Mazi Smith enters year three with Dallas amid high expectations for a first‑round pick who has yet to fully meet the hype. His athleticism is unquestioned; The Athletic once named him the freakiest lineman in college football, with jaw‑dropping numbers at Michigan and at the scouting combine. Parsons’ enthusiastic reaction at the draft suggested Smith has the backing of Dallas’ defense, a unit desperate for interior disruption. Smith’s 2023 and 2024 stat lines show growth but not the breakout many envisioned, keeping fantasy folks wary but hopeful for a Year 3 jump. The Cowboys’ historical affinity for Michigan linemen provides a cultural backdrop, while off‑field headlines from college still linger. If he can earn more snaps and translate athletic gifts into consistent pressure, his fantasy floor could rise alongside his role in a Parsons‑led defense.

The piece threads in a wider NFL college‑to‑pro angle, noting the Cowboys’ prior first‑round interior DL picks and a Michigan defensive‑lineman pipeline that has yielded big names in recent drafts. It also touches on Smith’s arrest in college and his creative‑writing background, painting a multidimensional portrait of a player who blends power with rare burst. All told, Smith is positioned for a meaningful, perhaps season‑defining, third year — a pivot point for fantasy managers who have watched him steadily grow but wait for a definitive breakout moment.

Josh Jacobs is ranked No. 33 on the NFL's Top 100, a nod to his multifaceted game as Green Bay's back. He produced 1,671 yards from scrimmage last season, with 1,329 rushing yards and 15 rushing TDs, plus 342 receiving yards on 36 catches. More than half of his rushing yards came after contact, signaling elite power and breaking ability that fantasy managers love.

The piece notes his workload and versatility, calling him a standout misperceived by peers and highlighting his value in a Packers offense. He’s listed alongside Jordan Love and Rashan Gary as Packers fans should expect to see in the 2025 Top 100. The article also claims he became the fourth Packers back to rush for at least 13,000 yards in a season, underscoring a storied Green Bay run tradition.

Fantasy takeaway: Jacobs projects as a high-floor, high-ceiling option in both standard and PPR formats. The Packers’ offense around Love and the defense around Gary could unlock additional ceiling for him, especially if receiving usage climbs. Target him as a solid RB2 with legitimate RB1 upside when game-script and workload align.

The Green Bay Packers are gearing up for training camp, which opens on July 23, 2025, with aspirations to make a significant leap after consecutive playoff appearances marred by disappointing exits. This year, the spotlight is on the defensive front, which includes key players such as Rashan Gary and Kenny Clark. With new defensive line coach DeMarcus Covington at the helm, expectations are high for improved performance, particularly in pass rush efficiency.

Crucial to the season's success is whether Covington can instill consistency and disruptive tactics within the defensive unit. The team has made limited draft additions to the defensive line, suggesting that effective player development and strategic coaching will be the primary means of enhancing their performance. As training camp progresses, eyes will be on young talents like Lukas Van Ness and Devonte Wyatt to see if they can rise to the occasion in a critical year for the Packers' defense.

The Green Bay Packers are emerging as serious contenders for the 2025 NFL season, yet their pass rush remains a significant concern. With former first-round pick Lucas Van Ness struggling to establish himself, the Packers may lack the elite edge rusher needed for a championship run. Van Ness, nicknamed 'Hercules' during his college days, has managed only seven sacks since joining the team. As Coach Matt LaFleur considers using him more as an interior defender, analysts are questioning his potential impact.

With Rashan Gary as the lone reliable pass-rushing option, suggestions are being made for the Packers to pursue New York Giants' Kayvon Thibodeaux. Buhler argues that trading two top-100 picks could be a viable option, given Thibodeaux's proven track record of double-digit sacks. Despite his injury history, Thibodeaux's average of 8.3 sacks per season could provide the Packers the edge they desperately need.

Rashan Gary, the Green Bay Packers' defensive end, faces scrutiny following a drop in performance after a promising 2023 season. Despite being a first-time Pro Bowler, he was notably absent from ESPN's top ten edge rusher rankings heading into the season. In 2024, he recorded 7.5 sacks, significantly less than the 9 sacks from the previous year, alongside a decrease in quarterback pressures. This decline raises questions about his effectiveness as a pass rusher, especially with the Packers' defensive strategy relying heavily on a strong pass-rush presence.

Coaches and scouts seem to agree that Gary's ability to disrupt plays has waned, making it imperative for him to elevate his game to regain his elite status. The upcoming season will be crucial for him to prove his value and improve his stats, which are essential for both his career and the team's defensive success.