NFL Player News

The Chargers selected Lambert-Smith in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, 158th overall.

The Chargers went wide receiver for the second time this draft, previously taking Tre Harris in the second round. Lambert-Smith transferred to Auburn for his fifth collegiate season and was the clear top receiver with team highs in receptions (50), receiving yards (981) and touchdowns (eight). The 23-year-old boosted his draft stock further at the 2025 NFL Combine with a 4.37 40-yard dash and an above-average 79-inch wingspan at 6-foot-1, 190 pounds. With 19.6 yards per catch last season, he has the tools to make splash plays in the NFL, but he joins a crowded receiver room in Los Angeles.

The 49ers selected Sigle in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, 160th overall.

Sigle (5-foot-11, 199 pounds) was a backup for three years at North Dakota State before transferring to start at Kansas State in his fourth and fifth seasons. Sigle plays with a lot of motor and boasts excellent speed (4.37-second 40), so at the very least he can run and hit. What's less clear is whether Sigle has the coverage skills and wrap-up fundamentals necessary to play a starter's snap count. Although the 49ers will try to develop Sigle into a capable starter, there's a chance he more so makes a name for himself as a standout special teams player who doubles as a backup safety.

The Buccaneers selected Roberts in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, 157th overall.

Roberts struggled to find a consistent role in Miami, but he found his footing when he transferred to SMU in 2023 and started in his final two collegiate seasons. He was named to the Second Team All-ACC roster in 2023, and over his final two years at SMU he logged 23.5 tackles for a loss, including 17.5 sacks, and four forced fumbles. His 6-foot-4, 285-pound frame and long arms allowed him to bull rush offensive tackles in college, and his brute strength as a pass rusher should give him opportunities to log rotational snaps in his rookie season.

The Chiefs selected Bassa in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, 156th overall.

Bassa entered Oregon as a safety but has since transitioned to play in the box as an inside linebacker. It shouldn't come as a surprise that he's capable both against the run and pass as a result, giving him a solid skillset for the position. The Chiefs have a solid linebacker corps, but Bassa could be ready to step into a bigger role as a rookie if injuries occur.

The Dolphins selected Trader in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, 155th overall.

Miami gets another piece of the Maryland defense after drafting defensive tackle Jordan Phillips earlier in the fifth. Trader is a former two-sport athlete at Maryland who played lacrosse in addition to football. At 5-foot-11 and 196 pounds, Trader is decent in coverage and is a willing tackler as a safety. He's unlikely to be used as a nickel corner, so he may have to bide his time behind Ashtyn Davis and Ifeatu Melifonwu.

The Giants selected Mbow in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, 154th overall.

Mbow (6-foot-4, 303 pounds) is a bit light, but the Purdue product started three years in college -- two seasons at guard and one at right tackle -- and he demonstrated starting-caliber NFL upside with his film. It's possible that Mbow fell to the fifth round over concerns about scheme versatility, because his athleticism and technique plays better in zone blocking than his light anchor does as a power blocker.

The Colts selected Giddens in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, 151st overall.

Formerly a zero-star recruit, Giddens worked his way up Kansas State's depth chart to start in his final two college seasons. He rushed for 1,200-plus yards in each of those two years and was named to the Second Team All-Big 12 roster in 2024. Giddens' cutback ability and lateral quickness makes him a dangerous runner in the open field, which makes up for his lack of effectiveness between the tackles. His elusiveness as a runner and pass-catching ability should allow him to compete with Khalil Herbert and Tyler Goodson for a rotational role in the Colts' backfield behind starter Jonathan Taylor.

The Bengals selected Rivers in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, 153rd overall.

Rivers started his final three seasons at Miami and earned Honorable Mention All-ACC honors as a senior after claiming Second Team honors the year prior. While he played at both tackle and guard during his time with the Hurricanes, he projects to serve as a guard at the next level. Rivers will provide some depth along the offensive line for the time being with hopes of him developing into a contributor down the road.

The Cowboys selected James in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, 152nd overall.

The Cowboys traded up to take James, who started 25 games over three seasons at Florida and tallied 166 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss and 5.0 sacks. He'll turn 21 years old this summer. James (6-foot-1, 222 pounds) is a dependable run defender with impressive athleticism, and while he still needs development in pass coverage, he could develop into a starter eventually. The Cowboys currently have Jack Sanborn -- who has 19 NFL starts through three seasons -- atop the depth chart at middle linebacker. James can push for the starting gig, but he'll likely have to wait his turn while contributing on special teams.

Howell was traded from the Seahawks to the Vikings on Saturday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

This was a likely outcome for Howell after Seattle drafted Jalen Milroe on Day 2 of the NFL Draft. Howell has starting experience and is a serviceable backup behind J.J. McCarthy, who is set to take over as the new starter in Minnesota.