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It's been 10 years since Stefon Diggs was a fifth-round draft pick out of Maryland, and there soon could be another fellow Terp joining him in the NFL.
Maryland wide receiver Tai Felton, a projected mid-round selection, certainly seems like a worthwhile target for the Buffalo Bills later this month, and, apparently he's on the team's radar.
The Draft Network reported that Felton worked out for the Bills recently while also participating in virtual interviews with Kansas City Chiefs, Denver Broncos, Washington Commanders, Arizona Cardinals, Tennessee Titans and New York Giants.
While some draft analysts tab Felton as a slot receiver in the NFL, he's over 6-feet tall and shouldn't be pigeonholed into strictly playing inside. Felton has the athleticism and résumé that usually translates well to the next level.
Acing NFL Combine testing, Felton was one of 10 WR prospects to run a sub-4.4 time in the 40-yard dash. In addition to clocking in at 4.37, he was Top 5 in both vertical jump and broad jump.
The four-year contributor coming off a highly-productive two-season sample. Felton led the Terps in touchdown receptions each of the past two years. In 2024, he caught 96 passes for 1,124 yards and nine touchdowns over 12 starts.
The Bills have scheduled "30" visits with multiple WRs such as Auburn's KeAndre Lambert-Smith, Texas prospect Isaiah Bond, Georgia's Arian Smith and Arkansas riser Isaac TeSlaa.
More must-reads:
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Ohio State Buckeyes are dealing with a major SEC program trying to take a key recruit right out of Columbus
Penn State Football 2027 Linebacker Target Details NIL Approach in Wide Open Recruitment
Promising MSU Freshman is Ahead of the Curve
Michigan State has a rather underrated, yet promising freshman class, with several already having impressed through spring and fall camp. One of those is former four-star prospect Derrick Simmons, an interior defensive lineman who could see some impactful snaps this season. Michigan State coach Jonathan Smith was high on Simmons on the very first day of fall camp, saying "he fit right in." Smith spoke on Simmons again on Monday, detailing what it is about the freshman defensive lineman that impresses him. "He (Simmons) physically has the tools, and he's close to playing what you need to play in this Big Ten at the line of scrimmage," Smith said. "Smart, and he plays with great effort. I mean, he's actually a little bit more elusive for his size, (for) interior D-linemen. Elusive, he has a little bit of a pass rush game." "I think Derrick Simmons is not your normal freshman." - Michigan State defensive line coach Legi Suiaunoa Smith's claim was validated by Simmons' position coach, Legi Suiaunoa, who recognizes that the freshman already belongs. "I think Derrick Simmons is not your normal freshman," Suiaunoa said. "Does that mean that he's better than the guys we have in our system now? No, that just means that he's a freshman that's come here, he's got a college-ready body. Physically, he's able to do the things that we can get done, which is different than most freshmen. So, yeah, he's different in that way. "So, him, I think his approach to things, he's big, he's strong, he's smart. I think he's really hungry, (which) is giving him a chance. We got to develop him fundamentally in terms of just how to strike things and certain reactions. Things are a little bit faster here, and guys are a little bit bigger here at this level here. But as a freshman coming in and some of the tools he already possesses, I mean, that's giving him a step ahead than most freshmen that come in that way." When you have a freshman who is showing he is beyond most first-years, it reaffirms the fact that you struck gold on the recruiting trail by bringing in a piece that can immediately make an impact for you right out of high school. The Spartans could have something special with Derrick Simmons. Don't miss any of our content when you follow the official Spartan Nation page on Facebook, Spartan Nation, WHEN YOU CLICK RIGHT HERE, and be sure to share your thoughts on Simmons when you join our community group, Go Green Go White, WHEN YOU CLICK RIGHT HERE. Don't forget to give us a follow on X @MSUSpartansOnSI as well.
Milwaukee Brewers motto: 'The power of friendship' goes viral after 12th straight win
Patriots have big Drake Maye concern surface at Vikings' joint practice
Defense ruled the day during the joint practice between the New England Patriots and Minnesota Vikings. Per Chad Graff of The Athletic, the Patriots defense did a masterful job of disrupting Vikings second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy at Wednesday's practice. However, New England's offensive line was unable to allow Drake Maye to have enough time to finish plays. "Even with four new expected starters up front following last year’s debacle, Wednesday suggested that there will likely be some bumps ahead for this offensive line," Graff wrote. "Sure, going up against the Vikings was always going to be a difficult task. Greenard has been wrecking his own team’s practices in training camp, and everyone in New England knows how good Flores’ scheme can be. But the domination was so thorough by the Vikings’ front seven that three straight plays at one point would’ve resulted in a sack." Maye showed flashes of promise when he had time to throw downfield or was able to use his legs to buy time or scramble when pressure came. The concern is that the offensive line won't allow Maye enough time to even scramble, so he can make throws. Graff has noticed the same issues that happened on Wednesday have been a constant at training camp against the Patriots defense. With a new-look offensive line that includes first-round pick Will Campbell at left tackle, the Patriots are expected to have some bumps at training camp and in September. New England's offense probably won't look great out of the gate while the offensive line develops in offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels' scheme. If and when the offensive line improves, Maye will have a chance to show off the arm that made him the No. 3 pick in 2024. For now, the offensive line is a concern much like it was last season.
Commanders have major hang-up preventing them from paying Terry McLaurin what he's due
It’s been two weeks since Washington Commanders star wide receiver Terry McLaurin publicly revealed his trade request, and a resolution doesn’t appear to be in sight. Thanks to ESPN’s John Keim, we’re starting to get more insight into how the Commanders are approaching negotiations…and how they run counter to their star wide receiver’s financial desires. As we’ve assumed all along, the Commanders are wary of giving McLaurin a lucrative contract that would extend well into the player’s 30s. As Keim notes, the Commanders “rely heavily on analytics,” and those numbers aren’t particularly kind to receivers on the wrong side of 30. They may be onto something. Per ESPN Research, over the past five years, only three receivers 31 years or older have played at least 10 games and averaged 70-plus receiving yards per game (that number jumps to six players if you adjust for 60-plus receiving yards). Further, the team can simply point to the NFL landscape, as other teams are also clearly wary of paying aging wideouts. Among the 24 active wide receivers who are attached to the most guaranteed money, only Tyreek Hill was older than 30 when the deal was signed. McLaurin has continually pointed to his lack of mileage despite his age; he barely played during his first two years at Ohio State, meaning he may not have the same wear and tear as similar players his age. McLaurin is also naturally pointing to the stat sheet, as the receiver has continually produced despite uncertain QB play, uncertain ownership and a handful of different coaching staffs. Per Keim, the Commanders don’t want to pay McLaurin based on his past performance, with the front office preferring to shape any future contracts based on his projections for age-31-plus seasons. The organization also doesn’t want to set a new precedent by paying McLaurin, as it could convince future veterans to push for lucrative deals in their 30s. While McLaurin has taken the drastic measure of requesting a trade out of Washington, the organization is still convinced they have leverage in this showdown. After all, the player is still under contract for the 2025 campaign, meaning McLaurin will have to forfeit game checks if he sits out games. The team could even choose to slap him with the franchise tag next offseason (which could come in north of $30M), meaning they’re in full control of the player’s fate moving forward. The team is also skeptical that another suitor is going to willingly pay McLaurin the type of money he’s seeking. Per Keim, there’s doubts around the league about whether another team would be willing to meet the receiver’s demands. Even if a clear suitor does emerge, Keim makes it clear that Washington’s front office won’t give the star away without receiving a haul. We heard recently that McLaurin wasn’t necessarily seeking a deal that matched fellow 2019 draftee D.K. Metcalf‘s deal with the Steelers. However, Keim says Metcalf’s contract has generally served as a guide for McLaurin, but it’s uncertain whether the Commanders wideout is looking to match the AAV ($33M) or total guarantees ($60M). Ultimately, one source believes the Commanders may agree to pay McLaurin a contract that will pay $28M per year. Of course, it’s uncertain if the player would even accept that offer. If that hypothetical maximum offer doesn’t end in a signing, a divorce may be the logical next step.
Three teams that should take a flier on Odell Beckham Jr. for the 2025 season
Former New York Giants superstar and current free-agent wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. emerged in the headlines on Tuesday afternoon. The 32-year-old took to X (formerly Twitter) to shut down a fake report that he was retiring from the NFL. Beckham spent the 2024 season with the Miami Dolphins in a very limited role, recording just nine receptions for 55 yards in nine games. However, he was a solid contributor as a Baltimore Raven the year prior, showing that he can still provide some production at this point in his career. Given that OBJ has no interest in calling it quits just yet, let’s look at three teams that should take a shot on the three-time Pro Bowler to see how much juice he’s got left in him. New York Giants How about a reunion in the Big Apple? It would only be fitting for Beckham to finish his career in the place where it all started. Superstar wide receiver Malik Nabers runs the show on offense, but after that, there are plenty of question marks. Wide receivers Wan'Dale Robinson and Darius Slayton slot in as solid options behind Nabers, but it would not hurt to add a veteran like Beckham into the mix. He knows what it's like playing in such a big market and could mentor the Giants' young offensive weapons while providing some depth production when called upon. Las Vegas Raiders There may not be a team with more of a need at the wide receiver position than the Las Vegas Raiders. The targets are understandably funneled to superstar tight end Brock Bowers and wide receiver Jakobi Meyers, but they need help beyond those two. Third-year wide receiver Tre Tucker and rookie wideouts Jack Bech and Dont'e Thornton Jr. are next in line. While those three may play big roles right from the start, the Raiders could certainly use another experienced pass-catcher, and Beckham is a nice option to fill that role. Perhaps he even shows himself to be worthy of the WR2 spot. Buffalo Bills The third team that could be in play for Beckham is the Buffalo Bills. With Josh Allen in his prime, they need to continue putting weapons around him whenever possible. Second-year wide receiver Keon Coleman and free-agent signing Joshua Palmer are atop the depth chart in Buffalo, while reliable wideout Khalil Shakir is nicked up with an ankle injury. Longtime Carolina Panthers receiver Curtis Samuel also remains in the mix but is dealing with a hamstring ailment and has had injury woes in the past. Outside of Shakir, it's hard to know what you're going to get from the rest of the position group. Beckham will likely want to join a contender or somewhere he can play more of a factor than he did with the Dolphins in 2024-25, so keep an eye on the Bills.
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