NFL Player News

Basham (6’4/269) took home 2016 MAC Defensive Player of the Year after setting a school record for career sacks (29.5) as a four-year starter at defensive end. PFF College charted Basham with the fifth most QB hurries (71) in the nation as a senior. With plus arm length (34 ¼") and big hands (10 ¼"), Basham demonstrated physical edge-setting ability in run defense and powerful pocket-pushing skills on tape. An above-average athlete with 4.70 speed, Basham’s concerns include a straight-line game and lack of pass-rush variety. While Basham has some long-term limitations, he is a good football player with an NFL body. He has a chance to develop into a quality starter in the Trey Flowers mold.

Wilson’s knee injury cost him 10 games last season, but the star receiver is in a good spot this offseason. Wilson is participating in OTAs and also had praise for his quarterback, Geno Smith, who he said throws a “friendly ball.” It’s an encouraging sign for the 25-year-old receiver who posted three-straight 1,000-yard seasons to start his career before his 2025 season was derailed. He’s the unquestioned WR1 on the Jets’ depth chart and is surrounded by unproven talent in Adonai Mitchell and rookie Omar Cooper Jr. Wilson will have high-end WR2 upside this season with a chance to crack the top-12 at his position in fantasy in a new-look offense.

Allen suffered a knee injury in Week 4 of last season, which was classified as “pretty serious” by head coach Aaron Glenn at the time. Despite the team’s hope that Allen could return at some point in the season, the injury proved to be season-ending and required surgery to correct. Allen saw 21 opportunities in the four games he appeared in for the Jets last season and rushed for 92-334-2 as a rookie in 2024. While he figures to earn the RB2 role behind Breece Hall for this season, we wouldn’t expect Allen to have much standalone value as long as Hall is healthy.

Teasley was considered a finalist for the position, ultimately winning the job over Rob Brzezinski, Reed Burckhardt, and John McKay. Zenitz gets a late start with his new franchise after the team made significant moves this offseason, including signing quarterback Kyler Murray to a one-year, prove-it deal, signing wide receiver Jauan Jennings to upgrade their slot duties, and retooling their defensive line through the draft. It was interim general manager Rob Brzezinski that was charged with those decisions.

Coen praised Washington’s play in the second half of last season, noting that the 24-year-old former sixth-round pick had been a consistent, dominating presence. He went on to specifically mention getting the ball in Washington’s hands, the screen game, jet sweeps and the complete route tree as areas where Washington could take another step this season. The positive drumbeat continues this offseason for one of 2025’s breakout stars.

It was only the Vikings’ second OTA of the spring and first that was open to the media. Still, while the Vikings gave both quarterbacks an equal opportunity, it doesn’t sound like a real competition, according to Seifert. “Murray made all of the best throws of the practice, demonstrating his downfield touch and accuracy,” he wrote. It was a reminder that McCarthy could continue making incremental improvements and still fall short of being able to match Murray, according to Seifert. A former Pro Bowler who led the Cardinals to the playoffs in 2021, Murray is being drafted outside the top-12 quarterbacks as he looks to bounce back in his first season with the Vikings.

Watkins drew positive reviews as a rookie last summer, but September ankle and calf injuries stunted his development, pushing him to the bottom of the depth chart. Cowing’s second NFL season was derailed by a recurring hamstring strain. The Athletic’s Matt Barrows listed him as a standout at Thursday’s practice, but he caught just four passes as a 2024 rookie. Expectations for him must be tempered. Watkins is worth monitoring for deep-league managers.

Olave is up to about 200 pounds, but expects to lose five pounds during training camp. Saints QB Tyler Shough said Olave looks “better than I’ve ever seen him,” noting Olave maintained his speed and change of direction despite his increased size. Head coach Kellen Moore noted Olave’s physical transformation as well, saying Olave has had an “awesome” offseason. Olave, 25, is due for a contract extension with one year remaining on his rookie deal, but he believes it will be handled soon and is “not really worried about it.” He’s a fantasy WR1 in an ascending offense.

Others reported seeing Skattebo sporting a jersey and helmet, talking to OC Matt Nagy and working with trainers. Stapleton’s phrasing sort of makes it sound like Skattebo literally snuck off and took a few reps. Either way, he seems to have made it through today’s organized team activities session just fine. This is the first time reporters have seen Skattebo suited up for practice since he suffered his season-ending injury. He has maintained that he will be on the field for the Giants in Week 1. He is seemingly on track to do so.

Lewis believes that “in the long haul, the Vikings project a potentially game-breaking role.” Thus far, Claiborne’s new teammates have taken to addressing him by his childhood nickname, “Lightning.” And, Lewis, in an admittedly over-the-top manner, describes Claiborne’s lateral movements as “the closest thing you’ll find to real-life teleportation.” Hyperbole aside, beat reporters do not always take the time to write features on sixth-round rookies. Given Lewis’ short-term stipulations, it sounds as though Claiborne might be given the chance to compete for a role in the passing game this summer. Starting RB Aaron Jones is entering his age-31 season, and RB Jordan Mason, 27, is a one-dimensional rusher. The two veterans are ahead of Claiborne on the depth chart, no doubt, but this is not an elite one-two punch. Keep an eye on Claiborne this summer.

Florida Times-Union’s Demetrius Harvey noted that Rodriguez was absent on Tuesday. Sports Illustrated’s John Shipley later added that Rodriguez was spotted riding a stationary bike while his teammates practiced. Per Shipley, another reporter asked Jaguars head coach Liam Coen about whether Rodriguez was okay, to which a grinning Coen responded, “yeah, the injury report will come out at some point here.” Shipley believes Rodriguez is likely dealing with a minor injury, noting that Jaguars coaches typically avoid discussing injuries whenever they can. We expect Rodriguez back before long, but any missed time gives RB Bhayshul Tuten to establish himself in what Coen calls a “wide open” backfield.