The Arizona Cardinals' seventh-round pick, safety Kitan Crawford, has a tough road ahead in his rookie season. With a rich background in special teams, where he logged over 1,000 snaps in college, his chances of making the roster will depend heavily on his performance in that area. The Cardinals already have established safeties in Budda Baker, Jalen Thompson, and Rabbit Taylor-Demerson, along with Joey Blount, who is a key special teams player.

Crawford's path to a roster spot will require him to outshine Blount, who is known for his contributions on special teams. If Crawford fails to secure a position, he might find himself on the practice squad. Given the competition, particularly from proven players, it will be crucial for Crawford to excel in special teams drills and show his potential to contribute on defense.

In ESPN's comprehensive mock draft for 2025, the New Orleans Saints made several impactful selections that could reshape their future. Kicking off with their first-round pick, cornerback Jahdae Barron from Texas, the Saints are aiming to bolster their secondary, especially with the addition of a coach familiar with his talents. Although some experts believe they could have opted for a more proven player like Will Johnson from Michigan, Barron still represents a promising choice.

In the second round, the Saints selected quarterback Quinn Ewers, which raised eyebrows as many feel he could be a reach at this point given his inconsistent college performance. While he possesses potential, the Saints might have benefitted from addressing immediate needs rather than planning for a future starter. The third round yielded wide receiver Jalen Royals and defensive end JT Tuimoloau, both of whom add depth and versatility to crucial positions in the ever-evolving NFL landscape.

With the fourth round, they picked offensive guard Wyatt Milum, displaying a strategic focus on improving their offensive line, and running back Jordan James, who may not fit traditional athletic profiles but offers intriguing collegiate production. The later rounds saw the Saints focusing on defensive needs, selecting defensive lineman Elijah Roberts and wide receiver Andrew Armstrong, who adds size and potential to their receiving corps. Overall, the Saints' draft strategy appears to balance immediate needs with future potential, setting them up for competitive play in the upcoming seasons.

The Los Angeles Rams are gearing up for a crucial divisional clash against the Arizona Cardinals, with their final injury report revealing just one player, offensive tackle Rob Havenstein, dealing with a shoulder issue. This is a significant improvement for the Rams, who faced numerous injuries early in the season. Havenstein, a vital leader on the offensive line, has recently returned from a lower body injury but now faces uncertainty ahead of the game. If he cannot play, Joe Noteboom will step in to fill the right tackle position.

On the other hand, the Cardinals are grappling with a lengthy injury report. Notably, place kicker Matt Prater will miss his 12th consecutive game due to a knee injury, while safety Joey Blount will be sidelined for the first time this season with rib issues. Despite these setbacks, the Cardinals have found a reliable replacement in kicker Chad Ryland, who has performed well this season. The Rams will also need to be mindful of star running back James Conner, who is listed as questionable due to a knee injury. Conner previously dominated in their earlier matchup, rushing for over 120 yards and a touchdown.

With the Cardinals already eliminated from playoff contention, there’s speculation that they might opt to rest Conner to preserve him for next season. The Rams, meanwhile, are looking to capitalize on any advantage, especially if they can exploit the Cardinals' pass rush, which ranks 10th in the league with 39 sacks. The health of both Havenstein and Conner will be pivotal in determining the outcome of this important matchup.

Week 16 showcased impressive performances from former Virginia football players in the NFL, particularly the trio of wide receivers. Olamide Zaccheaus starred for the Washington Commanders, scoring two touchdowns in a thrilling comeback against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Dontayvion Wicks contributed to the Green Bay Packers' shutout victory over the New Orleans Saints, while Malik Washington made significant plays for the Miami Dolphins. Other former Wahoos also made their mark, despite mixed results for their teams.

In week 15 of the NFL season, nine former Virginia football players made their mark on the field. Malik Washington of the Miami Dolphins had a standout performance despite the team's loss, while Olamide Zaccheaus contributed to the Washington Commanders' narrow victory.

Juan Thornhill and Rodney McLeod Jr. faced off against their former team in the Cleveland Browns' defeat. Morgan Moses helped the New York Jets snap their losing streak, and Dontayvion Wicks saw limited action for the Green Bay Packers.

Brent Urban played a role in the Baltimore Ravens' win, while Joey Blount contributed on special teams for the Arizona Cardinals. Unfortunately, Charles Snowden's season took a turn after his arrest, impacting the Las Vegas Raiders, who continue to struggle.