Earlier this afternoon, the Baltimore Ravens selected Harvard’s Kyle Juszczyk in the fourth round of the 2013 NFL Draft, and courtesy of the athletic department, below is the release about the Crimson fullback/tight end being drafted:
NEW YORK – Harvard senior tight end Kyle Juszczyk has been selected in the fourth round of the 2013 National Football League Draft by the Baltimore Ravens. Juszczyk was the 130th overall selection in this year’s draft.
During his four years in Cambridge, Juszczyk established new career records for tight end in receptions (125, sixth all-time), receiving yards (1,576, seventh all-time) and touchdown receptions (22, third all-time). He was a two-time All-American at tight end and H-Back for the Crimson and a three-time All-Ivy selection. Following his senior season, during which he led the Crimson in receptions (52), receiving yards (706) and receiving touchdowns (eight), he was invited to the Senior Bowl, where he carried the ball four times for nine yards, primarily being used as a H-back.
“Guys like Kyle Juszczyk do not grow on trees,” Tim Murphy, The Thomas Stephenson Family Head Coach for Harvard Football, said. “He will go down as one of the great players in Harvard and Ivy Football history. His rare combination of versatility, toughness, leadership and playmaking ability was one of the major catalysts for the highest scoring offense since the Ivy League was formed in 1956.”
The Medina, Ohio native showcased all of those traits on a single play that will live on in Harvard lore for years to come. After catching a ball over the middle against Bucknell this past, the senior bulldozed the first defender in his path. He then shed two arm tackles and stiff armed another defender before outrunning the rest of the Bison defense for a 59-yard touchdown in the Crimson’s 35-7 win. The play ended up on ESPN’s Sportscenter the following day as the No. 3 play in its top 10 segment.
Juszczyk becomes the fourth player drafted under Murphy. He joins Matt Birk ’98, who recently retired after winning the Super Bowl with the Baltimore Ravens this past season, Isaiah Kacyvenski ’00 and Ryan Fitzpatrick ’05 as players who have heard their name called at New York’s Radio City Music Hall. Overall, he is the 20th Harvard player to get drafted and first since Fitzpatrick was picked by the St. Louis Rams in the seventh round of the 2005 draft.
Harvard wrapped up its spring football season Saturday with its annual spring game and will now turn its head to the 2013 season opener at San Diego on Sept. 21.
Harvard’s Kyle Juszczyk hopes to extend his football career beyond Cambridge! (Photo Credit: The Harvard Crimson)
By Matt Noonan
Harvard’s Kyle Juszczyk has always wanted to play professional football, and this weekend his dream could come true as he, along with hundred of other college football players from across the country, will wait anxiously to hear their name announced at this year’s NFL Draft.
According to recent reports, the Harvard fullback/tight end has met with a slew of NFL teams, including the Baltimore Ravens, who maybe interested in his services as Vonta Leach is entering his final year of his contract.
Excluding the Ravens, the Ivy League standout has met with the Minnesota Vikings, Jacksonville Jaguars, Cincinnati Bengals, Indianapolis Colts, Detroit Lions, Buffalo Bills, Green Bay Packers, Kansas City Chiefs, Miami Dolphins, Seattle Seahawks and the Carolina Panthers.
Juszczyk finished last season tied for first in the Ancient Eight with eight touchdown receptions and fifth in yards per game (70.6). His best effort occurred against Princeton as he finished the contest with three touchdown receptions and 15 catches for 192 yards.
The Ohio native, who played four seasons with the Crimson, ended his career with 125 receptions for 1,576 yards and 22 touchdowns.
Harvard’s last player to be drafted was Ryan Fitzpatrick, who is currently a member of the Tennessee Titans.
Roger Goodell continues to watch the NFL Lockout go no-where, but really, what can he do to save his league?
By Matt Noonan
It’s been quite a while since I’ve provided my “two-cents” on the NFL and although it seems that every day the same stuff is being reported. Although, I do wonder what is it that I can add that the ordinary journalist has yet to report?
Hmmm…. Does anyone have a thought, idea or comment? Would anyone like to help me write this article?
I’m not sure where to begin, but let me first state that the NFL lockout has been a demoralizing experience for fans, players and coaches.
Yet, what could Goodell do, except listen to his loyal supporters, right?
Goodell has told us numerous times that he is indeed a fan of the NFL and wants a season to be played in September, but again, will it actually happen? Will Goodell take a page out of Harry Potter’s spell book and magically make this lockout disappear?
I doubt it!
The NFL is in shambles and no one is cooperating. Players are getting arrested, judges are siding with the owners and nothing seems to have been accomplished since March. In fact, almost every day we learn more about the greedy owners, as well as players like New England Patriots punter Zoltan Mesko, who arechanging their careers.
Heck, haven’t some players contemplated the idea of retirement?
What exactly can be done to make sure there will be a season? Does someone have an ingenious idea that will bring both sides together and end this lockout?
I think it’s fair to say that egos have been an enormous factor in this entire process. The owners want things their way, the players want things their way and well, no one can come to an agreement at the bargaining table.
The NFL owners and players are some of the richest people in America and only seem to care about one thing, money. It’s one thing to say, “Yes, I want to play,” but really, both sides want money and this is just one of the biggest problems that the NFL and other sports leagues in America deal with everyday.
Why is it that these men need so much money? Really, why do the owners want an additional $1 billion? Why do the Players need $8 billion? Again, why do they need so much money?
Also, whatever happened to playing for the love of the game? Does anyone have answer to that question?
I am confident that the NFL lockout won’t get resolved and a major reason will be because of money. These players and owners are incredibly greedy and yes, it makes fans like myself unhappy. They’re ruining the modern day “America’s Past Time,” and have turned themselves into the latest version of the NHL, which has lost a number of fans due to their past lockouts.
Put aside the egos, return to the negotiating table and strike a deal, otherwise, expect the MLB and College Football to be the top two sports to watch in September.
Jeff Howe from NESN.com joined Noontime Sports the Podcast on Saturday morning to discuss the NFL Draft, as well as talk about the picks made by the New England Patriots.
The New England Patriots selected four new players to join their successful franchise and here is some more information about each player.
Round 2: Pick 33
Name: Ras-I Dowling
Position: Cornerback
Height: 6’1”
Weight: 198lbs
Overview: This isn’t a bad pick for the Patriots. Clearly New England did not think great pass rush value was available in the second round and figured if they were not going to put a ton of pressure on opposing quarterbacks, shoring up the secondary would help. Dowling had a tough time his senior year with injuries, but the Patriots have never shown hesitation to draft a banged up player to let him recover. Dowling had 8 career picks for the University of Virginia and it is possible he can make an immediate impact as a number 3 or 4 corner behind Leigh Bodden and Devin McCourty. Players like Dowling usually have to prove themselves on special teams, but Bill Belichick must think highly of Dowling to select him 33rd overall in the draft.
Overview: I like the selection of Vereen. Even though BenJarvus Green-Ellis had a fantastic year for New England, the Patriots need some depth at the running back position. Much like last year’s draft when New England selected two tight ends in the second round, this year the Patriots took two running backs. Vereen was the first and had a very good year for Cal as a junior rushing for 1,167 yards and 13 touchdowns and caught 22 passes for 209 yards and three scores. He’s got a low center of gravity and should be able to help New England when needed. I don’t anticipate a ton of playing time unless the Patriots decide upon platooning their running backs, but Vereen will be a very capable option behind the “Law Firm” and Danny Woodhead.
Overview: I watch a ton of SEC football being an Alabama Crimson Tide fan and Ridley is a bruiser. He looks for contact and can wear out a defense. In the toughest conference in college football Ridley ran for 1,147 yards and 15 touchdowns, including a 159-yard game at Vanderbilt and 123 yards against Tennessee. In the Cotton Bowl against Texan A&M he torched the Aggies for 105 yards on the ground and a score. I believe (partially biased) that Ridley is a better runner than Vereen, but it will be an interesting battle between the two in the pre-season (if there is one) for who comes out higher on the depth chart.
Overview: I will fully admit (again, I’m an SEC fan) I was completely stoked when New England selected Mallett. Not only do I believe Mallett is a steal, but also a first round, NFL ready talent.
Who better to put behind Tom Brady to learn? No offense to those who wanted Jake Locker or possibly Blaine Gabbert, but Locker and Gabbert couldn’t hold Mallett’s jock strap in college. Again, Mallett played in (and torched) the toughest defensive conference in college football. In 2010 he threw for 3,869 yards with 32 touchdowns and 12 picks.
Mallett ended his career with 69 touchdown passes and threw for 30+ touchdowns two years in a row in the SEC. However, what stands out the most (aside from his laser, rocket arm) is his size. Ben Roethlisberger is 6’5” and 241 pounds, making Mallett one inch taller and 12 pounds heavier. He has good awareness and with a lockout possible, the Patriots are preparing for the future of their offense without Tom Brady about a year sooner than anticipated.
Mallett was drafted to eventually take over as the starter after Brady leaves. Mallett will be under phenomenal tutelage and this pick for New England may prove to be one of the bigger steals of the draft in a few years. To editorialize some more, I believe this to be a great pick, if that wasn’t already very obvious.
While Jake Locker may have been a first round selection, Kilpatrick wasn't too pleased that he won't be a member of the New England Patriots!
By Stacey Kilpatrick
The first round of the 2011 NFL Draft wrapped up Thursday night and I was disappointed within the first eight picks. Here are some notes on the night.
1st pick: Cam Newton/QB from Auburn/Carolina Panthers. The 2010 Heisman Trophy winner and NCAA newsmaker was booed when announced as the first pick official pick of the 2011 NFL Draft. For months he’s been projected as the first selection, but I truly did not expect Carolina to choose him. I wanted his ego to be blown like it should be. He only had one year – albeit a great year – at Auburn, but he just seems incredibly cocky.
8th pick: Jake Locker/QB from University of Washington/Tennessee Titans. First words out of my mouth… “NOOOOOOOO!” I wanted the New England Patriots to select him, so he could back up Tom Brady. I cheered for him at Washington and wanted to cheer for him as a member of the Pats. This made me want to stop watching the draft.
10th pick: Blaine Gabbert/QB from Missouri/Jacksonville Jaguars. After seeing him and his suave, slicked back blonde hair, I thought, “Never heard of him. Don’t even know what school he’s from.” I rarely watched Missouri’s football team and the few times that I did, clearly I wasn’t paying attention to Gabbert. And going to the Jacksonville Jaguars? That’s combining two teams that never cross my mind. But he must be good, so I’ll watch him this season, hopefully.
In the top 10 picks there were three quarterbacks for the first time since 1999. The third time overall (1971, 1999 and now 2011).
13th pick: Nick Fairley/DT from Auburn/Detroit Lions. He is a big guy. I remember watching him, especially with Newton during the Alabama game this past November and he was an absolute BEAST.
14th pick: Robert Quinn/DE from North Carolina/St. Louis Rams. Quinn was out the entire 2010-11 season and yet he was still picked 14th overall. But then again, former Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford was out most of 2009, but he was St. Louis’s first selection in 2010.
16th pick: Ryan Kerrigan/DE from Purdue/Washington Redskins. He looks like Chris Noth from The Good Wife and (Mr. Big) Sex and the City fame. I’m sure all of you football fanatics know just whom I am speaking of, yes?
17th pick: Nate Solder/OT from Colorado/New England Patriots. I was hoping my team would have picked a player I actually knew, but from what I’ve read about Solder, he seems definitely like a solid pick, especially since he only allowed five sacks in three seasons.
22nd pick: Anthony Castonzo/OT from Boston College/Indianapolis Colts. 54 career starts, which is most in Boston College.
23rd pick: Danny Watkins/OG from Baylor/Philadelphia Eagles. The 26-year-old rookie never played football in high school and yet, he’s a first round pick by the Eagles. The 6’3”, 310-pounder played hockey and rugby. Also, he is a firefighter. This guy sounds tough and oh, by the way, some of his firemen buddies were at the draft going nuts when he was selected. How can I not root for him?
The Baltimore Ravens passed their 26th pick for 27 for – I don’t know why.
27th pick: Jimmy Smith/CB from Colorado/Baltimore Ravens. Smith appeared to be at home – he wasn’t in New York City and was shown not wearing a jacket or tie, which is bizarre. This is the NFL Draft, right?
The New England Patriots traded their 28th pick to the New Orleans Saints.
28th pick: Mark Ingram/RB from Alabama/New Orleans Saints. The 2009 Heisman Trophy winner goes to the 2010 Super Bowl Champions down in New Orleans. He had 875 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns after missing the first two games in 2010. Ingram’s father, Mark Ingram Sr., a former player for the New York Giants, Miami Dolphins, Green Bay Packers and Philadelphia Eagles is currently in jail, although the two reportedly have a decent relationship. An ESPN reporter read a congratulatory email that she received from Mark’s father and in all honesty, it was certainly very touching. People say men don’t cry. There’s no crying in sports, especially in football, but Ingram cried on national television and it was a great, heartfelt moment.
32nd pick: Derek Sharrod/OT from Mississippi State/Green Bay Packers. In the final selection of the first round, the 2011 Super Bowl Champs selected Derek Sharrod. Shouldn’t he have been wearing a cheesehead?
Rounds two and three of the 2011 NFL Draft take place Friday, April 29 at 6 p.m. ET. Rounds 4-7 will be held Saturday, April 30 at 12 p.m. ET.
With the 2011 NFL Draft already underway, it is officially time to look back on day one and reflect on which teams drafted well, as well as the ones that didn’t. Here is our winners and losers from the first round.
Winners: Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers come away as big winners of the first round.
Now look, I understand that there’s a very real possibility that Newton could become a major bust and that they drafted Jimmy Clausen to fill the starting quarterback role. But, I also believe that the draft is used to give your fans a very real hope of success in a way that one single day can’t. Fans don’t get hungry for tickets over minicamp, and they don’t get pumped up for OTAs. They get pumped at the draft. This is a team that lacked a face for their franchise. They have it now. Maybe in three years, we’ll question the pick and refer to the Heisman Trophy winner as a bust, but for now, this day and this draft belonged to Newton. Almost immediately, the future of Panther football was altered.
The Atlanta Falcons were exposed on offense in the divisional playoffs. The Packers took away the deep threat on Matt Ryan in their game back in January, and he only threw for 186 yards. They had some defensive woes, which I’m sure they’ll address when they can start moving and signing players (as well as later in the draft). But they had to find a solution to the problem of having only Roddy White for the deep ball. Now Ryan has White, Tony Gonzalez, Michael Turner, Michael Jenkins, and Julio Jones to throw the ball to. He’s only in his 4th year. They actually didn’t need a lot, so they were able to make the deal. Sure they got fleeced, but I don’t think it’s a horrible move.
But as much as I loved the gutsy, ballsy move by the Falcons, I really love what Cleveland did. Cleveland has more holes than a donut shop. The early pick would give them a flashy player, but they don’t need that; they have the face of a franchise in Peyton Hillis. They need to fill pretty much everything else. And they acquired the ability to do it by giving away an early pick that couldn’t make a huge impact on this team. In the rebuilding future, this could go down as the moment where the Browns became relevant again.
Jon Gruden – thank you for owning the talking hairpiece of Mel Kiper, Jr. Seriously, if Gruden crapped on Kiper any more, Kiper’s address would’ve become “porto-potty in NYC.” It was awesome. I love it when football guys just take it to that guy.
Detroit’s pass rush this year will be NdamukongSuh and Nick Fairley. A couple of months ago, Aaron Burns, (our guest from the Charlotte Weekly this week) thought Fairley would go first overall. I love the pick because he was there at #13. The NFC North is wide open if Green Bay has any Super Bowl hangover. The Lions aren’t pushovers anymore.
The Patriots did a good job playing it safe, picking a good, solid offensive tackle with their first pick. I really wanted Anthony Costanzo, but they got essentially the same guy with a different name in Nate Solder. Right now, the Pats have nobody under contract for their line. Matt Light is a free agent, Logan Mankins is pretty much history, and Stephen Neal and Nick Kaczur, (a.k.a. your right side of the line) is gone. So that means your preseason offensive line returns only Dan Koppen. I like the pick a lot.
Costanzo became a winner anyways, when he got selected to block for the Indianapolis Colts and Peyton Manning. I remember standing at a Boston College game talking to his dad four-odd years ago, and I knew he was going to be great. Another year, another Boston College Eagle in the first round. Ho hum, that’s becoming par the norm for “O-Line U” over there in Chestnut Hill.
The Losers:
This will go down as the draft where the fans finally rebelled. Roger Goodell had his photo moment with the Hall of Famers and the Prospects, and the fans booed him almost immediately. The chants of “We Want Football” shocked everyone, and I don’t think the talking heads knew what to do when it happened.
Rich Eisen had nothing to say, and the “commish” looked lost at the podium. It’s the first moment through the entire labor drama when the fans finally spoke up and could actually be heard, and nobody knew what to do. The constant booing cascading from Radio City Music Hall’s rafters said it all – the fans are fed up with legal speak and loopholes all over the place. They want results. They want football. And Goodell ended up with egg on his face.
Teams also had to draft by need in the first round because they couldn’t move players ahead of time. With the league not advising teams on player movement before Friday, the first round featured absolutely zero player movement. The teams could only trade picks or draft players. Therefore, it became surreal almost immediately when Von Miller was picked second overall, and he hugged Roger Goodell – a man he’s suing. It was the fourth or fifth moment where I laughed at the Commish, and but the loser of the moment was Miller. How can you sue the league, hug the man you’re suing, and have people take it seriously? I’m sure the NFL will use that in its defense somehow.
The Falcons screwed their future over very badly by giving up two first rounder’s, (including their pick next year), their second round pick, their fourth round pick, and next year’s fourth. If they don’t hit on every other pick this year, they could be in some deep trouble. Thomas Dimitrioff has mortgaged his job on Jones ability to produce and Atlanta’s ability to win a Super Bowl within the next 2-3 years.
I don’t get why Jacksonville traded up to take Blaine Gabbert. I mean, I think Gabbert’s better than Jake Locker, but they have a decent quarterback who can win football games. David Garrard is pretty good, and he can scramble. I just don’t get why you make the move to take him, when you can sit back two picks later and get an offensive lineman to protect and block Garrard. Instead, you’ve served notice that Garrard is gone in a couple of years or at least backing up, and you’ve gone into transitional mode.
Christian Ponder? Really? Like…really? I’ve followed him from Day 1 at Florida State…really?!?!
The draft coverage gets a sagging grade because honestly, I didn’t think it was great. Too many talking heads, not enough highlights. And the gratuitous phone call shots are overboard as always. It just feels like it’s too much. I’d prefer the olden days when they interviewed fans instead of just showing them.
We’ll be back with more coverage throughout the weekend. A long couple of days ahead, especially if you’re a Pats fan like us at Noontime Sports.
The New England Patriots selected offensive tackle Nate Solder in the first round of the 2011 NFL Draft with the 17th pick. Here is some more information on the newest member of the Patriots organization.
Name: Nate Solder
College: Colorado
Height: 6’8”
Weight: 319 lbs
Overview: Solder is far from what many would consider a sexy pick. He’s no Robert Quinn or Mark Ingram in terms of name value, but what he can bring to the team is extremely valuable with the future of left tackle Matt Light and left guard Logan Mankins up in the air. Tom Brady needs protection and Solder has the potential to protect Brady’s blind side immediately.
This is a great pick for New England, but they still need to address the pass rush and receiving corps. There should be great value to be had with the Pats having as many picks as they do in the second and third rounds. Bill Belichick has a very good history of finding offensive line gems in the first round, and I expect Solder to be no different. One also wonders about New England’s confidence in re-signing Light or Mankins with this pick.
Could Cam Newton be the first pick in the NFL Draft?
NoontimeSports.com’s Dan Rubin caught up with Aaron Burns, the assistant Sports Editor of the Charlotte Weekly in Charlotte, NC. Here’s what they discussed in regards to the NFL Draft, Carolina Panthers and what moves we could see this weekend.
Dan Rubin: Let’s start with the obvious, the Carolina Panthers are picking #1 overall this year in the NFL Draft? If you’re in charge, who are you picking and why?
Aaron Burns: Obviously (Cam) Newton [because he is the] best player on the board [and the] biggest need.
DR: Now you’ve had the chance to cover Newton and follow his career from Auburn to the path to the NFL… what is it about him as a player that makes him so different, and so intriguing, as a talent, from the others?
AB: I’m not sure if there’s been a quarterback in the NFL with the skill set Newton has. He has the vision, as a runner, that’s similar to MichaelVick, but his game most resembles (Ben) Roethlisberger. On a team who needs a guy with a big arm and some mobility in the pocket, Newton has to be the guy. And as a person, he gets a bad rap. Is he perfect? No, but he is charismatic, and brings a “win at all cost” mindset to the QB position that frankly would be a breath of fresh air for Carolina.
DR: Let’s say the Panthers don’t take Newton. Who else would they be thinking would be a good pick in the top slot, or do you see them trading out of the #1 pick?
AB: Obviously there is a glaring need at more than one position when you’re [2-14]. Defensive tackle and wide receiver are the biggest other than quarter [position], but you can win titles with decent defensive tackles. (The Panthers do have one defensive tackle, Nick Hayden) and (two wide receivers, Steve Smith and Brandon LaFell). Marcel Dareus is the likely pick aside from Newton, but the shocker would be A.J. Green. It’ll be one of the three and if I’m them, I’m not trading. I’m keeping it and getting the best fit for my team and moving on.
DR: We hear a lot about “can’t-miss prospects” and who has the potential to be a big bust. After Newton, whom are you seeing as the best talents in the first round and who are you seeing as players that a team will regret taking?
AB: As high as I am on Newton I see A.J. Green being the draft’s best player long-term. He has such a combination of explosive speed off the line and soft hands that he can make quarterbacks look better than they are. I think Nick Fairley and Dareus will be solid defensive tackles. As far as busts, Patrick Peterson and Von Miller make me a bit nervous. Cornerback or punt return guys are never worth a top 5 pick and hybrid end/linebacker guys are boom or bust, and most of the time, they’re bust. Remember Aundray Bruce (Auburn guy)? [Number one] overall by [the Atlanta Falcons] in ’88. A Von Miller type. Great value at 12th, not 3rd.
DR: Who’s going to move up the draft board and choose a “shock pick” and who’s going to slide down?
AB:Blaine Gabbert will go higher than he should by about 10-15 picks. Fairley is poised to tumble a bit and make teams regret it later.
DR: After the first round, who are some of the mid round talent that you see winding up in Panthers roster?
AB: Can I say, Lee Ziemba (Auburn/offensive tackle)? I won’t, but he fills a need. Look for defensive tackles and cornerbacks to be addressed with the Panthers’ two third-round picks. A late-round receiver always comes to Charlotte, that’ll happen again this year. Maybe a small-school guy.
DR: Let’s switch gears and look at New England. This is a team that didn’t have a lot of holes last year, but did lose to the New York Jets during the AFC Divisional round of the 2010 playoffs. When you think of the Patriots from an outsider’s perspective, what are you thinking about in this draft?
AB: I’m thinking wow; I’ve got a lot of ammunition. [The] Pats need to come away with Clemson defensive end Da’Quan Bowers, [who would be] a perfect pick for [New England]. He could struggle due to knee issues or he could show out and be an All-Pro. I think it’s more likely that he’ll stand out. Also, hate to say it…spend a pick on a quarterback. [Tom Brady] won’t last forever. His hair, on the other hand…
DR: Do you think anybody’s going to move players for picks, like in the Randy Moss trade that occurred prior to the ’07 season? I heard Chad Ochocinco has been rumored to move to another team.
AB: Not sure what I’d give for Chad [because the] Bengals aren’t very smart with trades, but his teammate Carson Palmer could be shipped off.
DR: Final question – if the Panthers take Newton, how soon before you order his jersey from NFLShop.com?
AB: Haven’t bought a jersey from NFLShop.com since 2005 when I bought a Jake Delhomme Panthers jersey and it was stolen out of the box. They had to send another. Ordered it in Week 15. Got there the week of the Divisional Playoffs, which was a 29-21 win at Chicago, if you’re scoring at home.
