NFL Player News

The Raiders gave up picks in the sixth and seventh rounds to acquire Smith.A five-year Dawg from the strong 2018 recruiting class that helped form the backbone of Georgia’s back-to-back national titles, Smith (5’11/192) had a college career that all players dream of. He started 26 games over the last two seasons culminating his 61 tackle, 5.0 TFL, 8 PBU, and 3 interception campaign in 2022 that earned him Unanimous All-American accolades. 547 of his 812 snaps last season came at free safety, as Smith allowed just 20 receptions for 211 yards and a sensational 50.0 NFL passer rating against in his final run with UGA. His Combine workout was a profound disappointment, as the Georgia captain ran a 4.62s 40 (46th%) with a brutal 9th% 3-Cone and a pair of sub-35th percentile jump marks combined for a 2.92 RAS. A wiry, undersized frame limits his ability to out-leverage opponents and impose his will. But he has an advanced feel for his responsibilities within the scheme and is consistently in position to make plays, as is shown in his SEC collegiate production. While Smith is more than willing to sift through trash in the run game, he’s better in zone coverage where his clean angles and route savvy can help make up for suboptimal athleticism.

Rapoport adds that Noel is “really talented.” We agree, but the Texans have consistently played WR Xavier Hutchinson ahead of him. Noel, 24, is an explosive player, and the Texans will be looking for playmakers to contribute with WR Nico Collins (hamstring) sidelined this week. Noel is officially on the boom-bust FLEX radar in Week 2 against the Bengals.

Rapoport’s full quote is winding and hyperbolic, but it sounds like Boutte will be a featured receiver if the Texans believe he is ready to handle that role with WR Nico Collins (hamstring) sidelined. Rapoport notes that Boutte played in “the same” offensive scheme during his time with the Patriots, so adjusting to his new team’s playbook theoretically should have been easy. That said, Boutte caught just one pass last week. He can be treated as a volatile but viable FLEX starter in Week 2.

Giants RG Francis Mauigoa (shoulder) was limited as well. Both offensive linemen are on track to face the Rams in Week 2’s Monday Night Football game, which is good news for QB Jaxson Dart.

Whittington is WR1 Puka Nacua’s direct backup, and Nacua appeared on the injury report today with a hip injury. Neither player practiced. This situation is worth monitoring closely.

The Falcons have already named QB Cooper Rush (back) the Week 2 starter. Tagovailoa would only serve as a backup if he is somehow active. He does not need to be rostered in 12-team leagues.

This is a little surprising. The Buccaneers seem to be taking it very slowly as they bring McMillan back from his knee injury. At this point, he must be treated as being truly questionable to play. He is a boom-bust FLEX if active.

Eagles CB Cooper DeJean (calf/abdomen) was also cleared to play, though S Andrew Mukuba (knee) is questionable to play after logging a limited session on Friday. The Eagles’ D/ST should have a decent week against the Titans.

Meyers was limited to two targets last week, but he made the most of them by catching both for 40 yards and one touchdown. The Jaguars face the Broncos’ stout defense this week, but the Jaguars’ ascending passing offense can hold its own. Treat Meyers as a FLEX starter again in Week 2.

Thomas missed a little time in Week 1 after landing on his injured shoulder, but was able to return. The Jaguars’ X-receiver could face Broncos CB Pat Surtain on the perimeter this week, but he should get a few chances to make big plays downfield. He remains a FLEX starter in Week 2.

Clowney bagged two quarterback pressures and one sack last week. His absence in Week 2 is a plus for Bengals QB Joe Burrow, who logged two limited sessions with back tightness this week before practicing in full.