Latest news with #RoquanSmith
New York Times
19 hours ago
- Sport
- New York Times
Dane Brugler's 2026 NFL Draft summer positional rankings: Linebackers
Editor's note: This is the fifth installment of Dane Brugler's 2026 Summer Scouting series. Previous rankings: Edge rushers | Running backs | Defensive tackles | Tight ends If we are forecasting the deepest positions for the 2026 NFL Draft, linebacker has to be in the conversation. There are a few first-round hopefuls at the top of the list, led by Georgia's CJ Allen. But the quality should extend into Days 2 and 3 with promising linebacker talent. (Note: Asterisk represents draft-eligible underclassmen. Heights and weights are what NFL teams have on file for each player, with a 'v' representing verified measurements and 'e' for estimated measurements.) Advertisement Between his range, instincts and the fact that he dons Georgia's No. 3 jersey, Allen brings back immediate flashbacks of Roquan Smith patrolling the middle of the defense in Athens. Allen is quick to key, read and flow and shows the range to make plays outside the numbers. Although he isn't the longest player, he can defeat blocks with quickness or force. Allen also hits like a ton of bricks without sacrificing his balance at contact, which makes him a reliable tackler. On the play below, Notre Dame running back Jermayne Love has a few steps of momentum but Allen's stopping power plants him in the hole. Allen trusts his eyes in coverage and looks comfortable turning and shadowing routes, so I wouldn't call him a liability by any means. But he can do a better job recognizing routes and getting his head turned to influence the catch point. Texas found some success throwing behind him in last year's regular-season matchup. Allen broke into the Bulldogs' starting lineup as a true freshman after Jamon Dumas-Johnson was injured, and he never gave the job back. His tape last season showed an every-down backer with natural diagnose skills and the ability to cover ground quickly. And he doesn't miss tackles — he strikes with accurate angles and the play strength to put ball carriers on the ground. If Allen continues to ascend in his second year as a starter, he will lay claim to LB1 in this draft class. Styles is built differently. He immediately passes the eye test with his tall, well-defined frame and long arms (the strength staff at Ohio State raves about him), and he moves like an athlete who is 30 pounds lighter. With his speed, fluidity and reflexes, Styles has outstanding range to open and react to what he sees. Between his first season as a starter and last year, Styles took a big step reading his keys and understanding field leverage. But he still needs to improve his tackling mechanics to be a better finisher. Though his long arms help him wrap, Styles leaves too much production on the field. Styles checks a lot of boxes that will be scouting catnip for NFL teams. A former five-star recruit, he is a 20-year-old senior with rare physical traits and the son of a former Super Bowl champion linebacker. On top of his freaky tools, he was voted an 'Iron Buckeye' this spring for his training and discipline, and one member of Ohio State's staff told me Styles is 'one of the best leaders in the program.' Advertisement Styles isn't quite the speed demon that Isaiah Simmons was coming out of Clemson, but there are certainly similarities between the two as former safeties and rare size-speed athletes. Simmons has struggled to become a consistent NFL starter, but he was a top-10 draft pick because the NFL will always bet on athletic traits. Styles has a chance to be a first-round pick for the same reasons. Once he sees it and gets going, Hill is a dogged chaser in pursuit — which was unsurprising to see on tape considering he led the Longhorns last season in tackles (113), tackles for loss (16.5) and forced fumbles (four). He does some of his best work as a blitzer, when there is less reading and more attacking, which allows him to unlock and chase. Hill is highly disruptive on the Oklahoma tape, especially as a pass rusher, because he is able to avoid blocks and track down the ball carrier. Hill can be quick to fill versus the run, but he tends to be too reactionary with his reads. And when his diagnose skills aren't on time, he finds himself stuck in the muck or flowing the wrong direction based on the mesh read. NFL scouts are hoping to see a jump this season in his anticipation (downhill and in coverage) and ability to punch off blocks. Hill arrived in Austin as a five-star recruit with a ton of fanfare, which he lived up to as a Freshman All-American in 2023 and second team All-American in 2024. Because of his resume and production, NFL hype has followed. NFL scouts don't currently view Hill as a slam-dunk first-round pick — as one scout put it to me: 'His traits are good, but I can't call any of those traits 'outstanding.'' But Hill is an easy player to like because of his size, speed and hunting skills. Advertisement Weeks is a classic run-and-hit linebacker, at his best when kept clean. He trusts what he sees, mirrors well laterally and closes in a flash to explode through his target. Weeks also has dynamic blitzing talent, and his athleticism shows when he drops into coverage. With a slightly undersized frame, Weeks can get lost in the trash at times when blockers impede his path. He can dip around blocks and isn't shy using his hands, but his pursuit speed with clean sight lines is what separates him from other linebackers. Last season, as a sophomore, Weeks moved into a starting role and immediately put himself on the NFL radar with his play speed and clean-up talent. He finished the 2024 season with a team-best 125 tackles plus double-digit tackles for loss and three forced turnovers (two fumbles, one interception). Weeks suffered a gruesome dislocated ankle and broken tibia in the bowl game and underwent offseason surgery. However, he is expected to be full-go by the end of summer — and the Tigers need his energy on defense. Aside from his talent, Weeks has the type of football character that will endear him to NFL coaches (Brian Kelly: 'Whit is our driver. … He's got incredible passion. It rubs off on our entire defense.'). Perkins gets where he is going in a hurry, regardless of alignment. He is a twitched-up athlete with the burst to win immediately or the speed to track down plays. He is fluid in everything he does, which helps him be effective as a rusher, dropper or chaser. This is the first play on the South Carolina tape and sums up Perkins' game: Despite the eye candy in the backfield, Perkins reads the tight end screen off play action and showcases burst to close for what should have been a tackle for loss. (He needs to become a better tackle-finisher on plays like this.) Over the last two seasons, Perkins evenly split his snaps between the edge, off-ball linebacker and a nickel role in the slot. You could argue that his best highlights have come while rushing off the edge, but he can't play there full-time at this size. Advertisement Does he have the take-on and diagnose skills to be a full-time off-ball player? Can he survive in a slot role at the next level? Or does he need a true hybrid position to maximize his skill set? The answers to those questions will be very different from coach to coach and scheme to scheme. As early as his true freshman season in Baton Rouge, Perkins put his name on the NFL radar — his level of athleticism sets him apart from the rest. Most expected him to leave after his junior season and be part of the 2025 NFL Draft, but a torn ACL last September changed those plans and NFL scouts are eager to see him back on the field. Despite Perkins' special athleticism, I don't think the phrase 'draft him and figure out where to play him later' applies here. Coaches need a specific deployment plan to understand how (or if) he fits the scheme, because he will be viewed as versatile by some but as more of a tweener by others. 1. Styles 2. Deontae Lawson, Alabama (6-2 3/8, 218) 3. Jaishawn Barham, Michigan (6-3, 241) 4. Lander Barton, Utah (6-4, 236) 5. Bryce Boettcher, Oregon (6-0 5/8, 226) 6. Scooby Williams, Texas A&M (6-1 7/8, 220) 7. Xavian Sorey Jr., Arkansas (6-1 5/8, 228) 8. Ernest Hausmann, Michigan (6-1 1/8, 221) 9. Wesley Bissainthe, Miami (FL) (6-1 3/8, 226) 10. Eric Gentry, USC (6-6 5/8, 222) 11. Jake Golday, Cincinnati (6-4, 237) 12. Kendal Daniels, Oklahoma (6-4 1/8, 239) 13. Aiden Fisher, Indiana (6-0 1/4, 232) 14. Mohamed Toure, Miami (FL) (6-2, 235) 15. Wade Woodaz, Clemson (6-3 1/8, 230) 16. Kaleb Elarms-Orr, TCU (6-1 1/2, 233) 17. Caleb Wheatland, Auburn (6-1 3/8, 226) 18. Keyshaun Elliott, Arizona State (6-1 5/8, 231) 19. Jack Kelly, BYU (6-1 3/8, 242) 20. Justin Jefferson, Alabama (6-0 1/4, 218) 21. Jacob Rodriguez, Texas Tech (6-0, 232) 22. Jordan Pollard, San Jose State (6-0 1/8, 211) 23. Desmond Purnell, Kansas State (5-10 7/8, 231) 24. Triston Newson, Missouri (6-1 1/2, 215) 25. Namdi Obiazor, TCU (6-2, 233) 1. Allen 2. Hill Jr. 3. Weeks 4. Perkins 5. Kyle Louis, Pittsburgh (6-0, 225) 6. Suntarine Perkins, Ole Miss (6-1, 210) 7. Arvell Reese, Ohio State (6-4, 240) 8. Austin Romaine, Kansas State (6-2, 245) 9. Taurean York, Texas A&M (6-0, 235) 10. Arion Carter, Tennessee (6-1, 235) 11. Teitum Tuioti, Oregon (6-3, 220) 12. Drayk Bowen, Notre Dame (6-2, 240) (Top photo of Sonny Styles: Robin Alam / ISI Photos / Getty Images)
USA Today
5 days ago
- Business
- USA Today
Where do the Ravens rank in spending at each key position entering training camp?
Where are the Ravens spending their money this season? Here's a look at how Baltimore's salary cap breaks down by position entering training camp After a five-week break, the Baltimore Ravens have returned to the Under Armour Performance Center to kick off an urgent and critical 2025 training camp. This is a loaded roster, and Todd Monken's group can stake a claim to having the most explosive offensive unit in the NFL with star power at every position. Baltimore wasn't overly active during the first few days of NFL free agency. Still, the team added a future Hall of Fame wide receiver to the passing game and a versatile linebacker to the special teams, and Jaire Alexander at cornerback on the final day of minicamp. The Ravens retained Ronnie Stanley, Patrick Ricard, and Tylan Wallace, while the restructuring of Marlon Humphrey created $13 million in salary cap space. Even with the inactivity and loss of five key contributors or starters, the team remains amid a Super Bowl window and has restocked the roster with 11 draft picks in April. The Ravens landed Malaki Starks in the first round and secured Mike Green after he slipped to Round 2. Baltimore currently has about $15,006,137 in cap space per Over The Cap, and they're spending about $133,490,752 on offense and $131,175,554 on defense. Here's where the Ravens sit in positional spending on both sides of the ball, thanks to Over The Cap. Offense Total spending: $132,068,252 NFL rank: 21st Baltimore has Lamar Jackson, Roquan Smith, Ronnie Stanley, Mark Andrews, and Derrick Henry among the highest-paid at their positions. Rashod Bateman's salary rose to about $13 million per season after his contract extension. QB Total spending: $47,204,000 NFL rank: 6th Biggest cap hit: Lamar Jackson ($43,500,000) Jackson is a candidate for a restructuring or contract extension. RB Total spending: $13,824,133 NFL rank: 11th Biggest cap hit: Derrick Henry ($8,499,000) Henry's salary cap decreased after he signed his two-year, $30 million extension. WR Total spending: $18,623,632 NFL rank: 31st Biggest cap hit: Rashod Bateman ($4,798,333) Bateman carries the biggest salary cap hit after signing a three-year, $36 million extension. TE Total spending: $23,396,252 NFL rank: 5th Mark Andrews is on the books for a $16,907,615 cap hit and just had a $4 million bonus paid out. OL Total spending: $29,020,235 NFL rank: 31st Biggest cap hits: Ronnie Stanley ($5,804,000) Defense Total spending: $132,015,554 NFL rank: 11th Nnamdi Madubuike, Roquan Smith, Odafe Oweh, and Marlon Humphrey lead the charge. DT Total spending:$29,996,749 NFL rank: 17th Biggest cap hit: Nnamdi Madubuike ($16,475,000) Edge Rusher Total spending:$29,935,976 NFL rank: 17th Biggest cap hit: Odafe Oweh ($13,251,000) Oweh will play 2025 on his fifth-year option, while Kyle Van Noy counts $6,125,000. LB Total spending: $30,111,761 NFL rank: 1st Roquan Smith carries a $23,718,750 cap hit and his the highest-paid linebacker in the NFL behind Fred Warner. CB Total spending: $26,889,613 NFL rank: 12th Biggest cap hit: Marlon Humphrey ($11,981,80), while Jaire Alexander is on the books for just $4 million. S Total spending: $15,081,455 NFL rank: 18th Biggest cap hit: Kyle Hamilton ($5,172,074)
Time of India
18-07-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Kyle Van Noy shreds anonymous coach over Roquan Smith 'sluggish' jab as Ravens lock arms
Roquan Smith stays locked in as critics question his form (Image via Getty) Baltimore Ravens linebacker Kyle Van Noy has ignited a wave of reaction after calling out an anonymous NFL assistant coach who questioned Roquan Smith's conditioning in a new preseason report by ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. The unnamed coach claimed Smith 'looked sluggish,' triggering immediate backlash from the Ravens' locker room and sparking a viral moment that now defines the team's defensive mindset heading into the 2025 NFL season. 'Put your name on it': Van Noy's unfiltered message The moment Van Noy came across the criticism, he didn't wait for a press conference. Instead, he fired back online with an explosive post that left no doubt about where he stood. 'Hey J Fowler tell that NFL assistant to EAD cuz Agent Zero is on some s**t and you are a B for hiding! Put your name on it!!!' he wrote on X, taking direct aim at both the coach and the outlet reporting it. Within minutes, quarterback Lamar Jackson retweeted the post, showing support without adding a word—because in Baltimore, sometimes silence says it all. — KVN_03 (@KVN_03) Fans flooded social media, applauding the show of unity. Many questioned why someone would attack Smith anonymously, especially given his leadership and consistent performance. Some even called for ESPN to stop publishing quotes that aren't attributed, arguing it feeds baseless preseason narratives. Roquan Smith's game tape tells another story While one anonymous voice questioned Smith's form, his 2024 stats delivered a different narrative. Smith ended last season with 154 total tackles, including 81 solo, along with 1.5 sacks, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, and an interception. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Many Are Watching Tariffs - Few Are Watching What Nvidia Just Launched Seeking Alpha Read More Undo He also defended four passes and led the Ravens' defense with his trademark sideline-to-sideline range and leadership. Smith, who was traded to Baltimore from Chicago in 2022, signed a five-year, $100 million deal in January 2023, making him the highest-paid inside linebacker in NFL history. With $60 million guaranteed, he's under contract through 2027, though there is an out after the upcoming season. However, sources close to the franchise say there's no plan to move on from the All-Pro linebacker, who remains a vocal captain and tone-setter in the locker room. Players are no longer silent—and fans are listening Anonymous critiques are nothing new in NFL preseason chatter, but Van Noy's response has amplified a growing pushback from current players. As platforms like X give athletes the power to respond instantly, fans are leaning more into player voices than vague scouting reports. Smith hasn't responded publicly yet—but frankly, he doesn't need to. His numbers speak volumes, and his teammates have already made one thing clear: in Baltimore, loyalty is louder than any unnamed quote. Also read: Kyle Juszczyk's wife Kristin reimagines Sydney Sweeney's runway corset in a head-turning ESPYs look Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Al Arabiya
14-07-2025
- Sport
- Al Arabiya
Fred Warner Is Voted the Top Off-ball Linebacker in the NFL by AP Writers
Warner's strong all-around play for San Francisco helped him win the honor of being voted the top off-ball linebacker in the league by The Associated Press. A panel of eight AP Pro Football Writers ranked the top five players at off-ball linebacker basing selections on current status entering the 2025 season. First-place votes were worth 10 points. Second- through fifth-place votes were worth 5, 3, 2, and 1 points. Warner got seven of the eight first-place votes to go with one second to win the voting easily. Three other players were selected on all eight ballots with Baltimore's Roquan Smith getting the other first-place vote to come in second, Philadelphia's Zack Baun finishing third, and Washington's Bobby Wagner coming in fourth. Indianapolis' Zaire Franklin rounded out the top five. New Orleans' Demario Davis, Denver's Dre Greenlaw, Minnesota's Blake Cashman, and Pittsburgh's Patrick Queen also received votes. 1. FRED WARNER, San Francisco 49ers–Despite playing most of last season with a broken bone in his ankle, Warner still performed at a high level and earned his third straight and fourth overall first-team All-Pro honor. Warner had 131 tackles, five tackles for loss, two interceptions, seven passes defensed, and four forced fumbles last season. Warner has 10 sacks, 10 interceptions, 15 forced fumbles, six fumble recoveries, 36 tackles for loss, and 53 passes defensed in his first seven seasons. He is one of three active players with at least 10 sacks, interceptions, and forced fumbles along with Minnesota safety Harrison Smith and Tampa Bay linebacker Lavonte David. 2. ROQUAN SMITH, Baltimore Ravens–The midseason trade in 2022 that sent Smith from Chicago to Baltimore helped lift the Ravens' defense by solidifying the middle of the field. In 41 games with Baltimore, Smith has 398 tackles, five sacks, three interceptions, and 15 passes defensed as he has earned first-team All-Pro honors the past three seasons. 3. ZACK BAUN, Philadelphia Eagles–After struggling to get on the field on defense as an edge rusher his first four seasons in New Orleans, Baun was a revelation at linebacker in his first year with the Eagles. He had 151 tackles, 3 1/2 sacks, and one interception in the regular season and also had a pick against Patrick Mahomes in the Eagles' Super Bowl win. Baun earned All-Pro honors, finished fifth in voting for the AP Defensive Player of the Year award, and cashed in with a three-year 51 million deal in the offseason. 4. BOBBY WAGNER, Washington Commanders–Coach Dan Quinn brought his former linebacker from Seattle to Washington in his first season as coach of the Commanders for veteran leadership. Wagner, who turned 35 last month, showed he can still perform at a high level. Wagner had his 13th straight season with at least 100 tackles and earned his fifth second-team All-Pro selection to go along with six first-team picks. Only Reggie White (13) and Jim Otto (12) have been picked as a first or second-team All-Pro more than Wagner. 5. ZAIRE FRANKLIN, Indianapolis Colts–Franklin led the NFL with 173 tackles last season becoming the second player since at least 2000 with three straight seasons with at least 165 tackles. His 518 tackles in three seasons since becoming a full-time starter in 2022 are the most in the NFL in that span.
Associated Press
14-07-2025
- Sport
- Associated Press
Fred Warner is voted the top off-ball linebacker in the NFL by AP writers
Whether it's stopping the run game, dropping into pass coverage or even rushing the quarterback, Fred Warner thrives for the San Francisco 49ers. Warner's strong all-around play for San Francisco helped him win the honor of being voted the top off-ball linebacker in the league by The Associated Press. A panel of eight AP Pro Football Writers ranked the top five players at off-ball linebacker, basing selections on current status entering the 2025 season. First-place votes were worth 10 points. Second- through fifth-place votes were worth 5, 3, 2 and 1 points. Warner got seven of the eight first-place votes to go with one second to win the voting easily. Three other players were selected on all eight ballots, with Baltimore's Roquan Smith getting the other first-place vote to come in second, Philadelphia's Zack Baun finishing third and Washington's Bobby Wagner coming in fourth. Indianapolis' Zaire Franklin rounded out the top five. New Orleans' Demario Davis, Denver's Dre Greenlaw, Minnesota's Blake Cashman and Pittsburgh's Patrick Queen also received votes. 1. FRED WARNER, San Francisco 49ers Despite playing most of last season with a broken bone in his ankle, Warner still performed at a high level and earned his third straight and fourth overall first-team All-Pro honor. Warner had 131 tackles, five tackles for loss, two interceptions, seven passes defensed and four forced fumbles last season. Warner has 10 sacks, 10 interceptions, 15 forced fumbles, six fumble recoveries, 36 tackles for loss and 53 passes defensed in his first seven seasons. He is one of three active players with at least 10 sacks, interceptions and forced fumbles, along with Minnesota safety Harrison Smith and Tampa Bay linebacker Lavonte David. 2. ROQUAN SMITH, Baltimore Ravens The midseason trade in 2022 that sent Smith from Chicago to Baltimore helped lift the Ravens' defense by solidifying the middle of the field. In 41 games with Baltimore, Smith has 398 tackles, five sacks, three interceptions and 15 passes defensed as he has earned first-team All-Pro honors the past three seasons. 3. ZACK BAUN, Philadelphia Eagles After struggling to get on the field on defense as an edge rusher his first four seasons in New Orleans, Baun was a revelation at linebacker in his first year with the Eagles. He had 151 tackles, 3 1/2 sacks and one interception in the regular season and also had a pick against Patrick Mahomes in the Eagles' Super Bowl win. Baun earned All-Pro honors, finished fifth in voting for the AP Defensive Player of the Year award and cashed in with a three-year, $51 million deal in the offseason. 4. BOBBY WAGNER, Washington Commanders Coach Dan Quinn brought his former linebacker from Seattle to Washington in his first season as coach of the Commanders for veteran leadership. Wagner, who turned 35 last month, showed he can still perform at a high level. Wagner had his 13th straight season with at least 100 tackles and earned his fifth second-team All-Pro selection to go along with six first-team picks. Only Reggie White (13) and Jim Otto (12) have been picked as a first or second-team All-Pro more than Wagner. 5. ZAIRE FRANKLIN, Indianapolis Colts Franklin led the NFL with 173 tackles last season, becoming the second player since at least 2000 with three straight seasons with at least 165 tackles. His 518 tackles in three seasons since becoming a full-time starter in 2022 are the most in the NFL in that span. ___ AP NFL:
