San Francisco claimed Jordan Jefferson off waivers, boosting interior defensive-line depth as they navigate a crowded rotation. Jefferson, LSU product and 2024 fourth-rounder, has upside but limited NFL production to date, with roughly 150 defensive snaps as a rookie in Jacksonville. In SF, he immediately slots into a six-man interior DL group alongside Jordan Elliott, Alfred Collins, Kalia Davis, Evan Anderson, and the incumbent depth, signaling flexible alignment from first to fifth in the rotation.

This roster churn comes alongside Marquez Valdes-Scantling’s addition and Jacob Cowing’s IR designation, underscoring the 49ers’ willingness to tinker at the deadline. Jefferson’s youth and pedigree give him a path to meaningful snaps if he latches onto a niche in pass rush or run defense. The question remains which three players SF will cut or move to IR to fully accommodate the new depth, and how soon Jefferson can translate potential into production.

Texas connects to the NFL with 13 Horns rookies tipped for Week 1 rosters: Matthew Golden, Kelvin Banks Jr., Jahdae Barron, Alfred Collins, Andrew Mukuba, Vernon Broughton, Gunnar Helm, Barryn Sorrell, Jaydon Blue, Hayden Conner, Quinn Ewers, Jake Majors, Isaiah Bond. Most were selected in rounds 1–5 and carry a better-than-70% roster odds, though not all will start. Ewers projects as No.3 on Miami’s QB depth chart behind Tua Tagovailoa and Zach Wilson, picking up guidance as he grows. The next few weeks should reveal opportunities for these Longhorns in the NFL.

San Francisco’s preseason opener offered a clear snapshot of the 49ers’ rookie class in flux. Thirteen of the original seventeen rookies played, delivering a spectrum of outcomes from incomplete to standout. Mykel Williams was inactive with a knee issue, leaving edge-rep opportunities thin early. Alfred Collins and Nick Martin struggled to impact the game, while Upton Stout and Jordan Watkins flashed the most upside. Watkins snagged three of six targets for 56 yards, highlighted by a 50-yard grab that underscored potential early playing time. Contenders like Connor Colby flashed steady progress in pass protection, Junior Bergen provided a spark on special teams, and Marques Sigle looked the part of a developing starter in the secondary depth chart. The takeaway for fantasy: Watkins could press for early involvement, Kiner’s vision and stroke give him a roster case, and the 49ers’ late-rounds and undrafted group showed enough in flashes to keep a few on the radar for practice squads or later-season roles.

Other notes: Jordan James’ injury-impacted return suggests the depth at running back will be tested, while Kurtis Rourke remains on the non-football injury list, delaying a potential rookie quarterback path. CJ West’s nickel corner role remains a focal point as the defense builds interior pressure and coverage flexibility. In total, SF’s rookie performance laid a foundation of intrigue—enough to keep fantasy managers watching the next exhibition for real clues on playing time, role definition, and depth-chart movement as Week 1 approaches.

The 2025 NFL rookie contract landscape is in uncharted territory as teams navigate unique negotiations. Recent signings, including first-round selections, set the stage for how teams will strategize with their rosters. The agreements made by rookies Jahdae Barron and Alfred Collins add to the evolving landscape, with implications for veteran contracts and team salary caps.

The complications of rookie contracts this year arise from various factors, including team needs, salary cap considerations, and the performance of previous draft classes. Teams must balance immediate impacts with long-term commitments, especially with a talented rookie pool available. The ongoing changes hint at a transformative year for rookie contracts in the NFL.