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USA Today
a day ago
- Sport
- USA Today
2025 Arizona Cardinals training camp roster preview: K Chad Ryland
We will preview every player on the Cardinals roster leading up to training camp. This is about K Chad Ryland. The Arizona Cardinals report to training camp on July 22 and begin the process of preparing for the regular season, forming the roster and determining starting jobs and roles on the team. Leading up to the start of camp, we will take a look at every player on the offseason roster, their background, their contract, their play in 2024, questions they face and their roster outlook. Next up is kicker Chad Ryland. Chad Ryland background, 2024 season Ryland enters his third NFL season and second with the Cardinals. He was drafted in the fourth round in 2023 by the New England Patriots, but he struggled as a rookie, making only 16-of-25 field goals. He was cut after the 2024 preseason and and was unsigned until the Cardinals added him to the practice squad when Matt Prater injured his knee. He ended up finishing the year as the Cardinals' kicker, showing leg strength, accuracy and the ability make big kicks, as he made game-winning field goals in the final two minutes in three games of a four-game stretch. He finished the season making 28-of-32 field goals (87.5%) and 26-of-27 extra points. Chad Ryland 2025 contract details, cap hit When Ryland was signed from the practice squad, he signed a deal through 2025. He will make $1.03 million in salary and that will be his cap hit. After the season, he will be a restricted free agent. Questions he faces, roster outlook The Cardinals did not bring in any other kicker to compete with him this offseason, so his job is as secure as it can be for the moment. Considering his uneven rookie season, the question will be whether or not he can maintain the consistency he had in 2024. He is a lock to be the Cardinals' kicker, at least until he isn't. Especially with no guarantees in his contract, he could be easily replaced if things go sideways. Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire's Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.
USA Today
15-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
54 days till the Arizona Cardinals' 2025 season opener: Who has worn No. 54?
With 54 days till the Cardinals open the season against the Saints, we look at the players who have worn No. 54. We are counting down to the start of the 2025 regular season for the Arizona Cardinals and are less than eight weeks away. They will open the season on the road against the New Orleans Saints on Sept. 7. That is 54 days away. As we count down the remaining days of the offseason, let's look at who has worn that number uniform over the years for the Cardinals. Who has worn No. 54? Cardinals players to wear No. 54 Second-year outside linebacker Xavier Thomas, drafted in the fifth round last year, is the Cardinals' current No. 54. From 1971-1988, No. 54 was really good between Banks, part of the Cardinals' dominant offensive line in the 70s, and Junior, a very productive linebacker in the 80s. Banks made four Pro Bowls and was both a second-team and first-team All-Pro. Junior made two Pro Bowls and made the All-Pro first team once. Freeney had a great half season in 2015 and Hayes played nearly a decade for the Cardinals. Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire's Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.
Fox Sports
14-07-2025
- Sport
- Fox Sports
St. Louis Cardinals All-Stars: Building the Best Cardinals All-Time Lineup
Bob Gibson's magic from the mound. Ozzie Smith vaulting and back-flipping his way onto the field. And Albert Pujols' homers that seemingly sailed past the Gateaway Arch. Behind only the Yankees in terms of World Series titles, the St. Louis Cardinals are among baseball's royalty. No shortage of iconic players that have soared higher than those birds on the bat. Manager: Tony La Russa The last two Cardinals' championships came with La Russa in the dugout, where he resided from 1996-2011. Under La Russa, the Cardinals went a combined 1,408-1,182, winning three National League pennants and two championships. The 2011 World Series triumph was La Russa's last season with the Cardinals, with whom his 1,408 managerial wins rank first in franchise history. Starting pitcher: Bob Gibson Few players mean as much to a franchise as Gibson does to the Cardinals. Spending his entire career in St. Louis (1959-75), Gibson was a pillar for two World Series rotations in 1964 and 1967, winning MVP honors in both series. Gibson is among the best pitchers to ever take the mound. He made nine postseason starts for the Cardinals, posting a 1.89 ERA, 0.89 WHIP and 92 strikeouts, which is already amazing on its own. What else is amazing? Gibson pitched a complete game in eight of those nine starts, with the one that he didn't being an eight-inning start. Gibson, a two-time Cy Young Award winner, nine-time Gold Glover and nine-time All-Star, is first in Cardinals history with 3,251 wins, 3,117 strikeouts, 255 complete games, 56 shutouts, 3,884.1 innings pitched and an 81.7 WAR among pitchers. Reliever/closer: Jason Isringhausen The Cardinals brought in Isringhausen to beef up their bullpen in 2002, and he ended up being exactly what they needed. Across his first six seasons in St. Louis (2002-07), Isringhausen posted a combined 2.66 ERA and averaged 34 saves per season, which included recording an NL-high 47 saves in 2004 and earning an All-Star honor in 2005. Isringhausen is first in Cardinals history with 217 saves in the uniform. Catcher: Yadier Molina Molina is one of the best catchers in MLB history, and he spent his entire career with the Cardinals (2004-22). While stellar behind the plate, Molina was also one of the better hitting catchers, as he not only hit for contact but possessed a great deal of power from the right side, too. A nine-time Gold Glover and 10-time All-Star, Molina was behind the plate for both of the Cardinals' 2006 and 2011 World Series runs, posting a .358/.424/.547 slash line in the 2006 postseason. Molina is second in Cardinals history with a 27.6 defensive WAR, third with both 2,168 hits and 7,817 at-bats, fourth with 408 doubles, sixth with 1,022 RBIs and ninth with 176 home runs. 1B: Albert Pujols It's difficult to find players who were more intimidating in the batter's box than Pujols, who spent the first 11 seasons of his career with the Cardinals (2001-11). The man was a menace. In each of his first 10 seasons, Pujols totaled 30-plus home runs and 100-plus RBIs, which included winning the 2003 batting title, claiming three NL MVP awards, leading the NL in WAR six times, slugging percentage three times and home runs twice. Over 11 years, Pujols averaged 40 home runs and 121 RBIs per season and was phenomenal at the plate in both of the Cardinals' World Series runs in 2006 and 2011, with him totaling five home runs and 16 RBIs and posting a .353/.463/.691 slash line in the 2011 postseason. Pujols, who spent his final MLB season back in St. Louis (2022), is second in Cardinals history with 469 home runs, 1,397 RBIs and a .614 slugging percentage, third with both 1,333 runs scored and an 88.7 WAR and fourth with 2,156 hits. In total, Pujols is fourth in MLB history with 703 career home runs. 2B: Rogers Hornsby At the peak of his powers, Hornsby, who was part of the Cardinals' 1926 championship team, could go toe-to-toe with any hitter in MLB history. Hornsby, who spent the first 12 seasons of his career at St. Louis (1915-26) — and briefly returned in 1933 — hit for power, got on base like nobody's business and played all four infield positions, primarily second base. He won six consecutive batting titles (1920-25), won the 1925 NL MVP Award, led the NL in both hits and RBIs four times apiece, home runs twice, and led the NL in both on-base percentage and slugging percentage in each of the six years that he won a batting title with the Cardinals. Hornsby is second in Cardinals history with a .359 batting average, a .427 on-base percentage and a 91.5 WAR, fourth with 1,089 runs scored, tied for fourth with a .568 slugging percentage and is fifth with both 2,110 hits and 1,072 RBIs. Oh, and Hornsby managed the team from 1925-26. 3B: Ken Boyer Boyer spent the first 11 seasons of his career with the Cardinals (1955-65), helping them win the 1964 World Series. The third baseman was a consistent source of power for the Cardinals' offense and a reliable presence at the hot corner, with accolades featuring the 1964 NL MVP award, five Gold Gloves and 11 All-Star nods in St. Louis. Boyer is third in Cardinals history with 255 home runs, fifth with a 58.1 WAR, seventh with both 1,001 RBIs and 3,011 total bases, eighth with 988 runs scored and ninth with 1,855 hits. SS: Ozzie Smith The Cardinals acquired Smith from the San Diego Padres for the 1982 season, and little did anybody know what the middle infielder was getting into. In Smith's first season with the Cardinals, he held down shortstop and hit .303 in the postseason on a St. Louis team that went on to win the World Series. The infielder then continued to blossom, turning into one of the best fielders and overall shortstops of all time, while being a steady, contact hitter who wreaked havoc on the basepaths. Smith earned 12 Gold Gloves and 14 All-Star nods with the Cardinals from 1982-96. Smith is first in Cardinals history with a 35.2 defensive WAR, third with 433 stolen bases, fourth with a 66.0 overall WAR, seventh with 991 runs scored and eighth with 1,944 hits. OF: Stan Musial Few people hit a baseball more than Stan Musial. In fact, only three people have more hits than Musial, as he's fourth in MLB history with 3,630 career hits. An All-Star in all but his first two seasons of a storybook 22-year career spent entirely in St. Louis (1941-44, 1946-63), Musial has an argument for being the best Cardinals player of all time. The outfielder was one of the most complete hitters the game has ever seen, hitting for both contact and power, rarely striking out and being part of three Cardinals' World Series teams (1942, 1944 and 1946). He won seven batting titles, while winning three NL MVP awards, leading the NL in doubles eight times and hits six times. Musial is first in Cardinals history with 3,630 hits, 475 home runs, 1,951 RBIs, 1,949 runs scored, 6,134 total bases and a 128.6 WAR, sixth with a .331 batting average and is tied for sixth with a .559 slugging percentage. OF: Jim Edmonds After seven impactful seasons with the Angels, Edmonds was traded to the Cardinals in 2000 and had arguably the best run of his career. From 2000-05, Edmonds averaged 35 home runs and 98 RBIs per season, while posting a combined .584 slugging percentage. Part of the team's 2006 championship run — and driving in 10 runs in the 2006 postseason — Edmonds consistently provided the Cardinals with a lethal, left-handed bat, while patrolling center field. Across his eight seasons in St. Louis (2000-07), Edmonds earned six Gold Gloves and three All-Star honors. Edmonds is fourth in Cardinals history with 241 home runs and seventh with a .555 slugging percentage. OF: Lou Brock The Cardinals acquired Brock from the Chicago Cubs during the 1964 season, and it panned out quite well for the red birds. Upon joining the Cardinals, Brock cemented himself as one of the best hitters in the sport, consistently getting on base by means of contact hitting and, once he got on the basepaths, swiping bags left and right. Brock led the NL in stolen bases eight times, including 118 stolen bases in 1974, and posted a combined .297 batting average across his 16 seasons with the Cardinals (1964-79), with whom he was a six-time All-Star and won two championships (1964 and 1967). Furthermore, Brock had a career .391 postseason batting average. Brock is first in Cardinals history with 888 stolen bases, second with 2,713 hits and 1,427 runs scored, third with 3,776 total bases and tied for ninth with a 41.7 WAR. DH: Ray Lankford Lankford was a consistent source of power for the Cardinals in the 1990s, playing for the franchise from 1990-2001 and then again in 2004. An All-Star in 1997, Lankford provided considerable power from the left side and was a problem on the basepaths for opposing teams. The outfielder led the NL with 15 triples in just his second season (1991), stole 42-plus bags in back-to-back seasons (1991-92) and totaled 31 home runs in back-to-back seasons (1997-98). Lankford is fifth in Cardinals history with 228 career home runs, eighth with 250 stolen bases, ninth with 928 runs scored and 10th with 829 RBIs. Honorable Mentions: Whitey Herzog (manager) Dizzy Dean (starting pitcher) Harry Brecheen (starting pitcher) Adam Wainwright (starting pitcher) Jesse Haines (starting pitcher) Howie Pollet (starting pitcher) Bruce Sutter (reliever/closer) Ted Simmons (catcher) Mark McGwire (1B) Red Schoendienst (2B) Scott Rolen (3B) Jim Edmonds (OF) Curt Flood (OF) Willie McGee (OF) Enos Slaughter (OF) Matt Holliday (OF) Brian Jordan (OF) Joe Medwick (OF/DH) Edgar Renteria (SS/DH) Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account, and follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily! 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USA Today
13-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
2025 Arizona Cardinals training camp roster preview: TE Elijah Higgins
We will preview every player on the Cardinals roster leading up to training camp. This is about TE Elijah Higgins. The Arizona Cardinals report to training camp on July 22 and begin the process of preparing for the regular season, forming the roster and determining starting jobs and roles on the team. Leading up to the start of camp, we will take a look at every player on the offseason roster, their background, their contract, their play in 2024, questions they face and their roster outlook. This focuses on tight end Elijah Higgins. Elijah Higgins background, 2024 season Higgins enters his third season in the NFL and with the Cardinals. He was drafted in the sixth round in 2023 out of Stanford, where he played wide receiver, by the Miami Dolphins but was cut after the preseason and the Cardinals claimed him off waivers. That first season, he was inactive as a healthy scratch for the first six games, as he was the fourth tight end on the roster. After Zach Ertz injured his thigh and later traded to Washington, Higgins began to see playing time, appearing in 11 games, starting two, hauling in 14 receptions for 163 yards and a touchdown. Last season, he was the Cardinals' No. 2 tight end. He played in all 17 games, starting six. He caught 20 passes for 172 yards and two touchdowns. He also logged 176 snaps on special teams. Elijah Higgins 2025 contract details, cap hit Higgins enters the third year of his four-year rookie contract. His deal was originally worth more than $3.8 million. He will earn $1.03 million in salary in 2025 and that will be his cap hit as well. Questions he faces, roster outlook Higgins figures to continue to be part of the Cardinals' plans on offense. He does a lot of different things and can be a real receiving threat, even though he only had 20 catches last season. Can he do more? He appears to be a lock to make the roster once again as the No. 2/3 tight end with Tip Reiman. Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire's Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.
USA Today
12-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
One rookie from every NFL team who could surprise in 2025 (including the Jets)
NFL training camps are just around the corner where rookies across the league will be looking to prove themselves as they transition to the pro game. Roster spots and starting jobs are on the line, so these rookies will need to make a strong impression. While there are some big-name rookies who have been garnering attention and praise this offseason, including two-way player Travis Hunter and running back Ashton Jeanty, there are some under-the-radar rookies who could surprise during the 2025 season. And they might not be names many NFL fans are familiar with. Our NFL Wire editors each examined one rookie from their respective teams who could turn heads in 2025 and develop into impact players for their teams down the line. Arizona Cardinals: LB Cody Simon The collective expectation is that defensive lineman Walter Nolen, the Cardinals' first-round pick, and cornerback Will Johnson, their second-round pick, will contribute and have solid rookie campaigns. But the rookie who could have the most surprising role is Simon, the linebacker out of Ohio State the Cardinals picked up in the fourth round. Right now, the two starting inside linebackers are projected to be Mack Wilson and Akeem Davis-Gaither. Davis-Gaither has 11 career starts in his five NFL seasons. Wilson had a full-time role for the first time in years last season. Simon has the smarts, the athleticism and was the Buckeyes' defensive leader in their championship run last year. If he is given an opportunity to play, he could end up making the largest individual impact of the Cardinals' rookie class. – Jess Root, Cards Wire Atlanta Falcons: DB Billy Bowman The Falcons were praised for drafting Jalon Walker, James Pearce Jr. and Xavier Watts, but their fourth-round selection of Oklahoma safety Billy Bowman has flown somewhat under the radar. Bowman is a natural playmaker, recording eight interceptions for the Sooners over the last two years. Atlanta plans to play Bowman at nickel this season, and the rookie has already made a good impression on the coaching staff. While we anticipate Dee Alford to start at nickel this season, Bowman should at least give the veteran a run for his money. Whether or not he starts, the rookie is too talented to keep off the field. – Matt Urben, Falcons Wire Baltimore Ravens: WR LaJohntay Wester While he could struggle to earn snaps on offense, the Ravens addressed their most under-the-radar need in return specialist LaJohntay Wester. Baltimore was middle of the pack in punt return last season, ranking 16th with a 9.7-yard average and using four different players. Wester is a speedy returner who averaged 12.2 yards on punts in his final season at Colorado, including a 76-yard touchdown. At the Shrine Bowl, his acceleration was clocked at 6.2 yards per second squared, making him the second-fastest on offense since the Shrine Bowl partnered with Zebra Sports. Wester has a connection to Baltimore, having played under Ravens running backs coach Willie Taggart at Florida Atlantic. – Glenn Erby, Ravens Wire Buffalo Bills: DE Landon Jackson Jackson was Buffalo's third-round selection at this year's draft and while those taken by the Bills before him will get their reps, Jackson might have one of the best routes to the field. Joey Bosa signed in Buffalo this offseason, but can he stay healthy? Michael Hoecht joined the Bills via free agency too, but he's suspended for the first six games… not to mention AJ Epenesa could be overtaken on the depth chart. Head coach Sean McDermott and Buffalo's front office clearly liked Jackson during the pre-draft process as well. The path is there for Jackson. – Nick Wojton, Bills Wire Carolina Panthers: S Lathan Ransom The Panthers moved on from the majority of their safety room this offseason and signed former Las Vegas Raiders standout Tre'von Moehrig to a meaty three-year, $51 million deal. That's all good and well (especially for Moehrig), but they have yet to firmly address the uncertainty at the other starting safety spot. Ransom, the second of Carolina's two fourth-round picks, could provide an answer. The six-foot, 206-pounder was a three-year starter at Ohio State—where he exhibited great instincts, physicality and toughness. His exceptional run defense should also be a plus for the Panthers, who allowed a league-high 179.8 rushing yards per game in 2024. – Anthony Rizzuti, Panthers Wire Chicago Bears: OT Ozzy Trapilo There's been a lot of buzz about Chicago's top two rookies in tight end Colston Loveland and receiver Luther Burden III, but offensive tackle Ozzy Trapilo also has the potential to make an impact as a rookie. Trapilo is currently entrenched in a battle for the starting left tackle job with incumbent Braxton Jones and second-year pro Kiran Amegadjie. But with Jones sidelined as he recovers from a broken fibula, it's given Trapilo an opportunity to make a greater impact. Amegadjie and Trapilo rotated with the first-team offense during the offseason program, and that will continue into training camp with Jones expected to be limited to start the summer. Trapilo has already been impressive in his time with the starters, but the real test comes when the pads come on later this month. Still, it certainly looks like Trapilo has a good opportunity to win the starting left tackle job and serve one of the most important roles on this team in 2025. – Alyssa Barbieri, Bears Wire Cincinnati Bengals: LB Demetrius Knight We could say third-round guard Dylan Fairchild here (we certainly can't say first-rounder Shemar Stewart, though his situation is surprising), but he's not guaranteed to win a job. Second-round linebacker Demetrius Knight is, though. The Bengals took some heat at the time for taking Knight because he's an older rookie. But that's what the team wanted, hoping he's an immediate plug-and-play prospect to replace Germaine Pratt next to Logan Wilson. So far, he's certainly looked the spot and should exceed expectations with a big snap count and stat sheet. – Chris Roling, Bengals Wire Cleveland Browns: TE Harold Fannin Jr. The Cleveland Browns are returning to their roots as a team that often employs heavy 12- and 13-personnel formations. That means despite rostering a Pro Bowl tight end in David Njoku, rookie third rounder Harold Fannin Jr. will see the field a great deal as a rookie as the TE2 in those personnel groupings. Fannin Jr. is a sure-handed and explosive pass catcher who fits the mold as a similar H-back and move piece that Njoku played for the Browns before taking back the reigns as the top dawg in the room in 2022. Njoku occupied that TE2 role in 2020 and 2021 for the Browns with Austin Hooper still under contract. In 2021, Njoku managed 475 yards and four touchdowns on 36 catches. If Fannin Jr. hits that number as a rookie, the Browns will feel quite good about their third round pick. – Cory Kinnan, Browns Wire Dallas Cowboys: CB Shavon Revel The team was ecstatic to see Revel fall to the second round in April's draft, but didn't pull the trigger. Somehow he made it to the third round. With Dallas clearly looking to end their investment in Trevon Diggs, Revel will be given every possible chance to prove he's a capable boundary corner once he's given the green light following his ACL recovery that might delay his debut until October. Once he makes it to the field though, fans shouldn't be surprised if he's one of the better rookie DBs in the game. – K.D. Drummond, Cowboys Wire Denver Broncos: WR Pat Bryant When the Broncos used a third-round pick to select Illinois wide receiver Pat Bryant in this year's NFL draft, some pundits viewed it as a reach. Denver coach Sean Payton clearly didn't. Payton has already compared Bryant to Saints great Michael Thomas. Bryant (6-2, 204 pounds) has ideal size and reliable hands, and he's a willing blocker. Those are traits that Payton loves, and the receiver could end up making a much bigger impact than national pundits projected this spring. – Jon Heath, Broncos Wire Detroit Lions: S Dan Jackson One of the very few available roster spots in Detroit entering the offseason was at safety depth, where the Lions needed a replacement for Ifeatu Melifonwu. Jackson is the type of heady, hard-hitting strong safety who can fill the No. 4 safety spot. But his true contribution as a rookie figures to come on special teams. Every year, the Lions draft someone specifically for special teams coordinator Dave Fipp. Jackson appears to be this year's edition, following Sione Vaki and Antoine Green in 2023. – Jeff Risdon, Lions Wire Green Bay Packers: DE/LB Collin Oliver The Packers' fifth-round pick could have a hybrid role as both a sub-package edge rusher and off-ball linebacker, and he's perfect for playing multiple roles on special teams. Oliver is undersized for a 4-3 defensive end but has big-time athleticism, and his disruptive instincts and playmaking ability were all over the tape at Oklahoma State. Could he give the Packers some much-needed speed and explosiveness at edge rusher in certain pass-rushing situations while also playing 150 or more snaps on special teams? Don't be surprised if he slides into that role as a rookie in 2025. – Zach Kruse, Packers Wire Houston Texans: RB Woody Marks There will be a role for Marks in Nick Caley's offense. How big? That depends on the status of Nick Chubb, who when healthy should be the primary No. 2 back behind Joe Mixon. Still, the Texans didn't give up a future third-round pick in 2026 for the former USC star to sit. Marks' best asset are his hands, especially on third down in the receiving game. Over five college seasons with Mississippi State & USC, he caught 261 passes for 1,546 yards and five touchdowns. Caley's offense has always featured at least one stable pass-catching runner, so if Marks can provide that spark out of the backfield for C.J. Stroud during training camp, he'll be a gadget type that keeps the sticks moving on manageable situations through the air. – Cole Thompson, Texans Wire Indianapolis Colts: CB Justin Walley The Colts picked Walley in the third round, which compared to the consensus big board, was much earlier than many anticipated him going. Walley is a bit undersized, but he makes up for it with really good speed, and skill set-wise, he is a great fit for Lou Anarumo's defense. With that speed, he can hold his own in man coverage, he had good ball production at Minnesota, and the Colts view him as a versatile defender, an important element to have in this new disguise-heavy defense. The starting cornerback spot opposite of Charvarius Ward is up for grabs, and Walley has received rave reviews so far from coaches and teammates. Whether he starts Week 1 still has to be determined, but in a defense where there will be a greater reliance on the defensive back position, it sure looks like he will have some sort of role as a rookie. – Paul Bretl, Colts Wire Jacksonville Jaguars: RB LeQuint Allen As a seventh-round pick and at a position that is fairly crowded in Jacksonville, finding playing time won't be easy for Allen. However, his ability to provide a pass-catching presence out of the backfield could give him a path to earn some opportunities this season. If we look at Liam Coen's Tampa Bay offense, the running backs were featured heavily in the passing game, with Rachaad White and Bucky Irving both ranking top 10 in targets among running backs. Allen has ample pass-catching experience from his time at Syracuse, with 78 targets in 2024 alone. He also has experience lining up in the slot, and it's not as if all those targets were dump-offs when no one else was open, there were drawn-up plays for Allen as well in that offense. – Paul Bretl, Jaguars Wire Kansas City Chiefs: WR Jalen Royals The Chiefs have dealt with significant setbacks relative to injuries at the wide receiver position in recent seasons, and if that trend should continue in 2025, Royals would be the likely breakout candidate for Kansas City as a rookie. He was a scoring machine during his three-year tenure with the Utah State Aggies as a collegian, tallying 21 touchdown receptions between his 2023 and 2024 campaigns. Though Royals is likely to be buried behind Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy, and Marquise 'Hollywood' Brown on the Chiefs' depth chart, fans should expect to see the fourth-round pick to be the 'next man up' if any of Kansas City's veterans are sidelined. – John Dillon, Chiefs Wire Las Vegas Raiders: WR Dont'e Thornton Jr Despite not getting selected until round four, and not even the first receiver the Raiders took in this year's draft, Thornton has been lining up with the first team throughout the offseason. And barring some shocker free agent addition before training camp, that will continue. The former Tennessee Volunteer was not asked to do a whole lot in terms of the route tree during his college days. Leading many to wonder if he was capable of being multifaceted as a receiver. The jury may still be out on that, but as it stands, he is a 6-5 and runs a 4.3 40. Even if all he does is run go routes and fades, he would fulfill the Raiders need at X receiver and thus could put up some decent numbers. And if he can prove that it was the Tennessee offense that was holding him back, rather than the other way around, watch out. – Levi Damien, Raiders Wire Los Angeles Chargers: TE Oronde Gadsden II The Chargers traded up for and selected Gadsden in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL draft. Gadsden joins a tight end room that features veterans Will Dissly and Tyler Conklin. Gadsden was taken to provide a spark in the passing game, especially down the seam and in the red zone. The former Syracuse product impressed in spring practices. Offensive coordinator Greg Roman expressed confidence in his ability, stating that he expects him to "ascend quickly." – Gavino Borquez, Chargers Wire Los Angeles Rams: LB Chris Paul Jr. Paul was a fifth-round pick but he has a lot of things working in his favor. For starters, inside linebacker is the weakest position group on the Rams' roster. He could easily outplay Troy Reeder, Nate Landman and/or Omar Speights to earn a starting job, putting him on the inside track to playing time. He's also the most athletic linebacker on the Rams' roster, and likely the best coverage linebacker, too. He'd pair perfectly with a run stopper like Landman or Speights, playing on the weak side where he can flow sideline to sideline and make plays on the ball. He first needs to stand out in camp and the preseason but he has the skill set to earn playing time early this season. – Cameron DaSilva, Rams Wire Miami Dolphins: S Dante Trader Jr. When looking at the Miami Dolphins' 2025 rookie class, several players have opportunities to make an immediate impact, including safety Dante Trader Jr. A two-sport athlete at Maryland, where he played both football and lacrosse, Trader's athleticism extends beyond the metrics that may have pushed him into a Day 3 selection. His versatility as a safety, able to play deep or step into the box as a nickel, fits well with defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver's scheme. At times, Weaver could deploy three safeties on the field, and Trader's work ethic, leadership, and football IQ make him a strong contender for instant snaps. Although Miami's safety room recently welcomed back Minkah Fitzpatrick, the Dolphins still need to evaluate a group where multiple players could claim the second and third spots on the depth chart. Trader also brings value as a special teams contributor, having started in multiple roles during his college career. He comes with a glowing endorsement from Maryland head coach Mike Locksley, who said in June on the Dolphins' Drive Time podcast with Travis Wingfield, 'There's no doubt about Dante and his aptitude and football intelligence. He was a guy that, if you can teach it, then you can execute it. And he's one of those players I see all the time grabbing the young safeties and corners, imparting the wisdom he gained, not just from his successes, but also from his failures as a young player.' – Jason Sarney, Dolphins Wire Minnesota Vikings: LB Kobe King The Vikings had few draft picks in April's NFL Draft, so they had to make the most with each selection. While everyone will be talking about their top draft pick, Donovan Jackson, I will highlight another Big Ten player they selected in linebacker Kobe King. While they have Blake Cashman and Ivan Pace Jr. leading the unit, King should see some rotational work and maybe even a bigger role as the season goes on. The Vikings' run defense needed to be improved upon from their 2024 efforts. Kwesi Adofo-Mensah is hoping that King can play some sort of role in that in 2025. – Andrew Harbaugh, Vikings Wire New England Patriots: WR Kyle Williams Where are the offensive weapons in New England? That has been the lingering question since Tom Brady was still under center for the Patriots. The wait for wide receiver help might finally come to an end with the arrival of third-round draft pick Kyle Williams. No, he wasn't the center of attention during the draft, but maybe he should have been considering he was the best pure separator in the 2025 class. Williams can get open consistently and blow past defenders with the ball in his hands. He has all of the makings of an elite offensive playmaker, and he'll get his NFL start playing across from a four-time Pro Bowler in Stefon Diggs. Grab your popcorn—for real this time. – Jordy McElroy, Patriots Wire New Orleans Saints: CB Quincy Riley It wasn't too long ago that the Saints drafted a starting defensive back in Round 4, and from that perspective Riley just might be following in C.J. Gardner-Johnson's footsteps. He put a lot of quality play on tape in college and may have been drafted a couple rounds earlier if not for an injury this spring. Expect him to compete with experienced backups like Isaac Yiadom, Rico Payton, and Rejzohn Wright for that opportunity while Kool-Aid McKinstry and Alontae Taylor continue to draw the majority of snaps. In today's game NFL defenses need three corners (at least) and Riley has a real shot at locking down that third spot. – John Sigler, Saints Wire New York Giants: DT Darius Alexander While all eyes will be on quarterback Jaxson Dart and edge rusher Abdul Carter, the biggest rookie surprise may come from third-round defensive tackle Darius Alexander. Assuming he returns to full health, Alexander will likely play a significant role for the Giants, providing depth on the inside and pairing with All-Pro Dexter Lawrence. It was an area of concern for the Giants last season, and Alexander is viewed as having huge upside and a high floor. He will see an increased number of snaps as he develops and the season goes on. – Dan Benton, Giants Wire New York Jets: WR Arian Smith The Jets' top two rookie draft picks in Armand Membou and Tyler Mason are already penciled in as starters. But with those two being selected by New York early, that meant the Jets did not take a wide receiver early in the draft. Garrett Wilson is the clear No. 1 wideout, but it's a lengthy depth chart that's battling for playing time behind Wilson. Others in that training camp battle include Allen Lazard, Josh Reynolds and Tyler Johnson. – Nick Wojton, Jets Wire Philadelphia Eagles: DB Andrew Mukuba Jihaad Campbell may be the first-round pick, but it's the Swiss army knife from the University of Texas that will have an opportunity to make the most significant impact from Day 1. At 6-0, 186 pounds, Mukuba is undersized but makes up for it with excellent ball skills and instincts. He possesses good length and exhibits ball-hawking tendencies, tying the SEC lead with five interceptions in 2024. Over his final 26 games in college, Mukuba recorded 18 pass breakups and committed zero penalties. That's impressive for a player who's aggressive at the catch point. Mukuba allowed just 74 yards and a 12.1 passer rating on 401 coverage snaps last season, per PFF. – Glenn Erby, Eagles Wire Pittsburgh Steelers: S Sebastian Castro The Pittsburgh Steelers drafted several players who we expect to have a big impact, including defensive tackle Derrick Harmon and running back Kaleb Johnson. But the name to keep an eye on is an undrafted free agent. Former Iowa safety Sebastian Castro signed with the Steelers as an undrafted free agent after a stellar college career. The trade that send Minkah Fitzpatrick to the Miami Dolphins gives Pittsburgh a spot on the depth chart open and we won't be at all shocked if Castro uses a strong training camp and preseason to make the 53-man roster and more. – Curt Popejoy, Steelers Wire San Francisco 49ers: S Marques Sigle Marques Sigle's path to snaps was opened significantly with news that second-year safety Malik Mustapha is dealing with a knee injury he sustained in the 2024 season finale. It's unclear what Mustapha's timeline for return is, but it opens a starting safety spot alongside Ji'Ayir Brown whose job is also not safe. Sigle brings a ton of athleticism to a safety room that doesn't have enough of it. If he winds up starting in Robert Saleh's defense, he has the tools to become a Swiss Army knife defender who causes havoc in the secondary. – Kyle Madson, Niners Wire Seattle Seahawks: S Nick Emmanwori During the predraft season, mocks were split fairly evenly between Seattle selecting guard Greg Zabel or safety Nick Emmanwori in the first round, and with good reason. Ultimately, the Seahawks managed to get their cake and eat it too as Emmanwori fell to them in the second round. Given his physical traits, the natural comp is Kam Chancellor. However, a more apropos comp would be Kyle Hamilton of the Ravens, as defensive guru Mike Macdonald is likely to use him in a similar capacity given the fact Seattle already has two solid starting caliber safeties. Emmanwori represents a unique piece on Macdonal's chessboard. – Kole Musgrove, Seahawks Wire Tampa Bay Buccaneers: CB Jacob Parrish While everyone will know the name Benjamin Morrison, who they drafted in the second round, it is the cornerback they selected after him who could make the more immediate impact. While Morrison continues to be brought along from a hip injury he suffered last year, Parrish has been able to practice and is now in the conversation to have the starting nickel role in 2025. He plays in a physical way, he provides run support, and is everything Todd Bowles looks for in his cornerbacks so look for him to play early and often. – Andrew Harbaugh, Bucs Wire Tennessee Titans: WR Elic Ayomanor Many believe that the Titans got a steal when they selected Ayomanor in the fourth round of the NFL draft. A prototypical boundary receiver, he has the size and ball skills to be a perfect complement to Calvin Ridley on the outside, and he has a path to early playing time as a rookie. Ayomanor stood out during OTAs and minicamp and should be able to build upon that momentum and seize the opportunity to make an impact early in his career. – Dan Benton/Bryan Manning Titans Wire Washington Commanders: RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt Croskey-Merritt isn't a typical seventh-round pick. A bogus NCAA eligibility issue cost him all but one game after he transferred to Arizona last season. Croskey-Merritt has thrived each time he moved up a level and was slated to be a much higher pick in April's NFL draft. He has a good combination of size and speed and runs with excellent power. One knock is his lack of impact in the passing game during his college career. The Commanders have Austin Ekeler for that. Croskey-Merritt could quickly move up the depth chart if Brian Robinson Jr. misses any time. – Bryan Manning, Commanders Wire
