NFL
3 Preston Smith replacements Packers must target in 2025 NFL Draft
3 Preston Smith replacements Packers must target in 2025 NFL Draft
The 2025 NFL Draft could bring Preston Smith’s replacement.
Truly nobody has been off-limits from the Green Bay Packers’ purge of older players in recent years. From franchise legends Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams to David Bakhtiari, nobody has been immune to the “Grim Reaper” that GM Brian Gutekunst has been for players beyond the age of 30. And that’s the business of the NFL.
The Packers want to draft and develop young players, and they’ve certainly done a good job of that in recent years (with exceptions, of course), and that’s going to have to continue in 2025 as the Packers now have a bit of a hole off the edge where Preston Smith used to be.
Smith was traded just before the 2024 NFL trade deadline to the Pittsburgh Steelers, and the Packers basically just gave him away. This was a move to get Kingsley Enagbare and Lukas Van Ness even more snaps as well as set the table for the future financially.
What edge players could the Packers look at early in the 2025 NFL Draft to replace Smith?
Edge-rushers Packers could target in 2025 NFL Draft to replace Preston Smith
1. Mykel Williams, Georgia
There are a couple of things we know Packers GM Brian Gutekunst really values more than others, and they are athleticism and versatility. The Packers have an athletic threshold they will very rarely compromise, and luckily for them, Mykel Williams should test exceptionally well when it comes to the NFL Scouting Combine and/or his Pro Day.
What else does Gutekunst love? Georgia Bulldogs. He spent premium picks on Eric Stokes, Quay Walker, Devonte Wyatt, and Javon Bullard.
Williams is a versatile threat on the defensive front who can disrupt from a number of different alignments, and he’s proven as much over the course of his time at Georgia. Although his numbers aren’t going to jump off the page, there are a lot of NFL folks who really like Williams’s projection to the next level.
He’s been working his way back from an ankle injury this season and has started to heat up as of late.
2. Nic Scourton, Texas A&M
Physically and stylistically, Nic Scourton is a pretty similar prospect to Preston Smith when Smith was coming out of Mississippi State back in the day. He’s bigger for an edge guy, but he’s got a variety of pass-rush moves and good length off the edge.
Scourton was a highly productive player at Purdue before transferring to Texas A&M this year, where he has proven himself to be one of the best transfer players in the entire country. There are some who believe Scourton is the best edge player in this draft right now, and for good reason. He lives behind the line of scrimmage.
The only thing we don’t quite know right now is whether Scourton is going to test overwhelmingly well athletically, which makes him an interesting potential option for the Packers. Would they overlook workout numbers in his case?
3. James Pearce Jr., Tennessee
James Pearce Jr. has gone from a guy who was projected to go first overall by some outlets in the offseason to being considered a middle-of-the-pack first-round player. There are a lot of rumors out there right now that there aren’t going to be as many true first-round talents in this draft class, but Pearce is undoubtedly one of them.
The Packers might have to move up to get him.
Pearce has been putting heat on opposing quarterbacks all year long and might have been one of the best in the country last year as well. He has been racking up pressures all season, and the sack numbers have finally started to catch up lately.
What’s interesting about Pearce is that he’s a little on the lighter side (listed at 242 pounds), but he is strong with his power moves and has tremendous bend and change of direction. He could be one of the best “gets” for any team looking for pass rush help in the 2025 NFL Draft.
NFL
BREAKING NEWS: Former saint HC, Sean Payton now with Denver Broncos sends message to Gayle Benson, concerning…
BREAKING NEWS: Former saint HC, Sean Payton now with Denver Broncos sends message to Gayle Benson, concerning…
In an unexpected turn of events, former New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton is officially stepping into a new chapter of his coaching career with the Denver Broncos. After a brief hiatus following his departure from the Saints in 2021, Payton has now agreed to terms to become the Broncos’ new head coach, signaling a bold shift in the NFL landscape.
But the news comes with a twist. Payton reportedly left a personal message for New Orleans Saints owner Gayle Benson, which has caught the attention of many in the NFL community. The message, though private, is believed to offer closure to his departure from the team he led for 15 seasons, during which he brought the Saints their first-ever Super Bowl championship.
Sean Payton’s Career Milestones
Payton’s tenure with the Saints was legendary. Taking the reins in 2006, he quickly turned the franchise into a perennial contender, leading them to eight playoff appearances and a Super Bowl victory in 2009. His high-powered offense, innovative play-calling, and leadership style earned him widespread respect across the league. Under Payton, the Saints became one of the NFL’s most consistent and competitive teams.
However, after the 2021 season, Payton announced he was stepping away from coaching, citing the need for a break. His time off, which included media appearances and analysis roles, sparked rumors about his potential return to the sidelines.
The Denver Broncos’ New Era
Fast forward to 2024, and Payton is returning to the coaching ranks, but this time in Denver. The Broncos, a team rich in history but struggling in recent years, are hoping that Payton will bring stability and success back to the Mile High City. The Broncos have not had a winning season since 2016 and have cycled through several head coaches in an attempt to find the right fit. Payton’s arrival could be the spark the franchise needs to revive its fortunes.
The Broncos have made significant investments in their roster, particularly with quarterback Russell Wilson, and they hope that Payton’s offensive expertise and leadership will help turn their fortunes around.
The Message to Gayle Benson
While Payton’s move to the Broncos has been the major story, a secondary narrative has also emerged that has fans and media buzzing. According to sources close to the situation, Payton left a heartfelt message for Gayle Benson, the owner of the New Orleans Saints, before his departure. The exact content of the message remains undisclosed, but reports suggest that it was a gesture of appreciation and a final word of thanks to Benson and the Saints organization.
Payton had an emotional and professional relationship with the Benson family, especially with Gayle Benson, who took over the ownership of the Saints after the passing of her late husband, Tom Benson. Under their stewardship, Payton was given full control over the team’s football operations, allowing him to build the team into a perennial powerhouse. Payton has repeatedly spoken highly of the Bensons, often crediting them for providing him with the stability and resources to succeed.
While many expected Payton to take a break from coaching for an extended period, his eventual return to the NFL was almost certainly going to involve a carefully planned exit from New Orleans. The message to Gayle Benson is seen by many as a symbolic moment, a chance for Payton to express his gratitude for the opportunity he had with the Saints before moving on to his next challenge.
What’s Next for the New Orleans Saints?
With Payton now gone, the Saints are left to chart a new course. The team’s future remains uncertain as they search for a new head coach to continue the work Payton began. Many believe the Saints are in a transitional phase, with a quarterback situation that remains up in the air and the need for rejuvenation in several key areas.
Although Payton’s departure marks the end of an era in New Orleans, the team still has plenty of talent on the roster, and the right coaching hire could keep the Saints competitive in the NFC South. Still, the shadow of Payton’s legacy will loom large over the franchise as they move forward.
Looking Ahead: Payton’s Legacy and the Broncos’ Hopes
As for Payton, his arrival in Denver marks a fresh start for a coach who has nothing left to prove. Known for his offensive genius and ability to adapt to different quarterbacks, Payton is expected to bring an exciting brand of football to the Broncos. The success of Russell Wilson, who struggled in 2023 under the leadership of former head coach Nathaniel Hackett, will likely be a major focus for Payton as he works to unlock the potential of the veteran QB.
Payton’s impact on Denver could be immediate, but expectations will also be high. Broncos fans are eager to see if he can return the team to the championship contender status it enjoyed in the 2010s, especially with the AFC West proving to be a tough division with powerhouses like the Kansas City Chiefs.
In the coming days and weeks, expect more details about Payton’s tenure in Denver, as well as the response from the Saints organization. The message to Gayle Benson may have been a small gesture, but it’s a reminder of the bonds that exist behind the headlines and business decisions that dominate the NFL. Whether you’re a Saints fan or a Broncos supporter, one thing is clear: Sean Payton’s next chapter is sure to be one of the most closely watched in the NFL.
NFL
BREAKING: Gayle Benson confirms Alvin Kamara and Tyreek Hill will not leave the New Orleans Saints on loan in the upcoming transfer window…
BREAKING: Gayle Benson confirms Alvin Kamara and Tyreek Hill will not leave the New Orleans Saints on loan in the upcoming transfer window…
In a significant development, New Orleans Saints owner Gayle Benson has confirmed that star players Alvin Kamara and Tyreek Hill will not be leaving the team on loan during the upcoming transfer window. This announcement puts to rest growing speculation that both players could be on the move, with multiple reports suggesting interest from other NFL teams keen on securing their services.
Alvin Kamara, the Saints’ dynamic running back, has been a cornerstone of the team’s offense for years, known for his explosive playmaking ability and versatility. Despite some challenging seasons, Kamara remains one of the most effective and influential players on the roster. The rumors surrounding his departure were fueled by the team’s rebuilding phase, as many expected the Saints to make changes for future success. However, Benson’s statement reaffirms Kamara’s importance to the team and suggests he will continue to play a key role in the Saints’ plans moving forward.
Similarly, Tyreek Hill, the veteran wide receiver who joined the Saints after a high-profile trade, has become an integral part of the offense with his game-changing speed and deep-threat capabilities. Despite his massive value, rumors of a potential loan transfer to another franchise in the coming months had many fans concerned about the Saints’ ability to retain top talent. However, Benson has now laid those fears to rest, confirming that Hill will remain with the team, helping to solidify the offense as they aim for success in the upcoming season.
This decision marks a pivotal moment for the Saints, who appear committed to keeping their star players as they build a competitive roster. Both Kamara and Hill’s presence will be crucial for the Saints as they strive for playoff contention in the competitive NFC South.
NFL
“Despite my efforts, no one ever notices me,” said Rico Payton, a cornerback for the New Orleans team, as he announce that………
“Despite my efforts, no one ever notices me,” said Rico Payton, a cornerback for the New Orleans team, as he announce that………
“Despite my efforts, no one ever notices me,” said Rico Payton, a cornerback for the New Orleans team, in a statement as he is set to enter a critical phase of his career. Payton, who has spent years proving himself on the field, expressed frustration with the lack of recognition for his hard work and dedication to the game.
As a cornerback, Payton’s job is often one of the most underappreciated in football. He spends countless hours studying his opponents, refining his technique, and preparing for every game, yet his name rarely makes headlines. While quarterbacks, running backs, and wide receivers often steal the spotlight, cornerbacks like Payton are tasked with one of the toughest jobs on the field: shutting down elite wide receivers and making crucial plays in the secondary.
This season, Payton has been an essential part of the New Orleans defense. His ability to read the game, react quickly, and anticipate the moves of opposing players has been instrumental in keeping the team competitive. Despite this, his contributions have often gone unnoticed by fans and media alike, overshadowed by flashier players and higher-profile positions.
“I just want to be recognized for my work,” Payton continued. “It’s not about fame or accolades, but the pride that comes with knowing I helped my team succeed. I’m just as dedicated as anyone else, and I believe I deserve the same respect.”
As he prepares for the upcoming games, Payton remains focused on his craft. His commitment to the game is unwavering, and while he may not always receive the attention he deserves, his impact on the field speaks for itself. For Payton, it’s not about the recognition—it’s about proving, time and time again, that he belongs at the top of his game.
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