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
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown (knee/rest) was limited in practice on Wednesday. Brown has been consistently receiving rest for several weeks so his limited participation on Wednesday comes as no surprise. Despite the rest, Brown has been quiet throughout the playoffs. In two games played, Brown has only recorded three receptions for 24 yards. The Eagles have consistently ridden running back Saquon Barkley to victory. With the high-powered offense of the Washington Commanders coming to town for the NFC Championship, Brown may be needed to take a larger role in the offense. Brown is absolutely capable of carrying a big load. He recorded 1,079 receiving yards in 13 games this season. That came after recording at least 1,456 yards in each of his first two seasons in Philadelphia. Look for Brown to ramp up his practice participation throughout the week ahead of the NFC Championship on Sunday.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders linebacker Bobby Wagner (ankle) did not practice on Wednesday. Wagner was limited in practice last week with an ankle injury and ultimately played in the Divisional Round. As a 13-year veteran, Wagner does not necessarily need practice reps to be able to play. His injury also did not seem to limit him against the Detroit Lions last week as he recorded eight total tackles. The 13-year veteran should be monitored by Commanders fans to see if he records any practice time and is able to enter the weekend without an injury designation. While the Commanders have been excellent during their current playoff run, they will need Wagner in a matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles and their seemingly unstoppable running game.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (knee) was a limited participant in Wednesday's walkthrough. Hurts injured his knee during the second half of the Eagles' Divisional Round win over the Los Angeles Rams. Hurts remained in the game through the conclusion. His status for this week has not been in doubt to this point, and his participation in practice this early in the week confirms that. However, the question is whether Hurts will be anything close to full strength this weekend. He was visibly bothered by the injury last week and the Eagles' passing game had already not exactly lit up the scoreboard recently. Additionally, Hurts' ability as a runner opens lanes for excellent running back Saquon Barkley. If Hurts is limited to some capacity, the Washington Commanders should be able to more easily key on Barkley defensively. Hurts is one of the toughest quarterbacks in the NFL. Hopefully, for the sake of the Eagles, he will be able to bounce back this weekend.
From RotoBaller
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero report that the Cincinnati Bengals are finalizing a deal with Notre Dame defensive coordinator Al Golden, who is expected to become the team's next defensive coordinator. Golden will arrive at the Bengals' facility to sign his deal on Thursday. Before joining the Fighting Irish at the collegiate level, Golden spent two seasons as Cincy's linebackers coach, so it will be a reunion with head coach Zac Taylor. The 55-year-old spent the last three seasons as Notre Dame's defensive coordinator. He'll be replacing Lou Anarumo, who served as the Bengals' defensive coordinator for the last six seasons before being fired following the 2024 season. When Golden was the team's linebackers coach, he played an integral role in helping the team reach the Super Bowl for the first time in 33 years.
From RotoBaller
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (ankle) is on this week's injury report but was a full participant in the first practice of the week on Wednesday. Mahomes suffered a mild high-ankle sprain late in the regular season but didn't miss any time other than being held out of the Week 18 regular-season finale for rest purposes with the No. 1 seed in the AFC already locked up. He's apparently still receiving treatment on his ankle, but it shouldn't be a factor at all in the AFC Championship game this Sunday against the visiting Buffalo Bills. The two-time MVP went 16-for-25 for 177 yards and only one touchdown in last week's victory over the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round and will now face a Bills defense that he went 23-for-33 against with 196 yards, three TDs and two interceptions in a loss back on Nov. 17.
From RotoBaller
The Philadelphia Eagles signed free-agent tight end Nick Muse and offensive lineman Cameron Erving to their practice squad on Wednesday and released defensive end KJ Henry from the practice squad in a corresponding move. Muse, a former seventh-round pick by the Minnesota Vikings in 2022, appeared in four regular-season games in Minnesota but spent most of his time on special teams and was not targeted on offense. In his three years with the Vikings, he appeared in 16 games (zero starts) and caught his only target for a pickup of 22 yards. The 26-year-old will provide tight end depth for the Eagles for the rest of the postseason. Erving, 32, did not appear in the NFL at all in 2024 and last played three games with the New Orleans Saints in 2023. He's a nine-year NFL veteran who was originally a first-round selection (19th overall) by the Cleveland Browns in 2015 out of Florida State.
From RotoBaller
The Jacksonville Jaguars fired general manager Trent Baalke on Wednesday, according to NFL insider Ari Meirov. This move comes just hours after Buccaneers offensive coordinator Liam Coen reached a new deal to remain in Tampa Bay. Coen was thought to be the lead head-coaching candidate in Jacksonville. Baalke served as Jacksonville's GM from 2021 to 2024 and was responsible for hiring Urban Meyer and Doug Pederson, who have both been let go. Many believed Baalke would be fired immediately following the 2024 campaign, but Jaguars owner Shahid Khan must have been disappointed with the way the team's head-coaching search was headed under Baakle's direction and waited until now to make the move.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills left tackle Dion Dawkins (illness) missed Wednesday's practice with an illness, according to the team's X account. The four-time Pro Bowler is one of the most important pieces of the Buffalo offense, so missing an early-week practice session is not ideal. However, the 30-year-old has plenty of time to recover and be ready for the AFC Championship Game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday. It would be a shocker if he did not play, but his status should be monitored throughout the rest of the week. Assuming he's ready to go, he'll be tasked with protecting Josh Allen's blindside against a fierce Kansas City front-seven.
From RotoBaller
The Las Vegas Raiders are hiring Tampa Bay Buccaneers assistant general manager John Spytek to be the next general manager of the organization. The 44-year-old was in Tampa Bay's front office when Raiders minority owner Tom Brady played there, so there is a preexisting relationship that likely helped this hire come to fruition. Spytek entered the NFL in 2004 as an operations intern for the Detroit Lions and has held roles as a college scouting assistant, director of college scouting, director of player personnel, and more during his time with several pro organizations. Skytek will now assist in hiring the team's next head coach and finding a solution at the quarterback position.
From RotoBaller
The Jacksonville Jaguars head-coaching search is still ongoing after rumored lead candidate Liam Coen signed a contract extension to remain the Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator, and Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady is "a name to watch," according to NFL insider Jeremy Fowler. Brady began to get recognition after he was the passing-game coordinator for the 2019 LSU team that won a national championship with quarterback Joe Burrow and wideouts Justin Jefferson and Ja'Marr Chase. Brady served as the Carolina Panthers offensive coordinator in 2020 and 2021 before joining Buffalo's staff. He took over the play-calling duties in the Josh Allen-led offense in the middle of the 2023 campaign, and the Bills became the first team in NFL history to score at least 30 rushing and 30 passing touchdowns in 2024. The Jaguars are surely interested in bringing someone in who can take quarterback Trevor Lawrence to the next level, and they might view Brady as a potential fit in Duval County.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Britain Covey (neck) is having his practice window opened on Wednesday ahead of the NFC Championship Game against the Washington Commanders. The 27-year-old was placed on Injured Reserve for the second time this season after suffering a neck injury in Week 13 against the Baltimore Ravens. Covey's injuries have limited him to just five games this season. In those five games, he's hauled in seven receptions for 34 yards and returned five punts for 46 yards. It's unclear if the team is looking to activate him ahead of Sunday's game, but he could potentially return for the Super Bowl if Philadelphia advances.
From RotoBaller
The New York Jets are hiring Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn to be the organization's next head coach, according to NFL insider Adam Schefter. The 52-year-old has been rumored to be the lead candidate for much of the offseason, and he lands with New York less than a week after the Lions were knocked out of the playoffs in the NFC Divisional Round. Glenn led the No. 7 scoring defense and No. 5 rushing defense in 2024 despite Detroit dealing with a significant number of injuries on the defensive side of the ball. Glenn will be tasked with setting New York on the right path and breaking a 14-year postseason drought, which is the longest active streak in the NFL. Glenn will have plenty of defensive talent to work with right away, but the team will need to address the offense and the future of four-time MVP quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
From RotoBaller
Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker is widely regarded as one of the best place-kickers in NFL history, but he is coming off the worst season of his career in 2024. The eight-time All-Pro connected on a career-low 73.3% of his field goal tries and missed two extra points for the first time since 2019. Tucker rebounded late in the season and made all five of his attempts in the final five games of the campaign. The team has a potential out in his contract this offseason, but Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta said he expects Tucker to be kicking for the organization again in 2025. That said, the 35-year-old's 2024 season could be a sign of regression to come, and if he struggles to begin the 2025 season, things could change. For now, he remains in place and will be on the fantasy football radar on a team with an elite offense and plenty of scoring opportunities.
From RotoBaller
Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said on Wednesday that wide receiver Mecole Hardman (knee) will remain on Injured Reserve, which means he won't play again this season, even if the Chiefs beat the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Championship this Sunday to advance to a third straight Super Bowl appearance. The Chiefs opened Hardman's 21-day practice window to return from IR before the Week 18 regular-season finale against the Denver Broncos, but the team never felt comfortable putting him out there on game day. The 26-year-old will now begin his offseason early and make sure that his knee is fully ready for the start of the 2025 regular season this fall. Hardman was mostly valuable to the Chiefs this year before his knee injury as a return man on special teams, as he caught only 12 of 14 targets for 90 yards and no touchdowns in 12 games played in 2024.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni told reporters that quarterback Jalen Hurts (knee) will take part in Wednesday's walkthrough practice, as will rookie cornerback Quinyon Mitchell (shoulder). Hurts injured his left knee in the second half of the Divisional Round win over the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday and was examined in the medical tent before eventually returning to the field. Although Hurts finished out the game under center, his mobility was compromised and he appeared to be walking with a significant limp after the contest. The Eagles were non-committal on Hurts' status for the NFC Championship against the Washington Commanders earlier this week, but he did say he fully expects to be out there this Sunday. The 26-year-old had 70 rushing yards and a touchdown on the ground against the Rams, but fantasy managers might want to temper expectations for Hurts' rushing contributions this weekend if he's active.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott said that safety Taylor Rapp (hip) will not practice on Wednesday and listed him as day-to-day with a hip injury. Meanwhile, cornerback Christian Benford (concussion) will be limited as he works his way through the league's concussion protocol, and linebacker Matt Milano (hamstring) will also be limited. Rapp was limited to 33 percent of the team's defensive snaps last Sunday in the Divisional Round win over the Baltimore Ravens and is now in danger of missing the AFC Championship this Sunday in Kansas City against the Chiefs. However, the 27-year-old could have a chance at suiting up if he's able to return to practice on Thursday or Friday. Not having Rapp in the secondary would be a notable downgrade for Buffalo's secondary. Cole Bishop would be the likely replacement if Rapp is ruled out.
From RotoBaller
With Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Liam Coen now out of the running, many around the NFL view former New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh as the potential favorite to become the next head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars, sources told FOX Sports' Jordan Schultz. Saleh is scheduled to fly to Jacksonville on Thursday for a Friday meeting with Jaguars owner Shad Khan, general manager Trent Baalke and others. While Saleh could have the leg up for the job, Jacksonville could also expand their head-coaching search. The other name that could still be in the running for the head-coach job is Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady, but the Jaguars can't interview him again until the Bills season is over. Jacksonville will interview Las Vegas Raiders defensive coordinator Patrick Graham for a second time on Thursday.
From RotoBaller
ESPN's Adam Schefter reports on Wednesday that Detroit Lions defensive line coach Terrell Williams will become the New England Patriots' new defensive coordinator, according to sources. Williams worked with Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel with the Tennessee Titans from 2018-23, and Vrabel thought so highly of Williams that he had him serve as the Titans' head coach during the 2023 preseason opener. The move to hire Williams comes a day after Josh McDaniels was hired to return to New England to run the team's offense under Vrabel. Williams will have plenty of work to do in his new location in Boston after the Patriots' entire defense struggled in 2024. His biggest building block on that side of the ball is cornerback Christian Gonzalez. Look for the Patriots to try and add talent to the defensive side of the ball this offseason through the draft and free agency.
From RotoBaller
Baltimore Ravens executive vice president and general manager Eric DeCosta said on Wednesday that the team will be looking at a possible contract extension for running back Derrick Henry this offseason. Despite being on the wrong side of 30 (31), King Henry proved that he still has plenty left in the tank, rushing for 1,921 yards and a league-high 16 rushing touchdowns on 325 rushing attempts in 17 regular-season starts in his first year in Baltimore. He also added 19 receptions for 193 yards and two more TDs while averaging a career-high 5.9 yards per carry. Henry finished the regular season as the RB3 in half-PPR scoring. He'll be heading into the last year of the two-year, $16 million deal he signed last offseason, but the Ravens want him around longer. Showing no signs of slowing down and being in one of the best offenses in football, Henry should be a high-end RB1 again this fall.
From RotoBaller
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers reached a contract extension with offensive coordinator Liam Coen on Wednesday that will put him amongst the highest-paid coordinators in the NFL, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter. The move comes after it was reported on Tuesday that the Jacksonville Jaguars' head-coaching job was essentially Coen's to lose. It's a huge win for Tampa's offense in 2025 and beyond, especially for quarterback Baker Mayfield, who had been making a huge push for the team to retain Coen after he had a career year in 2024. Mayfield had career-highs in passing yards (4,500), touchdown passes (41) and completion percentage (71.4%) in his first year working with the 39-year-old Coen. If Coen had departed for Jacksonville, the Bucs would have been searching for a new offensive coordinator for the second straight offseason after Dave Canales became the Panthers head coach last offseason.
From RotoBaller