Carolina trimmed to 53 and opened a path to upgrade at linebacker and in the secondary. Five veterans are eyed as potential fits: Jalyn Armour-Davis, Chad Muma, Isaiah Simmons, Chuck Clark and Chris Paul Jr. Each represents a different angle—boundary CB depth, downhill LB prowess, versatile hybrid defender, veteran safety leadership, and rookie upside. Waivers or vested veteran deals could bring one or more aboard as Carolina rebuilds its depth chart.

The Panthers must balance floor vs. ceiling: Armour-Davis and Clark bring immediate special-teams-ready depth and steady coverage; Muma adds reliable run support; Simmons offers high-upside versatility if deployed creatively; Paul Jr. carries rookie upside but health risk. Depth chart improvements could influence week-to-week matchups and fantasy outputs for Panthers defenders.

Los Angeles cut Pooh Paul Jr., a fifth-round pick out of Ole Miss, on cutdown day after a camp injury limited his foothold at linebacker. He appeared in all three preseason games, but a late exit in the finale signaled roster risk as the team trims to 53. Paul now hits the waiver wire with the potential to land elsewhere or return to the Rams’ practice squad. Fantasy players should monitor waiver flow and any potential landing spots where depth is thin at LB.

The Rams’ 31-21 preseason win over Dallas highlighted the young talent shaping Los Angeles’ 2025 defense and depth map. Stetson Bennett steered the offense with crisp decisions, while Blake Corum offered a dynamic and energetic rushing presence. A standout on the defensive side was fifth-round linebacker Pooh Paul Jr., whose four-tackle showing after an injury absence suggested he could be in the early mix for an inside linebacker role. Coach Sean McVay praised Paul Jr.’s range, demeanor and impact, underscoring a potential early breakout in a position with questions. The Rams also leaned on Day 3 rookie Tyler Greenawalt, whose progress gave McVay something to build around. Beyond the box score, the narrative centers on how these rookies and a returning veteran will influence the regular-season picture. McVay’s comparison chatter, including a nod to Fred Warner during Paul Jr.’s pre-draft days, frames the Rams’ optimism about a versatile, fast linebacker corps. For fantasy angles, Pooh Paul Jr. could emerge as a late-round ILB with real upside if he cements a starting role; Bennett’s continued development keeps him on the dynasty radar as a potential QB2, while Corum’s touches could rise if he seizes a meaningful kata of responsibilities. Tyler Greenawalt’s trajectory adds a further layer of intrigue to a Rams roster that’s still taking shape.

Chris Paul Jr. emerged as a notable Rams rookie in Week 1 of the 2025 preseason, tallying four tackles and drawing praise from Sean McVay after missing time with an injury. His signature Winnie the Pooh necklace — custom-made in 2024 and worn in Atlanta — has become part of his lore as he transitions from Ole Miss to the NFL. With the Rams’ inside linebacker role still unsettled, Paul Jr. could carve out a meaningful rotational path if he builds on the solid preseason debut and stays healthy.

For fantasy managers, the intrigue centers on opportunity. If Paul Jr. sticks in the lineup behind a veteran cadre, adds solid special-teams value, and shows pass-coverage aptitude, he could become a sleeper in deeper dynasty leagues or in late-season fantasy formats where teams lean on versatile backups for rotational snaps. Health and continued production will determine whether his initial burst translates into sustained trust from the Rams’ coaching staff.

As the Los Angeles Rams enter the second week of training camp, the intensity ramps up with padded practices beginning. This week is pivotal for position battles, especially in the backfield, where running backs will showcase their skills more physically. Key injuries to monitor include inside linebacker Chris Paul Jr. and cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon, both hindered by calf issues. Though neither injury appears severe, their recovery will be crucial for their roles on the team as they vie for starting positions.

All eyes will be on the offensive line's performance as they adapt to increased physicality, potentially affecting the quarterback's protection and running game. Additionally, updates on contract negotiations for various players could impact team dynamics. Fans and fantasy managers should closely track these developments to assess player values moving forward.