Wed Jul 3 10:36am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer
Hurts was first quarterback picked
RealTime Fantasy Sports is proud to present you the results of our “Champions Draft." The draft this season once again consists of the top rated fantasy players on our site. We invited players rated near the top of our Top Fantasy Players report. So this is the best of the best on our site.
In this column, we'll give you a round-by-round look at the draft. Each round includes some notes on that round, talking about what just went down. Hopefully, this gives you some insight into the draft and helps prepare you for all your drafts this coming year.
Before we get to that, here is a quick overview of the league format. We used the same rules as we do for the "All-Pro" fantasy leagues on our site. So you can view the entire set of rules on our main page for that game. But here is a brief look. Each team starts a quarterback, two running backs, two receivers, a tight end, a defensive/special teams, a kicker and a flex player (RB, WR or TE). Scoring is pretty standard. Touchdowns are worth six except for passing touchdowns, which are worth four. And it is a points per reception league, giving every player a point per reception. Defenses get points for sacks, interceptions and fumble recoveries. The rules are pretty standard with how many leagues operate these days.
ROUND 1
1. Ballers - Christian McCaffrey RB, SF
2. Birds - CeeDee Lamb WR, DAL
3. CRUNCHY - Bijan Robinson RB, ATL
4. Super Paurs - Breece Hall RB, NYJ
5. Wreckingcrew - Tyreek Hill WR, MIA
6. PaurPlay - Justin Jefferson WR, MIN
7. Crusty GON Pod - Amon-Ra St. Brown WR, DET
8. Bubbles Army - Ja'Marr Chase WR, CIN
9. HORNS - Jahmyr Gibbs RB, DET
10. Goodfellas - Puka Nacua WR, LAR
11. Suncoast - A.J. Brown WR, PHI
12. AlwaysBetOnBlack - Saquon Barkley RB, PHI
NOTES: The first round was pretty chalk, going very similar to the current ADP. These savvy owners didn’t take many chances with the first round. There were five running backs and seven receivers picked in Round 1. It was not a surprise to see no tight ends or quarterbacks picked in the first round. The only mild surprise was seeing Jonathan Taylor failed to get picked this round. He normally goes at the end of the first round, but didn’t in this one.
ROUND 2
1. AlwaysBetOnBlack - Jonathan Taylor RB, IND
2. Suncoast - Garrett Wilson WR, NYJ
3. Goodfellas - Sam LaPorta TE, DET
4. HORNS - Travis Etienne RB, JAX
5. Bubbles Army - Davante Adams WR, LV
6. Crusty GON Pod - Chris Olave WR, NO
7. PaurPlay - Josh Jacobs RB, GB
8. Wreckingcrew - Kyren Williams RB, LAR
9. Super Paurs - Devon Achane RB, MIA
10. CRUNCHY - Derrick Henry RB, BAL
11. Birds - Isiah Pacheco RB, KC
12. Ballers - Marvin Harrison Jr. WR, ARI
NOTES: Sam LaPorta was the first tight end picked, getting taken by Suncoast this round. He went a tad sooner, having an ADP of 24.99 but he wasn’t going to last to Suncoast when he picked again, so he had to pull the trigger now if he wanted him on his roster. . . . This was a running back heavy round, seeing seven go off the board. This is normally a trend in many drafts with a lot of owners going receiver in the first round. . . .Isiah Pacheco might have been the only surprise running back of this round. The Birds selected him with the 11th pick. This wasn’t too far off his ADP, though, normally going pick 26.62. . . . .Marvin Harrison continues to be the first rookie picked on draft day. The Ballers picked him with the last pick, making him the 24th pick overall.
ROUND 3
1. Ballers - Drake London WR, ATL
2. Birds - Michael Pittman Jr. WR, IND
3. CRUNCHY - Nico Collins WR, HOU
4. Super Paurs - Deebo Samuel WR, SF
5. Wreckingcrew - James Cook RB, BUF
6. PaurPlay - Travis Kelce TE, KC
7. Crusty GON Pod - Rhamondre Stevenson RB, NE
8. Bubbles Army - Rachaad White RB, TB
9. HORNS - Stefon Diggs WR, HOU
10. Goodfellas - Joe Mixon RB, HOU
11. Suncoast - Mike Evans WR, TB
12. AlwaysBetOnBlack - Brandon Aiyuk WR, SF
NOTES: This round was a little more receiver heavy once again, having seven go off the board. This seems to be a trend in a lot of drafts, having owners get two receivers and a running back after three rounds. . . . .Travis Kelce is the second tight end picked, which is a little unusual for him, but definitely a trend. Kelce has an ADP of 30.8, going after LaPorta in most drafts. Paur Play is hoping he has at least one more big season in him. . . . .It is always interesting seeing how owners value the two top receivers for the Texans. Nico Collins went before Stefon Diggs in this draft. Collins was picked third this round by CRUNCHY while the HORNS picked Diggs with the ninth pick.
ROUND 4
1. AlwaysBetOnBlack - Jaylen Waddle WR, MIA
2. Suncoast - Jalen Hurts QB, PHI
3. Goodfellas - D.J. Moore WR, CHI
4. HORNS - DeVonta Smith WR, PHI
5. Bubbles Army - Josh Allen QB, BUF
6. Crusty GON Pod - D'Andre Swift RB, CHI
7. PaurPlay - Patrick Mahomes QB, KC
8. Wreckingcrew - D.K. Metcalf WR, SEA
9. Super Paurs - Amari Cooper WR, CLE
10. CRUNCHY - Kenneth Walker III RB, SEA
11. Birds - Lamar Jackson QB, BAL
12. Ballers - Trey McBride TE, ARI
NOTES: This was a quarterback heavy round, seeing four go off the board. Jalen Hurts was the first quarterback selected, getting picked by Suncoast. He went ahead of Josh Allen, who normally is the first quarterback picked in drafts. . . . .Trey McBride was the third tight end picked, going to the Ballers with the last pick in this round. McBride is flying up draft boards this year after this strong finish last season. He has an ADP of 48.2, so this spot for him is not out of the norm. . . .There was just two running backs picked this round after seeing at least four picked each of the first three rounds. D’Andre Swift and Kenneth Walker were the backs picked this round.
ROUND 5
1. Ballers - Zay Flowers WR, BAL
2. Birds - Mark Andrews TE, BAL
3. CRUNCHY - Aaron Jones RB, MIN
4. Super Paurs - Cooper Kupp WR, LAR
5. Wreckingcrew - C.J. Stroud QB, HOU
6. PaurPlay - Alvin Kamara RB, NO
7. Crusty GON Pod - Kyle Pitts TE, ATL
8. Bubbles Army - Dalton Kincaid TE, BUF
9. HORNS - Anthony Richardson QB, IND
10. Goodfellas - James Conner RB, ARI
11. Suncoast - David Montgomery RB, DET
12. AlwaysBetOnBlack - George Kittle TE, SF
NOTES: David Montgomery was one of the top league winners last year but falls to the fifth round of this draft, going to Suncoast with the 11th pick. Fantasy owners have concerns for a repeat season from Montgomery, having an ADP of 68.9. This could end up being a make or break pick for the defending champ. . . . .Cooper Kupp is another polarizing figure this season. He was a very early pick last year, but goes to the Super Paurs with the fifth pick in Round 5. He has taken quite the fall in drafts, having an ADP of 46.5. . . .There were four tight ends pick this round. Dalton Kincaid is the biggest mover from last year. The Horns picked him with the eighth pick. Kincaid is normally the fifth tight end off the board, so Horns might have gotten a little value with him being the seventh tight end selected with this pick.
ROUND 6
1. AlwaysBetOnBlack - Malik Nabers WR, NYG
2. Suncoast - Najee Harris RB, PIT
3. Goodfellas - Jaylen Warren RB, PIT
4. HORNS - Zack Moss RB, CIN
5. Bubbles Army - Christian Kirk WR, JAX
6. Crusty GON Pod - George Pickens WR, PIT
7. PaurPlay - Calvin Ridley WR, TEN
8. Wreckingcrew - Jordan Love QB, GB
9. Super Paurs - Zamir White RB, LV
10. CRUNCHY - Tee Higgins WR, CIN
11. Birds - Jayden Reed WR, GB
12. Ballers - Tony Pollard RB, TEN
NOTES: The one pick that stands out in this round was the Birds taking Jayden Reed with the 11th pick. He has an ADP of 86.9, so they might have went a little early on Reed. He certainly has potential after scoring eight touchdowns his rookie season, but the Birds might have been able to get him a few rounds later. . . .The quarterback position slowed down a little this round with Jordan Love the only quarterback selected. He goes with the eight pick to Wreckingcrew. Love was fifth overall in fantasy quarterback scoring last year, so getting him after the elite guys are gone could turn out to be good value for Wreckingcrew. . . . .Some running backs that could be splitting work this year flew off the board. Najee Harris, Jaylen Warren, Zack Moss, Zamir White and Tony Pollard were all picked. They all have some question marks about playing time but if one emerges, they could be great value in Round 6.
ROUND 7
1. Ballers - Terry McLaurin WR, WAS
2. Birds - Jonathon Brooks RB, CAR
3. CRUNCHY - Rashee Rice WR, KC
4. Super Paurs - Joe Burrow QB, CIN
5. Wreckingcrew - Evan Engram TE, JAX
6. PaurPlay - Diontae Johnson WR, CAR
7. Crusty GON Pod - Keenan Allen WR, CHI
8. Bubbles Army - Austin Ekeler RB, WAS
9. HORNS - Chris Godwin WR, TB
10. Goodfellas - Tank Dell WR, HOU
11. Suncoast - Javonte Williams RB, DEN
12. AlwaysBetOnBlack - Raheem Mostert RB, MIA
NOTES: Our first rookie running back was picked this round, seeing the Birds take Jonathan Brooks with the second pick. Brooks could start the year slow, recovering from his knee injury, but could be a huge factor down the stretch for the Birds. Brooks went around 10 spots later than normal, having an ADP of 64.3. . . .Rashee Rice is a player facing a possible multi-game suspension. If not for that, he would be going much higher. Instead, he falls to CRUNCHY with the third pick this round. Rice has an ADP of 81.6, so he goes about where he normally does in drafts. If he can end up avoiding a suspension, this pick will be a huge steal for CRUNCHY. . . .Raheem Mostert is another intriguing player to watch in drafts. He was a league winner for many last year but is not getting drafted like that. AlwaysBetOnBlack gets him with the last pick this round. Mostert has an ADP of 84.8, so most drafters are not betting on a repeat of his huge season.
ROUND 8
1. AlwaysBetOnBlack - Brian Robinson Jr. RB, WAS
2. Suncoast - Marquise Brown WR, KC
3. Goodfellas - Dak Prescott QB, DAL
4. HORNS - Nick Chubb RB, CLE
5. Bubbles Army - Devin Singletary RB, NYG
6. Crusty GON Pod - Tyjae Spears RB, TEN
7. PaurPlay - J.K. Dobbins RB, LAC
8. Wreckingcrew - Blake Corum RB, LAR
9. Super Paurs - David Njoku TE, CLE
10. CRUNCHY - Jake Ferguson TE, DAL
11. Birds - Christian Watson WR, GB
12. Ballers - Trey Benson RB, ARI
NOTES: Nick Chubb is returning from another major injury and lasts until the fourth pick of Round 8. He has big question marks, but the Horns could take a chance on him with three quality backs already on his roster. . . .The Ballers took a chance on rookie Trey Benson in Round 8. After taking Christian McCaffrey with the first pick, the Ballers filled up other positions on his roster before taking chances on running backs later in the draft. . . . .There were seven total running backs picked this round. Many owners are hoping to find that great mid-round value, looking for the Raheem Mostert of this season.
ROUND 9
1. Ballers - Zach Charbonnet RB, SEA
2. Birds - Ezekiel Elliott RB, DAL
3. CRUNCHY - Kyler Murray QB, ARI
4. Super Paurs - Ty Chandler RB, MIN
5. Wreckingcrew - DeAndre Hopkins WR, TEN
6. PaurPlay - Chase Brown RB, CIN
7. Crusty GON Pod - Caleb Williams QB, CHI
8. Bubbles Army - Jordan Addison WR, MIN
9. HORNS - T.J. Hockenson TE, MIN
10. Goodfellas - Gus Edwards RB, LAC
11. Suncoast - Courtland Sutton WR, DEN
12. AlwaysBetOnBlack - Trevor Lawrence QB, JAX
NOTES: Three quarterbacks go this round, giving every team at least one quarterback except one. Ballers is the only team that doesn’t have a quarterbacks after nine rounds. The three quarterbacks picked this round were Kyler Murray, rookie Caleb Williams and Trevor Lawrence. . . .Teams continues to load up on mid-round running backs with five getting of the 12 picks being running backs. None of these backs are sure things but both Ezekiel Elliott and Gus Edwards have some touchdown potential on their teams. . . .DeAndre Hopkins is not getting drafted as he was in the past. He goes with the fifth pick to Wreckingcrew. This spot is even later than normal for Hopkins, who has an ADP of 79.6.
ROUND 10
1. AlwaysBetOnBlack - Xavier Worthy WR, KC
2. Suncoast - Dallas Goedert TE, PHI
3. Goodfellas - Ladd McConkey WR, LAC
4. HORNS - Keon Coleman WR, BUF
5. Bubbles Army - Jaxon Smith-Njigba WR, SEA
6. Crusty GON Pod - Jerome Ford RB, CLE
7. PaurPlay - Jameson Williams WR, DET
8. Wreckingcrew - Rico Dowdle RB, DAL
9. Super Paurs - Mike Williams WR, NYJ
10. CRUNCHY - Brian Thomas Jr. WR, JAX
11. Birds - Curtis Samuel WR, BUF
12. Ballers - Brock Purdy QB, SF
NOTES: Round 10 is the round of the rookie. There were four rookie receivers picked this round, including Xavier Worthy, Ladd McConkey, Keon Coleman and Brian Thomas. These are four receivers that all have the chance to emerge as top playmakers in their respective offenses. . . . .Ballers is the last team to take a quarterback, picking Brock Purdy with the last pick in Round 10. Purdy was seventh overall in fantasy quarterback scoring last year. . . . Suncoast was the last team to select a tight end, taking Dallas Goedert with the second pick. Goedert can be erratic but has a high weekly ceiling in his offense.
ROUND 11
1. Ballers - Kendre Miller RB, NO
2. Birds - Josh Downs WR, IND
3. CRUNCHY - Rome Odunze WR, CHI
4. Super Paurs - Gabriel Davis WR, JAX
5. Wreckingcrew - Brandin Cooks WR, DAL
6. PaurPlay - Jahan Dotson WR, WAS
7. Crusty GON Pod - Cole Kmet TE, CHI
8. Bubbles Army - Brock Bowers TE, LV
9. HORNS - Jerry Jeudy WR, CLE
10. Goodfellas - Jayden Daniels QB, WAS
11. Suncoast - Tyler Lockett WR, SEA
12. AlwaysBetOnBlack - Brandon Aubrey K, DAL
NOTES: We had our first team take a second quarterback. Goodfellas took rookie Jayden Daniels with the 10th pick. They picked Dak Prescott two rounds earlier, giving him what could be a potent one-two punch at quarterback. . . .Our first kicker was picked. Brandon Aubrey was taken with the last pick this round by AlwaysBetOnBlack. It is a tad earlier than normal for our first kicker. Aubrey has an ADP of 133.1. . . .The top tight end in this year’s draft, Brock Bowers, was picked by Bubbles Army with the eighth pick. Bubbles is hoping Bowers is the Sam LaPorta of this year’s rookie class.
ROUND 12
1. AlwaysBetOnBlack - Dallas Cowboys Def/ST, DAL
2. Suncoast - Jakobi Meyers WR, LV
3. Goodfellas - Kimani Vidal RB, LAC
4. HORNS - Khalil Shakir WR, BUF
5. Bubbles Army - MarShawn Lloyd RB, GB
6. Crusty GON Pod - Antonio Gibson RB, NE
7. PaurPlay - Justin Herbert QB, LAC
8. Wreckingcrew - Pat Freiermuth TE, PIT
9. Super Paurs - Jared Goff QB, DET
10. CRUNCHY - Kirk Cousins QB, ATL
11. Birds - Tua Tagovailoa QB, MIA
12. Ballers - Chuba Hubbard RB, CAR
NOTES: AlwaysBetOnBlack took the first kicker and followed that by picking the first defense. The Cowboys defense is the first off the board, giving AlwaysBetOnBlack both the Cowboys kicker and defense. . . . .There were a couple rookie running backs picked this round. Kimani Vidal and MarShawn Lloyd don’t have a clear path to playing time with their respective teams but have some potential if given the opportunities. . . .Four teams took backup quarterbacks this round. It is interesting to see Justin Herbert fall so far, but he has question marks because of a new offense and lack of playmakers in the passing game.
Jeff Paur is a two-time finalist for FSWA Fantasy Football Writer of the Year and won the FSWA award for Best Fantasy Football Article on the Web in 2011. He also was the most accurate expert in 2012, winning the FSTA Fantasy Football Accuracy Award. If you have any questions for Jeff, email him at jeff@rtsports.com. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.
TFC Champion is Crowned
According to Jeff McLane of Inquirer.com, Philadelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert (ankle) was seen practicing on Friday. Fantasy managers should keep a close eye on his status on the final injury report, as he may carry an injury designation into the weekend. Goedert was unable to practice during the first two sessions of the week. However, seeing him back on the field on Friday is a promising sign. Goedert reportedly suffered this ankle injury during their victory over the Los Angeles Rams last weekend. In this contest, Goedert was the team's leading pass catcher, bringing in four passes for 56 yards. If Goedert can not play on Sunday against the Washington Commanders, Grant Calcaterra would get the starting nod and be a viable value play in DFS competitions.
From RotoBaller
According to Rich Cimini of ESPN, New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers has an uncertain future with the team with new head coach Aaron Glenn. Cimini reported that, unlike the previous Jets coaching staff with Nathaniel Hackett, Rodgers has no direct ties with Glenn. Entering his age-41 season could encourage the Jets to look elsewhere as they attempt to rebuild their roster. Cimini noted that given his age, it would be "loathsome" for an older player to learn a new scheme and would be out of his "comfort zone." However, given the current state of the quarterback market, it may be challenging to find someone as skilled as Rodgers. Despite coming off a torn Achilles, Rodgers started all 18 games for the Jets and averaged 229.2 passing yards per game with a 28:11 TD:INT ratio. Over the final five games, Rodgers began to turn the corner as he averaged 254 passing yards per game. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor this situation during the offseason as it will impact the outlook of the entire offense.
From RotoBaller
According to Josina Anderson, the New York Jets are expected to hire Darren Mougey as their next general manager. Earlier this week, the Jets hired Aaron Glenn as their new head coach as they hope to turn their roster around. Mougey worked with the Denver Broncos as a scout for several years before being promoted to director of player personnel. He was then promoted to assistant general manager in 2022, a position he held for the past three years. Mougey will now be tasked to reshape the New York Jets alongside Glenn. The New York Jets have not made the postseason in 14 seasons, which is the longest streak in the NFL. The team has also had nine straight losing seasons. Mougey will look to turn the franchise around, and they should have a good opportunity to kickstart the rebuild with the No.7 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
From RotoBaller
According to Pete Thamel of ESPN, Ohio State running back Quinshon Judkins is leaving school early and declaring for the 2025 NFL Draft. Judkins just completed his junior season at Ohio State. Judkins shared the backfield with senior TreVeyon Henderson during their championship season. Judkins ran for 1,060 yards on 194 attempts, while Henderson saw a slightly less workload with 144 attempts. Judkins found the back of the end zone 16 times. He led the way in the National Championship game over Notre Dame, scoring three times and adding 121 total yards. Judkins played his first two seasons of college football with Ole Miss. Across three seasons, the 21-year-old averaged 5.1 yards per carry, totaling 3,785 rushing yards with 50 total TDs. Judkins is projected to be one of the first running backs selected on draft day.
From RotoBaller
According to Matt Parrino of Syracuse.com, Buffalo Bills safety Taylor Rapp (hip) has been ruled out for Sunday's AFC Championship game against the Kansas City Chiefs. Rapp sustained this hip injury during their victory over the Baltimore Ravens last weekend. The 27-year-old was unable to practice all weekend and will set his sights on returning for the Super Bowl if the Bills can knock off the AFC's top seed. Through 16 games this season, Rapp tallied 85 tackles (49 solos) with 36 assists, seven deflections, three interceptions, and one forced fumble. Fantasy managers should expect Cole Bishop to receive the start on Sunday evening.
From RotoBaller
According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, the Las Vegas Raiders are hiring Pete Carroll as their next head coach. Carroll and the Raiders agreed to a three-year deal with a fourth-year option. Carroll was the head coach of the Seattle Seahawks for 14 seasons and led them to ten playoff appearances and their only Super Bowl victory in franchise history. During his long tenure with Seattle, he held a 137-89-1 record and a 10-9 postseason record. He is also one of four head coaches to win both a National Championship and Super Bowl. He was the head skipper of USC from 2001 to 2009. The 73-year-old will be tasked to replace Antonio Pierce, who went 4-13 during his time as head coach. With the Raiders entering a rebuilding period, Carroll will bring much-needed winning experience to the locker room. With a new head coach, the Raiders will likely look to bring in a new quarterback either in free agency or with the No. 6 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
From RotoBaller
Ohio State quarterback Will Howard and Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard will both play in the 2025 Senior Bowl ahead of the NFL draft in April. In addition to Howard and Leonard, Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe, Ole Miss QB Jaxson Dart, Oregon QB Dillon Gabriel and Louisville QB Tyler Shough will be putting their talents on display. Howard, 23, won the national title for the Buckeyes and threw for 1,150 yards, eight touchdowns and two interceptions in four playoff games to potentially boost his draft stock in scouts' eyes. He had the best year of his collegiate career at Ohio State in 2024 after spending his first three seasons at Kansas State. Howard completed 73% of his passes for 4,010 yards and 35 TDs in 16 games. In a weak QB draft class, Howard could boost his stock even further with a strong Senior Bowl performance and could become a second-round selection in April.
From RotoBaller
In ESPN's latest poll of 20 NFL scouts and executives, Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders, the son of former NFL cornerback Deion Sanders, received 11 votes as the expected to overall pick in the upcoming 2025 NFL draft. Florida QB Cam Ward received nine votes. Last October, Georgia's Carson Beck, Alabama's Jalen Milroe and Texas' Quinn Ewers also received votes. One scout described this year's QB class as "muddy," and the consensus is that this class is nowhere near as good as last year's in which a record six QBs went in the first round, all within the first 12 picks. Sanders isn't considered a plus athlete and is more of a dropback, pocket passer. If the Tennessee Titans keep the No. 1 overall pick, they could call Sanders' name as they look for an upgrade over Will Levis, who they took in the second round in 2023.
From RotoBaller
Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart announced on his X account on Thursday that he is officially declaring for the 2025 NFL draft. Dart won't be considered one of the top QB prospects for what is generally considered a weak QB class. He initially joined USC in 2021 but transferred to Ole Miss before the 2022 season after playing in six games as a freshman for the Trojans. In three seasons at Ole Miss, Dart had a 65.7 completion percentage with 10,617 passing yards, 72 touchdowns and 22 interceptions. He tacked on 1,500 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns on 371 rushing attempts. Dart's best season came in 2024 when he threw for 4,279 yards, 29 touchdown and only six interceptions. Although Dart almost certainly won't hear his name called in the first round of the 2025 draft, ESPN considers him a top-200 draft prospect.
From RotoBaller
The Las Vegas Raiders re-signed wide receiver Alex Bachman to a Reserve/Futures deal on Thursday. Bachman spent most of the 2024 season on the Raiders' practice squad, but he was active for six games (one start) and caught all three of his targets for 31 yards and no touchdowns -- all in Week 6 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The 28-year-old pass-catcher originally went undrafted out of Wake Forest but latched on with the New York Giants. He appeared in four games for the G-Men in 2020 and 2021 but was not targeted at all in the passing game while receiving one carry for a loss of three yards in 2021. Bachman will continue his development with the Black and Silver this offseason and through training camp this summer as he looks to make the active 53-man roster for Week 1 of the 2025 regular season.
From RotoBaller
The Jacksonville Jaguars are expected to name Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Liam Coen as their new head coach. The two sides are reportedly in active negotiations, and Coen should be in Jacksonville next season, barring anything unexpected. This was an odd turn of events, as Coen interviewed with the Jags recently but decided afterwards to return to Tampa as their offensive coordinator. The Bucs were prepared to make Coen the highest-paid coordinator in the league after his tremendous performance with the team this past season. Now, Coen appears ready to ditch the Bucs and join the Jags after their decision to fire general manager Trent Baalke earlier this week. The hope is that Coen can turn around quarterback Trevor Lawrence's career like he did with Baker Mayfield this past season in Tampa.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills offensive tackle Dion Dawkins (illness) was upgraded to a full participant during Thursday's practice session. That is good news for the Bills after Dawkins sat out of practice to begin the week. It sounds like Dawkins is dealing with a minor illness, but that shouldn't stop him from playing this weekend. The fact that Dawkins was able to practice in full on Thursday means that he should be fine for Sunday. Barring any setbacks, Dawkins should be starting at left tackle and holding down the blindside for quarterback Josh Allen during the AFC Championship Game.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders linebacker Frankie Luvu (shoulder) was a limited participant during Thursday's practice session. It's worth noting that Luvu did suffer a shoulder injury during the regular season finale. However, he looked fine in each of the last two games and practiced in full during Wednesday's practice. Possibly, the Commanders were just taking the cautious approach and were limiting Luvu to keep him fresh for this weekend. His absence would be a significant hit for this defensive unit given how well Luvu has played this season. In 17 games, Luvu recorded 99 tackles, eight sacks, and seven passes defended. There should be better clarity on his shoulder injury following Friday's practice.
From RotoBaller
The San Francisco 49ers are reportedly expected to hire Robert Saleh as their new defensive coordinator. Saleh was fired as the head coach of the New York Jets after a slow start to the season. He was reportedly the favorite for the Jacksonville Jaguars head coaching gig. However, Liam Coen now appears to be the favorite to land the Jags head coaching job. That being said Saleh is expected to return to a familiar place in San Francisco. Saleh was a defensive coordinator for a number of years in San Francisco before he took the job as the head coach of the Jets. This seems like a good decision given the fact that Saleh is a smart defensive mind.
From RotoBaller
ESPN Dallas' Todd Archer reports that Dallas Cowboys Pro Bowl cornerback Trevon Diggs (knee) had a chondral tissue graft surgery on Thursday on his left knee, and the recovery could keep him out until parts of training camp, if not longer, according to multiple sources. The delay in Diggs' surgery could cost him the start of the 2025 season, although we'll have a better idea of his timeline later this offseason. The 26-year-old defensive back landed on Injured Reserve on Dec. 21 due to his left-knee injury. The former second-round pick in the 2020 NFL draft out of Alabama has only played in 13 games the last two seasons due to injuries after he made the Pro Bowl in both 2021 and 2022. Diggs had 14 interceptions in 2021 and 2022 but has recorded only three picks since while dealing with injuries. Even if he's ready for Week 1 this fall, Dallas may choose to ease him back in early in the year.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle Lane Johnson (knee, rest) upgraded to a full practice on Thursday after he was a limited participant in the first practice of the week on Wednesday. Johnson has been battling a knee issue but played in both playoff games and shouldn't have a problem suiting up for the NFC Championship this Sunday versus the division-rival Washington Commanders. The Eagles were likely just giving the 34-year-old veteran a little extra rest on Wednesday for the first practice of the week. Johnson and the rest of Philly's strong offensive line were a big reason running back Saquon Barkley led the NFL in rushing yards during the regular season. Philly's ground game will be key in the clash against Washington as they look to punch their ticket to the Super Bowl with a win this weekend.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders tight ends John Bates (shoulder) and Ben Sinnott (shoulder) were both listed as limited participants in Thursday's practice after they were both full-go in the first practice of the week on Wednesday. It's possible that both are merely being rested ahead of Sunday's NFC Championship against the division-rival Philadelphia Eagles, but there statuses will become more clear on Friday. Meanwhile, fellow TE Zach Ertz (rib, rest) returned to a full practice on Thursday after picking up a DNP on Wednesday. As long as Ertz is healthy and on the field, neither Bates nor Sinnott are worth considering in fantasy playoff leagues. Bates had only eight catches on 13 targets for 84 yards and no touchdowns in 17 regular-season games, while Sinnott had five grabs for 28 yards and one score in 17 games.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles rookie cornerback Quinyon Mitchell (shoulder) upgraded to a full practice session on Thursday after he was listed as limited on Wednesday. The impressive rookie defensive back injured his shoulder in the Divisional Round win over the Los Angeles Rams and was never able to return, but the fact that he practiced in full on Thursday gives him a pretty good chance to play in the NFC Championship against the division-rival Washington Commanders this Sunday in Philly. The 23-year-old first-rounder has been a big reason why the Eagles defense has been one of the best units in the NFL this year, and his presence on the field this Sunday would be bad news for Commanders receivers Terry McLaurin and Dyami Brown. Mitchell recorded 46 tackles (37 solo) and 12 pass breakups in his first 16 regular-season games.
From RotoBaller
Updating a previous report, Philadelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert (ankle) was a non-participant in practice on Thursday for the second straight day this week. An earlier report suggested that Goedert would return to practice after missing Wednesday's session, but that turned out to not be the case. It now puts the 30-year-old's status for the NFC Championship this Sunday against the division-rival Washington Commanders up in the air. However, if he's able to get back on the practice field on Friday, it would be a surprise if he's not active as the Eagles look to punch their ticket to the Super Bowl. Goedert had four catches on six targets for 47 yards and a touchdown in the wild-card win over the Green Bay Packers and caught all four of his targets for 56 yards in the Divisional Round win over the Los Angeles Rams. If he's out or limited on Sunday, Grant Calcaterra would become a TE sleeper for DFS lineups.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills cornerbacks Christian Benford (concussion) and Taron Johnson (neck, shoulder) were both limited in the team's practice on Thursday. It was the second straight limited practice of the week for Benford, while Johnson was a downgrade after he put in a full practice on Wednesday. Benford is most likely going to need to upgrade to a full practice on Friday to have a shot to clear the league's concussion protocol after suffering a head injury in the Divisional Round win over the Baltimore Ravens. Johnson injured his neck in the wild-card win over the Denver Broncos but was able to suit up in the win over the Ravens, where he apparently picked up a shoulder ailment. The Bills could just be resting him on Thursday ahead of the AFC Championship on Sunday versus the Kansas City Chiefs. The Bills could be strong DFS play against a Chiefs offense that hasn't been as explosive this season.
From RotoBaller