
NFL: The Insiders
NFL news and analysis from Ian Rapoport, Tom Pelissero, Mike Garafolo, Judy Battista, and other NFL Network insiders
The Insiders Podcast: Hall of Fame Game Recap & Jahmyr Gibbs and Amon-Ra St. Brown Join the Insiders

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Judy Battista highlights Larry Fitzgerald as a legendary figure for both the New Orleans and Arizona franchises who will continue his career in various capacities following his playing days.
The Jaguars' offense is expected to elevate based on the connection between Trevor Lawrence and Brian Thomas Jr. The team is prioritizing this tandem to mirror other elite NFL passing connections.
Trey McBride ran more routes than teammate Michael Wilson, who led all wide receivers in that category in 2025, highlighting his massive involvement in the Cardinals' passing attack.
Michael Wilson ran more routes than any other wide receiver in 2025, clearing Ja'Marr Chase easily. Adam Rank notes this may have been a statistical anomaly but acknowledges the high volume of usage.
Harold Fannin Jr. recorded a higher target percentage than any other tight end in the NFL last year. Adam Rank suggests he is a solid value at his current ADP (TE7) given the potential for growth in a new offense under Todd Monken.
Adam Rank highlights Trevor Lawrence as a target for those waiting on a quarterback, noting he led the NFL with 24 total touchdowns from Week 11 through Week 18 last season and added nine rushing touchdowns, despite a current ADP of QB12.
Amon-Ra St. Brown is recognized as an elite route runner with the rare ability to change direction without losing speed, a skill he attributes to years of repetition and understanding of route-running techniques.
Amon-Ra St. Brown notes that Gibbs' speed forces defenses to respect him in any field position, allowing the Lions to run diverse routes for him; he is improving as a route runner and serves as a primary weapon that forces defenses to bracket or double-team him.
Amon-Ra St. Brown is a central figure in the Lions' offense, noted for his route-running ability and chemistry with Jared Goff. He is considered a mismatch against linebackers and even defensive backs, making him a focal point of the team's passing attack.
Head coach Dan Quinn praised Stefon Diggs' work ethic during his first day as a Commander. Quinn highlighted Diggs' efficiency, noting that 60% of his career catches have resulted in first downs.
Carson Beck performed well in the Hall of Fame game, showing arm talent, touch, and comfort in the pocket. While he is currently behind Jacoby Brissett on the depth chart, he is using the preseason to prove he can be a reliable option if the team needs a quarterback change during the season.
Cooper Kupp is expected to benefit from new offensive coordinator Brian Fleury's scheme, which is likely to incorporate more motion at the snap—a concept Kupp is already very familiar with from his time in similar systems.
The Seahawks made it a priority to bring back Rashid Shaheed, who is expected to be a significant part of the offense. Observers noted he looked fast and sharp during training camp practices.
Jahmyr Gibbs is now the highest-paid running back in NFL history. He is described as the most electric player on the Lions, with teammates noting his ability to catch, block, and run at a high level. He is evolving by better understanding the offense and defensive schemes, and he remains a primary weapon in a dynamic Lions attack.
Brian Baldinger praised Jared Goff's performance in training camp, specifically highlighting his precision in the passing game, particularly in red-zone and third-down situations. Goff has developed a strong relationship with new offensive coordinator Drew Petsing and is operating within an offense designed to use 'the illusion of disguise.'
Andy Reid indicated that Patrick Mahomes is unlikely to play in the preseason opener against the Rams. Mahomes is recovering from knee surgery performed eight months ago, and the team is prioritizing a careful ramp-up period; he has looked terrific in camp, moving well and rolling out, but will be kept in 'bubble wrap' to ensure readiness for Week 1.
Judy Battista expresses excitement for Carson Beck's pro debut, noting that he may have the best chance among rookie quarterbacks to see the field early this season.
Justin Jefferson is currently sidelined with a sprained thumb, though the source notes he has looked as good as ever when on the field.
J.J. McCarthy is described as a talented first-rounder who is still working to find consistency, pace, and the necessary quickness in the pocket to lead the Vikings' offense.
Mark Ross argues that Kyler Murray is the preferred option for the Vikings over J.J. McCarthy because Murray has proven he can be a prolific playmaker, citing his early career success and chemistry with DeAndre Hopkins.
The source highlights Kenyon Sadiq's speed, noting his 4.39 40-yard dash time at the combine, and suggests taking him as a late-round flyer over veteran options like Zach Ertz.
Kenyon Sadiq is dealing with a setback from a herniated disc, but the team does not expect him to require surgery and fully anticipates he will be ready for Week 1.
The source notes that camp reports indicate Jayden Reed could be featured in two-wide receiver sets; if the Packers transition to a faster-paced, more pass-heavy offense as intended, it should lead to significant fantasy success for him.
Kenyon Sadiq is dealing with a setback from a herniated disc, but the team does not expect him to require surgery and anticipates he will be ready for Week 1.
Michael F. Florio highlights Jayden Reed as a value pick, noting his low ADP and reports that he could be playing in two-wide receiver sets. With a less crowded receiver room in Green Bay and a potentially faster-paced offense, Florio expects a breakout performance.
Michael F. Florio identifies Malik Willis as a high-upside sleeper with a current ADP of QB24. Florio argues that Willis has top-12 potential due to his rushing ability, noting that quarterbacks with 100+ carries historically produce high fantasy points per game, and expects Miami to trail often, leading to more scramble opportunities.
Adam Rank suggests that while Zach Ertz is a popular name for fantasy team puns, his fantasy fit is uncertain. Rank identifies the Green Bay Packers as a logical landing spot given their recent tight end roster moves and the league-wide trend toward 12 and 13 personnel.
Michael F. Florio suggests that if Terry McLaurin's ADP drops following the arrival of Stefon Diggs, it should be viewed as a huge buying opportunity for fantasy managers.
Michael F. Florio views the addition of Stefon Diggs to the Commanders as a significant boost for Jayden Daniels, whom Florio has maintained as his QB3 throughout the summer.
Michael F. Florio considers Diggs a tremendous value, noting he has been underrated all summer. Despite his current ESPN ADP of WR60, Florio ranks him in his top 40, citing his consistent history as a fantasy WR2 and his high volume of 100-yard games last season.
Hurts is fully buying into the Eagles' new offensive system and is demonstrating coachability. Saquon Barkley notes that Hurts is the leader of the team and is making plays in practice, adapting well to the challenges posed by the defense.
Barkley explains that the Eagles' new offense, which utilizes more under-center formations compared to his college experience in the gun, allows him to get downhill quicker and better manipulate defensive linebackers. He emphasizes the importance of patience and trusting the offensive line to create gaps.
Stroud is entering his second year in the offensive system, which has significantly increased his comfort level and understanding of the nuances of the scheme. After a rookie season where he felt he wasn't fully comfortable, he is now in a better place, and the team's heavy investment in the offensive line and run game should help him return to his top-five rookie form.
C.J. Stroud identifies Nico Collins as the Texans' 'go-to guy' who can play both in the slot and outside, noting his big-play and yards-after-catch ability.
C.J. Stroud focused his offseason on improving pocket movement, throwing on the run, and protection schemes. He expressed excitement about the Texans' offensive group, specifically highlighting Nico Collins as the 'go-to guy' and praising the depth of the receiving corps and tight end room.
Tank Dell practiced in pads for the first time since his knee injury two seasons ago. His return is considered great news for the Texans' offense and quarterback C.J. Stroud.
Jalen Waddle left Broncos practice, but head coach Sean Payton characterized the issue as purely muscle tightness and expects the receiver to be fine.
The source expects Jahmyr Gibbs to reset the running back market following Bijan Robinson's new deal. Dan Campbell has already designated Gibbs as the team's 'bell cow' for the upcoming season.
Bijan Robinson signed a three-year extension worth up to $25 million, making him the highest-paid running back in NFL history. The source notes this deal sets a new market bar for other dual-threat running backs like Jahmyr Gibbs.
Omar Ruiz identifies Isaiah Likely as a potential breakout candidate for the Giants, noting he has a real chance to emerge as the team's number two pass catcher behind Malik Nabers.























