The first week of full NFL preseason action is in the books. I’ll share some of the takes I had before the preseason and let you know if I’m holding firm (pause), getting nervous (panic), or doubling down (purchase) on my takes.
Caleb Williams
In his first year with new head coach Ben Johnson, all of the comments coming out of camp are surrounding how hard Johnson is coaching him. Then, Chicago doesn’t have him play in preseason Week 1. I’m not buying the joint practice excuses. It feels as if the Bears were protecting Williams from national scrutiny with this decision.
My Offseason Take: I felt Williams would have exponential growth under Johnson in Year 1.
Current Status: PANIC
Eagles 3rd WR
Philadelphia traded for former first-rounder Jahan Dotson last year in hopes of solidifying their third option in the passing attack. They also selected Ainias Smith (5th-Rd) and Johnny Wilson (6th-Rd) in last year’s draft, as well as adding undrafted rookie Darius Cooper following this year’s draft.
In Philly’s first preseason action of 2025, Dotson looked more comfortable. On 7 targets, Cooper put up 6 / 82 / 1. Smith caught 2 passes for 11 yards and a TD with a 46-yard punt return and 20-yard kickoff return. Wilson looked the most improved, using his size well and catching 3 passes for 73 yards.
My Offseason Take: Ainias Smith becomes the predominant #3 receiver
Current Status: PAUSE
Travis Hunter
The expectations surrounding Hunter were as if he was going to be an All-Pro WR and CB as a rookie. The hyperbole was a bit much. He has flaws on both sides of the ball, and developing part-time on each side could stretch out his growth period.
My Offseason Take: He has flaws and will take time to develop like Shohei Ohtani in MLB.
Current Status: PURCHASE
Shedeur Sanders / Dillon Gabriel
Sanders took limited reps leading up to the first preseason game and played well while Gabriel nursed a hamstring injury. Both events led to Sanders closing the gap and possibly taking the first step to surpassing Gabriel on the depth chart.
My Offseason Take: Browns would go with a rookie at QB, and it would be Gabriel.
Current Status: PANIC
Saints QB Competition
Spencer Rattler, Tyler Shough, and Jake Haener are in a competition to win the starting job for the Saints. None of the trio had stellar outings. Shough had the biggest play with a 54-yard TD to Mason Tipton, but Shough had no pressure, and Tipton had almost a five-yard window to throw into. Shough and Haener each had interceptions. Rattler led the entire team with 22 rushing yards.
My Offseason Take: Spencer Rattler will win the starting job for New Orleans
Current Status: PAUSE
Bryce Young
Young enters Year 2 with Dave Canales as his head coach, returns his offensive line, and gets upgrades at his receivers and running backs. Young went 4/6 for 58 yards and 1 TD in his first preseason action of 2025.
My Offseason Take: Young has a breakout year.
Current Status: PURCHASE
Chase Brown
Joe Burrow came out and spoke recently about how much they value Chase Brown and his role expectations. It sounds like Cincinnati won’t be leaning too much on their backups like Samaje Perine, Tahj Brooks, and Gary Brightwell.
My Offseason Take: Bengals would lighten Brown’s load.
Current Status: PANIC
RJ Harvey
There are high expectations for Harvey to take the lionshare of Denver’s backfield work. Veteran J.K. Dobbins wisely didn’t play in the first preseason action, with Harvey, Audric Estime, and Jaleel McLaughlin all falling below 4.0 ypc in the game while Tyler Badie and Blake Watson each averaged over 6.0 ypc. The level of competition at the time of reps matters, though.
My Offseason Take: Harvey will be in a backfield by committee with 2-3 other RBs.
Current Status: PAUSE
Tyler Warren
Warren is one of the biggest upgrades at a skill position year-over-year for any NFL team. He caught all 3 of his targets for 40 yards in a Colts offense where the QBs struggle to complete even 50% of their passes.
My Offseason Take: Warren will provide the big target, safety blanket for Indy’s QBs
Current Status: PURCHASE`
PANIC (One-liners)
PAUSE (One-liners)
PURCHASE (One-liners)
