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ESPN's David Newton writes that it was obvious to teammates that Carolina Panthers second-year linebacker Chau Smith-Wade had a stellar offseason and will be a factor for the team in 2025. "Man, I think he's been the most impressive player," Pro Bowl cornerback Jaycee Horn said. "Chau took advantage of an opportunity," head coach Dave Canales said. "He made tackles. He had an opportunity on an interception, and he made it." Newton adds that Smith-Wade's ability to play corner, nickel and safety makes him even more valuable to a young defense that finished last in the NFL in 2024. The 22-year-old ended his rookie campaign on Injured Reserve in December due to an illness. The former fifth-rounder finished 2024 with 39 tackles (24 solo) an interception and a forced fumble in 14 games (four starts). Smith-Wade had taken over the slot role before his illness sidelined him.

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Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris thinks that linebacker Divine Deablo is capable of wearing the green dot as essentially the quarterback of the defense in 2025, according to ESPN's Marc Raimondi. Morris has been impressed with Deablo's size (6-foot-3), length and speed, and he has a realistic shot at winning a starting job at inside linebacker next to Kaden Elliss. The 26-year-old former third-rounder (80th overall) by the Las Vegas Raiders in 2021 out of Virginia Tech had just 63 tackles (35 solo) and one sack in 14 starts in his fourth year with the Raiders in 2024, which was his lowest tackle output since his rookie season. It sound like Deablo will have a great chance for a bounce-back season in his first year with the Falcons, but he's probably not going to be on the fantasy radar in IDP leagues. Deablo has 100-plus tackles just once in his four years in the NFL.

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ESPN's Kevin Seifert writes that Minnesota Vikings cornerback Isaiah Rodgers showed playmaking ability while also showing off his speed as a kickoff returner during offseason workouts, demonstrating why the Vikings think he's a likely starter for them despite being a relatively obscure player since the Indianapolis Colts took him in the sixth round back in 2020. "He's been a great addition," defensive coordinator Brian Flores said. "He's got great football IQ and acumen." Flores said he's been tracking Rodgers since he played at the University of Massachusetts. The 27-year-old signed a two-year, $15 million contract this offseason. He was suspended for all of 2023 due to gambling but played in 15 regular-season games for the Eagles in 2024 and had 26 tackles (17 solo) and a forced fumble in 15 regular-season games (three starts). He should have a bigger role in Minnesota.

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Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell said he sees new defensive back Avonte Maddox as a guy who will "fit right in with us" after evaluating him during the offseason program, according to ESPN's Eric Woodyard. Maddox is a Detroit native and looked good during offseason workouts. The former fourth-rounder brings a lot of experience to help Detroit's secondary as a Super Bowl champion and veteran player that spent the last seven years with the Philadelphia Eagles. The 29-year-old signed a one-year deal in free agency with the Lions after starting last season as the starter in the slot for the Eagles before eventually losing the gig to impressive rookie Cooper DeJean. In Detroit, he's expected to be a key backup behind starter Brian Branch.

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Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson singled out rookie fourth-round linebacker Ruben Hyppolite as the player that the coaches saw the most improvement from this spring, according to ESPN's Courtney Cronin. Hyppolite saw plenty of run with the starting defense at weakside linebacker -- a position he didn't have much experience at after playing middle linebacker at Maryland -- with veteran T.J. Edwards sidelined with a soft-tissue injury. "He's done a great job adjusting to that speed as we've gone through, and that's going to have to show up once we do get the pads on," Johnson said. "But I think he's been improving every single day, and really, we're hoping that course continues." The 23-year-old with 4.39-second 40-yard dash speed could be in the lead for the battle for the No. 3 linebacker job heading into training camp.

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The Washington Commanders' coaching staff noticed that defensive tackle Daron Payne showed more leadership and was more outgoing around the building this offseason, per ESPN's John Keim. Head coach Dan Quinn said Payne had "laser focus" this spring. "He just looks really good, really intent-ful. You can really see him taking that leadership role to the next step. He's been the guy that's really just stood out to me the most from that standpoint," defensive coordinator Joe Whitt said. The 28-year-old had 11.5 sacks in a contract year in 2022 but has posted eight total sacks the last two seasons. He had 96 pass-rush wins and a win rate of 11.6% from 2020-22, but he's recorded just 39 wins and a 7.6% win rate the last two seasons. Washington needs Payne to be more productive in 2025, and if he isn't, he could be cut next offseason for $16 million in savings.

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ESPN's Tim McManus writes that Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Danny Gray made an impression this offseason during OTAs and minicamp practices open to reporters, using his 4.33-second speed to stretch the field and accelerate past defenders on catches over the middle. The former third-round pick by the San Francisco 49ers in 2022 dealt with injuries and had just one catch on seven targets for 10 yards in his only season with the team back in 2022. A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith are the Eagles' clear top two pass-catchers, but McManus points out that there are roster spots up for grabs behind them. Gray will be competing with the likes of Ainias Smith, Avery Williams and Terrace Marshall Jr. in training camp this summer. The Niners cut Gray at the end of training camp last year and quickly signed with Philly, where he spent all of last year on the practice squad.

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New York Giants safety Dane Belton was making plays seemingly every practice this spring and had three interceptions in the five workouts open to the media. ESPN's Jordan Raanan writes that the former fourth-rounder in 2022 will have a role as the third safety this year, even if he's not a starter. It appeared as though Belton was going to be an afterthought after the team signed Jevon Holland earlier this offseason, but that just hasn't been the case. "He has been really good for us here early. Like he's had a really good spring," defensive coordinator Shane Bowen said. "[We're] finding ways to get him on the field, what he can do for us to help us." The 24-year-old defensive back showed some progress in his third year in the league in 2024, finishing with 56 tackles (28 solo), one sack, one interception, six pass breakups, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery in 17 games (six starts).

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Dallas Cowboys cornerback Kaiir Elam started only 12 games in three seasons with the Buffalo Bills with two interceptions before the Cowboys acquired him in a trade, but he flashed on numerous occasions in OTAs and minicamp, according to ESPN's Todd Archer. Elam had multiple interceptions in offseason practices and dropped two more while showing an ability to run with receivers. Archer goes on to write that the Cowboys need Elam to be a factor in 2025 with all the uncertainty surrounding cornerback Trevon Diggs (knee) and third-round rookie Shavon Revel Jr. (knee), who are both working their way back from knee surgeries. The Cowboys didn't exercise Elam's fifth-year option after the Bills took him 23rd overall in the 2022 NFL draft out of Florida, so perhaps he's extra motivated going into his first year in Dallas. That's what the Cowboys are banking on.

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ESPN's Adam Teicher writes that judging from how rookie seventh-round running back Brashard Smith was used in offseason practices, the Kansas City Chiefs have plans for him. The 22-year-old ran a 4.39-second 40-yard dash at the scouting combine and could fit in nicely with other offensive skill players on the team, including receivers Xavier Worthy and Marquise Brown and running back Elijah Mitchell. Smith was a receiver in college before moving to a RB at SMU in his final season, and the Chiefs got him the ball out of the backfield, from the slot and split out wide during spring workouts. Head coach Andy Reid knows a little something about finding ways to use speedy offensive weapons, so fantasy managers shouldn't complete turn away from Smith, even though it will be hard for him to secure a big role in his first year in the NFL.

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Denver Broncos rookie third-round wide receiver Pat Bryant consistently showed physicality to win contested catches during the team's offseason program, according to ESPN's Jeff Legwold. Additionally, quarterback Bo Nix showed the confidence to target Bryant in tight situations. Consistent playing time could be hard to come by with Courtland Sutton, Marvin Mims Jr. and Troy Franklin getting most of the work with the starters, but Legwold thinks Bryant will be in the mix if he builds on his offseason work in training camp and the preseason. The 22-year-old from Illinois isn't a burner by any means, but the Broncos saw a precise route-runner who consistently created space with an explosive release off the line of scrimmage. Bryant has been compared to former Saints wideout Michael Thomas, who had quite a run in Sean Payton's offense in New Orleans. For now, Bryant is one to watch with training camp approaching.

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Tennessee Titans linebacker Cody Barton has already become a mentor to the team's young inside linebackers, especially second-year linebacker James Williams, according to ESPN's Turron Davenport. Barton is proving to be a much-needed savvy veteran for the Titans after signing a three-year deal worth $21 million in free agency this offseason. The 28-year-old has been a vocal presence on the field during offseason workouts for a Titans defense that struggled in coverage in 2024 and often found themselves out of position. He's been useful in IDP fantasy formats each of the last three seasons with three different teams -- Seattle, Washington and Denver -- racking up a combined 363 tackles (204 solo). Barton had an expanded role with the Broncos in 2024 and will likely be counted on to play an every-down role in Tennessee.

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Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Montaric Brown worked with the starters during offseason workouts and consistently made plays during spring practices, including two end-zone pass breakups in red-zone drills in minicamp. ESPN's Michael DiRocco writes that he has the advantage heading into training camp as a starter opposite Tyson Campbell. Second-year corner Jarrian Jones played well at nickel late in his rookie season, but he's still learning the zone scheme, which is expected to be a staple of defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile's scheme. In addition to Jones needing plenty of schooling on the zone scheme, the Jaguars are still working through how many defensive snaps per game they'll be able to get out of rookie first-rounder Travis Hunter. Brown, 25, is also coming off a career year in 2024 in which he had 75 tackles (55 solo), six tackles for loss, an interception and eight pass breakups in 17 games.

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Buffalo Bills rookie cornerback Maxwell Hairston has been named in a civil lawsuit related to an alleged incident that happened in 2021, according to WKBW.com. Bryant Law Center and Meyers & Flowers filed the Lawsuit on Tuesday, and a woman is accusing Hairston of sexual assault while he was a student at the University of Kentucky. Hairston was selected by the Bills in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft (No. 30 overall) after a stellar career for the Wildcats. In 32 games, he compiled 87 tackles, six interceptions, and 10 pass deflections. This is a situation worth monitoring as he heads into his first NFL training camp.

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Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Tai Felton was a third-round selection by the organization in the 2025 NFL Draft. Needless to say, he joined a crowded pass-catching group consisting of Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and T.J. Hockenson. The Maryland product would have trouble earning targets even as the WR3, but Jalen Nailor remains the favorite to win that job. "It might take some time. Felton may play offensive snaps if Addison is suspended, but expect his rookie campaign to be spent mostly on special teams," Alec Lewis of The Athletic wrote. "Felton must limit his drop rate and improve as a route runner." The 22-year-old is fresh off a 96-catch, 1,224-yard, nine-touchdown campaign in 2024, but it sounds like he'll have a limited role on offense to begin his career. He can continue to be stashed in dynasty leagues, but barring injury, he likely won't be worth rostering in redraft setups.

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Jacksonville Jaguars running back LeQuint Allen landed in a crowded backfield after being selected by the team in the seventh round of the 2025 NFL Draft out of Syracuse. The Jags also selected Virginia Tech running back Bhayshul Tuten and already have Travis Etienne Jr. and Tank Bigsby on the roster. Conventional wisdom would suggest Allen will face an uphill battle to make the roster, but team reporter John Shipley said he could have an early role in the offense. "Both Tuten and Allen make sense as potential fill ins on third downs thanks both to their abilities as pass-catchers out of the backfield and the success each had pass-blocking in college," Shipley wrote. "Allen might be the most versatile receiver of the duo, which could lead to a key role early on." Most teams do not carry four running backs on gameday, so if Allen does make the roster, it could point toward the organization shipping one of the veteran ball carriers. It's still early in the offseason, and training camp will give fantasy managers a better idea of how rosters will shake up, but the buzz around Allen puts him higher on the fantasy football radar. Allen caught 119 passes in three collegiate seasons, including 64 in 2024.

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Indianapolis Colts rookie third-round cornerback Justin Walley has been turning heads throughout the offseason program with his aggressiveness and impressive instincts, giving him a chance to have a significant role on defense in his first year in the NFL, according to ESPN's Stephen Holder. Walley has shown potential in dime packages during offseason workouts, and the Colts are expected to play a greater variety of coverages in 2025. Head coach Shane Steichen said the 22-year-old defensive back is "really sticky in coverage." "Has been making a ton of plays through OTAs. So, very pleased with where he is at." It was an interesting fit when Indy took Walley in the third round, as they already have Charvarius Ward and Jaylon Jones as starters on the outside, with Kenny Moore playing the slot. If Walley continues his rise, the Colts secondary could be nasty in 2025.

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ESPN's Daniel Oyefusi writes that Cleveland Browns wide receiver Jamari Thrash, who caught only three passes as a rookie in 2024 after being taken in the fifth round, took advantage of opportunities in an unproven receiver room during offseason workouts and established himself as a reliable option in the passing game. "He's had a really strong spring," head coach Kevin Stefanski said. "He is here all the time working on his body. Very intelligent player, can line up in multiple positions which I think is valuable. And then he showed up, he's caught the ball well and you know the quarterbacks like how he gets open. He finds a way to get open versus zone, versus man." Since the 24-year-old isn't really an option on special teams, he's going to need to continue standing out in training camp and the preseason to win a spot on the 53-man roster heading into the regular season.

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Buffalo Bills linebacker Joe Andreessen has put himself in a good position to compete for the backup middle linebacker job in training camp this summer, according to ESPN's Alaina Getzenberg. Andreessen was mostly a special-teams player as a rookie in 2024 after being signed following a minicamp tryout. The 25-year-old saw increased time during minicamp due to Baylon Spector's injury and made multiple plys, including picking off quarterback Josh Allen. Andreessen saw action in 13 regular-season games (one start) for Buffalo in his rookie season and recorded 26 tackles (12 solo) with one tackle for loss and a QB hit. He saw extended run in Week 17 in a 40-14 win over the New York Jets and led the team with eight tackles.

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Miami Dolphins linebacker Grayson Murphy could provide situational or rotational pass-rush depth if he continues his production from offseason workouts into training camp this summer, writes ESPN's Marcel Louis-Jacques. Murphy made splash plays during spring practices on a team that features pass-rushers Bradley Chubb, Jaelan Phillips and Chop Robinson. It's been difficult for Chubb, Phillips and Robinson to stay healthy, and Murphy also landed on Injured Reserve with a knee injury in August after signing as an undrafted free agent last year. The 24-year-old is healthy now, though, and appears primed to serve in a backup role at outside linebacker for Miami's defense in 2025.

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