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Giants | Malik Nabers productive in final quarter (Sun Jul 6, 12:41 PM) [jump to this story] Texans | C.J. Stroud comfortable with Christian Kirk (Sun Jul 6, 12:41 PM) [jump to this story] Bears | Unenviable distinction for Rome Odunze (Sun Jul 6, 12:41 PM) [jump to this story] |
Bengals | Jermaine Burton rebounding nicely Sun Jul 6, 04:31 PM
Cincinnati Bengals WR Jermaine Burton has 'rebounded nicely' this offseason, in the opinion of Bengals Wire's Chris Roling.
Link to storyJacksonville Jaguars head coach Liam Coen said he is excited that WR Dyami Brown is on the roster because he can be productive in all types of routes in the passing game. 'You look at somebody that's able to attack the field at all three levels,' Coen said. 'He can go down the field on the post, in the go, in the pylons and be the top shelf, but also you can throw him a screen and he can go and do something with it. I can't coach that. I can't coach you to go and make three people miss after you've caught the ball. ... That's what he can do.'
Footballguys view: This has been a consistent yet somewhat under-the-radar drum beat this offseason. The team is excited about Brown in this dynamic offense, and that means Fantasy GMs can look to Brown as a late-round flier. His 'easy speed' means Brown could take the top off the defense while Brian Thomas and Travis Hunter get plenty of targets. If Brown plays up to his potential, and this offense performs like it could, Brown is a 'what the heck' flex. |
Dyami Brown player page
Chicago Bears WR Rome Odunze's three receiving touchdowns were the fewest in the NFL among players who received at least 13 end zone targets in 2024.
Footballguys view: Odunze, and really the whole Bears pass offense this year, is a riddle for fantasy drafts. He and Caleb Williams had one of the most inefficient connections in the league last year, but offensive whiz Ben Johnson chose this head coaching staff and knew Williams would be his quarterback, so he must like the potential of the 2024 #1 overall pick. Odunze has also gotten a lot of early praise from Johnson, so he could emerge as the #1 in a passing game stocked with weapons. Odunze costs basically the same as he did last year in drafts, which shows optimism, since he and the Bears pass offense was such a disappointment last year. |
Houston Texans WR Christian Kirk looked like a 'safety blanket' for QB C.J. Stroud during minicamp, according to DJ Bien-Aime II of ESPN.com.
Footballguys view: Kirk has been a forgotten man even though the Texans are paying him over $15 million to play for this year. He was going to be released, but the team was willing to give a seventh round pick for him. Second round pick Jayden Higgins has been the talk of OTAs, but Kirk could easily reproduce Stefon Diggs pre-injury numbers last year, but he's a lot cheaper than Diggs was in 2024 drafts. The Texans offense could be improved after they made a lot of changes on the coaching staff in the offense, but they also traded away their best offensive lineman when they sent Laremy Tunsil to Washington in the offseason. |
Christian Kirk player page
New York Giants WR Malik Nabers caught 39 passes for 472 yards and three touchdowns during the fourth quarter of games during the 2024 season.
Footballguys view: It's not clear if going from Drew Lock to Russell Wilson will be an upgrade for Nabers, but we shouldn't be surprised if Nabers transcends his quarterback play again this year. You'll need to take him in the mid first round if you want him this year. |
Jacksonville Jaguars WR Brian Thomas Jr. caught 38 passes for 490 yards and five touchdowns in December during the 2024 season.
Footballguys view: With Mac Jones at quarterback and a lame duck coaching staff, may we add. Thomas could and should be even better with Trevor Lawrence throwing to him and Liam Coen calling the shots. He's available in the second half of the first round, which might seem like a value in hindsight. |
Denver Broncos WR Marvin Mims has been gaining confidence since he became more involved in the offense last season, according to offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi. Mims may receive more playing time on offense this upcoming season and will still be used as a returner.
Footballguys view: Mims came on at the end of the season and could be a breakout player this season. The Broncos wide receiver group is deep and varied, so Mims is the most valuable in a best ball league where inconsistency isn't as damaging to your weekly outcome. We'll be listening and watching to see if Mims is taking big steps forward in his third training camp as he competes with Troy Franklin, Devaughn Vele, and third round pick Pat Bryant for targets. |
On a recent episode of "The Rich Eisen Show" NFL Network's Tom Pelissero said there will be "decisions for everybody to make" if Miami Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa can't stay healthy in 2025.
Footballguys view: No surprise here. Mike McDaniel is on the hot seat this year, and there could be a front office/coaching staff reset if the team doesn't make a run to the playoffs. That relies on the health of Tagovailoa as McDaniel's team doesn't perform the same without their starting quarterback. Zach Wilson is there to fill in if/when Tagovailoa is banged up. |
Tua Tagovailoa player page
Cincinnati Bengals QB Joe Burrow (wrist) said during the club's mandatory minicamp last month that he hasn't fully recovered from season-ending surgery performed on his right wrist in November 2023. '(In 2024), I still wasn't quite back to throwing it the way that I expect,' he said. 'It's improved this year and it will continue to improve. As long as I keep making those reps, taking the extra time to get that rhythm back, it will continue to improve.'
Footballguys view: Burrow was nearly an elite fantasy quarterback last year, and that was with some offensive line problems and Tee Higgins missing five games. If the line improves, Higgins stays healthy, and Burrow's wrist feels better, he could be even better, but fantasy drafters are onto him, as Burrow is going closer to the elite tier headed by Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson than he has before. He could end up being the #1 fantasy quarterback in 6 point per pass touchdown leagues. |
Joe Burrow player page
Updating a previous report, free-agent WR Chase Claypool (Bills) said in a post on his Instagram account that he is fully healthy after spending the last year rehabbing from a torn ligament and tendon in the second toe on his left foot.
Footballguys view: Claypool is sending the message via social networking that he's ready to play, and we're sure his agent is working the phones behind the scenes. If the veteran receiver is going to find a team, it's likely during training camp or the preseason if/when someone gets hurt. His size/speed combination should get him some interest now that he's healthy, but a move doesn't seem imminent. |
Chase Claypool player page
After taking a year off from football, Carolina Panthers WR Hunter Renfrow said that he is still getting into playing shape but is pleased with how his body has responded to football movements through offseason workouts. Renfrow had battled the autoimmune condition ulcerative colitis, which caused severe bouts of fatigue and led to him dropping down to 150 pounds. 'I struggled my last two (seasons) with the Raiders and last year just struggled with fatigue but this is by far the best I've felt since 2021,' he said.
Footballguys view: The Panthers have an interesting group of receivers at the top of the depth chart in Tetairoa McMillan, Adam Thielen, and Xavier Leggette. Renfrow is working for a spot on the depth chart behind those three. He'll compete against guys like sixth-round pick Jimmy Horn Jr and 2024 UDFA Jalen Coker to establish a pecking order. A Pro Bowler in 2021, Renfrow is just trying to stick in a more-talented-than-some-think room in Carolina. |
Hunter Renfrow player page
New York Giants RB Tyrone Tracy Jr., who finished his rookie campaign with five fumbles, has been working on holding on to the football. He purchased a grip strengthener this offseason that he uses every night and he feels that it has made a difference.
Footballguys view: Tracy is a talented back who can thrive as a runner or receiver out of the backfield, but that doesn't matter if he can't hang onto the ball. In addition to ball security, Tracy needs to improve his pass-protection ability. Rookie Cam Skattebo is there to compete for playing time, and errors by Tracy could open the door for the young power back. |
Free-agent WR Chase Claypool (Bills) said he has spent the last year rehabbing from the toe injury that he suffered last August. 'I tore a ligament and a tendon in my second toe and have been rehabbing, working out, and recovering every day for the past year,' Claypool said.
Footballguys view: Claypool was released in mid-August last year with an injury settlement. Now, he's working to be in the best shape of his life....kind of the standard news you get in this type of situation with a veteran trying to return after a missed year due to injury. After 121 catches in his first two pro seasons (2020, 2021), Claypool only has 54 catches over the next three years with a few different teams. His size/speed combination might earn a look from a team who gets desperate at the wide receiver position. |
Chase Claypool player page
New York Giants TE Theo Johnson said he was feeling more comfortable each game before his injury last season and is looking forward to this season because he believes he is more prepared to play.
Footballguys view: A fourth-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Johnson was an intriguing prospect out of Penn State. Last year as a rookie, Johnson had 29 catches for 331 yards and one touchdown in 12 games. He was placed on Injured Reserve with a foot injury, but now he's healthy and in line to be the top tight end for the Giants. Let's watch to see if he builds strong chemistry with QB Russell Wilson during training camp and the preseason. Fantasy GMs in dynasty leagues might have interest, but in re-draft leagues he's a TE3. |
Jacksonville Jaguars WR/CB Travis Hunter will see reps at wide receiver and cornerback during the same padded practices at training camp, according to chief football strategy officer Tony Khan, who made a recent appearance on The Rich Eisen Show. During spring practices, Hunter had worked exclusively on one side of the ball on any given day.
Footballguys view: Hunter wants to play full time on both sides of the ball, but he's likely to be primarily a wide receiver. He's a unicorn type of prospect, so Hunter might be able to log more defensive snaps than some think. Hunter has speed, concentration, and body control as a receiver. Opposite Brian Thomas, Hunter should be able to take advantage of coverage. He's a WR3 for Fantasy GMs with plenty of flex appeal. |
The Pittsburgh Steelers remain open to acquiring another wide receiver this offseason to start alongside WR DK Metcalf, according to ESPN's Brooke Pryor.
Footballguys view: We'll see if the Steelers are able to find someone else for QB Aaron Rodgers to throw to...and perhaps a former teammate of Rodgers. This offseason, Rodgers is holding private workouts with teammates like Metcalf, Calvin Austin, Roman Wilson, Scotty Miller, and Ben Skowronek and TE Pat Freiermuth. At this time, Metcalf, Friermuth, and newly acquired TE Jonnu Smith should be the top targets for Rodgers. |
DK Metcalf player page
New England Patriots WR DeMario Douglas could see playing time at multiple spots around the formation this season, according to head coach Mike Vrabel, who added that he has been impressed with his attitude during practices.
Footballguys view: Douglas is a player we like calling '7-11' because he's always open. It doesn't matter where he lines up, Douglas has the quickness to create space against cornerbacks. Stefon Diggs might take up a lot of slot snaps this year, meaning Douglas might be lining up outside to attack defenses. Douglas has a current ADP of WR72, so that means he's a player to keep on waiver wire speed dial in case he hits. |
DeMario Douglas player page
Free-agent CB Stephon Gilmore (Vikings) recently told 'The Money Down' podcast that he still wants to play but that it has to be 'the right situation for me.'
Link to storyStephon Gilmore player page
Carolina Panthers WR Tetairoa McMillan's 'natural ability to understand the game ... has really stuck to me,' according to teammate Adam Thielen.'Mentally, his natural ability to understand the game ... I haven't been around too many guys that it just comes so easily to them this early ... the playbook, the little intricacies, the game within the game. That has really stuck out to me. The same thing on the field, physically, everything just comes very natural to him. He doesn't have to force anything or do anything that's kind of out of his comfort zone because it just comes so naturally to him. That's going to help him have a lot of success. And on top of that, he's a great human being. So those things created together usually lead to a long career,' Thielen recently told PFSN.
Footballguys view: McMillan was arguably the best receiver in this class, so it's not a surprise to hear a veteran like Thielen praise the rookie's skill set. There's a dash of Mike Evans to McMillan's game, and he should greatly help the Panthers passing game and the continued development of QB Bryce Young. |
Detroit Lions WR Amon-Ra St. Brown was one of only two receivers in the league to draw at least 100 targets against zone coverage in 2024 - Minnesota Vikings WR Justin Jefferson was the other - and finished with 91 catches on 107 targets for 1,048 yards (second most in the league) and 51 first downs. St. Brown led the league in targets, catches and first downs against zone for the second straight season while tying for the fourth-best zone catch rate (85.0%), according to Pro Football Focus.
Footballguys view: St. Brown is tough to cover no matter if defenses use zone or man against him. He's caught over 100 passes each of the last three seasons, and we're projecting him to go over the century mark again in 2025. St. Brown's current ADP is WR6, and Fantasy GMs are taking him around the turn between the first and second round. |
Amon-Ra St. Brown player page
Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield accumulated 967 yards passing on throws completed behind the line of scrimmage in 2024 - the second-highest mark by any quarterback since 2018, according to Nex Gen Stats. Only Patrick Mahomes had more such passing yards in a season (1,058 in 2018).
Footballguys view: Expect more of the same this year as new Bucs OC Josh Grizzard isn't going to reinvent the wheel. Mayfield needs to cut down on his interceptions (he led the NFL with 16 last year), but he was the no.3 fantasy quarterback in 2024 (standard-scoring leagues). While we're not projecting him for 41 touchdowns, Mayfield should still pass for around 4,200 yards and 30-35 touchdowns this season. Those projections make him a top-10 fantasy quarterback for 2025. |
Patrick Mahomes II player page
Baker Mayfield player page
New York Giants QB Russell Wilson was the most impressive on the field in front of the media, according to one Giants insider.
Footballguys view: Wilson is the heavy favorite to start Week 1, but he is unlikely to be the starter in Week 18. Last year he was strong at the beginning of his tenure as the Steelers quarterback, but by the postseason looked like someone ripe for replacement. In a best case scenario for fantasy, Jameis Winston would take over if that happens again this year, but head coach Brian Daboll will probably be more inclined to start first round pick Jaxson Dart. |
Russell Wilson player page
Tennessee Titans QB Cam Ward said he is learning to move defenders with his eyes and adjusting to the closing speed of defenders.
Footballguys view: We'll be watching the camp reports on Ward closely to project how rough that first month will be for the #1 overall pick. He opens with Denver, the Rams, Indianapolis, and Houston, not exactly a cake walk. Don't be surprised if he has a rough start in both NFL and fantasy terms. Ward is going off of the board as QB25 per the latest Footballguys ADP, which reflects the hesitation to use him early in lineups - even in superflex leagues. |
Minnesota Vikings RB Ty Chandler likely needs an 'inspiring training camp' in order to secure a roster spot, according to Alec Lewis of The Athletic.
Footballguys view: The Vikings appeared to sour on Chandler during the 2024 season even though they had big hopes for him going into the year. They traded for Cam Akers in October and quickly phased out Chandler. Akers wasn't re-signed (he's in New Orleans now), but the Vikings traded for Jordan Mason, who will be in a committee with Aaron Jones. It's possible the team only carries two backs into the season, but if they have a third and it's not Ty Chandler, two undrafted free agents - Zavier Scott and Tre Stewart - are the other two backs on currently on the roster. |
Minnesota Vikings WR Tai Felton's rookie season will be 'spent mostly on special teams,' according to Alec Lewis of The Athletic.
Footballguys view: Jalen Nailor the third wide receiver and he has been very productive in the role as a downfield target with deep speed. The Vikings were probably looking ahead to Nailor hitting free agency next year and likely getting a deal from a team that they aren't willing to pay with wide receiver salaries going up at a higher rate than other positions lately. Felton will get a chance to be the third receiver behind Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, but probably not until next season. |
Los Angeles Rams RB Kyren Williams recorded all 14 of his rushing touchdowns in the red zone during the 2024 NFL season. He also caught both of his receiving touchdowns in the red zone.
Footballguys view: The Rams have drafted running backs in the third round (Blake Corum) and fourth round (Jarquez Hunter) in the last two drafts, and both are bigger than Williams. Don't expect Williams to cede that red zone role, though, as the Rams love him, and are seeking to sign him to a long-term extension. Williams is a clear lead back in a great offense, but he's still available in the third round of fantasy drafts. |
Philadelphia Eagles RB Saquon Barkley rushed for 1,245 yards and eight touchdowns during the second half of games during the 2024 season. He posted 760 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns in the first half of games.
Footballguys view: The Eagles will want to keep Barkley fresh after a 480+ touch season when the postseason is added to his final numbers. 2024 fourth round pick Will Shipley had a great spring and should play the Kenneth Gainwell role at a minimum after Gainwell signed with Pittsburgh in free agency. AJ Dillon is coming back from a neck injury and could be the early down backup, but Shipley is talented enough to claim that role too. When you are putting together a list of backup running backs to target late in your draft, Shipley should be on it. |
Saquon Barkley player page
Las Vegas Raiders WR Jack Bech and WR Dont'e Thornton Jr. likely will have roles in the passing game during their rookie seasons since the Raiders did not make any big moves at the position during the offseason, in the opinion of ESPN.com's Ryan McFadden.
Footballguys view: Thornton appears to be ahead of Bech because of his impressive OTA performance that highlighted his rare size/speed combination. Tre Tucker will battle Thornton for a starting role on the outside, while Bech is better suited in the slot. Jakobi Meyers can play both inside and outside and Brock Bowers will line up at wide receiver at times, so there's a lot to sort out here. In any event, the draft picks will improve the passing game and the running game, as both are spirited downfield blockers. |
Pittsburgh Steelers TE Jonnu Smith said he is excited about his move to the Steelers because he believes the team values him as a player.
Footballguys view: Raheem Mostert took to social media to roast the Dolphins for their treatment of him and Smith in a sign that some players don't feel valued by the franchise. Miami also let Calais Campbell walk in free agency to Arizona over a few million dollars. The writing is on the wall that the Dolphins could be on the verge of a rebuild. |
Jonnu Smith player page
New Orleans Saints second-round draft choice QB Tyler Shough said he expects to sign his rookie contract before the start of training camp.
Footballguys view: Jayden Higgins and Carson Schwesinger were the first two picks of the second round and they became the first two second rounder to get full guaranteed contracts. Now, Shough, and the other 29 second round picks remain unsigned as they seek fully guaranteed deals. This should get resolved before camp, but Shough's case might be more difficult because as a potential starting quarterback, he has the best case of the remaining unsigned picks to get a fully guaranteed deal. We'll be watching this as Quinshon Judkins, TreVeyon Henderson, and RJ Harvey - all slated to play big roles this year, if not become the starting running backs for their teams - are among the unsigned players. |
Pittsburgh Steelers LB T.J. Watt is expected to sign a long-term contract that will exceed the four-year, $160 million extension Cleveland Browns DE Myles Garrett signed earlier this offseason, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. Per Pelissero, the 'most likely' outcome is that the two sides will agree to an extension before the season opener.
Footballguys view: The Steelers have made a lot of moves this offseason, but apparently some teams found it curious that they didn't get this deal done before the flurry of activity, so there have been inquiries about Watt's availability via trade. If Pelissero's report is correct, those have been in vain. Watt is turning 31 during the season, so any new contract will be paying top dollar for years on the back nine of his career arc. |
T.J. Watt player page
Minnesota Vikings WR Myles Price will have a chance to return kicks and punts during training camp and the preseason, according to Alec Lewis of The Athletic.
Link to storyCincinnati Bengals DT Kris Jenkins told Dan Hoard - the team's radio voice - that he is 100% and no longer bothered by the broken right thumb he played with as a rookie last season.
Link to storyPittsburgh Steelers general manager Omar Khan signed a three-year contract extension - which will keep Khan in his current post through the 2028 season - on Thursday, July 3. Financial terms of the deal were not immediately disclosed.
Footballguys view: We know that Mike Tomlin is probably unfireable at this point. Any suggestion that Khan might be on the hot seat after a string on moves that could be interpreted as desperate should be put to rest by this announcement. |
Jacksonville Jaguars RBs Bhayshul Tuten and LeQuint Allen 'make sense as potential fill-ins on third downs thanks to their abilities as pass-catchers out of the backfield and the success each had pass-blocking in college,' according to SI.com's John Shipley.
Footballguys view: Tuten is an exciting player with the ball in his hands. He loves the East-West cuts as a runner, and Tuten can be difficult for defenders to line up for a tackle. He had zero drops in 2024 and can be a reliable receiver out of the backfield. Allen has some James Cook to his game. He's got build-up speed, and Allen can make quick cuts with creativity as a runner. We like both rookie runners in dynasty formats. |
Kansas City Chiefs RB Elijah Mitchell should make the team, given good health, in the opinion of beat writer Jesse Newell.
Footballguys view: It will be interesting to see if Mitchell can stay healthy because everyone knows he has talent to produce in the NFL. As a rookie in 2021, Mitchell was nearly a 1,000-yard rusher for the 49ers but he's only played in 16 games over the next three years (and missed all of 2024 due to a hamstring injury). If healthy, Mitchell will work into the backfield rotation with Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt. |
Elijah Mitchell player page
New York Jets QB Justin Fields has been making throws on the level of Aaron Rodgers, according to CB Sauce Gardner. 'And it's like Justin had made a few throws where I'm like, 'OK, he really been in the lab, for real,'' Gardner said.
Footballguys view: Fields is a QB1 for Fantasy GMs because of his rushing ability. He's a low-end QB1, but there's an upside if he develops as a passer. Fields will be running a more creative offense than he did with the Steelers last year. ESPN's Rich Cimini reports the Jets offense under OC Tanner Engstrand will have a "Lions flavor to it." |
Justin Fields player page
Baltimore Ravens WR DeAndre Hopkins believes he could be the 'piece that's been missing' from the offense, and QB Lamar Jackson said he can already tell that Hopkins is a different type of receiver.
Footballguys view: It's good that Hopkins believes that, but he's simply not the player he used to be anymore. Perhaps he's found a fountain of youth in Baltimore, but the Chiefs phased him out of their offense last year after they traded for him. Projecting him for 30 or so catches this year seems appropriate...and that makes him a player Fantasy GMs will be leaving on the waiver wire. |
DeAndre Hopkins player page
Pittsburgh Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers has been working out with several of his receivers and tight ends in Malibu.
Footballguys view: It's offseason "fluff" time when all the reports are about quarterbacks holding camps with their receivers away from the facility. It's no surprise that a veteran like Rodgers is doing this, especially since he needs all the time he can get to build chemistry with his new teammates. Rodgers with Steelers OC Arthur Smith is somewhat of an odd pairing, and we've got him as a low-end QB2 for the 2025 season. |
Aaron Rodgers player page
Buffalo Bills RB James Cook is expected to report for the start of training camp despite his contract situation.
Footballguys view: Repeat after me; "deals get done at deadlines." The deadline is the beginning of training camp coming up at the end of the month. We'll see if the two sides can come to an agreement before then. Reports indicate Cook wants a new contract that pays him around $15 million annually. |
Green Bay Packers RB Josh Jacobs rushed for 12 of his 15 touchdowns during the second half of the 2024 NFL season even though he rushed for 667 yards in the first half and 662 yards in the second half.
Footballguys view: Jacobs was a stud for the Packers last year. In 17 games, Jacobs ran 301 times for 1329 yards and a career-high 15 touchdowns. He also added a career-best 9.5 yards per reception on 43 targets. This year, Fantasy GMs are taking Jabobs off the board in the second or third round with a current ADP of RB10. |
Josh Jacobs player page
New Orleans Saints QBs Tyler Shough, Jake Haener and Hunter Dekkers worked out with WR Chris Olave, WR Rashid Shaheed, WR Brandin Cooks and other pass catchers earlier this week. QB Spencer Rattler did not attend because of a previous commitment, but Cooks said he worked out with Rattler earlier in the offseason and another throwing session is expected before training camp.
Footballguys view: The Saints have a bad quarterback situation, and that could hold back the numbers of the passing game in 2025. Shough, the rookie who played in college for seven years, is in line to be the starter but offers limited upside. The best player from the Saints passing game (Olave) is going off the board at WR35 due to the question marks about any of the Saints quarterbacks (and his injury concerns). |
Brandin Cooks player page
Jake Haener player page
Detroit Lions WR Jameson Williams caught only one of his seven touchdowns inside the red zone during the 2024 season. He caught four of his touchdowns from the team's own side of the 50-yard line.
Footballguys view: Williams can do even more this season if he continues to develop. Fantasy GMs see him as a WR2 with upside, and he's got a current ADP of WR24. Lions HC Dan Campbell named Williams as a player who stood out this spring. |
Detroit Lions RB David Montgomery recorded nine of his 12 rushing touchdowns in the first half of games during the 2024 NFL season.
Footballguys view: Montgomery is a player who sets the tone for the Lions offense. In 2025, Montgomery will once again work in tandem with Jahmyr Gibbs to give Detroit one of the best 1-2 punches in the league. While Gibbs is going off the board at RB3 in fantasy drafts, you can get Montgomery around RB24. |
David Montgomery player page
Denver Broncos CB P.J. Locke (back) shared on YouTube that he is one of the first players to undergo spinal fusion surgery in his back. Locke shared a meeting with his surgeon, Dr. Chad Prusmack, on Feb. 10 after surgery. The degenerated discs in Locke's L4 and L5 vertebrae led to bone-on-bone, and Prusmack fused the spine with a 'cage' and screws. Five months later, Locke said he's pain free.
Link to storyP.J. Locke player page
Minnesota Vikings WR Jalen Nailor came to OTAs 'in the best shape of his life,' per The Athletic's Chad Graff, who affirms that Nailor will be the team's No. 3 receiver as he enters a contract year.
Footballguys view: He's a depth piece for Fantasy GMs as the no.3 receiver for the Vikings. Last year, Nailor caught 28 passes for 414 yards and six touchdowns. In this year's training camp and preseason, we want to see what kind of chemistry Nailor (and the rest of the Vikings receivers) has with QB JJ McCarthy. |
Cleveland Browns WR Cedric Tillman is viewed internally as an 'ascending player,' according to Zac Jackson of The Athletic, who notes that Tillman offers 'size that no one else in the receiving group has.' Jackson adds that while WR Jerry Jeudy is the team's undisputed No. 1 receiver, Tillman should have a 'full-time role' this season as a complement to Jeudy.
Footballguys view: Tillman was sidelined during mandatory minicamp with what is believed to be a minor injury. If healthy, he's going to have a role on this offense as the starter opposite of Jeudy. However, the Browns quarterback situation is up in the air (and may not be that great even if one of the four options emerges) and that holds back the potential of the passing attack. Tillman is a WR6 for Fantasy GMs, and we like projecting him for around 40 catches in 2025. |
Denver Broncos WR Marvin Mims worked as one of the starting receivers during the offseason alongside WRs Courtland Sutton and Troy Franklin, per ESPN's Jeff Legwold, though what role he ends up in when the regular season starts 'remains to be seen.' Legwold adds the competition will be 'stiff' at receiver in camp with Mims, Franklin, Devaughn Vele, and rookie Pat Bryant all looking for a spot.
Footballguys view: Mims is not to be overlooked by Fantasy GMs based on what he did last year. He forced his way into the lineup because of his playmaking ability, and the Broncos began using Mims as a runner and receiver in the second half of the season. In addition to Pro Bowl returner ability (take note if your league scores special teams), Mims is a late-round 'what the heck' flex you can take a chance on with the upside to be more in 2025. |
Detroit Lions QB Jared Goff threw for 2,789 yards and 23 touchdowns during the second half of the 2024 season. He threw for 1,840 yards and 14 touchdowns during the first half.
Footballguys view: Goff proved exceptional at reading defenses, making quick decisions, and letting his playmakers do the heavy lifting. Those attributes contributed to his QB7 finish last year. This year, he is being drafted as QB10 in the ninth round. A reminder: Goff has finished in the top 10 (including a QB7 finish in 2023 and winding up as QB10 in 2022) in the last three years. Although he has a new offensive coordinator this season, the price seems plenty reasonable. |
Jared Goff player page
Chicago Bears QB Caleb Williams threw for 1,108 yards and 10 touchdowns in the fourth quarter of games during the 2024 season. He finished the season with 20 passing touchdowns.
Footballguys view: Although he finished 2024 as QB14, Williams had multiple weeks in QB1 territory. The then-rookie had three top-five weeks at his position. He scored well over 20 points in all three (24.9 points in Week 12, 26.1 points in Week 13, and 24.8 points in Week 16). So, we've seen Williams' upside, and the last three seasons offer ample evidence of new coach and play caller Ben Johnson's ability to get the most out of the position. Williams is being drafted as QB12 in Round 9. |