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USA Today
6 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
NFL LB unit rankings: Arizona Cardinals near bottom of the league
PFF ranked all 32 teams' LB units. See where the Cardinals rank. The offseason of lists and rankings continues as we wait for training camps to begin. These rankings are from PFF, lining up the linebacker units for all 32 NFL teams. As this is one unit the Arizona Cardinals have questions in, you can imagine that they don't rank highly. NFL linebacker rankings: Arizona Cardinals Not only are the Cardinals not ranked highly, they come in near the bottom of the league at No. 29, with only three teams below them. The Cardinals have invested a plethora of resources in their defense this offseason, and the linebacker position is no exception. Former Bengal Akeem Davis-Gaither arrives after posting a 59.0 PFF overall grade in Cincinnati last season. He's projected to start alongside Mack Wilson Sr., who earned a 63.8 PFF overall grade in 2024. Veterans Owen Pappoe and Mykal Walker project as depth, along with fourth-round rookie Cody Simon, but this unit may struggle to hold things together behind what should be an improved defensive line. The Cardinals' linebackers don't inspire optimism outside of the building. Wilson became a starter last year after years of special teams and being a rotational player. Davis-Gaither has only 11 career starts, seven last season replacing Logan Wilson after he was injured. But Cardinals linebackers do put up numbers, and with a beefed up defensive line, maybe they don't need to be great. They just need to tackle effectively. 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
13 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
PFF gives some interesting player comps to predict J.J. McCarthy's 2025 season
J.J. McCarthy has had to delay his debut for the Vikings by a year due to a torn meniscus suffered in his first preseason game for the team last August. Fast forward 10 months later, everyone within the team, media, and fanbase are excited to see what he is going to look like for the Vikings. Everyone has weighed in on what a good season could look like and what a bad one could look like. The folks at Pro Football Focus decided to take it a step further and paint a picture with some player comps for how the season may go. PFF's John Kosko wanted to give ceilings and floors for second-year quarterbacks while projecting how their season may go. When it came time to discuss J.J. McCarthy and his second year with the team, Kosko gave quite a wide range of results for the former Michigan Wolverine signal caller. The ideal result would include him having a season similar to that of Joe Burrow, while a worst-case type of season would be similar to what we saw from Sam Darnold. "McCarthy wasn't asked to carry the national-championship Michigan team, but when he needed to, he delivered. While he wasn't elite at generating big-time throws, nor was his turnover-worthy rate spectacularly low, McCarthy excelled under pressure and when facing the blitz. His success rate in both situations ranked third in the class, behind Jayden Daniels and Bo Nix. Darnold's career looked over until his incredible 2024 season with the Vikings. Assuming McCarthy is better than Darnold for his career isn't a stretch, but nothing is ever a guarantee at quarterback." Burrow is an MVP candidate every single year he plays a full 17-game schedule for the Bengals, so that comp is music to Vikings fans' ears. Now, the Sam Darnold comparison may spark some nightmares for fans after last season's dramatic and sharp fall from a high. Whatever the results may be for McCarthy, the support from the defense, offensive line, and skill players should be enough around him to give him every chance to succeed this season and beyond.
CNBC
17 hours ago
- Business
- CNBC
Yields on these income-producing assets can top 6%. Here are UBS' top picks in preferred securities
Long-term investors can find solid income in preferred securities, according to UBS. The assets, which have hybrid features of both stocks and bonds, have seen a muted performance so far this year, said Frank Sileo, senior fixed income strategist. Preferreds trade on exchanges like stocks, but also have par values and pay a stream of income. Similar to bonds, when the price of the preferred goes down, its yield moves higher. While spreads are tight, lack of competitive yield alternatives, banking sector fundamentals and supply-demand dynamics should remain supportive of the securities, Sileo said in a note Wednesday. Banks account for an estimated two thirds to three quarters of total preferred issuance , according to S & P Global. "For long-term investors, preferreds can provide high-quality, diverse, and durable portfolio income," Sileo wrote. Preferreds come in par values of $25 and $1,000, with the former sold to retail investors and the latter aimed at institutions. Many have long maturity dates or are perpetual, but they typically have "call dates," or points in time when they can be redeemed. UBS recommends investing in both preferred par values. The $25 par preferreds have underperformed so far this year, down 0.6% year to date, versus a 3.5% gain for $1,000 par preferreds, as of June 24, Sileo said. The performance of the lower-priced securities are somewhat more influenced by stock market trends, he noted. "This illustrates the importance of 'intra-sector diversification,'" Sileo said. "Adding USD 1,000 par preferreds may improve overall risk-adjusted performance by reducing return correlations with other sectors, including common stocks." Investors can also save on taxes compared to bonds since preferreds typically are taxed at capital gains rates, which are 0%, 15% or 20%, depending on your income. Here are some of Sileo's top picks in preferred securities in different strategies: conservative, moderate and aggressive. He uses yield-to-worst as a measure of income, which is the lowest estimated annualized yield among potential redemption date scenarios. Investors looking for broad market exposure can invest in exchange-traded funds. For example, the iShares Preferred and Income Securities ETF (PFF) has a 30-day SEC yield of 6.57% and 0.46% expense ratio. The Global X U.S. Preferred ETF (PFFD) has a 6.52% 30-day SEC yield and 0.23% expense ratio. However, the majority of the ETFs are indexed funds with limited or no exposure to $1,000 par preferreds, Sileo noted. "Given the diversity of investment choices within the preferred securities sector and the wide range of preferred ETFs, investors may consider a strategy that uses both single-security recommendations and ETF selections for a more tailored, customized investment solution," he said.
Newsweek
18 hours ago
- Sport
- Newsweek
Eagles' Jalen Hurts Edges Out Patrick Mahomes in Key QB Metric
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Since his days in college, what has always made Jalen Hurts such an interesting QB prospect is his ability to attack defenses on the ground and in the air. His dynamic skill set has allowed him to thrive in the NFL, emerging as one of the league's top talents at the position. In his first four seasons as a full-time starter, Hurts has led the Eagles to the Super Bowl twice and won once. He nearly added an MVP award to his list of accolades during this stretch as well, finishing second back in 2022. While some might not be a fan of his methods, there is no denying Hurts' abilities to lead Philadelphia's offense. When his numbers are put up against his counterparts across the league, Hurts very well looks like an elite QB. Earlier this week, the people at PFF put out a stat of the quarterbacks with the most passing and rushing touchdowns since 2022. The Eagles star finds himself in second place with 105, trailing only reigning league MVP Josh Allen. Among the notable names Hurts is just ahead of are Patrick Mahomes and Joe Burrow. Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs talks with Jalen Hurts #1 of the Philadelphia Eagles after an NFL football game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on November 20, 2023 in Kansas City,... Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs talks with Jalen Hurts #1 of the Philadelphia Eagles after an NFL football game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on November 20, 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri. More Photo byAlso read: Jalen Hurts Praised For Uplifting An Eagles Star Through Uncertainty Touchdown machines at QB 🤖 — PFF (@PFF) June 26, 2025 When it comes to getting his team in the end zone, Hurts is one of the best dual-threats in the league. In each of the last four seasons, he's racked up double-digit passing and rushing touchdowns. The famous "Tush Push" is a major factor in this, as it is Philly's go-to when they get to the goal line. Last season, Hurts was almost neck-and-neck when it came to his scores, notching 18 touchdowns in the air and 14 on the ground. Hurts' passing touchdowns took a slight dip in 2024, but big personnel changes played a role in this. With the addition of Saquon Barkley in free agency, the Eagles had an elite talent in the backfield. This led to them embracing the run game more, resulting in the ex-Giants running back nearly making history in the regular season. Also read: Dallas Goedert Cites Key Reason For Reworking Contract With Eagles Looking ahead to this season, Hurts is once again in a position to be among the league leaders in total touchdowns. The Eagles have arguably one of the best wide receiver duos in the league, and Barkley is poised to build off his strong first season in Philly. Armed with all these weapons, Hurts is tasked with keeping everyone involved as the Eagles look to repeat as champions. For more Philadelphia Eagles and NFL news, head over to Newsweek Sports.
Forbes
18 hours ago
- Sport
- Forbes
Loveland, Upgraded Line Give Bears A Versatile Offense
LAKE FOREST, ILLINOIS - JUNE 03: Head coach Ben Johnson of the Chicago Bears looks on during Chicago ... More Bears OTA Offseason Workout at Halas Hall on June 03, 2025 in Lake Forest, Illinois. (Photo by) Cole Kmet preceded Ryan Poles to Halas Hall but the Bears' general manager was so impressed by Kmet during the 2022 season he signed him to a five-year contract extension. You wouldn't think the Bears would use a first-round pick to draft a second tight end only two seasons later. Yet they did exactly that in April, a few months after hiring former Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson as their head coach. Poles used the 10th pick overall on Colston Loveland from the University of Michigan, giving Johnson a pass-catcher who reminds him of Sam LaPorta, who compiled 889 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns as a Lions rookie. Immediately fans and media members speculated the Bears will be in 12 formation a lot this season, using both Loveland and Kmet on the same play. That could be. There certainly be times that happens. But don't be surprised if Johnson and second-year quarterback Caleb Williams get the offense rolling while using traditional 11 formation — one tight end, two wide receivers and a slot receiver — as its most effective means of attacking defenses. Pro Football Focus believes the Bears are set up for success playing either Kmet or Loveland, but not both. Writer Dalton Wasserman points out Johnson used 11 personnel slightly less than most teams during his three years as offensive coordinator but that the Lions were 'nearly unstoppable' when he did. PFF, founded in 2006 and purchased by Cris Collinsworth in 2014, has proprietary metrics like those the NFL franchises use. Its calculations show the Lions were the highest graded team when in 11 personnel, ranking second in both yards per play and EPA (expected points added). The key to that success, writes Wasserman, was run blocking. Detroit had a 79.9 PFF run-blocking grade while in 11 personnel in 2022-24, tying for the league lead. While Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery amassed yardage, they were hitting holes opened by one of the NFL's best offensive lines. When the Bears overhauled their offensive line in the off-season, it was easy to understand the need for change. Williams was sacked 68 times as a rookie. But beneath that was a second failing: the Bears ranked 25th in PFF run-blocking grade from 11 personnel. Poles has invested $145.5 million to import center Drew Dalman and guards Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson for the middle of a line that also includes highly regarded tackles Darnell Wright and Braxton Jones. Johnson says a lineman's primary function is to 'pass protect,' but running back D'Andre Swift could benefit as much from the upgrade in the line as Williams. Dalman, who graded out as the fourth best center last season, was a key to Atlanta featuring running back Bijan Robinson the last two seasons. He is one of the best outside-zone blockers in the NFL. While Swift moved from Detroit to Philadelphia in 2023 and then Chicago in '24, his stock as a top running back suffered. He carried for 959 yards and six touchdowns last season. But with the Lions' line and Johnson's play-calling, he had his best season in 2022. Swift was a secondary rusher behind Jamaal Williams, giving Detroit 542 yards and five rushing touchdowns that season. But he finished with 5.5 yards per carry, including 3.1 after contact, and an 83.2 PFF rushing grade. The Bears have focused their last three off-seasons on acquiring playmakers on offense, and that accumulation of talent seems set to click. Their stable of wide receivers includes veteran DJ Moore, who has averaged 1,076 yards iover seven seasons; Rome Odunze, a first-round pick last season who had 1640 receiving yards for Washington in 2023, and Luther Burden III, who they took in the second round this year after he averaged 11.8 yards per catch in three seasons at Missouri. While Kmet was the No. 2 target for Justin Fields in 2023, he is more of a possession-type receiver, moving the chains. Loveland and Burden should make the passing game more dynamic while making it tougher for defenses to focus on stopping Moore and Odunze. Loveland showed the ability to stretch the field while at Michigan, averaging 12.5 yards per catch. The Bears haven't yet seen him on the field, however, as continues to recover from surgery on his right shoulder in January. Johnson recently said he should be cleared 'at some point' in camp, putting him on target for the Sept. 8 opener. Loveland, like LaPorta, figures to sometimes line up outside, both from 11 and 12 formations. He received a 95.8 PFF receiving grade as an in-line tight end last season at Michigan, as well as a 91.3 PFF grade from the slot. Burden was one of college football's most dynamic slot receivers the last two years. His 89.3 receiving grade from PFF ranked sixth among slot receivers with at least 40 targets the last two seasons. The Bears are set up for major improvement, no matter how Johnson uses his two tight ends. But don't overlook the running game, with defenses geared to contain the passing game and Swift becoming more of a weapon behind an upgraded line.
