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USA Today
04-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Special. Seismic. Singular: Meet the 4 most explosive defensive NFL players
Who are the most explosive defensive players in the NFL? In the spirit of the Fourth of July holiday, USA TODAY Sports' Tyler Dragon provides his take for the four most explosive defensive players in the NFL this season. Defense still wins championships. Just ask the Philadelphia Eagles who had the NFL's top defensive unit en route to a Super Bowl 59 championship. The Eagles have a well-rounded defense led by All-Pros Jalen Carter and Zack Baun. Do Carter and Baun make the cut? What about the highest-paid defensive player in the league, Myles Garrett, or reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year, Patrick Surtain? Here are the four most explosive defensive players in the NFL: Browns defensive end Myles Garrett The Browns made Garrett the highest-paid defensive player in NFL (for now). For a Browns team that lacks star power and impact players, he's worth every penny. Garrett's amassed double-digit sacks for seven consecutive seasons. He's the only player in NFL history to produce at least 14 sacks for four straight seasons. And the defensive end hasn't shown any signs of slowing down. Pro Football Focus gave Garrett the highest pass rushing grade (92.8) for any edge rusher with at least 300 snaps in 2024. Garrett's 102.5 career sacks are the second-most in the NFL since 2017. Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons Parsons is yearning for a new extension. His next contract is expected to make him the highest-paid defensive player in NFL history. The Cowboys linebacker is the fifth player in NFL history to record double-digit sacks in each of his first four seasons. What will he do in Year 5? It's safe to assume at least 12 sacks and 70 pressures, because that's been his floor ever since the Cowboys selected him in the first round of the 2021 draft. Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain Surtain became just the second player in Broncos history to win the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award in 2024. He was the first cornerback to win the award since Stephon Gilmore in 2019. The Broncos cornerback won't provide many fireworks because opposing quarterbacks tend to shy away from him. Among cornerbacks with at least 400 coverage snaps, Surtain ranked first in fewest yards allowed (306) this past season. Plus, he tied a career-high with four interceptions. Steelers outside linebacker T. J. Watt Watt is another play on this list in line for a big pay day. The Steelers star defender has an uncanny ability to make game-changing plays. Watt is the Steelers' all-time sack leader with 108 sacks. His 33 forced fumbles are tied for second in franchise history. He's the second-fastest player to reach the 100-sack plateau. Watt, who is entering the final year of his contract, skipped the Steelers' minicamp as he awaits a new deal. He's one of the most explosive defensive players in the NFL and deserves a contract in the same neighborhood as Garrett's lucrative deal. On July 5: The NFL's most explosive offensive players. Follow USA TODAY Sports' Tyler Dragon on X @TheTylerDragon.
USA Today
16-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
George Kittle on 49ers in 2025: 'We have pretty lofty expectations'
George Kittle on 49ers in 2025: 'We have pretty lofty expectations' Show Caption Hide Caption Best NFC 2025 NFL Draft picks USA TODAY's Tyler Dragon breaks down which teams in the NFC drafted the best this year. Sports Seriously Few teams underwent more changes this offseason than the San Francisco 49ers. Just 16 months removed from their second Super Bowl appearance in five years, the 49ers enter the 2025 NFL season with new coordinators on offense, defense and special teams. Technically, two of those coordinators are familiar faces. Robert Saleh returns to the defensive coordinator post he held from 2017 to 2020 and Klay Kubiak has been promoted to offensive coordinator after four years as an assistant. The roster saw some longtime starters depart via free agency. Linebacker Dre Greenlaw, cornerback Charvarius Ward and guard Aaron Banks are all suiting up elsewhere. Wide receiver Deebo Samuel is now in Washington thanks to a trade. San Francisco invested heavily in defense in the 2025 NFL Draft in an attempt to bounce back from a lackluster year in 2024 on that side of the ball. One of the team's stars thinks they'll be back on track in 2025. "We lost some guys and that is obvious, we're aware of that," tight end George Kittle said on CBS Sports HQ on June 16. "But I feel like the way we signed guys in free agency, the way that we drafted, we targeted those holes that we lost. "I'm not going to say we're going to replace All-Pro players, Pro Bowl players immediately but I think we drafted really, really well." He pointed to the near-perfect attendance in organized team activities (OTAs), a voluntary portion of the offseason schedule, as a sign of the commitment from the team. "You get to build that team chemistry." he said. "I think what our goal is is our offense needs to play at a really high level. We brought back basically everybody, which is pretty fun, and when you have Christian McCaffrey, Brock Purdy, Trent Williams, makes me pretty excited to play football." This isn't entirely unfamiliar territory for the franchise. In 2020, San Francisco suffered multiple key injuries and followed their Super Bowl trip with a 6-10 campaign only to go 10-7 in 2021 and make the NFC championship game once again. "We know we have pretty lofty expectations, we always do," Kittle said. "The way that we do training camp, I think coach (Kyle) Shanahan will have those young guys ready to go real quick." 49ers 2025 schedule Another factor that could help the 49ers in 2025 is their schedule. By 2024 winning percentage, San Francisco will face the easiest strength of schedule in the NFL in 2025. Here's a breakdown of their full 18-week schedule: All the NFL news on and off the field. Sign up for USA TODAY's 4th and Monday newsletter. Check out the latest edition: Way-too-early fantasy football mock draft.
USA Today
23-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Which QBs could be next to rise in NFL draft? These 10 prospects might soar in 2026
Which QBs could be next to rise in NFL draft? These 10 prospects might soar in 2026 Show Caption Hide Caption Best AFC 2025 NFL Draft picks USA TODAY's Tyler Dragon breaks down which teams in the AFC drafted the best this year. Sports Seriously Anyone looking for the next Cam Ward might want to settle in for an extended wait. To most, the No. 1 pick of the Tennessee Titans in this year's NFL draft didn't clear the threshold of a "generational" talent that his future team first floated months before his selection. But his path to the point is a unique one unlikely to be followed anytime soon. Passed over by almost every college as a zero-star quarterback who operated in a Wing-T offense in high school, he climbed from Incarnate Word at the Football Championship Subdivision to Washington State before last year transferring to Miami (Fla.), where he would become arguably the most dynamic passer in college football. At a position where players tend to be known commodities from their early high school years, it's unlikely that anyone will replicate this meteoric rise right away. But that doesn't mean that the outlook at quarterback in any given draft is static. In recent years, several quarterbacks have rocketed into the early first round, with the likes of Jayden Daniels, Michael Penix Jr. and Anthony Richardson among those who changed the conversation about their capabilities thanks to stellar final seasons. With evaluation efforts now turning toward 2026, there are already several entities who have become fixtures of way-too-early mock drafts, including Penn State's Drew Allar, LSU's Garrett Nussmeier and, yes, even Texas' Arch Manning. But keep an eye on these 10 quarterbacks who could enjoy a significant rise in next year's draft with a strong showing this upcoming season: LaNorris Sellers, South Carolina Maybe it seems like a cheat to include Sellers on this list, as he's squarely in the conversation of candidates to be the first quarterback taken next spring. To reach that point, however, he'll need to raise his baseline when operating from the pocket. Nevertheless, his inherent electricity as a dual-threat playmaker makes tolerating his unevenness more than worthwhile. The 6-3, 242-pounder might be one of the most formidable rushing threats behind center from the moment he enters the NFL, and he stands out as perhaps college football's pre-eminent creator thanks to his ability to deliver strikes to every level of the field. If Sellers can become a more decisive and anticipatory passer while also cleaning up the fumbling issues that dogged his debut starting campaign, he'll have few peers capable of measuring up to him in the draft. Fernando Mendoza, Indiana With Carson Beck (Georgia to Miami) and John Mateer (Washington State to Oklahoma) each headed to new schools, Mendoza was hardly the headliner among quarterbacks in this winter's transfer portal rush. But his move might be among the most consequential for next year's draft. In leaving Cal for Indiana, Mendoza departs a program that was sapped of its top talent – the Golden Bears lost five running backs to the transfer portal as well as their No. 1 receiver and tight end, among others – for one infusing its roster with even more promising players. After helping develop another tall, strong-armed transfer in Kurtis Rourke last season, Indiana coach Curt Cignetti should be well-positioned to guide the progress of his new 6-5, 225-pound passer. Mendoza can operate far more quickly and with more precision (68.7% completion rate last season) than Rourke did, but he'll need to better navigate pressure after taking 41 sacks last season – the most of any returning passer in the Football Bowl Subdivision. Sawyer Robertson, Baylor The Mississippi State transfer didn't receive widespread recognition in 2024, as he only took over as starter three games into the year. Now, however, Robertson could be in line to receive his proper due. The 6-4, 220-pound signal-caller is one of the country's most precise downfield passers, and his heady play helped propel the Bears to a 6-0 run to end the regular season before the team fell to LSU in the Texas Bowl. His prototypical build and arm strength are major pluses, but his ability to balance an attacking mentality while infrequently putting the ball in harm's way reveals that he's more than merely just a package of traits. And with enough athleticism to escape the pocket and extend plays, he looks like exactly the kind of quarterback who can raise his profile significantly with another impressive campaign. Eli Holstein, Pitt After leaving Alabama following just one season spent redshirting, the former four-star recruit acclimated nicely to his new setting, throwing for 15 touchdowns in his first five games. The Panthers' up-tempo offense under new coordinator Kade Bell hit a midseason snag, however, with the team dropping its final six games after starting 7-0. Holstein's health played a major factor in that unraveling; the 6-4, 225-pounder missed almost the entirety of Pitt's final four contests due to leg and head injuries. With ample arm strength to push the ball downfield, the redshirt sophomore should have little trouble catching scouts' eyes, whether for the 2026 draft or beyond. Holstein will need to stay healthy and prove he can hold up against top competition after feasting on the leaner part of last year's schedule, but if he's afforded better protection along with more playmaking support at the skill positions, he could resume his ascent. Nico Iamaleava, UCLA True scorched-earth scenarios are few and far between in the NFL draft – at least for players of a certain level of ability. That's the silver lining for Iamaleava as he navigates the fallout from his unceremonious split with Tennessee following a practice no-show and widespread reports of a clash over name, image and likeness pay. The 6-6, 215-pound passer still has considerable work to do to deliver on the immense potential he teased as the former No. 2 overall recruit who built an immense buzz before even taking the field. But if he can elevate an offense that ranked in the bottom 10 in the FBS for scoring (18.4 points per game), Iamaleava can put the focus back on his physical tools and quiet – at least temporarily – the discussion about off-field matters. Dante Moore, Oregon Iamaleava isn't the only former five-star quarterback from the 2023 recruiting class in need of a do-over. Moore joined the Ducks last year after an inauspicious freshman campaign at UCLA in which he completed just 53.5% of his passes and threw for 11 touchdowns with nine interceptions. After sitting for a season, he'll take over an offense that boasted Heisman Trophy finalists in each of the last two years with Bo Nix and Dillon Gabriel – who were both fellow transfers as well. Moore will have to reaffirm the poise and precision that made him such a highly sought-after recruit, but Oregon should equip him with the proper schematic and personnel support to allow him to flourish. Miller Moss, Louisville Few players in the transfer portal era have exhibited the patience of Moss, who spent three years as a backup before getting his shot to become the starter at USC. After setting a Holiday Bowl record with six touchdown passes in place of Caleb Williams and then opening last season with a dazzling win over LSU, everything seemed to be falling into place for him to be Lincoln Riley's next prized passer. But Moss was benched after nine games, and now he's taking over for the team he torched in his first career start. No one will confuse the 6-1, 205-pounder with Tyler Shough, the 6-5, 219-pound signal-caller who became a second-round draft pick – and potential rookie starter for the New Orleans Saints – thanks to his career resurgence with the Cardinals in 2024. But in teaming up with one of college football's most acclaimed offensive minds in coach Jeff Brohm, Moss could be poised to follow his predecessor's path with a reset that allows him to get his development back on track. Austin Simmons, Mississippi Placement on this list might seem far-fetched given that Simmons has yet to make a single start in his career. But after skipping two grades in high school and graduating from Mississippi earlier this month at 19, the 6-4, 215-pound lefty – who also was a relief pitcher for the school last year before deciding to focus on football – is a clear outlier. Simmons gave a glimpse of his capabilities when he stepped in temporarily for injured starter Jaxson Dart to complete five of six passes for 64 yards in the Rebels' upset win over Georgia last year. Now, he'll be counted on to keep Lane Kiffin's high-powered offense running strong after Dart's handle on the system helped him become a first-round pick. Given his inexperience and age, Simmons might be a name to watch further down the line. But if he proves himself comfortable against top competition, he's shown he has no problem operating ahead of schedule. Taylen Green, Arkansas It doesn't require a deep dive to see the pro potential of a 6-6, 230-pound passer who ran for more than 600 yards last season. Still, despite starting two years at Boise State and making the jump to Arkansas last season, Green has yet to put everything together as a passer, with his ball placement, pocket awareness (32 sacks taken last season) and decision-making all requiring refinement. But between his superlative raw arm strength and rare running ability, he can tax defenses in a manner that few other signal-callers can. If Green overcomes an exceedingly difficult schedule and an overhauled receiving corps that lost go-to target Andrew Armstrong, he'll pique plenty of teams' interests, at least as a developmental prospect. Aidan Chiles, Michigan State In following coach Jonathan Smith from Oregon State to Michigan State in December 2023, Chiles gave the Spartans some much-needed hope as they looked to turn the page on the Mel Tucker era. Yet nothing came easily to a program stuck in transition, and the former four-star recruit threw for just 13 touchdowns with 11 interceptions as his team stumbled to a 5-7 mark. Tamping down on his turnover-prone ways will be a vital step in Chiles' development this season. But with his often dazzling deep balls and abundant athleticism, the 6-3, 217-pounder will capture plenty of attention if he can boost his efficiency and consistency.
USA Today
15-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Pittsburgh Steelers schedule: Games, dates, TV channels, predictions for 2025 season
Pittsburgh Steelers schedule: Games, dates, TV channels, predictions for 2025 season Show Caption Hide Caption Best AFC 2025 NFL Draft picks USA TODAY's Tyler Dragon breaks down which teams in the AFC drafted the best this year. Sports Seriously The Pittsburgh Steelers offense is making a colossal shift in 2025. The quarterback room has been overhauled. They moved on from veteran quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Justin Fields. They brought back former third-round pick Mason Rudolph in free agency. They also drafted Will Howard from Ohio State in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. In early March, Pittsburgh acquired wide receiver DK Metcalf from the Seattle Seahawks. They didn't stop there, trading George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys in exchange for a package that includes a third-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Aaron Rodgers may still sign with the team, as he was spotted training with Metcalf earlier in the offseason. However, there have been no recent updates regarding his decision. So how will that new-look offense stack up against Pittsburgh's 2025 slate? Here's a look at the schedule for the Steelers in 2025. Buy Steelers tickets for the 2025 season This section will be updated when the NFL schedule is released on Wednesday, May 14. Week 1 : Sunday, Sept. 7: at New York Jets, 1:00 p.m. ET, CBS : Sunday, Sept. 7: at New York Jets, 1:00 p.m. ET, CBS Week 2 : Sunday, Sept. 14: vs. Seattle Seahawks, 1:00 p.m. ET, FOX : Sunday, Sept. 14: vs. Seattle Seahawks, 1:00 p.m. ET, FOX Week 3 : Sunday, Sept. 21: at New England Patriots, 1:00 p.m. ET, CBS : Sunday, Sept. 21: at New England Patriots, 1:00 p.m. ET, CBS Week 4 : Sunday, Sept. 21: vs. Minnesota Vikings, 9:30 a.m. ET (Dublin, Ireland - Croke Park) on NFL Network : Sunday, Sept. 21: vs. Minnesota Vikings, 9:30 a.m. ET (Dublin, Ireland - Croke Park) on NFL Network Week 5 : BYE WEEK : BYE WEEK Week 6 : Sunday, Oct. 12: vs. Cleveland Browns, 1:00 p.m. ET, CBS : Sunday, Oct. 12: vs. Cleveland Browns, 1:00 p.m. ET, CBS Week 7 : Thursday, Oct. 16 ("Thursday Night Football"): at Cincinnati Bengals, 8:15 p.m. ET, Prime Video : Thursday, Oct. 16 ("Thursday Night Football"): at Cincinnati Bengals, 8:15 p.m. ET, Prime Video Week 8 : Sunday, Oct. 26 ("Sunday Night Football"): vs. Green Bay Packers, 8:20 p.m. ET, NBC/Peacock : Sunday, Oct. 26 ("Sunday Night Football"): vs. Green Bay Packers, 8:20 p.m. ET, NBC/Peacock Week 9 : Sunday, Nov. 9: vs. Indianapolis Colts, 1:00 p.m. ET, CBS : Sunday, Nov. 9: vs. Indianapolis Colts, 1:00 p.m. ET, CBS Week 10 : Sunday, Nov. 9 ("Sunday Night Football"): at Los Angeles Chargers, 8:20 p.m. ET, NBC/Peacock : Sunday, Nov. 9 ("Sunday Night Football"): at Los Angeles Chargers, 8:20 p.m. ET, NBC/Peacock Week 11 : Sunday, Nov. 16: vs. Cincinnati Bengals, 1:00 p.m. ET, CBS : Sunday, Nov. 16: vs. Cincinnati Bengals, 1:00 p.m. ET, CBS Week 12 : Sunday, Nov. 23: at Chicago Bears, 1:00 p.m. ET, CBS : Sunday, Nov. 23: at Chicago Bears, 1:00 p.m. ET, CBS Week 13 : Sunday, Nov. 30: vs. Buffalo Bills, 4:25 p.m. ET, CBS : Sunday, Nov. 30: vs. Buffalo Bills, 4:25 p.m. ET, CBS Week 14 : Sunday, Dec. 7: at Baltimore Ravens, 1:00 p.m. ET, CBS : Sunday, Dec. 7: at Baltimore Ravens, 1:00 p.m. ET, CBS Week 15 : Monday, Dec. 15 ("Monday Night Football"): vs. Miami Dolphins, 8:15 p.m. ET, ESPN/ABC : Monday, Dec. 15 ("Monday Night Football"): vs. Miami Dolphins, 8:15 p.m. ET, ESPN/ABC Week 16 : Sunday, Dec. 21: vs. Detroit Lions, 4:25 p.m. ET, CBS : Sunday, Dec. 21: vs. Detroit Lions, 4:25 p.m. ET, CBS Week 17 : Sunday, Nov. 23: at Cleveland Browns, 1:00 p.m. ET, CBS : Sunday, Nov. 23: at Cleveland Browns, 1:00 p.m. ET, CBS Week 18: (Jan. 3-4): vs. Baltimore Ravens (Time TBD) Steelers record prediction 2025 Record prediction: 8-9 All signs point toward the Steelers' historic run of finishes at .500 or better ending in 2025. The AFC North is a challenging division each season. Currently, the Ravens are the team to beat, led by the dynamic duo of Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry. The Bengals have one of the best offenses in the NFL and can compete with anyone. Fortunately for Pittsburgh, the Browns are currently in a more complex rebuild. Some still expect Aaron Rodgers to sign with the Steelers, but in order to predict the Steelers' record for 2025, we need to focus on the players who are currently on the roster. Considering their current quarterbacks, it may be challenging for the team to maintain regular-season success in the upcoming season. Pittsburgh boasts a strong defensive lineup, highlighted by perennial Defensive Player of the Year candidate T.J. Watt. He, along with Cam Heyward, Alex Highsmith, Patrick Queen, Minkah Fitzpatrick and Joey Porter Jr., form the team's core. With the 21st overall pick in the first round, the Steelers selected defensive tackle Derrick Harmon to strengthen the unit further. They have a championship-caliber defense, but the offense could struggle mightily. To make matters worse, Pittsburgh has the 24th-hardest schedule in 2025, per Sharp Football Analysis. That said, a team coached by Mike Tomlin can never be counted out. The Steelers face challenging road matchups against the Lions and Chargers. Additionally, they will play at Soldier Field against a Bears team expected to show significant improvement. At home, they will host the Bills, Dolphins, Packers and Vikings, teams that likely have the upper hand. Overall, the Steelers' 2025 schedule does not offer many easy victories. However, they will likely compete with their run-heavy offense, supported by their strong defense. Steelers 2025 opponents Here's the full list of Steelers opponents for 2025: Home Baltimore Ravens Cincinnati Bengals Cleveland Browns Buffalo Bills Green Bay Packers Indianapolis Colts Miami Dolphins Minnesota Vikings Seattle Seahawks Road
USA Today
15-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Chiefs primetime games: Kansas City draws 7 for 2025 NFL season
Chiefs primetime games: Kansas City draws 7 for 2025 NFL season Show Caption Hide Caption Best AFC 2025 NFL Draft picks USA TODAY's Tyler Dragon breaks down which teams in the AFC drafted the best this year. Sports Seriously The Kansas City Chiefs have won three consecutive AFC titles and two of the last three Super Bowls. As such, it's no surprise the NFL wanted to put a frequent, primetime spotlight on the team. The Chiefs are set to play seven primetime games in 2025. That will include marquee matchups on Christmas night and a Friday evening game in Week 1. The Chiefs won all of their regular-season primetime games in 2024. Will they be able to carry over that success to 2025? It seems likely, given that Patrick Mahomes has posted a 26-10 record in regular-season primetime games throughout his career. CHIEFS SCHEDULE 2025: Kansas City win-loss record predictions Mahomes has 78 passing touchdowns compared to 25 interceptions and a passer rating of 99 across his 36 career regular-season primetime games. His playmaking skill set should allow the Chiefs to be competitive in their stand-alone spots in 2025. Here's what to know about Kansas City's primetime schedule for 2025. The Chiefs are set to play seven primetime games in 2025. They are as follows: Week 1 (Brazil) : at Los Angeles Chargers, 8:15 p.m. ET, YouTube : at Los Angeles Chargers, 8:15 p.m. ET, YouTube Week 3 (SNF) : at New York Giants, 8:20 p.m. ET, NBC : at New York Giants, 8:20 p.m. ET, NBC Week 5 (MNF) : at Jacksonville Jaguars, 8:15 p.m. ET, ESPN/ABC : at Jacksonville Jaguars, 8:15 p.m. ET, ESPN/ABC Week 6 (SNF) : vs. Detroit Lions, 8:20 p.m. ET, NBC : vs. Detroit Lions, 8:20 p.m. ET, NBC Week 8 (MNF) : vs. Washington Commanders, 8:15 p.m. ET, ESPN/ABC : vs. Washington Commanders, 8:15 p.m. ET, ESPN/ABC Week 14 (SNF) : vs. Houston Texans, 8:20 p.m. ET, NBC : vs. Houston Texans, 8:20 p.m. ET, NBC Week 17 (Christmas): vs. Denver Broncos, 8:20 p.m. ET, NBC Kansas City will also play one stand-alone game: a Thanksgiving afternoon contest against the Cowboys. Below is the information about that matchup:
