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Hi Folks,
Good Tuesday to you. Big milestone today as we turned in the Footballguys Interactive iPad Magazine App to the Apple Store. Let's hope they like what they see in it and we can get it approved and ready for you to dig into. Fingers crossed. I can tell you right now though that you're going to LOVE it. And yes, we're hoping to have an Android Tablet version as well right behind it. It's too much information to display on phones but on a tablet, it's the bomb. It's seriously worth buying a tablet for.
And we've also got the news and notes you need of course so let's get to it.
J
One of the best features we do each year is our Over / Under series where our staff guys dig into players they see as over rated and also under rated. Check it out.
OK, I'm reaching when I'm calling out interviews with me. But there is a benefit to putting these updates together each night. Seriously, our friend Zach Law does a great job with these. Check out the rest of his stuff.
The New England Patriots must rely on their running game this season to complement the passing attack. However, it is still very uncertain who will carry the load heading into training camp. RBs Joseph Addai, Stevan Ridley, Shane Vereen and Danny Woodhead combine for nine career starts for the Patriots. None have stood out on their own in offseason workouts, and the team might be hoping for strength by committee. 'We're not really focused on who's going to be the guy or anything like that; we're just trying to help each other out and learn together,' Ridley said. 'One person is not going to get it done all the way through the season and we know that, so we have to be able to depend on everybody.'
Footballguys' view: In our opinion Vereen is the most talented RB on the roster. Even though he could be the lead back his fantasy value is going to be cut by the presence of the other backs in New England. Vereen is a lottery pick fantasy player you can add near the end of the 12th round.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers RB LeGarrette Blount has been practicing with urgency this offseason because he understands he will have to compete for touches with RB Doug Martin.
Footballguys' view: It's a good sign for Blount coming off a disappointing 2011 season. We expect Martin to win the starting job, but Blount could serve as a battering ram on short yardage and goalline situations.
Houston Texans QB Matt Schaub is entering the final year of his contract but the team may take a wait-and-see approach before deciding whether to offer him an extension.
Footballguys' view: Houston has a history of not negotiating during the regular season, so Schaub may have to "prove it" and wait until after the year is over. If the Texans can make a playoff run again this year and Schaub stays healthy there's no reason to think they wouldn't offer him a new deal. Houston could always place the Franchise Tag on Schaub in 2013.
Dallas Cowboys RB DeMarco Murray said he worked on developing chemistry with FB Lawrence Vickers during offseason workouts.
Footballguys' view: Murray had great chemistry with former Cowboys FB Tony Fiammetta and now will work with the "V-back." Vickers is a devastating blocker and should blast open plenty of holes for Murray in 2012.
Dallas Cowboys WR Dez Bryant has pleased the team's front office with his improved conditioning and production during organized team activities and minicamp.
Footballguys' view: Bryant admitted his conditioning last year was not up to snuff. Better physical shape could help Bryant play up to his incredible potential.
Dallas Cowboys QB Tony Romo said he enjoys playing with WR Dez Bryant because Bryant continues to work hard at improving his game. 'He just keeps improving and improving. He's a kid that I enjoy playing with because he wants to get better,' Romo said. 'He's always asking, 'Hey Tony, what can I do to be better?' I love playing with guys like him, Miles (Austin) and these guys. They want to be better themselves and they're trying to do anything they can to get better.'
Footballguys' view: Romo should be a fan of Bryant. We feel Bryant's physical skill set is among the best in the league. If he can play up to his potential he could produce like a top 5 fantasy WR.
San Francisco 49ers WR Randy Moss has been one of the team's standout players this offseason. Moss has taken part in every workout since arriving in late-April.
Footballguys' view: Interesting story to watch here. Moss has been looking like the old Randy Moss according to reports. If that's true then he could flourish with the 49ers and make a sizable fantasy impact. Moss is coming off the board at WR37 near the end of the 8th round in traditional 12-team leagues.
Cleveland Browns WR Greg Little was targeted with 121 passes during the team's organized team activities (OTAs) and minicamps. TE Benjamin Watson was second on the list, followed by WR Mohamed Massaquoi.
Footballguys' view: If Little plays up to his potential he could have a big season as Brandon Weeden's favorite target. Coming out of college Little's game reminded many scouts of Anquan Boldin because of his run after the catch ability. Little is coming off the board at WR40 and is going in the late 9th round of most 12-team leagues.
Cleveland Browns head coach Pat Shurmur raved about WR Mohamed Massaquoi (concussion, foot) earlier in minicamps, and team president Mike Holmgren also apparently likes what he sees. 'I think he's ready to have a breakout year,' Holmgren said. The president indicated Massaquoi has been bothered by concussions over the past two years, and he was slowed by a foot ailment last summer coming into training camp. It appears Massaquoi is healthy and ready to compete.
Footballguys' view: Massaquoi is not an interesting fantasy prospect because of his lack of elite physical tools. His upside is limited even though Cleveland may be playing from behind a lot in 2012.
Washington Redskins offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan said he has told QB Robert Griffin III to throw during the off time before training camp because it will allow him to play without thinking during games. 'If your body isn't constantly going through those reps ... just constantly for that muscle memory, you're going to get in that pocket in the heat of battle and you're going to be thinking,' Shanahan said. 'And once you're thinking, you're going to be hit.'
Footballguys' view: Reports have stated Griffin is already picking up the concepts of the offense quickly, and with his work ethic we're sure he'll continue to work during the break. We like Griffin as a QBBC option you can add in the mid 8th round.
Pittsburgh Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert said the team never gave any real consideration to dropping the tender offer for restricted free-agent WR Mike Wallace. 'When we tendered Mike at the amount we did, the compensation through that tender, we really had no issue with that whatsoever because he is deserving of that,' Colbert said. The team still believes they can reach a long-term deal with Wallace. 'We want him to get a long-term deal that he deserves and I am real confident that we will be able to do that because when both sides want the same thing, it is only a matter of time,' Colbert said.
Footballguys' view: The two sides may be far apart at this time, but we expect that to change as training camp gets closer. Wallace could flourish in Todd Haley's new high powered passing game. He's coming off the board at WR11 near the end of the 3rd round. We feel Wallace could outperform his ADP and may be a top 5 fantasy WR once again in 2012.
The New York Jets are not interested in free-agent WR Braylon Edwards (49ers). The team wanted to see how their wide receiver group looked in organized team activities and minicamp before potentially signing Edwards; however, coaches liked what they saw.
Footballguys' view: That could change in training camp but as of right now it looks like Edwards is not in their plans for 2012. Edwards had great chemistry with QB Mark Sanchez during his time with the Jets but the team is going to move forward with guys like Santonio Holmes and rookie Stephen Hill as their primary weapons in the passing game.
All signs point to the Green Bay Packers using QB Graham Harrell as their backup to starter QB Aaron Rodgers. Harrell has spent the past two seasons on the team's 53-man roster or practice squad, and he has went through a full offseason in head coach Mike McCarthy's quarterback school, which emphasizes improving strength and skill.
Footballguys' view: We're not fans of Harrell's game. His arm is extremely weak and he has trouble throwing with proper velocity on passes over 10 yards. We feel the Packers could be in the market for Browns QB Colt McCoy if the price is right.
New Orleans Saints WR Nick Toon was one of the standout performers during workouts this offseason. Toon is expected to compete for the No. 4 wide receiver position during training camp.
Footballguys' view: Toon is the son of former Jets great Al Toon, and reminds a lot of scouts of the Saints top WR Marques Colston. He's not fast or incredibly quick but he has a big frame and knows how to box out defenders.
Oakland Raiders QB Carson Palmer said TE Brandon Myers appears to be the favorite for the starting tight end job this season.
Footballguys' view: Myers may have the edge over David Ausberry but we don't expect any Raiders TE to have much fantasy value this year. Oakland's WR corps is so strong they don't need to lean on the TE position like other teams do.
Dallas Cowboys QB Kyle Orton (hamstring) dealt with a minor hamstring injury during minicamp last week but should be fine for training camp.
Footballguys' view: Good thing he's not mobile. In the meantime third-string QB Stephen McGee is fighting for a roster spot as he's failed to impress this offseason. The Cowboys may have interest in trading for Browns QB Colt McCoy.
New England Patriots OG Logan Mankins (knee) appears likely to start the 2012 season on the Physically Unable to Perform list. The team has been quiet about Mankins' recovery; however, chances appear slim he could make it back in time for Week 1.
Footballguys' view: Starting on the PUP list would force him to miss the first six weeks of the regular season. After that time period the Patriots would have three additional weeks to decide whether or not to put him on season ending Injured Reserve.
The Dallas Cowboys have not been impressed with the development of QB Stephen McGee. McGee is expected to compete with QB Rudy Carpenter for a roster spot in training camp.
Footballguys' view: McGee has had plenty of time to develop and has yet to impress. Deep dynasty league owners can feel free to cut ties with McGee at any time. The Cowboys could be interested in trading for Browns QB Colt McCoy.
New England Patriots FBs Tony Fiammetta and Spencer Larsen will likely be battling for one fullback position in training camp.
Footballguys' view: Larsen is a versatile player who can play on both sides of the ball and should contribute as both a Fullback and a Linebacker. The Fullback position may be used a little more than some think because of the uncertainty at the Running Back position. Even with an increased workload we don't see the position having much fantasy relevance.
Cleveland Browns WR Joshua Cribbs is expected to see heavy duty on special teams this season. The team is hopeful that WRs Joshua Cooper or Jordan Norwood will step up as the third receiver behind WRs Greg Little and Mohamed Massaquoi rather than Cribbs serving as the No. 3 WR.
Footballguys' view: This new, reduced role for Cribbs on offense will limit his low fantasy value. Cribbs has increased value in leagues that reward points for players who get return yards.
Green Bay Packers RBs Duane Bennett and Marc Tyler did not make much of an impression during offseason practices. They appear to be well behind RBs James Starks, Alex Green (knee) and Brandon Saine on the depth chart.
Footballguys' view: We could see the Packers only carrying three RBs this season as they're not much of a running team.
Green Bay Packers RB Brandon Saine did well in spot duty last season when called upon, but he still has work to do to become a regular productive player. As it stands, he might only serve as the No. 2 RB until RB Alex Green (knee) is regular for a full-time workload.
Footballguys' view: Saine is a good all-around back, but the Packers don't use their ground game enough to be a huge fantasy factor.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are likely to keep five or six receivers, especially if one can contribute on special teams as WR Kassim Osgood did last season. It appears at least three or four spots are locked up, but there is plenty of opportunity for WR Brian Robiskie and undrafted rookie WRs Mike X. Brown and Kevin Elliott. Robiskie has impressed the coaching staff at times during offseason workouts, and Brown and Elliott have also stood out at times, too.
Footballguys' view: Robiskie is a talented route runner and could work as a reserve receiver for the Jaguars this year.
Jacksonville Jaguars WR Taylor Price (foot) is now off crutches and out of a walking boot. Price had impressed the coaching staff before suffering a stress fracture in his foot.
Footballguys' view: Price has outstanding speed but needs to continue to improve as a route runner. His speed and run after the catch ability could get him a spot on the roster, but he does have Practice Squad eligibility so the Jags could retain him that way if they choose.
Jacksonville Jaguars WRs Lee Evans and Cecil Shorts have had 'their moments' at times during offseason workouts, according to general manager Gene Smith. At this point, it appears that Evans and Shorts are fighting for the No. 4 receiver job. Shorts also has experience as a punt returner, which might have help make the roster if he ends up on the bubble.
Footballguys' view: Evans still has the speed to be an effective downfield target and will help stretch the field. Shorts is best utilized on short and intermediate routes, but also has decent moves in the open field.
Jacksonville Jaguars WRs Justin Blackmon and Mike Thomas are battling for the No. 2 wide receiver job behind WR Laurent Robinson on the depth chart, as it stands right now. Blackmon is trying to overcome his DUI arrest, but he has showed tremendous athleticism during the offseason. Head coach Mike Mularkey has also praised the versatility of Thomas. Those two appear poised to battle all throughout training camp for a starting job. Thomas also has the most experience as a punt returner, so that helps his standing on the roster.
Footballguys' view: We've heard Blackmon has been struggling to get separation at OTAs but has a large wingspan and knows how to use his frame to box out defenders. Thomas may be best utilized as a slot WR.
Jacksonville Jaguars WR Laurent Robinson has emerged as the obvious leader of the receiving corps, and he tops the unofficial depth chart as offseason workouts ends. Robinson has a head start on the Jaguars offense, as he has played for Mike Mularkey once before.
Footballguys' view: Robinson worked well as the Cowboys' WR3 last year but could struggle against the better coverage he'll see as a team's WR1. Even if he's the team's WR1 we're not certain he can make much of a fantasy impact. His current ADP is near the end of the 11th round as he's approximately the 50th WR to come off the board.
Frank Perez, attorney for Tampa Bay Buccaneers CB Aqib Talib, said the charges of assault of a deadly weapon against Talib have been dropped.
Footballguys' view: Good news for the Bucs and Talib here. The league could still decide to suspend Talib for violating the personal conduct policy.
Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Gunther Cunningham said he should have seen the problems DT Nick Fairley has dealt with coming because he has the experience to see potential problems with players. 'The disappointment that I have is that I bogged myself down in so much paperwork that I didn't see that coming,' Cunningham said. 'And I should have seen it. With my experience, I should have understood.' Cunningham said he hopes to have conversations with several players including Fairley and RB Mikel Leshoure about off-field issues.
Footballguys' view: The Lions have had so many off field issues this year that even the Bengals think they're out of control. Both Fairley and LeShoure could be impact players if they can stay healthy and stay out of (more) trouble this year.
Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Gunther Cunningham said he expects DL Ndamukong Suh and the defense to take the next step this season. Suh posted just 36 tackles and four sacks in 14 games last season. 'What we've done this spring, I cut up all the plays - every snap he had (in 2011) - and I showed him,' Cunningham said. 'I said, 'Now you tell me what happens during a game.' In college, you have 85 to 90 plays, but in the NFL you have 60 to 65, so you can't relax on a play here and there and then start looking for the plays, looking for the shots - hitting the quarterback for a sack. He finally realized that when I showed him the tape.'
Footballguys' view: Suh playing up to his potential is a scary thought for opposing QBs. Having a healthy Nick Fairley lining up next to him will help free Suh to make more plays.
That'll do it for today, Folks. Thanks for reading and I hope you have a great Tuesday. We'll see you tomorrow with the update.
Peace,
J