Preseason football is upon us, prompting collectors to seek wise investments ahead of the upcoming season. The release of 2025 Score Football provides insights into the market for rookie players, with both clear standout choices and hidden gems emerging. Top picks include Cam Ward, the #1 overall pick whose skills promise significant value, and Travis Hunter, known for his dual-threat capabilities. Ashton Jeanty leads running backs with impressive stats, while Shedeur Sanders, though in a competitive quarterback landscape, has potential if he secures a spot.

Other notable investments feature Tetairoa McMillan, who could thrive if paired with Bryce Young in Carolina, and Jaxson Dart, a promising quarterback in New York facing high expectations. Tyler Warren's potential to follow in the footsteps of successful tight ends adds to his appeal. Mid-tier prospects like Cam Skattebo, Kaleb Johnson, and Matthew Golden are also worth considering, each with varying degrees of hype and potential roles this season. Finally, Elic Ayomanor and Xavier Restrepo may represent sleeper picks, offering affordability and potential upside.

Green Bay Packers made a significant shift in their draft strategy by selecting wide receiver Matthew Golden in the first round, marking the first time they've done so since 2002. Golden, a speedy playmaker from Texas, brings a much-needed vertical threat to the Packers' offense, which aims to bolster the passing game around quarterback Jordan Love. His impressive 99.6 deep receiving grade highlights his potential to stretch the field and open up intermediate routes that Love struggled with last season, where he ranked 35th in PFF passing grade.

This decision reflects a broader trend of teams reshaping their offenses with impactful draft choices, as seen with other NFC teams. Dallas Cowboys, for instance, enhanced their receiving corps by trading for George Pickens, a deep threat that complements their star receiver CeeDee Lamb, promising a more dynamic offensive approach. Meanwhile, the Carolina Panthers, through the selection of Tetairoa McMillan, aim to strengthen their passing options for their rookie quarterback Bryce Young, suggesting a shift towards a more aggressive offensive mindset in the NFC.

As we approach the 2025 fantasy football drafts, identifying the right late-round targets is crucial for maximizing the potential of your roster. In best ball formats, where lineup decisions are made automatically based on performance, late-round picks can be gold mines. Players like Jaden Shirden and Ty'Son Williams are garnering interest due to their potential upside.

Shirden, an emerging running back, is showing promise in recent training camps and could become a key contributor if he secures a strong role in the offense. Williams, on the other hand, has been demonstrating versatility and playmaking ability, making him a candidate for higher-than-expected fantasy production. Investing in such players can be the difference between a mediocre team and a championship-caliber roster in 2025.

The Carolina Panthers are facing a potential holdout situation as training camp approaches, particularly concerning their second-round draft pick, Nic Scourton. As of now, 30 of the 32 second-round picks from the 2025 NFL draft remain unsigned, with Scourton, the 51st overall selection, being one of them. This situation highlights a broader issue within the league regarding contract negotiations for rookie players, which often leads to delays in their participation in training camps.

The logjam is primarily attributed to various factors including salary cap limitations, the timing of negotiations, and differing priorities between management and agents. As teams look to navigate these complexities, rookie players like Scourton may find themselves in a precarious position, potentially affecting their readiness and development ahead of the new season.

Tetairoa McMillan stands out as the premier wide receiver in the 2025 NFL draft class. His remarkable production combined with exceptional physical traits makes him a key player to watch. McMillan's agility and speed translate into big plays, making him a potential game-changer for any team lucky enough to draft him. His ability to create separation and his reliable catching skills solidify his status as a top prospect in the league's future.

As we analyze his performance metrics and game footage, it's clear that McMillan has the potential to become an elite receiver in the NFL. With a blend of sharp route running and the ability to make contested catches, he fits the modern receiver mold perfectly. Teams in need of a dynamic playmaker should prioritize him in their draft strategy.