As fantasy football season approaches, identifying sleeper picks can be crucial for successful draft strategies. Each team in the AFC has potential up-and-coming players who could significantly impact rosters, especially those in need of depth or flex-level production.

Among notable sleepers, Keaton Mitchell from the Baltimore Ravens stands out as a dynamic running back with big-play potential, particularly in a backfield that may not be as secure as previously thought. The Buffalo Bills' Elijah Moore presents another intriguing option, bringing speed to a wide receiver group without a clear alpha. Meanwhile, Andrei Iosivas from the Bengals has shown promise as a reliable red-zone target, suggesting he could take on a larger role this season.

Further down the list, players like Dylan Sampson of the Browns and Pat Bryant of the Broncos are expected to compete for significant touches, while Jaylin Noel from the Texans offers a chance to shine if given an opportunity in a crowded depth chart. DJ Giddens of the Colts is also noted for his impressive college performance, indicating he could carve out a role behind the established Jonathan Taylor. With the draft fast approaching, these players represent solid late-round fliers that could pay dividends in the upcoming season.

The Los Angeles Chargers' second-round pick, wide receiver Tre Harris, is holding out during training camp, raising concerns for other teams that selected players in the same round. Harris was the only rookie absent, and while no specific reasons were given for his holdout, it aligns with a trend this year where many second-rounders have yet to sign contracts. Only two out of the 32 second-round picks from April's draft have finalized deals, leading to speculation about financial disputes, especially regarding guaranteed contracts.

Meanwhile, rookies who completed workouts during OTAs and minicamps are now missing critical camp time. Key players like Houston Texans’ Jayden Higgins and Cleveland Browns’ Carson Schwesinger have secured fully guaranteed contracts, setting a precedent that others, including Saints’ Tyler Shough, are now seeking. With the negotiation landscape shifting, Harris's absence could have ramifications for his early career trajectory and fantasy implications for Chargers fans.

The Tennessee Titans are facing uncertainty regarding the unsigned status of second-round pick Oluwafemi Oladejo as they approach training camp on July 22. This year, the signing timeline for second-round rookies has shifted, with only two of the 32 players selected in that round having signed contracts. The trend began when the Houston Texans signed Jayden Higgins to a fully guaranteed deal, prompting other teams to follow suit. This has left the Titans and other franchises in a precarious position, with potential holdouts looming for key players.

As the Titans prepare for camp, fans are left wondering if Oladejo's absence will affect his integration into the team. The ramifications of a holdout could impede his development and impact the depth chart at the edge position. This situation underscores the evolving landscape of rookie contracts in the NFL and the implications for team-building strategies.

With only 58 days until the Houston Texans kick off their 2025 season against the Los Angeles Rams, the anticipation is palpable. As part of the countdown, we reflect on the significant players who have donned the number 58 for the Texans since the team's inception in 2002. This includes notable defensive talents who not only represented the number but also played pivotal roles in the team's history.

The current holder of No. 58 is rookie linebacker Jalen Pitre, who has the potential to make a considerable impact in his first season. His performance will be vital as the Texans aim for a successful start against a formidable Rams team.

With NFL training camps looming, New Orleans Saints rookie quarterback Tyler Shough finds himself amidst contract negotiations as two of the 32 second-round picks from the 2025 NFL Draft remain unsigned. The push for fully guaranteed deals is reshaping the landscape, inspired by the recent signings of Carson Schwesinger by the Cleveland Browns and Jayden Higgins by the Houston Texans. This new trend in negotiations has led to other rookies, like the Chargers’ Tre Harris, considering holding out.

Shough, eager to secure his place in a competitive QB room, is particularly aware of the implications of these developments. As the Saints are gearing up for the upcoming season, the urgency for Shough to finalize his contract is at an all-time high. How he navigates this situation could set the tone for his rookie season, making it a crucial moment for both the player and the franchise.