UCLA in the NFL: Brett Hundley takes over in Green Bay

Former UCLA quarterback Brett Hundley (right) will start for the Green Bay Packers after Aaron Rodgers suffered a broken collarbone against the Minnesota Vikings. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)

Brett Hundley is finally getting his NFL shot. The longtime Aaron Rodgers understudy was elevated to QB1 last Sunday after Rodgers suffered a broken collarbone that could keep him out for the rest of the season.

After entering the game in the first quarter, Hundley threw an interception on his first pass attempt. He finished with 157 passing yards on 18-for-33 passing, one touchdown and three interceptions in Green Bay’s 23-10 loss to the Minnesota Vikings.

Hundley told reporters after the game that it was hard to see Rodgers go down, but that he had been “preparing for this moment for a long time now.”

“Obviously we didn’t get the job done today, but we’ll be better,” Hundley said. “We’ll be better.” Continue reading “UCLA in the NFL: Brett Hundley takes over in Green Bay” »

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” »

UCLA’s Cassius Marsh, Shaq Evans picked in fourth round of NFL draft

In the span of eight picks Saturday morning, UCLA doubled its 2014 NFL draft production.

Defensive end Cassius Marsh and receiver Shaq Evans both went in the fourth round, going 108th overall to the Seattle Seahawks and 115th overall to the New York Jets. They were the third and fourth Bruins picked this year, after linebacker Anthony Barr (ninth) and offensive guard Xavier Su’a-Filo (33rd).

Despite racking up 10.5 tackles for loss last season, Marsh is a bit of a tweener at 6-foot-4, 252 pounds — perhaps too small for defensive end and too slow for linebacker at the next level. Still, he is a versatile player who also worked out for teams as a tight end.

Evans led the team with 709 yards and nine touchdowns on 47 catches. He won’t beat anyone flat out with his speed (4.51-second 40-yard dash), but has good enough hands and size at 6-foot-1 to develop into a useful target.

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.

ESPN draft analyst Todd McShay evaluates Bruins

The notebook that ran in today’s edition of the Daily News covers some of Cassius Marsh’s value as an NFL prospect, whether it be at defensive end, linebacker or even tight end. ESPN draft analyst Todd McShay gave the UCLA senior a fourth- or fifth-round draft grade. Here’s what he said about some other Bruins:

Linebacker Anthony Barr

“He’s not as talented as (South Carolina defensive end Jadeveon) Clowney. He’s not as big, and he’s probably just a notch below in terms of the explosive athleticism. But I think Barr is still a very, very talented player who’s only played the defensive side for two years. Who continues to get better and better in terms of his play, how he’s using his hands, how he’s getting off blocks. I think when it’s all said and done, he’s going to wind up being a top-five pick. Continue reading “ESPN draft analyst Todd McShay evaluates Bruins” »