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Football:
I subscribed to the DMN mostly so that I could read Grant on TCU. You should, too.
Reagor’s a classic speed merchant who was the primary option for TCU in the passing for the past two years. His production was severely hampered last season by issues with quarterback play, but there’s no doubt he has the physical tools to succeed.
He’s had a couple of spotty drop issues, but with better passing coming his way, expect him to make an impact on an NFL roster sooner rather than later. Reagor is also very dangerous returning punts.
Lance Zierlein, NFL.com: Round 1, No. 30 overall to Green Bay
Charlie Campbell, WalterFootball.com: Round 2, No. 46 overall to Denver
Chris Trapasso, CBS Sports: Round 1, No. 22 overall to Minnesota (trade)
Will Brinson, CBS Sports: Round 1, No. 25 overall to Minnesota
Tom Fornelli, CBS Sports: Round 1, No. 30 overall to Green Bay
ESPN Best Available: No. 45 overall
TCU’s Ross Blacklock combines ‘physicality’ with intriguing rush potential | Wausau Daily Herald
I don’t understand why more people aren’t high on Ross. He’s going to make some DC very happy.
Pro Football Focus analysis: Blacklock has just two full seasons of playing experience at TCU due to missing all of 2018 with an injury. He was relatively average in 2017, posting a 68.9 overall grade, but really improved coming back from injury in 2019. Blacklock’s 81.5 overall grade ranked among the 30 best in the FBS and is 89.5 run-defense grade ranked seventh. As a pass rusher, Blacklock was above average for his position, but still has a ways to go. TCU ran a defensive scheme with an emphasis on using stunts, and that’s where a lot of Blacklock’s production came from. His win rate was over 3% higher on stunts, and his pressure rate was under 10% when they didn’t execute a stunt. It’s a tough evaluation as a result of, but the potential is there.
2020 NFL mock draft: Jeff Gladney fits the Vikings’ major cornerback need | SB Nation
Gladney continues to rise in the mocks.
Though Gladney possesses the athleticism to play in any type of defensive scheme, Zimmer would particularly like his ability in man coverage, which is the Vikings’ preference. His outstanding footwork and quickness will allow him to keep up with receivers at the NFL level. He has experience playing both on the outside and in the slot at TCU as well, and that sort of versatility would be attractive. He would have plenty of opportunities to contribute early to the Vikings’ secondary, and even though he isn’t the biggest corner out there, he has all of the skills to be a good NFL corner very early in his career.
Analysis: Cornerback shouldn’t be a problem for the Vikings, but it is. The team took Mike Hughes in the first round in 2018, Mackensie Alexander in the second in 2016, and Trae Waynes in the first in 2015. Alexander and Waynes are now both gone to Cincinnati, and Hughes’ play has been uneven.
Daphne QB Trent Battle parlays work ethic, ability, intelligence into TCU commitment | AL.com
This is a smart kid who is going to be equally as strong in the classroom as he is on the field. You have to love that.
Battle plans to major in business at TCU, which shouldn’t be a problem for a student who has a 4.1 grade-point average in high school. That intelligence is what got him that initial shot to trade in his No. 58 jersey and take a shot at quarterback.
“Both of my parents are smart – my mom is principal at Daphne Elementary School and my dad is a chemical engineer – and they have always stressed academics with me,” Battle said.
His father, Allen, also passed along some athletic ability. He played baseball at South Alabama then in the Major Leagues with the Cardinals and A’s.