to the hammy issue, Johnson had been timing 4.55 seconds in training. He jumped 38.5″ in the vertical and 10’4″ in the broad.

Johnson, who totaled 27.5 tackles for loss and nine sacks last year, looked solid in position drills as well. The drills were run by the Titans and Dallas Cowboys. The fact Johnson came in over 250 pounds and ran as well as he did was a relief to scouts. Many perceived him to be 235 pounds, a bit light for a 3-4 OLB. Moving forward, teams feel he has the size and athleticism to be used at the line of scrimmage on a consistent basis.

Virginia

The two Cavalier prospects considered draftable both impressed scouts on hand during Virginia’s Pro Day Wednesday. Cornerback Anthony Johnson looked brilliant in position drills — to the point many of the scouts on-site applauded his effort.

Johnson is a bigger (6’1 1/2″/205 pounds) cornerback with terrific ball skills. On Day 2 of Combine workouts, it was reported Johnson “ran an official 4.63 seconds” in the 40, yet the official sheet dispensed to teams around the league lists his best time at 4.56. The Saints and Kansas City Chiefs interviewed Johnson at length.

Receiver Dontayvion Wicks timed 4.57 seconds in the 40, slightly better than his Combine mark of 4.62 seconds. He also timed 4.20 seconds in the short shuttle and 6.91 seconds in the three-cone. According to scouts, Wicks looked good in drills, was very twitchy running routes, and caught the ball well with no drops.

Final Notes From Ohio State’s Pro Day

As I was exiting the Woody Hayes Athletic Center, wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba was meeting with the receiver-needy Houston Texans. Everything I’ve heard this week leads me to believe the Texans will draft a receiver with their second pick in the first round (12th overall). Right now, it seems that
pick has come down to either Jaxon Smith-Njigba or Jordan Addison.

Several teams came away from Ohio State’s Pro Day with even more affection for center Luke Wypler — two in particular: the Buffalo Bills and Arizona Cardinals.

MORE: Pro Day News and Rumors — C.J. Stroud, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and Marvin Harrison Jr. Headline Loaded Ohio State Pro Day

Last week, during my write-up on the Minnesota Pro Day, I mentioned the Bills had Gophers center John Michael Schmitz rated highly. This week it’s Wypler — another Big Ten center. If nothing else, this confirms my posting last week that the Bills will be looking for a center as Mitch Morse closes out his career.

I was told outright at the end of the pro day that the Cardinals will draft Wypler, and it makes sense. Presently, Hjalte Froholdt is listed as Arizona’s starting center — his fourth team since 2019. The Cardinals own a pair of picks in the third round and could use one to select the OSU center.



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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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