Marcus Woodson, with 21 years of coaching experience, has been appointed as Kansas State's co-defensive coordinator, bringing a strong background from Arkansas, Florida State, Auburn, and other programs, and is expected to enhance the Wildcats' defense.
As the Pittsburgh Steelers prepare for the NFL Draft, pro and college scout Matt Williamson discusses the team's potential draft strategies for defensive backs, emphasizing the depth of the cornerback class and the need for a slot corner. He highlights draft prospects such as Terrion Arnold, Quinyon Mitchell, Nate Wiggins, and Cooper DeJean as potential first-round picks, with DeJean being particularly intriguing due to his fit as a slot corner. Williamson also mentions Cam Hart and Max Melton as Day 2 or Day 3 options, while expressing skepticism about the safety class and the trade for Donte Jackson.
Ohio State's spring game showcased the team's deep cornerback room and young pieces at safety, with the starters playing limited snaps to prioritize team health. Defensive coordinator Jim Knowles praised the competitive spirit and depth of the defensive backs, highlighting players like Calvin Simpson-Hunt, Jermaine Mathews, Aaron Scott Jr., and Jaylen McClain. The secondary totaled six pass breakups and four interceptions, demonstrating the team's potential for elite pass defense in the upcoming season. Despite injuries limiting the safety depth, young players like Jayden Bonsu and Jaylen McClain made impactful plays, indicating Ohio State's readiness for the 2024 season.
Analysts project the Green Bay Packers to select offensive linemen, with a focus on tackle prospects, in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft due to contract situations and the need to manage costs. However, the selection of defensive tackle Byron Murphy and defensive backs Kool-Aid McKinstry and Cooper DeJean also garners attention, with McKinstry emerging as a new favorite due to his potential value as a cornerback prospect.
The New England Patriots have secured Kyle Dugger with a transition tag and are eyeing potential free agent additions to bolster their defensive backfield. Potential targets include ballhawk safeties Justin Simmons, Geno Stone, and Xavier McKinney, as well as veteran cornerback Kendall Fuller and reclamation project Jeff Okudah. These additions could enhance the team's coverage ability and provide depth in the secondary, with other notable names on the market including Quandre Diggs, Chidobe Awuzie, Stephon Gilmore, Adoree’ Jackson, and Keion Crossen.
With a significant amount of salary cap space, the Houston Texans are in a position to upgrade their defensive backfield in free agency. Five potential targets include Kendall Fuller, Xavier McKinney, Darious Williams, Quandre Diggs, and Myles Bryant, each offering specific skills and experience that could benefit the team in the upcoming season.
The 2024 NFL Scouting Combine featured impressive performances from defensive backs and tight ends, with standout showings in the 40-yard dash, vertical jump, and broad jump. Clemson cornerback Nate Wiggins and Penn State tight end Theo Johnson were among the top performers, while Miami safety Kamren Kinchens and Texas Tech safety Tyler Owens also made their mark. The combine provided valuable insights into the athleticism and skills of potential draft picks in these positions.
The 2024 NFL Scouting Combine showcased impressive performances from defensive backs and tight ends, with notable injuries affecting prospects like Nate Wiggins and Tyler Owens. Standout cornerback Quinyon Mitchell and Rutgers' Max Melton impressed, while Notre Dame's Cam Hart and others made strong cases for their draft stock. In the tight end group, Brock Bowers remains a top prospect, but Illinois' Tip Reiman and Kansas State's Ben Sinnott also made waves with their performances.
Day 3 of the NFL Combine featured defensive backs at the podium and defensive linemen and linebackers on the field for workouts. Alabama cornerback Terrion Arnold impressed with his football intelligence and met with the Las Vegas Raiders. Iowa's Cooper DeJean clarified his broken fibula injury and plans to work out for NFL teams before the draft. Defensive tackle measurements and workout standouts, including Florida State's Braden Fiske and Texas' Byron Murphy II, showcased athleticism and potential draft impact.
Steve Clinkscale, the defensive backs coach for Michigan, is leaving to join the Chargers and coach the same position under Jim Harbaugh. Clinkscale has an extensive coaching background and has been credited with the success of several players during his time at Michigan. His departure is seen as a significant loss for the Michigan coaching staff, particularly in recruiting.
The Washington Commanders have hired Dan Quinn as their new head coach, a move that is expected to benefit several players on the team. One such player is Quan Martin, a promising rookie who showed improvement in the latter half of the 2023 season. With Quinn's track record of coaching up defensive backs, Martin stands to benefit from his expertise and could further develop under the new leadership.
The National Team won the 2024 Reese's Senior Bowl, with Spencer Rattler impressing as the top performer at quarterback and earning MVP. Defensive backs made standout plays, while Florida State's Braden Fiske led the defensive line with a strong effort. Undersized running backs Emani Bailey and Cody Schrader stood out, and Rice WR Luke McCaffrey made an impact on offense and special teams.
Philadelphia Eagles safety Kevin Byard proposed that the defensive backs take on the task of creating the scouting report for their upcoming game against the Seattle Seahawks. The Eagles' defense has struggled, and Byard believed that the players needed to assume more accountability. The defensive backs split up the scouting assignments and presented their findings to the coaching staff. They hope that this player-led approach will improve their preparation and performance on the field.
Clemson will be without cornerback Jeadyn Lukus and safety Jalyn Phillips for their upcoming game against UNC. Lukus has missed three of the last four games, while Phillips has been out for the past two games. Both players were listed as backups on the depth chart. Clemson is favored to win by 7.5 points.
The Green Bay Packers have claimed cornerback Kyu Kelly off waivers and released safety Innis Gaines. Kelly, the son of former NFL cornerback Brian Kelly, was originally drafted by the Baltimore Ravens but was let go at the cutdown deadline. He then played five games for the Seattle Seahawks this season. The addition of Kelly raises questions about the health of starting cornerback Jaire Alexander, who missed the last game with a shoulder injury, and the depth of the Packers' cornerback position.