After the consensus top two quarterbacks, Jameis Winston and Marcus Mariota, there is no sure thing. As teams prepare for the NFL Draft they will be reviewing the film on prospects like Old Dominion QB Taylor Heinicke. When Old Dominion’s new football stadium is completed, it may become known as the “House that Heinicke Built.” The…
As the New England Patriots adapt to life without cornerback Darrelle Revis, the team landed its first significant addition of the offseason by signing free agent edge rusher Jabaal Sheard. In an attempt to bolster their perimeter pass rush options out of multiple fronts, the Patriots inked the soon-to-be 26-year-old outside linebacker / defensive end to…
With 11:24 remaining in Super Bowl XLIX, a bruised and battered Tom Brady stood in the shotgun once more as the New England Patriots trailed the Seattle Seahawks by 10. Brady had thrown an interception on New England’s first drive of the second half and, by the end of the third quarter, New England had…
The 2015 NFL Draft features two highly lauded quarterbacks, some big-school prospects with question marks, and a few potential diamonds in the rough. Colorado State Pueblo QB Chris Bonner is one of those intriguing candidates and Mark Schofield dissects his potential. Profile Chris Bonner is flying under the radar as higher-profile prospects receive the lion’s…
Iowa OT Brandon Scherff ‒ he of the legendary 480-pound hang clean lift ‒ enters the 2015 NFL Draft as the number one offensive lineman on the board according to most mainstream experts. But while the noted strongman may be a certain first round selection, questions remain on whether Scherff can stick at tackle or if…
The 2015 NFL Draft features a deep crop of wide receiver prospects but finding quality pass defenders is a bit harder. Luckily, Dave Archibald is here to sort out the NFL Combine superstars from the game-proven prospects, like Wake Forest CB Kevin Johnson. Profile Kevin Johnson is the 48-year-old mayor of Sacramento, and a former NBA…
The 2015 NFL Draft is loaded with talented wide receivers: Kevin White burned up the Combine, DeVante Parker shines on film, and Devin Smith won a National Championship. Mark Schofield goes off the beaten path to introduce William & Mary WR Tre McBride. Profile For three seasons Tre McBride has been a crucial presence in William & Mary’s offense. The wide receiver…
The 2015 NFL Draft is loaded with talented wide receivers. Combine superstar Kevin White dazzled with his speed, but is he a better prospect than Louisville WR DeVante Parker? Mark Schofield reviewed the film and goes deep on the prospect profile. Profile DeVante Parker was an offensive force for four years at Louisville. He caught…
Teams scour the NFL Scouting Combine looking for freakish athletic talent capable of keeping opposing passing games “on an island.” Assessing whether a defensive back will develop into a shutdown corner is difficult, but Dave Archibald continues his review of the most intriguing CB prospects in the 2015 NFL Draft. Profile Draftniks such as Mike…
Versatile Mississippi State DL Preston Smith is making a push for day one selection in the 2015 NFL Draft after an impressive Senior Bowl and strong showing at the NFL Scouting Combine. However, while the former Bulldog may have significantly boosted his draft status in recent months, Smith’s classic “tweener” size and lack of a…
With Marcus Mariota and Jameis Winston both slated as early first-round selections in the 2015 NFL Draft, teams choosing later are sifting the potential quarterback options. Mark Schofield offers a comprehensive prospect profile of Baylor QB Bryce Petty. Profile After earning Baylor’s starting quarterback spot in 2013 as a junior, Bryce Petty performed well in…
Chuck Zodda is Inside The Pylon’s special teams expert, breaking down kickoffs, returns, punts, return blocking, coverage and blocked kicks. This time, Chuck takes you outside the film room and onto the practice field for a lesson in basic placekicking technique. Yes, you too can learn how to kick field goals ‒ or, at least, better…
With the NFL Scouting Combine now in the books, teams now have a battery of information after watching the nation’s best draft-eligible college players run the gamut of tests, exercises, and drills. Among hundreds of athletes, Connecticut CB Byron Jones gained wide-eyed notice with a standout performance. Dave Archibald profiles the talented Husky defensive back.…
Tom Brady secured the MVP trophy for Super Bowl XLIX with a masterful passing performance against the Seattle Seahawks, but he was one of many candidates. Julian Edelman caught nine passes for 109 yards and a score before Malcolm Butler turned in one of history’s greatest goal-line plays. And Shane Vereen’s overlooked 11-catch night was…
Entering the 2015 NFL Draft a year earlier than expected, Oregon DL Arik Armstead boasts the ideal build and athleticism for his position. While his production over 39 career games as part of the Ducks defense does not leap off the stat sheet, Armstead’s potential is undeniable — perhaps a ceiling high enough to land him…
Depending on where you look and who you ask, Alabama OG Arie Kouandjio is either a sure-fire second rounder or, at best, an end of Day 3 pick in the 2015 NFL Draft in May. Brian Filipiak analyzes this prospect’s skill sets for guarding the line, protecting the passer, and run blocking. Profile A two-year starter for the Crimson…