Dion Dawkins’ praise of Austin Booker at Bears practice highlighted a rare mentor-mentee moment in the NFL. Booker, a second-year edge rusher, has shown flash in the preseason with sacks and tackles for loss, and Dawkins urged him to lean into his physical gifts to become the spark for Chicago’s D-line. The joint practice with the Bills, captured by Hard Knocks, underscored the camaraderie and the Bears’ hopeful path for Booker’s development.

Booker’s preseason dominance—three sacks, three TFL, and a forced fumble in their opener against Miami—stoked buzz that he could push for a meaningful role this season if he keeps growing and stays healthy. Dawkins’ willingness to mentor a younger player adds an important layer to Chicago’s defensive narrative and fantasy intrigue surrounding Bears edge depth.

The Giants’ 34-25 victory over Buffalo offered a window into the 2025 storyline: can the offense cohere under three quarterbacks in real-action, and which youngsters might matter in September? Jaxson Dart looked like the most promising “quarterback of the future,” showing poise, anticipation, and a 29-yard strike to Lil’Jordan Humphrey. He finished 12-of-19 for 154 yards and a TD, plus three rushing runs, hinting at a dual-threat path that could fast-track him onto the field sooner than later. Humphrey and Montrell Washington flashed big-play ability on a drive where Washington cappped it with a 28-yard run, while Olszewski punctuated the night with a TD reception. Tommy DeVito closed the win with a TD to seal it, and Jameis Winston contributed in the third, with a drive that featured a 2-point conversion. The offensive line showed rough patches early but settled as Marcus Mbow shined at tackle and Thomas Ezeudu held up; overall, the line held in the second half and Buffalo didn’t sack any Giants quarterback. On defense, New York’s front had early energy, with Robertson-Harris, Burns, and Carter pressuring Trubisky, but Buffalo’s runs still stung once the backups came in. Deep-breath takeaways point to Dart as the most compelling fantasy angle, a potential early look at 2025 depth, while Nabers, Hyatt, and Slayton face roster questions that matter for fantasy rosters and dynasty planning.

Key roster chatter centers on the health and status of core Giants: Andrew Thomas (still recovering from Lisfranc), Evan Neal, and Dexter Lawrence were sidelined, while Darius Slayton and Jalin Hyatt were limited in camp; Nabers’ toe and Hyatt’s trajectory add complexity to the pass-catching corps. The Bills connection—Dion Dawkins, Mitch Trubisky, and Dawson Knox—provided a contrasting baseline, showing what Buffalo expects from a roster that could push for late-season relevance. Overall, the night underscored the Giants’ need for scalable QB development, the grind of offensive-line depth, and several rising pieces ( Humphrey, Washington, and Marcus Mbow) who could influence late-season fantasy value if they carve out roles in 2025.

The first week of NFL training camp has not only marked the kickoff of the season but also showcased heartwarming moments between players and their children. Many athletes have brought their families along, showcasing the softer side of football. Highlights include Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence, who is experiencing his first training camp as a new dad, and Russell Wilson of the New York Giants, who shared family moments with his children and wife, Ciara.

Additionally, notable interactions included Saquon Barkley of the Philadelphia Eagles spending quality time with his kids and Dion Dawkins of the Buffalo Bills incorporating his family into his press conference. These moments remind fans of the strong family values that often underpin the intense world of professional sports.