NFL Player News

Bledsoe (5'11/204) is as much of a true box/nickel safety as there is in this class. A contributor for three seasons, a majority of Bledsoe’s best work came with him rolled down near the line of scrimmage. Whether that meant as a pseudo-linebacker, in the slot, or even on the edge against tight ends on occasion, Bledsoe was at his best when his field of vision was allowed to be more limited and he could get after it. Bledsoe proved himself a fiery, aggressive run defender and menace against wide receiver screens. He also has enough athletic ability to work in man coverage. However, it was rare to find Bledsoe playing deep often or effectively, even from split-field alignments. If things shake out right, Bledsoe could be something of a diet Keanu Neal.

Dowdle could have a fantasy-relevant role this year. He played behind Chuba Hubbard but did split first-team reps with him. Dowdle also notably out-snapped Hubbard two-to-one on third down, taking the first and third qualifying snap.

Both Hubbard and Rico Dowdle played on the Panthers’ first two drives, quarterbacked by Bryce Young. Hubbard was on the field for the Panthers’ second third-down but surrendered both the first and third to Dowdle. This is, perhaps, where Hubbard will see his touch count reduced following a high-volume role in 2024.

Thielen is a shaky flex option entering his age-34 season. While he could return value early in the year, it is likely that Tetairoa McMillan operates as the top target earner. Jalen Coker could also sneak ahead of him in the pecking order before long.

Legette and Browns S Rayshawn Jenkins were ejected for a brawl that left Legette on the ground, helmetless. It’s a bad look for a player who flopped in year one and is competing for targets with two other promising youngsters in Tetairoa McMillan and Jalen Coker.

Coker showed up when Bryce Young needed him under pressure on third-and-goal. Young evaded the rush and rolled out to his finding while motioning Coker to cut back against his coverage defender in the end zone. Coker secured the pass, tapped his toes and the celebration began. Coker is a contender for the No. 2 pass-catcher role.

On McMillan’s big play, he gained separation at the line of scrimmage, gaining a step on his defender as they raced down the right sideline. He successfully hauled in the dart from Bryce Young, who put the ball in a place only McMillan could secure it. Their on-field connection is already evident. McMillan seemingly has strong odds of returning value at his current WR3 ADP, operating as the Panthers’ alpha receiver.

Young looked great. He connected with Tetairoa McMillan for a 30-yard gain down the sideline and later found Jalen Coker in the end zone after evading pressure on third-and-goal. Young improved his case for being drafted as a mid-to-high QB2 tonight.

Herndon was unable to secure a spot after the team signed him in late July. The Colts correspondingly signed OT Marcellus Johnson, RB Nay’Quan Wright and CB J.J. Mayes.

Broeker will likely compete for a noteworthy backup role in the Cowboys’ banged-up offensive line group. He spent most of last season operating as a special teams blocker with the Texans. The team correspondingly released OT Dakoda Shepley.

Per Schefter, “Gardner-Johnson’s knee injury isn’t as serious as it could have been.” This is astonishingly good news. Local and national reporters initially said that this was a season-ending ACL tear but Gardner-Johnson appears to be largely okay. He is expected to play a pivotal role in the Texans’ secondary whenever he retakes the field.