Latest news with #OffensiveRookieoftheYear
USA Today
4 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Jaxson Dart named New York Giants' Offensive Rookie of the Year candidate
When the New York Giants drafted quarterback Jaxson Dart out of the University of Mississippi, head coach Brian Daboll made it clear that veteran Russell Wilson was the starting quarterback. Although that still seems to be the case, over the last couple of weeks, there has been speculative chatter that the Giants have not ruled out starting their rookie to start the season. Pro Football Network recently released a list of the top Offensive Rookie of the Year candidates for all 32 NFL teams, and Dart was the top candidate for Big Blue. New York Giants: Jaxson Dart, QB How much Jaxson Dart will play in 2025 is still unknown. However, what we do know is that the Offensive Rookie of the Year award has historically been given to quarterbacks, with 11 such winners since the year 2000. Dart's 2024 season with the Ole Miss Rebels shouldn't be understated. He had a QB+ grade of 90.5 last season in Oxford, the highest of any quarterback in the FBS and the 15th-highest QB+ grade since 2019. If Brian Daboll can get Dart reproducing similar numbers in his rookie season, then the award could very well be heading to the Big Apple. Realistically, Dart is the Giants' candidate by default, as the team's draft class consists of only four offensive players. Other than Dart, the Giants have offensive lineman Marcus Mbow (fifth round), running back Cam Skattebo (fourth round), and tight end Thomas Fidone (seventh round), all of whom have to climb the depth chart to make the starting lineup. In Dart's case, it's well documented that Daboll is pretty enamored with his rookie quarterback. With the Giants' schedule being among the most difficult in the NFL, if the team's record isn't promising in the early part of the season, we could see Dart sooner rather than later. Depending on how much Dart plays, he could certainly be an Offensive Rookie of the Year candidate, especially with a big-time target like Malik Nabers to throw the ball to.
USA Today
21 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Falcons undrafted free agent listed as Offensive Rookie of the Year candidate
Undrafted wide receiver Nick Nash listed as Falcons' Offensive Rookie of the Year candidate for 2025 NFL season The Atlanta Falcons went into the 2025 NFL draft with a clear goal to upgrade their defense. Four of the team's five draft picks were used on defensive players, including both first-round selections. Next season, the Falcons could have as many as three rookies starters on defense. Offensively, the team returns 10 of 11 starters from last season. Center Drew Dalman signed with the Chicago Bears in free agency, leaving the job to former undrafted free agent Ryan Neuzil. The Falcons offense has top-10 upside, and while there aren't many new faces, the team did add some intriguing undrafted free agents. Pro Football Sports Network listed one potential Offensive Rookie of the Year candidate for each team. Since the Falcons only selected one offensive player in the 2025 NFL draft, the options were limited. Offensive tackle Jack Nelson was a seventh-round pick with little chance to play this season. Instead of just going with Nelson, PFSN looked to Atlanta's undrafted free agent class for a better solution. Wide receiver Nick Nash was listed as the team's Offensive Rookie of the Year candidate. Falcons WR Nick Nash named OROY candidate by PFSN Nick Nash joins the Atlanta Falcons as an undrafted free agent. Nevertheless, his college production and athletic traits could have an instant impact on the passing offense in Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Nash led all college football receivers in receiving yards and touchdowns with the San Jose State Spartans in 2024, accumulating 1,382 yards and 16 touchdowns, transitioning to the position full-time. A former quarterback recruit, Nash has the instincts and natural game feel to impact the field in multiple situations. He could even be used in specialized situations as a passer or rusher. -- Owain Jones, PFSN Nash might be a project, but the former quarterback-turned-wide receiver has a ton of potential. Lance Zierlein projected Nash as a fifth-round prospect ahead of the 2025 NFL draft. The former San Jose State wideout has good size (6-foot-2, 203 pounds), speed (4.57 seconds in 40-yard dash) and ball skills (16 touchdowns last season). "Nash's competitiveness, ball skills and football character give him a chance to become a productive three-level slot receiver in the pros," Zierlein wrote in Nash's scouting report. The fact that Nash went undrafted was a bit of a surprise, but he has a real chance to make the team. In our most recent Falcons 53-man roster projection, Nash snuck in as our final wide receiver. Keep your eyes on the rookie wideout once training camp begins in July.
USA Today
a day ago
- Sport
- USA Today
NFL legend Peyton Manning shares thoughts on former Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud
Former Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud has had a pretty remarkable start to his NFL career. He was the 2023 Offensive Rookie of the Year and has led the Houston Texans to two straight playoff appearances. Of course, as with many sports fans, they want more and they want it now. Stroud took some criticism in his second season, as it seemed like a bit of a regression, but NFL legend Peyton Manning begs to differ. In an event with Fanatics, both Peyton and Eli Manning took the stage with Stroud, Bryce Young, and Celeb Williams. In a matter of just 63 seconds, Peyton heaped the praise on Stroud, shutting down anyone who thinks he isn't doing enough. "...I didn't win a playoff game 'til my sixth year. He's two for two." - Peyton Manning Manning talked about how hard it is to come into the league and play well as a rookie, and then began the compliments of how well the former Buckeye prepares in watching film and doing study. He continued on comparing Stroud's beginning to his own NFL start, saying, "He went to the playoffs in his second year. He was 22. Let's be careful saying it was a down year. I didn't win a playoff game 'til my sixth year. He's two for two." That's big time coming from one of the all-time NFL greats. While Stroud's numbers weren't as strong in year two, throwing for fewer yards and touchdowns and more than doubling his interceptions, he also had to navigate a number of injuries to his offensive line (he was sacked 52 times, which was second most in the NFL) as well as injuries to his top three receivers. Manning also points out that after such a strong rookie campaign, teams had more film to watch to make adjustments. The Texans are looking to build on the success of the past two seasons and have added some more firepower to the team. With a healthy roster, Stroud is poised to take another step forward in his third year.
Newsweek
3 days ago
- Sport
- Newsweek
Cowboys' Dak Prescott Takes Massive Hit On NFC East List
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Dak Prescott once looked like the ruler of the NFC East. While he had a strong rivalry with former Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz early on in his career, it was short-lived. The New York Giants dealt with a transition from Eli Manning to Daniel Jones, and the Washington Commanders spent years cycling through options in an attempt to find somebody who would stick. While all that was happening, the Cowboys gladly stuck with Prescott. These days, though, the Dallas quarterback seems to be falling behind. With years of postseason shortcomings and a recent injury that caused a nine-game absence in 2024, the love is barely there for Prescott from a national standpoint. NFL Analyst Nick Shook recently ranked the quarterbacks of each division to weigh the strength of the position on a divisional basis. The NFC East is strong up top, but when it reaches Prescott, that's where the question marks happen. "In many previous years, Prescott would be the unquestioned top quarterback among the four," Shook wrote. "Instead, after missing nine games in 2024, he's third among this group, according to the year-end QBI rankings, and is going to need a strong bounceback season to usurp the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year (Daniels) and Super Bowl LIX MVP (Hurts). That's how high the bar is in the NFC East." Dak Prescott #4 of the Dallas Cowboys walks off the field after a loss to the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on November 03, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. Dak Prescott #4 of the Dallas Cowboys walks off the field after a loss to the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on November 03, 2024 in Atlanta, 31-year-old Prescott entered the NFL with low expectations in 2016. While the media debated Jared Goff and Carson Wentz, who went one and two that year, the fourth-round Prescott ended up shining brighter than both, winning the NFL's Offensive Rookie of the Year award. It was a dream season for the Cowboys, who finished 13-3 that year. Prescott completed 68 percent of his passes for over 3,600 yards and tossed 23 touchdowns to just four interceptions. Prescott has been consistent throughout his career—but he hasn't been good enough to propel the Cowboys to the same heights as his rookie year. Since winning 13 games in 2016, the Cowboys have notched double-digit wins with Prescott under center just three other times in eight seasons. In 2023, Prescott was having an impressive run as he completed a career-high 70 percent of his passes throughout the year. He threw for over 4,500 for just the second time. He led the NFL with 36 touchdown passes and turned it over via interception fewer than 10 times. After finishing 12-5, the Cowboys looked ready to make a deep run. They ended up being one-and-done. Unfortunately, Prescott's bounce-back year ended after just eight games. Dallas had notched a record of just 3-5 when he went down. As Prescott approaches new lows in his career, his NFC East peers have been on a tear. Jayden Daniels took over the league by storm, just as Prescott did during his rookie campaign. Jalen Hurts fought through a season full of criticism and ended up leading the Eagles to a Super Bowl, where he was named the MVP. The only player Prescott has beaten out in this case is Russell Wilson. This season, Wilson joins the New York Giants as a one-year rental after his lone season with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Although there have been rumblings of a strong spring for the former Pro Bowler, there has been more buzz surrounding a future benching for Wilson, more than anything. For Prescott to be ranked only four spots higher than Wilson at this stage is concerning. If Prescott is motivated by bulletin board material, then he'll get what he needs this year. Being the only NFC East starting passer without an NFC Championship appearance under his belt, Prescott is losing his juice in the division as a new set of passers take the spotlight. For more Dallas Cowboys and NFL news, head over to Newsweek Sports.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Malik Nabers Endorses Odell Beckham Return To Giants
Malik Nabers Endorses Odell Beckham Return To Giants originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Odell Beckham seems to be loudly hinting at wanting to play again for the New York Giants. Some sentimental fans - and irrational players - are taking the bait. Advertisement Great, while we're at it let's dig Eli Manning out of moth balls and fit Lawrence Taylor for a modern helmet. OBJ was undeniably amazing his first three years with the Giants. Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2014, three consecutive All-Pro teams, 35 touchdown catches and iconic one-handed grabs that still defy the laws of physics. But ... it's been a minute. Beckham will be 33 in November. Last season he caught only nine passes in nine games before being cut by the Miami Dolphins. He hasn't made a Pro Bowl since he left the Giants in 2016, and over his last seven seasons has averaged only 22 catches, 287 yards and two touchdowns. Advertisement With NFL training camps set to open in about a month, he remains a free agent. Sure, veteran quarterback Russell Wilson needs quality targets other than star receiver Malik Nabers, but is OBJ a realistic solution? At an event last Saturday, a fan yelled out for Beckham to "Go back to the Giants!." Beckham quickly responded, "I got you!" Which isn't a "yes," but certainly also isn't a "no." The next night, OBJ posted a series of photos to his social media featuring him and his son, Zydn, sitting in the MetLife Stadium parking lot. Wrote Beckham under the photos: "Man, (your) daddy did some (c)razy (expletive) here. We changed the game (and) inspired a generation who came behind us. We still got more to do." Advertisement The post drew reactions from hundreds of Giants fans, and even a couple of current players. "We still got work to do," Nabers wrote, adding a sly smile emoji. Giants' linebacker Brian Burns responded with the an eyes wide-open emoji. Just the thought of Nabers paired with Beckham is prompting wild reactions from NFL analysts. One even said "Nabers x OBJ would be a LETHAL duo." The Giants need all the positive PR they can muster. But OBJ feels more like just a bad case of good-ol'-day syndrome. Related: Giants Icon Phil Simms Announced for Special Honor on Tuesday Related: Malik Nabers 'Special' Value Revealed in Russell Wilson's Six-Word Giants Announcement This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 25, 2025, where it first appeared.
