July 15, 2025
The Athletic's Jim Ayello writes that a double-digit sack season for Miami Dolphins second-year linebacker Chop Robinson is well within reach in 2025. Robinsons, who was taken 21st overall in 2024 by the Dolphins, finished fifth in the Defensive Rookie of the Year voting after producing 26 tackles (16 solo), six sacks, eight tackles for loss, 14 QB hits and four pass breakups in 17 games (one start). The 22-year-old pass-rusher also ranked fourth in pressure rate (17.2 percent) among players with at least 200 pass-rush snaps, according to Pro Football Focus. Only Myles Garrett, Micah Parsons and Alex Highsmith ranked ahead of Robinson in that statistic. It's pretty good company to be in and gives you an idea of how high Robinson's ceiling is. With Jalean Phillips and Bradley Chubb returning to health this year, Robinson could put the Dolphins over the top with a ferocious pass rush.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Jim Ayello
July 15, 2025
Winnipeg Jets forward Morgan Barron has agreed to a two-year contract extension valued at $3.7 million. As a restricted free agent, Barron filed for arbitration earlier this month, but the two sides avoided it by reaching a new agreement. With the 2024-25 campaign, Barron completed a two-year, $2.7 million deal. He posted 15 points (eight goals, seven assists) in 74 outings while providing physicality in a bottom-six role with 122 hits. Barron has registered 60 points (30 goals, 30 assists) in 256 career games, which indicates limited value in standard fantasy leagues.
--Taavi PailkSource: Sportsnet
July 15, 2025
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver
Brian Thomas Jr. burst onto the NFL scene last year after being taken with the No. 23 overall pick out of LSU. Even on a bad team with spotty quarterback play, Thomas managed to catch 87 passes for 1,282 yards and 10 touchdowns in 17 games (16 starts). The Athletic's Jeff Howe thinks that if the
Trevor Lawrence-Liam Coen pairing works out the way it's envisioned, Thomas could be even better. Rookie first-round wideout
Travis Hunter will be on the other side of the field drawing attention away from Thomas, too. It's not a stretch to think that Thomas could become a household name in his sophomore season in 2025, which is why RotoBaller has him ranked as a top-10 fantasy pass-catcher. The 22-year-old had si straight games with at least 10 targets and 76 yards a year ago.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Jeff Howe
July 15, 2025
The Athletic's James Boyd writes that Indianapolis Colts second-year defensive end Laiatu Latu is primed to take a step forward this year after starting defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo left in free agency to join the Chicago Bears. The Colts took Latu 15th overall last year, and he finished his first year in the NFL with 32 tackles (16 solo), four sacks, five tackles for loss, 12 QB hits, three forced fumbles and a fumble recovery in 17 games (just one start). In addition to having a bigger role naturally in his second season, the 24-year-old pass-rusher should benefit from the addition of new defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, who is known for varying schemes that are designed to bring a lot more pressure than former D coordinator Gus Bradley did. While an every-down role might not immediately put Latu on the IDP fantasy radar, he's certainly one to watch this year.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - James Boyd
July 15, 2025
The Detroit Lions coaches think that cornerback Terrion Arnold is set up to take a big jump forward in his second year in the league in 2025, according to Colton Pouncy of The Athletic. Because the team thought he could handle it, they threw a lot at Arnold in his rookie campaign -- he played the most man-coverage snaps of any cornerback in the NFL. The 22-year-old fell to 24th overall in last year's draft, and the Lions pounced and traded up for him. Arnold definitely wasn't perfect in his first year in the league while playing meaningful snaps, but Detroit believes that exposure will serve him well moving forward. The Alabama product finished 2024 with 60 tackles (47 solo), 10 pass breakups and a fumble recovery in 16 regular-season games (15 starts). It's possible Arnold will be the team's top corner in 2025.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Colton Pouncy
July 15, 2025
The Athletic's Daniel Popper writes that if Los Angeles Angeles Chargers running back
Najee Harris (eye) misses time in training camp with an eye injury that he suffered during a fireworks mishap on the Fourth of July, the possibility of rookie first-rounder
Omarion Hampton beating out Harris for a lead-back role becomes even more likely. Harris' injury is deemed minor, and he should be fully ready for the start of the 2025 regular season, but he could miss some practice time to begin training camp later this week. That could open the door for Hampton, who has tremendous upside and will have a chance to be an immediate difference-maker in the team's run-first offense. The 22-year-old has the explosiveness to score every time he touches the football, and he could see the majority of the first-team work early in camp. RotoBaller has Hampton ranked as the RB21 in fantasy.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Daniel Popper
July 15, 2025
Los Angeles Chargers offensive guard Zion Johnson started at left guard for the team last year, and his inconsistencies in pass protection remained unchanged. It's why the Chargers plan to test him out at center this year, a position he hasn't played in college or the NFL, according to The Athletic's Daniel Popper. The former first-rounder started working at center during OTAs and minicamp in May and June, respectively. When Johnson was at center, Bradley Bozeman, who started at center in 2024, was at left guard. Bozeman has experience at left guard, starting there in 2019 and 2020 with the Baltimore Ravens. Since contact will ramp up during training camp this summer, the Chargers will finally get a read on whether Johnson will be able to handle his new position. If the experiment fails, L.A. will likely go back to their configuration from a year ago, when their interior pass protection was a weakness.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Daniel Popper
July 15, 2025
Journeyman outfielder
Travis Jankowski rejected an outright assignment to the minor leagues from the New York Mets on Sunday after he was designated for assignment and cleared waivers. Jankowski only appeared in four games for the Mets before being cut, and now he'll be looking to join his fourth different MLB squad in 2025. The 34-year-old speedster has appeared in 25 games this year with the Mets, Chicago White Sox and Tampa Bay Rays, going 11-for-45 (.244) with two doubles, two RBI, eight runs scored and two stolen bases in 50 plate appearances. The former first-rounder by the San Diego Padres in 2012 will likely have to settle for a minor-league deal with another club, but don't be surprised if he resurfaces in the majors in the second half. If he does, he'll only be worth a flier as outfield depth with speed in single-league fantasy formats.
--Keith HernandezSource: Milb.com
July 15, 2025
The Triple-A Memphis Redbirds placed St. Louis Cardinals right-handed pitching prospect
Tekoah Roby (undisclosed) on the seven-day injured list on Monday. While Roby has dealt with shoulder injuries in the past, it's unclear if this is related. The team's No. 10 prospect, per MLB Pipeline, has gone a combined 7-4 this year with a 3.10 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 87:19 K:BB in 78 1/3 innings over 16 starts with Double-A Springfield and Memphis. The 23-year-old had been peaking recently with Memphis, striking out 21 and walking only five while giving up two earned runs in his last four starts. Hopefully, the former third-rounder in 2020 will be able to return sooner than later. Roby relies on a mid- to upper-90s fastball with a nasty curveball that generates a lot of swings and misses. Health has been his biggest issue, and it could deny him a chance to debut in the big leagues in 2025.
--Keith HernandezSource: Milb.com
July 15, 2025
The Minnesota Twins selected third base/outfield prospect Quentin Young out of Oaks Christian High School in California in the second round (pick No. 54) of the 2025 MLB Draft on Sunday. The nephew of former major leaguers Dmitri and Delmon Young, he has baseball in his blood and big-time power that goes with his 6-foot-6 frame. With the power comes some concerns about the ability to make contact, but at 18 years old, there's time to see how that pans out. The youngster is athletic and has some speed, so it will be interesting to see how he develops as the right-handed slugger makes his way through the minor league ranks.
--Jarod RuppSource: MLB.com
July 15, 2025
Chicago Cubs left-hander
Matthew Boyd, who has already thrown 111 2/3 innings this season, will not pitch in the All-Star game for the National League on Tuesday. Boyd's 111 2/3 frames have already surpassed his total in each of the previous five years, and given his medical history, it makes sense for the Cubs to err on the side of caution heading into the second half. The 34-year-old veteran southpaw has gone 10-3 with a 2.34 ERA and closed out his excellent first half by throwing eight shutout innings against the New York Yankees in the Bronx on Saturday. Fantasy managers shouldn't be expecting Boyd to be better in the second half, and the Cubs could look for spots to get him extra rest if they can. With a 3.30 xERA and whiff rate in just the 29th percentile, he's outperforming his underlying stats a bit. Still, he's limiting hard contact and continues to keep hitters off balance.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Zack Meisel and Patrick Mooney
July 15, 2025
Milwaukee Brewers outfield prospect
Braylon Payne was named Carolina League Player of the Week for his performance from July 7-13. The Brewers' ninth-ranked prospect went 6-for-14 (.429) with a double, two home runs, four RBI, four runs scored, and a stolen base in four games for Single-A Carolina. The 2024 first-rounder is riding a 10-game hit streak that includes six multi-hit efforts, during which time he's slashing .432/.553/.784. For the season, the 18-year-old is hitting .261 with a .373 OBP thanks to a strong 15.4 percent walk rate, along with seven home runs and 22 steals through 54 games for the Mudcats. He's got plenty of time to bring his current strikeout rate of 27.8 percent down, and the 70-grade speed could make him a valuable fantasy asset down the road.
--Jarod RuppSource: MiLB.com
July 15, 2025
Toronto Blue Jays right-hander
Alek Manoah (elbow) battled poor command in his first minor-league rehab start on Monday in the rookie-level Florida Complex League. Manoah only went one-third of an inning and allowed four runs (three earned) on one hit while walking two and striking out one. He threw only 10 of his 22 pitches for strikes, and his four-seam fastball sat around 93-94 mph. The 27-year-old was limited to only five games for the Blue Jays last year before undergoing UCL reconstruction. In his 24 1/3 innings, he had a respectable 3.70 ERA. Manoah is likely to spend the full 30 days on his rehab assignment, but he could return to the big leagues in mid-to-late August. He was the runner-up in the American League Cy Young voting in 2022 before struggling mightily in 2023 while being sent to the minors. It's anyone's guess as to how he'll fare with Toronto late this season.
--Keith HernandezSource: Sportsnet.ca
July 15, 2025
Texas Rangers right-hander
Jon Gray (forearm) allowed an earned run on six hits while walking none and striking out two in three innings on Monday in a minor-league rehab start in the rookie-level Arizona Complex League. A rainout over the weekend forced the 33-year-old to skip making his second rehab start for Triple-A Round Rock. He should head to Round Rock after this outing, and he's expected to make at least a couple more rehab starts before the Rangers consider activating him from the 60-day injured list. Gray has yet to pitch in the big leagues in 2025 due to a fractured forearm that he suffered in spring training on March 14. He also missed some time in 2024 with groin and foot injuries and finished with a disappointing 4.47 ERA and 1.31 WHIP while striking out 86 and walking 28 in 23 outings (19 starts). After his strikeout rate dipped below 20% last year, fantasy managers will want to see more.
--Keith HernandezSource: Milb.com
July 15, 2025
The Cleveland Guardians placed right-handed reliever
Paul Sewald (shoulder) on the 15-day injured list (retroactive to July 12) on Tuesday with a right-shoulder strain, according to Tim Stebbins of MLB.com. A corresponding move is to be determined. Sewald went on the IL for the first time this season back in late April with a right posterior deltoid strain, and the 35-year-old veteran had just returned on July 5. He made four appearances out of the Guards bullpen before getting hurt again, allowing an unearned run on one hit while walking two and striking out three in 3 2/3 innings. Sewald will be eligible to return on July 27, but it's a good bet we won't see him until August. It's been an injury-plagued year for Sewald. He currently has a 4.70 ERA, 1.17 WHIP, two saves and 18 K's in just 15 1/3 innings of work. Whenever he returns, he'll be a late-inning setup option in front of closer
Emmanuel Clase.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Tim Stebbins
July 15, 2025
Kansas City Royals outfield prospect
Carson Roccaforte was named Midwest League Player of the Week for the week of July 7-13. The Royals' 21st-ranked prospect went 11-for-23 (.478) with three doubles, a triple, two home runs, five RBI, seven runs scored, and a stolen base in six games for High-A Quad Cities. The left-handed slugger has been swinging a hot bat for longer than a week, though, hitting safely in 11 of his last 12, batting .426 (20-for-47) with five home runs and an unbelievable 1.364 OPS during that time. After this recent hot stretch, the 23-year-old's slash line stands at .241/.365/.478 with 13 home runs and 33 stolen bases. If he can improve on the 30.0 percent strikeout rate while maintaining the 15.9 percent walk rate, a trip to Double-A could happen before the season is out, although he is off of the fantasy radar for now.
--Jarod RuppSource: MiLB.com
July
15,
2025
Los
Angeles
Rams
tight
end
Terrance
Ferguson
was
selected
by
the
team
with
the
No.
46
overall
pick
in
the
second
round
of
the
2025
NFL
Draft
out
of
Oregon.
It
was
rumored
that
the
Rams
read more...
July
15,
2025
San
Francisco
49ers
wide
receiver
Jacob
Cowing
had
a
quiet
rookie
season
after
being
selected
in
the
fourth
round
of
the
2024
NFL
Draft
out
of
Arizona.
The
24-year-old
produced
just
four
receptions
for
80
yards
read more...
July 15, 2025
San Francisco Giants first base prospect
Bryce Eldridge (hamstring) went 2-for-3 with an RBI and a run scored on Monday in his first rehab game with the ACL Giants. The Giants' top prospect is working his way back from a hamstring strain that has kept him out since June 21. It's not clear how long the rehab assignment will last, but once complete, he'll return to Triple-A, where he was slashing .230/.284/.426 with three home runs in 16 games after earning a promotion from Double-A. The 6-foot-7 slugger is the Giants' first baseman of the future, and although he strikes out quite a bit, dynasty managers should be stashing him away based on his future power potential.
--Jarod RuppSource: MiLB.com
July
15,
2025
Houston
Texans
wide
receiver
Jayden
Higgins
was
selected
with
the
No.
34
overall
pick
in
the
2025
NFL
Draft
after
an
outstanding
collegiate
season
at
Iowa
State.
As
a
senior,
he
tallied
87
receptions
for
1,183
read more...
July 15, 2025
San Francisco Giants infield prospect Jhonny Level homered in a 3-for-5 day at the plate on Monday, driving in two runs and scoring twice for the rookie-level Arizona Complex League Giants. He was also caught stealing one time. The Giants' fourth-ranked prospect is faring well in his first stateside professional baseball action, hitting .298 with nine doubles, four triples, and eight home runs (.513 SLG) in 51 Complex League games. He's also posted a better-than-average 12.7 percent walk rate, helping him to a strong .386 OBP, and he's also stolen 14 bases. The switch-hitter can hit for both contact and power, although his speed might be his best tool. But at 18 years old, the young Venezuelan is still several years away from the majors.
--Jarod RuppSource: MiLB.com
July 15, 2025
The New York Jets are signing All-Pro cornerback Sauce Gardner to a four-year, $120.4 million contract extension, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. The new deal that includes a $30.1 million average salary makes the 24-year-old the highest-paid cornerback in NFL history. Since being selected with the No. 4 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft out of Cincinnati, Gardner has earned two first-team All-Pro honors and been selected to two Pro Bowls. In 48 career games, he has tallied 181 tackles (128 solo), three interceptions, 41 pass deflections, one sack, and one forced fumble. The team recently reached an agreement on a contract extension for wideout
Garrett Wilson, locking up its premier players on offense and defense for the foreseeable future.
--Jackson Sparks - RotoBallerSource: Ian Rapoport
July 15, 2025
The Athletic's Nick Kosmider suggests that Denver Broncos wide receiver
Marvin Mims Jr. could be poised for his first 1,000-yard season in 2025 with another year of chemistry with second-year quarterback
Bo Nix. Mims was selected in the second round (63rd overall) in 2023 out of Oklahoma, and he's already been a Pro Bowl returner on special teams twice. However, the 23-year-old's progress as a pass-catcher could unlock another element in the Broncos' offense. He showcased his ability to win on contested deep balls -- no example greater than his amazing Week 17 touchdown grab against the Cincinnati Bengals to force overtime. Mims had 434 receiving yards and six touchdowns in his final seven games in 2024 and is probably the favorite for WR2 duties behind
Courtland Sutton. For his big-play abilities alone, Mims is worth a bench stash as a WR5/6.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Nick Kosmider
July 15, 2025
In addition to wide receiver
Mike Williams, the Los Angeles Chargers placed receiver
Jaylen Johnson (undisclosed), safety Elijah Molden (knee), linebacker Del'Shawn Phillips (undisclosed) and offensive tackle Savion Washington (undisclosed) on the Physically Unable to Perform list on Monday for the start of training camp. The Chargers can activate Johnson at any time during training camp this summer, but if he remains on PUP to start the regular season, he'll have to miss the first four games. The 25-year-old will be competing for a depth role in L.A. whenever he gets back on the field behind Williams,
Ladd McConkey,
Quentin Johnston, rookies
Tre Harris and
Keandre Lambert-Smith and
Derius Davis. Johnson didn't see any targets in his rookie season in 2024 and is nowhere near the fantasy radar.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Daniel Popper
July 15, 2025
According to Shams Charania of ESPN, Dallas Mavericks center
Dereck Lively II (foot) underwent surgery to remove bone spurs in his right foot. Despite the offseason setback, Lively is expected to be healthy for training camp. During his second NBA season, the 21-year-old averaged 8.7 points, 7.5 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.6 blocks across 23.1 minutes. He was limited to just 36 games due to an ankle issue. Once healthy, Lively will be inserted into a crowded Mavs frontcourt that includes
Daniel Gafford and
Anthony Davis, who will both see minutes at center.
--Andrew LennoxSource: Shams Charania
July
15,
2025
There
are
as
many
as
five
wide
receivers
battling
for
one
or
two
roster
spots
this
summer
with
the
New
England
Patriots,
including
Kendrick
Bourne,
Kayshon
Boutte,
read more...
July 15, 2025
Utah Jazz guard
Isaiah Collier collected 12 points, 12 assists, three rebounds and one block across 33 minutes in a 93-91 Summer League loss to the Spurs on Monday. Despite a solid outing, Collier has struggled with his jump shot, shooting 38.3 percent from the field across six Summer League outings. The 29th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft will look to battle for an expanded role on a young Jazz team after averaging 8.7 points, 3.3 rebounds and 6.3 assists across 71 games last season.
--Andrew LennoxSource: ESPN
July
15,
2025
Patriots.com's
Evan
Lazar
writes
that
along
with
wide
receiver
Stefon
Diggs
(knee),
New
England
Patriots
pass-catchers
DeMario
Douglas
and
third-round
rookie
Kyle
Williams
are
"locks"
to
read more...
July 15, 2025
The Kansas City Chiefs and franchise-tagged offensive guard Trey Smith are finalizing a massive new contract extension on Tuesday that will make him the highest-paid guard in the league, sources tell NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. The four-year deal worth $94 million deal will be done by agents Tory Dandy and Jimmy Sexton. The deal includes $70 million guaranteed. Smith would have been the highest-paid guard in the NFL if he had played on the one-year, $23.4 million franchise tag in 2025, too. The 26-year-old was taken in the sixth round (226th overall) in 2021 out of Tennessee but has become one of the best guards in the league and was named a first-time Pro Bowler in 2024. Smith has started 67 of a possible 68 regular-season games since joining KC, including all 13 of their playoff games since 2021. He's now locked in with the Chiefs for the foreseeable future.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
July 15, 2025
Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen said he expects quarterback
Anthony Richardson Sr. (shoulder) back "at some point" during training camp this summer, and "when he does come back, we'll ease him into throwing and then we'll go from there." Richardson did not require another surgery on his troublesome right shoulder, but he will enter training camp behind
Daniel Jones for the open competition under center in 2025. Richardson and Jones were set to split reps evenly during OTAs and minicamp, but Richardson's shoulder injury caused him to miss all of minicamp. "It's really going to come down to who's the most consistent," Steichen said. First and foremost, Richardson is going to need to prove he can stay healthy. The former first-rounder has elite rushing upside, but his health and accuracy are major questions, and he still might need to outplay Jones to win the starting gig back.
--Keith HernandezSource: Colts.com - JJ Stankevitz
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