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No Michigan State football players were selected in the NFL Draft this past weekend, ending an impressive 80-year run. The sharp drop-off in recruiting toward the end of the 2010s has been noticeable on the field the last two seasons and became even more visible during recent drafts.
Cornerback Shakur Brown appeared to have the best chance to hear his name called, while defensive tackle Naquan Jones and linebacker Antjuan Simmons were seen as long shots. Brown quickly signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers following the draft, while Jones landed with the Tennessee Titans. Simmons is still awaiting his NFL fate as of press time, but all three look to prove themselves in 2021 after going undrafted.
Column: An ode to old friends and future Spartans Paolo Giannandrea
Everyone envisions their ideal college experience. Most don’t pan out that way.
I, at times, sacrificed social endeavors in pursuit of the one dream I sought after most in life to this point, one that was about to come to fruition until coronavirus hit, and my plans to follow and cover the Big Ten tournament and eventually the NCAAs were shut down in an instant.
I know I’ve exhausted this instance, but I just can’t seem to let it go. I obviously needed to learn something.
Saints draft options at #28: Tulsa LB Zaven Collins Tulsa linebacker Zaven Collins is a three-down linebacker that could fit the Saints defense. (Source: Tulsa Athletics) By Sean Fazende | April 5, 2021 at 5:30 PM CDT - Updated April 5 at 5:30 PM
NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) - Sitting at #28 in the first round, this week we’ll preview the possibilities the Saints could have if they stay at that spot.
Zaven Collins LB, Tulsa
Collins has great size at 6′4 and 260 pounds. At his pro day he clocked a 4.67 forty yard dash showing that he carries that size well. On the field, Collins is a true three-down linebacker who is disruptive in the run game and can rush the passer. He also has great range in coverage with four interceptions last season.
What are the Saints biggest roster holes after their salary-cap purge? espn.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from espn.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers won Super Bowl LV, which was the ultimate prize of the 2020 NFL season, but the New Orleans Saints actually won the NFC South for the fourth season in a row. The path to a title defense in 2021 would be significantly less daunting if the Buccaneers could break the Saints stranglehold on the division crown. Meanwhile, the Atlanta Falcons with a new coaching staff and a potent offense and the Carolina Panthers with a core of young standouts will be trying to do the same.
As such, in advance of free agency, we re reviewing the four teams in the NFC South in terms of where they stand at six different areas on the depth chart. Which teams have the deepest position groups and got the best results in 2020? Which face potential free agency losses? Which might be targeting a certain spot in the 2021 NFL Draft?