Notre Dame’s 2024 talent pipeline to the NFL showed in Week 1 of the 2025 season. Xavier Watts started for Atlanta, piling up six tackles with two passes defended and flirting with interceptions, signaling a fast ramp to the pros. Mitchell Evans logged limited stats for Carolina but flashed versatility on offense and special teams. Benjamin Morrison’s return to health should cement Tampa Bay’s secondary, while Jack Kiser contributed on Jacksonville’s kickoff unit and Beaux Collins appeared for the Giants in a depth role.

Six Notre Dame players were drafted in 2025, with several others signing as undrafted free agents, underscoring the program’s continued NFL impact. Watts’ early production headlines the class, Evans’ Notre Dame production hints at future roles, Morrison’s health becomes a catalyst for TB’s defense, Kiser’s special-teams value could grow, and Collins’ path remains contingent on roster moves. This Week 1 snapshot suggests ND’s depth and NFL-readiness remain a fantasy-friendly theme into 2025.

The Carolina Panthers are gearing up for a crucial training camp, focusing on their tight end squad. With Tommy Tremble recovering from offseason back surgery, the stage is set for Ja'Tavion Sanders, the promising fourth-round pick from 2024, to shine. He demonstrated potential last season with 33 catches for 342 yards and one touchdown, making him the favorite for primary snaps. Meanwhile, Mitchell Evans, the fifth-round draft pick, adds to the competition and aims to replicate the success of past Notre Dame tight ends.

Others, including Dominique Dafney and Bryce Pierre, face uncertainty, making the tight end position one of the more intriguing battles to watch as the team prepares for the regular season.

Oronde Gadsden II presents an intriguing option in fantasy football as a late-round selection, especially given his potential in Los Angeles. With Greg Roman at the helm, known for maximizing tight end usage, and a relatively unproven depth chart ahead of him, Gadsden could be a pivotal player to watch. Meanwhile, Mitchell Evans and Jalin Conyers emerge as deep stash candidates for dynasty leagues. Evans holds considerable upside should Carolina's tight end competition falter, while Conyers is a long-term play with potential if he secures a roster spot with Miami. These rookies offer depth options for savvy fantasy managers eager to enhance their teams.

The Carolina Panthers made significant strides in the 2025 draft, successfully adding top talents like wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan and defensive powerhouses Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen. Despite this, concerns linger regarding the linebacker position, which Carolina opted not to address in the draft. The current lineup appears average, with Trevin Wallace expected to step up as a potential breakout player.

As the Panthers head into training camp, their strategy might include seeking a free agent linebacker to bolster their ranks. Meanwhile, the safety positions seem solidified with Tre'Von Moehrig and Lathan Ransom, although the addition of Julian Blackmon could enhance their depth and flexibility in coverage schemes. Additionally, the fifth-round pick, Mitchell Evans, shows promise as a future TE1, but competition within the squad remains fierce.