By Nick Shook
NFL.com
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The NFL’s top defense has stars on each end of its defensive line. We don’t need to name them.

But a name you likely heaven’t heard much of is D.J. Reader. The defensive tackle started in seven games as a rookie last season for Houston, recording 22 tackles and one sack in the regular season. You might remember him as the unknown defensive tackle who made Oakland’s Menelik Watson look foolish before sacking Connor Cook in the Wild Card round. We’ve placed that video above for your enjoyment. Continue reading →

By Nick Shook
NFL.com
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A new contract for someone else made Gabe Jackson‘s life as a Raider uncertain last offseason.

The arrival of Kelechi Osemele forced Oakland’s staff to ask Jackson to move to the right side of the line, something with which he wasn’t exactly comfortable. Jackson flourished, though, and a year later is on financial cloud nine after a big payday of his own. Continue reading →

By Nick Shook
NFL.com
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Eric Weddle was a key actor in Baltimore’s sales pitch to Tony Jefferson during free agency.

According to the veteran safety, the effort is already paying dividends. Continue reading →

By Nick Shook
NFL.com
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The Dallas Cowboys will be without their best pass rusher for the first quarter of the upcoming season.

David Irving has been suspended for the first four games of 2017 for violating the NFL’s performance-enhancing drug policy, the Cowboys announced Wednesday. Continue reading →

By Nick Shook
NFL.com
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Jadeveon Clowney finally had the season everyone expected when he was selected first overall in the 2014 draft.

As a result, he leapt into the upper half of the Top 100 Players of 2017, landing at No. 49. Now, his position coach is showering even higher praise — immortal, even — on the edge-rushing dynamo, saying Clowney has Hall of Fame potential. Clowney isn’t taking that lightly as he aims to build upon his 2016 success.

“It meant a lot to me,” Clowney said Tuesday of defensive line coach Anthony Weaver’s praise, via Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle. “He sees the work I’ve put in from two years of being injured to the next year to the year after. All the guys around my team tell me to keep improving and keep getting better and come back for another great season this year. Continue reading →

By Nick Shook
NFL.com
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John Dorsey’s unanticipated exit from his general manager post in Kansas City has the Chiefs searching for his replacement as we near July, and the names are starting to pile up.

NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport has reported on what is a growing list of candidates. Here’s who we have so far as Clark Hunt attempts to fill the vacancy: Continue reading →

By Nick Shook
NFL.com
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Dabbing is no longer hip, but don’t tell Dave Gettleman.

The Panthers general manager has rallied, feels great again and believes Carolina is back on track to win another NFC crown. Continue reading →

By Nick Shook
NFL.com
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Justin Gilbert‘s road back to an NFL field continues to become more difficult.

Less than two months after being suspended four games by the NFL for violation of the league’s Substances of Abuse policy, the former eighth-overall pick had his suspension increased to one year by Commissioner Roger Goodell on Tuesday for again violating the league’s policy, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported. Gilbert must apply for reinstatement before he can possibly return to the NFL in 2018, Rapoport added. Continue reading →

By Nick Shook
NFL.com
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In Glover Quin‘s opinion, he’s like a fine wine.

While running backs are cast off upon reaching 30, and veterans at other positions start to decline after hitting the big 3-0, the 31-year-old Quin thinks he’s still in his prime — and is looking for a payday to match it.

Quin joined the Lions on a five-year, $23.5 million deal in 2013, signed at age 27 when defensive backs are considered to be at their peak. Quin is aging gracefully, though, which he credits to the nature of his position. Continue reading →