SEC Football

Fresh off an outstanding freshman season at Alabama, Ryan Williams has inked a new NIL deal.

The standout receiver, who just turned 18, revealed on his Instagram on Sunday that he's partnering with beauty company Sally Hansen for his nail polish needs this season.

pic.twitter.com/psaL04BUkw

— 1-1-1-1 (@pahrduve) February 10, 2025

According to On3's Pete Nakos, Williams began painting his nails with his younger sister before every game in high school. He's kept the tradition going in college, and it led to an NIL deal.

Nakos also noted that former Duke star and current Philadelphia 76ers rookie Jared McCain had an NIL deal with Sally Hansen last year. McCain, like Williams, made painted nails his signature look.

Williams had a tremendous freshman season for the Crimson Tide, recording 48 receptions for 865 yards and eight touchdowns. He added a pair of touchdowns on the ground as well. Williams turned heads in Alabama's win over Georgia in September when he had six receptions for 177 yards, including a 75-yard touchdown that helped seal the win in the fourth quarter.

Williams was rated as the No. 3 receiver and No. 4 player in the nation in the Class of 2024, per 247Sports' composite list, leading to lofty expectations. It's safe to say he met those expectations in Year 1, and he's now looking to have an even better sophomore season.

HEIGHT: 6'4"

WEIGHT: 250

HAND: 10"

ARM: 32⅞"

WINGSPAN: 78¾"

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POSITIVES

— Chain-moving receiving option, converted 68 percent of his receptions for 1st downs.

— Fluid and smooth-moving route runner and separator.

— Outstandingly reliable hands, only one drop in 2024.

— Grass-finder against zone coverage; exploits weaknesses in defense.

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NEGATIVES

— High-pad level and exposed chest limit effectiveness as a run blocker.

— Can improve his play strength at the point of attack.

— Never utilized as a high-priority receiving option for LSU's offense.

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NOTES

— Son of Hall of Fame DE Jason Taylor

— 3-Star recruit in 2022 class, per 247Sports

— 2024: Third-Team All-SEC

— 2022: Freshman All-SEC

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OVERALL

Mason Taylor has a combination of NFL pedigree, fluidity, and football IQ to succeed on Sundays.

Taylor is a fluid mover and route runner. He wastes little movement, changing directions and breaking away from his defender. His route tempo has a veteran, savvy feel. Based on the route concept, Taylor doesn't foreshadow where he is designed to go. Instead, he uses club and swipe maneuvers to knock down the defender's hands to avoid being rerouted mid-stem.

Taylor is a grass-finder against coverages. He has a good feel for the game and space and works through traffic to reach his landmarks on time for his quarterback. He does a good job in the shallow areas of the field off-play, where he can quickly catch the ball in the flats and turn upfield as a runner. Taylor has outstanding hands, which pair well with his ability to track the ball in flight. He makes difficult catches look routine.

Run blocking is an area of improvement for Taylor heading into the NFL. He doesn't display the proper play strength or physicality at the point of attack in the run game. He will be seen driven back or quickly shredded by active and determined defenders. Taylor's lack of explosiveness could play a factor when facing coverage versatile safeties at the next level. He excels with tempo and short-area quickness to create space between him and the defender. When aligned outside, it can limit his effectiveness in attacking vertically against defensive backs.

Overall, Mason Taylor projects as a top-two tight end on the offensive depth chart. He is a good and reliable pass catcher. Taylor can defeat man but excels against zone coverages where his instincts are essential. He can be an adequate starting tight end if given the opportunity!

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GRADE: 7.8 (High-Level Backup/Potential Starter — Third Round)

OVERALL RANK: 37

POSITION RANK: TE3

PRO COMPARISON: Mark Andrews

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Written by B/R NFL Scout Dame Parson

HEIGHT: 6'5"

WEIGHT: 289

HAND: 10⅛"

ARM: 33½"

WINGSPAN: 82⅜”

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40-YARD DASH: 4.74

VERTICAL: 33"

BROAD: 9'11"

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POSITIVES

— Good block recognition as a run defender to put himself in a good position to take on blocks.

— When he keeps his hands tight against the run, he has the upper body strength and arm length to get extension against offensive linemen.

— Can close the gap with tight ends and offensive tackles who lean at the point of attack.

— Decent at getting off blocks against offensive linemen.

— Has solid power as a pass-rusher to collapse the pocket versus tackles, and has shown a solid rip move to win around the edge and help recover when he misses with his hands.

— Active hands when rushing the passer.

— Good pass-rush motor to get coverage sacks and a hustle player overall.

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NEGATIVES

— Sub-par athlete overall, making it difficult for him to play on the edge in the NFL.

— Often late to react to the snap and lacks acceleration off the line of scrimmage.

— Could afford to be more physical at the point of attack.

— Inconsistent with his hand placement as a run defender, often landing too wide and exposing his chest.

— Accuracy with his hands when rushing the passer is poor, often missing and allowing offensive linemen to make the first significant contact.

— Struggles to break down in the backfield and lacks lateral movement skills, making it difficult to bring down shifty running backs and quarterbacks.

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NOTES

— Born Jul. 3, 2003

— A 4-star recruit in the 2021 class, per 247Sports

— Injuries: didn't suffer any major injuries in college but he was born with a rare breathing disorder and had a tracheotomy tube placed into his neck at three months old

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OVERALL

Sai'von Jones was primarily used as an edge defender at LSU but would be better suited on the inside as more of a 4i- to 3-technique in the NFL. He lined up on the interior at the Senior Bowl and had success in both phases of the game. Also, he's not a good athlete or fluid mover but does have impressive size and strength.

Jones has good block recognition as a run defender and enough upper-body strength to lock out offensive linemen and win at the point of attack. When rushing the passer, he has solid power to collapse the pocket with a bull rush and has shown a decent rip move to win around the edge.

However, the LSU product is still learning how to use his long arms to his advantage in both phases of the game. He showed improvement this season but does have a habit of using wide hand placement against the run and is pretty inaccurate with his hands when rushing the passer.

Overall, Jones is a developmental prospect, especially if he's going to play a different position in the pros. However, there could be a team that likes his physical traits and is willing to be patient and work with him on the interior defensive line.

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GRADE: 6.3 (Developmental Prospect — 5th Round)

OVERALL RANK: 187

POSITION RANK: DL18

PRO COMPARISON: William Gholston

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Written by B/R NFL Scout Matt Holder

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Prospect workout numbers, measurables (40-yard dash, hand size, etc.) and 2024 statistics will be added at a later date.

HEIGHT: 6'2"

WEIGHT: 246

HAND: 10"

ARM: 33¼"

WINGSPAN: 80½”

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40-YARD DASH: 4.58

3-CONE: 7.12

SHUTTLE: 4.25

VERTICAL: 31.5"

BROAD: 9'10"

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POSITIVES

— Solid size with a thick build and good arm length.

— Has good instincts as a run defender to quickly key and diagnose plays and get into the right position.

— Takes on blocks with his hands and has the strength and length to get extension on blocks.

— Also defeats blocks with his hands well and has a decent rip move to beat offensive linemen climbing to the second level.

— Drops his pads and wraps up when tackling. Long arms increase tackling range/radius which helps when making open field tackles.

— Solid linear acceleration when crashing downhill as a run defender or to help click and close in zone coverage.

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NEGATIVES

— Poor awareness in zone coverage, he doesn't locate threats coming into his area well and often isn't in a position to cover his area.

— Lack of agility/lateral movement skills makes it difficult for him to tighten throwing windows and play the ball in the air.

— Has tight hips and sub-par change of direction skills to cover shifty running backs in man coverage.

— Will get beat to the flat when covering backs out of the backfield.

— Angles toward the sideline are often too deep, leading to over-pursues.

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NOTES

— Born Jul. 21, 2000

— A 3-star recruit in the 2019 class as a dual-threat quarterback, per 247Sports

— No major injuries

— Played at Georgia Tech from 2019 to 2022 until he was dismissed from the team four games into the 2022 season, transferred to Charlotte in 2023 and then to South Carolina for this past season.

— 2024: Honorable Mention All-SEC

— 2023: First-Team All-AAC, second in AAC in tackles (96)

— Three-time ACC Academic Honor Roll

— Cousins with three-time Pro Bowl cornerback DeAngelo Hall

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OVERALL

Demetrius Knight Jr. is a former dual-threat quarterback and a six-year senior which shows up in his instincts against the run. He's quick to key and diagnose, recognizes when he can shoot gaps, is good at mirror running backs on zone runs and can sift through the trash to make tackles.

Knight also takes on blocks with his hands, has good arm length and upper body strength to get extension and escape against offensive linemen. Additionally, his long arms increase his tackle radius/range as the former Gamecock has very few flaws as a run defender.

However, Knight isn't very fluid and has limited lateral movement skills that impact his ability to cover tight ends and running backs in man coverage. Also, he has bad eye discipline in zone coverage, often getting manipulated by quarterbacks and caught out of his area. So, he's more of a two-down linebacker at the next level.

Overall, Knight would be a good fit as an inside linebacker in either odd or even fronts. But teams may view him as a low-ceiling prospect as he's older, turning 25 years old before his rookie season.

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GRADE: 7.2 (High-Level Backup/Potential Starter — 3rd Round)

OVERALL RANK: 89

POSITION RANK: LB6

PRO COMPARISON: Reggie Ragland

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Written by B/R NFL Scout Matt Holder

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Prospect workout numbers, measurables (40-yard dash, hand size, etc.) and 2024 statistics will be added at a later date.

HEIGHT: 6'4"

WEIGHT: 243

HAND: 9⅝”

ARM: 33½”

WINGSPAN: 80⅛”

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POSITIVES

— Good height and length for an NFL edge defender.

— Good get-off and speed to win around the edge.

— Has the change of direction and quickness to effectively turn speed to power and has shown an impressive one-arm stab move that he can win with.

— Flexible ankles and bendy to corner at the top of the rush.

— Good agility to be effective as the looper in line games.

— Effective as a spy, has the athleticism to mirror quarterbacks and plenty of speed to close for sacks or short gains.

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NEGATIVES

— Very little playing experience despite being a fifth-year player, especially against the run.

— Lean frame, needs to add size and strength to avoid getting widened when setting the edge or washed inside as a run defender.

— Lacks the strength to shed and get off blocks from offensive linemen.

— Has to make the first significant contact as a pass-rusher or offensive tackles will be able to control him due to his slender frame and lack of strength.

— Struggles to play the hands as a pass-rusher, limiting the moves he can win with.

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NOTES

— A 4-star recruit in the 2020 class, per 247Sports

— Injuries: 2024 (left arm, season-ending, missed 4 games), 2019 (Torn ligament in ankle, had surgery in high school)

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OVERALL

Quandarrius "Que" Robinson was a highly rated recruit coming out of high school. However, he suffered an injury during his senior year that required surgery, causing his college career to start slowly. He also didn't see the field much until this season, and an injury cut his final campaign short.

On the field, Robinson can potentially be a problem as a pass-rusher. He's an impressive athlete with a quick get-off to win with speed around the edge and has shown a good one-arm stab move to take advantage of his length when turning speed to power. If his use of hands improves, he can develop a wide range of pass-rush moves at the next level.

The Alabama product does need some work as a run defender, though. He has a wiry frame and lacks strength to hold up at the point of attack against offensive linemen. With some time in the weight room, he could become a serviceable player against the run, as he does have long arms to maximize extension on blocks if he develops the strength to lock linemen out.

Overall, Robinson is a developmental prospect who is a good athlete but lacks on-field experience. He could be a good fit at standup linebacker as a third-down rusher and might have the potential to play off-ball linebacker as well. Alabama used him there occasionally and he proved to be an effective spy and showed decent instincts against the run for not playing the position regularly.

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GRADE: 6.4 (Developmental Prospect — 5th Round)

OVERALL RANK: 185

POSITION RANK: EDGE21

PRO COMPARISON: DeAngelo Malone

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Written by B/R NFL Scout Matt Holder

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Prospect workout numbers, measurables (40-yard dash, hand size, etc.) and 2024 statistics will be added at a later date.

HEIGHT: 5'11"

WEIGHT: 180

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POSITIVES

— Dynamic athlete with an explosive burst and acceleration to blow past pursuing defenders.

— Fluid and easy mover; clean route transitions for good separation.

— Dangerous after the catch, suddenness to transition from receiver to runner.

— Vertical threat with elite top-end speed.

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NEGATIVES

— Underwhelming play strength to fend off physical coverage defenders.

— Catch radius is limited and cannot be relied upon in contested catch situations.

— An undersized frame limits his upside as a play-side run blocker.

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NOTES

— Born Mar. 15, 2004

— 4-star recruit in 2022 class, per 247Sports

— Georgia 6A state champion in 100-meter (10.51) and 200-meter (21.19)

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OVERALL

Isaiah Bond is an undersized pass-catcher who exemplifies elite speed.

Bond is an explosive and electric playmaker with the speed to strike fear in the hearts of defenses. He is equipped with pursuit angle-beating burst, acceleration, and top-end speed. He is a twitchy and sudden mover who can change directions at the drop of a hat. This aids his separation creation abilities as a route runner. His route tree has more variety and depth than most college wide receivers. He can drive upfield and sink his hips at the top of the route.

Bond handles manufactured touches to provide easy access to space, where he can be dangerous after the catch. Feeding him underneath targets creates clear paths for Bond to maintain his stride and speed and gain as many yards after the catch as possible. He is adept at finding soft spots in defensive coverages. He quickly sits in the void of zone concepts while using speed to push defensive backs upfield against man coverage.

Bond is undersized, and this shows up as a perimeter play side blocker. He cannot sustain blocks on the outside to spring his running back. Bond will be better suited as a backside blocker, operating as a decoy or walling off his defender from entering the backfield. Bond's a fantastic talent, but maximizing and refining his release package can dictate his effectiveness on Sundays. He will face great athletes with better strength and wingspans at the next level. Quickly winning to enter his route phase and get open for his QB will be an essential development in his game. His catch radius is less than ideal, limiting his effectiveness in contested catch situations.

Overall, Isaiah Bond's combination of route running and elite speed are game-changing qualities to have as a wide receiver prospect. Placing him in a timing-based passing attack with an offensive coordinator open to being creative is the best for Bond's NFL future. An accurate and well-timed quarterback will appreciate what he brings to the offense. He plays mainly as an outside receiver but can create havoc defensively working out of the slot.

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GRADE: 7.4 (High-Level Backup/Potential Starter—Third Round)

OVERALL RANK: 61

POSITION RANK: WR9

PRO COMPARISON: Shades of Jaylen Waddle

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Written by B/R NFL Scout Dame Parson

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Prospect workout numbers, measurables (40-yard dash, hand size, etc.) and 2024 statistics will be added at a later date.

HEIGHT: 6'3"

WEIGHT: 290

HAND: 10¼”

ARM: 33⅝”

WINGSPAN: 81⅛”

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POSITIVES

— Good size and length for an NFL defensive tackle.

— Quick off the ball and accelerates off the line well to get penetration when one-gapping.

— When he lifts his hands straight up from the ground and keeps them tight, he has the strength to win at the point of attack and get extension on blocks.

— Solid athlete to help avoid getting reached in the running game or set up pass-rush moves.

— Has decent swim and hump moves to catch offensive linemen leaning.

— Good pass-rush motor.

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NEGATIVES

— Plays with high pad level and often has a narrow base when taking on blocks, resulting in him getting washed inside against down blocks and double teams.

— Poor use of hands, inconsistent with how quickly he gets his hands up and often has wide placement to expose his chest as a run defender and pass-rusher.

— Bull rush is ineffective due to high pad level and sub-par leg drive after contact.

— Lacks a go-to pass-rush move he can win with when offensive linemen use proper technique.

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NOTES

— Born Jan. 14, 2003

— A 5-star recruit in the 2021 class, per 247Sports

— Injuries: 2025 (Stress fracture in foot, had rod inserted, missed Senior Bowl), 2024 (Torn labrum in shoulder, offseason surgery, Shin, offseason surgery), 2022 (Undisclosed, missed 1 game)

— 2023: Second-Team All-SEC

— 2021: Freshman All-SEC Team

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OVERALL

Shemar Turner is a developmental prospect who could become a solid 3-technique defensive tackle in a penetrating, one-gap type of defense. He's big, strong and athletic with some impressive traits.

However, Turner's technique needs a lot of work. He plays with high pad level and is often late and wide when shooting his hands, exposing his chest and leading to inconsistencies against the run. That gets exposed the most against double teams and combo blocks as he'll get pushed out of his gap when taking on two offensive linemen.

Additionally, those issues impact the effectiveness of his bull rush and restrict his pass-rush arsenal. He does have a couple of moves, like a swim or hump, that he can catch offensive linemen leaning with, but he's often ineffective against linemen who have good technique, which will be an issue at the next level.

That being said, Turner has an impressive get-off that he can get penetration with and be disruptive when his hands and pad level are right. He's a ball of clay, but a good defensive line coach could mold him into a quality NFL defensive tackle.

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GRADE: 6.8 (Potential Role Player — 6th Round)

OVERALL RANK: 130

POSITION RANK: DL13

PRO COMPARISON: Sebastian Joseph-Day

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Written by B/R NFL Scout Matt Holder

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Prospect workout numbers, measurables (40-yard dash, hand size, etc.) and 2024 statistics will be added at a later date.

HEIGHT: 6'4"

WEIGHT: 327

HAND: 10¼”

ARM: 32½”

WINGSPAN: 78⅛”

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40-YARD DASH: 5.15

3-CONE: 7.65

SHUTTLE: 4.85

VERTICAL: 27.5"

BROAD: 8'9"

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POSITIVES

— Good upper body strength to stand up offensive linemen at the line of scrimmage and gain control of the block.

— Takes on blocks with good knee bend and a sturdy base, hard to move one-on-one and is solid at staying in his gap versus double teams.

— Quick to recognize down blocks, shifting his eyes and hands to take on the block and avoid getting washed inside.

— Decent athlete for his size and runs his feet well to avoid getting reached against outside zone runs.

— Can make tackles in his gap with offensive linemen hanging onto him.

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NEGATIVES

— Minimal pass-rush production, doesn't have any moves he can win with and has a sub-par motor to get coverage sacks.

— Often false steps out of his stance, hurting his get-off and bull rush.

— Hand placement is a little wide as a run defender, exposing his chest.

— Not violent when shedding or getting off blocks which can lead to him getting stuck.

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NOTES

— Born April 18, 2002

— 4-star recruit in the 2020 class, per 247Sports

— No major injuries

— 2023: Second-Team All-SEC

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OVERALL

Nazir Stackhouse is a solid run-defending interior defensive line prospect who can plug gaps. He's strong at the point of attack to gain control of blocks and hard to move one-on-one. Against double teams, he attacks and can defeat the man he's lined up across from. He has good knee bends and a sturdy base to absorb contact from the second blocker to stay in his gap.

Stackhouse also has solid quickness and lateral movement skills for his size which, combined with good block recognition, allows him to avoid getting reached or scooped out of his gap.

However, the Georiga product is more of a "do your job" type of player than someone who is going to make a lot of tackles and post flashy stats. He'll be in the right spot consistently but can struggle to disengage and get off blocks. Also, he offers nothing as a pass rusher, evidenced by his three career sacks in five seasons.

Overall, Stackhouse is a reliable backup defensive tackle in the NFL who can line up as a nose tackle or 2i-technique.

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GRADE: 5.6 (Backup/Draftable — 6th-7th Round)

OVERALL RANK: 289

POSITION RANK: DL31

PRO COMPARISON: Nick Eason

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Written by B/R NFL Scout Matt Holder

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Prospect workout numbers, measurables (40-yard dash, hand size, etc.) and 2024 statistics will be added at a later date.

Arch Manning is no stranger to comments about his football lineage as the nephew of former NFL quarterbacks Peyton and Eli Manning, but he continues to take them in stride.

"Yeah, I mean, that's fair," he said after reading a comment calling him a "nepo baby" during an "I Got Time Today" segment for Complex (h/t On3). "I do have a lot of football in my family, so it's a fair comment. Freedom of speech."

TRENDING: Texas QB Arch Manning reacts to being called a 'nepo baby,' Bronny James comparisons, and more🤣⬇️

(via @ComplexSports) https://t.co/L2Hn1g4EwW pic.twitter.com/ZwgMGWJWuj

— On3 (@On3sports) February 6, 2025

He also responded to a Bronny James comparison.

"I don't know Bronny; DM'd him once," he said. "Seems like a great guy, so maybe that's a compliment."

The Bronny comparison is more likely in the same vein as the "nepo baby" comment, i.e. a suggestion that Manning's place on Texas has more to do with his famous uncles than his own ability, much as it has been suggested that the younger James was only drafted because his father, LeBron James, wanted to play with him on the Los Angeles Lakers.

But Arch Manning—who served as Quinn Ewers' backup for the past two seasons after being the top overall prospect in the class of 2023—more than proved his merit when called upon this past season.

In a trio of starts for the Longhorns after Ewers suffered an abdominal injury, Manning threw for 806 yards, eight touchdowns and two interceptions while rushing for 82 yards and an additional two scores.

Yes, the competition wasn't exactly top tier, as Manning lit up UTSA, Louisiana-Monroe and a Mississippi State team that went just 2-10. But he hardly looked like a player who was only on the field because of his last name.

With Ewers headed to the draft, Manning is now the starter for the Longhorns, and expectations are high.

"Arch is a dog, man," Manning's former teammate at Texas, Kansas City Chiefs wideout Xavier Worthy, told reporters this week. "I expect nothing less than a Heisman. Nothing less than a Heisman."

But Manning has acknowledged that his last name has garnered him a "lot of underserved attention," as he told ESPN's Marty Smith last week.

"I kinda wanted to bring Texas back."

Arch Manning sat down with @MartySmithESPN to talk @TexasFootball, which family member his game is most like and his college experience so far 🤘 pic.twitter.com/KxuDhb7uPi

— ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) January 30, 2025

"But hopefully it gets more deserving in the next few months," he added. "I don't think I've done enough yet to be taking a lot of pictures at restaurants and signing autographs. But maybe that will come eventually."

After being dismissed as Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator, Ryan Grubb reportedly has reunited with a familiar face.

According to ESPN's Adam Rittenberg, Grubb is set to join Alabama's staff as offensive coordinator under head coach Kalen DeBoer, whom he worked for at Washington prior to being hired by the Seahawks.

Rittenberg noted that Grubb was initially expected to join DeBoer with the Crimson Tide before the Seahawks hired him as part of first-year head coach Mike Macdonald's staff. The two of them had worked together since 2007 at Sioux Falls, and Grubb had also followed DeBoer to Eastern Michigan and Fresno State before landing at Washington.

In their final year together, Grubb and DeBoer helped lead the Huskies to the 2023 national championship game. Star quarterback Michael Penix Jr. finished second in the voting for the Heisman Trophy that season before going on to be the No. 8 pick in the 2024 NFL draft by the Atlanta Falcons.

Unfortunately, Grubb's stint in the NFL didn't go as well. Under his direction, the Seahawks averaged 332.2 yards of total offense. However, they ranked 28th in the NFL with just 95.7 rushing yards per game. Seattle's 10-7 record tied for the best in the NFC West, but the team finished in second place behind the Los Angeles Rams and failed to qualify for the playoffs.

Alabama went 9-4 in its first season under DeBoer and lost to Michigan in the ReliaQuest Bowl. The team is set to lose quarterback Jalen Milroe to the 2025 NFL draft along with linebacker Jihaad Campbell, offensive guard Tyler Booker and other key players.