10 breakout candidates
The biggest breakout star of this year's training camp? Twitter.
Rotoworld is used to relying on news and information trickling in steadily from each team's reliable beat writers. We would get the story and post practice updates later in the afternoon or the following day.
Twitter has changed all of that, creating a football community consisting of beat writers, NFL insiders, and fantasy football wonks sharing up-to-date information as the story breaks. With so many voices engaging in an ongoing "conversation," it's easy to gauge which players are gaining the most "buzz" early in camp. Below is a list of 10 breakout candidates and a couple of impact rookies based on their performance early in camp.
Editor's Note: For all the cheat sheets, projections, analysis, average draft position data and every stat tool imaginable, check out Rotoworld's Draft Guide on sale now.
Breakout Candidates
1. DeSean Jackson, Eagles - Onlookers have been unanimous in selecting Jackson as the most impressive player in Eagles camp. Jackson is said to be even faster this year, and he's routinely burning the Philly corners. Expect a spike in both yardage and touchdowns in Jackson's second season.
2. Greg Olsen, Bears – Olsen had already endeared himself to Jay Cutler and entered training camp as the new quarterback's favorite target. It took him less than a week to unseat veteran Desmond Clark as the every-down starter, and he's taking on the look of a Top-5 fantasy option at tight end.
3. Darren McFadden, Raiders - Tom Cable admitted that last year's game tapes showed a different offense with McFadden on the field, and the staff is now committed to handing him a starring role. Early indications suggest McFadden will be the Raiders' most important offensive weapon. He's a player to target as a RB2 in PPR leagues.
4. Ray Rice, Ravens – Another player to target in PPR leagues, Rice is threatening Cam Cameron's vision of a committee attack by taking the majority of the first-team snaps. Rice transformed his body over the offseason and has impressed the coaching staff with his commitment and professionalism. It wouldn't be surprising to see him finish second on the team with 50-60 receptions.
5. Devin Thomas, Redskins – Immaturity and a lack of dedication marred Thomas' rookie season, but he's finally learned the playbook and gained Jim Zorn's trust as the expected starter opposite Santana Moss. Thomas entered the league with elite physical talent. If the light has truly flipped on, get ready for a second-year leap.
6. Josh Morgan, 49ers – While headliner Michael Crabtree and his agent sit outside GM Scot McCloughan's office with a mask and a gun, Morgan continues to steal the show on the practice field. Coaches are praising his explosiveness, versatility and playmaking ability, and the beat writers fully expect him to lead the team in receiving. He's a WR3 with a high ceiling.
7. Vernon Davis, 49ers – Offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye has made it clear that Davis will be used more as a receiver than a blocker, and he's catching everything thrown his way in camp. Davis has the ability and the offensive role to double last year's 31/358/2 line.
8. Felix Jones / Tashard Choice, Cowboys – Coaches are once again toying with the idea of using Jones and Marion Barber on the field at the same time. Jones remains a threat to take it to the house every time he touches the ball, and he reportedly "wowed" early in camp with his "electrifying quickness." Choice proved he could match Barber's production down the stretch last season, and he was one writer's pick for the early-camp MVP award. Choice is already a must-handcuff for MBIII owners, and he may be in line for a few series every game regardless.
9. Martellus Bennett, Cowboys – A dominant physical talent, "Marty B" has the coaching staff installing more two-tight end sets this year to make up for the loss of Terrell Owens. ESPN's NFC South blogger Matt Mosley is predicting 45 catches, a number easily within reach.
10. Robert Meachem, Saints – Mr. August has the beat writers all a-twitter for the second straight summer as he outplays Devery Henderson in practices. Though Drew Brees has labeled him a more complete receiver this year, his opportunity for a fantasy impact hinges on the health of the receivers in front of him.
Impact Rookies
Percy Harvin, Vikings – The easy choice as the rookie with biggest impact, Harvin's playmaking talent is undeniable. The only questions revolved around his offensive role and how often Brad Childress and Darrell Bevell were willing to put the ball in his hands. The answers: Harvin will start immediately, playing in both the slot and the backfield. Chilly has made it clear that the rookie will be force-fed the ball on a weekly basis as the team's second-most important offensive weapon. It's fair to expect 45-50 catches and at least many rushing attempts while Harvin establishes himself as a weekly option for fantasy leaguers. Target him as a WR4, and you won't be disappointed.
LeSean McCoy, Eagles – Set to battle Lorenzo Booker for the backup job, McCoy entered camp armed with a reputation for shifty running and questionable blocking. After a week, the Eagles already have a "man-crush" on the rookie. McCoy has been stellar in the ever-important blitz-pickup while devouring the playbook. His top-flight receiving skills fit perfectly in Andy Reid's offense, and he's already earned the top backup role. Considering Brian Westbrook's injury history, McCoy now makes for an intriguing dice-roll in the middle rounds of fantasy drafts.
Special note on Calvin Johnson: CJ is on another level in Lions camp, toying with defensive backs and even his fellow receivers in position drills. Former scout Daniel Jeremiah (a/k/a "MoveTheSticks" on Twitter) was told by one NFL coach that in 30 years of NFL experience he had never seen anything like Calvin Johnson. High praise.
The biggest breakout star of this year's training camp? Twitter.
Rotoworld is used to relying on news and information trickling in steadily from each team's reliable beat writers. We would get the story and post practice updates later in the afternoon or the following day.
Twitter has changed all of that, creating a football community consisting of beat writers, NFL insiders, and fantasy football wonks sharing up-to-date information as the story breaks. With so many voices engaging in an ongoing "conversation," it's easy to gauge which players are gaining the most "buzz" early in camp. Below is a list of 10 breakout candidates and a couple of impact rookies based on their performance early in camp.
Editor's Note: For all the cheat sheets, projections, analysis, average draft position data and every stat tool imaginable, check out Rotoworld's Draft Guide on sale now.
Breakout Candidates
1. DeSean Jackson, Eagles - Onlookers have been unanimous in selecting Jackson as the most impressive player in Eagles camp. Jackson is said to be even faster this year, and he's routinely burning the Philly corners. Expect a spike in both yardage and touchdowns in Jackson's second season.
2. Greg Olsen, Bears – Olsen had already endeared himself to Jay Cutler and entered training camp as the new quarterback's favorite target. It took him less than a week to unseat veteran Desmond Clark as the every-down starter, and he's taking on the look of a Top-5 fantasy option at tight end.
3. Darren McFadden, Raiders - Tom Cable admitted that last year's game tapes showed a different offense with McFadden on the field, and the staff is now committed to handing him a starring role. Early indications suggest McFadden will be the Raiders' most important offensive weapon. He's a player to target as a RB2 in PPR leagues.
4. Ray Rice, Ravens – Another player to target in PPR leagues, Rice is threatening Cam Cameron's vision of a committee attack by taking the majority of the first-team snaps. Rice transformed his body over the offseason and has impressed the coaching staff with his commitment and professionalism. It wouldn't be surprising to see him finish second on the team with 50-60 receptions.
5. Devin Thomas, Redskins – Immaturity and a lack of dedication marred Thomas' rookie season, but he's finally learned the playbook and gained Jim Zorn's trust as the expected starter opposite Santana Moss. Thomas entered the league with elite physical talent. If the light has truly flipped on, get ready for a second-year leap.
6. Josh Morgan, 49ers – While headliner Michael Crabtree and his agent sit outside GM Scot McCloughan's office with a mask and a gun, Morgan continues to steal the show on the practice field. Coaches are praising his explosiveness, versatility and playmaking ability, and the beat writers fully expect him to lead the team in receiving. He's a WR3 with a high ceiling.
7. Vernon Davis, 49ers – Offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye has made it clear that Davis will be used more as a receiver than a blocker, and he's catching everything thrown his way in camp. Davis has the ability and the offensive role to double last year's 31/358/2 line.
8. Felix Jones / Tashard Choice, Cowboys – Coaches are once again toying with the idea of using Jones and Marion Barber on the field at the same time. Jones remains a threat to take it to the house every time he touches the ball, and he reportedly "wowed" early in camp with his "electrifying quickness." Choice proved he could match Barber's production down the stretch last season, and he was one writer's pick for the early-camp MVP award. Choice is already a must-handcuff for MBIII owners, and he may be in line for a few series every game regardless.
9. Martellus Bennett, Cowboys – A dominant physical talent, "Marty B" has the coaching staff installing more two-tight end sets this year to make up for the loss of Terrell Owens. ESPN's NFC South blogger Matt Mosley is predicting 45 catches, a number easily within reach.
10. Robert Meachem, Saints – Mr. August has the beat writers all a-twitter for the second straight summer as he outplays Devery Henderson in practices. Though Drew Brees has labeled him a more complete receiver this year, his opportunity for a fantasy impact hinges on the health of the receivers in front of him.
Impact Rookies
Percy Harvin, Vikings – The easy choice as the rookie with biggest impact, Harvin's playmaking talent is undeniable. The only questions revolved around his offensive role and how often Brad Childress and Darrell Bevell were willing to put the ball in his hands. The answers: Harvin will start immediately, playing in both the slot and the backfield. Chilly has made it clear that the rookie will be force-fed the ball on a weekly basis as the team's second-most important offensive weapon. It's fair to expect 45-50 catches and at least many rushing attempts while Harvin establishes himself as a weekly option for fantasy leaguers. Target him as a WR4, and you won't be disappointed.
LeSean McCoy, Eagles – Set to battle Lorenzo Booker for the backup job, McCoy entered camp armed with a reputation for shifty running and questionable blocking. After a week, the Eagles already have a "man-crush" on the rookie. McCoy has been stellar in the ever-important blitz-pickup while devouring the playbook. His top-flight receiving skills fit perfectly in Andy Reid's offense, and he's already earned the top backup role. Considering Brian Westbrook's injury history, McCoy now makes for an intriguing dice-roll in the middle rounds of fantasy drafts.
Special note on Calvin Johnson: CJ is on another level in Lions camp, toying with defensive backs and even his fellow receivers in position drills. Former scout Daniel Jeremiah (a/k/a "MoveTheSticks" on Twitter) was told by one NFL coach that in 30 years of NFL experience he had never seen anything like Calvin Johnson. High praise.
