Dolphins cornerback Kader Kohou is poised to take on a leadership role within the team’s young cornerback group following the departure of CB Jalen Ramsey to Pittsburgh.
“I have to step up and be a leader in the room and show the younger guys how we want our unit to function, just like they did for me,” Kohou stated, as reported by Around The NFL. “Jalen Ramsey, X [Xavien Howard], and Jordan Poyer showed me the way. Leading doesn’t always require words; you can lead by example. It’s going to be a challenge. Being the oldest guy in the room comes with its own responsibilities because you have to show the others the way. It’s a challenge I feel ready for.”
In a separate discussion, Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner mentioned that he has bulked up, now weighing in at 190 pounds, plus an additional 10 pounds of muscle, which he feels enhances his explosiveness.
“I’m not gonna lie, this offseason has been by far my best. . . . I feel great,” Gardner said during an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show. “I’m currently around 200 pounds, and I don’t think I’ve ever played at that weight. But as I’ve added muscle, I’ve become more explosive and quicker.”
- Gardner on contract negotiations with the Jets: “It’s been pretty productive. We have our goals in terms of numbers, and the Jets understand that. I’m also aware of my peers like Jaycee (Horn), (Derek) Stingley, and Pat (Surtain) … all of whom deserve the contracts they’re receiving. It’s definitely something my team and I are discussing with the Jets.” (Zack Rosenblatt)
Patriots quarterback Drake Maye has praised veteran WR Stefon Diggs as an “awesome teammate” since his arrival, noting that they frequently converse as locker mates.
“Yeah, he seems like an awesome teammate,” Maye remarked, via the team’s site. “He’s my locker mate, just a spot away from me. We talk all the time. He’s a veteran in this league with a wealth of experience, having played in many significant games. He provides an invaluable voice for our receiving corps and this offense. Once he’s back on the field, I look forward to throwing him some passes. Having someone like him on the team is a great asset.”
Maye added that Diggs consistently engages at the team facility, lifting weights, asking questions during meetings, and seeking feedback after plays.
“Yeah, he comes in here to lift. In the meetings, he’s inquisitive, seeking advice after plays, asking, ‘Hey, what should I have done there? In the past, when the guy’s playing this leverage, I tried this,’ and so on. His experience is beneficial for me. Along with a veteran receiver like him, we’ve also got Mack [Hollins] and Kendrick Bourne. Having these experienced players in their 30s helps immensely as we look to learn how they guide our group and strengthen this offense.”
Image Source: Kader Kohou @ Instagram
