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The latest
Five 2017 NFL first-round picks who will break out in 2018 | NFL.com
Patrick Mahomes, QB, Kansas City Chiefs
It's usually not wise to expect big things from a first-year starter at quarterback, but I'm still going to plant my flag with Mahomes because of Andy Reid's track record in helping QBs succeed. Mahomes, the 10th pick of the 2017 draft, threw for 284 yards and an interception in his one and only career start -- the final regular-season game of last season -- but people inside the Chiefs' building say Mahomes' growth during the season allowed the team to feel comfortable enough to trade away Alex Smith this offseason. Mahomes has a solid offensive line, a quality running game and plus targets to throw to in Tyreek Hill, Travis Kelce and free-agent addition Sammy Watkins. He might have to endure some growing pains, but I think Mahomes will surprise anyone doubting him in 2018.
Sammy Watkins returns kicks during Chiefs practice | NFL.com
The Kansas City Chiefs acquired Sammy Watkins this offseason to stretch the field and bring even more speed to an offense already stockpiled with versatile weapons. But in signing the wideout to a three-year deal, has Kansas City also found its next great return man?
Worst-to-first chances: Watch out for Broncos, Texans - NFL.com
Denver Broncos
The defending AFC West champion Chiefs traded away their top cornerback (Marcus Peters) and their rock-steady quarterback (Alex Smith). Turning the reins over to second-year man Patrick Mahomes at QB could absolutely end up making Kansas City better (I'll never doubt Andy Reid in this realm), but it's equally possible that growing pains are on the way. If the Chiefs do indeed take a step back, can you really say the Chargers or Raiders should be seen as overwhelming favorites over the Broncos? This division feels wide open.
Local football star preparing for freshman year at Notre Dame with NFL trainer | NBC2
North Fort Myers football star Joe Wilkins Jr. is preparing for his freshman season at Notre Dame with the help of local coach LeDondrick Rowe, a man who has trained NFL players like Sammy Watkins and Mackensie Alexander
Around the league
The Kickoff Isn’t Worth Saving, but the NFL Keeps Trying | The Ringer
The greatest trick football ever pulled was convincing its fans that kickoffs are exciting.
Check out the NFL's highest-paid players by position.
Packers signing former Jaguars TE Marcedes Lewis | NFL.com
The Packers are signing former Jaguars tight end Marcedes Lewis, NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported. Lewis was released in March after starting 157 games over 12 years with the Jags.
Nashville hotels: 2019 NFL draft, marathon, Predators playoffs a 'perfect storm'
Nashville's hotel capacity was a critical component in persuading the NFL to award it the 2019 draft. But rooms downtown are hard to come by.
Rams DE Morgan Fox suffers torn ACL in practice | NFL.com
Los Angeles Rams defensive end Morgan Fox is out for the remainder of the year after suffering a torn ACL during organized team activities on Thursday, per NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.
NFL stars Michael and Martellus Bennett talk football and finances | CNBC
Here's how NFL stars Michael and Martellus Bennett learned to be smart about money — after a few missteps.
In case you missed it at Arrowhead Pride
Patrick Mahomes talks Sammy Watkins, his development and his process on day three of OTAs
“The first day was crazy,” Mahomes said of Watkins, specifically. “I think you all might have seen on Twitter or something like that, but the first pass of all OTAs he was running a go route and he just caught it with one hand (it’s this play, probably), and then later on in the practice, I thought I overthrew him and I thought I threw an interception, and you just saw a hand go out of nowhere, and he brought it down.”
Justin Houston likes what he sees in rookie LB Breeland Speaks
“I think he’s very smart,” Houston said of Speaks. “He’s a D-end, and [to come] in and learn outside linebacker, a lot of guys you see in the NFL struggle switching from a D-end to outside linebacker, but he’s picking up the defense fine.”