Latest news with #Combine
NBC Sports
2 days ago
- Sport
- NBC Sports
Chip Kelly: Not many humans have size and speed like Raiders rookie WR Dont'e Thornton
At the NFL Scouting Combine, former Tennessee wide receiver Dont'e Thornton Jr. opened a lot of eyes by measuring 6-foot-5 and running his 40-yard dash in 4.30 seconds. He was the tallest player ever to run that fast at the Combine. That led the Raiders to draft Thornton in the fourth round despite minimal production in college: He caught just 65 passes in four seasons of college football, two at Tennessee and two at Oregon. Raiders offensive coordinator Chip Kelly says that a unique talent like Thornton can develop into a productive receiver, even if he hasn't done it yet. 'I think Dont'e is unique in terms of he's just a hair under 6-5 and he ran 4.3. There's not a lot of humans on this planet that do that,' Kelly said, via 'And I think if you had a draw up an outside receiver, you would pick that type of body type, someone that's got length, someone that's got a huge catch radius, but also has speed. Sometimes you can get a big guy like that, but he can't really run, so they can stay with him. So, you add that speed element to him, his ability to sink his hips, his ability to get in and out of cuts.' The Raiders have a long history of valuing physical attributes like size and speed, and General Manager John Spytek said Raiders owner Mark Davis knows his father, Al Davis, would have loved Thornton. 'Mark joked that was the Al Davis pick of this draft,' Spytek said. 'The height, weight, speed, raw traits, athleticism, speed, and I think it's just focusing on what he can do and what he can be. . . . You watch his target tape, I think it's pretty impressive. And we think he hasn't hit his ceiling yet.' The Raiders think they added a uniquely talented receiver when they brought Thornton to Las Vegas.
USA Today
4 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Notre Dame's dual-sport star Brandon Logan set for MLB Draft Combine
Notre Dame's dual-sport star Brandon Logan set for MLB Draft Combine Notre Dame football offered 2027 Kentucky wide receiver Tyler Fryman a scholarship Monday evening despite him being currently committed to Louisville baseball. Another two-sport star is in the news as 2025 Fighting Irish baseball and football signee Brandon Logan is participating in the MLB Draft Combine this week in Phoenix. Last recruiting cycle, ND was able to flip Logan from a Vanderbilt baseball commitment. The 6-foot, 185-pound R Nelson Snider (Fort Wayne, IN) outfielder will have the chance to impress big league scouts, as 322 draft-eligible prospects—both high school and college players—will be in town leading up to the MLB Draft July 13. The Combine, which is in its third year, takes place from June 17-21 at Chase Field. Logan, who plays safety when on the gridiron, hit .389 with 7 home runs and 31 RBI this past spring as a senior. He was also among the state's leaders with 44 stolen bases. Fighting Irish right-handed pitcher Rory Fox (4-4, 3.58 ERA in 2025) is also in Arizona to do interviews, but he won't be throwing for scouts. In 65.1 innings, he struck out 64 batters and limited opponents to a .187 average. Contact/Follow us @IrishWireND on X (Formerly Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Notre Dame news, notes, and opinions. Follow Dave on X: Miller_Dave
Irish Examiner
5 days ago
- Sport
- Irish Examiner
‘The 20 best players': Irish AFL combine return is on the cards
A return for the Australian Football League-run Combine is in the works, with hopes one will take place in Dublin this December. Pre-covid, the AFL regularly hosted a European Combine in Ireland. Players went through a series of athletic tests as AFL scouts watched on. James Madden (Dublin), Deividas Uosis (Kerry) and Ross McQuillan (Armagh) all made the move Down Under after impressing at the event. There was a change of tack post-covid. Several kicking sessions took place, but the best prospects travelled to Australia to take part in their official Combine. Ireland U20 rugby international and former Dublin minor David Colbert and Derry's Eoin McEvoy travelled to Melbourne last year. In 2023, four Irish players took part. Speaking to 3AW's The AFL Irish invasion podcast, Irish AFL recruiter Frank Duffy confirmed the return of a Combine is in development. 'My understanding is the AFL are committed to investing in Ireland and that they will give us the go ahead to run a Combine roughly around the first weekend of December. It is an opportunity for the clubs to come over. 'We are offering the 20 best players in the country for both men and women, we are saying, these are the best. We invite you to come over and you will see them with your own eyes.' Former Collingwood star and Down All-Star Marty Clarke, who is the head coach at the sessions, said the prospect of Tasmania joining the AFL competition as a 19th team will force clubs to look further afield to find players. 'At the minute, my knowledge of AFL is stronger than it even was when I was a player. I love watching it. I had my time in Australia. If I can help one or two boys or girls to go across, happy days. 'I would love them to experience what I had. I just think clubs are going to have to be smart now with Tasmania coming in, if they do get the licence. They have to find players somewhere else.' Meanwhile, Geelong executive general manager Andrew Mackie hinted that Mayo's Oisín Mullin is set for a contract extension. Speaking to K Rock after their win over Essendon last weekend, Mackie said a deal is close. 'Really confident with where that is. His manager is on holidays; they all go away this time of the year. Ois will be good. He's a great guy to have around the footy club and as we touched on, he is doing a great job for us.' He also hailed the recent showings of Kerry's Mark O'Connor. 'I'd agree with career-best (form). His versatility for us has been key for a number of years.'
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Canadiens: Potential First-Round Pick
As Forrest Gump would say, a draft is a bit like a box of chocolates; you never know what you're going to get, especially when you're picking mid-round like the Montreal Canadiens will be this time around. Scouts' job becomes that much harder when so many teams get to choose before you even have one selection. It's impossible to know who will still be on the board or who will be long gone (aside from the select few who are at the very top of the class). By the time the Canadiens take to the figurative podium since the draft is held remotely this season, many of their favourites might already been picked and while I'm not suggesting drafting for need, but if the best player available when they finally get to choose, happens to be either a promising center or a promising right-shot defenseman, I don't think many would complain. A prospect that would fit the latter option is Logan Hensler, a 6-foot-2 blueliner who weighs in at 197. Advertisement Canadiens: Kypreos Reveals Trade Target Canadiens: Martin St-Louis Finished Third In The Jack Adams Trophy Voting Canadiens: Potential First Round Pick - Radim Mrtka After spending a couple of seasons with the US National Team Development program, the towering blueliner joined the University of Wisconsin in the NCAA. Adapting to play against older and bigger players hasn't been easy for the youngster, who has only produced 12 points in 32 games, down from 32 points in 61 games in his previous season with the USNTDP. Still, he projects as a top-four defenseman who's strong with good skating abilities and uses his big frame to steer opponents away from danger zones defensively and box them out. There's no denying the Canadiens could use some sight and strength on the blueline, even if it means sacrificing a bit of attack in the process. In a depth role at the World Junior Championship, he could only manage a single point in seven games as the USA skated to the gold medal. Now that he's got more experience under his belt, he should play a more prominent role in the future. Advertisement He met with the Canadiens' organization at the Combine in Buffalo. He told TVA Sports' Anthony Martineau that he could reach another level offensively but preferred to focus on his defense this year. He models his game after Ottawa Senators' blueliner Jake Sanderson and wants to put on weight this Summer to improve his physical game. The prospect also told TVA Sports that David Reinbacher is an excellent right-shot defenseman just like him and that he doesn't fear the competition with him or anyone else. Big talk for the youngster, but confidence is a must in this business, and it should serve him well. Photo credit: David Reginek-Imagn Images Canadiens stories, analysis, breaking news, and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News, never to miss a story. Advertisement Follow Karine on X @KarineHains Bluesky @ and Threads @karinehains. Bookmark The Hockey News Canadiens' page for all the news and happenings around the Canadiens.
Time of India
05-06-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
'Desperate franchise': Steelers slammed for Aaron Rodgers obsession as experts say team looks lost and pathetic
Steelers face criticism for their pursuit of Aaron Rodgers (Getty Images) Aaron Rodgers has ended retirement rumors by signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers, preparing to kick off his 21st season in the NFL. But the Pittsburgh Steelers' relentless pursuit of Aaron Rodgers is drawing fierce backlash from NFL analysts, who say the franchise is acting like a desperate team clinging to a fading star. As critics question Mike Tomlin's strategy, many believe the Steelers are ignoring their future by sidelining promising rookie Will Howard. NFL voices question Pittsburgh's risky waiting game with Aaron Rodgers Aaron Rodgers is officially heading to Pittsburgh, silencing all speculation about his NFL retirement. The four-time MVP, after weeks of weighing his future, has agreed to terms with the Steelers and will begin his 21st NFL season in new colors. With over 62,000 passing yards and 503 touchdowns, Rodgers brings unmatched experience to the Steel City. Coach Mike Tomlin called their initial meeting in March 'productive,' and now the move is complete. NFL insider Tom Pelissero confirmed, 'Rodgers, 41, will play his 21st NFL season in black and gold.' But critics believed that the Pittsburgh Steelers are playing a high-stakes game—and many believe it's the wrong one. As the franchise continues its silent pursuit of 40-year-old quarterback Aaron Rodgers, patience is wearing thin across the NFL landscape. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like They were so beautiful before; look at them now; number 10 will Surprise you Undo Critics weren't just questioning Rodgers' silence but also head coach Mike Tomlin's decision to wait it out, even as other teams have moved forward. 'This isn't the Jets last year or two years ago where it's this desperate franchise and, 'Oh, the savior, Aaron Rodgers, come!'' said NFL analyst Peter Schrager on ESPN's Get Up. 'This is the Pittsburgh Steelers… with all those Super Bowl trophies and veteran guys in the locker room who think they can be competitive this year.' Rodgers reportedly told both the Steelers and Giants he didn't have a timetable for a decision. While the Giants quickly pivoted—signing Jameis Winston, Russell Wilson, and drafting a rookie—the Steelers have stood still, waiting. 'The Steelers put themselves in this corner,' Schrager added. 'They sat on their hands, waited and said, 'It's on you.'' Aaron Rodgers (Getty Images) Critics believe Pittsburgh's reluctance to move on could cost them. Former NFL GM Mike Tannenbaum has been especially vocal, urging Tomlin to focus instead on developing rookie quarterback Will Howard, a sixth-round pick who led Ohio State to the 2024 national championship. 'Is there something about the Steelers that they think about Will Howard, who, but for a pretty bad workout at the Combine may have been a top three-round pick?' Tannenbaum asked on ESPN's Unsportsmanlike. 'As great as Aaron Rodgers was, he's gonna be 42 this December. Are we better off with a young Will Howard that has everything in front of him?' Rodgers faces a fresh challenge adjusting to offensive coordinator Arthur Smith's system, which leans heavily on under-center and play-action schemes—unlike the shotgun-based playbooks he's thrived in. Longtime coach Tom Clements, familiar with both Rodgers and the Steelers, noted, 'He's gonna have to adapt more than the Steelers… you have to be able to think in that new language.' After an Achilles tear in 2024's opening drive, Rodgers returned remarkably, posting 18 TDs and just four interceptions in the final 10 games. Despite his efforts, the Jets ended 5–12, leading to sweeping changes and ultimately his departure. Now, Pittsburgh hopes Rodgers' legendary leadership will elevate them back into Super Bowl contention. Also Read: Steelers ready to dump indecisive Aaron Rodgers for failed Colts QB in shocking $34M gamble
