Week 1 NFL preseason offered a clear window into roster battles and breakout moments, with several Oregon Ducks alumni turning heads in NFL action. Traeshon Holden thrived for Dallas with a team-high 42 receiving yards on two targets, signaling a climb up the depth chart for a UDFA en route to potential late-season value. Noah Sewell flashed on defense for Chicago, piling up six tackles and a goal-line tackle that hinted at a key fit in Dennis Allen’s 4-3 scheme. Josh Conerly Jr. showed steady progress in his Chiefs-like test against New England’s defense at right tackle, posting a favorable pass-blocking and run-blocking grade. Troy Dye’s tackle against the Saints underscored his likely specialization and roster security in Los Angeles. Jamaree Caldwell delivered a Hall of Fame game day for Los Angeles, collecting a sack and four tackles, cementing a potential 53-man roster case. Denver’s Troy Franklin joined the party of Ducks edging toward meaningful NFL snaps with Denver, highlighting the depth of Ducks talent in the pros. As clubs sort through squadrons and special-teams roles, these veterans and rookies map the path to fantasy relevance and late-round upside for fantasy managers and bettors alike.

Overall, Week 1 showcased how immediate NFL opportunities can emerge from preseason performances. The Ducks-connected group illustrated a spectrum: Holden and Sewell offering tangible Week 1 momentum; Conerly Jr. and Caldwells’ and Dye’s micro-showings suggesting depth chart fights that could pay off in deeper fantasy rosters; and Franklin adding to a crowded Broncos WR corps. For fantasy managers, monitoring snap counts, depth-chart shifts, and special-teams duties from these players will be crucial as teams trim rosters toward the regular season. The weekend reminded everyone that preseason results often seed valuable late-season stories, especially for UDFA and mid-round rookies eager to prove they belong.

The Chicago Bears are gearing up for their 2025 training camp with a focus on their linebacking corps, which features returning starters TJ Edwards and Tremaine Edmunds. Both players are pivotal to the team's defensive strategy, and there's speculation about positional changes that could enhance their performances. Edwards, who had a standout 2023 with 129 tackles, experienced a slight dip in 2024. Meanwhile, Edmunds' play has been scrutinized, particularly his positioning during games. Rookie Ruben Hyppolite II adds excitement to the mix as he competes for the strongside linebacker spot against Noah Sewell. The camp will reveal how this group’s dynamics unfold amidst competition and coaching adjustments.

Shemar Turner, the Chicago Bears' second-round draft pick, is eager to make his mark in the NFL, expressing the thrill of finally living his lifelong dream. While he initially played defensive end at Texas A&M, the Bears have drafted him to play defensive tackle. However, they may deploy him at end in specific situations, showcasing his versatility. Turner is committed to whatever role he is assigned, confident in his ability to excel on the defensive line.

The Bears' rookie minicamp also features a mix of draft picks, undrafted free agents, and returning players, with notable mentions being quarterback Austin Reed and tight end Joel Wilson. Additionally, the coaching staff is focusing on securing a third linebacker to support starters Tremaine Edmunds and T.J. Edwards, with Noah Sewell highlighted as a potential candidate.

Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson has initiated an open competition for the starting strong-side linebacker (SAM) position as rookie mini-camp kicks off. With veterans TJ Edwards and Tremaine Edmunds secure in their roles, the third spot becomes crucial following Jack Sanborn's departure to the Cowboys. Johnson emphasized the need for a prototype fit and mentioned Noah Sewell as a potential candidate, along with rookie Ruben Hyppolite II, who brings speed but requires development. Veterans Amen Ogbongbemiga and Swayze Bozeman also enter the mix, highlighting the depth of options available to the Bears.

The SAM position is evolving in the modern NFL, where nickel cornerbacks often see more action than traditional linebackers. Last season, Sanborn only played 22% of the defensive snaps, while Kyler Gordon, a key cornerback, was on the field for 77.5%. The competition is set to be intense, with Johnson keen on finding the best fit in this critical defensive role.