Las Vegas overhauled its linebacker corps this offseason, replacing Spillane and Deablo as the Raiders lean on a veteran-led rebuild. Elandon Roberts is slated to anchor the group, with Jamal Adams, Devin White, and Germaine Pratt brought in to bring versatility, leadership, and playmaking upside. Adams’ move from safety to LB is highlighted, alongside White’s reclamation arc and Pratt’s steady veteran presence, creating a markedly different room from last year.

Roberts stands out as the most consistent, proven option in a room loaded with names that carry question marks. He logged nearly 500 Steelers snaps last season, earning elite marks in run defense (90.4 run-stop grade) but weaker in coverage (50.9). The Raiders expect him to set the tone, mentor newcomers, and stabilize the defense as they blend four veterans with a pair of big-name newcomers in Adams and White, plus Pratt, in a scheme overseen by Graham with input from Pete Carroll’s perspective.

Fantasy angles center on Roberts as a high-floor, tackle-heavy option whose presence could buoy the run-stopping ceiling of the unit. Adams and White bring blitz and disruption potential, Pratt adds versatility, and the overall LB corps should generate more consistent back-end production if deployment aligns with strengths. The Raiders’ approach is to leverage Roberts as the anchor while others rotate into familiar roles behind him, maximizing the group’s collective impact in a more stable, leadership-driven defense.

The Dallas Cowboys are strategically shaping their roster for the upcoming 2025 season, taking a stock market approach to player value. With training camp around the corner, early projections highlight key positions, starting with quarterbacks Dak Prescott and Joe Milton III. Milton, noted for his impressive arm strength, could earn trust quickly, possibly leading to Will Grier's release. The running back trio of Javonte Williams, Miles Sanders, and Hunter Luepke signifies a focus on experienced players, while rookies face tough competition.

The wide receiver core is bolstered by CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens, with the sixth spot still uncertain. Tight ends Jake Ferguson and Brevyn Spann-Ford vie for the TE2 role. The offensive line is praised for depth, while the defense, featuring stars like Micah Parsons and Osa Odighizuwa, looks promising. The cornerback situation is a concern due to injuries, particularly with Trevon Diggs and Josh Butler. The safety position remains stable with Malik Hooker and Donovan Wilson leading the charge.

The Cincinnati Bengals are navigating a challenging offseason filled with contract disputes, notably involving star pass rusher Trey Hendrickson and rookie Shemar Stewart. While the focus remains on key players like Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins, the team’s success may hinge on rookie linebacker Demetrius Knight Jr., selected in the second round. After releasing veteran Germaine Pratt, Knight Jr. steps into a significant role that could elevate the Bengals’ defensive unit.

Knight Jr.'s arrival marks a shift in the defense, signaling the team's commitment to building around youth and talent. With an opportunity to prove himself, he could quickly become a cornerstone of the Bengals' defense, impacting not only game outcomes but also fantasy implications for defensive players across the league.

The Cincinnati Bengals face a challenging 2025 season following significant defensive losses, including key players like Sam Hubbard and Germaine Pratt. With a shift towards a youth movement under new defensive coordinator Al Golden, former NFL player Chris Canty expressed skepticism about the team's ability to improve defensively. He highlighted that these departures were strategic, aimed at evolving the squad into a more agile unit. The concern lies in the potential regression as younger players adapt to the new system while trying to support star quarterback Joe Burrow.

Despite these challenges, the Bengals have made calculated moves, including signing T.J. Slaton and relying on second-year players to fill gaps. The transition could either be a misstep or a calculated risk that pays off in the future, depending on how well the team meshes under Golden's leadership. With Burrow's future on the line, Cincinnati's ability to adapt and innovate defensively will be pivotal for their success.