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USA Today
2 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Lions DE Aidan Hutchinson shows off how well he's getting his full speed back
With training camp right around the corner, Lions fans are getting some good news. Star edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson continues to get closer and closer to being 100 percent recovered from his Week 6 knee injury last season against the Dallas Cowboys. Hutchinson recently shared to his Instagram another piece of his rehab process and showing off how much speed he has gained back in his recovery. Hutchinson posted him running a 10-yard split -- the time typically shown in addition to a 40-yard dash time at the Scouting Combine. Hutchinson ran a 1.49 10-yard split. Needless to say, that is a very fast time. The faster the 10-yard split, the more explosive a player is coming out of their stance. If Hutchinson is already back to this speed in early July, he'll be more than ready to fly past opposing offensive tackles in about two months.
USA Today
26-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Watch: Falcons' interview with Jalon Walker at NFL Scouting Combine
Throwback Thursday: Falcons share video for Jalon Walker's NFL Scouting Combine interview The Atlanta Falcons entered the 2025 NFL draft with a clear need for an edge rusher, and they couldn't have asked for a better scenario in Round 1. Former Georgia linebacker Jalon Walker, a projected top-10 pick, fell into Atlanta's lap at pick No. 15. Not only did they land one of the few blue-chip pass rushers in the class, but the selected a Georgia player in the first round for the first time in the draft era. The Bulldogs standout thrived as an off-ball linebacker who split time on the edge. The Falcons are expected to play Walker at outside linebacker this season, but they never expected him to be available in the first place. That was the assumption the team made following Walker's impressive NFL Scouting Combine interview. Atlanta released a clip from the interview in which a confident Walker explains what makes him a great leader. "At Georgia, I walked through the hallways a certain way," Walker told the Falcons brass. "I did things a certain way because that's the way you're supposed to do them. That was the standard." WATCH: Jalon Walker's combine interview with Falcons That was exactly what the Falcons wanted to hear, and one of the reasons they assumed he'd be long gone before the 15th pick in the draft. The coaching staff got a feel for Walker during their mandatory minicamp. Head coach Raheem Morris praised the rookie's "captain-like traits" at a recent press conference. "He has like those captain-like traits," Morris said of Walker. "When you first meet him, you get that feel, you get that vibe from him. He'll be one of those guys that you can tell is gonna lead us in the future."
New York Times
16-06-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Wild's Judd Brackett discusses 2025 NHL Draft plans, Marco Rossi, prospects and more
This year's NHL Scouting Combine was different for Minnesota Wild director of amateur scouting Judd Brackett. The Wild don't have a first-round pick (thanks to the David Jiricek trade), nor did they have a third-rounder. So there weren't nearly as many interviews in Buffalo as they focused on who they might take as their second-rounder (No. 52). Advertisement 'It's certainly harder to predict,' Brackett said on the 'Fellowship of the Rink' podcast. 'Years past, when you know whether it's 13 or a specific number, you can start to ballpark maybe four, five, six players. Forecasting 52 is way out of your control.' The Wild feel they've hit on some gems in the second round in recent years, from Ryder Ritchie last year to Riley Heidt (2023) and Hunter Haight (2022). Does the fact they don't have a first or third put more pressure on Brackett and his staff to hit on this year's second? 'To say, 'Is there more pressure?' Probably not — we want to hit on all these players,' Brackett said. 'Do we have less insurance in terms of if we do miss, we don't have the backup third-round pick or didn't already maybe hit on the first-round pick. So, yes, in that instance, yes, this second-round pick becomes our first chance at a National Hockey League Player. 'The odds, as we all know, go down as the draft progresses, so this is our best chance.' The Wild have the No. 2-ranked prospect pool in the NHL, according to The Athletic's Scott Wheeler. That's driven a lot from the top of the list, with last year's first-rounder Zeev Buium already getting his first taste of the NHL during the Stanley Cup playoffs (then winning a World Championship with Team USA). There's Danila Yurov, who signed his three-year, entry-level contract a few weeks ago and is expected to be part of the lineup next season. Brackett discussed how the Wild stick to their philosophy on drafting and the characteristics they seek in players. 'There's always biases year to year,' Brackett said. 'We'll see in a couple weeks the winner of the Stanley Cup. That blueprint might change a little bit. Is it a heavy two-way physical team that gets in your face? Or is it speed and skill? Not that you can find a guy that fast (Connor McDavid) anywhere else. The blueprint can change when teams have success. You have to be firm in your beliefs and stick to what you believe is going to be the causality behind a Minnesota Wild championship team.' A lot of great stuff from #mnwild director of amateur scouting Judd Brackett on latest @FOTRshow. *Approach w/no 1st, 3rd*Team philosophy *Any regrets?*Insight on Rossi, Stramel, Yurov, Haight, Ohgren + moreYouTube: — Joe Smith (@JoeSmithNHL) June 12, 2025 Hindsight is always 20-20, especially when it comes to the draft. It's an inexact science, prime for second-guessing. There was the Charlie Stramel pick at No. 21 in the 2023 NHL Draft, with Gabe Perreault going a couple picks later to the New York Rangers. Sam Rinzel and Jimmy Snuggerud went after Liam Ohgren at No. 19 in the 2022 draft (the Wild got a strong combo of Oghren and Yurov in the first round). Wyatt Johnston went three picks after the Wild took potential goalie of the future Jesper Wallstedt at No. 20 in 2021. The Wild took defenseman Jack Peart in the second round that year (No. 54). Matthew Knies went three picks later. Advertisement Does Brackett, in general, ever have any regrets? 'Always,' Brackett said. 'This is an incredibly humbling business. We're talking about 17-, 18-year-olds. This is a draft and development, much like MLB. It's not a plug-and-play into your lineup and your scheme. It can be very humbling. What you thought might happen doesn't. There's always times where you love a player and someone picks them two picks in front of you. The opportunity wasn't there to do it. 'There's always retrospect and looking back and learning from it. I try not to name names on the record. But there are players we look back on and say, 'Man, we were so close, or 'We had it this way, imagine if it was one or two off?' But you stay to your core values and stick with your staff and truly believe in the picks you make, you're going to be thrilled with what you have and stand behind the player you picked and hope they continue to develop the way you envisioned on draft day.' The Wild made Marco Rossi the No. 9 pick in 2020. He's overcome a missed year of development due to COVID-19 and a subsequent heart condition. Rossi was the team's second-leading scorer last season, though he could be moved this summer if the Wild can't come to an agreement on a contract with the pending restricted free agent. Brackett and the team's brass took Rossi over the likes of Anton Lundell, Seth Jarvis. 'I think on draft day, what it was with us for Marco, outside of the 40 goals, 80 assists, the monster production, it was the detail he played with,' Brackett said. 'An import player coming over that's undersized that takes the OHL by storm, that doesn't happen. And, you know what, more than just the production, it was the driver. It was making others better. We were steadfast that he was going to be a National Hockey League center and he would be a top-six center. His hockey sense was unparalleled. It probably was a slower roll to becoming that player, but I think Marco has become the player we thought he'd be.' Advertisement When asked what prospects Brackett is most excited about, he said the 'headliner' is Buium. 'He wins another World Junior, goes to win the World Championship, gets the taste of the National Hockey League,' Brackett said. 'He's the headliner in a sense that he continues to deliver. There's excitement about his play, the skill level. It goes without saying what he brings. 'He's got an infectious personality. The skill level is there. This is where he wants to be. I think honestly, when he steps on the ice every night, he wants to be the best player. I don't see that from a cocky, arrogant standpoint, he truly thinks he can and will be. That'll continue to drive his game and I think what his future potential might be is honestly up to him.' Brackett also weighed in on several other Wild prospects: On Ryder Ritchie: 'He's an August birthday, still 18 years old. His age is also a part of where he is in his maturity. You see his body is still changing. He looks like he's pushing around 6-1 right now. A player who dealt with injuries in his draft year, settled in nicely, had injuries this year with a skate to the eye, still finished with 40 goals. There's no question about his ability to release the puck and mesh with other high-end talent. His game is still very much in its infancy.' On David Jiricek: 'The hallmark of David's game is his compete level. You've got the huge, hulking frame, 6-4, right shot. Moves well enough; it's still an area he continues to work on. But you see him off the ice, he's still very much got pounds to put on and man strength to come. I think with that you'll see more strength, more balance, more engagement on the ice. He plays a very assertive game, loves to pinch at the offensive blue line and get involved. He has a huge shot. 'At the time of his draft year, he already had played in a men's league, had world junior experience, had been on the big stage and a leader for his team nationally. He's a player we believe in. He just needs a bit of streamlining in his development path. There's been a lot of ups and downs for him. That speaks to the caliber of player — he's so close that, at times, you think he's ready. But sometimes he needs a little bit more seasoning. A player we're excited about. Great attitude, comes to work every day. It's a really hard player to find. Right shot with that size with that pedigree. Looking at your defense for under-23 with (Brock) Faber, Buium and Jiricek, there's a lot to be excited about.' Advertisement On Danila Yurov: 'Another player who had surgery. Even if you saw how quickly he came back from the last injury, you see how much fire there is in this player. Another one of ours who won a championship. He led his team in scoring. Plays up the middle. Two-way. Can skate, handles the puck, terrific shot. I'm excited to see his integration to North America. He's got a great personality, there's always a smile on his face. He's been talking about being in North America since the day we met him in Montreal. I expect him to attack it with that kind of vigor.' On Charlie Stramel: 'That was the perfect situation this year. A familiar coach, a program on the rise. A big opportunity. I think it goes without saying that Will Morlock and the strength and conditioning staff at MSU did a great job. Charlie is significantly lighter this year, moving great. I think also with (coach Adam Nightingale), his identity is very clear. He's straight-line, he's getting to the net, he's making room, he's winning faceoffs. It was fun to watch Charlie, he was enjoying hockey again. It was a tough track for him. He's been through some things off the ice, he went in early to school, had a coaching change, maybe lacked some support as well. He had a great year and we want to see him go back and do it again and hopefully win a national championship.' On Liam Ohgren: 'For Marco and Liam, the conscientious two-way game can sometimes supersede the offensive ability. Liam can shoot the puck as well as anybody. For me, one of his strengths his draft year was his ability to forecheck. As he gets more and more comfortable and more of an opportunity to get in and pressure pucks and create turnovers, you're going to see how strong he is at that. He's great at angling, has a really good stick, can create turnovers down low. He can beat goalies clean from that level with his shot, which is not easy to do. He's coming. The confidence is there. I'm excited to see how he arrives at camp. He's built like a tank.' On Hunter Haight: 'I think a big one for Hunter is his mindset. He's already had that first good step, quickness and speed, skill, hockey sense. But I think for a guy in his frame, part of what makes him really successful is he chose to be. He chose to engage in battles, he chose to win pucks, never takes the long route. He's quick on pucks, he forces things and he can read and react off others. A lot of it is he decides to be as good as he is going to be. That was his choice for him to go out and make an impression (in AHL Iowa). It started at rookie camp, even amongst his peers, he wanted to stand out. It's not always about ability, sometimes it's also about that drive and that compete, that will to want to get there, and I think Hunter has that.' (Top photo of Marco Rossi: Steph Chambers / Getty Images)
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Quarterback to the future: Why Jaxson Dart remains undeniable part of NY Giants' present
EAST RUTHERFORD - This was the first conversation between Brian Daboll and Jaxson Dart as head coach and quarterback of the New York Giants, and there was no denying the connection made in the three months since their initial meeting in Mobile, Alabama. Moments after Dart was officially selected with the 25th overall pick in the NFL Draft, as he stepped away from his celebration with friends and family, the pomp and circumstance quieted down enough for this reality to set in. Advertisement 'I'm banking on you,' Daboll told Dart, in the midst of a congratulatory phone call from the Giants. 'You got me?' To which the rookie quarterback replied: 'Smart man.' Any validation of that sentiment with respect to Dart will depend on his ability to back up those words, of course. Because the Giants were in desperate need of a reboot at quarterback this season, there's no debate about that, and the arrivals of Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston certainly represented a personality implant of epic proportions. How that'll play on the field remains to be seen as the Giants move into the second half of their spring workouts with all eyes on the quarterbacks. Wilson is the starter with Winston and Tommy DeVito also having started games in this league, and as Winston said back in March: "This team is looking for a complete paradigm shift." Advertisement That will only prove successful – both in the short and long term – if the Giants get this quarterback puzzle right, on and off the field. And make no mistake: Dart represents the future, that's undeniable. How quickly he can emerge as a legitimate option for this team as presently constituted will set a tone for this season and beyond. No matter how well Wilson plays, regardless of what Winston and DeVito do, it'll take a massive upset for any of the three to stand in Dart's way once he's ready, whenever that may be. And Daboll knows this, which is why the dance between the development and eventual deployment of a 21-year-old quarterback is a delicate one. Advertisement Dart might not play a down for the Giants this season. There's also a chance he starts much sooner than anticipated. Embrace this as Big Blue reality, which remains a mystery because of what we know and what we don't. Daboll and Dart hit it off essentially from jump, and that rapport became more obvious once Dart represented himself extremely well during his '30' visit to New Jersey just three days after the Scouting Combine. Daboll liked his moxie, his intelligence and his swagger; Dart sensed something special from a coach who talks and teaches the game to quarterbacks like he plays it. In the weeks that followed, Daboll wound up texting with Dart a lot. His engagement with the player the Giants would select as their franchise quarterback came relatively easy during the pre-draft evaluation process. Advertisement Because of those interactions, the Ole Miss star was gaining confidence in just how much Daboll respected his game, loved his intangibles. Everything seemed to mesh with his personality and a plan for how he could reach new heights in the NFL with the Giants. So Dart started to let himself believe in what became reality: he was going to be a Giant. But the truth is: he did not know for certain, and neither did Daboll. And then the guy Dart wanted as his next head coach essentially ghosted him. The communication just stopped, and there was really no explanation. Just part of the dance, Dart tried to convince himself, and he was eventually proven correct. Advertisement Dart fought the temptation to envision himself as a Giant, just as Daboll resisted the hope to start working with him as his quarterback because of the fickle nature of the draft. All that ended on the draft night phone call when Daboll and Dart embraced the challenge they now share. May 10, 2025; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) throws a pass during rookie minicamp at Quest Diagnostics Training Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images A year ago, the Giants seemingly accepted their fate at quarterback. They tried to trade up in the NFL Draft for Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye - as much as they could with teams that had no desire to move - but to no avail. They wanted Tyrod Taylor back in free agency, but instead got Drew Lock. They did not entirely believe in Daniel Jones, yet because of the money they had already invested in him, their Hail Mary of a choice involved giving Jones one final chance to bounce back. He did not, was benched and then released at his request in early November. Advertisement Hope is not a plan, as team brass learned the hard way last season. The Giants used three different quarterbacks in Daboll's second season and four last season en route to a three-win campaign. "They went from milquetoast to Fireball [whiskey],' which is how one league source described the personality makeover of the Giants' quarterback room, and that was before Dart became the centerpiece. Dart has signed his fully guaranteed, four-year, $17 million contract, including a signing bonus of $9 million and a fifth-year option, two individuals with knowledge of the financial details told and The Record. Advertisement Wilson is on a one-year deal worth $10.5 million with incentives. Winston is on a two-year deal worth $8 million. DeVito is on a one-year non-guaranteed deal worth $1 million. Wilson has the Super Bowl ring and the resume that's hard to ignore. He's also on his third team in three years, and at 36 years old, while he still carries himself as he once did, there are questions if his game is enough to get this team into contention against the Eagles, Commanders and Cowboys in the NFC East. Winston and DeVito are not what you would call fade-into-the-background players, given the way each connects with various corners of the locker room. Head coach Brian Daboll and Russell Wilson, quarterback with the NY Giants, are shown during practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center, East Rutherford, NJ, May 28, 2025. Sure, the defense is what should give the Giants their identity in 2025 with the addition of prized rookie Abdul Carter to a front led by Dexter Lawrence, Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux. Advertisement The timeframe is uncertain, given the complicated schedule by which Daboll and the coaches must operate. If this were only about the maturation of Dart, that'd be challenging enough. Now consider that will be happening at the same time Daboll and his staff must dedicate time and effort to the entire team, especially on the heels of a three-win season with the urgency to be ready to compete. So we'll chart plays during passing drills, highlighting what Dart does in an attempt to assess how far he has come. "As a competitor, you see yourself as the best any time you step on the field," Dart said. "I think if you don't see it that way, especially as a quarterback, the team is not going to believe in you at the highest level." Advertisement This is where he believes he was meant to be, the pressure of being the next QB of the Giants and everything that comes with that expectation is part of the job. "What we're looking for from him is to grow each and every day with a positive mindset," Daboll said. "I think he has the tools physically and mentally to do that." Eat Rutherford, NJ -- May 9, 2025 -- Quarterback, Jaxson Dart and head coach Brian Daboll talk during warm up drills at Giants Rookie Minicamp. One day in the future, the Giants will expect Dart to be their starting quarterback, the face of the franchise and the player to whom an entire locker room looks when the chips are down. That day is not today or next week. Whether we're any closer to that in two months when training camp begins, at some point in the regular season or not until 2026, it's really up to Dart and how he handles everything that'll be thrown his way. Advertisement 'You're where you're supposed to be,' Daboll told Dart in that draft night conversation. And now that Jaxson Dart is here, his presence is going to be impossible to anyone - Daboll included - to ignore. This article originally appeared on Jaxson Dart: Why Giants QB of future is undeniable part of the present
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Shawn Horcoff's Son Would Love To Play With Oilers' Star
EDMONTON – The apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Or in the case of this former Edmonton Oilers' son, he would like to stay close to the tree. Bookmark The Hockey News Edmonton Oilers team site to never miss the latest news, game-day coverage, and more. William Horcoff, son of former Oilers forward (and captain) Shawn Horcoff, is one of the players eligible to be drafted in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft. Advertisement This past weekend, the Cup Final took a backseat to the Scouting Combine, where all the greatest prospects dreaming of their name being called on draft day gathered for interviews and testing. Trending Oilers Stories 'Everything At Once': Oilers' Leon Draisaitl On Strong Nugent-Hopkins Performance 'Everything At Once': Oilers' Leon Draisaitl On Strong Nugent-Hopkins Performance EDMONTON – 'We all know that he's capable of putting up numbers and scoring and making great plays.' 'We Are In The Final For A Reason': Corey Perry Keeps Oilers' Cup Final Loss In Perspective What Do Oilers Fans Chant? Playoffs Edition 'I Really Hope We Score': Oilers' Stuart Skinner And His Remarkable Talent Of Staying Ready Advertisement Oilers Secretive Of New Victory Song, "Pink Pony Club" EXCLUSIVE: Mark Messier On Oilers, Budweiser, His Future & More EXCLUSIVE: Mark Messier On Oilers, Budweiser, His Future & More EDMONTON – Mark Messier loves Edmonton. William's dad, Shawn, is now a member of the Detroit Red Wings management, operating as the GM for their AHL affiliate as well as Assistant GM to the Red Wings. But Shawn spent many years playing for the Oilers. He played with a current member of the Oilers when they were a rookie. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins entered the NHL in the 2011-12 season. Shawn and Nugent-Hopkins didn't spend much even-strength ice time together, but they did skate together on the powerplay for two years before Shawn was traded to the Dallas Stars. Advertisement When speaking to the press during the combine, William revealed a few Oilers-related tidbits. For starters, he's cheering for the Oilers to win the Cup Final. Additionally, William said that the one player he would love to play with, who his dad played with, is Nugent-Hopkins. The draft hopeful also revealed that he first met Nugent-Hopkins when he was five years old. William also commented that Nugent-Hopkins looks like he hasn't aged a day since he turned 18. William is a US-born player who spent this past season split between the USNTDP and the NCAA. He joined the University of Michigan mid-way through the season. Advertisement The 6-foot-5 and 199-pound centerman is ranked 24th among North American skaters according to NHL Central Scouting. That could increase his chances of being drafted by the Oilers, who's highest draft pick is a 3rd-round selection. If that happened, the apple would be pretty close to that tree. Add us to your Google News favourites, and never miss a story.
