2025 NFL Draft takes: Mild, medium and spicy opinions include Shedeur Sanders potentially having a long draft night wait

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Here's a summary of the mild, medium and spicy NFL Draft takes from Yahoo Sports' Nate Tice and Matt Harmon on an episode of the "Football 301" podcast. 

Mild takes 🌶️

Expect 3 RBs to go in Round 1:Ashton Jeanty and Omarion Hampton are the likely candidates, and Harmon suggests that TreVeyon Henderson might sneak into the top 32 due to his desirable traits.

Falcons will focus on one side of the ball: Tice said the Falcons might not select an offensive player in the draft at all, focusing entirely on defense. This was based on the fact that the team sent only defensive coaches to the NFL scouting combine and interviewed only defensive players.

No. 1 tight end will be ... : Tice sees Michigan's Colston Loveland as the first tight end drafted, potentially even higher than expected.

Medium takes 🌶️🌶️

Shedeur Sanders won't be QB2 on Draft Night: Tice says that Sanders would not be the second quarterback selected, suggesting that the NFL might be lower on him than previously anticipated.

"I think there's some buzz about other quarterbacks and just smelling the smoke, you know, seeing where the smoke's going," Tice said. "I want to follow that smoke. 

"And also seeing when, you know, Deion Sanders, who was on the show last week with [Yahoo Sports'] Charles [McDonald], had an interview with Charles, also says, you know, we're comfortable with him maybe not going at the top of the draft. Again, just reading in between the lines here that I think maybe there is a drop with Shedeur and that there's another quarterback that goes above him because I just think there's just precedent there." 

BOULDER, COLORADO - NOVEMBER 29: Shedeur Sanders #2 of the Colorado Buffaloes warms up prior to the game against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Folsom Field on November 29, 2024 in Boulder, Colorado. (Photo by Andrew Wevers/Getty Images)
Will Shedeur Sanders end up QB3 in Round 1 of the NFL? (Photo by Andrew Wevers/Getty Images)
Andrew Wevers via Getty Images

Who is the No. 1 CB? Harmon predicts that a non-Travis Hunter defensive back will go before Michigan's Will Johnson, suggesting that there might be draft shakeups due to pre-draft evaluations like 40-yard dash times. Teams might hold it against the Michigan star that he didn't run the 40 in workouts.

Browns deal for a QB: Matt speculated that the Browns might trade back into the first round for a quarterback, potentially looking at Shedeur Sanders.

Spicy takes 🌶️🌶️🌶️ 🔥

Tyreek Hill trade: Harmon's spicy take is that the Miami Dolphins star wideout might be dealt during the draft. He detailed his reasoning that Miami might need to retool its locker room and develop a counterpunch on offense.

Long wait for QB2: Tice predicted only one QB would be taken in the first round, Cam Ward, and that the QB2 won't be selected until the second round.

Big trade move early in Round 1: Harmon suggested that some team might trade into the top 10 for an offensive playmaker, citing Ashton Jeanty as a potential target for such a bold move.

To hear more NFL discussions, tune into "Football 301" on Apple, Spotify or YouTube.

2025 NFL Draft: Are Titans a bad fit for Cam Ward?

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Schwab is optimistic about Ward's future, predicting he will be really good, potentially a first-tier quarterback. In contrast, Fitz believes the Titans might ruin Ward due to organizational instability, predicting that he will face a difficult career with the Titans.

Fitz argues that the Titans are a bad fit for Ward because he believes the organization does not provide a stable environment for developing quarterbacks. Fitz shares concerns about the Titans' franchise management, noting that the revolving door of coaches and general managers creates instability. He also points out that head coach Brian Callahan took over a team with low expectations last year and the Titans ended up being the worst team in football, not due to injuries but due to poor talent, coaching and game management.

Fitz is worried that without consistent leadership and a strong supporting cast, Ward will struggle to succeed or develop into his potential. He fears that within a few years, Ward will be stuck dealing with multiple offensive languages and systems, which could hinder his growth as a quarterback. 

Essentially, Fitz foresees that Ward may be set up to fail due to the Titans' organizational issues.

Fitz predicts that four quarterbacks will be taken in the first round, including a surprise pick of Jalen Milroe. In contrast, Schwab predicts only two QBs will be drafted in the first round, and that Shedeur Sanders might slip to Round 2.

While Arizona's Tetairoa McMillan is often considered the next receiver off the board, Schwab believes Texas' Matthew Golden will be picked before him due to his speed and game-breaking ability.

Schwab suggests a surprising pick of Jeanty by the Dallas Cowboys, and the excitement it could bring, despite the Raiders and Bears being favorites.

Fitz boldly predicts that the Steelers will find themselves needing to draft a quarterback due to uncertainties with Aaron Rodgers, potentially leading them to reach in the draft.

To hear more NFL discussions, tune into Inside Coverage on Apple, Spotify or YouTube.

2025 NFL Draft: Why Travis Hunter going to Browns would ‘suck so much’

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In the latest episode of the Yahoo Fantasy Forecast, Matt Harmon and Charles McDonald took a deep look at the wide receiver class and shared concerns about Travis Hunter's transition to the NFL if he lands with the Browns with the second overall pick in this year's draft. The worries have nothing to with Hunter's ability, he's a once-in-a generation talent, but Cleveland's quarterback issues can't be ignored.

Kenny Pickett and Deshaun Watson are the only two quarterbacks currently on the roster, raising red flags about the environment Hunter would be entering. 

McDonald warned, "What is he (Hunter) changing about this situation that they have going on there?" Later adding, "I hope they pass, just for all of us because like that would suck so much if he ended up in Cleveland."

From a fantasy perspective, Hunter would likely going to the Browns as a receiver first, which means he would be peppered with targets as a rookie. Who would be throwing him the ball is a totally different question. Malik Nabers was able to overcome poor QB play en route to catching 109 balls for 1,204 yards and seven touchdowns last season. Could Hunter pull off something similar? 

Hunter is one of Harmon's favorite prospects in this year's class, likening him to a prime Odell Beckham, which makes the idea of him being in an unstable situation with the Browns worrying but one where he might be able to succeed despite Cleveland's QB conundrum.

There's a chance the Browns try trading back into the first round to select Shedeur Sanders, reuniting the college teammates and giving Cleveland a quarterback to grow with Hunter. 

Whether it's Sanders or someone else, Hunter's fantasy outlook would significantly improve if the Browns can figure out a reliable solution at quarterback. If the Browns can bring in a capable passer then Hunter has the potential to be a fantasy star. His skill set suggests he could see a high volume of targets, and we know how valuable that kind of workload can be in fantasy football.

However, given the uncertainty, fantasy managers might need to approach Hunter with cautious optimism. There's a potential for high reward, but you'll want to keep an eye on what the Browns do at QB if they do decide to take Hunter second overall before getting too excited about drafting him for your fantasy team.

2025 NFL Draft: This knock on Tetairoa McMillan's game isn't as big a deal as people think

Arizona's Tetairoa McMillan is projected to be one of the top wide receivers selected in the 2025 NFL Draft later this month.

The 6-foot-4, 219-pound McMillan ran 40-yard dashes at his pro day that hovered around the 4.5s, and there aren't many receivers at that size that can move like that. McMillan is the No. 7 overall pick in Yahoo Sports' latest NFL mock draft by experts Nate Tice and Charles McDonald, and both have him highly ranked on their big boards.

There is one issue, however, with McMillan's game that's seemed to pop up during the evaluation process: his lack of separation.

Tice and Yahoo Sports Fantasy Analyst Matt Harmon weren't buying it, as they discussed on the latest episode of Football 301.

"This guy is not some lack-of-separation, stiff player," Harmon said. "... If a guy can't separate on tape, nobody's talking about him as a Round 1 player, or a top half of Round 1 player."

Harmon pointed out recent big-bodied receivers who supposedly couldn't separate, including Drake London and Rome Odunze, and it didn't hinder them in their transition to the NFL.

Speaking of Odunze, not only does Tice agree that McMillan's separation is fine, he thinks it's part of a package that has him grade out close to 2024's dominant wide receiver prospect class that included Odunze, Marvin Harrison Jr. and Malik Nabers.

"I consider him closer to those top three guys from last year than maybe what we're talking about this year," Tice said, "because I see him as an X, I see him as a ball winner, but I see him as fluid. And how he gets in and out of routes is really just really cool to watch. And you don't really see that from a guy that's legitimately 6-4."

Harmon said McMillan's long speed isn't the strength of his game, and it's true he won't threaten separation on go routes straight downfield.

McMillan particularly shines on comeback routes, where Harmon charted him as having an 88.9% success rate in terms of getting open.

"He can and has created chunk plays in the intermediate area, and in deep in-breakers, things like that," Harmon said.

Tice doesn't have concerns over McMillan's speed, either, due to his body control and agility allowing him to get yards after catch. He also thinks McMillan's 40 time isn't a worry, pointing out Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins — who just signed a huge contract extension and ran a 4.59 at his pro day five years ago — has a similar profile.

"So running a middle-ish 40 does not damn you," Tice said.

Tice is bullish on McMillan's potential, and thinks he should be a top-10 pick. Harmon didn't go quite that high, but is still a big fan of McMillan's game and thinks he projects as similar potential-wise to the Broncos' Courtland Sutton and the Colts' Michael Pittman.

"You can get away with having them as your No. 1," Harmon said. "You probably want them as, like, a really, really great No. 2. But to me, I think that's still like a top 20 draft pick."

2025 NFL Draft: Despite Najee Harris addition, Chargers taking Omarion Hampton would be a fantasy football win

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The Yahoo Fantasy Forecast recently delved into some exciting possibilities for the NFL Draft, and one intriguing prospect that caught Matt Harmon's and Frank Schwab's attention was North Carolina running back Omarion Hampton potentially landing with the Los Angeles Chargers. Here's why Hampton to L.A. could be a big-time fantasy football win.

Schwab noted that Hampton would be a great fit for the Chargers' offensive system. The Chargers employ a power-gap scheme that's tailor-made for a running back like Hampton who can thrive behind defined running lanes. The way the Chargers configure their offense with pulling linemen and gap schemes would give Hampton the perfect setup to explode through holes, making him a tantalizing fantasy option.

Harmon and Schwab both highlighted the value Hampton could bring as a rookie starter. Schwab even speculated that, despite the presence of Najee Harris on the team, if the Chargers used their 22nd pick to draft Hampton, he'd quickly become a starter. His ability to elevate the team's inconsistent ground game — they ranked 27th in rushing success rate last year — cannot be understated, and fantasy managers should take note of this potential workload.

“All of us fantasy bros would be geeked out,” Schwab exclaimed at the thought of Hampton joining the Chargers. If the Chargers indeed snagged Hampton, his ADP would shoot up. Schwab anticipated that Hampton, currently considered a fourth-round pick in early best ball drafts, would move to the early third round, reflecting the fantasy community's excitement around his potential in Los Angeles.

Integrating a talent like Hampton into an offense led by Justin Herbert could create a dynamic duo. Defenses already have to account for Herbert's arm and pass-catchers like Ladd McConkey, so adding a dynamic, fresh-legged running back like Hampton into the mix would make the Chargers' offense even more formidable, thus elevating Hampton's potential fantasy production.

The discussion emphasized how the Chargers have been searching for consistency and explosiveness from their backfield to complement their air attack. With Hampton, the Chargers would have a home-run threat on every down, which could translate into significant fantasy points, especially in leagues that reward long runs and touchdowns.

2025 NFL Draft: Matthew Golden could be a solid fantasy football asset from Day 1 — especially if the Cowboys draft him

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Texas Longhorns star wide receiver prospect Matthew Golden's fantasy football potential is becoming a hot topic, especially with talk of him being projected to the Dallas Cowboys. In a recent episode of Yahoo Fantasy Forecast, Matt Harmon and NFL Network'sDaniel Jeremiah dove into what Golden could bring to the table.

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From their conversation, it's clear that Golden has the potential to ignite the Cowboys offense with some much-needed excitement and dynamism. As Jeremiah pointed out, Golden isn't just fast (though he did mention there's some debate about his route-running speed), but he also has strong, reliable hands — a key factor for a wide receiver. This makes him a perfect complement to CeeDee Lamb, potentially opening up the Cowboys' offensive playbook and creating more scoring opportunities.

Harmon and Jeremiah both see Golden as a player who might not have elite separation right now, but his movement off full-speed motion and his ability to work both inside and outside could make him a nightmare for defenses. This trait is crucial since the Cowboys' offense has felt a bit tight and predictable in past seasons.

If you're considering Golden for your fantasy team, keep in mind that he could be the key to unlocking this Cowboys offense. With Brian Schottenheimer expected to incorporate more full-speed motion, as both hosts discussed, Golden could be an essential piece that offers both versatility and explosiveness.

In essence, Golden's potential in the Cowboys system isn't just about individual talent — it's about how he fits into an evolving strategy that could see him becoming a significant fantasy asset. If drafted by Dallas, fantasy managers should watch closely during training camp and the preseason to assess his role and chemistry within the offense. 

With all this in mind, targeting Golden as a late fantasy draft pick could pay off. Keep Golden on your radar, because if the Cowboys do draft him, he might just be the spark that lights up both the field and your fantasy lineup.

Inside Coverage: Will Cam Ward transform the Titans into a perennial winner?

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In all likelihood, the Tennessee Titans will select Cam Ward with the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. But ... will Ward transform the Titans into a perennial winner?

Jason Fitz, Jori Epstein, and Frank Schwab discussed that on the latest episode of the "Inside Coverage" podcast.

Epstein compared the Titans' interest in Cam Ward to a dating scenario, suggesting that while the Titans are interested in him, they still want to confirm he's the right fit through additional evaluations, much like collecting more data points in a relationship before making a commitment. She mentioned that the Titans haven't finalized their decision yet because they are still gathering information from various pro days and visits.

"Do I think that the Titans are going to draft Cam Ward? Yes," Epstein said. "Do I think they think they want to draft Cam Ward?"

Fitz highlighted concerns about whether Cam Ward being the first overall pick equates to the same enthusiasm that other teams had with quarterbacks like Joe Burrow or Caleb Williams in previous drafts. He noted that historically, top picks display an aggressive, undeniable excitement from the drafting team, which seems a bit less robust in this case from the Titans. 

"I think this whole thing to me feels like, well, we're together and I need a quarterback and you need a team," Fitz said.

Schwab added that while he believes the Titans are on track to select Ward, the way they are handling the decision process indicates they want to be sure of their pick without prematurely committing before all evaluations are complete.

In summary, while Ward is likely the pick for the Titans, there are reservations about whether he will completely transform the team, as the Titans' approach seems more calculated and reserved compared to the usual fervor seen with No. 1 overall draft picks.

To hear more NFL discussions, tune into Inside Coverage on Apple, Spotify or YouTube.

Former Wallabies star Jordan Petaia signs NFL deal with LA Chargers

  • Ex-rugby union player impresses Chargers at IPP trial in US
  • ‘A great career move for him,’ says Super Bowl winner Jordan Mailata

Former rugby union international Jordan Petaia is a step closer to realising a long-held dream of playing in the NFL after signing with the Los Angeles Chargers as a tight end.

Petaia, who earned 31 caps for the Wallabies, turned his back on union late last year after being handed a prized spot on the league’s international player pathway (IPP) programme.

Continue reading...

7 takeaways from the NFL owners meetings

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The NFL owners meeting wrapped up Tuesday. Here are seven takeaways, as discussed by Jason Fitz, Frank Schwab and Charles Robinson on the latest episode of the "Inside Coverage" podcast:

The Dallas Cowboys are handling negotiations directly with Micah Parsons rather than his agent. This approach is typical for them, but it frustrates agents who prefer traditional negotiations. Jerry Jones is reportedly offering Parsons the largest non-quarterback deal in NFL history.

The hosts discussed how Jerry Jones has built the Cowboys into the most valuable sports franchise globally. Despite not winning a Super Bowl since 1995, the Cowboys brand remains incredibly strong because of Jones' business acumen and strategic deals.

Jimmy Haslam, owner of the Cleveland Browns, candidly admitted to making a mistake with the Deshaun Watson contract, calling it a "big swing and a miss." This public acknowledgment might help the team move forward and focus on rebuilding.

Woody Johnson, owner of the Jets, dismissed the NFL Players Association report cards, calling them "totally bogus." This response contrasts with other owners who have used the feedback to improve their organizations, reflecting poorly on the Jets' adaptability.

The vote on the controversial "tush push" play was pushed back to May. The play is criticized by some for its potential danger and fairness issues, yet no evidence supports it being more dangerous than other plays.

The NFL adopted the playoff overtime format for the regular season — each team will get a chance to touch the ball, regardless of if a team scores a touchdown on the opening possession — but with a compressed 10-minute period. This change could lead to more ties and raises questions about the fairness of possessions.

The NFL announced a triple-header for Christmas Day, intensifying competition with the NBA for viewership. The move marks a significant shift as the NFL aims to dominate holiday sports broadcasting.

To hear more NFL discussions, tune into Inside Coverage on Apple, Spotify or YouTube.

NFL Draft: Who should the Panthers consider at No. 8? How about a fantasy football-friendly tight end?

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The Carolina Panthers are embarking on a journey to elevate their offensive game, and there's a particular gem in this year's draft that could help them achieve just that: Penn State tight end prospect, Tyler Warren. As highlighted in a recent discussion between Matt Harmon and Dan Pizzuta (of the 33rd Team) on the Yahoo Fantasy Forecast podcast, Warren seems to be an ideal fit for the Panthers. So, why should the Panthers consider Warren with the eighth overall pick? Let's delve into the compelling reasons discussed on the show.

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First and foremost, Warren offers a versatility that is simply hard to overlook. Operating as a dynamic piece in any offensive formation, Warren's ability to move around — from tight end to even quarterback roles — can open up a myriad of strategic possibilities. The Panthers, who already have solid yet upgradeable wide receiver and tight end rooms, could greatly benefit from Warren's flexibility, allowing them to switch things up and keep defenses guessing.

Moreover, Warren's proficiency in multiple roles could be particularly crucial for quarterback Bryce Young. The podcast highlighted how Young improved in the latter half of the past season once he became more confident in the downfield options available to him. With Warren's capacity to create plays up the seams and even engage in screens and runs, Young would have a consistent and reliable target to help maintain and escalate his impressive midseason surge.

Considering the makeup of the Panthers' current roster — a blend of experience in players like Adam Thielen and untapped potential in younger talents such as Xavier Legette and Jalen Coker — adding a player of Warren's caliber could bridge gaps and enhance the overall effectiveness of their passing game.

Additionally, with renowned blocking ability mixed with his offensive prowess, Warren aligns perfectly with Carolina’s ambition to bolster its run game. Chuba Hubbard and Rico Dowdle, ready to shoulder the rushing responsibilities, would benefit from having a tight end who can work with the offensive line.

While it might seem bold to consider Warren at the eighth overall pick, he fits the mold of a player who can make a difference immediately. As the Panthers try to not only improve their offense but transform the unit heading into next season, Warren stands as a compelling prospect who aligns with their goals effectively.

For fantasy purposes, we've seen rookie tight ends pay immediate dividends for managers the past two seasons. Sam LaPorta was the overall TE1 as a rookie in 2023 and Brock Bowers accomplished the same feat en route to rewriting the record book last season. Could Warren be the next tight end to make a splash as a rookie in both fantasy and reality?

NFL Draft: RB prospect Omarion Hampton, Broncos would be a match made in fantasy football heaven

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Based on the insightful conversation between Matt Harmon and Dan Pizzuta (of the 33rd Team) on the latest Yahoo Fantasy Forecast, there are compelling reasons why the Denver Broncos should consider drafting North Carolina Tar Heels running back prospect, Omarion Hampton.

Firstly, both Harmon and Pizzuta agree that the Denver Broncos boast arguably one of the best offensive lines in the NFL. Not only were they ranked first in both pass block win rate and run block win rate last year, but they also have demonstrated a solid foundation that sets the stage for significant offensive improvements. The Broncos' offensive line can create ample opportunities for a talented running back like Hampton to excel and elevate the ground game.

The Broncos' running game is a key area that stands to benefit significantly from a dynamic presence like Hampton. With Hampton's strength in breaking tackles and generating yards after contact, he possesses the explosive potential that the Broncos currently lack. Pizzuta emphasizes that Hampton only averaged 1.5 yards before contact per rush last year but still ranked sixth in yards after contact per rush, showcasing his ability to turn poor conditions into positive plays.

With Sean Payton as the head coach, the Broncos have an offensive mind that can effectively utilize a powerful and explosive runner. By adding Hampton, the Broncos can maximize his capabilities and fully leverage the offensive line’s strengths. This potential addition would not only give Denver an edge in the run game but also add another layer of depth and versatility to their offensive playbook.

Furthermore, the complementary role that Hampton can play alongside the existing offensive talent — led by Bo Nix coming off a successful rookie season — provides a seamless fit for the Broncos. Having a back who can make a defender miss five yards past the line of scrimmage rather than at it means more big plays and a consistent offensive threat.

Hampton's skills and the Broncos' already strong offensive line provide a formula for him to succeed if he lands there — and for fantasy football managers to have another intriguing back with opportunity and upside to consider come draft season.

NFL Draft cornerback rankings: What is Travis Hunter's ideal role?

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What is Travis Hunter's ideal role in the NFL — cornerback or receiver?

Nate Tice and Charles McDonald discussed that exact question on the latest edition of the "Football 301" podcast, where they also ranked the cornerbacks in the upcoming NFL Draft.

"As a cornerback, man, this is about as good as it gets ... He's No. 1 cornerback in this class," McDonald said. "And I think that any team that drafts him to play cornerback, you're getting someone who can be like a CB1, one of the best players in the league right off the bat."

They both emphasize his exceptional feel for the corner position, his elite athletic gifts and his special, rare ball skills. Tice describes Hunter as having an almost instinctual ability to bait quarterbacks and make plays in zone coverage, while McDonald praises his willingness to be a playmaker.

They both agree that Hunter's physical traits, including his speed, length, and ball skills, make him an incredibly valuable prospect. Though Hunter's physical frame might benefit from a bit more bulk for the NFL's tackling demands, his competitive nature and versatility shine through. 

They imagine his ideal role in the NFL as primarily focusing on cornerback responsibilities, while also having the potential to contribute as a receiver in a more limited, specialized role. 

Here is how they rank the cornerbacks in the upcoming draft:

Why: They praise Hunter for his incredible athleticism, instincts, and playmaking ability. His ability to play both cornerback and wide receiver at a high level is unique.

Why: Johnson's combination of size, instincts, and ball skills make him a top prospect. Although 2024 wasn't as strong due to injuries, his 2023 tape showed shutdown capabilities.

Why: Despite being from a smaller school and having an ACL injury, Revel's physical attributes and performance stood out as a top-level cornerback.

Why: Known for his versatility, Barron’s speed and physical ability make him a strong slot corner candidate despite not being an overwhelming presence outside.

Why: Hairston’s speed and athleticism defined him as a high-potential prospect, although concerns remain about his versatility. 

To hear more NFL discussions, tune into "Football 301" on Apple, Spotify or YouTube.

Can Missouri's Armand Membou play left tackle in NFL?

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Missouri's Armand Membou has become increasingly prominent among scouts and draft analysts, standing at No. 16 on Yahoo Sports' consensus NFL Draft big board. He is drawing significant attention for his athleticism and potential versatility. Yahoo Sports' Nate Tice analyzed Membou's pros and cons on a podcast episode of "Football 301" with former NFL head coach Mike Tice.  

Membou primarily played right tackle for Missouri. That's where his athleticism truly shines. He plays with excellent change of direction and agility and possesses footwork that stands out, especially in the high-paced college football game. His ability to handle wide receiver screens and perform in open space positions him well for teams that value dynamic offensive line play. Membou's skills with arm extension enables him to keep defenders away effectively, a technique that is critical as linemen face increasingly sophisticated defensive maneuvers.

One crucial question surrounding Membou is his versatility — does he have the capability to transition to left tackle? 

While many believe he possesses the athleticism to make the switch, the spotlight remains on ensuring his technique and strength are where they need to be in the NFL. Membou's fit seems almost tailor-made for schemes that prioritize outside zone runs, thanks to his exceptional ability to get out in space quickly and manage blocking in motion.

Though Membou's agility is undeniable, there are areas for growth that the Missouri standout can focus on to elevate his game further. Improving his strength will be critical, ensuring he can hold his ground against more massive NFL defenders. Nevertheless, with his current trajectory and skills, Membou is set to meet and exceed these challenges through further development.

To hear more NFL discussions, tune into "Football 301" on Apple, Spotify or YouTube.

Ohio State's Donovan Jackson showcased strong versatility that should bolster his NFL Draft stock

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Based on the insights shared by Yahoo Sports' Nate Tice and Mike Tice in the "Football 301 Podcast" episode, Donovan Jackson emerges as a notable NFL Draft prospect for several compelling reasons.

Firstly, Jackson boasts versatility in his play, having shown proficiency at guard and tackle during his time at Ohio State. His experience playing multiple positions on the offensive line makes him a valuable asset for any NFL team looking for depth.

Secondly, Jackson's athleticism stands out. Even though he shifted to tackle following Josh Simmons' injury, it was the later tackle tape that highlighted his movement skills, making him even more appealing as a guard. The Tices appreciated his athleticism and ability to perform in space, which suggests that Jackson has the potential to excel in various offensive schemes.

"How do you miss on the player like this?" Mike Tice asked. "This player is going to be a good player in the league for. For quite a while. ... 

"I would definitely have Jackson ahead of [Alabama guard Tyler] Booker." 

Moreover, Jackson's pedigree and physical attributes are hard to ignore. As a player who started multiple games and demonstrated solid performance at a high level of competition, he has the experience and background that scouts often look for in a draft prospect.

Finally, his length (33-inch arms), combined with the athleticism noted by Nate and Mike Tice, positions him as a strong candidate to contribute effectively at the next level.

To hear more NFL discussions, tune into "Football 301" on Apple, Spotify or YouTube.

NFL Draft: A possible key to CeeDee Lamb returning to the top of the fantasy mountain? Cowboys selecting Tet McMillan

In a recent episode of the Yahoo Fantasy Forecast, Chris Trapasso of CBS Sports discussed the potential impact of the Dallas Cowboys drafting Arizona Wildcats WR Tetairoa McMillan. As he explained, the Cowboys struggled last season to utilize fantasy football star CeeDee Lamb effectively due to a lack of a true X receiver. With Lamb forced to spend nearly half of his snaps on the outside, his role as a slot receiver — a position where he truly excels — was diminished.

McMillan, with his impressive build and skill set, is well-suited to take on the X receiver role. Standing at 6'4", he offers the size and presence needed on the outside, allowing Lamb to return to the slot. This shift not only plays to Lamb's strengths but also adds a new dimension to the Cowboys' offense. As Trapasso noted, McMillan's ability to win in contested catch situations and his proficiency in the intermediate passing game make him a perfect fit.

What's more, Lamb's versatility means he can still take snaps at the X position, adding an element of unpredictability to the offensive scheme. The synergy between Lamb and McMillan could create nightmares for opposing defenses, forcing them to account for multiple threats across the field.

This strategic draft decision goes beyond optimizing personnel — it's about unleashing an explosive potential that lies within the Cowboys' offense. Pairing Lamb's dynamic playmaking ability with McMillan’s strong, consistent presence on the outside could indeed make for a formidable duo.

[It's not too late — join or create a Yahoo Fantasy Baseball league for the 2025 MLB season]

For a Cowboys team looking to bolster its arsenal and contend in a competitive league, drafting Tetairoa McMillan could be the key to unlocking new levels of offensive success and truly unleashing the potential of CeeDee Lamb.

Incorporating TMAC into the Cowboys’ roster could turn an already potent offense into one of the most feared in the NFL — something fans are eager to see.