Day 2 at Saints camp.
Training camp report date: Rookies and veterans, July 28.
Training camp location: Quest Diagnostics Training Center, East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Offseason in a nutshell: For the second time in three offseasons, the Giants were one of the NFL's biggest spenders in free agency, which says one (or both) of the following:
1) The Giants recognize that Eli Manning is 35, and the team is likely looking at a four-year window to win his third Super Bowl.
2) The roster, chipped and cracked over the last four seasons following the 2011 Super Bowl run, entered this offseason lacking playoff-caliber playmakers at important positions, especially on defense.
Combine these two factors, and you get a team that spends an astounding $85 million on Olivier Vernon, not to mention $62.5 million on Janoris Jenkins and $46.25 million on Damon Harrison.
Player to watch: Wide receiver Sterling Shepard. The Giants' second-round pick probably has the best chance of any player in their rookie class to make an immediate impact. Following the draft, team brass repeatedly compared Shepard to old favorite Victor Cruz -- a rangy, versatile pass catcher who can excel in the slot or outside. Because Cruz's health is the great unknown, and there is still no telling if he can return to form, Shepard is the great hope to make Ben McAdoo's transported Packer offense come alive. This is the key to unlocking not only a more dependable intermediate passing game, but the full potential of Odell Beckham Jr., a player who has almost single-handedly carried this offense for each of the past two seasons.
THREE BURNING QUESTIONS:
1. How will Damon Harrison transition into a 4-3 defense?
Harrison was one of the NFL's best space-eaters with the Jets -- a prototypical 3-4 nose who had the ability to create a two-car pileup on every play. With the Giants, he is paired with another hefty tackle, former second-round pick Johnathan Hankins, and two very different rush ends in Jason Pierre-Paul and Olivier Vernon. While it seems like an odd cast of characters, it's important to realize how little the Giants actually will be in their base defense. Harrison has been insisting for years that he can bump down or outside, purported versatility that'd give the Giants a nice option on passing downs in case they cannot switch personnel. Harrison has always been insanely athletic for his size (listed at 6-foot-4, 350 pounds), but can he also be insanely athletic for his new position?
2. Who wins the safety battle?
Giants fans have been familiar with this question for quite some time. This year, the competition is for the safety spot opposite 2015 second-round pick Landon Collins, an ascending player who needs to have a much better season than he did in 2015. The contestants are Nat Berhe, Bennett Jackson and Darian Thompson, with Cooper Taylor as a possible dark-horse candidate, should injuries play a factor. While it's not as cut-and-dried as free safety and strong safety, the Giants need to find the right fit to pair with Collins -- and it might come down to relationships. In watching Big Blue's secondary on film last year, the back end of the defense often looked like an NBA fast break, with two people trying to cover three offensive players while having no clue where each other were headed. Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Janoris Jenkins and first-round pick Eli Apple could be the best set of corners -- 1 through 3 -- the team has had in half a decade. But without help over the top, there is no complete package on defense.
3. Does Andre Williams break out?
The Giants are fixing to keep four running backs at this point, though they would love a sensible, first- and second-down back to emerge from training camp. Rashad Jennings would seem to be that person, with Shane Vereen slotting in as the third-down back -- but the Giants could wiggle out of Jennings' deal and save a little more than $1 million against the cap if they felt like it. That would have to involve a boffo summer from Williams, the former Heisman finalist who went to New York in the fourth round of the 2014 NFL Draft. Tom Coughlin thought he'd be selected two rounds earlier, but we quickly saw why the Boston College product slipped. As a rookie, Williams carried the ball 217 times for 721 yards -- just 3.3 yards per carry -- though he did score seven touchdowns. In Year 2, that number dropped to 88 carries (at just 2.9 yards a pop) and one touchdown. His catch rate also dropped to 33 percent. Still, McAdoo talked him up this summer, saying that a breakout season is on the way. Is that just another offseason trope whispered into the void?
Way-too-early season prediction: One instinct tells us that the Giants and Cowboys both will rise back to the top of the NFC East, and that Big Blue can easily win nine games this year. However, another tells us to be wary of teams who spend big in free agency -- and that, below the exterior sheen, there exists a pronounced lack of depth. The Redskins are better than they have been since Robert Griffin III's rookie season, meaning wins will be tougher to come by. At this point, 8-8 might be the safest bet of all.
Training camp report date: Rookies and veterans, July 29.
Training camp location: River Ridge Playing Fields, Oxnard, California.
Offseason in a nutshell: It feels appropriate to end our 32-team odyssey with the Cowboys. All summer long, we've been asking questions of each team -- and which potential division winner has more questions than Dallas? The team weathered a dismal 2015 and returns with Tony Romo under center. The Cowboys have a shiny new running back in No. 4 overall pick Ezekiel Elliott and have successfully (finally) cut ties with Greg Hardy after he came to Dallas -- as advertised -- in a bad way. It wouldn't be Big D without some drama -- Randy Gregory seems to be in a bit of a tailspin -- but isn't that why we can't keep our eyes off the Cowboys?
Player to watch: Running back Ezekiel Elliott. Who else can make this thing work? A game-changing running back turns Dallas into a 12-win offense. We watched a banged-up Darren McFadden glide to a top-five rushing season in 2015 behind that offensive line -- largely without Romo and Dez Bryant. Now, everyone is back and conceivably healthy for another run. While we won't see much of Elliott running up the gut during camp, we will get a feel for how he's understanding passing concepts and how comfortable he is making one cut and turning upfield. This is a big gamble for the Cowboys, who had much bigger issues before the draft but opted to sign potential.
THREE BURNING QUESTIONS:
1. Who is going to be left on defense?
Second-round pick Jaylon Smith isn't playing this season, while Rolando McClain is missing 10 games due to suspension. Gregory could be out at least 10 games, and DeMarcus Lawrence is out four. If you're keeping score at home, that is a front seven that will now be composed of the following: David Irving, Cedric Thornton, Tyrone Crawford, Benson Mayowa, Anthony Hitchens, Andrew Gachkar and Sean Lee. We could see some rookies make a name for themselves in camp (Charles Tapper and Maliek Collins come to mind), but this is essentially the battle Dallas is fighting at the moment. They need to score enough to negate whatever issues come out of all these suspensions.
2. What does Dallas' quarterback development program look like now?
When Jerry Jones sets his mind on something, it gets done. Last year, he determined that Dallas was getting "cute" at the backup quarterback spot and found that out the hard way. The immediate fixes? Kellen Moore at No. 2 and Dak Prescott in the pipeline. While that might not seem any better than Brandon Weeden or Matt Cassel, there could be a heightened sense of purpose when it comes to getting these quarterbacks ready. Could we see that manifest itself in more shared reps or real-time game simulations during camp?
3. Can Morris Claiborne rewrite his narrative?
Claiborne is sick of being asked about mistakes. He hopes, one day, to be talked about like a premiere cornerback. While we're quick to bury high-upside "busts," training camp is always a chance for life to begin anew for football players. The sixth overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft will be one of Dallas' top cornerbacks, regardless of how the depth chart shakes out from 1 to 3. It would be a massive boost for defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli if he could count on Claiborne without designing extra help.
Way-too-early season prediction: The Cowboys' offense might end up being the best in the division, but is their defense good enough to play above the 9-7 record that seems to make the most sense as of now?
A.F. hits the field.
Jake Long will not join Ravens after declining to sign injury waiver.
Despite agreeing to terms on a contract earlier this week, Long declined to sign an injury waiver with the Ravens and thus will remain a free agent, the offensive tackle told ESPN's Adam Schefter in a text Friday.
Long played just 11 snaps over four games with the Atlanta Falcons in 2015 after suffering ACL tears to his right knee in back-to-back seasons.
Long passed an exit physical with the Falcons in January and another conducted by Dr. James Andrews this week, per Schefter.
Last month, the 31-year-old tackle insisted he was "finally healthy."
"This is the healthiest and best I've felt in probably about five, six years," Long said. "My knee's back. I've just been working out, feeling good and ready for the opportunity when it comes along."
By not agreeing to sign a waiver, that opportunity will not be in Baltimore.
Despite agreeing to terms on a contract earlier this week, Long declined to sign an injury waiver with the Ravens and thus will remain a free agent, the offensive tackle told ESPN's Adam Schefter in a text Friday.
Long played just 11 snaps over four games with the Atlanta Falcons in 2015 after suffering ACL tears to his right knee in back-to-back seasons.
Long passed an exit physical with the Falcons in January and another conducted by Dr. James Andrews this week, per Schefter.
Last month, the 31-year-old tackle insisted he was "finally healthy."
"This is the healthiest and best I've felt in probably about five, six years," Long said. "My knee's back. I've just been working out, feeling good and ready for the opportunity when it comes along."
By not agreeing to sign a waiver, that opportunity will not be in Baltimore.
Geno Smith: I'm auditioning for 32 NFL teams right now.
Geno Smith, a loyal employee of the New York Jets tired of watching the club desperately hire out for the promotion he's always wanted on a permanent basis, is going to start looking around for new places to work.
"It's no disrespect to anyone, but I'm auditioning for this team and 31 other teams in the NFL," Smith said Thursday, via ESPN.com. "The way you handle all of this says a lot about your character. I've got little kids back home (in South Florida) seeing how I react. Everyone will watch to see how I react. I'm not going to allow this situation -- because it's not the worst situation I've been in -- to deter me from my ultimate goal."
Smith, who is just 26 and has only 29 starts under his belt, has handled this entire year-long fiasco relatively well all things considered. He probably needed a change of scenery the minute he slid to the Jets in the 2013 NFL Draft amid rumors of an aloof and disrespectful disposition, but finished his first year as a starter 8-8 anyway before then-general manager John Idzik systematically dismantled the team.
So here we are, a year after the team hired a coordinator that would work well with Smith's skill set but Smith couldn't play because he was cold-cocked by a sixth-round pick named IK Enemkpali for a $600 debt. Smith worked all offseason as the presumptive starter while coach Todd Bowles essentially reserved a spot for Ryan Fitzpatrick. Smith rolls into training camp second on a four-man depth chart that includes Bryce Petty and Christian Hackenberg -- a pair of young draft prospects.
To say Smith is pissed is probably the understatement of the century, but he's handling it well. He deserves a chance to see what life is like somewhere else and no one should be surprised that he feels this way.
Now, we wait to see just how long of an audition this really is. Clearly, the Jets hope to have a long-term solution at quarterback next year. Smith presumably will drift into free agency. Until then, are the Jets really willing to carry four quarterbacks?
Or will Smith's crisis management skills earn him a ticket out of town before the season starts?
"I'm not disappointed. I'm kind of pissed off, but it's not a detrimental thing," he said. "It's not something where I'm pissed off at anyone, because we all want to be in there. ... This just adds fuel to the fire, but not in a negative way."
Geno Smith, a loyal employee of the New York Jets tired of watching the club desperately hire out for the promotion he's always wanted on a permanent basis, is going to start looking around for new places to work.
"It's no disrespect to anyone, but I'm auditioning for this team and 31 other teams in the NFL," Smith said Thursday, via ESPN.com. "The way you handle all of this says a lot about your character. I've got little kids back home (in South Florida) seeing how I react. Everyone will watch to see how I react. I'm not going to allow this situation -- because it's not the worst situation I've been in -- to deter me from my ultimate goal."
Smith, who is just 26 and has only 29 starts under his belt, has handled this entire year-long fiasco relatively well all things considered. He probably needed a change of scenery the minute he slid to the Jets in the 2013 NFL Draft amid rumors of an aloof and disrespectful disposition, but finished his first year as a starter 8-8 anyway before then-general manager John Idzik systematically dismantled the team.
So here we are, a year after the team hired a coordinator that would work well with Smith's skill set but Smith couldn't play because he was cold-cocked by a sixth-round pick named IK Enemkpali for a $600 debt. Smith worked all offseason as the presumptive starter while coach Todd Bowles essentially reserved a spot for Ryan Fitzpatrick. Smith rolls into training camp second on a four-man depth chart that includes Bryce Petty and Christian Hackenberg -- a pair of young draft prospects.
To say Smith is pissed is probably the understatement of the century, but he's handling it well. He deserves a chance to see what life is like somewhere else and no one should be surprised that he feels this way.
Now, we wait to see just how long of an audition this really is. Clearly, the Jets hope to have a long-term solution at quarterback next year. Smith presumably will drift into free agency. Until then, are the Jets really willing to carry four quarterbacks?
Or will Smith's crisis management skills earn him a ticket out of town before the season starts?
"I'm not disappointed. I'm kind of pissed off, but it's not a detrimental thing," he said. "It's not something where I'm pissed off at anyone, because we all want to be in there. ... This just adds fuel to the fire, but not in a negative way."
Sanchez calls landing in Denver "a gift-wrapped opportunity from heaven"
ENGLEWOOD, Co. -- Last December, shortly before the end of his second season as a backup quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles, Mark Sanchez sent bottles of wine to coaches, front-office employees and other staffers as a token of his appreciation.
Less than three months later, the Eagles sent Sanchez to a place he regards as pro football's champagne lounge. Upon completing an offseason workout in Southern California on March 11, Sanchez noticed a pair of missed calls from Philly general manager Howie Roseman and figured he'd been released. Instead, upon calling back, the former New York Jets first-round pick and four-year starter received some surprising and exciting news."You gave me a bottle of wine for the holidays," Roseman told Sanchez. "You're probably gonna owe me a case of wine for this one."
Roseman then informed Sanchez he'd been traded to the Denver Broncos for a conditional seventh-round pick in the 2017 draft, giving him a golden opportunity to revive his once-promising career -- for the defending Super Bowl champions.
On Thursday, Sanchez completed his first training-camp practice for his third NFL team as the Broncos' nominal No. 1 quarterback, armed with the knowledge that he has the inside track to succeed the legendary Peyton Manning as the main man in the Mile High City. He'll have to fend off challenges from second-year passer Trevor Siemian and 2016 first-round pick Paxton Lynch to earn that honor, but the quarterback once known as Sanchize believes he's the right guy for the job.
Sanchez, who took the Jets to AFC Championship Games in each of his first two seasons, knows this may be his last shot to reestablish himself as a legitimate NFL starter. It's not an endeavor he's taking lightly.
"This is like a gift-wrapped opportunity from heaven," he told me Thursday afternoon. "As soon as it arrived, I told myself, 'Take advantage of things. Assert yourself. Be the guy you know you can be. Win the job. And then go win some games, which is the most important thing of all.' "
Last year, the Broncos won 12 regular-season games while flip-flopping between a well-past-his-prime Manning (now retired) and untested 2012 draft pick Brock Osweiler (who parlayed a seven-game starting stint into a four-year, $72-million free-agent deal with the Houston Texans). Coach Gary Kubiak's surprising switch back to Manning midway through the regular-season finale set the stage for an epic exit in which the NFL's all-time passing yards leader threw for just 141 (with no touchdowns and one interception) in Super Bowl 50 yet still went out a winner.
As dominant as the Denver defense was during a phenomenal playoff run, uncertainty at the sport's marquee position has triggered rampant skepticism about the 2016 Broncos' ability to compete for a repeat title.
"I don't think there's much respect out there," said Denver general manager John Elway, who quarterbacked the franchise to consecutive Super Bowl triumphs in the 1997 and '98 seasons before ending his stellar 16-year playing career. "And a lot of that is [because] when you look at the quarterback position, with the guys that we have, they don't have a lot of (outside) respect, obviously.
"We think a lot more of Mark Sanchez than maybe the public does. [That's from] watching tape on him, and really watching him in Philly last year, and also since he's been here. If you're in New York, they have a tendency to bring the attention to the negative, rather than the positive. And Mark kind of got caught in that rut. We hope we're right. The great thing about camp starting, finally, is we can stop talking about it and see who's gonna come to the forefront."
In other words: While cynics who focus on the end of his Jets tenure may lampoon him for the infamous Butt Fumble, Sanchez is viewed inside the Broncos' locker room as a savvy field general with a firm grip on his responsibilities.
"The leadership Mark brings is so important," running back C.J. Anderson said. "He's been there, and he can rally us around him. And then there's the experience. This is not a guy whose head is swimming out there. The game has slowed down for him.
"What people don't understand is that if we do our jobs, his job can be that much easier. We understand that we don't have an Andrew Luck or a Ben Roethlisberger, a guy who the ball has to be in his hands 50 times a game -- but there are other ways to win. We can win as a team, and we're gonna take care of business in all three phases to make the quarterback's life that much better."
Elway and Kubiak insist the competition between Sanchez, Siemian (a 2015 seventh-round pick out of Northwestern) and Lynch (for whom the team traded up to snag with the 26th overall selection in April) is wide open, but Sanchez's experience made him the obvious choice to assume the bulk of the first-team reps, at least in the early stages of training camp.
"Mark comes from a background with West Coast verbiage," Kubiak noted Thursday. "The day we (traded for) him we started talking plays, and we just kind of went from there. He's done some really good things in this league. We're gonna surround him with some really good players and give him a chance to succeed. Now, it's up to him."
He'll have to hold off Siemian, who has earned the respect of teammates by displaying accuracy, athleticism and composure, and Lynch, whose obvious passing talent and draft position make him the team's presumptive quarterback of the future -- but, in fairness, the competition could have been stiffer.
Even after acquiring Sanchez, the Broncos continued to explore a trade for former San Francisco 49ers starter Colin Kaepernick, who'd brought that team to within five yards of a potential Super Bowl XLVII victory over the Baltimore Ravens. In early April, Elway met with Kaepernick in an unsuccessful effort to get the quarterback to reduce his salary, something the team considered a prerequisite for a trade.
In the aftermath of the Super Bowl, Kaepernick's departure from the Niners had been considered such a foregone conclusion by Sanchez that he "expected to end up in San Francisco" (to compete with holdover Blaine Gabbert) before that fateful phone call with Roseman.
Once dealt to Denver, Sanchez approached his new gig with an almost maniacal drive, to the point where earlier this month he was able to coax several Broncos receivers into joining him for an early morning workout at USC, his alma mater, before they attended the ESPYs.
"I basically devoted all my (offseason) energy to trying to master the system, getting to know my teammates and getting involved in the community," Sanchez said. "I never want to be in a position 10 or 15 years down the line where I could look back and say, 'Oh man, if I had just done a little more, I could have made it happen ... '
"Especially not this opportunity -- it's a quarterback's dream come true."
Sanchez did allow himself one conspicuous indulgence: Just after the Broncos' offseason program ended in June, he took his mother, Olga, on a trip to Israel.
"It was amazing," Sanchez said. "At one point I got to spend a few hours with the Israeli military, going through some training exercises and even firing weapons. There was a (simulation) where a situation was going down inside a marketplace, and you had to operate under some pretty crazy conditions."
And how was the simulated soldier's aim?
"Pretty good," Sanchez said, smiling. "I was locked in."
Now, on a professional level, it's about to get real.
ENGLEWOOD, Co. -- Last December, shortly before the end of his second season as a backup quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles, Mark Sanchez sent bottles of wine to coaches, front-office employees and other staffers as a token of his appreciation.
Less than three months later, the Eagles sent Sanchez to a place he regards as pro football's champagne lounge. Upon completing an offseason workout in Southern California on March 11, Sanchez noticed a pair of missed calls from Philly general manager Howie Roseman and figured he'd been released. Instead, upon calling back, the former New York Jets first-round pick and four-year starter received some surprising and exciting news."You gave me a bottle of wine for the holidays," Roseman told Sanchez. "You're probably gonna owe me a case of wine for this one."
Roseman then informed Sanchez he'd been traded to the Denver Broncos for a conditional seventh-round pick in the 2017 draft, giving him a golden opportunity to revive his once-promising career -- for the defending Super Bowl champions.
On Thursday, Sanchez completed his first training-camp practice for his third NFL team as the Broncos' nominal No. 1 quarterback, armed with the knowledge that he has the inside track to succeed the legendary Peyton Manning as the main man in the Mile High City. He'll have to fend off challenges from second-year passer Trevor Siemian and 2016 first-round pick Paxton Lynch to earn that honor, but the quarterback once known as Sanchize believes he's the right guy for the job.
Sanchez, who took the Jets to AFC Championship Games in each of his first two seasons, knows this may be his last shot to reestablish himself as a legitimate NFL starter. It's not an endeavor he's taking lightly.
"This is like a gift-wrapped opportunity from heaven," he told me Thursday afternoon. "As soon as it arrived, I told myself, 'Take advantage of things. Assert yourself. Be the guy you know you can be. Win the job. And then go win some games, which is the most important thing of all.' "
Last year, the Broncos won 12 regular-season games while flip-flopping between a well-past-his-prime Manning (now retired) and untested 2012 draft pick Brock Osweiler (who parlayed a seven-game starting stint into a four-year, $72-million free-agent deal with the Houston Texans). Coach Gary Kubiak's surprising switch back to Manning midway through the regular-season finale set the stage for an epic exit in which the NFL's all-time passing yards leader threw for just 141 (with no touchdowns and one interception) in Super Bowl 50 yet still went out a winner.
As dominant as the Denver defense was during a phenomenal playoff run, uncertainty at the sport's marquee position has triggered rampant skepticism about the 2016 Broncos' ability to compete for a repeat title.
"I don't think there's much respect out there," said Denver general manager John Elway, who quarterbacked the franchise to consecutive Super Bowl triumphs in the 1997 and '98 seasons before ending his stellar 16-year playing career. "And a lot of that is [because] when you look at the quarterback position, with the guys that we have, they don't have a lot of (outside) respect, obviously.
"We think a lot more of Mark Sanchez than maybe the public does. [That's from] watching tape on him, and really watching him in Philly last year, and also since he's been here. If you're in New York, they have a tendency to bring the attention to the negative, rather than the positive. And Mark kind of got caught in that rut. We hope we're right. The great thing about camp starting, finally, is we can stop talking about it and see who's gonna come to the forefront."
In other words: While cynics who focus on the end of his Jets tenure may lampoon him for the infamous Butt Fumble, Sanchez is viewed inside the Broncos' locker room as a savvy field general with a firm grip on his responsibilities.
"The leadership Mark brings is so important," running back C.J. Anderson said. "He's been there, and he can rally us around him. And then there's the experience. This is not a guy whose head is swimming out there. The game has slowed down for him.
"What people don't understand is that if we do our jobs, his job can be that much easier. We understand that we don't have an Andrew Luck or a Ben Roethlisberger, a guy who the ball has to be in his hands 50 times a game -- but there are other ways to win. We can win as a team, and we're gonna take care of business in all three phases to make the quarterback's life that much better."
Elway and Kubiak insist the competition between Sanchez, Siemian (a 2015 seventh-round pick out of Northwestern) and Lynch (for whom the team traded up to snag with the 26th overall selection in April) is wide open, but Sanchez's experience made him the obvious choice to assume the bulk of the first-team reps, at least in the early stages of training camp.
"Mark comes from a background with West Coast verbiage," Kubiak noted Thursday. "The day we (traded for) him we started talking plays, and we just kind of went from there. He's done some really good things in this league. We're gonna surround him with some really good players and give him a chance to succeed. Now, it's up to him."
He'll have to hold off Siemian, who has earned the respect of teammates by displaying accuracy, athleticism and composure, and Lynch, whose obvious passing talent and draft position make him the team's presumptive quarterback of the future -- but, in fairness, the competition could have been stiffer.
Even after acquiring Sanchez, the Broncos continued to explore a trade for former San Francisco 49ers starter Colin Kaepernick, who'd brought that team to within five yards of a potential Super Bowl XLVII victory over the Baltimore Ravens. In early April, Elway met with Kaepernick in an unsuccessful effort to get the quarterback to reduce his salary, something the team considered a prerequisite for a trade.
In the aftermath of the Super Bowl, Kaepernick's departure from the Niners had been considered such a foregone conclusion by Sanchez that he "expected to end up in San Francisco" (to compete with holdover Blaine Gabbert) before that fateful phone call with Roseman.
Once dealt to Denver, Sanchez approached his new gig with an almost maniacal drive, to the point where earlier this month he was able to coax several Broncos receivers into joining him for an early morning workout at USC, his alma mater, before they attended the ESPYs.
"I basically devoted all my (offseason) energy to trying to master the system, getting to know my teammates and getting involved in the community," Sanchez said. "I never want to be in a position 10 or 15 years down the line where I could look back and say, 'Oh man, if I had just done a little more, I could have made it happen ... '
"Especially not this opportunity -- it's a quarterback's dream come true."
Sanchez did allow himself one conspicuous indulgence: Just after the Broncos' offseason program ended in June, he took his mother, Olga, on a trip to Israel.
"It was amazing," Sanchez said. "At one point I got to spend a few hours with the Israeli military, going through some training exercises and even firing weapons. There was a (simulation) where a situation was going down inside a marketplace, and you had to operate under some pretty crazy conditions."
And how was the simulated soldier's aim?
"Pretty good," Sanchez said, smiling. "I was locked in."
Now, on a professional level, it's about to get real.
Andre Johnson has a NEW NFL home!
Andre Johnson's AFC South odyssey now includes a third stop.
Less than 24 hours after Titans coach Mike Mularkey was quoted as saying Johnson "still looks like he can play," Johnson is set to become a Titan.
The former University of Miami star receiver will make the jump to his third AFC South team, signing a two-year deal with Tennessee after spending 12 seasons in Houston and one in Indianapolis, the Titans announced.
After laughing off the Texans' expectation that he would only catch 40 passes in 2015, Johnson caught 41 balls for 503 yards and four touchdowns in his lone season in Indianapolis. Johnson showed signs of Father Time finally catching up to him, failing to separate from defensive backs and falling down the depth chart as the Colts' disappointing season progressed. It was a stark reminder that even the best athletes who seemingly don't age can just as quickly get knocked down by the calendar.
Johnson was dumped by the Colts in the offseason and retirement seemed to be the next step for the 35-year-old, even after he promised he'd be playing somewhere in 2016.
He'll get his chance to make good on his word with the Titans, who need someone to push second-year wideout Dorial Green-Beckham, a physical talent who has struggled mentally to master the playbook and stay dedicated to remain in football shape. Tennessee's receiving corps might also be a bit too crowded for a 35-year-old veteran, with Kendall Wright, Justin Hunter and 31-year-old Harry Douglas joining Green-Beckham.
Tennessee has claimed the near-end of other illustrious receiving careers in the past, most notably that of Randy Moss, who was claimed by the Titans in 2010 after being cut mid-season by the Vikings, but faded into the oblivion of the sidelines and his first retirement stint.
That scenario likely won't happen to Johnson, who has shown he still has the fire to play. Whether he'll perform remains to be seen.
Andre Johnson's AFC South odyssey now includes a third stop.
Less than 24 hours after Titans coach Mike Mularkey was quoted as saying Johnson "still looks like he can play," Johnson is set to become a Titan.
The former University of Miami star receiver will make the jump to his third AFC South team, signing a two-year deal with Tennessee after spending 12 seasons in Houston and one in Indianapolis, the Titans announced.
After laughing off the Texans' expectation that he would only catch 40 passes in 2015, Johnson caught 41 balls for 503 yards and four touchdowns in his lone season in Indianapolis. Johnson showed signs of Father Time finally catching up to him, failing to separate from defensive backs and falling down the depth chart as the Colts' disappointing season progressed. It was a stark reminder that even the best athletes who seemingly don't age can just as quickly get knocked down by the calendar.
Johnson was dumped by the Colts in the offseason and retirement seemed to be the next step for the 35-year-old, even after he promised he'd be playing somewhere in 2016.
He'll get his chance to make good on his word with the Titans, who need someone to push second-year wideout Dorial Green-Beckham, a physical talent who has struggled mentally to master the playbook and stay dedicated to remain in football shape. Tennessee's receiving corps might also be a bit too crowded for a 35-year-old veteran, with Kendall Wright, Justin Hunter and 31-year-old Harry Douglas joining Green-Beckham.
Tennessee has claimed the near-end of other illustrious receiving careers in the past, most notably that of Randy Moss, who was claimed by the Titans in 2010 after being cut mid-season by the Vikings, but faded into the oblivion of the sidelines and his first retirement stint.
That scenario likely won't happen to Johnson, who has shown he still has the fire to play. Whether he'll perform remains to be seen.
Training camp battles relevant to fantasy football.
It's that time of the year again. Optimism is in the air, and there are jobs up for grabs. With the onset of training camp comes heated positional battles. And the winners of these battles can help fantasy owners down the road. So who are we watching in training camp over the next month? Take a look at the list below and make sure to keep a close eye on how these roster spots shape up over the next few weeks. There may just be a league-winning sleeper to discover among the chaos.
Cleveland Browns
Wide receivers
The Browns are in rebuild mode and drafted four wideouts to refresh their receiving corps after parting ways with Travis Benjamin and Brian Hartline. It's a full-fledged position battle in Cleveland and targets are up for grabs.
Corey Coleman - The favorite to lead Cleveland's receiving corps, Coleman was the first wideout selected in the NFL draft in April. He has elite speed and an all-around dynamic skillset. He's being drafted in fantasy leagues in Round 9 and his ADP could rise even higher if he has a strong showing in camp, although Josh Gordon's reinstatement may impact the rookies value later in the season. His fantasy outlook would be brighter if he had landed in a better offense, but he should be featured in Cleveland's air attack and has the potential to lead all rookie wideouts in targets.
Andrew Hawkins - A former Bengals receiver, Hawkins had an injury plagued 2015 campaign and only managed to haul in 27 receptions. He's the oldest wideout on the roster heading into camp at age 30, and should battle for a significant role behind Coleman and Gordon heading into camp.
Rashard Higgins - The fifth-rounder has done enough in offseason OTA sessions to be in the conversation for the No. 3 receiver job heading into camp, but he will have to really shine in order to be considered a fantasy option in standard leagues. He could develop into a deep sleeper to keep an eye on in deeper formats though.
Josh Gordon - While Gordon's reinstatment into the NFL made waves among fantasy circles, there is real risk when it comes to a draft investment. The 25-year-old hasn't caught a professional pass since the end of the 2014 season. But he has shown promise thus far, and Cleveland seems determined to give the troubled wide receiver a second chance. If he can get into football shape and get up to speed on the playbook, there is a real chance that he ends up being one of the biggest bargains in 2016 fantasy drafts. The downside is massive though, so proceed with caution.
Terrelle Pryor - A former quarterback, Pryor transitioned to wide receiver last season. His size, 6-foot-4, 223 lbs. gives him an advantage over some of the more diminutive wideouts battling in Cleveland, and he's been talked up by coaches and teammates alike this offseason. Hue Jackson has even reportedly drawn up special plays just for Pryor. There's an outside chance he earns himself a role as a starter but even if he does, he could be limited to more of a gadget-type of role. In that case, his fantasy ceiling would not be tremendous.
Taylor Gabriel - Entering his third year in the NFL, Gabriel is a smaller (5-foot-8) deep threat type and caught 28 passes last year due to the Browns deficiencies at the position. He'll have to really make a splash in camp in order to vie for a starting role.
Marlon Moore - In his six seasons in the NFL, More has just 26 receptions to his name. He's mainly a special teams contributor and while that could secure him a roster spot with Cleveland this year, he won't be a fantasy option.
Rookies Ricardo Lewis, Jordan Payton and Dennis Parks will also vie for snaps during camp and preseason action but unless something drastic happens, they should be considered far from fantasy relevant.
Quarterbacks
Another new coaching regime in Cleveland presents another opportunity for someone to emerge as the team's starting quarterback.
Robert Griffin III - The verdict on RGIII's offseason has been split. Obviously, coach Hue Jackson talked up his quarterback's development during spring workouts, but some Cleveland beat reporters were not so high on his performance. Whatever the case may be, RGIII has an amazing opportunity to get a second chance at an NFL career. If he has a good showing in camp and preseason action, he'll solidify his spot as the Browns starting quarterback. Without much talent in the receiving corps though, we're not endorsing RGIII as a fantasy option just yet.
Josh McCown - When he was healthy last year, McCown had a mini-run as a strong fantasy quarterback between Weeks 3 through 5. A broken collarbone ended his season in early December though and he's getting up there in age too. RGIII will probably get the first crack as the starter, but McCown's experience gives the Browns a legitimate backup plan. This is one of the more intriguing camp battles to watch this preseason.
It's that time of the year again. Optimism is in the air, and there are jobs up for grabs. With the onset of training camp comes heated positional battles. And the winners of these battles can help fantasy owners down the road. So who are we watching in training camp over the next month? Take a look at the list below and make sure to keep a close eye on how these roster spots shape up over the next few weeks. There may just be a league-winning sleeper to discover among the chaos.
Cleveland Browns
Wide receivers
The Browns are in rebuild mode and drafted four wideouts to refresh their receiving corps after parting ways with Travis Benjamin and Brian Hartline. It's a full-fledged position battle in Cleveland and targets are up for grabs.
Corey Coleman - The favorite to lead Cleveland's receiving corps, Coleman was the first wideout selected in the NFL draft in April. He has elite speed and an all-around dynamic skillset. He's being drafted in fantasy leagues in Round 9 and his ADP could rise even higher if he has a strong showing in camp, although Josh Gordon's reinstatement may impact the rookies value later in the season. His fantasy outlook would be brighter if he had landed in a better offense, but he should be featured in Cleveland's air attack and has the potential to lead all rookie wideouts in targets.
Andrew Hawkins - A former Bengals receiver, Hawkins had an injury plagued 2015 campaign and only managed to haul in 27 receptions. He's the oldest wideout on the roster heading into camp at age 30, and should battle for a significant role behind Coleman and Gordon heading into camp.
Rashard Higgins - The fifth-rounder has done enough in offseason OTA sessions to be in the conversation for the No. 3 receiver job heading into camp, but he will have to really shine in order to be considered a fantasy option in standard leagues. He could develop into a deep sleeper to keep an eye on in deeper formats though.
Josh Gordon - While Gordon's reinstatment into the NFL made waves among fantasy circles, there is real risk when it comes to a draft investment. The 25-year-old hasn't caught a professional pass since the end of the 2014 season. But he has shown promise thus far, and Cleveland seems determined to give the troubled wide receiver a second chance. If he can get into football shape and get up to speed on the playbook, there is a real chance that he ends up being one of the biggest bargains in 2016 fantasy drafts. The downside is massive though, so proceed with caution.
Terrelle Pryor - A former quarterback, Pryor transitioned to wide receiver last season. His size, 6-foot-4, 223 lbs. gives him an advantage over some of the more diminutive wideouts battling in Cleveland, and he's been talked up by coaches and teammates alike this offseason. Hue Jackson has even reportedly drawn up special plays just for Pryor. There's an outside chance he earns himself a role as a starter but even if he does, he could be limited to more of a gadget-type of role. In that case, his fantasy ceiling would not be tremendous.
Taylor Gabriel - Entering his third year in the NFL, Gabriel is a smaller (5-foot-8) deep threat type and caught 28 passes last year due to the Browns deficiencies at the position. He'll have to really make a splash in camp in order to vie for a starting role.
Marlon Moore - In his six seasons in the NFL, More has just 26 receptions to his name. He's mainly a special teams contributor and while that could secure him a roster spot with Cleveland this year, he won't be a fantasy option.
Rookies Ricardo Lewis, Jordan Payton and Dennis Parks will also vie for snaps during camp and preseason action but unless something drastic happens, they should be considered far from fantasy relevant.
Quarterbacks
Another new coaching regime in Cleveland presents another opportunity for someone to emerge as the team's starting quarterback.
Robert Griffin III - The verdict on RGIII's offseason has been split. Obviously, coach Hue Jackson talked up his quarterback's development during spring workouts, but some Cleveland beat reporters were not so high on his performance. Whatever the case may be, RGIII has an amazing opportunity to get a second chance at an NFL career. If he has a good showing in camp and preseason action, he'll solidify his spot as the Browns starting quarterback. Without much talent in the receiving corps though, we're not endorsing RGIII as a fantasy option just yet.
Josh McCown - When he was healthy last year, McCown had a mini-run as a strong fantasy quarterback between Weeks 3 through 5. A broken collarbone ended his season in early December though and he's getting up there in age too. RGIII will probably get the first crack as the starter, but McCown's experience gives the Browns a legitimate backup plan. This is one of the more intriguing camp battles to watch this preseason.
Training camp battles relevant to fantasy football.
It's that time of the year again. Optimism is in the air, and there are jobs up for grabs. With the onset of training camp comes heated positional battles. And the winners of these battles can help fantasy owners down the road. So who are we watching in training camp over the next month? Take a look at the list below and make sure to keep a close eye on how these roster spots shape up over the next few weeks. There may just be a league-winning sleeper to discover among the chaos.
Baltimore Ravens
Wide receivers
Kamar Aiken - He's the only sure thing in Baltimore when it comes to the team's receiving corps. Even though Aiken projects as the team's No. 1, he brings sleeper value given his double-digit rounds ADP. He had a strong end-of-season run last year and will likely be the most targeted wideout in Baltimore.
Mike Wallace - The veteran was slated to open camp as a starter opposite Aiken until he failed a conditioning test. When in shape, which he should be soon, he represents the deep threat Baltimore has been lacking since Torrey Smith left and while he may not have the top-notch speed at age 29, he is worth a draft pick given his late-round ADP and potentially heavy involvement in the Ravens offense.
Steve Smith - The goal, according to coach Harbaug, is for Smith to be ready to play in the Ravens' season opener. Coming off an Achilles tear late last season, Smith could have an impact in fantasy early on if healthy. He'll likely miss all of camp and the Ravens' preseason games though. It's a safer bet to leave him undrafted, or pick him up very late in fantasy leagues and potentially scoop him on waivers if he does get back to a starting role.
Breshad Perriman - All eyes will be on the second-year receiver after chronic knee issues kept him off the field for the entirety of his rookie season. He had yet another knee scare back in June and needs some more time to get back to 100 percent, but the latest word from coach John Harbaugh pegged Perriman to be ready for Week 1 and Baltimore is hopeful that he will return at some point during camp. Should he make in imapct in the preseason, his ADP will likely skyrocket. Until then, proceed with caution.
Running backs
Following a season riddled with injuries, the Ravens offense is getting healthy once again. There are some fantasy bargains to be had here, but pinpointing exactly who will emerge as the most valuable asset at each position is a difficult task.
Justin Forsett - The veteran will start the year as the lead back in Baltimore. He's coming off a broken arm suffered last season which gave Javorius Allen a chance to prove himself as a rookie. Forsett's Round 7 ADP is about right for an aging back who could lose his job to younger talent at any point during the season. Although, he seems intent on carrying the load himself and believes he can have a 200-carry, 1,000-yard rushing season.
Javorius Allen - As a rookie Allen saw 137 carries last year in Forsett's stead but averaged a meager 3.8 yards per carry. His passing-game chops are where his value lies in terms of fantasy, and reports back in May stated that Allen could push Forsett for the starting role. Again, this one comes down to how things play out in camp. If Allen can win the preseason, he may earn himself more than just passing-down snaps come September. He's a solid late-round running back sleeper target.
Kenneth Dixon - One of this season's top running back prospects, Dixon slid into the fourth round of the NFL draft. His all-purpose skill set presents a threat to both Forsett and Allen's job security, but he'll have to earn his opportunities as a rookie. Unfortunately, those opportunities may be delayed after he suffered an MCL injury early in camp. He's slated to miss a few weeks of practice, which may not seem like a big deal, but is more magnified for a rookie. In terms of upside, he's probably the most appealing of all Ravens' running backs for fantasy purposes once healthy.
Terrance West and Lorenzo Taliaferro - West has apparently worked ahead of Taliaferro during Spring practice sessions, but neither back has an appealing outlook for fantasy purposes unless injuries strike. The two backs will reportedly battle for the final running back spot on the Ravens roster.
It's that time of the year again. Optimism is in the air, and there are jobs up for grabs. With the onset of training camp comes heated positional battles. And the winners of these battles can help fantasy owners down the road. So who are we watching in training camp over the next month? Take a look at the list below and make sure to keep a close eye on how these roster spots shape up over the next few weeks. There may just be a league-winning sleeper to discover among the chaos.
Baltimore Ravens
Wide receivers
Kamar Aiken - He's the only sure thing in Baltimore when it comes to the team's receiving corps. Even though Aiken projects as the team's No. 1, he brings sleeper value given his double-digit rounds ADP. He had a strong end-of-season run last year and will likely be the most targeted wideout in Baltimore.
Mike Wallace - The veteran was slated to open camp as a starter opposite Aiken until he failed a conditioning test. When in shape, which he should be soon, he represents the deep threat Baltimore has been lacking since Torrey Smith left and while he may not have the top-notch speed at age 29, he is worth a draft pick given his late-round ADP and potentially heavy involvement in the Ravens offense.
Steve Smith - The goal, according to coach Harbaug, is for Smith to be ready to play in the Ravens' season opener. Coming off an Achilles tear late last season, Smith could have an impact in fantasy early on if healthy. He'll likely miss all of camp and the Ravens' preseason games though. It's a safer bet to leave him undrafted, or pick him up very late in fantasy leagues and potentially scoop him on waivers if he does get back to a starting role.
Breshad Perriman - All eyes will be on the second-year receiver after chronic knee issues kept him off the field for the entirety of his rookie season. He had yet another knee scare back in June and needs some more time to get back to 100 percent, but the latest word from coach John Harbaugh pegged Perriman to be ready for Week 1 and Baltimore is hopeful that he will return at some point during camp. Should he make in imapct in the preseason, his ADP will likely skyrocket. Until then, proceed with caution.
Running backs
Following a season riddled with injuries, the Ravens offense is getting healthy once again. There are some fantasy bargains to be had here, but pinpointing exactly who will emerge as the most valuable asset at each position is a difficult task.
Justin Forsett - The veteran will start the year as the lead back in Baltimore. He's coming off a broken arm suffered last season which gave Javorius Allen a chance to prove himself as a rookie. Forsett's Round 7 ADP is about right for an aging back who could lose his job to younger talent at any point during the season. Although, he seems intent on carrying the load himself and believes he can have a 200-carry, 1,000-yard rushing season.
Javorius Allen - As a rookie Allen saw 137 carries last year in Forsett's stead but averaged a meager 3.8 yards per carry. His passing-game chops are where his value lies in terms of fantasy, and reports back in May stated that Allen could push Forsett for the starting role. Again, this one comes down to how things play out in camp. If Allen can win the preseason, he may earn himself more than just passing-down snaps come September. He's a solid late-round running back sleeper target.
Kenneth Dixon - One of this season's top running back prospects, Dixon slid into the fourth round of the NFL draft. His all-purpose skill set presents a threat to both Forsett and Allen's job security, but he'll have to earn his opportunities as a rookie. Unfortunately, those opportunities may be delayed after he suffered an MCL injury early in camp. He's slated to miss a few weeks of practice, which may not seem like a big deal, but is more magnified for a rookie. In terms of upside, he's probably the most appealing of all Ravens' running backs for fantasy purposes once healthy.
Terrance West and Lorenzo Taliaferro - West has apparently worked ahead of Taliaferro during Spring practice sessions, but neither back has an appealing outlook for fantasy purposes unless injuries strike. The two backs will reportedly battle for the final running back spot on the Ravens roster.
Training camp battles relevant to fantasy football.
It's that time of the year again. Optimism is in the air, and there are jobs up for grabs. With the onset of training camp comes heated positional battles. And the winners of these battles can help fantasy owners down the road. So who are we watching in training camp over the next month? Take a look at the list below and make sure to keep a close eye on how these roster spots shape up over the next few weeks. There may just be a league-winning sleeper to discover among the chaos.
Green Bay Packers
Wide receivers
With Jordy Nelson back in the mix and Randall Cobb returning as Aaron Rodgers' top two targets in Green Bay, there should be a heated battle for the Packers No. 3 receiver spot. Veteran James Jones led Green Bay in receiving last year with 890 yards but was let go by the team during the offseason, leaving an opportunity open for some younger talent to break through.
Devante Adams - Adams has the most experience of the group with 166 receptions, 929 yards and four touchdowns in two seasons. He struggled with drops (53.2 percent catch rate on 94 targets) and consistency last season and became the butt of many a joke in fantasy circles. It seems like he still has a shot to vie for the No. 3 role and as long as he has a consistent camp he's probably the favorite to win the job based on his experience and draft pedigree.
Jeff Janis - Janis, a major contributor on special teams, has just 14 receptions to his name through two seasons. He put himself on the map during the playoffs last year with a big game against Arizona and his fantasy truthers around the world erupted in glee. Unfortunately, he'll have to have a great camp to win the spot. It's possible, but he's nothing more than a deep sleeper for now.
Jared Abbrederis - Entering his third season, Abbrederis has battled injuries since the Packers drafted him in 2014. He managed to get on the field for five regular season games last year but recorded just nine total catches in those contests. He did get some playing time during the Packers' two playoff games and notched six catches for 69 yards. He'll have to take advantage of every opportunity he can during camp to prove to the coaching staff that he deserves a bigger role in the offense, but he clearly has some tough competition ahead of him. Unless he has a ridiculous preseason, he's off the fantasy radar.
It's that time of the year again. Optimism is in the air, and there are jobs up for grabs. With the onset of training camp comes heated positional battles. And the winners of these battles can help fantasy owners down the road. So who are we watching in training camp over the next month? Take a look at the list below and make sure to keep a close eye on how these roster spots shape up over the next few weeks. There may just be a league-winning sleeper to discover among the chaos.
Green Bay Packers
Wide receivers
With Jordy Nelson back in the mix and Randall Cobb returning as Aaron Rodgers' top two targets in Green Bay, there should be a heated battle for the Packers No. 3 receiver spot. Veteran James Jones led Green Bay in receiving last year with 890 yards but was let go by the team during the offseason, leaving an opportunity open for some younger talent to break through.
Devante Adams - Adams has the most experience of the group with 166 receptions, 929 yards and four touchdowns in two seasons. He struggled with drops (53.2 percent catch rate on 94 targets) and consistency last season and became the butt of many a joke in fantasy circles. It seems like he still has a shot to vie for the No. 3 role and as long as he has a consistent camp he's probably the favorite to win the job based on his experience and draft pedigree.
Jeff Janis - Janis, a major contributor on special teams, has just 14 receptions to his name through two seasons. He put himself on the map during the playoffs last year with a big game against Arizona and his fantasy truthers around the world erupted in glee. Unfortunately, he'll have to have a great camp to win the spot. It's possible, but he's nothing more than a deep sleeper for now.
Jared Abbrederis - Entering his third season, Abbrederis has battled injuries since the Packers drafted him in 2014. He managed to get on the field for five regular season games last year but recorded just nine total catches in those contests. He did get some playing time during the Packers' two playoff games and notched six catches for 69 yards. He'll have to take advantage of every opportunity he can during camp to prove to the coaching staff that he deserves a bigger role in the offense, but he clearly has some tough competition ahead of him. Unless he has a ridiculous preseason, he's off the fantasy radar.
Training camp battles relevant to fantasy football.
It's that time of the year again. Optimism is in the air, and there are jobs up for grabs. With the onset of training camp comes heated positional battles. And the winners of these battles can help fantasy owners down the road. So who are we watching in training camp over the next month? Take a look at the list below and make sure to keep a close eye on how these roster spots shape up over the next few weeks. There may just be a league-winning sleeper to discover among the chaos.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Wide receivers
Antonio Brown is a first round pick in fantasy. Markus Wheaton, who will serve as the No. 2 by default, is a great value pick based on his eighth-round ADP. But with Martavis Bryant suspended for the year, who will be the Steelers No. 3 wideout? It's pretty much down to veteran Darrius Heyward-Bey and second-year receiver Sammie Coates.
Sammie Coates - He garnered some praise this offseason (who hasn't), and some expect him to be the biggest benefactor of Bryant's absence. Coates is an athletic freak but he will need to really shine in camp to earn significant snaps that would translate to fantasy value.
Darrius Heyward-Bey - A veteran presence in the Steelers locker room, he had just 24 catches over his last 32 games in Pittsburgh so he's not a viable option in fantasy. Even without Coates as a factor last season, DHB didn't produce enough to be drafted. He's also going to battle tight end Ladarius Green for targets.
Eli Rogers - According to ESPN reporter Jeremy Fowler (via Mike Clay), Rogers has a chance to be the Steelers slot receiver this season. It's an interesting development at the onset of training camp and one worth monitoring. He's a second year receiver without a single reception to his name. He was signed as an undrafted free agent out of Louisville in 2015 but suffered a preseason knee injury that kept him out of action. Rogers has a smaller build but possesses explosiveness and burst after the catch. He's got some work to do to move up the depth chart, but its an interesting development at the onset of camp. For what it's worth, Rogers averaged 44 receptions and 505 receiving yards through his four years in college and scored a total of 12 touchdowns.
It's that time of the year again. Optimism is in the air, and there are jobs up for grabs. With the onset of training camp comes heated positional battles. And the winners of these battles can help fantasy owners down the road. So who are we watching in training camp over the next month? Take a look at the list below and make sure to keep a close eye on how these roster spots shape up over the next few weeks. There may just be a league-winning sleeper to discover among the chaos.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Wide receivers
Antonio Brown is a first round pick in fantasy. Markus Wheaton, who will serve as the No. 2 by default, is a great value pick based on his eighth-round ADP. But with Martavis Bryant suspended for the year, who will be the Steelers No. 3 wideout? It's pretty much down to veteran Darrius Heyward-Bey and second-year receiver Sammie Coates.
Sammie Coates - He garnered some praise this offseason (who hasn't), and some expect him to be the biggest benefactor of Bryant's absence. Coates is an athletic freak but he will need to really shine in camp to earn significant snaps that would translate to fantasy value.
Darrius Heyward-Bey - A veteran presence in the Steelers locker room, he had just 24 catches over his last 32 games in Pittsburgh so he's not a viable option in fantasy. Even without Coates as a factor last season, DHB didn't produce enough to be drafted. He's also going to battle tight end Ladarius Green for targets.
Eli Rogers - According to ESPN reporter Jeremy Fowler (via Mike Clay), Rogers has a chance to be the Steelers slot receiver this season. It's an interesting development at the onset of training camp and one worth monitoring. He's a second year receiver without a single reception to his name. He was signed as an undrafted free agent out of Louisville in 2015 but suffered a preseason knee injury that kept him out of action. Rogers has a smaller build but possesses explosiveness and burst after the catch. He's got some work to do to move up the depth chart, but its an interesting development at the onset of camp. For what it's worth, Rogers averaged 44 receptions and 505 receiving yards through his four years in college and scored a total of 12 touchdowns.
Training camp battles relevant to fantasy football.
It's that time of the year again. Optimism is in the air, and there are jobs up for grabs. With the onset of training camp comes heated positional battles. And the winners of these battles can help fantasy owners down the road. So who are we watching in training camp over the next month? Take a look at the list below and make sure to keep a close eye on how these roster spots shape up over the next few weeks. There may just be a league-winning sleeper to discover among the chaos.
Tennessee Titans
Wide receivers
The Titans receiving corps was not ideal in fantasy last season as the team's top three, Kendall Wright, Dorial Green-Beckham and Harry Douglas combined for 104 receptions, 1,368 yards and nine touchdowns.
Dorial Green-Beckham - DGB had his moments as a rookie and is a massive target in red zone situations. The hope is that he can take the next step this season and emerge as a consistent option in the passing game and a week-to-week fantasy flex option. It remains to be seen, but the upside is there if you feel like throwing a dart at him in the later rounds on draft day. Just know that if he can't get it together early on, there's a good chance the coaching staff keeps him down on the depth chart until he shapes up.
Tajae Sharpe- A fifth-round draft selection out of Massachusetts, Sharpe has garnered some buzz this offseason as he mixed in with the first-team offense in OTAs and will reportedly begin camp as a starter. He's definitely a deep sleeper to keep an eye on as his preseason performance will determine his status as a fantasy option.
Rishard Matthews - Tennessee got Matthews in free agency this offseason. Last year with Miami he posted career highs in receptions (42), yards (662) and touchdowns (4) despite starting in only 11 games due to injury. It's a real possibility that Matthews emerges as a starter in Tennessee and could have sleeper potential late in fantasy drafts depending on how the team plans to use him. He's a near-lock to make the 53-man roster at the very least.
Kendall Wright - Last season, Wright tied for the lead among all Titans wideouts in receptions with 36 and played in just 10 games. That's not a good number and not the kind of volume fantasy owners should be seeking out. Still, he's worth a late-round dart throw since he's the favorite to serve as the No. 1 slot receiver at the onset of camp.
Harry Douglas - Douglas led Titans receivers in snaps (744) and targets (72) a season ago. Unfortunately, it sounds like he'll have to have a great camp in order to be considered one of the team's top four wideouts due to the additions of Matthews and Sharpe. Nothing at this point is certain, but Douglas is far from fantasy relevant.
Justin Hunter - Hunter will likely be battling with Douglas for the final starting spot. He only played in nine games last year and had just 22 receptions for 264 yards. He's entering his fourth season in the NFL and to this point has been a major bust considering he was drafted in the second round back in 2013. He's not a relevant fantasy option.
It's that time of the year again. Optimism is in the air, and there are jobs up for grabs. With the onset of training camp comes heated positional battles. And the winners of these battles can help fantasy owners down the road. So who are we watching in training camp over the next month? Take a look at the list below and make sure to keep a close eye on how these roster spots shape up over the next few weeks. There may just be a league-winning sleeper to discover among the chaos.
Tennessee Titans
Wide receivers
The Titans receiving corps was not ideal in fantasy last season as the team's top three, Kendall Wright, Dorial Green-Beckham and Harry Douglas combined for 104 receptions, 1,368 yards and nine touchdowns.
Dorial Green-Beckham - DGB had his moments as a rookie and is a massive target in red zone situations. The hope is that he can take the next step this season and emerge as a consistent option in the passing game and a week-to-week fantasy flex option. It remains to be seen, but the upside is there if you feel like throwing a dart at him in the later rounds on draft day. Just know that if he can't get it together early on, there's a good chance the coaching staff keeps him down on the depth chart until he shapes up.
Tajae Sharpe- A fifth-round draft selection out of Massachusetts, Sharpe has garnered some buzz this offseason as he mixed in with the first-team offense in OTAs and will reportedly begin camp as a starter. He's definitely a deep sleeper to keep an eye on as his preseason performance will determine his status as a fantasy option.
Rishard Matthews - Tennessee got Matthews in free agency this offseason. Last year with Miami he posted career highs in receptions (42), yards (662) and touchdowns (4) despite starting in only 11 games due to injury. It's a real possibility that Matthews emerges as a starter in Tennessee and could have sleeper potential late in fantasy drafts depending on how the team plans to use him. He's a near-lock to make the 53-man roster at the very least.
Kendall Wright - Last season, Wright tied for the lead among all Titans wideouts in receptions with 36 and played in just 10 games. That's not a good number and not the kind of volume fantasy owners should be seeking out. Still, he's worth a late-round dart throw since he's the favorite to serve as the No. 1 slot receiver at the onset of camp.
Harry Douglas - Douglas led Titans receivers in snaps (744) and targets (72) a season ago. Unfortunately, it sounds like he'll have to have a great camp in order to be considered one of the team's top four wideouts due to the additions of Matthews and Sharpe. Nothing at this point is certain, but Douglas is far from fantasy relevant.
Justin Hunter - Hunter will likely be battling with Douglas for the final starting spot. He only played in nine games last year and had just 22 receptions for 264 yards. He's entering his fourth season in the NFL and to this point has been a major bust considering he was drafted in the second round back in 2013. He's not a relevant fantasy option.
Training camp battles relevant to fantasy football.
It's that time of the year again. Optimism is in the air, and there are jobs up for grabs. With the onset of training camp comes heated positional battles. And the winners of these battles can help fantasy owners down the road. So who are we watching in training camp over the next month? Take a look at the list below and make sure to keep a close eye on how these roster spots shape up over the next few weeks. There may just be a league-winning sleeper to discover among the chaos.
Chicago Bears
Running backs
The Bears backfield is basically a muddled mess from a fantasy standpoint and has even been referred to as "hell for fantasy owners" by a Chicago beat reporter.
Jeremy Langford - Based on his success as a fantasy option last season, Langford is probably the first Bears running back to target in drafts. While his ADP has fallen since Spring, he's still going as a late fourth-rounder according to 12-team data on FantasyFootballCalculator.com. That's just too rich of a price for a guy who's going to be a potentially three-man committee member. But he's worth watching in camp to see if he can separate himself from the rest of the pack.
Jordan Howard - The rookie will have to earn his snaps in camp, and a strong preseason showing could lead to more opportunities once the real games commence in September. Howard is built like an early down and short-yardage banger so there's a chance he develops into the team's goal-line back. He's definitely worth a dart throw as a sleeper considering his current Round 13 ADP.
Ka'Deem Carey - Carey is a longshot to have a fantasy impact but could still be a relevant member of Chicago's backfield committee. He managed to vulture a few touchdowns late last year and with this situation in flux, it's not out of the question for Carey to slide up the depth chart with a strong showing in camp. For now though, he's off the fantasy radar.
Jacquizz Rodgers - The senior member of the Bears running backs corps, Rodgers is last on this list for a reason. He's mainly a passing-down type and his best season came in 2012 as a Falcon with 402 receiving yards on 53 receptions. Unless there is an injury, Rodgers likely won't be much of a factor here.
It's that time of the year again. Optimism is in the air, and there are jobs up for grabs. With the onset of training camp comes heated positional battles. And the winners of these battles can help fantasy owners down the road. So who are we watching in training camp over the next month? Take a look at the list below and make sure to keep a close eye on how these roster spots shape up over the next few weeks. There may just be a league-winning sleeper to discover among the chaos.
Chicago Bears
Running backs
The Bears backfield is basically a muddled mess from a fantasy standpoint and has even been referred to as "hell for fantasy owners" by a Chicago beat reporter.
Jeremy Langford - Based on his success as a fantasy option last season, Langford is probably the first Bears running back to target in drafts. While his ADP has fallen since Spring, he's still going as a late fourth-rounder according to 12-team data on FantasyFootballCalculator.com. That's just too rich of a price for a guy who's going to be a potentially three-man committee member. But he's worth watching in camp to see if he can separate himself from the rest of the pack.
Jordan Howard - The rookie will have to earn his snaps in camp, and a strong preseason showing could lead to more opportunities once the real games commence in September. Howard is built like an early down and short-yardage banger so there's a chance he develops into the team's goal-line back. He's definitely worth a dart throw as a sleeper considering his current Round 13 ADP.
Ka'Deem Carey - Carey is a longshot to have a fantasy impact but could still be a relevant member of Chicago's backfield committee. He managed to vulture a few touchdowns late last year and with this situation in flux, it's not out of the question for Carey to slide up the depth chart with a strong showing in camp. For now though, he's off the fantasy radar.
Jacquizz Rodgers - The senior member of the Bears running backs corps, Rodgers is last on this list for a reason. He's mainly a passing-down type and his best season came in 2012 as a Falcon with 402 receiving yards on 53 receptions. Unless there is an injury, Rodgers likely won't be much of a factor here.
Training camp battles relevant to fantasy football.
It's that time of the year again. Optimism is in the air, and there are jobs up for grabs. With the onset of training camp comes heated positional battles. And the winners of these battles can help fantasy owners down the road. So who are we watching in training camp over the next month? Take a look at the list below and make sure to keep a close eye on how these roster spots shape up over the next few weeks. There may just be a league-winning sleeper to discover among the chaos.
New Orleans Saints
Wide receivers
Beyond third-year stud Brandin Cooks as the No. 1 it's unclear how the Saints receiving corps will round out. New Orleans lost tight end Benjamin Watson (74 rec) and veteran wideout Marques Colston (45 rec). So who will fill these voids and potentially emerge as fantasy assets down the line?
Michael Thomas - A second-round selection by the Saints, the rookie received mixed reviews during the offseason program with one Saints.com reporter going as far to say that Thomas won't beat out Coleman for the No. 3 job. For the most part though the feedback on the rookie has been glowing, and we're buying into that. Thomas saw snaps with the first team offense and has apparently already gained the trust of his quarterback, Drew Brees. Some think the rookie will fill Colston's role since he's basically a clone of the veteran in terms of size. Still he'll have to fend off Coleman who has a few years of experience but isn't considered a lock for the gig.
Brandon Coleman - The 6-foot-6 receiver only started three games last year and once Snead emerged, Coleman's role in the Saints offense was greatly diminished. He saw just a single target in eight games and was quickly forgotten as a fantasy asset. Back in February, it was reported that Coleman would fill Colston's role. That was before the team drafted Thomas though. If the rookie can flash in camp, he'll likely start ahead of Coleman.
Willie Snead - Snead fell just shy of 1,000 receiving yards last year and was a fantasy waiver wire gem, especially in PPR leagues as he averaged 6.7 targets per game. He will still have to shine in camp to earn himself the No. 2 role but building a rapport with Brees last season surely helps his case. He doesn't have much touchdown upside with bigger-bodied guys like Thomas and Fleener the go-to red zone targets but Snead will once again be an asset in PPR formats and could push for 1,000 yards for the second straight season.
It's that time of the year again. Optimism is in the air, and there are jobs up for grabs. With the onset of training camp comes heated positional battles. And the winners of these battles can help fantasy owners down the road. So who are we watching in training camp over the next month? Take a look at the list below and make sure to keep a close eye on how these roster spots shape up over the next few weeks. There may just be a league-winning sleeper to discover among the chaos.
New Orleans Saints
Wide receivers
Beyond third-year stud Brandin Cooks as the No. 1 it's unclear how the Saints receiving corps will round out. New Orleans lost tight end Benjamin Watson (74 rec) and veteran wideout Marques Colston (45 rec). So who will fill these voids and potentially emerge as fantasy assets down the line?
Michael Thomas - A second-round selection by the Saints, the rookie received mixed reviews during the offseason program with one Saints.com reporter going as far to say that Thomas won't beat out Coleman for the No. 3 job. For the most part though the feedback on the rookie has been glowing, and we're buying into that. Thomas saw snaps with the first team offense and has apparently already gained the trust of his quarterback, Drew Brees. Some think the rookie will fill Colston's role since he's basically a clone of the veteran in terms of size. Still he'll have to fend off Coleman who has a few years of experience but isn't considered a lock for the gig.
Brandon Coleman - The 6-foot-6 receiver only started three games last year and once Snead emerged, Coleman's role in the Saints offense was greatly diminished. He saw just a single target in eight games and was quickly forgotten as a fantasy asset. Back in February, it was reported that Coleman would fill Colston's role. That was before the team drafted Thomas though. If the rookie can flash in camp, he'll likely start ahead of Coleman.
Willie Snead - Snead fell just shy of 1,000 receiving yards last year and was a fantasy waiver wire gem, especially in PPR leagues as he averaged 6.7 targets per game. He will still have to shine in camp to earn himself the No. 2 role but building a rapport with Brees last season surely helps his case. He doesn't have much touchdown upside with bigger-bodied guys like Thomas and Fleener the go-to red zone targets but Snead will once again be an asset in PPR formats and could push for 1,000 yards for the second straight season.
Training camp battles relevant to fantasy football.
It's that time of the year again. Optimism is in the air, and there are jobs up for grabs. With the onset of training camp comes heated positional battles. And the winners of these battles can help fantasy owners down the road. So who are we watching in training camp over the next month? Take a look at the list below and make sure to keep a close eye on how these roster spots shape up over the next few weeks. There may just be a league-winning sleeper to discover among the chaos.
San Francisco 49ers
Quarterbacks
With a new coaching staff in San Francisco, Colin Kaepernick could get another shot at the starting quarterback job for the 49ers. Kap had his moments as a fantasy asset and his ability to run the ball added value. But Blaine Gabbert got on a roll late last year despite the lack of talented weapons for him to work with. So who will coach Chip Kelly chose?
Blaine Gabbert - After taking over as the 49ers starter halfway through last season, Gabbert provided fantasy owners with streaming value. His worst outing was a 10.8 fantasy point game against Cincinnati's stingy defense and his ceiling reached 25.34 points against Chicago in Week 13. Signs point to Gabbert winning the starting job under new head coach Chip Kelly, but there's still an outside chance that Kaepernick can compete if he has a good camp.
Colin Kaepernick - Coming off of surgeries on his knee, shoulder and thumb, Kaepernick was limited during Spring minicamp sessions. He should be a full go for training camp and could force Chip Kelly to make a tough decision if he flashes the athletic ability that made him a top-10 fantasy QB in 2013. His development is worth keeping an eye on in the new San Francisco offense.
It's that time of the year again. Optimism is in the air, and there are jobs up for grabs. With the onset of training camp comes heated positional battles. And the winners of these battles can help fantasy owners down the road. So who are we watching in training camp over the next month? Take a look at the list below and make sure to keep a close eye on how these roster spots shape up over the next few weeks. There may just be a league-winning sleeper to discover among the chaos.
San Francisco 49ers
Quarterbacks
With a new coaching staff in San Francisco, Colin Kaepernick could get another shot at the starting quarterback job for the 49ers. Kap had his moments as a fantasy asset and his ability to run the ball added value. But Blaine Gabbert got on a roll late last year despite the lack of talented weapons for him to work with. So who will coach Chip Kelly chose?
Blaine Gabbert - After taking over as the 49ers starter halfway through last season, Gabbert provided fantasy owners with streaming value. His worst outing was a 10.8 fantasy point game against Cincinnati's stingy defense and his ceiling reached 25.34 points against Chicago in Week 13. Signs point to Gabbert winning the starting job under new head coach Chip Kelly, but there's still an outside chance that Kaepernick can compete if he has a good camp.
Colin Kaepernick - Coming off of surgeries on his knee, shoulder and thumb, Kaepernick was limited during Spring minicamp sessions. He should be a full go for training camp and could force Chip Kelly to make a tough decision if he flashes the athletic ability that made him a top-10 fantasy QB in 2013. His development is worth keeping an eye on in the new San Francisco offense.
