NFL

Nabers joins a wide receiver room that’s arguably the worst in the league. Considered by some to be the best receiver in this year’s rookie class, Nabers has a chance to step into a significant target share right off the bat as he and quarterback Daniel Jones look to turn around a passing attack that ranked 31st in passing yards per game (169.8) and threw for the fourth-fewest touchdown passes (15) on the year. Nabers caught 89 passes for 1,569 yards and 14 touchdowns during his final year at LSU and had two 1,000-yard seasons in his three-year career.

The No. 1 overall pick in this year’s draft was always expected to be named the starter, but credit the Bears for not wasting time with a phony quarterback camp battle before naming him the starter. Behind Williams is former Division II quarterback Tyson Bagent and NFL journeyman Brett Rypien — far from stiff competition for Williams. Now officially named as the starter, Williams will take all of the starting quarterback reps in camp and throughout the preseason as he prepares for his Week 1 opener in September.

Pederson said earlier this year that he needs to consider taking back play-calling duties in 2024 after the team struggled at various points during the season. Offensive coordinator Press Taylor, who was hired by the team in 2022, was tasked with most of the play-calling duties last season, but it sounds like Pederson is ready to take back the reins this season. We’ll learn more about this as the offseason progresses, but don’t rule out Pederson having more say in the plays come Week 1.

Cohen hasn’t taken a regular season snap since 2020, when his season ended with a torn ACL. A torn Achilles in 2022 ended his comeback attempt, but he was able to catch on with the Panthers last September and spent the remainder of the season on their practice squad. He now finds himself without a job after that nine-month stint. Set to turn 29 before the start of the season; it will be interesting to see if another team takes a shot on the vet.

This was the presumed next step after the Raiders opted not to select a quarterback in this year’s draft. Playing in a division that includes Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert, it goes without saying that the combination of Minshew/O’Connell is far from ideal, but both quarterbacks were solid in 2023, with Minshew nearly leading the Colts to a playoff berth. In 17 games, Minshew threw for 3305-15-9 last season while leading his team to a 7-6 record over 13 starts. O’Connell became the Raiders full-time starter in Week 9 and led the team to a 5-4 record over that span while throwing for 1905-11-5 in those nine games. Neither quarterback is built for shootouts vs. high-powered offenses, but they’re effective game managers who can give their team a chance to win any game within reach.

Arnold and second-round corner Ennis Rakestraw Jr. both signed their rookie deals and will now look to help solidify a Lions secondary that allowed the sixth-most passing yards per game (247.4) last season. The Lions’ defense has shown minor improvements in their three seasons under defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, ranking 31st, 28th, and 23rd in points allowed per game over that span. If Arnold and Rakestraw can perform as expected, the Lions could be on track to have one of the better and younger secondaries in the league in the near future. In addition to Arnold and Rakestraw, the Lions also signed offensive tackle Giovanni Manu, running back Sione Vaki, defensive tackle Mekhi Wingo, and guard Christian Mahogany to their rookie deals.

This quote comes from Snead justifying the selection of Blake Corum in the third round of this year’s draft. Snead said the similarities between the two backs made Corum a desired pick and added that the team felt like they “need to have as many quality runners as possible” due to a 17-game season that could soon move to an 18-game season. For now, it sounds like Williams’ role as the team’s RB1 is secure, but fantasy managers expecting another 37 percent opportunity share, or 68 percent rushing market share, should adjust those expectations. It sounds like Corum will have a chance to contribute meaningful snaps early in the season and could stand to vulture valuable fantasy points from Williams this season. Corum’s value in the short-yardage situations and near the goal-line could give him some significant touchdown upside.

The former Louisville running back blew away the combine earlier this year, running a 4.33 40-yard dash at 6'0/221 while also dominating in explosiveness and agility testing. His 9.89 RAS is one of the best in the metric’s history and likely played a role in the 49ers moving up to select him in the fourth round. Guerendo has a limited production profile, rushing for 231-1392-17 over five college seasons. He also caught 42 passes for 358 yards and 1 touchdown. It’s possible he develops into an intriguing handcuff behind Christian McCaffrey for the upcoming season, although several veterans do stand in his way. He’s best viewed as a dynasty stash as he works to carve out a role. In addition to Guerendo, the 49ers also signed CB Rendardo Green and WR Jacob Cowing.

No. 29 overall pick Guyton was one of seven Cowboys picks to sign on Thursday. An explosive athlete who only started one season of his four-year college career, Guyton is a developmental prospect to an unusual degree for a first-round pick, albeit one who will almost certainly immediately slot in as a starter on the right side.

The Panthers have signed their entire seven-man draft class ahead of Friday’s rookie minicamp. Legette’s deal includes a fifth-year team option for 2028 after the Panthers traded back into the first round to select him. New coach Dave Canales has talked up manufactured touches for the late South Carolina breakout, suggesting he isn’t going to be an immediate point of emphasis down the field. With so many moving parts in the Panthers’ offense as they attempt to prevent Bryce Young’s career from going off the rails, Legette doesn’t seem terribly likely to make a WR3 impact as a rookie.