Auburn football is on the cusp of ending a five-year drought without a first-round draft pick, and players like Khyiris Tonga and Jaxon Smith-Njigba are in the spotlight. Their performance in the upcoming NFL draft could significantly impact their professional careers. With multiple players eyeing high selections, the talent pool from Auburn has caught the attention of scouts, indicating a promising future for the program as it seeks to re-establish its reputation as a breeding ground for NFL talent.

The team's recent recruiting successes and player development have contributed to this potential turnaround. A solid showing in the draft could provide a much-needed boost to Auburn's profile in college football, making it a desirable destination for future recruits.

As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, rookie wide receivers are quickly gaining attention, especially for fantasy football. The success of players like Brian Thomas Jr. and Ladd McConkey has set a precedent, proving that late-round picks can be valuable fantasy assets. This year’s class, while not as deep, still presents intriguing sleeper candidates. Kyle Williams of the New England Patriots emerges as a standout due to limited competition; the aging and injury-plagued Stefon Diggs may not hold onto the WR1 role for long. Jayden Higgins, picked by the Houston Texans, boasts a complete skill set and could pair well with quarterback C.J. Stroud. Lastly, Jack Bech, joining the Las Vegas Raiders, appears poised to secure a significant target share despite not being the most athletic option.

Bill Belichick's new book, "The Art of Winning: Lessons from My Life in Football," notably omits mentions of New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, raising eyebrows during a CBS Mornings interview. When questioned about Kraft's absence, Belichick emphasized that the book is centered on his personal experiences and lessons from football. He confirmed that Kraft was not acknowledged in the text or acknowledgements, a point which seems to underline a complicated relationship.

Amid discussions of his departure from the Patriots, Belichick maintained that his exit was a mutual decision, despite Kraft's use of the term 'fired' in the past. Kraft expressed regret over the decision to part ways with Belichick but both parties insist the decision was amicable. This exchange sheds light on the dynamics between coach and owner, particularly after a storied 24-season tenure that included six Super Bowl wins.

The Los Angeles Rams made a notable selection in the fifth round of the NFL Draft by adding Ohio State defensive tackle Ty Hamilton to their roster. While Hamilton is set to serve as a backup initially, the Rams' defensive line depth is a concern, particularly behind starters Kobie Turner and Poona Ford. Despite the buzz surrounding his selection, expert analyst grades reveal mixed feelings. With Hamilton's size and ability to shed blocks, he could complement the existing rotation, but concerns about his lack of pass-rush technique persist.

Experts like Ayrton Ostly of USA Today awarded Hamilton a B+, praising his block-shedding skills and potential for development. Conversely, Chris Trapasso from CBS Sports gave a B-, acknowledging Hamilton as an unsung hero from Ohio State but highlighting his limitations in disengagement and pass-rush moves. Pro Football Focus echoed a similar sentiment, providing a B+ grade focused on his tackling efficiency while noting he underperformed compared to peers from Ohio State's elite defensive line.