All articles tagged with #defensive backs
The Detroit Lions are actively scouting alternative defensive back options after failing to acquire Joey Porter Jr., who was traded to the Dallas Cowboys. With the NFL trade deadline approaching in November, Detroit is evaluating nine specific players, including cornerbacks Greg Newsome II and Mike Hughes, and safeties Amani Hooker and Jesse Bates II, to address secondary depth issues exacerbated by Brian Branch's injury.
The Philadelphia Eagles have signed former Pro Bowl cornerback Kenny Moore to their practice squad. The 31-year-old veteran, who spent his entire nine-year career with the Indianapolis Colts, joins to provide depth in the secondary following struggles by starting safeties Marcus Epps and Drew Mukuba in the recent win against the Tennessee Titans. Moore, who has 21 career interceptions, is expected to compete for roles at safety and nickelback, potentially reshuffling the defensive back group to accommodate versatile player Cooper DeJean.
Vikings Day 3 minicamp at the IPF featured helmet-off drills that highlighted a budding QB battle between Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy, standout plays from Da’Veawn Armstead and UDFA Zemaiah Vaughn, and a defense that looked sharp under Brian Flores. Five players were out (Caleb Banks, Blake Cashman, Terrill Davis, Tristan Leigh, Marcus Sanders Jr.), but the offense showed progress with Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison flashing, Murray delivering a mobile pitch to Tai Felton, and McCarthy connecting with Addison. Will Reichard was reliable on field goals, O’Connell praised the QB group and said the team is entering the summer competition phase, and Vikings staff announced Walsh Diversity Fellows while honoring Rosemount High School’s state champion girls flag football team.
Day 2 of Ravens minicamp showcased the defense, especially the defensive backs, racking up multiple pass breakups in seven-on-seven red-zone work led by Malaki Starks, K’Von Wallace, and undrafted rookie Lardarius Webb Jr. The offense flashed at times with Lamar Jackson and Skylar Thompson delivering throws, kicker Tyler Loop going 3-for-3 on field goals, and a kick-return drill highlighting Rasheen Ali and LaJohntay Wester as potential returners. Head Coach Jesse Minter said the focus was keeping everyone healthy through minicamp, with full go expected at training camp.
Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis highlighted standout showings from defensive backs and tight ends as several prospects posted elite athletic marks. Stock-ups included Daylen Everette (4.38 40, 37.5-inch vertical), John Michael Gyllenborg (4.60 40), Chris Johnson (4.40 40), Toriano Pride Jr. (4.32 40), Kenyon Sadiq (4.39 40), Lorenzo Styles Jr. (4.27 40) and Dillon Thieneman (4.35 40). Three players undercut the buzz a bit and will need solid pro days to lift their stock: Davison Igbinosun, Max Klare and Emmanuel McNeil-Warren. The event underscored how fast and explosive drills at Lucas Oil Stadium can reshape a prospect’s draft outlook, especially for DBs and TEs.
Detroit’s 2026 NFL Combine coverage highlights five defensive backs with high character and versatility: Clemson corner Avieon Terrell, Arizona State’s Keith Abney, Texas safety Michael Taaffe, Purdue-to-Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman, and Arizona’s Treydan Stukes. The piece notes their size, traits (tackling, press-man or man coverage ability, versatility), and strong combine vibes, with projections ranging from Day 1 to Day 3 and a focus on how leadership and off-field character could shape Detroit’s back end beyond 2026.
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.