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Nothing was off limits during last night’s roast of Tom Brady, “not to be confused with the roast of Bill Belichick in the 10-episode Apple TV series,” as the coach himself said.
In today’s newsletter, we cover the best roasting lines, as well as:
- 📹 Rookie Minicamp learning
- 🌴Odell heading to Miami
- 👀Four UDFA to watch
Best lines from Tom Brady’s Roast
Last night, comedians and former teammates joked about Tom Brady, live and uncensored on Netflix. We’ve heard many comments about Brady’s appearance, his ex-wife Gisele, his family life, his diet and his cheating scandals. The most delicate subject? Robert Kraft’s massages.
If you missed it, Chad Graff summed it up well. I also recommend watching it on Netflix.
The best lines?
- “You are an example for future generations: if you work hard, eat well, film other teams’ practices, deflate footballs and ask the NFL to make new rules just for you, then you too can be the third most famous guy in a Dunkin Donuts commercial,” said comedian Jeff Ross.
- “When you’re lucky enough to go 8-9, and all it’s going to cost you is your wife and your kids, you’ve got to do what you’ve got to do,” Kevin Hart said, referring to the latest Brady season after the ultimatum Gisele allegedly got. given to him, to retire or separate.
- “Drew Bled…so Tom can run,” said comedian Nikki Glaser, who received a well-deserved ovation at the end of her set. Nikki, we didn’t know your game.
- “I’m trying to buy a share of the Raiders, I’m tired of only owning the Colts and the Bills,” Brady said during his closing.
- He also said: “The NFL spent $20 million and found that it was more likely than not that I was generally aware that someone may have deflated my footballs. You could have just given me the $20 million, and I would have told you I did it. (At the timehe had publicly stated: “I have not modified the bullets in any way. “)
Attendees also included Pats figures Randy Moss, Rob Gronkowski, Julian Edelman and Robert Kraft, as well as Peyton Manning, Kim Kardashian and Ben Affleck. If you skip Affleck, it’s all hilarious.
Recruit minicamp: early learning
The first or second weekend following the draft, each team hosts a rookie minicamp with drafted rookies, undrafted free agents and tryout players participating in drills, practices and meeting with local media.
The number of participants is often surprisingly high (74 players were present for the Chiefs). For some, it’s an opportunity to be part of the team. For Travis Kelce, it’s a period of “chaos.”
The Packers, Ravens, Chiefs, Jets, Eagles and Seahawks all held their minicamp this weekend. Here’s what we’ve learned so far:
- Chiefs WR Xavier Worthy worked as an outside receiver, slot receiver and punt returner. He also mentioned the similarities between the Chiefs’ system and his college playbook at Texas. He doesn’t think his weight, 169 pounds, will impact his production in the NFL.
- Seahawks DT Byron Murphy II was “as advertised,” according to HC Mike Macdonald, who added that Seattle’s first-round pick “needs[s] to be in better shape. Macdonald’s directness is a similarity between the days of Pete Carroll and the new-look Seahawks.
- Ravens CB Nate Wiggins “performs and plays like a veteran corner,” according to fellow rookie Devontez Walker. Wiggins, a first-round pick, brings 4.28 speed to the Ravens secondary and should slot in as the CB3 behind Marlon Humphrey and Brandon Stephens in a strong corner room.
- Christian Watson missed eight games with multiple hamstring injuries last season, but he expects fewer soft tissue injuries this season. Green Bay next season. The packers reorganized their warm-ups to adapt to different positions (finally!?).
The remaining teams will hold their minicamps next weekend. Next, Dianna shares more about another team camp, plus words from a retired legend.
What Dianna hears: Veterans in Philadelphia, Houston?
Rookie mini-camp is about new players finding ways to play, learning the rhythm of the NFL and experiencing the culture of their new teams.
Fortunately for the Eagles rookies, they have a few more coaches available. WR AJ Brown was on the field watching the receivers’ work, and another recent recipient of a three-year contract extension, OT Jordan Mailata, was in the meeting rooms covering the offensive line protections. Enough to help the rookies accelerate before the start of the OTAs in less than two weeks.
In Houston, JJ Watt told reporters he would be willing to come out of retirement if the Texans needed him this season. If the Texans “absolutely need him,” Watt is willing to return, but considering the type of team GM Nick Caserio and HC DeMeco Ryans have built, they shouldn’t need to bring Watt in, who hasn’t played since. 2022.
Back to you, Jacob.
Back: Odell Beckham Jr. in Miami
On Friday it was confirmed that Odell Beckham Jr. is expected to sign a one-year contract with the Dolphins worth up to $8.25 million. less than what the other teams offered him.
Beckham, 31, began his career with three consecutive Pro Bowl nominations from 2014 to 2016, but hasn’t made one since. Last year, he rejoined the Ravens after a one-year hiatus and posted 565 receiving yards (his highest total since 2019), averaging 40.4 yards per game. He was revered for his presence in the locker room.
In Miami, he is expected to compete for the Dolphins’ No. 3 option behind Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. Although Beckham is no longer the player he once was, he should beat out Braxton Berrios, River Cracraft, Erik Ezukanma and rookies Malik Washington and Tahj Washington.
Undrafted Free Agents: The Next Alvin Kamara?
The UDFA signings are easy to overlook, but based on the long list of notable undrafted players – including QB Kurt Warner, RB Priest Holmes, WR Wes Welker, TE Antonio Gates, OT Jason Peters and K Adam Vinatieri – we shouldn’t. Here are four you should know in this year’s course:
- Broncos running back Blake Watson, one of only two RBs to record 50+ receptions at college football’s highest level in 2023, could win Alvin Kamara’s role in HC Sean Payton’s offense. According to Dane Brugler, Watson is “a slippery threat.” Learn more about Denver’s UDFA class.
- Ravens OT Julian Pearl, a 6-foot-6, 312-pound offensive lineman who was rated the 23rd best tackle in the draft by Dane. Learn more about Baltimore’s UDFA class.
- Raiders CB Ja’Quan Sheppard, who brings elite size at corner (6-2, 205 pounds) a needed position in Vegas, which had brought Sheppard for a top-30 visit before the draft. Learn more about the Raiders’ UDFA class.
- Falcons WR Isaiah Wooden, a 5-7, 176-pounder who recorded a 4.35-second 40-yard dash, is the UDFA most likely to make Atlanta’s roster. Wooden’s burst is elite — his 10-yard dash was 1.38, better than Chris Johnson’s NFL combine record.
If you missed it, Nick Baumgardner and Scott Dochterman shared a UDFA to watch out for on each list.
Around the NFL
Who improved the most after the draft? AthleticismBeat reporters cover all 32 teams in this morning’s article. As for the Lions, “defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn has never had a defense this talented in Detroit. He now has the tools to compete.
WR Chase Claypoolthe former second round pick who is still only 25 years old, signed with invoices Friday. Claypool was assigned the number 14, which belonged to Stefon Diggs.
Old browns R.B. Duke Johnson retired from the NFL after eight seasons, totaling 5,135 yards from scrimmage with four different teams.
RB Nick Chubb “He still has a long way to go, but he is progressing well at this stage,” said Browns general manager Andrew Berry.
Don’t wait RB Najee Harris sign an extension in Pittsburgh, writes Mark Kaboly in his Steelers mailbag. After the Steelers declined Harris’ fifth-year option, he will likely enter free agency in 2025.
Jacob’s choices
📕 For the Pro Football Hall of Fame Steve McMichael, who fights ALS“Pleasure is above all a memory,” as Dan Pompei writes. Dan shares stories of how the former Chicago Bears DT still connects with those closest to him. (Athleticism)
📺 sumo with Micah Parsons and CJ Stroud. Yes, you read that right. (Reddit)
🎙 Play dynasty fantasy football? This simulated podcast is valuable listening, especially for members of TE-premium superflex leagues. JJ McCarthy ranks fourth among rookies, ahead of Drake Maye. (Dynasty Nerds)
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The rebound 🏀 | Liquidation ⚾ | Full time ⚽ | Main tire 🏁 | Until Saturday 🏈
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