NFL roundup: Anthony Barr signs for guaranteed $12.7 million over four years

» After being picked ninth overall in the NFL draft, linebacker Anthony Barr officially signed with the Minnesota Vikings on Tuesday, inking a fully guaranteed contract worth $12,743,596 over four years. He will get a signing bonus of $7,588,072, and the team can exercise a fifth-year option.

He and other former UCLA players must return to campus through spring quarter, however, since NFL rules dictate that anyone who hasn’t graduated cannot stay their teams until their school sessions end.

» Houston Texans sideline reporter John Harris said Xavier Su’a-Filo will become the starting left guard by Week 1, and be a “key figure” in the run game for at least the next five to seven years. Continue reading “NFL roundup: Anthony Barr signs for guaranteed $12.7 million over four years” »

Jordan Zumwalt goes to Steelers in sixth round as UCLA’s fifth 2014 selection

After sitting through most of Saturday morning, UCLA linebacker Jordan Zumwalt finally got a call from the Pittsburgh Steelers. He became the 192nd overall pick, going in the sixth round of the NFL draft.

The 6-foot-4, 235-pound defender has holes in his game, but caught the eyes of scouts with his fiery playing style. Zumwalt pushed his draft stock up late with a Co-Sun Bowl MVP performance, earning himself an invite to the Senior Bowl. He’ll likely contribute immediately on special teams, with a chance to play himself into the linebacker rotation.

He was the fifth Bruin to be taken in the 2014 NFL draft, following a pair of fourth-round picks in defensive end Cassius Marsh and receiver Shaq Evans. Continue reading “Jordan Zumwalt goes to Steelers in sixth round as UCLA’s fifth 2014 selection” »

Jordan Zumwalt talks combine, UCLA pro day and draft stock

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After UCLA’s pro day, linebacker Jordan Zumwalt looked back on everything from his expletive-laden 40-yard dash last month to his hit on Virginia Tech quarterback Logan Thomas in the Sun Bowl.

“I think it was my senior year that gave me a big jump,” he said of his draft stock on Tuesday. “Midway through my season, I was talking to my coaches — they talked to scouts — and they said I was a nice surprise.”

Jordan Zumwalt earns UCLA’s third Senior Bowl invite

Jordan Zumwalt has earned himself a spot in the Senior Bowl. A standout performance in UCLA’s 42-12 Sun Bowl win over Virginia Tech likely helped his case for a late invite: the inside linebacker had 10 tackles and an interception, as well as a big hit that ended quarterback Logan Thomas’ college career.

He joins receiver Shaq Evans and All-American linebacker Anthony Barr to become the Bruins’ third Senior Bowl invitee.

Defensive end Cassius Marsh will play the East-West Shrine Bowl on Jan. 18.

Both games will be broadcast on NFL Network.