Latest news with #BuckyBrooks
Yahoo
10 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Could Buccaneers' Baker Mayfield Win MVP?
Could Buccaneers' Baker Mayfield Win MVP? originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield divides opinion among the NFL fraternity, with some waiting for the big drop-off, while others think he will continue on his current trajectory. Advertisement With the Buccaneers again the favorites for the division, and having one of the most explosive offenses in football after an offseason that saw Emeka Egbuka be added to the weapons list, Tampa Bay has all the tools to be one of the best offenses with Mayfield leading it. But when it comes to Baker, Bucky Brooks has listed all his long shots for major NFL awards, and when it comes to the MVP, his pick is Baker. "If Mayfield matches his 2024 numbers (71.4% completion rate, 4,500 passing yards with 41 touchdowns) and the Buccaneers win the NFC South for the fifth year in a row, I won't be surprised if the former No. 1 overall pick rises to the top of the MVP conversation," Brooks wrote. Baker Mayfield (6) of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers warms up before an NFL football wild card playoff game against the Washington Commanders at Raymond James Stadium on Jan. 12 in Tampa, Florida.(Photo by) Yeah, we can see it. Advertisement An offense that has Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Jalen McMillan, Egbuka, and Cade Otton along with Bucky Irving and Rachaard White as pass-catching backs, and an offensive line that has all five starters returning, Baker is set up for success. How much success, though? We aren't sure. But to generate MVP buzz, he would have to at least match his numbers from last season, and have a better record, and not go through the slump he went through either (injuries played a big role in it). Yes, it's a long shot, but Mayfield has all the tools needed to thrust himself into the conversation. Related: Bucs GM 'Very, Very Excited' About Next Season Related: Analyst Believes 2025 Could Be Final Season for Buccaneers Legend This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 28, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
NFL analyst predicts Bears make playoff run after impressive offseason
The Chicago Bears are aiming to go from worst to first under new head coach Ben Johnson, which won't be easy in one of the toughest divisions in football. But they've had quite the impactful offseason that could make them a surprising contender. That started with the hiring of Johnson as head coach and his vision was clear in the team's new additions. Chicago overhauled the entire interior offensive line with the trades for guards Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson and signed center Drew Dalman in free agency. They continued in the draft with tackle Ozzy Trapilo, who's competing for the starting left tackle job. Advertisement Meanwhile, the Bears continued to add to their playmakers with the draft selections of tight end Colston Loveland and wide receiver Luther Burden III. They also addressed the defensive trenches with the free-agent additions of defensive tackle Grady Jarrett and defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo. Bucky Brooks dubbed the Bears one of the five teams that won the 2025 offseason, where he praised the Johnson hiring and Chicago beefing up their pass blockers and pass catchers. But more than that, Brooks expects Chicago to live up to the hype (unlike last year) as a "dark horse contender" that has a chance to "enjoy a worst-to-first rise in the NFC North." "The table is set for the Bears to make a playoff run this season," wrote Brooks. "They have upgraded their play-caller, playmakers and pass protectors to ensure Williams sparks a turnaround as a sophomore." There were many who had Chicago pegged as potential contenders last season, following the selection of quarterback Caleb Williams, but that ended with a 5-12 record that included a 10-game losing streak. But this year feels different with Johnson running the show. His vision has been clear with what he's expecting, and he's the kind of leader this team was begging for last season. Advertisement Although, the Bears also have the second most difficult strength of schedule this season, so they will be tested. But they'll have a chance to contend if they take care of business in the NFC North. Follow Bears Wire on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears predicted to make playoff run after impressive offseason
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Top Scout Offers Intriguing Insight into Buccaneers Schedule Challenge
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are in an interesting situation going into 2025. They defeated both the Detroit Lions and Philadelphia Eagles (the top two seeds in the NFC) last season, but finished just 10-7. Their wild card loss to the Washington Commanders have some wondering Tampa Bay's run of dominance as an NFC contender is coming to an end. Advertisement Even if the Buccaneers themselves don't believe that. Tampa Bay has won the last four division titles in the NFC South, and are favorites to win a fifth-straight year. With plenty of intriguing matchups coming up in 2025, though, plenty of analysts have debated the most important on the year. writer Bucky Brooks has a different opinion on what could be Tampa's toughest opponent. In his mind, it's the Arizona Cardinals. "This duel between a couple of former No. 1 overall picks features enough of a Hollywood storyline to be worthy of a more prominent time slot than 1 p.m. on Sunday," Brooks said. "Mayfield takes on his former Oklahoma teammate and fellow Heisman Trophy winner in a battle of undersized quarterbacks leading dark-horse contenders. Advertisement "Diminutive passers are no longer dismissed in the NFL, and this NFC clash will provide executives and scouts with another opportunity to appreciate the ways playmakers of all sizes can get it done in today's game." Arizona has improved their win total in each season under Jonathan Gannon as head coach, but they need to finally make a push for the postseason. With a strong rushing attack, an improved defense, and a quality quarterback, the Cardinals are a dark horse candidate to win the NFC West. And even fight among teams like the Buccaneers for seeding come playoff time. Related: Buccaneers Insider Reveals 'Most Anticipated' Game of 2025 Schedule Related: Buccaneers Earn Monster Grade After Offseason Deals
USA Today
23-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Final Bucky Brooks mock draft has Arizona Cardinals landing stud defensive tackle
Final Bucky Brooks mock draft has Arizona Cardinals landing stud defensive tackle The Cardinals land Oregon defensive tackle Derrick Harmon in Bucky Brooks' final mock draft The final mock drafts from the most well known analysts are coming out with the actual 2025 NFL draft beginning on Thursday. This latest one comes from Bucky Brooks, who gives us his fourth and final mock draft. The top of the draft goes as most suspect with quarterback Cam Ward going first overall to the Tennessee Titans, CB/WR Travis Hunter second overall to the Cleveland Browns, followed by EDGE Abdul Carter to the New York Giants, OT Will Campbell to the New England Patriots and DT Mason Graham to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Quarterback Shedeur Sanders falls all the way to the 21st pick to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Only two quarterbacks — Ward and Sanders — go in the first round. The Arizona Cardinals land a big-time defender but it isn't an edge defender. They land Oregon defensive tackle Derrick Harmon. The hard-nosed interior force would be a nice fit in Arizona's D-line as a disruptive defender with heavy hands and a high-revving motor. Harmon could be a long-term game-changer. With a deep defensive line rotation, it might be hard for him to get major playing time as a rookie, but with Dalvin Tomlinson and Calais Campbell both in their 30s, both might only be one-year players for Arizona. Harmon has All-Pro potential. If he is on the board, he would make a fantastic selection. Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire's Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.
USA Today
07-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Ravens All-Pro linebacker makes a list of the Top 10 NFL defenders to build around
Ravens All-Pro linebacker makes a list of the Top 10 NFL defenders to build around Bucky Brooks made a list of 10 players to build around for 2025, and Ravens inside linebacker Roquan Smith made the list at No. 8. The Baltimore Ravens weren't overly active during the first few days of NFL free agency. Still, the team added DeAndre Hopkins to the passing game, cornerback Chidobe Awuzie on defense, and Jake Hummel to the special teams. The Ravens retained Ronnie Stanley, Patrick Ricard, and Tylan Wallace, while the restructure of Marlon Humphrey created $13 million in salary cap space. The team then added DeAndre Hopkins. Even with the inactivity and loss of Brandon Stephens, Malik Harrison, Patrick Mekari, Josh Jones, and Chris Board, the team is still in the midst of a Super Bowl window and has 11 2025 NFL draft picks to help restock. Baltimore has signature stars on defense, and Bucky Brooks just revealed a list of 10 defensive stars in the NFL that he would most want to build around entering the 2025 season, and All-Pro inside linebacker Roquan Smith made the list at No. 8. Off-ball linebackers are rarely viewed as essential pieces to a championship puzzle, but Roquan Smith is a unicorn, a sideline-to-sideline menace with outstanding instincts, awareness and diagnostic skills. The three-time All-Pro is a tackling machine with underrated pass-rushing skills (21.5 career sacks) as a blitz specialist. He's a disruptive presence on the field and leader of a Ravens defense that strikes fear in the hearts and minds of opponents -- an ideal second-level cornerstone. Smith was voted to his third straight Pro Bowl after leading the Ravens' defense and finishing fifth in the league in tackles (154). Smith is one of the fiercest and best tacklers in football; Last season, he also had 1.5 sacks, one interception, and four tackles for loss.
