Latest news with #NFLdraft
Yahoo
a day ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Iowa Hawkeyes New QB Drawing Massive Attention Before 2025 Season
Iowa Hawkeyes New QB Drawing Massive Attention Before 2025 Season originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Iowa Hawkeyes made a big move this offseason to address their need at the quarterback position. While they received a transfer commitment from former Auburn signal caller Hank Brown, the big get for the upcoming season was a transfer commitment from Mark Gronowski. Advertisement Gronowski, who has been the starting quarterback for the South Dakota State Jackrabbits over the last four years, decided to take his talents to Iowa to play for head coach Kirk Ferentz. While he had not received much national media attention before this season, he has drawn a lot of eyes since joining the Hawkeyes. Ahead of the upcoming campaign, Gronowski is starting to be talked about as a potential prospect to watch in the 2026 NFL draft. Iowa Hawkeyes new quarterback Mark Gronowski.© Samantha Laurey / Argus Leader / USA TODAY NETWORK Jordan Reid, a draft analyst for ESPN, has noted Gronowski's name as one of the top quarterbacks to watch for the 2026 draft class. "Gronowski had a historic career at South Dakota State, leading the Jackrabbits to two national championships and tying for the most-ever wins (49) for an FCS starting quarterback," Reid wrote. "He flirted with entering the 2025 NFL draft and even got an invite to the combine but decided to go to Iowa, whose offense showed improvement in 2024. The 6-3, 230-pounder is a densely built passer who can also make plays with his legs." Advertisement Throughout his four-year career at South Dakota State, Gronowski has thrown for 7,865 yards, 66 touchdowns, and 17 interceptions. Not only is Gronowski a threat through the air, he can also make plays with his legs. He has run for 1,091 yards and 26 touchdowns on the ground. Iowa seems to have landed a quarterback that will take its passing game to the next level. It will be interesting to see if he lives up to the hype. Related: Ranking the Big Ten's College Football Coaches for 2025 This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 8, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Chiefs summer scouting: Big 12 offensive linemen to know for 2026 NFL draft
The Kansas City Chiefs shopped at the top of the offensive tackle market in this year's draft class. Brett Veach could continue seeking answers in the trenches if some of the front's volatile options struggle in 2025. Fortunately, the 2026 NFL draft features a talented and deep offensive line class. The Utah Utes boast one of the nation's best offensive tackle duos. Left tackle Caleb Lomu is a top three prospect at his position with excellent mobility, hip flexibility and a polished snatch-trap. He projects as an early first round selection. On the right side, Spencer Fano is one of the angriest blockers in the class. He's a joy to watch but projects best at guard because of a lack of mass. TCU Horned Frogs right tackle Ben Taylor-Whitfield needs to refine his strike timing and placement, but his prototypical size and anchoring power make him a potential second or third round selection. Taylor-Whitfield's game is rough around the edges, but he ends the play once he gets his hands on the defender. He must gain more experience in true vertical pass sets. Arizona State Sun Devils right tackle Max Iheanachor is another intriguing prospect with a tremendous build but limited polish. His long arms and powerful grip strength help him lockdown pass rushers, and he displays the power and movement to succeed in various run schemes. Iheanachor needs more experience to improve his hand usage and refine his balance. The Texas Tech Red Raiders boast a pair of quality prospects in center Sheridan Wilson and Illinois State transfer Hunter Zambrano. Wilson won't register on the Chiefs' radar because of their stability at the position, but Zambrano might generate some interest as a Day 3 tackle-to-guard convert. Despite coming from a small school, Zambrano put NFL-caliber power on tape before suffering a season-ending injury last year. He lacks the arm length to play offensive tackle and must sink his pad level in pass protection, but his hand usage, versatility in the run game and attacking mentality make him worth a second look when he debuts at the Power Four level this fall. The Kansas Jayhawks also feature a pair of prospects. Bryce Foster is one of the most experienced options in a thin center class. Left tackle Calvin Clements likely won't declare following the 2025 season, but he's a developing lineman with a potentially high ceiling. This article originally appeared on Chiefs Wire: Chiefs summer scouting: Big 12 offensive linemen in 2026 NFL draft
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Jim Harbaugh Clears the Air on Viral Photograph With First Round Pick Omarion Hampton
The Los Angeles Chargers continued their blueprint for building a strong rushing attack on the 2025 NFL draft last month as they selected former North Carolina Tar Heels running back Omarion Hampton with the 22nd pick in the first round. The selection of Hampton gave the Chargers a second strong, well built running back to pair with Najee Harris who came over from the Pittsburgh Steelers on a one-year, $9.25 million deal this offseason. Advertisement Hampton is expected to team with Harris to form one of the most powerful running back duos in the AFC next season, a development that could change fortunes in the City of Angels going forward. On Sunday, Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh joined YouTube show host Rich Eisen and was given an opportunity to clear the air on a viral photo of himself and Hampton that turned heads on social media for its unbelievable nature. Omarion Hampton at the 2025 NFL draft combine. © Stephanie Amador Blondet-Imagn Images "There's a photograph that's out there of you shaking his I don't know if this is the angle or not or whatever but he looks like a giant in this photograph and you're not a small a real photograph right?" Eisen asked the Chargers coach. The viral photo of Harbaugh and Hampton. Rich Eisen Show/YouTube "That's a real photograph...I'm a little bit taller but he's the interesting thing, he's about 222...224 pounds. I bet if I got on the scale right now I'd be 224. "His 224 is chiseled out of granite," Harbaugh said, eliciting laughs from others at the Rich Eisen Show studio. Related: The Best and Worst Picks from the Chargers' 2025 Draft
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Falcons rookie minicamp: Watch highlights from Day 1
On Friday morning, the Atlanta Falcons opened up rookie minicamp with their 2025 NFL draft class. A total of 41 players were in attendance, including the team's five draft picks, 11 undrafted free agents and several tryout players. First-round picks Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. took the field for the first time in a Falcons uniform. Third-round pick Xavier Watts, fourth-rounder Billy Bowman and seventh-round pick Jack Nelson each signed their rookie contracts before taking the field on Friday. While these workouts aren't overly intense, let's check out some clips from Day 1 of Falcons rookie minicamp. Jalen Walker, James Pearce take the field Jalon Walker vs. sled James Pearce Jr. putting in work Xavier Watts shows elite hops Xavier Watts and Billy Bowman Billy Bowman and Cobee Bryant stop by Around Falcons Wire This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Falcons Rookie Minicamp: Jalon Walker, James Pearce Jr. highlights
Washington Post
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Washington Post
Teacher appreciation starts with better pay, not gifts
The recent controversy over University of Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders's NFL draft slot serves as yet another disheartening illustration of our society's skewed priorities. I find the excessive attention given to athletes during draft season distressing. While their athletic prowess and dedication are undeniable, the intense scrutiny and financial stakes surrounding their professional entry starkly contrasts with the often underappreciated and undercompensated individuals shaping the future of our children: teachers. While teacher starting salaries will probably never match the $840,000 minimum an NFL rookie commands, prioritizing higher wages is crucial for attracting and retaining top talent. Advertisement Skip to end of carousel Get Michelle's advice free in your inbox Washington Post illustration; Michelle Singletary; iStock (Washington Post illustration; Michelle Singletary; iStock) You can't borrow your way to wealth. Learn how to save, spend mindfully and talk about money with your family and friends. Sign up for her free newsletter , which hit inboxes on Wednesdays. End of carousel What if we approached the recruitment of educators with even a fraction of the fervor we dedicate to the scouting of athletes? What if we had a national teacher draft? Advertisement Consider the ripple effect. 💰 Follow Personal finance Follow Imagine how much better our public school systems would be if we treated teachers like elite athletes. What if we valued education enough to spend the money developing and recruiting young adults into the field, and then providing competitive training camps for them to improve their skills? No longer would an aspiring teacher hear: 'Don't go into teaching, you won't make much money.' An educator draft may seem fantastical, yet it underscores a fundamental financial truth: We don't invest well enough in our teachers and their support staff. Advertisement This week we observe National Teacher Appreciation Week, which runs until May 9. Google it and you'll find various corporate deals and discounts for educators. Teachers can enter a contest to win a free burrito; get 20 percent off a smoothie; or be treated to a $1.99 double cheeseburger. Advertisement Whoopee! Think about this financial imbalance. Even though more school districts are lifting starting wages, the national average salary for new teachers in 2023-2024 was only $46,526, according to the National Education Association's annual report on educator pay. This fact from the NEA is sobering: Just 30 percent of school districts pay new teachers a starting salary of at least $50,000. Advertisement If you look at the overall average salary, you might be more inclined to think the pay is adequate: The average classroom teacher salary is $72,030. However, that average is skewed by higher-paying states, ranging from highs of $101,084 in California and $95,615 in New York to lows of $53,704 in Mississippi and $54,875 in Florida. We also need to consider the effects of inflation. The average inflation-adjusted salary of classroom teachers has decreased by an estimated 5.1 percent from 2015-2016 to 2024-2025, the report said, while the average salary for instructional staff has fallen by an estimated 5.6 percent. Advertisement In a deeper dive of the financial challenges teachers face, the NEA found that almost 2 in 5 educators have a second job, and a majority — 77 percent — used their own funds for student needs in the 2023-2024 academic year. Advertisement Skip to end of carousel Help me report on DOGE fallout Are you a federal worker, contractor or small business that's been financially impacted by DOGE activities at federal agencies? If you want to tell your story, contact me by email at or @MichelleSingletary.29 on Signal, an encrypted messaging system. Read more about how to use Signal and other ways to securely contact The Post. End of carousel I have previously written about how my daughter, now a third-year teacher at an elementary school, spends a lot of her money buying supplies for her classroom. A reader challenged this norm, arguing: 'When teachers accept this financial responsibility, it releases school districts from adequately funding education. It creates an opportunity divide between students whose teachers are willing to pick up the tab for classroom supplies and those whose teachers can't or won't spend their limited salaries to do so.' But this raises a critical question: What happens when adequate funding is absent? Advertisement Faced with this reality, educators who have the means — and those who don't — often feel compelled to prioritize the students' needs over the principle of not using personal funds. Advertisement The NEA report also highlights that 'low pay limits the ability to attract and retain quality educators in the profession amid a looming educator shortage and sagging educator morale.' The pipeline problem often forces schools to fill vacancies with long-term substitute teachers because they are unable to find qualified educators. The shortage impacts current staff, emotionally and physically taxing teachers who are asked to teach more students with fewer resources. That stress is borne out in surveys. Here's what the Pew Research Center reported in spring 2024, when it asked public K-12 teachers about their job satisfaction: 77 percent said their job is frequently stressful, and 52 percent said they would not advise a young person starting out today to become a teacher. During one holiday season, I asked teachers what presents they would like if they were asked. Many said: Please, no more mugs. Most said they would request needed supplies for their underfunded classrooms. One educator said she uses gift cards to restock comfort items for her students, such as tissues, snacks, sanitary napkins, lotion, hand sanitizer and other resource materials. If I asked teachers this week what would make them feel appreciated, I expect many would share what one teacher messaged: 'I love teaching, but I do not love how our educational system is designed or how professionals are disrespected and underfunded. Our job is vital to the health and economy of the entire country, and often we are treated as an afterthought — certainly we are paid as though we are less than.'
