NFL Player News

Ford-Weaton (6’4/221) has the size and speed (4.38 40-time) to compete in the NFL. What he lacks is a production profile. Playing in a Big 12 conference that’s largely devoid of defense, Ford-Wheaton never went for more than 675 yards in a season and saw his YPR steadily decline over each of the last four years. The same can be said of his YAC/REC, which topped out at an impressive 8.3 in 2020 only to regress to 4.3 by his senior season. What Ford-Wheaton lacks in ability after the catch he makes up for in contested catches. His size allows him to win contested targets with ease, and he’s shown a good knack for tracking the ball while it’s in the air. Some improved quarterback play at the NFL level could go a long way in Ford-Wheaton’s development. Over the last two seasons, he ranked 120th in catchable target rate (64.9 percent), per Pro Football Focus.

Carter had breakfast with head coach Brian Daboll on Sunday and will have an official top-30 visit with the team on Thursday. The Penn State product is widely regarded as the top pass rusher in the league and is a virtual lock to hear his name called amongst the top five picks in the draft, with some believing he could go as high as No. 2 overall. The Giants hold the No. 3 overall in this year’s draft and could benefit from adding another pass rusher to play opposite Kayvon Thibodeaux, who is entering the fourth year of his rookie deal.

The 32-year-old retired last summer before returning late in the year. His rep, Drew Rosenhaus, said he will “definitely” play in 2025. It’s unclear if it will be with the Bucs. “We’ll never close the door on Shaq,” were the words of GM Jason Licht in February. “We’ll see where that goes. We never close the door on Shaq.” Barrett could be forced to wait until closer to camp to find out if he’s truly in the Bucs’ plans.

It’s not really news, though it’s further confirmation Golden is safety ticketed for Day 1. 21-year-old Golden’s overall collegiate production leaves something to be desired, but his 2024 breakout and confirmed 4.29 speed have understandably tantalized the league. Golden could be particularly coaching staff dependent as a prospect, but the right coach could make him a major fantasy contributor in a hurry.

This is a bit of an eye-brow raiser, as there has been very little media chatter on Milroe being a potential first-rounder. Either Milroe doesn’t mind, or the league is a lot higher on him than people think. Milroe is certainly a big name, so maybe he’s been convinced by the league and networks to attend despite seemingly low first-round odds.

Rhamondre Stevenson has 154 career receptions to his name, while Antonio Gibson, who remains on the roster, has 195 catches of his own. That said, head coach Mike Vrabel said adding a “young runner is potentially something we would like to do” when asked about addressing the position in this year’s draft, and Reiss believes a pass-catching back could be the focus for offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. Stevenson struggled last season after signing a four-year, $36 million deal, and while he’s expected to be the lead back for 2025, it’s fair to say the 27-year-old back doesn’t look like the same player who totaled 1,461 yards from scrimmage and six touchdowns in 2022. In a class that is rich with running back talent, a more explosive back who could provide more upside in the passing game could help an offense that’s hoping to improve on its 30th-ranked finish last season.

Jones has one year left on the rookie deal he signed with the Patriots in 2022, meaning he will have to clear waivers before being an outright free agent. Jones allowed a league-high 10 touchdown receptions last season, per PFF, but also tallied a career-best three interceptions and 16 pass breakups. At just 27 years old, Jones has plenty of upside to offer a team needing secondary help. There should be plenty of teams interested in taking a one-year flyer on him for this season.

The Vikings are still waiting to hear from the league on whether or not Addison will face a suspension for a misdemeanor DUI citation he received in 2024. Nailor posted a 7-106-3 line in nearly three full games without Addison last season and had a career-high 28-414-6 line while playing in all 17 games. It’s hard to imagine Nailor having much fantasy upside in place of Addison, especially if Justin Jefferson and T.J. Hockenson are healthy, but he could make for an interesting dart throw late in drafts after going for 50-plus yards four games last season.

If the team can’t find a suitor for Jones, the soon-to-be fourth-year corner will be released on Monday, per Bonsignore. Jones was a fourth-round pick by the Patriots back in 2022 and tallied 69 tackles, 16 pass breakups, and a career-high three interceptions last season. Per PFF, Jones also allowed opposing receivers to catch 54 passes for 679 yards and 10 touchdowns, tied for the most touchdowns allowed of any corner last season. It’s possible the Raiders find a team willing to part with a late Day 3 pick in exchange for Jones’ services, but it wouldn’t be surprising if any teams interested waited until his release to make him an offer. Jones is entering the final year of his rookie contract.

Sanders was scheduled to have a private workout with the Titans on April 9th, but following his pro day, the two sides have opted to cancel those plans. The Titans hold the No. 1 overall pick in this month’s draft and were apparently impressed enough by his tape and pro day to decide no further in-person evaluation was warranted. Whether or not this means the team is “out” on Sanders at 1.01 is anybody’s guess, but it’s fair to wonder if the decision to cancel the workout is a sign that the Titans are moving toward selecting Miami’s Cam Ward with the top pick. With a few weeks left in the evaluation process, the Titans still have time to decide how they want to use their top pick, but this latest decision is worth noting as we creep closer to draft night.

Regarded by many as the top defensive tackle in this year’s draft, Graham will meet with both the Browns and Raiders this week as he makes his rounds with potential landing spots. The Browns hold the No. 2 overall pick in this year’s draft, which is currently the only first-round pick in their possession. It’s highly unlikely they would use that top pick on Graham, but the Raiders, who hold the No. 6 overall pick, could be more realistic suitors for the highly decorated Michigan man. Graham was a unanimous All-American last season and earned second-team All-American honors in 2023. In three seasons at Michigan, he totaled 108 tackles, nine sacks, and 18 TFLs. Wherever he lands, he should hear his name called very early on draft day.