NFL

Dalton Kincaid Out, Blake Freeland Continues Climb, and More

Published

1 year ago

March 25, 2023

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Next up on the NFL Pro Day schedule: Utah, BYU, and Penn State. Let’s dive into the latest news and rumors surrounding Dalton Kincaid, Blake Freeland, and Juice Scruggs, as well as the other headlines coming out of Utah, BYU, and Penn State.

Pro Day News and Rumors | Dalton Kincaid Did Not Test for Utah

The attendance sheet for Utah’s Pro Day, which took place Thursday, stretched two pages long and included Bengals DBs coach Charlie Burks, Chargers TEs coach Kevin Kroger, and Saints assistant OL coach Kevin Carberry. Directors of college scouting from the Chiefs, Vikings, Raiders, and Colts were also on hand.

For starters, I tweeted out Thursday that tight end Dalton Kincaid would not participate in the testing, just as he didn’t during the Combine. Rest assured, there’s nothing nefarious going on, nor is Kincaid afraid to test. The tight end suffered a small fracture in his back late last season, which has prevented him from working out for scouts.

It was well known back in January that there was a chance Kincaid would not be able to work out for teams before the draft — hence this is a surprise to no one. I’m told there’s still a slight chance the tight end could work out before the draft, but there are no guarantees, and it’ll be a wait-and-see process.

MORE: Pro Day News and Rumors — All Eyes on Will Levis, Stephen F. Austin Standouts, and More

And while scouts would prefer to get marks on Kincaid, no one will deny his tape screams top-40 prospect. The senior is very much the downfield threat teams want at the position these days and plays like a tough, nasty tight end.

Offensive lineman Braeden Daniels, who had a terrific Combine performance, looked outstanding in position drills. Daniels weighed in at 307 pounds, 13 more than his Combine weight, yet easily moved around the field for what seemed an eternity.

The Saints ran the offensive line drills and tried to break Daniels, but the versatile blocker did not relent. Daniels has been steadily rising up draft boards and has cemented himself as a solid middle-round pick. He met with the New York Jets, Seattle Seahawks, and Baltimore Ravens at Utah’s Pro Day.

BYU

There was a huge crowd on-site for BYU’s Pro Day, with multiple offensive line coaches in Provo. The Cougars’ top prospects did not disappoint.

Offensive tackle Blake Freeland continues his ascent up draft boards. After a sensational Combine, Freeland looked good at his pro day. He completed 25 reps on the bench press, a terrific number considering his arms measure a shade under 34″. His times in the short shuttle were clocked in the low 4.3s, with a three-cone that came in right around 7.2 seconds — both outstanding marks.

Freeland displayed his athleticism during position drills as offensive line coaches from the New York Jets (who privately worked out Luke Wypler and Paris Johnson Jr. during Ohio State’s Pro Day), Cincinnati Bengals, and New Orleans Saints put him through an excruciating workout that was described as unique.

Freeland did a lot of drills to simulate pulling across the line of scrimmage and was asked to pick up tennis balls on the way. He’s solidified himself as a top-50 pick for a zone-blocking-heavy offense.

Quarterback Jaren Hall had an outstanding throwing session today. He threw more than 50 passes, and many of them had a high degree of difficulty. Hall wasn’t just accurate — he displayed pinpoint pass placement and drove deep passes downfield with speed. The criticism from scouts after the Combine centered on Hall’s footwork dropping into the pockets from center and setting himself to throw.

Some believe that won’t be an issue as Hall will be used out of the gun at the next level more times than not, and when he does line up under center, he’ll be handing the ball off or running some type of boot action and rolling out then throwing on the move. Hall has come across great in interviews, as he’s a mature 25-year-old married man.

The age does not bother teams as we see more quarterbacks playing, and thriving, into their 30s. The Minnesota Vikings, Seattle Seahawks, Detroit Lions, and Indianapolis Colts all have interest in Hall. In fact, Indianapolis has compared Hall to Jalen Hurts, the quarterback developed by new head coach Shane Steichen. Also, keep an eye on the Rams, who are looking to come out of the draft with a No. 2 signal-caller.

Receiver Puka Nacua looked terrific as the recipient of passes delivered by Hall. He was incredibly smooth, ran terrific routes, and even showed another gear. Nacua timed as fast as 4.49 seconds in the 40, despite a tight hip. He missed three weeks of training due to the hip condition and a concussion he suffered during the first day of practice at the Senior Bowl.

Rather than set a date in the future for a private workout, Nacua chose to participate in the pro day. He’s a natural pass catcher with a great head for the position. Nacua will come off the board somewhere in the fourth or fifth round, and he’s being courted by the Jets, Cardinals, and Rams.

Harris LaChance, the offensive tackle who moved into guard last season, measured 6’7″ and 307 pounds, timing 5.17 seconds in the 40 and a very quick 7.34 seconds in the three-cone.

Running back Chris Brooks measured 6’1″, 219 pounds, posted a 37″ vertical jump, and ran well. He timed 4.58 seconds in the 40, 4.18 in the short shuttle, and 7.13 in the three-cone. Brooks looked terrific catching passes from Jaren Hall.

Big Name Decision-makers at Penn State’s Pro Day

Mike McDaniel and Chris Grier of the Miami Dolphins, as well as Ryan Poles of the Chicago Bears, were just a few decision-makers on hand for Penn State’s Pro Day.

Center Juice Scruggs, a Shrine Bowl participant, looked terrific. He timed 4.64 in the short shuttle, an improvement of two-tenths from his Combine mark. He then looked athletic and fundamentally very sound during drills. PFN interviewed Scruggs in Vegas, and he explained why he has a bit of a chip on his shoulder.

MORE: Key Takeaways From Bryce Young, C.J. Stroud, and Will Levis’ Pro Days

He was forced to take a backseat to Minnesota’s John Michael Schmitz and Ohio State’s Luke Wypler in the Big 10. It must be noted Scruggs made the successful transition from guard to center in 2022. Scruggs had dinner with the Bears last night and met at length with the Dolphins at the pro day. Right now, it seems unlikely Scruggs gets past the Bears’ pick, which opens the fourth round.

Safety Ji’Ayir Brown ran 4.62 seconds at the Combine and was slightly faster today, timing 4.58 in the 40. Despite the improvement, he looked slow during drills at Penn State’s Pro Day. The bottom line on Brown? Good football player — poor athlete.

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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

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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+.