Dill on the Browns’ second preseason outing: Dillon Gabriel connected on 13 of 18 passes for 143 yards, delivering a crisp 71% completion rate and guiding Cleveland on a sustained opening drive before exiting at halftime. The eye-catching debut came with three Browns scoring drives and a first-half vibe of competence and ceiling, even as a busted-play pick-six lingered as a rough note.

The Cleveland defense stole the show, limiting Philadelphia to 88 yards on 44 plays and feeding off a growing rotation on the line. K.J. Henry’s quick-strike return of a Dorian Thompson-Robinson interception for a TD underscored the depth and potential pass rush. Undrafted receivers like Gage Larvadain and Ahmani Marshall flashed just enough to keep roster chatter buzzing, while Kaden Davis added another layer of reliability in the passing game.

With DTR mixing in, Gabriel’s strong first half promises meaningful competition for snaps in a Browns QB room that figures to hinge on development and depth mindfully. The non-starters formed a blueprint for the 53-man roster: a defense that can rotate without a drop-off and an offense with enough playmaking to keep defenses honest when the starters sit. Fantasy observers should monitor Gabriel’s command, the receiving corps’ growth, and how the Browns balance risk and upside in the final preseason tuneups.

Cleveland’s preseason opener highlighted a potential influx of disruptive pieces on defense. Rookie Carson Schwesinger flashed in limited action, posting 4 tackles and 2 assists over 13 snaps, with 3 run stops on five run-defense plays and a game-high run-defense grade per PFF. The Browns’ defensive line depth shone: Julian Okwara logged 2 sacks and 2 TFL, Alex Wright contributed a sack, and Adin Huntington added a sack and a TFL while racking up multiple special-teams stops. Mason Graham also saw 13 snaps with steady, if quiet, deployment. Carolina’s squad showed resilience, with Nathaniel Watson and Winston Reid racking tackles for the Panthers, and Chigozie Anusiem and Easton Mascarenas-Arnold among the defenders who hit solidly. The Browns allowed 1 TD, held Carolina to 25% on third down, logged 4 sacks and 251 yards allowed, underscoring a promising, depth-laden performance that could tilt roster decisions in the coming weeks. Fantasy takeaway centers on Schwesinger’s burst and the Browns’ edge rotation—Okwara and Wright in particular—plus the potential headline-grabbers at corner and depth linebackers vying for roles as the season nears.

The Cleveland Browns have completed their 2025 NFL Draft, addressing several critical needs after a disappointing 3-14 season. With a seven-player draft class, they aimed to strengthen positions including quarterback, running back, wide receiver, tight end, and defense. Key picks include Mason Graham (DT), Carson Schwesinger (LB), and Quinshon Judkins (RB), all of whom are expected to contribute significantly. The addition of experienced quarterbacks Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett further solidifies the team's leadership on offense.

The Browns' roster now features a mix of fresh talent and seasoned veterans, with a focus on building a competitive team for the upcoming season. General manager Andrew Berry has hinted at potential trades post-draft, keeping fans hopeful for further enhancements. The revamped roster promises to bring an exciting dynamic as the Browns prepare for the 2025 campaign.

The New Orleans Saints face uncertainty regarding their first-round draft choice, particularly with their offensive line. Analyst Charles Davis suggests Will Campbell as a potential pick, raising questions about the future alignment of the Saints' offensive line. With Campbell's arm length prompting speculation about his position, he could either start at left tackle or guard. This decision could have significant implications for current players like Trevor Penning, who might find himself in a precarious position if Campbell is slotted as a tackle, potentially leading to competition for starting roles.

The Saints' offensive line strategy under new coach Kellen Moore aims to protect quarterback Derek Carr. However, how Campbell is utilized will heavily influence the roles of players such as Taliese Fuaga and others. The choice could reshape the dynamics of the line and the overall strategy moving forward into 2025, adding layers of intrigue for the franchise as they build for the future.

Jayden Daniels has had an outstanding rookie season, leading the Washington Commanders with an impressive performance as one of the top quarterbacks in the league. Meanwhile, Kerby Joseph of the Detroit Lions has emerged as a standout safety, significantly improving his overall grade this season.

The NFL season is heating up as teams prepare for the second half, with several players and teams showcasing remarkable performances. As the playoff picture begins to take shape, key statistics highlight both individual and team successes.