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Run this way! No, that way! No, this way! Ever wanted to know how the Shuttle Run works? NFL Now lets you know all about it!
Kirkpatrick likely to sign big new NFL contract
Pro Football Focus judged the Cincinnati Bengals' Dre Kirkpatrick as the NFL's best cornerback at defending the go route during the 2016 season. A go route is just as it sounds: The wide receiver sprints down the field as the target of a deep pass. PFF said Kirkpatrick, the former Gadsden City High and Alabama star, covered a receiver targeted on a go route nine times without giving up a completion in 2016. He also intercepted two of the passes.
How The Cincinnati Bengals Can Go 'All In' For 2017
This year’s draft is one of the deepest in recent memory on the defensive side of the ball. The Bengals would be well served to trade up and gather as many first/ second round picks as possible. Consider the Cleveland Cavaliers (two different sports, I know). But the Cavs knew what they had to do for their fanbase–win a championship. They went out and shopped everything in order to build Lebron’s team to his liking. The early results are promising. Sure, they don’t have hardly any future assets in terms of draft picks, but they have a ring and multiple Finals appearances.
AFC North Bytes
Comparing Artie Burns to other first round cornerbacks in the 2016 draft class
The Pittsburgh Steelers selected cornerback Artie Burns, from the University of Miami, with the 25th overall selection in the 2016 NFL Draft. At the time Pittsburgh was on the clock, four other cornerbacks were already taken off draft boards and only two athletes remained that were legitimate players the Steelers could draft – Clemson’s Mackensie Alexander and Miami’s Artie Burns.
Robert Griffin III Restrained In Altercation At FSU Track
Robert Griffin III was physically restrained during a heated confrontation at an off-season training session in Tallahassee ... and TMZ Sports has the video. Witnesses tell us RG3 was sprinting Monday night at the track stadium at Florida State University (his girlfriend, Grete Sadeiko, is on the Track & Field team) when he accidentally bumped into another runner.
Raven first round pick: Pass Rusher or CB?
For the Ravens, the secondary and the pass rush have been identified by most as the positions in most need of new blood. Luck shines on the Ravens in this case, as in a year where the Ravens need immediate help, both cornerbacks and pass rushers have stacked classes for the 2017 NFL Draft. Three of the five executives polled by Daniel Jeremiah called this the cornerback class, in particular the deepest in the draft.
Random Bytes
Jaguars grew tired of “non-existent” blocking from Julius Thomas
Julius Thomas is on the way out in Jacksonville, just two years into a five-year contract. A big part of the reason for that is he never became the receiving threat for the Jaguars that he had been for the Broncos.
Nick Mangold Released by New York Jets
Following an 11-year run with the New York Jets, center Nick Mangold was released by Gang Green. The 33-year-old announced Saturday the two sides will soon be parting ways: Jets owner Woody Johnson spoke about the decision in the team's announcement
Oklahoma QB Baker Mayfield charged with intoxication, fleeing
Oklahoma Sooners quarterback and Heisman finalist Baker Mayfield was arrested in Fayetteville, Ark. early Saturday morning on four charges. Mayfield was charged with public intoxication, fleeing, disorderly conduct, and resisting arrest. He was released from Washington County Jail at 11:23 a.m. CT.
Earl Mitchell signs with Niners on 4-year, $16M deal
Mitchell has agreed to terms with the San Francisco 49ers on a four-year deal, the team announced Saturday. NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reported Friday that Mitchell's contract is worth $16 million, according to a source informed of the situation. Mitchell, who was due $4 million from the Miami Dolphins, will receive $5.5 million in 2017, Garafolo adds.