NFL Player News

Devonshire (5'11/170) came away with the MVP honors after -- per Rivals analyst Josh Helmholdt -- he “eventually separated himself from a deep group at his position by consistently batting down footballs because he was always in great position.” The analyst additionally notes that Devonshire makes up for a slight lack of size via his length and the fluid, quick nature of his playing style. Rivals ranks the Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, native as the No. 38 corner prospect in the 2019 class.

Barrows writes that “the rookies are very much in learning mode at this stage and didn’t have many prominent roles,” with the “exception” of Watkins, who caught three passes at practice, including two from Purdy. Per Barrows, “Watkins looked as fast and fluid,” and his first catch from Purdy resulted in a” big gain down the middle of the field.” It is very difficult for fourth-round rookie wide receivers to carve out a role on offense, and fantasy managers should not expect him to do so. Still, at this point, it is worth monitoring his development this summer, with Brandon Aiyuk recovering from a torn ACL and Ricky Pearsall sidelined by a new hamstring strain.

Kubiak served as the 49ers’ passing game coordinator during the 2023 NFL season. Although Milroe is studying the overlapping “reads and play calls,” he also remains focused on improving his footwork, which is becoming a running theme this offseason. Earlier this month, ESPN’s Brady Henderson reported that Milroe has been working on his “lower-half mechanics” with private QB coach Jordan Palmer. The Athletic’s Dane Brugler critiqued Milroe, pre-draft, for his “disjointed mechanics” that “disrupt the rhythm” of his dropbacks. Milroe knows he must improve in this regard if he wants to compete for the starting role in 2026. Milroe notes that Purdy “understands his feet are tied into the read and pocket integrity,” and Purdy is “at his best” and “most efficient” when he plays on time. Hopefully, Milroe can effectively put these conclusions to use in preseason play later this summer.

Brown had a solid second NFL season last year, totaling 59 tackles, five pass breakups, one interception and one quarterback pressure. Returning for training camp should give Brown ample time to ramp up safely in time for Week 1. He serves as a valuable member of the 49ers’ secondary.

McCaffrey is evidently ready to hit the ground running, but Shanahan and the 49ers know they must manage the soon-to-be 29-year-old’s repetitions responsibly. McCaffrey’s 2024 season was derailed by bilateral Achilles tendinitis and a season-ending PCL sprain. Slightly increasing second-year RB Isaac Guerendo’s workload could be helpful in this regard.

This was expected. Back in March, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Aiyuk could be “ready to play by midseason.” The 49ers’ No. 1 wide receiver still has a long way to go as he rehabs his knee injury. Nos. 2 and 3 wide receivers Jauan Jennings and Ricky Pearsall will be tasked with handling two-wide receiver sets early on.

Pearsall’s 2024 rookie season began similarly. He strained his hamstring during a mid-July practice and spent nearly two weeks on the reserve/non-football injury list. Perhaps, Pearsall needs to work on his ramp-up methods. Much will be asked of the No. 3 wide receiver, entering his second NFL season with Deebo Samuel now a Commander and Brandon Aiyuk recovering from a torn ACL. We will follow Pearsall’s health closely. He has a chance to return flex value this season.

Archer observed Williams going “through a series of change of direction drills while attached to the cords and looked no worse for the wear.” The 26-year-old Cowboy missed the 2024 season after tearing two knee ligaments in late July. He should be in great shape for Week 1, having had more than a year to recover.

According to Schultz, “Pittsburgh is believed to be motivated to get a deal done at some point, though there’s still plenty of time before the season.” He also helpfully informs pick-needy teams that “the Steelers could have up to 12 picks in the 2026 NFL Draft.” Perhaps, one or more are available in exchange for a capable pass catcher. The report curiously comes roughly three weeks after the Steelers traded George Pickens to the Cowboys, which seemingly created the issue at hand. Perhaps, the relationship was spoiled beyond repair. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported earlier today that the Steelers have spoken to the Dolphins about acquiring TE Jonnu Smith, who played under OC Arthur Smith with the Falcons in 2023. The Steelers desperately need a No. 2 wide receiver, but they are simply seeking a receiving weapon, regardless of position, they should be able to find a suitor.

Overshown is comparing his current recovery from a torn ACL, MCL and PCL to his torn ACL injury from the 2023 preseason. His timetable remains uncertain, though. Overshown adds that there is “no need to rush the process” and that he is “going to come back when [he is] 100%" ready to do so.

That’s a good sign for tight end Brock Bowers, who was selected first-team All-Pro as a rookie last season. In 2024, Bowers set an NFL rookie record for most receptions (112). He also established a new league benchmark for receiving yards by a rookie tight end (1,194), eclipsing the former record set by Hall of Famer Mike Ditka in 1961. Kelly also spoke about the possibility of playing both Bowers and fellow tight end Michael Mayer at the same time. The newest addition to the Raiders’ offense is running back Ashton Jeanty, who was the sixth overall pick in last month’s NFL Draft. “Ashton is talented a back ... as I’ve seen,” said Kelly during Thursday’s media session. “His ability to sustain runs after contact ... is a rare quality.”