Happy Friday, everyone. Softball hosts a NCAA regional this weekend, a preview of which will post in a couple of hours. Baseball dropped the first of a three game set against Mississippi State that is absolutely critical for their NCAA tournament hopes. As it stands now, the Tide is squarely on the bubble.
In NFL news, the Atlanta Falcons find themselves in salary cap hell to the point that they can’t even afford to sign their draft picks at this point. Trading 32-year-old but still highly productive Julio Jones, the greatest player in franchise history, would clear some $15M and it seems likely to happen. CBS has a preview of the landing spots for him, but one is quite compelling.
No team has overhauled its pass-catching corps this offseason more than the Patriots, who added Nelson Agholor, Kendrick Bourne, Jonnu Smith, and Hunter Henry in free agency. Still, this is only an average-ish unit. Bill Belichick has done plenty of trades with the Falcons before, including recently for Mohamed Sanu — though that one didn’t work out so well. Jones is the type of receiver the Pats haven’t had since at least the Randy Moss days, and he even brings a level of physicality to the position that Moss never did. Adding Jones would go a long way toward making life easier for Mac Jones as he transitions to the NFL.
#Patriots QB Mac Jones is having an “amazing” Rookie Mini Camp, per source
— Justin Ramos (@patriotsnews247) May 16, 2021
Coaches & teammates have been “blown away” at his leadership, knowledge, accuracy, film study, and decision making”
What a story that would be. One Jones, whose recruitment is cited by many as the start of the Saban dynasty, catching passes from another Jones who personifies the evolution of it. One can only imagine what Julio might have done in today’s wide open Alabama attack. Stay tuned.
247sports has a preview of some important juniors for this season.
BYRON YOUNG, DL
It was difficult to decide which defensive linemen to include here and which to leave out. Justin Eboigbe will be a big part of the defense this upcoming season, but Young got the nod despite starting fewer games in 2020. A big reason for that is Young’s production — he finished second among D-linemen in tackles for loss at 6.5, trailing only Christian Barmore (9.5). Young, Dale and Eboigbe are just a few of the rotational pieces along the Tide defensive line.
There are several breakout candidates along that defensive front. Hopefully we get to see the full potential this season.
JD Davison seems to have the right stuff in terms of work ethic.
JD Davison has been taking The Art of Shooting very seriously.. when you have a 40+inch vert its very important to have the right shooting mechanics. Over the course of multiple workouts, I was able to make major changes that will change his life forever. More work to be done! pic.twitter.com/IZ7Dfdr1ty
— Lethal Shooter (@LethalShooter__) May 18, 2021
Can’t wait to see that dude in Crimson.
Last, in case you missed it, SEC Shorts knocked it out of the park again with “The Auburn fan experience.” Enjoy.
Why someone would do that to themselves I will never understand.
That’s about it for today. Have a great weekend.
Roll Tide.